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Welcome
INTRODUCTION
Dear colleagues In a few weeks’ time, we will open the doors to the 21st Arabian Travel Market, the largest travel trade industry exhibition in the Middle East. As tourism in this region goes from strength, so too does ATM, and this year we are opening up a fifth hall to accommodate the increased number of destinations, products and services on show. As you can see on the opposite page, ATM 2014 is not only bigger, it is also better, with new elements including live streaming of seminars, dynamic Pecha Kucha presentations, and an opportunity for the rising stars of luxury tourism to bring their latest offerings to the market. As usual, our seminar programme will be second to none, packed with top industry experts covering the hottest topics in the industry today. The wide-ranging schedule will discuss the latest trends in luxury travel, the future of Gulf aviation as well as taking control of social media and working with bloggers. Once again, the WTM Vision Conference seminar will include the launch of Euromonitor’s Industry Forecast Review. As well as the main Seminar space, the four days of ATM will include a full programme of must-attend debates in the Sabre Travel Technology Theatre, plus a new platform for exhibitors to raise awareness of their companies and products in the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre. Quite simply, there is not a better place to do business than at ATM, which is why over 20,000 trade visitors will come through the doors of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre between May 5 and May 8. I look forward to seeing you there too, and on behalf of the team at Reed Travel Exhibitions, I wish you every success at ATM 2014.
mark Walsh Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions
4
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Contents
07 08 11
tips for atm visitors atm floorplan
CONTENTS
17 26 34
seminars in brief
destinations
Usa in focus
industry news
36 38 40
Where to stay during atm
atm’s spotlight on Luxury
Programme of atm events
What’s new… at ATM 2014? Hall 5
ATM has expanded into a new hall to accommodate the growth of the event
Live streaming of seminars
Popular seminars will be streamed to the Livewall – centrally located between Halls 2 and 3 – giving a wider audience access to key speakers and sessions
Editor Mike Hayes
Art Direction
122 Design
Commercial Director Parminder Johal Senior Reporter Kate Hamilton
Production Manager Julie Ebsworth
Digital / Web Production 3S Media
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Featured new exhibitors
Spotlight on Luxury
The strength of ATM and the region’s leisure travel industry are reflected in a wealth of new exhibitors and products on show this year. Featured new exhibitors can be found at www.arabiantravelma rket.com/en/exhibitor -directory
INSIDE ATM 2014 IS PUBLISHED BY LIMETREE MEDIA FOR AND ON BEHALF OF REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS. LIMETREE MEDIA LTD 44 CULVERDEN PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS KENT TN4 9QY TEL: +44 (0)203598 9652 EMAIL: PARMINDER.JOHAL@ LTMPUBLICATIONS.COM WEB: LTMPUBLICATIONS.COM
The Oberoi hotel is hosting the Luxury Buyers at this year’s event. Exhibitors will be able to meet Luxury Buyers, along with key Leisure Buyers on the ATM programme, during the appointment-setting session in the Al Mutaqua Ballroom on Monday morning, between 09:15 and 11:00.
Pecha Kucha session
Aimed at travel agents, this new session will see four companies showcase their destination, product or service, through a pecha kucha presentation. Pecha kucha is a simple presentation format in which 20 images are shown for 20 seconds each while the presentation progresses. With knowledge to be gained and prizes to be won, this will be an unmissable session on Wednesday from 13:15 to 14:15, in the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre.
All material in Inside ATM is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission of the publishers and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Colour transparencies and photographs submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ risk and while every care is taken, neither the publishers nor their agents accept liability for loss or damage, however caused. The publishers and Reed Travel Exhibitions can accept no liability whatsoever in connection with the contents of this publication. Opinions expressed within the articles are not necessarily those of Limetree Media Ltd nor Reed Travel Exhibitions and any issue arising there from should be taken up directly with the contributor. Arabian Travel Market and ATM trademarks are owned and protected by Elsevier Properties SA and Reed Exhibitions Limited used such trademarks under licence.
5
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An Ancient ncient fort forts ts meet aquatic aq quatic adventure adv venture Qatar Qata ar - Timelessly Traditional, Traditional, rraditional Charmingly Charm mingly Modern. Modern. n Say hello hello to a land where where old world charm c coexists with sophistic sophisticated cated moder modernity. nity. W Witness itness Explore facets of o Islamic culture culture blend with shopping and entertainment nt for the family. family. Explor e history, water sports, five-star hospitality and everything in between. Arabian n history where This is w where two worlds unite. This iss Qatar. Qatar. your journey stand Begin y journey by visiting stan nd ME 2110 at ATM. ATM.
qatartourism.gov.qa qata ar tourism.gov v.qa
6
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VISITING ATM
Every second counts
FOR VISITORS, THE FOUR DAYS OF ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET ARE AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO DRIVE BUSINESS FORWARD – BUT THE REAL WINNERS ARE THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND THAT WORK MUST COMMENCE WEEKS IN ADVANCE AND CONTINUE BACK IN THE OFFICE, ONCE THE STANDS HAVE ALL COME DOWN.
The old adage that says ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ could have been coined with exhibitions in mind. Firstly, once your company has committed to attend a show such as ATM, think about how many members of staff should attend the exhibition – enough to ensure business connections are made, but not so many that the trip turns into a social event. Make this decision as far in advance of the exhibition as possible. Budgets can be drawn up for travel and accommodation, and training to ensure networking opportunities are maximized. Make use of the ATM website, to familiarise yourself with the exhibitor list – getting a good understanding of their various areas of business – and to start filling your ATM diary with appointments. ** Note to exhibitors – please ensure you clearly state the sort of business you do and the areas in which you operate; that way you won’t waste your time or that of the visitors ** For many visitors, ATM is the most important networking opportunity of the year. If that’s you, you will want to fill every available half-hour slot in your diary (make use of ATM’s online app for keeping track of appointments), from the time
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the doors open until you are told to make your way (wearily) to the exit. For that to happen efficiently, you’ll need to study the floorplan in some detail, as making back-toback meetings at opposite ends of the Convention Centre could mean a stressful journey from one to the next – and the possibility of losing that all-important slot. The floorplan also shows the various seminar theatres – and seminars are useful both for gathering business insight from top speakers, and for catching your breath between meetings. Finally, it’s worth remembering that when you’re attending an exhibition, your opportunities for doing business are by no means limited by the four walls of a convention centre; evenings can be both social events and networking winners. Making a success of your time at ATM is as much about your attitude to the event as the time and effort you put into preparing for it. If you get it right, the hard work that goes into the four days (and nights) of the show will be paid off in the increase in business done in the year ahead.
