MEETME Mar-Apr 2013

M a r / a p r 2 0 1 3 — w w w . m e e tm i d d l e e a s t. c o m

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I can’t believe another year has gone by and we are once again on the eve of GIBTM, Abu Dhabi.

The months have flown by and a lot has happened between the shows. There was the recent announcement about the establishment of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau to support the capital’s efforts to attract major peripatetic events (see page 10), and we have seen a slew of new hotel properties opening in Abu Dhabi that are nothing short of awe inspiring. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) has been expanding apace, while the pipeline of attractions in the capital are appearing closer on the horizon, with some such as Yas Waterworld being completed.

The eyes of the world are on the region, an example of which is Starwood making Dubai its head office for a month – moving from Stamford in the United States to bring it closer to the action. The Gulf is fantastically positioned between Europe and Asia, and as power shifts east, so do the big players. Starwood is the latest in a long line of companies to take advantage of the UAE’s strategic position, not to mention the tax-free incentive and local growth opportunities, as well as those within easy striking distance.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are certainly at the top of the regional league table for the meetings industry but they are not alone. While Bahrain has been on the benches due to political strain, Qatar has been flexing its financial muscle to build what is widely regarded as the world’s finest convention centre, and is undertaking a marathon task of building up to the World Cup 2022.

Oman is also shaking off its more nonchalant reputation and is constructing an incredible new meetings facility (Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre) that showcases the destination as a whole amidst natural beauty and resplendent mountains.

Fast forward to 2016 and there may be some surprises as Oman has the X-Factor that can’t be usurped by anything man-made.

With GIBTM approaching, these are exciting times for the meetings industry. At no other time in the Gulf have we had so much competition or potential for success. The political strife elsewhere in the Middle East is driving business into the UAE, Oman and Qatar, creating a perfect storm for tourism and investment. Each destination has its own unique cards to play, but like everything in business and industry, it is not just the cards you hold, it is how you play them.

Rob Nicholas Publisher Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MeetMiddleEast /7

mar/apr 2013 NEWS 10 Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau announced New bureau to spearhead capital’s meeting ambitions 11 Cairo tourism shows signs of recovery 12 UAE capital prepares for WTTC Global Summit 18 Anantara to unveil Palm Jumeirah Resort 23 St. Regis lures large-scale conferences to Saadiyat 26 Marriott earmarks Saudi as “top priority” 29 Calendar of events 30 GIBTM sold out as confidence in meetings sector surges Event promises outstanding networking and knowledge sharing opportunities 32 STTIM courts investors Annual Saudi Travel Tourism Investment Market highlights opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector 34 Arabian Travel Market takes off 2013 event puts spotlight on the skies as Emirates and Qantas chiefs speak 36 International news 38 IMEX continues to drive business New networking and education events announced 40 IT&CM China aims for association business New focus intended towards tailored networking

FEATURES 42 Rules of engagement

Cover Illustration: Liz Ramos-Prado for

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Motivational and celebrity speakers can garner extravagant fees, but does the investment pay in results?

48 Venue profile The Ritz-Carlton’s largest ever property wows with materials, attention to detail and views

50 Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort shows its pedal power Case study of the property’s recent role as host partner of the Tour of Oman 54 On the fast track A look at the Middle East’s motorsports venues 62 Welcome to the club Exclusivity, luxury and bespoke service go hand-in-hand with hospitality in the Middle East 68 My pitch Jumeirah at Etihad Towers extols the virtues of its large meeting space, artistic décor and breathtaking views

COMMENT 70 The real meaning of value Edgar Hirt, President of AIPC discusses the value proposition 72 The show must go on Cathy Mead takes a view on the region’s entertainment industry and determines that it has come of age

DESTINATION REPORTS 74 The rise of the kingdom Saudi Arabia aims to climb the ranks of the best destinations for meetings and events 84 Driving greatness forwards Kuala Lumpur embarks on a programme of improvement and rejuvenation that promises great things for the Malaysian capital’s meetings industry

MEET… 96 Spyros Spyrou Vice President and Managing Director, ASG Public Ltd; President of Cyprus Incentives & Meetings Association

NEWS / REGIONAL

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau drives business events ambitions Dedicated bureau to champion emirate's bid for meetings Abu Dhabi has created its own dedicated Convention Bureau, as it looks to achieve top 50 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) association meeting destination rankings by 2018.

The new one-stop entity within Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will support the growth of exhibitions and conferences in the emirate by forging closer links with the industry and providing financial and non-financial support.

Its mission is to champion the emirate as a dynamic global business events leader.

“We will provide free, nonbiased assistance and support to professional convention, incentive and exhibition planners, corporations and associations so that they can bid for, win and hold conferences, major business events, business meetings and congresses in Abu Dhabi,” explained His Excellency Jasem Al Darmaki, Deputy Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“The bureau’s formation also demonstrates our recognition of the potential of exhibitions, conferences and business events – the MICE sector – to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism aspirations and generate significant economic impact for the destination through increasing visitor numbers, hotel occupancies, flights and other visitor and exhibitor spend.

The bureau, which will have both expatriate and Emirati expertise, will provide a range of services to the industry including bid presentation support, delegate generation campaigns, local stakeholder co-ordination and knowledge, on-site 10 /

HE Jasem Al Darmaki, Deputy Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi and HE Ali Saeed Bin Harmel Al Dhaheri, Managing Director, ADNEC launch the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau

destination advice, government support co-ordination and marketing assistance.

“We are targeting six major business wins this year, a further eight next year and a total of ten wins during 2015,” explained Al Darmaki. “Our strategy will be to target inmarket opportunities that will generate incremental business in the short term while building on international relationships for the long term.

“Our timing could not be better. We have our most competitive room rates ever – which can be a deciding factor for major associations and business event organisers looking to secure a host destination and our available hotel stock is now wellsuited to large events,” added Al Darmaki. “Our distinctive advantages are competitive rates, intelligent pricing, added value and innovative product.

ICCA ranked Abu Dhabi 234th in the world for the eight major meetings held in the destination in 2011. “We have more than doubled that last year and realistically expect to be within ICCA’s Top 150 when the rankings are announced in the next few months.”

An economic impact study commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi shows 19 percent of international business events visitors coming to the emirate were not resident in the UAE. These visitors spent AED10,000 (US$2,723) per event while domestic visitors spent AED640 (US$174).

In 2010 the total economic impact of business events on Abu Dhabi was AED 2.4 billion (US$653 million).

Studies commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi and ADNEC suggest the economic impact from business events in Abu Dhabi is expected to increase by approximately 7% per annum on average up until 2020 based on historic performance.

"Business event visitors traditionally spend more than leisure tourists – sometimes by up to seven times as much," said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions & Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi. "They stay longer, eat in more expensive restaurants and often revisit the destination for family vacations."

The authority is upgrading its Abu Dhabi Advantage incentive programmes aimed

at bringing international events to the capital, and winning regional corporate meetings. The upgraded versions are being launched at GIBTM 2013 from March 25-27.

“Last year 12 conferences and exhibitions received support from TCA Abu Dhabi under its Advantage Abu Dhabi incentive,” said Al Nuaimi.

“Another five submissions under the initiative’s dedicated corporate meetings and incentives schemes were supported and staged last year including the Schlumberger Interchange attended by 150 delegates; Toshiba Europe attended by 50 delegates; the Close Asset Group Incentive with 37 delegates; The Owners Group Abu Dhabi attended by 180 delegates and the InterContinental Hotel Groups Asia, Middle East and Africa Leaders Meeting attended by 400 delegates.”

Large event snapshot • April 2013: World Travel & Tourism Global Summit at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers • June 2013: The Institute of Travel & Tourism’s annual conference at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr • November 2013: International Conference on Neurology & Epidemiology • March 2015: ADNEC will host the 16th World Congress on Tobacco or Health • 2015: ADNEC hosts the 20th Asia Pacific Congress of Cardiology • 2015: the 70th Annual Conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums will be held at the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (AWPR) following an AWPR bid supported by TCA Abu Dhabi

Cairo tourism shows signs of recovery Hotels adopt strategies to help occupancy levels bounce back While optimism levels in Egypt have dipped in recent months, due to ongoing political unrest and delays to key economic reforms, tourism in Cairo has recovered slightly compared to 2011.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL’s) Cairo Hotel Market Overview for Q4 2012, tourist arrivals hit 11.5 million in 2012 (an 18 percent increase on 2011). Furthermore, hotel occupancy rates are starting to get back on track, standing at 56 percent in 2012, a marked improvement on the 49 percent recorded for calendar year 2011. Despite this, average daily rates in the year to December 2012 declined by five percent compared to 2012, falling from US$54 to US$51. The JLL report also stated that RevPAR levels, therefore, have only increased marginally to US$29 in the year to December (up from just US$27 in 2011).

There were no new hotel rooms introduced into the market in Q4 2012 with Cairo’s existing supply remaining unchanged, at 27,000 rooms in 159 properties. However, the

Egyptian Hotel Association says there are a further 29 hotels offering 7,995 rooms currently under construction.

Many properties are seizing opportunities to promote the destination.

“The relative speed of Egypt’s recovery is due largely to the strength of the destination. After all, Egypt has attracted business and leisure travellers since the beginning of time,” said Alexander Suski, Director of Sales and Marketing, Kempinski Nile Hotel. “However there has been a change in strategy and mindset during the last two years for hoteliers in Cairo, shifting from a responsive to a pro-active approach towards the meetings industry.

Innovation and new ideas need to be created to get more events business back to Egypt/Cairo.”