7
FLOORPLAN
United Arab Emirates & Middle East
ME1270
ME1370 ME1374 ME1376 ME1378
ME1470
UAE1476 ME1478
UAE1560
Europe
Africa
Hote
Travel Technology
North Africa
Ame
UAE1570
ME1260
ME1360
ME2256
ME2140
ME2050
Seminar Theatre
ME2468
UAE2310
Cafe
ME1552
NA1450
DTCM
AF1355 AF1365
AF115J
AF1258
ME2244
ME1540
NA1350
UAE3210
ME2455 UAE3150
UAE2246
RTE
MP4 MP3
ATM Video Wall
ME2110
NA1410
MP2
MTP1
MP1
AF1239
AM1336 AM1338
UAE3130
MTP4
Medical Tourism Pavilion
ME2210
MTP6
AF1031
AM1330
MTP7
AF1230
AF1130
UAE2410
MTP3
AF1340
Media Pavilion
AF115G
ME2010
MTP2
AF1254E
MP6 MP5
AF1150F
AF1150A AF1150E AF1254C AF1254A
AF1041 AF1045 AF1052
UAE1550
MTP8
CP2530 CP2525
MTP9
AM1029
ME1510
CP2520 CP3020
AM1110
UAE3110
AM1011 AM1021
AM1310
CP2515 CP3010
AM1001
CP2510
Cruise Pavilion AM1100
ENTRANCE
AM1200
AM1208
AM1300
ME1500
NA1400
ME2000
NA1509
UAE2100
ME2005
UAE2300
UAE2200
CP2500
UAE3100
UAE3200
Hall 2 Entrance
Hall 1 Entrance
H Ent
I
L
Sheikh Saeed Arena Entrance
HC5010
HC5110
HC5210
HC5120
HC5220
HC5320
HC5500
HC5508
HC5600
HC5810
HC5520
HC5420
HC5620
HC5820 HC5826
HC5720
Sheik H Ent
Media Centre
HC5700
HC5400 HC5408
TT6116
TT6010
TT6120
TT6020
AS6318
TT6218 TT6314
TT6210
TT6220
TT6320
Shuttle buses to car parks
HC5300 HC5308
Sheikh Saeed Arena Entrance
AS6325
AS6414
AS6510
AS6420
HC5630 HC5130
HC5230
HC5430
HC5330
HC5830 HC6030
HC5530 HC5730
HC6035
HC5035 HC5020
HC5125
TT6230
TT6130
TT6240
AS6336 TT6246
HC5150
HC5250
HC5350
HC5550
HC5450
HC5650
HC5750
HC5850
HC6050 HC6055
TT6150
TT6250
TT6350
TT6450
TT6255
TT6454
HC5040
TT6550 TT6552
TT6356
HC5560
TT6060
TT6554 TT6558
TT6460 TT6462
TT6562
TT6468 TT6469
TT6568
TT6
HC5378 HC5375
HC5570
HC5676
HC5678
HC5776 HC5778
HC5479
HC5580
Buyers' Club
HC5574
HC5586 HC5588
Exhibitor Showcase Theatre & Cafe
HC5782
TT5878
TT6070
TT6178 TT6176
TT6370
TT6470
TT6270 TT6274
TT6278 TT6279
TT6379
TT6180 TT6182
TT6376
TT6380
Sabre Travel Technology Theatre
TT6478
TT6474
TT6476
TT6480 TT6488
Speakers' Room
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TT6570
TT6576
HC5376
TT6580
TT6574
TT6582
TT6584
TT6170 TT6174
HC5470 HC5474 HC5272 HC5278
TT6368 TT6365 TT6268 TT6266
TT6458
HC5870 TT5874
HC5670 HC5674
HC5370 HC5374
HC5170
TT6360
TT6066
HC5270 HC5274
HC5066
8
TT6160
HC5765
TT6263
TT6364
HC5460 HC5466
HC5360
HC5165
TT6165
HC5260 HC5160
HC5064
HC5070
TT6157
TT6260
TT6074
HC5062 HC5060
HC5050
HC6056
HC5357
TT
FLOORPLAN
ericas
Car Rentals
UAE5170
ME5165
CR5068
UAE5260
UAE4360
UAE4160
UAE4030
UAE4165
UAE4364 UAE4365
UAE4366
UAE3340
ME4362
ME5168 UAE4168
UAE4040 UAE4045
CR5060
UAE5368 UAE5470
UAE4460 ME4465 UAE4468
UAE4210
ME4340
CR4460
CR5050
CR4560
UAE5155
UAE5250
ME5252
UAE5460
Asia
UAE5360
els
ME5350
Hall 5 Entrance
CR4450 CR4550
UAE4140 CR4430
UAE5450
CR4440
UAE5145
UAE5140 UAE5142
ME5240
CR4535
ME4310
CR5040
UAE4410
First Aid Centre
CR4520 CR4530
UAE3310 UAE4110
ME4510
UAE4010
UAE3300
UAE4000
UAE3400
UAE4005
ME4200
UAE4100
all 3 trance
UAE4300
ME4400
ME4500
Hall 4 Entrance
ENTRANCE
Information Point
Sheikh Saeed Hall 2 Entrance AS6710 AS6714
AS7018
AS6720
AS6620
AS7012
AS6810 AS7010
EU7210
EU7110
EU7120
EU8010 EU8012
EU7220
EU8110
EU8115 EU8217 EU8219
EU8120
EU8020
EU8320
EU8225
EU8424
EU7130
EU7132 EU8125
EU8235
EU8330
EU8130
AS6650
AS6746
AS6750
AS6748
EU7140
AS6846
AS6850
AS7050
EU7145
AS7150
EU7250
EU7350
EU7450
EU7365
EU7460
EU8150
AS7060
EU8250
EU8160
EU7260
AS6855
AS7265
EU8440
EU8245
EU8350
EU8265
EU7465
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AS7186
EU7288
AS7180 AS7184
EU7276
EU8472
EU8270
EU7377
EU7382
AS6780
EU7274
EU7278
EU7286
AS6688
EU7272
EU7380
AS6680
AS7170
EU7270
AS7074 AS7076
EU7284
AS7070
EU7282
AS6874 AS6872
EU7470
EU7280
AS6778
EU8470
EU8268 EU8170
EU7172
AS6675
AS7068
AS6870
EU7384 EU7388
EU8180
AS6860 TT6670 TT6672
EU7480
EU7474
EU7472
EU8182
EU7484 EU8186
Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 Entrance EU8460
AS6640 AS6642 AS6644
AS6836 AS6756
EU8260
AS6730 AS6736 AS6738
EU8345
AS6630
EU8370E
EU8370F
EU8370C EU8370A
EU8370D EU8370B
To Metro
EU8370 EU8476
AS7020
EU8432
AS7025
6564
T6588
EU7310
Shuttle buses to car parks Taxis Valet parking
EU8410
AS6610
Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 Entrance
EU8420
kh Saeed Hall 1 trance
EU8280
9
News
NEWS
A ROUND-UP OF CROSS-SECTOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM NEWS FROM THE MENA REGION AND BEYOND
Dubai
EU visa exemptions to increase Dubai’s appeal The UAE has announced that it will be granting visas on arrival for an
additional 13 EU nationalities. News of the visa exemptions will further
strengthen Dubai’s competitive advantage in the global travel and tourism
industry, allowing incentives and event organisers to offer packages to a wider
range of nationalities with greater ease. As a result of the decision, citizens of all 28 EU member states can now enter Dubai and the UAE without having
previously applied for a visa. According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new exemptions apply to citizens of Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech
Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria from March 22 onward.
Middle East
MIDDLE EAST AVIATION GROWTH TO OUTPERFORM OTHER REGIONS A recent report from Alpen Capital has revealed that
growth in air passenger and cargo traffic in the Middle
outpace traditional routes such as Europe and North America. Within the Middle East itself, air passenger
East, up until 2032, is likely to outperform all other
traffic in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman is expected to
of revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), is expected to
CAGR respectively, between 2012 and 2017. The Middle
regions. Air passenger traffic in the Middle East, in terms expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7 per cent, while air cargo traffic, in terms of freight
tonne kilometres (FTK), is expected to grow at a 7.2 per
cent CAGR. The report also said that air passenger traffic on outbound routes from the Middle East is expected to
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grow at a 6.6 per cent, 6.9 per cent, and 7.5 per cent East aviation market is also expected to receive the
delivery of 2,610 aircraft between 2012 and 2032, valued
at a whopping $550bn. As a result, the total fleet size in
the region is expected to increase at a 4.7 per cent CAGR
during the period in order to reach 2,850 aircraft in 2032.
11
NEWS
Qatar
Qatar Tourism Authority to support new sectors
The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has
announced investment opportunities in six new
ventures that will explore many untapped areas in the
tourism industry. QTA, along with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), have offered financial and non-financial
assistance to the investors in six new initiatives. QDB will provide up to QR100mn support for any project.