Kempinski is holding regular innovation workshops for employees, based on a model inaugurated at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of the year, which provides a dedicated space for staff to 'workshop' new and innovative ideas.

Alexander Suski

27,000

Total number of hotel rooms in Cairo Source: JLL

“We are positive that as a brand and ambassador for Egypt, we can help drive meetings business back to Cairo,” said Suski. “This is why we are opening the Kempinski Royal Maxim at the end of 2013, which will feature the largest banqueting and meeting space in the city.”

Marriott, which has six hotels and resorts in Egypt with the all-new Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel set to open soon, is bullish about a comeback.

“We have heavily marketed Egypt at international exhibitions and trade shows by actively in participating in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, IMEX in Frankfurt and ITB in Berlin,” said Magdy Naguib, Multi Property General Manager for the JW Marriott Cairo and the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City.

“I am optimistic about Egypt having a quick rebound and looking forward to the pro-democratic change and the new era going hand in hand with an upturn in tourism. The primary objective is to quickly get back to the normal level of tourism.”

New luxury travel show announced for Abu Dhabi A new, invitation-only business-to-business event for those in the luxury travel industry will be held in January 2014 in the UAE Pavilion on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island.

The Middle East Luxury Travel Show (MELTS) is the result of a strategic partnership between Seren Event Management Company (SerenEMC) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which is backing the show under its Advantage Abu Dhabi meetings incentive initiative.

Due to take place from January 26-29 next year, MELTS will feature a pre-show familiarisation trip, an opening conference, three days of prearranged meetings and three evenings of networking in a variety of venues.

“Tourism is one of 12 strategic economic categories under which business event organisers can develop proposals for Advantage Abu Dhabi support. The level of support can range from financial grants, governmental endorsement, leadership patronage, cost rebates and

marketing support,” said Gillian Taylor, Business Tourism Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. “MELTS fit neatly into this target portfolio and is also keenly aligned to Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a luxury destination yet one which is differentiated by its commitment to the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage.”

Expected to become an annual event, potential exhibitors need to be operating in the region’s luxury travel and tourism industry, or about to enter it, in order to register.

“MELTS has been designed to motivate and support the progression of the luxury travel and tourism industry in the Middle East by creating outstanding opportunities for communications, heightened exposure and knowledge enrichment, both on a regional and international level,” said Alexandra North of SerenEMC. “Together, exhibitors, qualified buyers and global media will explore, discover and connect with the latest trends and opportunities for high end experiences across the Middle East. / 11

.

NEWS / REGIONAL

Bill Clinton to deliver keynote at WTTC Global Summit More than 1,000 industry leaders will gather at host venue Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in April Bringing big name speakers to the UAE capital, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit will kick off with former US president Bill Clinton delivering the keynote address.

Taking place in Abu Dhabi from April 9 to 10, more than 40 leading public figures will be speaking at the summit, among them Sir David Frost, British journalist and media personality; Daryl Hannah, American actress and activist; Sir Jonathon Porritt, environmentalist; David de Rothschild, adventurer and environmentalist; David Scowsill, President and CEO, WTTC; and James Hogan, President & Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways.

Co-hosted by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, the summit is being held at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers with a gala dinner taking place at Emirates Palace. Protec is undertaking all the event production for the event. ”The WTTC Global Summit is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year, bringing together almost 1,000 industry leaders to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today. It’s a great honour and opportunity for Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre to be the venue of this prestigious event,” said Doris Greif, General Manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

“As with all our events many months of planning, revising plans with clients and extensive checking and 12 /

Bill Clinton

re-checking of details goes into the preparation,” continued Greif. “This provides a very solid base for all our teams, whether they are the conference centre co-ordination teams, culinary teams, security, technical or service teams to name a few, all ensuring they are prepared and well-rehearsed for the job at hand, based on the client’s needs and specifications.

Naturally, once any event commences there will always be last minute changes and

challenges, but our teams are well experienced in these matters, aided by our everyday dedication to personalised service for each guest.

We are confident in yet again producing a successful event for all involved.”

As one of the largest conference centres in Abu Dhabi, Greif is optimistic that the venue will continue to build on it success. ”One’s local market is always a natural source for excellent opportunities. However, a continued search to bring international events to Abu Dhabi is important for the long term future of the emirate,” said Greif.

“International markets provide an opportunity to bring in new business and experiences for all involved, which when conducted well, encourage growth by expanding overall demand for the emirate. What is good for the emirate is good for all of us.”

To read more about the meetings facilities at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, turn to our feature on page 68.

Daryl Hannah

US$6.6 trillion

Travel and tourism's total economic contribution to global GDP

NEWS / REGIONAL

Abu Dhabi hits 2012 hotel guest target UAE capital marks its best year yet, recording 13 percent increase on 2011 The hospitality sector in Abu Dhabi continues to rise – with latest statistics showing the emirate received 2,388,023 hotel guests in its 136 hotels and hotel apartments last year – a 13 percent rise on its 2011 performance. The results mark a record year for the destination, with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) achieving its set target of 2.3 million guests.

The figures also show a 12 percent year-on-year rise in guest nights to 6,996,724.

Hotel revenues for the period were also up – this time by 6 percent – to AED4.6 billion (US$1.261 billion).

“This is a very satisfactory performance and gives us an excellent platform on which to now build for our 2013 target of 2.5 million guests,” said HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“Growth was recorded across all key markets with the strongest coming from Africa, the GCC, Middle East and Asia. With the recent opening of our latest power draw, Yas Waterworld, major new resorts opening shortly, our new on-the-ground representation in India and enhanced air access via Etihad’s new 2013 services from Washington

Top 10 statistics • Hotel occupancy reached 65 percent, a slight decrease of 5 percent year-on-year • Room revenue rose by 1 percent • Average room rate dipped by 8 percent to AED452.90 (US$123.30).

This is thought to reflect a supplyand-demand landscape in a market which has seen a 16 percent increase in the number of rooms available • Food and beverage revenues outperformed 2011 by 12 percent, amounting to AED1.8 billion (US$491 million) • Domestic tourism accounted for some 888,241 guests – an 8 percent rise on 2011 • The UK remained Abu Dhabi’s largest international source market delivering 140,393 hotel guests – a slight 1 percent rise on the previous year • India became the destination’s second largest international source market with 138,768 hotel guests – a rise of 28 percent on 2011 • Germany ranked third with 96,802 guests representing a 42 percent increase on 2011 • Italy delivered 22 percent more guests than in 2011 reflecting the new AlItalia services between Rome and Abu Dhabi and Russia, which saw a 40 percent rise in guests • Guests from the US and Canada were the longest stayers, visiting for 5.47 and 5.58 nights respectively

Yas Waterworld

DC and Sao Paolo, we anticipate continued improved performance going forward.”

Insight from the reports shows strong growth in the number of guests coming from Africa, which was up a third on 2011, thought to be influenced by enhanced air access to the emirate via Etihad and Air Seychelles, and also from South Africa.

Improved GCC arrivals were mainly influenced by an upturn in guest numbers from Saudi Arabia, which rose 16 percent year-on-year, from Oman, which turned in a 29 percent increase and Qatar which delivered 24 percent more guests. Greater uptake from China, the Philippines and India largely accounted for the enhanced performance from Asia, which rose 28 percent year-on-year.

“Air connectivity is a crucial element in achieving our deliverables and we look forward to the launch of Etihad’s planned daily service from Washington DC to Abu Dhabi this March to open up more opportunity from the US market,” added Sheikh Sultan.

Artistic approach to business at DIFC As a key hub for art and culture, Dubai International Financial Centre is attracting an increased number of fashion and arts events to nearby venues including the The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. Accessible via a direct walkway, the hotel is ideally located for brands seeking outside catering support for events in the gallery spaces.

In February, the hotel provided catering for 100 people at the launch of the new spring collection from Gap in Cuadro Gallery.

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This month (March) will see the hotel catering for two further high profile events in the gallery.

Director of Sales & Marketing for The RitzCarlton, DIFC, Rania J. Keedy said: “The hotel is seeing a strong increase in the number of fashion and lifestyle brands wishing to hold events here.

“We attribute this to our proximity to the thriving arts scene in DIFC; our own credentials as a lifestyle destination and our ability to offer creativity and flexibility in

creating bespoke events.”

Banana Republic launches its new summer collection this month (March) on the hotel’s No.5 Terrace, and Matchesfashion.com will host a four-day series of launch events towards the end of the month, with high profile guest designer Peter Pilotto.

The hotel also has an ongoing partnership with Opera Gallery, which loans the hotel artwork on a quarterly basis.

The gallery held its first auction in the Middle East at the venue in October 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC

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NEWS / REGIONAL

Medical events lead the meetings field Growth of medical events continues upward spiral across region The GCC's total healthcare expenditure is forecast to triple to US$133.19 billion by 2018 according to a recent Frost & Sullivan report. The statistics forecast healthcare spending in the GCC to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 percent from 2010 to 2018 due to an expanding population, higher incidence of lifestyle diseases and deeper insurance penetration.

Additionally, the surge in medical tourism in this region and the escalating disease burden will create a need for 90,690 hospital beds by 2018.

Speaking ahead of the International Congress for Joint reconstruction – Middle East (ICJR – Middle East), taking place from March 7 to 9 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Simon Page, Managing Director of Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions told meetme: “These statistics offers proof of the immense potential for all aspects of medical provisioning in the region, namely in the transfer of know-how, training, the building of clinics and hospitals and in the import

and export of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies.

“While many professionals in most industries are still concerned about the state of the world economy, exhibition businesses have proven resistant to market pressure.