The assistance will be provided to start the following six projects: a luxury dining cruise, luxury coach
companies, 4x4 leasing companies that will have a
fleet of a minimum of ten SUVs, a roving bazaar, ticketing systems and information distribution
service, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) which will provide opportunities for
professional conference organisers and destination management companies. “The new strategy has
identified some of the prevailing gaps in the tourism
sector and we are partnering with QTA to overcome these issues and turn them into opportunities,� said QDB CEO Abulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong tourism industry is on the up
The Hong Kong tourism industry is expecting high
hubs in the Asia Pacific region, with many long-haul
tourism report examined the strong long-term
in between long flights connecting the Asia Pacific
growth by the end of 2018. The recent Hong Kong
investment potential offered by this well-established market and concluded that the country is well placed
to keep up with the expected growth of both inbound and outbound travel. Supported by substantial
growth in mainland China, investment in the island's transport infrastructure continues, and the report suggested that both inbound and outbound travel
would expand throughout its forecast period until
2018. Hong Kong is one of the key air travel transit
12
travellers using the city as a short-break destination with the rest of the world. Hong Kong's airport is
already one of the busiest in the world, and with a range of investments either already under way or
planned for the near future, the country is well placed to keep up with the expected growth in tourism. Similarly, the country is seeing an expansion in
travellers using the range of sea travel connections to Hong Kong's various islands, reflecting the growing strength of this market.
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NEWS
Brand USA launches new social media campaign Brand USA has launched its Great American Road Trip campaign,
which has been designed to inspire
travelers to discover America from
the open road and highlight both the well-known and less-discovered
road trips by both topic and
Brand USA takes home three Adrian Awards
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
geography. The social media
(HSMAI) recognised Brand USA with two Gold and a Silver Adrian
covering 39 states and countless
winning entries in the 57th annual Adrian Awards, the world’s largest
campaign will feature ten road trips destinations through its Discover America channels. Social media
influencers, from nine of Brand USA’s
international markets, will travel on
each road trip to discover first-hand
the quintessential American
experiences – sharing stories and photos with their social media
followers along the way. The content will be posted on Brand USA’s
consumer facing channels and
website, www.DiscoverAmerica.com. Each feature will take readers on a
journey to ‘discover this land like never before’ and will include
important attractions, points of
interest, restaurants and other ‘must see’ locations along the route.
The first road trip kicked off during
February in California with the
Pacific Coast highway. The campaign
will run through to July and feature a new road trip every few weeks.
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Awards for advertising and digital marketing excellence for its
travel marketing competition. This year’s contest attracted more than
1,200 international entries, which were judged by top executives from all sectors of the industry. Brand USA received its awards in February during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie event attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism-
marketing executives at the New York Marriott Marquis. “As the advertising, public relations and digital marketing realms are
constantly evolving, the bar is continuously set higher annually in regard to the Adrian Awards submissions we receive,” said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI executive vice president. “This year, we saw
outstanding entries in all categories and, in particular, an ability to implement integrated campaigns that garnered powerful results
across multiple channels.” Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for promoting the United States as a premier travel
destination, was recognised with three of the 2013 Adrian Awards,
including: gold in Advertising (Travel Trade Brochure) for the Discover America Inspiration Guide, silver in Advertising (DVD/CD/VIDEO Consumer/Group Sales/Travel Trade) for the organization’s In-
Language Content Programme and gold in Digital Marketing (Web Ad) for the Google Engagement Adverts. “We’re honored to have
been the recipient of three Adrian awards,” said Chris Thompson,
president and CEO of Brand USA. “It speaks to the value we’re
creating as the nation’s first destination marketing organisation.”
13
NEWS
In brief… Premier Inn announces plans to open 14 hotels in GCC in next 3 years
Tourism stats
UAE
the Ras al Khaimah tourism
position, Rice will oversee all areas relating
Paris remains top of the tourism chart
emirate's tourism infrastructure and its
once again the world's top tourist destination last year.
will also lead efforts to meet the authority's
tourism body said that 2013 was a very good year for tourism in
development authority (tda) has
appointed steven Rice as its new CeO in
order to mastermind the authority's work in promoting the emirate. in this new
to the promotion and development of the
potential, both domestically and abroad. He
aims of growing the contribution of tourism
to Ras Al Khaimah's GDP to nine per cent,
and to establish the emirate globally as an affordable luxury and outdoor adventure
destination. "Ras Al Khaimah is going from strength to strength as a tourism
destination,” said Rice. “In order to build the
emirate's tourism sector, we are in a
fantastic position to attract investment which capitalises on Ras Al Khaimah's
accessibility to Dubai International Airport,
its temperate climate, rugged terrains, clean beaches, archaeological sites, coastal areas
and desert.”
14
According to the latest hotel occupancy figures, Paris was
Despite some tough global economic conditions, the regional Paris and the surrounding Ile-de-France region, with foreign
visitors at "the highest level in ten years." Over 15 million foreign visitors to the French capital represented an 8.2 per cent
increase from 2012. The largest number (2.1 million) came
across the Channel from Britain, followed by the Americans,
Germans, Italians and Chinese. It also marked the first time the Chinese topped the list of tourists from Asia with 881,000
flocking to Paris, surpassing the Japanese. There was also 20 per cent increase in visitors from the Middle East, according to the
Ile-de-France Regional Tourism Committee. Ironically, it was the French themselves who seemed less enthusiastic about visiting their world-famous capital last year, with the number of French tourists in Parisian hotels dropping by 7.5 per cent from 2012.
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NEWS
Egypt
Minister supports Egypt’s ailing tourism industry
Hisham Zaazou, Egypt’s minister for
Airlines
tourism, has announced that he will
coordinate with the country’s minister of
civil aviation in order to decrease flight costs
Egypt’s ailing tourism industry. Zaazou will
Ryanair to distribute through Travelport GDS
advertisements to rejuvenate tourism by
(GDS) for the first time in over a decade.
help of travel agencies in Germany, Russia,
Travelport, with fares and ancillary products to be introduced in
and cut exit fees. He also plans to offer
incentives for European tourism companies and airlines to lift travel warnings for Sinai and Sharm El-Sheikh in a bid to support also kick off web and television
inviting famous figures to Egypt with the
Belgium, and France. Currently, 14 European countries, including Germany, have officially advised their citizens to put plans of visiting Egypt on hold until the country’s security situation improves. Michael Frenzel, who heads the board of directors for German tour company TUI, has since said that he
supports Egyptian tourism, with TUI
currently planning to open four new hotels
in Soma Bay, Marsa Alam, Sahl Hashish, and the North Coast. Frenzel, who leads the
World Travel & Tourism Council, has also
asked that the city of Hurghada be prepared
to host the organisation’s regional summit at the end of the year.
In brief… 598m mobile devices in Middle East & Africa in next four years, says Cisco inside atm PReVieW
Ryanair is to sell through a Global Distribution System
The budget airline is making its content available through
phases from March 19. Ryanair revealed in February that it was in talks with a GDS about a possible deal. The move is one of a
series of measures by the airline to attract business travellers. “This partnership with Travelport is a significant development
for Ryanair, and for businesses across Europe and beyond, as we continue to evolve our business offering,” said Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer. "More than 22 per cent of
these customers already choose Ryanair for business travel and we expect that percentage to grow as this partnership allows
corporate travel departments, travel management companies
and businesses even greater access to Ryanair’s low fares and
routes.” Simon Ferguson, Travelport’s regional director for UK &
Ireland, agreed: “This is a hugely important partnership for travel agencies in the UK & Ireland, and we are delighted to be
providing them with fares and ancillaries from one of the highest profile low cost carriers in the world and a very important one in this region,” he said. "Ryanair has fully embraced what we can
uniquely offer through our industry-leading technology and we
look forward to working exclusively with the Ryanair team over the coming months to help it reach new travellers while
providing more in-demand, low cost air content to our UK travel agency and tour operator customers.”
15
DIRTY WATER KILLS A CHILD LIKE EVA EVERY 20 SECONDS A simple drink of water kills a child every 20 seconds in the developing world. With no supply of clean water, they have no option but to take their chances. But by giving just £5 to Just a Drop, you can help stop these needless deaths from waterborne diseases – and bring life-saving water to children like Eva. We’ve already helped over a million people, but millions more need us. Please make the next 20 seconds count – donate £5 to Just a Drop.
SAVE A LIFE NOW Text JADH20 £5 to 70070 to donate today. Or call 020 8910 7981 Or visit www.justadrop.org
Texts are charged at your mobile phone operator’s standard rate. The charity will receive 100% of your donation. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer’s permission. For full terms and conditions and more information, please visit: www.justgiving.com/info/terms-of-service Registered Charity Number: 1100505
SEMINARS
INSIDE
SEMINARS inside atm PReVieW
17
Talking Shop
SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
this year, arabian travel market’s seminar programme will reflect the expanding market by being bigger and more wide-ranging than ever before, covering subjects as diverse as
the power of blogging, new global cruise trends and the continuing trend towards luxury. this year, as well as the usual seminar and travel technology sessions, the following
seminar synopses give just a flavour of what you can expect during four frantic days at the middle east’s largest gathering of travel and tourism industry professionals.
WTM Vision Conference Tuesday, May 6
The global economy is now seeing healthy growth
Three airlines and
four per cent, reaching record numbers of over one
global domination.
and arrivals increased again in 2013, at a rate of billion worldwide.
The Middle East and Africa demonstrated the
highest growth, despite continued instability, and Asia – especially China – remains a key driver of demand.
As smartphones become an indispensable part of
Dubai has high
hopes for tourism
Euromonitor analyst Kinda Chebib
growth via its hosting of World Expo 2020, while the Egyptian tourism industry continues to be
severely negatively affected by ongoing instability.
modern-day life, travel companies are offering
Euromonitor’s Kinda Chebib provides key strategy
purchasing, researching and experiencing travel.
with travel and tourism in the region a part of her
consumers an increasing number of services for
Online and mobile developments enable consumers to bypass traditional distribution, with the sharing
research for consumer markets in Levant and the Gulf, current remit.
Kinda, who has previously worked as an economic
economy going from strength to strength.
and commercial attaché at the French Embassy in
of the Middle East, the region’s tourism
Euromonitor as part of their Travel Industry Forecast
Against a backdrop of conflict and unrest in parts
performance is in a state of stagnation, with
pockets of growth in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
One of the big success stories is that of the Big
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their march towards
Jordan, will be delivering market intelligence from
Review for 2014, in the Seminar Theatre at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.
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SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
The Genesys Of Travel Technology Monday May 5 / Tuesday May 6 Kicking off the programme in the Sabre Travel
and travel technology
ways in which mobile technology and social media
customers.
Technology Theatre, Digital Travel, focuses on the
have become part of everyday online life, and how your business needs to harness them in the best
Travel tech consultant Paul Richer
trends that will be affecting you and your Paul says: “Travel is information at the point of
sale. When it is purchased, it just exists on the
possible way.
computer systems that power the travel industry.
media from Ian Humphreys, Regional Director in
as travel. This means that we need to keep up with
You will learn about making the most of social
the Middle East for Caliber Interactive, a leading SEO and content marketing agency with global
international clients. And you will hear from Doros Theodorou, Commercial Director EMEA
TripAdvisor for Business, about the latest
developments at one of the world’s most influential social media travel sites.
In the second Genesys seminar, Paul Richer will
use Amazon as a case study, to discuss what you
need to be doing to keep ahead of your competitors. He will also reveal some of the latest consumer
Sound bites
more must-attend ATM seminars
Sabre Travel Technology Theatre
Virtually no other industry is as technology-driven the latest technology trends. Whether it is mobile and tablet distribution, social media, or the latest generation of reservation systems, you cannot
afford to get left behind. I will be giving you the
guidance you need to make the difference and get ahead of your competitors.”
These two must-see technology seminars will be led by Paul Richer, Senior Partner at the travel technology consultancy, Genesys.
Optimising Your Direct Revenue & Building Your Brand Online Keynote Speaker: Vikram Singh, Co-founder, Madbooker.
Direct revenue is the cornerstone of your online profitability. This
Monday May 5 invigorating session moves beyond marketing buzzwords. It outlines actions you can take right now to increase your revenue and market share. Learn how to:
• Build, maintain and grow your online brand
• Fine-tune your website and booking process to increase direct bookings • Integrate your online marketing and revenue management strategies to achieve greater profitability.
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SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
Luxury On Trend Tuesday, May 6 This session provides an insight into the key trends
travel and lifestyle
travel arena and what they mean for the Gulf in
placed to comment on
that are currently dominating the global luxury
terms of traveller preferences and the evolution of the region as a luxury destination in its own right. A panel of highly-experienced luxury travel
industry professionals will discuss what types of destinations, experiences, accommodation and
modes of travel are currently en vogue amongst the High Net Worth traveller community, locally and internationally, and how Gulf destinations can
ensure their proposition caters to these discerning tastes.
The stellar line up of panellists includes Debbie
Duncan-Studart, Travel Counsellor at established
global luxury experience specialist, Abercrombie & Kent, which recently opened an invitation-only
specialists, is well some of the most
sought-after destinations and experiences. So too is Jacqueline Campbell, Managing Director of The
Travel Collection, which markets and sells some of
the world’s top hotels in the Middle East market, au fait with Gulf traveller trends and preferences.
Hilton, which is rapidly expanding its luxury hotel
offering in the Middle East, with recent openings of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties in the UAE, will explain why the market needs more upscale
properties and what services and facilities hotels need to provide in this day and age to keep pace with traveller demands and preferences.
Anecdotal evidence aside, Scott Booth, Associate
boutique travel outlet in Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.
Research Director, YouGov MENA will reveal
of the world’s wealthiest individuals, celebrities and
travel sector.
The company organises bespoke travel for some
high-profile business tycoons included. From a
regional perspective, Liam Wholey, CEO of The
Travel Attaché, one of the Middle East’s top luxury
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Destinations of the World editor Joe Mortimer
meaningful market data pertaining to the luxury
The session will be moderated by Joe Mortimer Senior Editor, Destinations of the World News.
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SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
Sound bites
more must-attend ATM seminars
Seminar Theatre
A New Approach To Tourism The tried-and-tested methods by which tourism boards try to
encourage travel agents to sell their destinations are, by and large, not
Thursday working. A panel of travel and tourism professionals and NTOs discuss May 8 what they believe is the best approach to make a change for the better and generate more leisure business for both.
A Brief Trip Around The Blog Tuesday, May 6
In today’s marketing environment, it is vital to have
With innovations such
about your location or business. Working with
Travel Bloggers
a proactive online strategy to get the word out
travel bloggers should be a central component of
your online strategy, as they can ensure excellent coverage, not only from their websites, but also their active social media followings.
Further reading… social influence in destination and tourism marketing
When 96 per cent of leisure travellers start their planning with search, and social media use
exploding, what’s the value of a stream of stories
about your destination? How about if the same
as the Professional
Association’s search
engine, it’s easier than
Moderator Michael Hodson
ever to find or vet bloggers for campaigns.
We’re looking forward to meeting you at this
year’s ATM to answer questions about working with travel bloggers, calculating your return on
investment, and how travel blogging campaigns can transform destination marketing in four pratical
sessions taking place in the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre.
writer had significant influence on a raft of
These sessions will be moderated by Michael Hodson,
audiences were passionate about travel and in your
Association
platforms, from Facebook to Pinterest? And if their
key demographic segments? And what if all that was
President of The Professional Travel Bloggers
measurable? That’s the power of a well-
Read PTBA President, Craig Martin’s travel blogging
Travel Blogging is continuing to grow in both
available free at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.
orchestrated travel blogger campaign.
numbers and influence, and – for a brand new
industry segment – quickly becoming professional.
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article in full in the Inside ATM show magazine,
http://travelbloggingassociation.com
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SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
Reaching For The Skies Monday May 5 / Tuesday May 6 10 years on: the success of air arabia
what the future holds for
model in the Gulf region. It has opened up bases in
region.
Air Arabia has led the development of the low-cost several countries including recently announced
air transport in the
Air industry consultant John Strickland
plans to expand into Ras Al Khaimah. We will
the strategic importance of airports
Air Arabia's success in establishing its Pan Country
Central) having opened in late 2013, we will explore
explore with Group CEO Adel Ali, the reasons for business. How has it won the support of its
customers whilst delivering strong profitability too?