There is a growing need for face-to-face interaction as, in order to do business, you need to see each other. One of the major trends influencing the healthcare exhibitions industry has been the need for companies to create opportunities by branching out beyond their respective home markets. This has resulted in a positive impact on the Middle East healthcare exhibitions industry, with many international companies looking to set up or increase their presence in the region.”

The trend has prompted the region's governments to pay closer attention to meeting healthcare needs in their respective countries, with various large-scale developments in the pipeline as well as reforms to rules and regulations to attract more private sector investment.

Eisa Al Haj Al Maidour, Director General of Dubai Health Authority inaugurated this year’s ICJR-ME. On his left stands Dr. Samih Tarabichi, Chairman of the ICJR Congress

“Healthcare exhibitions such as Arab Health, Hospital Build Middle East Abu Dhabi Medical Congress and ICJR-ME will continue to be a major platform for companies looking to expand their presence into this niche market,” said Page. “Regionally there has been a trend in recent years very much around a flight to quality, with smaller, more niche events falling

by the wayside. Now we are coming out of the downturn, the market is picking up and you are seeing more packed calendars at the established venues. We predict this will continue strongly and that the Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions portfolio will be expanding through niche events such as ICJR-ME even further as we move into the events pipeline for 2013-2015.”

Le Méridien Dubai gears up for meetings Riding high on Dubai’s tourism boom Le Méridien Dubai has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to provide more guest rooms and Le Méridien Dubai

16 /

meeting spaces. “Around nine million foreign tourists visited the UAE in 2012.

The UAE tourism sector’s expected annual growth is around 6.5 percent year-onyear during this decade,” said Vikas Choudhery, Director of Sales & Marketing, Le Méridien Dubai. “We have already added three new meeting rooms with modern amenities and are in the process of adding three more to accommodate current and forecasted demand. By the

end of 2013 Le Méridien Dubai will have unparalleled conference and banqueting facilities spread across approximately 6,000 square metres to reinforce the fact that Dubai and Le Méridien Dubai will be popular meetings destinations in the region.”

The expansion will also boost the capacity and size of the property’s ballroom, which features a unique show kitchen concept, to accommodate up to 1,500 guests.

A total of 197 new guest

rooms will be added, taking the hotel’s inventory to 580 rooms by Q4 2013.

“This massive expansion plan demonstrates Le Méridien Dubai is committed to a guestcentric approach to business,” said Vikas. “This expansion will give us the opportunity to enhance our customer base by delivering our style of exceptional service to leisure travellers, meetings delegates and corporate customers, while simultaneously address new market trends.”

Driving Business in the Middle East at Yas Marina Circuit

Team Building

Meeting Rooms

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The region’s most modern full service venue Conveniently located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Yas Marina Circuit is the newest addition to the UAE’s unique event venue offering with an unrivalled passion for delivering first-class events. Known throughout the world for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,

Yas Marina Circuit provides the region’s most modern full-service venue for a range of events from track side team building days to large-scale conferences or exhibitions both indoors and outdoors. Yas Marina Circuit is a venue like no other – Drive your Business with us!

“Our attendees were amazed by the venue, It was very special for our overseas attendees.”

Karen Sloan - Head of Events, Etihad Airways

Visit us at GIBTM or visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com for more information.

NEWS / REGIONAL

Anantara to unveil Palm Jumeirah resort New five-star hotel and spa aims to lure large incentive groups The eagerly anticipated Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa is one step closer to completion, having been awarded the Building Completion Certificate (BCC)

by Trakhees in February, prompting real estate developer Seven Tides to hand over the development to Anantara Hotel Resorts & Spa. With an official opening date pegged for Q 3 2013, the new property located on the beachfront of Palm Jumeirah’s east crescent, will feature 293 hotel rooms and 456 condominium apartments. In a first for the UAE’s diverse hospitality sector, the resort will offer 18 stilted ‘over water’ villas and 15 beachfront suites including three 206-square-metre royal beach pool villas, where half of the rooms boast direct water access from their balconies.

Anantara's over-water villas

“We expect between 10 and 20 percent of our overall business to come from the meetings, events and incentives sector,” said David Garner, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. “Corporate groups will be able to make use of outdoor incentive options such as barbeques

Site celebrates The global association for the motivational events and incentive travel industry, Site, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Boasting one of the longest standing partnerships in the industry, with Reed Travel Exhibitions, The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio, Site is looking to strengthen its commitment to education and global networking.

David Sand, Site president 2013 and CEO of Uwin Iwin Incentives said: “It is evident through Reed’s generous contributions to Site that it understands the responsible role it plays in giving back to the associations and professionals in the industry.

"Each IBTM event offers a unique value proposition for conducting business. Site 18 /

members strongly participate as either hosted buyers or with investment in tradeshow stands. The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio has a global footprint just like our membership base and this synergy helps both organisations visions for growth tremendously. We are proud that the Site India Chapter is involved with IBTM in the launch of its new IBTM India event this year.”

Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director for Meetings and Events at Reed Travel exhibitions added, “We have always valued the commitment Site has made to our global portfolio of events through education programmes and look forward to continuing to build upon this relationship in future.”

11,000

square metres of lagoon pools at the resort

on the beach and pool parties. We are linking up with our other properties it the UAE, including the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara to offer large incentive groups a desert and beach tour package, with teambuilding if required.”

The resort will also feature a 282 square metre ballroom with capacity for up to 300 with a number of breakout rooms making it ideal for small- to medium-sized meetings.

“As well as targeting our traditional source markets through our international sales offices, we expect a high level of interest from those within the GCC looking for meetings with a point of difference,” he concluded.

Sharjah highlights strength at MICE Arabia Sharjah underlined its growing importance in the regional meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry at MICE Arabia Congress, Doha, recently.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) spoke about his venue, and the importance of international associations and federations, what associations look for and how to attract associations to host events in a destination.

MICE Arabia Congress brought together executives and specialists involved in creating and hosting corporate events.

ECS recently added 10,000 square metres of space to its offering, complementing the

existing 32,000 square metres of total exhibition space, which includes 16,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space in four halls and 16,000 square metres of outdoor space.

Sharjah

NEWS / REGIONAL

DWTC doubles meeting room space for SMEs The Dubai World Trade Centre has unveiled 18 new meeting rooms to support the growth of small-and mediumsized conferences.

Capable of accommodating more than 2,700 delegates, the 3,500 square metre expansion at DWTC has nearly doubled the number of meeting rooms available, from 19 to 37 in total.

The new rooms, located on concourse 1 above Halls 1-4, were inaugurated just in time for Arab Health, which took place from January 28 to 31, attracting 80,000 medical and healthcare professionals to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), including 7,000 conference delegates.

With sleek VIP and buyer lounges, as well as break out areas which can be used for anything from off-site

meetings to training spaces for corporates, the expansion has set the pace for a busy year ahead at DWTC. “Our core focus remains on supporting the needs of the industry by providing robust infrastructure with a seamless visitor experience,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“At DWTC, we have seen a positive uptake in the MICE industry, with trade shows growing in both size and scope. As we continue to provide a platform for our exhibitors and visitors to conduct business, forge partnerships and explore investment opportunities, the new meeting rooms are a significant step towards showing our commitment to our partners and contributing towards raising Dubai’s profile as a global

business destination, fostering a positive outlook for the region as a whole.”

Simon Page, Managing Director, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions commented: “With 3,500 exhibiting companies and more than 70,000 visitors, Arab Health is foremost a networking platform for the global healthcare industry. DWTC provides the optimum environment for our clients who are looking to

expand their business through networking opportunities.

Continuous upgrades and expansion within the venue ensures we are able to efficiently cater to all our exhibitor requirements.

“More and more, we are seeing our exhibitors utilise the private meeting facilities available at DWTC and the addition of these rooms in time for this year’s show was well received by our clients.”

DWTC: Convention Gate

Radisson Blu carves out catering niche

Outside catering is on the rise for the Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City Drawing on its strategic location in one of Dubai’s prime business hubs, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is bolstering its strategy to target corporate business in 2013, seizing new opportunities to provide selected meeting services off-site.

“With the advantage of being a hotel located in the middle of Media City, home to many regional headquarters of global companies, we attract these companies’ small- to mid-sized company meetings, training, seminars, product launches and staff events, along with cocktail parties and dinners,” said newly-appointed Meetings & Events Manager, Zeynep Tunac.

“The global economic crisis has reduced a lot after the third quarter of 2012. Furthermore, the population in the city has 20 /

tremendously increased to almost the same level as 2008, before the worldwide crisis.

Many projects have awakened and some companies are back in town with new investments in even larger set-ups, which is promising for us.

Consequently, our goal here is to invest in our products and respond to the increasing needs of our neighbours.”

While keeping an eye on costs, the property is building up its video conferencing facilities. Tunac explained: “Nowadays, companies invest heavily in large offices equipped with meeting rooms and facilities. This initially makes us lose a slice of the market. However, these companies still need catering for within their own meeting facilities. Hence, a niche market of outside catering arises.

We have a fully trained and experienced operational team to provide services from a small lunch to a 130-person-strong dinner or cocktail event.”

The hotel also offers Radisson Blu’s trademark Experience Meetings concept, which includes 'Brain Food' to keep blood sugar levels stable, the 'Brain Box' breakout room with fun furniture and access to fast, free WiFi. “The meetings segment is our key business,” said Tunac.

“We are currently working on developing an easier planning and booking process and will soon be rolling out our enhanced hotel website page especially for meetings, along with 3D floorplans and access to web-based proposals.”

Visit radissonblu.com to find out more.

Zeynep Tunac

NEWS / REGIONAL

Starwood leadership 'temps' in Dubai Top management takes pulse of the region from Dubai base Starwood President & CEO Frits van Paasschen and the company's top executives are re-locating to Dubai for a month in a bid to better understand the region and boost local relationships.

The President and more than 200 Starwood executives and GMs from the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America will travel to Dubai as the company runs day-today operations almost 7,000 miles and a nine-hour time zone away from its usual HQ outside New York City.

The team will meet with associates, customers, owners and prospective developers in the UAE and also take advantage of Dubai's location for business travel to destinations including Mumbai, Addis Ababa, Jeddah, Dushanbe and Kuwait.

Following the company's successful relocation to China in June 2011, this

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

"We are on the cusp of a new golden age of travel, and Dubai is at the epicenter of this sea change." _ Frits van Paasschen

second leadership move reflects Starwood's innovative management approach to cultivating a more global culture by understanding, appreciating and leveraging different societal perspectives and approaches to business and hospitality.

"With 80 percent of Starwood's pipeline coming from rapidly growing markets, it is simply not possible to lead a truly global business from a boardroom in Connecticut," said van Paasschen. "Rising wealth and ever greater global connectivity are creating a once-in-a-lifetime growth opportunity for our business by fueling new demand, changing travel patterns, and entirely new travel markets. Dubai epitomises this changing face of travel, and we expect this relocation will deepen our relationships with partners, associates and customers. Just as with our one-month relocation to China

in 2011, our time in-market will spark new ideas that will fortify our position as the most global high-end hotel company."

Starwood's roots in the Middle East date back nearly 50 years, with 45 hotels and another 30 under development. In Dubai alone, Starwood has 14 hotels and another six in the pipeline. That makes Dubai Starwood's second largest market in the world behind New York City. The company's Middle East footprint is set to grow by about 70 percent over the next five years.

"Working day-to-day in a different market allows you to see the world through a different lens," said van Paasschen.

"These trips allow us to listen firsthand to what our associates around the world have to say."

Starwood is a world-leading hotel and leisure companies with 1,134 properties in 100 countries and 171,000 employees.

St. Regis lures large-scale conferences to Saadiyat Having recently completed its first full year of operation, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, is ramping up its status as popular venue for large-scale conferences.

“The market welcomed us with open arms,” said Jeremy Canivet, Director of Events.

“We were able to secure some large conferences, as well as make our mark in the UAE as a social address and wedding destination. Overall, 2012 exceeded our expectations and we look forward to building on this success in 2013.”

The property kick started 2013 by announcing its sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2013. It also hosted the annual

International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) conference in January.

“IRENA's two-day event attracted over 1,000 delegates from all over the world and utilised most of the resort’s available function and event space,” said Canivet. “This is the second consecutive year that IRENA's event has been held at our resort and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.

“For 2013, our focus remains on large residential conferences that will fully utilise our ballroom and guestrooms. Since our opening in December 2011, we have seen a large percentage of our meetings business coming from

within the GCC market.

We expect the volume of meetings and events to grow year-on-year as more planners become aware of the resort’s state-of-the-art

facilities and bespoke service. We can confidently say there are not many hotel venues in the region equipped to cater to the various types of groups and events like we are.”

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NEWS / REGIONAL

Spanish meetings industry eyes the Gulf Region seen as having 'new and strong' business potential for Spain Gran Meliá Fénix, Madrid

Meeting in Madrid: Fast facts 2011 saw 1,263,987 business visitors* 11,276 meetings were held in 2011* Of the 11,276 meetings, 1,210 were for conferences, 2,733 for conventions, 4,508 for seminars, and 2,825 for other types of meetings* (*Source: Meetings Market in the City of Madrid 2011, Madrid Convention Bureau).

Spain is already one of the world’s most popular destinations for international business meetings and, with bolstered interest from the Gulf, that success looks set to continue.

Spain is already the third most popular destination for international business meetings and trade-related conferences worldwide, behind the US and Germany, according to the latest official ICCA statistics.

Meetings travel to Spain represents 11 percent of foreign tourist spending, with a direct impact on its convention cities of some US$5,237,700. Quality, price, infrastructure and climate are listed as key factors attracting event organisers.

According to Madrid Convention Bureau, (MCB), which promotes the capital city’s stunning facilities, air traffic between Madrid and the UAE

MADRID HAS: 894 hotels and hostels (24 of them five-star, 137 four-star).1 79,777 beds1 3,000 restaurants 80 museums and two thousand monuments www.esmadrid.com/mcb

(1Source: Statistics National Institute, December 2012).

saw a 49 percent hike year on year in the last nine months.

At the same time, the number of passengers received in Madrid increased by 71 percent from 2011 to 2012.

MCB will promote the capital city in countries considered “potentially new and strong” markets for business tourism to Madrid, like the Gulf countries, by attending the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in Abu Dhabi, March 25 to 27, 2013, for the first time. MCB, a non-profit organisation created by Madrid city council in collaboration with almost 200 local tourism companies, promotes the capital’s three conference centres and two trade fair venues.

The airport recently doubled its capacity with more than 45 million passengers in 2012 and 200 direct flights destinations.

There is a seemingly inexhaustible list of cultural and leisure activities on offer that guarantee Madrid is certainly one of the best destinations for business travel in the world.

Villa venues with The Ritz-Carlton wow factor The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is offering an excusive Villa Meeting Package for planners looking for an alternative venue with “wow” factor this summer.

Featuring Philippe Starckinspired designer furnishings and accessories, the 23 luxurious beachfront villas, which span 450 square metres each, provide a sophisticated ambience for meetings.

“The villas are a unique venue for those from the local, regional and international market who wish to conduct board meetings in a private location but to also experience that wow factor,” 24 /

said General Manager, Mark Neukomm. “At this time of year, corporate clients prefer to be outdoors if they are looking to host a lunch or dinner, after having had meetings in boardrooms.

Therefore the villas can be used as an offsite venue, for retreat meetings or for private discussions. We provide shuttle buggie transfer from the meeting and ballroom area to the respective villas.”

To raise awareness to international clients, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa channels information through its overseas sales offices in the UK and Germany.

“We are working with local event management companies and offer site inspections to showcase this truly unique location space to meeting planners,” said Neukomm.

Having recently hosted Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority’s (BECA’s) eighth TEAM Bahrain meeting, bringing together companies aiming to promote Bahrain for the MICE market, the property is now working hard to maximise opportunities.

“We believe in working closely with the community to make use of synergy effects, to create awareness

for the destination and to strongly support each other,” said Neukomm.

Its Villa Meeting Package costs BHD830 a day, which buys use of the villa for a meeting for up to 15 people, including coffee breaks and lunch. The promotion runs from June 1 to August 31.

Villa at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

make business your pleasure at the els club Experience our Corporate Golf Day packages and world-class conference facilities in our brand new clubhouse.

Other new features include sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, 261 restaurant and the Butch Harmon School of Golf.

Please contact Francisco David on: email franciscod@elsclubdubai.com, telephone 04 425 1000 or visit our website www.elsclubdubai.com

facebook.com/theelsclubdubai

twitter.com/theelsclubdubai

NEWS / REGIONAL

Marriott earmarks Saudi Arabia as "top priority" market A leading regional hotel chief has revealed Saudi Arabia is a top priority destination for his group. Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director of Continent, Marriott International Inc, recently met with leading Saudi hospitality industry investors and players to discuss opportunities and challenges of hotels as an asset class in Saudi Arabia.

The invitation-only business breakfast briefing at The RitzCarlton, Riyadh, was organised as a pre-cursor to the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2013), set to be held in Dubai in May. Hosted by Kyriakidis, participants shared their views on Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hotel market and offered an insight for existing and potential local investors on key industry updates and statistics.

Kyriakidis said: “KSA is a top priority growth market for Marriott International. A recent STR report showed KSA room supply is around 50,000 operating rooms, with 25,000 under construction. In total, this figure represents less than 1,875 rooms per million domestic and international travellers combined, a ratio significantly lower than mature markets.

“Exponential growth is projected for both inbound and domestic travel. This is driven by a number of large-scale projects, such as the expansion of the Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, as well as a number of economic and industrial cities and large infrastructure projects, such as railroads and airports. The potential of the KSA market will more than double in size by 2020.”

He told invitees Marriott International’s target is to grow its current portfolio of 4,056 operating and pipeline rooms to more than 10,000 by 2020.

26 /

“Among investors,” he said, “we are seeing a new generation of analytical and business savvy entrepreneurs who have built up their own hospitality expertise, who are far more cautious about their investments since the economic crash – demanding accountability, value, greater profitability and ROI from the partnership with the hotel operator.”

Philip Wooller, Area Director of Middle East & Africa of industry benchmarkers, STR Global, gave a presentation on the MENA region and Saudi Arabia.

10,000

The number of rooms Marriott International aims to have in Saudi Arabia by 2020 He said: “The hotel performance of some Saudi Arabian cities are comparable with London, Paris, Tokyo and New York, with Jeddah achieving similar occupancies and Riyadh surpassing the Average Rate. The next two to three years will see a considerable increase in hotel room supply, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah. With large government-supported projects across the country, I see no reason why demand will not keep pace with the new supply.”

The event also included a session on regulation and government incentives for the hotel sector in Saudi Arabia, including a conversation between Muhammad Al-Amir, Managing Director of Riyada International

Alex Kyriakidis

Hotels & Resorts and Dr Salah Al-Bukayyet, Deputy Secretary General of Investments of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

Dr Salah said the government plays a very important role in accelerating hotels’ growth of inbound and domestic tourism.