With the new Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai World the contrast between the Gulf's investment in
airport capacity as a key economic driver and the constraints in other parts of the World, such as
Panel discussion: Looking to the future
Europe. Why has Dubai made aviation such an
received from Gulf carriers for the latest aircraft
are the key reasons for Dubai's success as a global
At last year's Dubai air show record orders were from Boeing and Airbus. We will look at the
importance of the Gulf as a major global market for air travel and as a source of orders for the major
aircraft manufacturers. As airport capacity in some
integral part of its economic development? What hub and what is the future likely to hold for the
Emirate’s airports? What challenges may there be along the way?
parts of the world struggles under pressure of
Aviation seminars will be moderated by renowned
terminals and introducing completely new facilities.
by speakers Adel Ali, Air Arabia, Raja Azmi, Flynas,
growth, the Gulf is expanding airports, adding
We also see changing business models and the
continuing rise of Low Cost Carriers in the region.
We will discuss the significance of these trends and
Sound bites
more must-attend ATM seminars
Sabre Travel Technology Theatre
industry consultant John Strickland, who will be joined Bashar Al Jawhari, Abu Dhabi Airport and Mike Warner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
I Don't Know Which Way To Book Agents are being bombarded with a variety of booking methods, from the GDS and B2B wholesaler sites to supplier web booking engines.
This session looks at what options there are to streamline their online booking capabilities and how agents can cherry pick the best booking
Wednesday options for them. The session also asks whether the industry is any May 7 nearer to creating one-size-fits-all universal booking system.
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SEMINARS / IN BRIEF
AD
DESTINATION: ISTANBUL
TURKISHAIRLINES.COM inside atm PReVieW
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BRAND USA
BRAND USA
Viva Las Vegas!
Las Vegas has always been a major tourist attraction and the new $550 million LINQ retail, dining, entertainment and hospitality district located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip is set to revitalize the central resort corridor even further. Located at the heart of the Strip, the LINQ will span more than 200,000square-feet of gross leasable space and will feature over 30 unique retail, dining and entertainment experiences. Another new attraction on the Strip is Vegas’ first stand-alone boutique hotel. The Cromwell Hotel and Casino will offer an exceptional Las Vegas hotel experience. The newest Caesars Entertainment resort will feature 188 rooms and suites, the first restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, the return of Drai’s After Hours and the introduction of Drai’s Beach Club and Nightclub. Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment has launched a new website (www.anthologysuites.com) that features a collection of nearly 2,000 luxury suites and villas across its entire Las Vegas portfolio of resorts. For the first time, guests will have access to booking opulent villas and celebratory suites that were previously only available to the highest levels of casino guests. Guests of the Anthology Suites will also have additional guest perks, such as VIP check-in, and select rooms will also include complementary limo transportation from the airport and 24-hour butler service.
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Dallas/Fort Worth tops customer service
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Dallas/Fort Worth international airport (DFW) is the world's fourth busiest, serving 60 million customers a year, while also ranking among the top ten airports worldwide for customer service for seven consecutive years. In a bid to maintain such high customer service standards, DFW recently unveiled 30 automated passport control (APC) kiosks, which reduce waiting times for both U.S. and Canadian citizens who arrive at DFW from international destinations. The system alleviates lines by allowing returning travelers to enter their own passport information on touchscreens and register their return to the country electronically. While at DFW, travellers can take advantage of its customer rewards programme, Thanks Again, that allows passengers to earn airline mileage rewards for purchases at the airport. Passengers are also encouraged to use the official DFW mobile app, which provides the latest information and updates regarding flights, parking, shops, restaurants and airport services. These new features, combined with DFW’s consistent ranking as one of the best airports in the world for customer service, promise to make a trip through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport as hassle-free as possible.
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BRAND USA
The New L.A. Story No American vacation would be complete without a trip to Los Angeles. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of stardom or just get a taste of the A-list life yourself, L.A. is filled with the lifestyle playgrounds and landmark attractions of the rich and famous. For the shopping enthusiast, L.A.is where the trends begin. From digging through vintage stores to shopping for luxury goods, top shopping centers include the Fashion District in Downtown LA, The Grove, Beverly Center, Hollywood & Highland, Glendale Galleria, Third
Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place. Rodeo Drive is a must-see for the jet set, while bargain hunters have several outlets to choose from. Universal Studios Hollywood offers entertainment for all, and has recently opened Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a 3D Ultra-HD motion simulator ride that will bring the blockbuster to life. Along with the new attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood will also welcome Super Silly Fun Land, an all-new elaborate kids play zone. Getting in and out of the city is a glamorous affair too, thanks to the new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), which recently underwent a $1.9-billion renovation at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Relax like the stars L.A. has recently announced the openings of two hip new properties. The 180room Ace Hotel is located in the revitalised Historic Core near many landmarks, including Grand Central Market, Walt Disney Concert Hall and a selection of fabulous restaurants, while The Line is situated in the heart of Koreatown – a trendy area brimming with restaurants and nightclubs. The Line has a loft-like, urban feel with the use of industrial materials and cement surfaces, coupled with streamline furnishings and occasional burst of color. But, if you’d rather stay somewhere more traditional, you can rest assured that the iconic InterContinental Los Angeles is more than just a Hollywood landmark. Located just minutes from Century City’s major entertainment studios, the shopping Mecca of Rodeo Drive and, of course, the Pacific Ocean’s sun-soaked beaches, the InterContinental is the perfect place to call home while discovering the very best that LA has to offer. The property features 361 luxury guest rooms and suites, all of which offer unbeatable panoramic views, and the facilities and amenities that you would expect from a world-famous hotel.
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BRAND USA
Taking a bite of the Big Apple In 2013, New York City welcomed a record 54.3 million visitors, generating $39.4 billion in direct spending and $58.7 billion in total economic impact. Tourism, now the city’s fifth largest industry, employs more than 370,000 people in the hospitality and leisure sector. Home to more than 98,000 hotel rooms (and anticipated to reach 100,000 rooms by the end of the year), New York City offers visitors more options to experience—and stay in—many of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods across all five boroughs. In addition, the city is the nation’s number one port of entry, has the highest number of international visitors and is the number one city destination for tourism spending. The city is on track to achieve 55 million annual visitors by 2014, one full year ahead of the original 2015 timeline. And, if you want to stay somewhere a bit different when visiting the Big Apple, there are 18 city hotels in the city’s Design Collection, which showcase unusual design. Visit www.nycgo.com/designcollection for more information but, whether you are planning on staying in a Design Collection hotel or elsewhere, make sure that you book early as hotels in New York are in great demand. Sunday nights seem to offer the most availability according to NYC & Company which has launched it’s Sunday Night Stays programme in a bid to stimulate bookings on this underused day of the week.
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BRAND USA
The allure of San Francisco
Part of San Francisco’s magic is its manageability. The city is conveniently confined to a 49-squaremile peninsula, meaning that it is easy to navigate from a visitors perspective – of which San Francisco hosts more than 16 million a year. Its attractions range from Fisherman’s Wharf to Twin Peaks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Golden Gate Park. Its shopping hub, Union Square, anchors a who’s who of world famous stores, while over 3,000 restaurants are cooking up everything from Afghan to Vietnamese. San Francisco has more cultural attractions per capita than any other American city. The arts and cultural community is home to vibrant alternative theatre, dance, visual arts, cabaret and music as well as an opera, symphony and ballet of preeminent stature. It supports several major museums and a galaxy of private galleries and specialty museums. Getting there has never been easier, with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offering nonstop flights to more than 31 international points on 30 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 76 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines.
Team America
TeamAmerica is a full service receptive tour operator with a portfolio consisting of over 800 global accounts in 65 countries. With local offices in New York, Miami Beach and Los Angeles, the company offers extensive allotments of rooms within the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as a host of land services to satisfy every need. Staffed with a multi-lingual team and located in the heart of Manhattan, its state-ofthe-art Headquarter Concierge Centre welcomes clients seven days a week, providing personalised assistance away from home. In addition, TeamAmerica’s dedication to offering the highest caliber of customer service has inspired its growing number of global sales support offices located in key cities such as Milan, San Remo, Moscow, Barcelona, Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, Sofia, London and Melbourne.