“The tourism vision of the kingdom is based on a comprehensive framework of policies and principles of sustainability and economic feasibility. SCTA’s mission is to facilitate this sustainable and balanced tourism development through the formulation of clear-cut policies in close partnership with industry leaders and private sector and strengthen this nascent industry to achieve the highest degree of self-sufficiency,” he said.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, commented: “AHIC, this year, has dedicated a number of pre-event business briefings in significant countries in the region, to focus on current issues and opportunities in them. KSA was at the top of our list because Saudi hotel development is witnessing a sustained upswing with the numerous large-scale projects and the constant flow of religious tourists into the country.

Additionally, the tourism industry has consistently been a key contributor to the KSA economy and a pillar of the government's economic diversification program.”

The AHIC 2013 Conference includes a symposium on Saudi Arabia, offering an excellent opportunity to hotel owners, developers and investors to learn how their businesses can benefit from the kingdom’s phenomenal growth.

AHIC 2013 AHIC 2013, organised by MEED and Bench Events, takes place at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, from May 5 to 6, 2013. The conference will include key participants such as Jumeirah Group, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, IHG, Corinthia Hotels, IFA Hotel Investments, Marriott International, SMIT, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Wyndham Worldwide, Hilton Worldwide, ACCOR, Citymax Hotels, Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Golden Tulip Hotels MENA, HVS, Jones Lang LaSalle, Melia Hotels International, Orient Express Hotels, Premier Inn, Quadriga, STR Global, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities, Turnkey Ventures and WATG.

Starwood debuts Four Points by Sheraton in KSA With its ‘best for business’ approach, stylish design and focus on value, the new Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia, set to open in Q2 2013, is expected to earn a slice of the kingdom’s growing visitor market.

Featuring 376 guest rooms, including 138 suites, the property will boast a modern meeting and event space with 18 purpose-built meeting rooms.

Guests will also be able to enjoy three restaurants and lounges, plus a spa and fitness centre.

The new launch is the result of an agreement between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Khaldia Towers Company, which is a partnership between Al Jedaie Group and Al Hokair Group.

Roeland Vos, President Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East said: “As Saudi Arabia continues to attract business travellers and religious tourism, the time is right to extend the Starwood portfolio across the country.”

Mr. Othman S. Abahussain, General Manager of Khaldia

Towers Company said: “There is a strong demand for midmarket hotel brands in the country and we believe Four Points by Sheraton has a great reputation with business travellers globally.”

Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia will be located 20 minutes from the

business areas of Riyadh and 45 minutes from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.

The new property will take Starwood’s total number of operated hotels in Saudi Arabia to 12, with an additional five properties set to be unveiled in the country over the next few years.

lighting

audio

LED screens

interactive

video

Khaldia Towers Company and Starwood Hotels & Resorts at the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia

lasers

still...

Blackberry Z10 Launch 2013

power distribution

and more

extending the

experience

for the live events industry

The Government Summit 2013

Pharmaceutical Conference 2012

T: +971 4 3405474 F: +971 4 3405475 E: info@eclipse.ae W: www.eclipse.ae / 27

NEWS / REGIONAL

Middle East eyes Maltese delights Malta’s GDP will be bolstered

by Middle East business travel in future. While leisure travel to the tiny Mediterranean island is the top generator of tourism euros – accounting for EUR1.1 billion in 2012 – business travel spending is growing.

Figures from the WTTC predict a two percent annual growth from EUR111 million last year to EUR135 million within a decade.

Malta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) is one of the most impressive conference centres in Europe, with imposing architecture and a fascinating history. One of the first buildings in Valetta, Malta’s capital, the venue overlooks the Grand Harbour, and is perhaps the linchpin in the island’s MICE offering.

The centre’s sales and marketing head, Rosette Micallef, said the MCC enjoyed great success last year, but is increasingly eyeing the Middle East markets for business.

“We have a great deal to offer in terms of unique facilities, cost effective meeting space, a temperate climate and excellent infrastructure,” she said.

The MCC plans to target trade fairs, fam trips and other avenues to reach out to the Gulf’s MICE sector. “We have identified great potential in the Middle East,” she said.

Republic Hall

This potential is reflected in the figures – the meetings and incentives sector has seen yearon-year growth of around 22 percent since 2009.

Emirates, Egypt Air, Tunis Air and Libyan Airlines use Malta International Airport, while more recently, Air Malta strengthened its offering after inking a code sharing agreement with Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways.

Built in the 16th Century, for more than two centuries the Mediterranean Conference Centre was the ‘Sacra Infermeria’, or Holy Infirmary, of the Order of St. John. After restoration in 1979, and conversion into a modern conference

MEA hotel update There are 480 hotels totalling 118,023 rooms in the pipeline in the Middle East and Africa, according to the STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released in January 2013.

The data, which only covers projects that are currently in construction, or in the planning stages, also revealed that Oman has the largest expected supply growth (+63.9 percent) if all 4,613 28 /

rooms in the country’s total active pipeline go on to open.

Five other countries are expecting room growth of more than 30 percent, including Saudi Arabia (+53.2 percent with 27,783); Algeria (43.9 percent with 1,887 rooms); Qatar (+39.6 percent to 6,205 rooms); United Arab Emirates (+33.6 percent with 31,827 rooms); and Kuwait (+33.5 percent to 2,069 rooms).

centre, the site won the coveted ‘Europa Nostra’ Award for its ‘superb restoration’ and tasteful blending of ancient and modern. The Centre can accommodate more than 2,300 delegates, with ten halls and nine syndicate rooms covering 7,000 square metres. The halls vary in size, so are suitable for a range of events.

The largest and most impressive - Republic Hall - seats 1,400 people in theatre style. The smallest, La Cassiere, caters for 60 people.

The imposing Republic Hall has been constructed in place of what once was the main courtyard of the ‘Sacra Infermeria’. Its covered 728 square metre space is Malta’s largest auditorium. With a

seating capacity of 1,400, this elegant theatre-style hall is the largest in the conference centre.

The 155 metre long Sacra Infermeria Hall – one of the longest in Europe - is the centre’s main exhibition hall. This magnificent hall is also regularly used for banquets, accommodating up to 1,500 seated guests; more than 2,500 for standing cocktail receptions.

It covers a total area of 1,700 square metres.

La Valette banqueting hall, with a unique vaulted ceiling, seats 900. Restored frescos adorn the walls; while coat-ofarms of the Knights of Malta set the scene for formal dinners and elegant banquets.

Room with a view The world's tallest hotel – the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, is now open. The 355 metre tower took the title from its neighbour, the 333m Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Hotel.

The hotel, owned by the Emirates Group, spans 72 storeys and occupies two towers, and only the first is open. The second is expected to open next year.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Calendar of events MARCH

APRIL

JUNE

IT&CM CHINA 2013

ASIA LUXURY TRAVEL MART

T-Modul Exhibition Hall Moscow, Russia March 18, 2013

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre Shanghai, China April 17 to 19, 2013

Shanghai International Convention Centre Shanghai, China June 3 to 6, 2013

GIBTM

MAY

ITE HONG KONG

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL MICE FORUM

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Abu Dhabi, UAE March 25 to 27, 2013 SAUDI TRAVEL AND TOURISM INVESTMENT MARKET (STTIM)

Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 31 to April 4, 2013

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET (ATM)

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai, UAE May 6 to 9, 2013 IMEX

Messe Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany May 21 to 23, 2013

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Hong Kong, China June 13 to 16, 2013 AIBTM

Baltimore Convention Centre Baltimore, US June 11 to 13, 2013

SEPTEMBER CIBTM

China National Convention Centre Beijing, China September 2 to 4, 2013 IBTM INDIA

Grand Hyatt Mumbai, India September 12 to 14, 2013

ITE HCMC

Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam September 12 to 14, 2013

OCTOBER

IMEX AMERICA

Sands Expo and Convention Centre Las Vegas, US October 15 to 17, 2013

NOVEMBER

52nd ICCA CONGRESS

Shanghai, China November 2 to 6, 2013

World Travel Market

Excel London, UK November 4 to 7, 2013

Business Travel Market

London, UK November 4 to 7, 2013 EIBTM

Fira Grand Via Barcelona, Spain November 19 to 21, 2013

/ 29

preview / gibtm

GIBTM sold out as confidence in meetings sector surges Event promises outstanding networking and knowledge sharing opportunities Signs the regional and global meetings industry is confident about 2013 business prospects are clearly evident in the robust pre-show bookings reported from Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organiser of the upcoming Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM).

The show, which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from March 25-27, has seen a flood of new exhibitors eager to take part, and existing participants snapping up additional exhibition space, according to RTE. GIBTM Exhibition Manager Lois Hall said “Newcomers to GIBTM this year represent a wide geographical spread and include the Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau (MV&CB), the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, Cast Software and San Francisco Travel. We are delighted to welcome back the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism after a one-year break.”

30 /

Regular exhibitors demonstrating their confidence in the show’s ability to deliver results include Bahrain Ministry of Tourism, Etihad Airways and Jordan Tourism Board, which have all doubled the size of their exhibition stands for this year.

“It is significant that Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt have also booked a large amount of floor space, and it’s another positive indicator that the region’s meetings industry professionals are upbeat about economic prospects for 2013 and beyond,” added Hall.

MV&CB CEO Ignacio Fernández described GIBTM as an “essential forum for making initial contact with travel and tourism countries in the Middle East” – a region Madrid has identified as a “potentially strong market for meeting and incentive business”.

The Hosted Buyer recruitment process for the 2013 edition of GIBTM is also well underway, with 300 senior-level regional

and international buyers from leading associations, corporates, destination management companies, agencies, and conference organisers, expected to attend.

“The VIP Hosted Buyer Programme, which was initiated to attract the region’s highly sought-after corporate buyers from GCC nations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar is also attracting decision makers from the lucrative vertical sectors such as Oil and Gas, Pharmaceuticals, IT, Finance and Automotive,” explained Hall.

Now in its seventh year, GIBTM attracts in excess of 2,400 industry professionals annually. The show’s Hosted Buyer Programme attracts more than 300 buyers with a combined budget exceeding US$827 million, who through 7,600 pre-scheduled appointments over the two-and-a-half-day exhibition meet with more than 350 exhibitors from 36 different countries.

Highlights of this year’s show include the European and Asian Market Focus Hours. These provide a full hour of networking between European exhibitors and buyers who have or will be placing business in Europe and Asian exhibitors and buyers who have, or will be, placing business in Asia.

“This will provide suppliers in both regions with a highly-targeted platform for meeting buyers interested in placing business with them,” stressed Hall.

This year’s conference programme includes: Research & Trends presented by world leading associations ACTE, SITE, ICCA & MPI; Best Practice & Case Studies; Event Management; Personal & Professional Development; Search Engine Optimisation (SEO); plus the highlyanticipated release of the 2013 Industry Research Report & Social Media.

Also exhibiting at this year’s show are the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Cyprus Tourism Authority (CTA), Hungarian National Tourism, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Oman Ministry of Tourism, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), TCA Abu Dhabi, Turkish Culture & Information Office, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association, Quick Mobile, Matrix Audio Visual & Entertainment, PSideo SA and many more.

GIBTM’s 2013 official show sponsors are MV&CB and Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa Abu Dhabi, who will host this year’s Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception, taking place at the hotel on Monday March 25, 2013 from 6.30-9.30pm.

Up-to-the-minute insight into market conditions and sentiment will be revealed in the highly anticipated Seventh IBTM

US$827 million The 300 hosted buyers’ spending budget at GIBTM

Middle East Meetings Report, at a special session at 1pm on March 25.

There are a number of exciting events and initiatives lined up this year including MPI, SITE and ICCA industry association education programmes.

A new series of interactive business travel management sessions hosted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) looks set to draw large audiences, as will insightful Arabic language seminars conducted by local cultural expert, Ali Al Saloom.

The all-new Event Camp Middle East, European and Asian Market Focus Hour and inaugural GIBTM PechaKucha20x20 Challenge provide some unusual activities in what is already proving to be a dynamic, interesting event.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, for his continued patronage, as well as the support of our distinguished partners – the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Etihad Airways, The Vision Destination Management Company, ACTE, SITE, ICCA and NPI,” concluded Hall.

For more information and to register as a delegate or Hosted Buyer for GIBTM, log onto gibtm.com

Far Left: Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan officially opens GIBTM and walks the show with Craig Moyes and Lois Hall of Reed Travel Exhibitions Above: Registration GIBTM 2012 Left: GIBTM promises a host of seminars / 31

preview / sttim

STTIM courts investors The annual Saudi Travel Tourism Investment Market highlights opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector

The Saudi Travel & Tourism Investment Market (STTIM), now in its sixth year, has become a vital platform in bringing more regional and international investors to the kingdom. This year’s event will be held from March 31 to April 4 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC). Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA), said the annual forum has witnessed consistent year-on-year growth since it was launched in 2008.

In 2013, the event is set to achieve a 20 percent growth in terms of exhibitor participation and floor space compared with 2012.

Active marketing and promotional activities are also expected to help boost trade visitor attendance. “Saudi Arabia is an attractive tourist destination for a sizable number of international visitors. This makes investment in tourism projects a lucrative business, particularly with the efforts led by the government,” said Al Sheikh.

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STTIM at a glance What: Saudi Travel Tourism Investment Market When: March 31 to April 4, 2013 Where: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center Visit: sttim.com.sa

A vibrant economy and a stable political scene have been fuelling an uptrend in Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry. Revenues from the sector accounted for over seven percent of the kingdom’s non-oil GDP and almost 12 percent of the private sector GDP in 2011. In 2012, the industry’s total contribution to the Saudi economy represented 5.4 percent of the country’s overall GDP. In the coming years, the industry is expected to play a more pivotal role in the Saudi government’s efforts to diversify its petroleum-based economy, attracting over 88 million visitors by 2020. In addition, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) anticipates the industry will generate an income of more than SAR180.2 billion (US$48 billion) by 2022.

The expected growth has opened up investment opportunities in various segments of the industry from hotel development and management to tourism services and destination promotions, added Al Sheikh.

Left, right and below left: STTIM Below right: Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, SCTA

The Saudi government alone has committed to invest SAR300 billion (US$80 billion) by 2020 in building infrastructures that support the travel and tourism sector, while at the same time developing attractions in various destinations across the kingdom.

Such initiatives have given strength to the National Tourism Development Strategy, a 20-year programme launched in 2005 that aims to promote tourism development projects and encourage new investments in the country.

Event highlights Covering a floor space of around 20,000 square metres (comprising 15,000 square metres of indoor air-conditioned halls and 5,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition area), STTIM will attract industry professionals, including hoteliers, event organisers, destination management companies, tourist project developers, food and beverage suppliers, top-level government officials and industry experts. This year, participants include The World Bank and the Dubai World Trade Centre, plus destinations Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah.

20,000

square metres of floor space will be taken up by STTIM, attracting industry professionals from across the board

One of the key features of STTIM’s sixth instalment is the Hotel Pavilion, where hotel equipment companies can promote their products in the hope of gaining a slice of the kingdom’s multibillion-dollar industry.

Al Sheikh said the main sectors that will be highlighted during the five-day forum are hotel investments, hotel management, hotel equipment, development of tourism destinations and tourism services, all of which have played significant roles in boosting Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.

/ 33

preview / atm

ATM 2013 takes off as aviation leads key industry sectors Event puts spotlight on the skies; Emirates and Qantas chiefs speak

The 20th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), set to take place from May 6-9 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will have a strong focus on the region’s expanding aviation sector, as well as technology, recent developments in the industry and a series of fascinating seminars.

“Predicted growth of the regional hospitality sector is linked to the continuous growth of the region’s major airlines and improved regional connectivity with low cost airlines, such as Air Arabia and flydubai,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), ATM’s organiser.

“Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, all continue to outpace their international counterparts with high passenger volume loads and ever-expanding networks, which is having a positive effect on the region’s hotel construction pipeline,” added Walsh.

Air travel is of high interest to ATM visitors, according to the 2012 event statistics, yet its representation on the exhibition floor is relatively small in comparison to larger areas such as hotels. To guide visitors to airline stands, a map of where to find airline exhibitors among the 2,400 companies on the show floor is being provided.

The aviation world was rocked in 2012 by the announcement of a planned deep cooperation between Emirates and Australian carrier Qantas. The deal underlines the growing strength of the Middle East as a hub.

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ATM highlights • The week-long Seminar Theatre programme addresses hot industry topics from developments in the aviation sector, inbound and outbound trends, and tourism development during the last 20 years of Arabian Travel Market.

• Back for the second year, the ‘Technology Theatre’ provides insight into leading edge industry-related technologies including social media and GDS. • ATM hosts the UNWTO regional tourism ministers’ conference, and the WTM Vision forum, focusing on Middle East travel trends and the online travel market.

• New to the 2013 event, ATM is launching a ‘Digital and Technology Day’ focusing on online travel developments and showcasing headline speakers from across the industry.

• ATM’s annual New Frontiers Award recognises outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of adversity.

• Industry Careers Day will wrap up the week providing visitors the opportunity to meet with exhibitors’ HR departments.

Headline speakers on the opening day of ATM will be Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines and Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. “It is the first time that Emirates has entered a major co-operation with another carrier, and marks a new direction for Qantas. We are delighted to be able to talk with the leaders of both airlines about their first few weeks of working together and their vision for the future development of this ground-breaking partnership,” said the RTE portfolio director.

Air travel will be one of eight major sectors at the event, alongside budget travel, careers, health and wellbeing, luxury, shopping,sports, and cruise and water-based travel.

“We are making it even easier for exhibitors and visitors to plan appointments, by guiding visitors directly to the industry sector they are looking for using sponsored floor trails, allowing them to fast track their way around the show,” said Walsh.

A hosted delegate programme is open to 150 travel industry buyers. Walsh describes the programme as an effective way for buyers, visiting for the first time to gain an introduction to the show and exhibitors.

Those who qualify under the hosted delegate programme will receive a host of benefits, including complimentary five star accommodation for up to four nights; a contribution towards return economy flights from selected airports, an online diary facility, and an on-site appointment setting session.

There is also a ‘Buyers Club’ – a business club for senior travel industry buyers who have direct responsibility for, or influence over, purchasing products. The Buyer’s Club facilitates networking and negotiations between members and exhibitors, helping both parties to meet, network and conclude deals. Membership is based on strict criteria. You can apply by registering for Arabian Travel Market.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the 2012 edition of the Middle East’s leading travel exhibition showcased 2,436 exhibitors covering over 20,000 square metres and attracted more than 23,000 attendees.

For more information, visit arabiantravelmarket.com

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

An ideal business destination on an iconic island The landmark Fairmont The Palm is situated on one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, The Palm Jumeirah. Positioned just a short drive onto the island, it is the perfect location for events, meetings, conferences, press conferences and social occasions.