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BRAND USA
Event organising One of the main challenges in holding an overseas event is finding a reliable partner at the chosen destination which will completely understand your needs while providing a sensitive approach to the cultural needs of the location. Travel Options / Incoming USA offers multicultural, multilingual and well trained staff making it a reliable event partner. Its dedicated team consists of dynamic planning experts which will lead your event programme to great success. Thanks to the firm’s creative approach and operational knowhow, Travel Options / Incoming USA will tailor made any request to fit your client needs, budget and philosophy. In addition, its Concierge Marveluxe team is dedicated to satisfy the travel needs of all your VIP clients in order to turn their travel experience to a memorable one. www.trvloptions.com / www.incomingusa.com
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When in California… The choice of accommodation in California is second to none, but there are some hotels and resorts that really stand out from the crowd. Adjacent to the resort community of Santa Barbara, Bacara Resort & Spa is located along California’s most spectacular stretch of Pacific paradise, between the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. With 78 acres of ocean front property – including two miles of natural beach –Bacara is the perfect vacation destination place. Meanwhile, sprawling across 15 acres of pristine Southern California coastline, Balboa Bay Resort is a 4Diamond Resort distinguishing itself as the only full-service waterfront property in the coast of Newport Beach, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, CA. Stay in one of the comfortable 159 guests rooms & 10 suites and enjoy the wide range of resort amenities. For a San Diego luxury hotel unlike any other, Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa blends charming influences with modern comforts. Featuring 10 acres of rancho-style architecture, 210 elegantly appointed rooms and lush gardens Estancia La Jolla offers a relaxed, serene setting that celebrates the idyllic coastal climate for all who visit. Finally, set against the rolling vineyards of California's Wine Country in Napa Valley, The Meritage Resort and Spa offers wine tasting, award-winning cuisine, rejuvenating spa treatments, bowling and luxurious accommodation. Steam grottos, soaking pools, waterfalls and revitalising spa treatments complete the package.
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BRAND USA
Exploring the Sunshine State
And, talking of theme parks, Florida welcomed a record 15.2 million international visitors in 2013, and its appeal to first-time tourists continues to grow. The Sunshine State’s 825 miles of shimmering beaches, mild climate and natural beauty are attracting visitors who want to experience luxurious resorts and spas, fine dining, top-tier shopping, international flair and the world’s most famous theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND have all been adding to their offerings, with new rides, hotels and shows all recently opened to the public. Meanwhile the Kennedy Space Center
recently opened a $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis. The historic NASA spacecraft, exhibited as if in orbit, flew 33 missions into space, including flights to the Hubble Space Telescope and to the International Space Station. To the south, visitors find glamour and style in Miami and tropical refuge in the Florida Keys. New resorts, restaurants and attractions open continuously around Florida, along with new programmes to enhance hospitality and visitor experiences. One particular development to watch for is All Aboard Florida, a highspeed train that will provide intercity rail service between Miami and Orlando , with stops in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Universal-ly acclaimed attraction No trip to the United States would be complete without a trip to a theme park and, where better than Universal Studios Hollywood? Go behind the scenes on the world famous Studio Tour to explore where Hollywood movies are made, visit the sets of some of your favorite shows and movies, then get ready to face the action head-on with thrilling rides, shows and attractions that put you right inside some of the world’s biggest movies. And you can now join the mischievous Minions on an epic adventure you’ll never forget in the all-new 3-D ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
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A VIP experience is available so that you can experience an extensive guided tour of Universal Studios Hollywood and its motion picture studio, with access to areas of the studio lot that the general public never sees. Your VIP guide will also escort you to the Park’s most popular rides and attractions, welcoming you in via exclusive VIP entrances. Afterwards, enjoy taking time to explore the vast Park on your own, when you can skip the queues at every attraction, get the best seats in the house for every show and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
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Š2012 Brand USA. All Rights Reserved.
Expand your horizons on the plains in of America’s North Dakota. Expand your horizons west
Discover this land, like never before.
ATM / LUXURY TRAVEL
The height of luxury No sector of the industry remained unaffected when the global economic downturn hit, but the luxury sector of the tourism industry appears to be among the first to have shaken off the doom and gloom of the last few years. With its finger ever on the pulse, ATM is bringing together high-end exhibitors and luxury buyers under its new Spotlight on Luxury banner. And what better place to celebrate the return to opulence and luxury than in Dubai, where the phrase ‘seven star hotel’ was first coined for the magnificent Burj Al Arab hotel, and the fabulous Armani Hotel sits aloft in the world’s tallest building. Dubai is a city, after all, whose unprecedented success is built on the foundations of ‘black gold’. And as the world’s highest-net-worth tourists begin to believe that this economic recovery is no false dawn, the destination that has hit the headlines so many times with world’s-first developments – such as the incredible Palm Islands and the world’s largest mall – is more than ready to welcome them back.
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AT THIS YEAR’S ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET, LUXURY TRAVEL AND TOURISM WILL COME UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT (POSSIBLY HANDCRAFTED FROM SOLID SILVER, POTENTIALLY WITH INLAID GEMSTONES).
Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of ATM, believes this is the right time and the right place to tell the world about the return to luxury. He says: “If you look at the region, there can be few places on earth that have such a concentration of luxury five-star hotels, complemented by a lifestyle to match, from super-yachts and multimilliondollar homes, to dining opportunities courtesy of some of the world’s best chefs and private jet travel. The luxury theme clearly resonates with ATM participants, so we have a dedicated platform for discussion and brand showcasing this year.” The research seems to bear out Walsh’s claims, with figures from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) putting spending on luxury goods and services by the world’s richest people at almost US$2 trillion last year. Of that amount, almost $500 million was spent on experiential travel. BCG’s senior partner Antonella MeiPochtler believes her company’s research shows that once the super-rich have the “luxury toys; the cars and the jewellery”,
Dubai is a city, after all, whose unprecedented success is built on the foundations of ‘black gold’.
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ATM / LUXURY TRAVEL
top: anantara dubai middle: Bulgari Hotels and Resorts Bottom: Oberoi dubai
they are turning their attention to more authentic and adventurous travel options. She says: "Luxury is shifting rapidly from 'having' to 'being' – that is, consumers are moving from owning a luxury product to experiencing a luxury.” The BCG report describes the distribution of wealth in terms of global population and geographic location, concluding that the serious money that is already coming out of China is set to increase dramatically over the next five years. The report offers the example of a wealthy Chinese businessman who purchased a tailor-made two-year holiday package for US$1.5 million – including visits to almost 1,000 Unesco heritage sites. The man’s son – part of a group now being described as the ‘sugar generation’ – opted to swim with hammerhead sharks. Clearly, the desires of the son are very different from those of the father, but the spending power makes a very clear point and, according to BCG, the ‘sugar generation’, which currently accounts for 13 per cent of China’s affluent
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population, will climb to 30 per cent in the next five years. Closer to home, a 2012 Credit Suisse report estimated that the number of millionaires in the UAE would grow by 12 per cent by 2017. That equates to 48,000 highspending individuals. With this in mind, it’s not difficult to see why so many high-end operators are gearing up for ATM’s Spotlight on Luxury theme. GCC nationals, after all, have a reputation to uphold of spending 260 per cent more than other nationals on airfares, 430 per cent more on accommodation and a whopping 558 per cent more on dining. With brands such as Amenyara and Zaya Retreats, Anantara Resorts & Spas, Mandarin Oriental, Kerzner International, Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company now on board with the show, there is no question that ATM is going to the top of the ‘class’. See page 20 for details of ATM’s Luxury On Trend seminar.
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DESTINATION FOCUS / SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa Destination:
With natural attractions such as stunning mountains, vast national parks (some of which boast the Big Five game animals: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), the glorious Garden Route, stunning beaches, the Indian Ocean and, of course, Cape Town – few travellers leave a visit to South Africa off their destinations bucket list. Yet the country’s checkered political history – along with its reputation as a violent crime hotspot – have prevented it from becoming a world-class destination in terms of visitors. That said, following the success of the 2010 Fifa World Cup of football, numbers have been climbing significantly, and more than nine million tourists entered the country last year. Another reason for South Africa’s current success in tourism terms is the weak trading of the rand, and the country’s hospitality industry has been quick to make the most of this golden opportunity to promote valuefor-money accommodation. Some have been bolder still, with US hotel group Marriott International, for example, recently announcing that it had completed the acquisition of South Africa’s 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group, making it the largest hotel company in Africa. The weak rand has brought an increase in tourist numbers to South Africa from all quarters, with European visitor numbers up by almost seven per cent in the final quarter of 2013, compared with the same period in 2012, to a total of 337,000 arrivals.
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The extra value on offer to visitors also helped increase the length of stay by more than a night, to an average 8.9 nights. Clearly, European travellers (who make up more than half of the overseas visitors to South Africa) are not easily dissuaded from visiting a destination that offers so much, in terms of its value for money, standard of accommodation and natural attractions.
Experiential tip: The Garden Route takes most of the plaudits with foreign visitors, as it meanders along the country’s southeastern coast, taking in lagoons, lakes and stunning coastal scenery. A more adventurous tourist, however, might consider the Panorama Route in the northern province of Mpumalanga. Outdoor lovers can soak up one breathtaking view after another, with mountains, forests and the awesome Blyde River Canyon vying for prominence.
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DESTINATION FOCUS / CANADA
Canada Destination:
Yet, as has been the case in neighbouring USA, Canada is a destination of unrealised potential in tourism terms, with so much to offer, but only modest growth in visitor numbers in recent years. One problem is the fact that the many must-see destinations for overseas visitors to this vast country are so far apart. For example, the equally attractive provinces of British Columbia (with visitor hotspots including the city of Vancouver and the renowned ski resort of Whistler), and Ontario (boasting great lakes and the city of Toronto) are literally thousands of miles apart. In the past, Canada’s tourism industry has relied heavily on visitors from the US, but this has recently proved to be a problem, with long-haul travel becoming more appealing and accessible to young American travellers. Whereas US visitors to Canada have traditionally hovered at around 75 per cent of total arrivals, since 2000, more than half of this number has now been lured to alternative destinations. With a strong Canadian dollar only exacerbating the problem, many operators have turned their attention to homegrown travellers to fill the void left by the Americans. This, however, is hardly a longterm strategy for growth. Unfortunately for Canada’s tourism industry, a number of farflung destinations – such as Australia, Ireland and Mexico – have recently ramped up their Canadian-facing promotional activity, causing a rise in outbound travel and at best a stagnation of domestic tourism. In 2012, Canadians were responsible for 81 per cent of tourism spend in the country, which, for a destination with so much to
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offer on a global scale, is unacceptable. Now, with Brand USA coordinating the states of America in their promotional campaigns, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is looking to new markets, such as Brazil, India and China, to bring some of their spending power into Canada. There is also a re-focusing on the slowly-strengthening US market, although the effectiveness of any campaign will have to be weighed against the fact that Canada’s entire budget for tourism is in fact less than that of the city of New York. Experiential tip: Where in the world can you expect to see icebergs, whales, polar bears, and some of the world’s most cosmopolitan arts festivals? It has to be Canada. Perhaps, though, one of the most awe-inspiring experiences to be had in this incredibly diverse country, is one of the most touristic things you could ever do – take a Maid of the Mist boat tour into the spray at the bottom of the cascading Niagara Falls.
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All work… and a little play
HOTELS / DUBAI
When travel managers get involved in hotel bookings, things can have a tendency to become a little tense; how could they not when the traveller is thinking primarily about location, comfort and amenities, and the travel manager is thinking about the price – and a potential pat on the back from the Financial Director. Fortunately, for those attending Arabian Travel
Market, the range of quality options is vast – and in Dubai, so many of what are ostensibly ‘business hotels’ have facilities that ‘leisure’ hotels in other destinations can only dream of… If a travel manager is booking your ATM accommodation, try not to look too smug when you tell them you’ll be happy with any one of the following ‘business’ hotels.
Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek
The first five star hotel in Deira, Radisson Blu receives praise from business travellers due to its courteous staff, comfortable rooms and excellent food. Having been around for quite a while, this hotel knows a thing or two about good service and has became an affectionate favourite with regular visitors. Located at the heart of Dubai’s shopping and business centre, Radisson Blu is a ten-storey hotel, a ten-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and just four kilometers from the Dubai Creek Golf Club. Amenities include a tennis court, two squash courts, a gym, outdoor pool, plus a sauna, beauty treatment and massage rooms.
Shangri-La Dubai
JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
This sprawling hotel is renowned for its range of accommodation, with generally large and comfortable rooms. Many guests rave about the hotels modern architecture, with lots of highly-polished glass, while others simply love the sumptuous breakfast. Guests have also commented on the hotel’s excellent location, close to the airport and a stroll from lots of good restaurants and malls. If you’re planning to stay on after ATM, the Marriott is also situated close to the Dubai Museum, Ski Dubai, and the waterfront. As an example of the size of the Marriott, its bars and restaurants include Atrium Café, Awafi, Bamboo Lagoon, Champions Sports Bar, Cucina, Hofbrauhaus, JW's Steakhouse, Market Place, Piano Lounge, Vienna Café and Waves Pool Bar.
The price may cause your travel manager one or two palpitations, but get past that hurdle and you have an excellently-located and wonderfully-appointed true five-star hotel. At 43 stories high, it may not exactly overlook the Burj Khalifa, but it certainly offers great views of it, as well as Dubai Mall, the Shanri-La being situated just off the Sheikh Zayed Road. The beach is only a ten-minute drive away, but why bother, when pool facilities are so good? Guests have commented on the pristine furnishings, cleanliness throughout, incredible views of the cit from the Horizon Club. Restaurant services have also been highly praised – not least the wasabi prawns in the Shang Palace.
to view a selection of hotels offering exclusive atm discount packages, visit the atm website 38
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space‌ ...it’s not too late to book yours
To discuss interactive advertising and promotional opportunities, email Parminder Johal at parminder.johal@insideatm.com or telephone +44 203 598 9652
QUALITY, RELIABLE, CONTRACT PUBLISHING To discuss interactive advertising and promotional opportunities, email Parminder Johal at parminder.johal@insideatm.com or telephone +44 203 598 9652
Seminars
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Seminar Theatre MONDAY 5th MAY
Monday 5 May 14:45 – 15:25
Monday 5 May 15:30 – 16:15
10 years on: we examine the success of Air Arabia with its CEO Adel Ali Format: interview Interviewer: > adel ali, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia > John strickland, Director, JLS Consulting Looking to the future-Senior Executives from Gulf Aviation Format: Panel discussion Panellists: > adel ali, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia > michael L. Warner, Customer Leader for Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes > Raja azmi, CEO, Flynas > Bashar Jawhari, VP Corporate Strategy & Communications, Abu Dhabi Airports
TUESDAY 6th MAY
Tuesday 6 May 11:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 6 May 12:15 – 13:15
YEAR IN REVIEW – sponsored by GT MEDIA Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > Gemma Greenwood, Freelance Editor and Editorial Consultant, ATM Panellists: > mohammed K. al dhaheri, Director of Strategy & Policy. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority > Harvey Lines, General Manager, Travel Counsellors > Henning Fries, Group Director Hotels, Al Habtoor Group LLC > mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) > Rabih saab, President & MD, MEA, Travelport Luxury on trend Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > Joe mortimer, Senior Editor, Destinations of the World News Panellists: > Jacqueline Campbell, Managing Director, The Travel Collection > scott Booth, Associate Research Director, YouGov MENA > Liam Wholey, CEO, Travel Attache > debbie duncan-studart, Travel Counsellor, Abercombie & Kent
Tuesday 6 May 13:30 - 14:30
Global Cruise Trends Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > alan Le Coyte Panellists: > Helen Beck, Regional Director, International Representatives, EMEA, RCI, Celebrity & Azamara. > Jasem Zaiton, Cruising Manager, Gulf Ventures and Emirates Group. > Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK & Europe, Carribean Tourism Organisation. > daniel essex, CEO, Luxury Cruise Portfolio - Crystal Cruises exclusive GSA to the GCC region.