- Conference centre with 7 meeting rooms on the same floor, many with natural light and private terraces - The Palm Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 600 guests with variations in layout - 7 premier food and beverage outlets with options for group dining - Private dining available at a selection of restaurants accommodating up to 30 guests - Willow Stream Spa, ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating escapes - Dedicated events team catering to every business need Experience the true spirit of generosity at the vibrant heart of Palm Jumeirah. fairmont.com/palm I palmdubai.sales@fairmont.com I +971 4 457 3388

120916-MICE2013-fairmont.indd 1

9/16/12 5:28 PM

NEWS / GLOBAL

UK

The number of international visitors to Britain is expected to grow by three percent (equivalent to a million extra visitors) in 2013, according to VisitBritain, with guests from the UAE up nine percent.

The 32 million forecast to visit are anticipated to spend around GBP19 billion (AED111 billion), a record figure representing annual growth of 2.5 percent.

In 2012, Britain received a significant number of outbound travellers from the Gulf region, who splashed out GBP995 million (AED5.8 billion) in the country from January to September. In that same time frame, those from the UAE alone spent a huge GBP387 million (AED2.2 billion) – that’s GBP133 million (AED768 million) more than in 2011.

New hotels, attractions and key diary dates are expected to further bolster the destination’s appeal.

Chicago

The number of group co-ordinators (GCOs) signing up for Americas Incentive Business Travel & Meetings exhibition (AIBTM) due to take place June 11-13, 2013 is up 40 percent on last year. Confirmed GCOs include United Airlines, Worldwide Cruise Associates, Certain Inc, Marriott International Inc, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Group, Wyndham Hotels, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Dolce International, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to name a few.

Participation from exhibitors is also strong with United Airlines, Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority and Sustainable Travel/ Namibia Tourism among those already taking part.

Taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, US, from June 11 to 13, AIBTM expects to pre-schedule more than 15,000 appointments between exhibitors and hosted buyers during the exhibition.

kuala lumpur

A 2,300-strong incentive group from Japanese cosmetics brand POLA visited Kuala Lumpur in February generating an estimated MYR24 million (US$7.74 million) of economic impact. Supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the tour group is the largest ever to be received from Japan with 150 company officials and top sales staff participating from around the country. “The Government of Malaysia has put in place several programmes to attract incentive and business groups to Malaysia as part of a bigger economic agenda to make Malaysia a developed nation,” said Dato’ Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia. “Under the Economic Transformation Programme, business tourism has been identified as one of the focus points for the Ministry of Tourism.”

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Estonia

The Estonian Convention Bureau (ECB) marks its fifth anniversary in March, celebrating half a decade of successfully matching up Kylli Teimann local conference organisers Project Manager, Kadri Karu Managing with foreign partners.

Director, Liisa Eller “Since the ECB began Project Manager operation, the nation's conference tourism sector has seen a boom. Its position in ICCA rankings rocketed from 118th place to 41st and we see great potential for future growth,” said Managing Director Kadri Karu.

The convention bureau’s successful Conference Ambassador Programmes in Tallinn and Tartu, which recruit local academics and business people to act as partners in attracting international conferences to the city, has helped contribute to its success.

Furthermore, ECB has been raising its profile by participating in international fairs and networking events across Europe.

Gwangju

Upholding a government strategy to capitalise on design as a growth driver in all sectors, Gwangju in South Korea has been successful in its bid as the next host city of the International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress in 2015, with the Kimdaejung Convention Center announced as main conference venue.

The bid was headed by Prof Don Ryun Chang, Dean of Hongik University, with support from Choe Kwang-shik, Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism, as well as leading national and local design companies.

A major design hub in the southeast region of South Korea, Gwangju is also the key economic centre of Northeast Asia with a population of over 1.5 billion people representing one of the world’s three largest trade markets.

Hong Kong

Event management expert W&O has announced plans to open an office in Hong Kong. Sallie Coventry, Managing Director at W&O, said: "Our planned expansion into Asia-Pacific will help improve our position in this growing market.

It further underpins our global reach and capability to serve our international client base while reaffirming our group ethos of global commitment to excellence.”

The expansion builds on the success of its Dubai agency, which opened in October 2012 to serve the Middle East market and it is in line with parent company ChoiceOne's growth strategy to represent both events and medical communications businesses in Asia. The agency will initially recruit two staff, including one focused on business development, with further plans for growth moving into 2014.

/ 37

preview / imex

IMEX continues to drive business New networking and education events add to business power Left: IMEX 2012 Below: Ray Bloom Right: Show floor Far right: Association evening Bottom right: Politician's Forum

IMEX, the Frankfurt exhibition for global incentive travel, meetings and events, promises some exciting additions to an already packed agenda in May. The launch of a new pre-show education and networking event for corporate buyers, the introduction of a new hosted buyer email service and a new German language seminar programme are just three of the features making up a strong exhibition, which takes place from May 21 to 23, 2013.

Some 11 new long-haul hosted buyer groups have been confirmed, including groups from India, North America, Korea, China, South Africa and Russia, with many more expected. Interest levels from hosted buyer groups and individuals suggest the show is on target to meet or surpass last year’s figure, of just under 4,000 hosted buyers from 71 global markets. Exhibitor demand has also been strong with Orient Express, Memphis, Titanic Resorts & Hotels and Kerzner International among the new exhibitors.

Those booking larger stands for the 2013 show include Abu Dhabi, Amiando, Bahrain, Estonian Convention Bureau, Mövenpick Hotels, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and Warwick Hotels.

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Mark your IMEX calendar For the last seven years, the AIPC Sales and Marketing Summit has proven to be the perfect kick-start for member participation in IMEX and all the client and industry interactions it entails.

During this year’s instalment, held on May 19, more than 50 senior-level convention centre sales and marketing executives have the chance to compare notes on the latest industry trends and interact with client representatives and marketing specialists in a workshop setting before hitting the show floor.

Now recognised as a key session for international sales and marketing executives, the summit’s purpose is to create a forum to assess key market issues and challenges in a global context and develop new strategies to address them.

2013 AIPC International Sales & Marketing Summit: Date and time: Sunday May 19, 2013 from 10am until 5pm.

Venue: Congress Center Messe Frankfurt

Visit England will be taking more space, as will Qatar. Belgium is also approaching the show in a new way with Meet in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia Tourism all exhibiting separately for the first time. Founding partner, the German Convention Bureau, is expected to have in excess of 200 exhibitors sharing its stand.

Business, education and networking at IMEX are underpinned by the show’s websites. To help in the management of preshow communications and appointments between exhibitors and buyers, a new single daily email alert was tested at IMEX America and is now being rolled out for IMEX in Frankfurt. The new process combines all exhibitor messages to a named hosted buyer into a single daily IMEX email, reducing email volumes associated with pre-show business and marketing.

Re-designs to both exhibitor and intermediary portals also mean pre-show marketing and task lists have been streamlined and simplified, with many of the changes made as a result of recommendations from IMEX participants.

and corporate meeting planners. The new event is based on the highly successful IMEX ‘Association Day’ model: an acknowledged hallmark of the show.

Exclusively Corporate @IMEX will be held at the Villa Kennedy and will start on the Sunday evening prior to the show with a networking dinner, followed by a full day of education tracks and networking on the Monday.

IMEX has also responded to demand for more networking opportunities by establishing a new ‘networking hub’ on the show floor, which will be powered by Meetings Mindset. Based on the Meetings Mindset principles of ‘prepare, perform, produce’, the hub will be home to facilitated networking sessions, plus health, well-being and business performance information and advice from a number of experts.

The online exhibitor directory, the ‘shop-front’ for every organisation exhibiting, has also been updated. New social media, photo and video links now allow exhibitors to provide more dynamic content to showcase their stands and specific industry offerings.

IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, said: “Exhibitors and buyers expect the end-to-end business process and their ‘IMEX experience’ before, during and after the show to be fast, clear and intuitive. It therefore depends on us to consistently review how we achieve that and to develop new tools and approaches that support everyone’s business goals. That said, the main purpose of IMEX remains true every year – to generate new business opportunities, to educate and inspire the thousands of industry professionals who attend and to provide a wide variety of high-quality networking events that support their professional development.”

Launch of new ‘Exclusively Corporate @IMEX’ Historically, hosted buyers at IMEX in Frankfurt represent three industry groups, with association buyers generally accounting for around 10 percent of the 4,000 who attend, agencies 70 percent and corporate clients 20 percent. This year the organiser, Regent Exhibitions, conducted a number of focus groups and further research into the changing needs of the corporate sector. The result is the launch of a brand new event – Exclusively Corporate @IMEX – with content aimed at two different corporate groups, senior executives

4,000

hosted buyers from 71 global markets attended the IMEX Frankfurt show in 2012

Politicians Forum – new declaration of support A strong call to action will be part of this year’s IMEX Politicians Forum, which takes place once again at the Villa Kennedy.

All the politicians attending will be called upon to sign an official declaration of support, which will provide the focal point for extended promotion and lobbying activity later in the year.

Summing up the coming Frankfurt show this May, Ray Bloom said: “I am delighted with the growth in new exhibitor numbers for 2013 and also the continued interest and rise in participation from the all-important hotel groups, both as exhibitors and as leaders of hosted buyer groups, especially from new and developing markets. Against a background of continued economic challenges in many parts of the world, there remains a healthy appetite for new business and we are looking forward to providing a strong platform that will facilitate that.” / 39

preview / IT&CM

IT&CM China aims for association business New association focus brings tailored networking Mid-April will see global meeting professionals descend on Shanghai for the city’s annual Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings (IT&CM) China. The seventh edition, taking place from April 17-19, 2013 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, promises to draw more than 2,500 delegates and 400 hosted buyers.

Organiser, TTG Events, has teamed up with association and event management company MCI Group to bring an Association Day, and an education segment on incentive travel to IT&CM China.