Tuesday 6 May 14:45 – 15:45
The strategic importance of Airports: a one to one interview with the CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths Format: interview Interviewer: > Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports > John strickland, Director, JLS Consulting
Tuesday 6 May 16:00 – 17:00
WTM Vision Conference – Dubai Format: Keynote > Kinda Chebib , Research Analyst, Euromonitor International > simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, World Travel Market
WEDNESDAY 7th MAY Wed 7 May 11:00 – 12:00
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY Format: Panel discussion Panellists: > alain debare, CEO, Action Hotels > Guy Wilkinson, Managing Partner, Viability Management Consultants > ali abu monassar, Chairman/CEO, The Vision Destination Management/Signature Luxury Transport
Wed 7 May 12:15 – 13:15
The rise and relevance of Wellness Tourism Format: Keynote > annie Hood, Wellness Business Advisor and Consultant, Global Wellness Tourism Congress
Wed 7 May 14:45 – 15:45
Preserving Culture in Luxury Tourism Format: Keynote > H.e. air Vice marshal (ret) mohammed Bin mahfoodh Bin saad al ardhi, Chairman, Sundus Investment Projects LLC
THURSDAY 8th MAY
Thursday 8 May Rising Stars Format: Panel discussion 12:15 – 13:15 Moderator: > daniel andrews, Editor, Arabian Travel News Panellists: > Fabio Prestijacopo, VP-Business Support, Destination & Leisure Management Division, Emirates Group > muhanned al Bahaggag, Assistant Manager Public Relations, Oman Air > Cruz ignatius, Business Partnerships Manager, Kanoo Travel Thursday 8 May A new approach to tourism Format: Panel discussion 13:30 – 14:30 Moderator: > Gemma Greenwood, Freelance Editor and Editorial Consultant, ATM Panellists: > Karim mekachera, Director Middle East & Turkey Regional Office, France Tourism Development Agency > Vassilis theocharides, Director, Cyprus Tourism Organisation > maheen mohamed, General Manager, Nasser Air Travel (NASA) > sai Rattan, Senior General Manager UAE, Corporate Sales and Holidays, SNTTA > Leo Fewtrell, General Manager and Managing Partner, DTTAG and Gulf Reps > Bill Horsley, General Manager, Al Futtaim Travel Management Company > diego J. Lofeudo, Sr. Director of Market Management, Eastern Med, Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean, Expedia Travel Thursday 8 May Sustainability: an emerging mega trend Format: Panel discussion 14:45 – 15:45
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PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Sabre Travel Technology Theatre MONDAY 5th MAY
Monday 5 May 13:00-14:00
Digital Travel Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys – The Travel Technology Consultancy Speakers: > ian Humphreys, Regional Director in the Middle East – Caliber Interactive > doros theodorou, Commercial Director – TripAdvisor for Business > Jackie Groves, Sales and Marketing Director, intuitive
Monday 5 May 15:30-16:30
Optimizing Your Direct Revenue & Building Your Brand Online Format: Keynote > Vikram singh, Co-founder, Madbooker
Monday 5 May 16:45 – 17:45
The Digital Traveler in MENA > ivan Jakovljevic, Head of Travel, Middle East and North Africa, Google
TUESDAY 6th MAY Tuesday 6 May How to Find and Work with Good Travel Bloggers Format: Panel discussion 11:45-12:45 Moderator: > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association Panellists: > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning Blogger, laurelrobbins.com > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com Tuesday 6 May 13:00-14:00
Travel & Technology – Latest Trends Format: Keynote > Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys – The Travel Technology Consultancy
Tuesday 6 May 15:30 – 16:30
The Hyper-Mobile Traveler: Next Generation Guest Satisfaction & Engagement Format: Keynote > alana Witte, Director, Middle East & Africa, Revinate
Tuesday 6 May 16:45 – 17:45
Analytics 2.0 - Use Web Analytics to Supercharge Your Website's Performance and Revenue > Vikram singh, Co-founder, Madbooker
WEDNESDAY 7th MAY
Wednesday 7 May 10:30-11:30
Appealing to the European Traveller Format: Keynote > Richard singer, European Managing Director, Travelzoo
Wednesday 7 May 11:45 – 12:45
Digital Debate: The Impact of Mobile in Travel Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > nick Hall, Managing Director, Digital Tourism Think Tank
Exhibitor Showcase Theatre
TUESDAY 6th MAY Tuesday 6 May 14:00 – 14:45
Managing your social media in 15 minutes a day Format: Panel discussion > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning Blogger, laurelrobbins.com > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com
Tuesday 6 May 15:15 – 15:45
Big Data and Big Advertising Format: Presentation > maria Gomez, Media Sales and Planner, WEMEA and APEC, Media Solutions, Amadeus > mayur Patel, Head of Regional Sales Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa, Travel Intelligence, Amadeus
Tuesday 6 May 16:30 – 17:15
Effective use of a blog on your business site Format: Panel discussion > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning Blogger, laurelrobbins.com
WEDNESDAY 7th MAY
Wednesday 7 May 11:30 – 12:15
Getting the results you want from social media Format: Panel discussion > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning
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Wednesday 7 Panellists: May > tim schofield, DMO Senior Sales Executive, TripAdvisor. continued > shakhzoda akhmadjanova, eCommerce Manager, Ras al Khaimah Tourism. > danish Farhan, Founder and CEO, Xische & Co. > martin Chevalley, CEO of InnSpire
Wednesday 7 Social Media: Controlling Your Message May Format: Panel discussion 13:00-14:00 > Oliver Blofeld, Managing Partner, Insight. > James mullan, Managing Partner, Insight
Wednesday 7 I don’t know which way to book May Format: Panel discussion 14:15 – 15:15 Moderator: > Jon Barber, Manager – Corporate Communication, DAMAC Panellists: > thierry dongier, MENA Regional Sales Director- Key accounts, Amadeus
Wednesday 7 Middle East Travel: Online Today, Mobile Tomorrow May Format: Panel discussion 15:30 - 16:30 Moderator: > Chetan Kapoor, Research Analyst, Asia Pacific, PhoCusWright Inc. Panellists: > matthew Powell, Director – Regional Product, Africa, Middle East and South Asia, Travelport > sameer Poonja, Head, Digital Technologies, Emirates Group > samir abi Frem, Corporate VP - IT, Rotana Hotels Management > albert dias, Co-Founder, Musafir.com
THURSDAY 8th MAY Thursday 8 How airlines and other travel companies have approached and are succeeding May on mobile 10:00 – 12:00 Format: Keynote > Kara moddemann, Industry Manager - Travel, Middle East and North Africa, Google Panellists: > Faisal memon, CEO – Illusions Online > diego J. Lofeudo, Sr. Director of Market Management, Eastern Med, Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean, Expedia Travel > thomas tapken, Vice President Operations, MENA and India, Millennium Hotels & Resorts Thursday 8 May 12:15 - 16:30
Mobile in Today’s Online Experience Format: Panel discussion Moderator: > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association Panellists: > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning Blogger, Laurelrobbins.com > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com
Blogger, Laurelrobbins.com > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association Wednesday 7 TTN Travel Agents Competition May Format: Pecha kucha Presentation 13:15 – 14:15 Wednesday 7 The rise of the Independent Asian Traveller: The world’s fastest growing source market May > mario Hardy, Chief Operating Officer, PATA 14:30 – 15:00 > duncan alexander, Director, The Travel Marketing Store & PATA West Asia Wednesday 7 Don’t be afraid of Twitter (and other Social Media platforms) May Format: Panel discussion 15:15 – 16:00 > Laurence norah, Photographer and Blogger, findingtheuniverse.com > michael Hodson, President, The Professional Travel Bloggers Association > Laurel Robbins, Social Media Consultant, Speaker and Award Winning Blogger, laurelrobbins.com Wednesday 7 The Future of Online Travel May Format: Presentation 16:15 – 16:45 > thierry dongier, MENA Regional Sales Director - Key Accounts, Amadeus IT Group (Dubai Branch)
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Discover this land, like never before.
Š2012 Brand USA. All Rights Reserved.
Discover this land, like never before.
Redefine extraordinary in Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Endless possibilities begin in the USA with unforgettable experiences for your clients, and new business opportunities for you. For partnership information, contact Partnerships@thebrandusa.com