"Association Day was born in recognition of the need for a focused, comprehensive association executive programme comprising tailored education, networking and structured business engagement sessions for association decision makers. Exhibitors at the IT&CM events are also eager to explore business opportunities with association buyers." said Darren Ng, Managing Director for TTG Asia Media.

"All three IT&CM events are committed to strengthening their relevance and appeal to corporate travel professionals - another pivotal buyer group that our exhibitors are looking to meet. Our partnership with MCI Group will go a long way in achieving this dual-pronged objective,” he said.

MCI Group will be lending its expertise to two half-day educational tracks. Topics are specifically designed to appeal to association buyers and corporate travel professionals focused on Incentive Travel/ Performance Improvement. The educational tracks for these two delegate groups will run concurrently, with allocated slots for business appointments and networking with exhibitors at the event.

Familiar with organising educational programmes the world over, MCI Group views this partnership as a major opportunity to engage association and corporate travel executives and discuss the growth of their industry in Asia.

“Through the very nature of their job, association and corporate travel executives are isolated and have limited opportunities to interact and meet with peers who face the same strategic and operational challenges and issues.

“Each IT&CM Association Day and incentive travel education segment by MCI 40 /

2012 IT&CM China Buyers

By Industry Sector 35% Travel Agents Handling Incentives 26% Professional Conference Organisers 22% Meeting Planners 20% Corporate Companies with Incentive Programmes 19% Incentive / Motivation Houses 16% Travel Management Companies 14% Destination Management Companies 8% International Associations

Above: IT&CM 2012 opening ceremony Right: Business meeting at IT&CM 2012

Group offers a unique opportunity for these association buyers and corporate travel executives to network with like-minded professionals and share issues and concerns they have in their own organisation, and learn best practices from experts in the field," said Robin Lokerman, President Asia Pacific & Americas of MCI Group.

Lokerman said MCI group is looking to educate association buyers and corporate travel executives on best practices in association and incentive travel management.

“Expect a highly interactive programme focusing on key Asian issues of immediate concern and relevance. From a keynote session, to expert panel discussions of clients and round-table discussions, the different meeting formats employed will allow all participants to contribute and learn," he said.

The world is aware of the growing importance of China both as a destination, and as a source of group business.

IT&CM China has attracted the largest contingent of national and regional Convention Visitors Bureaux and Tourism Offices of any MICE event in China. The host country will be represented by Chinese destinations including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Zhuhai, Sanya, Shanghai, Wuzhen, Xiamen and more.

Other countries and regions participating include Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Dubai, Turkey and Belgium.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) Country and City Rankings Report, China tops the list of countries in Asia Pacific & Middle East with the highest number of international association meetings hosted - 302 - in 2011.

ANALYSIS / Motivational speakers

Doha GOALS www.dohagoals.com

Rules of engagement

42 /

Traditionally booked to ramp up corporate conferences, motivational and celebrity speakers can garner extravagant fees in the Gulf, but does the investment pay off in results? Kathi Everden looks at the pros and cons of the big-name stage show

US$100 million earned by President Bill Clinton in speaking fees since his ‘retirement’

Opposite left: Richard Attias, Executive Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates and Executive Producer, Doha GOALS Forum and Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, speaking at Doha GOALS Forum Below left: Nicholas Sarcozy at Doha GOALS Forum

Doha GOALS www.dohagoals.com

Following a summer of sport last year, there are potentially 1,000 more motivational speakers available for hire as Olympic medal winners cash in on their athletic fame to seek fortune.

Some of these will be well worth their weight in gold, justifying an appearance fee that will add a sparkle of star dust, an inspirational tale of trials and a photo opportunity to a standard corporate conference. Others, lacking that convincing on-stage presence, will simply pocket upwards of US$4,800 to fill a 30-minute slot and provide a temporary respite from more serious company matters, sales targets, structural reorganisation and the like.

It’s the first lesson to be learned when seeking to fill a speaker slot at any event. What is the actual purpose of that booking? According to Kirstie Hepburn, programme director at strategic communications firm Richard Attias and Associates – who worked on the recent star-studded Doha GOALS event – a keynote speaker is usually a good bet to inspire the audience and there is nothing wrong with employing a little star power to ensure a good attendance.

“At every conference or communications platform we build, the first question is: What do we want or need to achieve? Secondly, who is the audience?”

From personal experience, Hepburn cites President Bill Clinton as a guaranteed hit. Indeed, the former US president has just been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit taking place from April 9 to 10 in Abu Dhabi. However, having earned nearly US$100 million in speaking fees since his ‘retirement’ with one-off fees now topping US$750,000, it might not be within everyone’s budget.

In line with the less frivolous times of the 21st century, Hepburn says the requirement for pure motivational gurus is on the wane in many cases, perhaps restricted to one-goal sales events. “I don’t think it works for modern and innovative companies where motivation can come from a great entrepreneur, a wise economist, a voice of global wisdom or a high-achieving peer,” she says. For the client, where to research and how to source that show stopper is a process that can start with Google and a trawl of the latest motiva-

Kirstie Hepburn

tional blockbuster reads, but should be augmented by expertise – either a call to one or two of the international speaker bureaux or even by consulting colleagues.

According to Dubai-based speaker Carol Talbot, 95 per cent of her clients come through referrals, across 10 countries as well as the UAE. “My clients are brand ambassadors,” she says.

In a complementary approach, JLA’s Jeremy Lee puts the case for a speaker bureau acting as an independent evaluator as well as having its own portfolio of tried-and-tested talent. Founder of the UK’s leading speaker bureau, he’s been in the business for 13 years and is forthright about the need for objectivity in booking speakers. “Just as the three most important words in property are location, location and location – the only three words that matter in choosing talent are audience, audience and audience. The least important factor is the personal taste of the organiser, sponsor or person signing the cheque,” he says, adding a caveat about the value of celebrity in the mix.

“Unless you catch a celebrity the moment they hit the headlines, there’s no correlation between their profile and audience satisfaction. By all means hire a ‘name’ if your object is to imbue the event with a certain kind of authority or if you want people to boast ‘you’ll never guess who I’ve just seen’ – but not because you think it offers some kind of quality assurance. It doesn’t.”

While accessing a choice of speakers from the motivation names such as Deepak Chopra, Stephen Covey and Robin Sharma through to Olympians, corporate stars in the mould of Richard Branson or industry experts along the lines of Bill Gates, the dark side of the equation is the budget and ROI.

The US$50,000 question For many corporates, the the amount of money allocated for speaker fees is part of the entertainment budget. It’s an attitude that the professionals in the industry shoot down, citing the keynote or motivational address as part of overall investment in the company event. According to Susan Furness, CEO of Gulf-based Strategic Solutions and herself a motivational speaker, results will depend on how much the organisation is prepared to invest in infrastructure, rehearsals and the expenses of the speaker, but it can be demonstrated on the bottom line.

“A US$20,000 investment in a speaker translates to US$200 a head – or a dinner in a Dubai restaurant – for an audience of 100 and they are left with a message that is meaningful, magical and thus memorable,” she says. / 43

ANALYSIS / Motivational speakers

For the best results, JLA’s Lee cites a fee of US$16,000 as a very ‘reasonable’ budget and says while speakers could be hired for upwards of US$800, these were few and far between, probably not full-time on the speaking circuit and potentially not of the best quality. “In our view, clients often want to overspend and this is not necessary in an environment where you are not selling tickets,” he advises. The priority, stressed by all professionals, is to get the right person for the job.

“The trend now is to book people who have been there and done it, rather than just pontificating about it, or writing (motivational) books,” adds Lee. “While we are always looking for credible female speakers, for instance, we would not suggest a speaker as a token, but would always recommend someone who ticks every box on the wish list.” Certainly, what nearly all professional speakers deliver with panache is a stage performance, often in contrast to the more stolid corporate presentations that make up the bulk of the event.

Twin the entertainment element with relevant content and you have a winner, according to US business speaker, technology expert and futurist, Scott Steinberg. “We are not there to spout platitudes,” he says. “A truly effective presentation is customised to the client and the only way to deliver effective messages is to understand the culture of the company and who the key stakeholders are.

“In a corporate setting, the most effective speakers are those experts in business scenarios who can give audiences a practical look at tackling issues.” Ideally, he says, the speaker should visit the company prior to the event, survey managers and employees, work the conference and participate in order that new perspectives and actionable advice can be inserted in to the on-stage presentation.

Setting the audience on fire…

A motivational speaker comes in as a catalyst of change, to unlock potential and, in a short space of time, encourage a different prospective, even if it means using techniques such as dramatic as fire-walking, according to Carol Talbot.

“Recently, I was working with a 100-plus management team over a two-day conference. The company’s targets for the year ahead were shared with the delegates and they were given the challenge to identify solutions to achieve the revenue goal.

“The room immediately filled with an air of negativity as the team ‘pushed back’ in a collective unease at the thought of taking what they seemed to perceive as a responsibility that was not theirs.

“As a solution, I opted to encourage the team members to each walk across coals, heated to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit – and within three hours, everyone had walked the coals.

“Everyone was highly energised.

The collective mind-set had shifted. The general consensus in the room was one of ‘collaborative appreciation coupled with anything is possible’.

Indeed, the revenue goals were embraced and there followed an outpouring of relevant, realistic solutions.”

Twin the entertainment element with relevant content and you have a winner _ Scott Steinberg , US business speaker Scott Steinberg

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Susan Furness

Carol Talbot

To drive home the content of the conference, president of Executive Oasis, Anne ThornleyBrown, similarly recommends a full research exercise on the part of the speaker. “If someone is speaking about his or her experience in scaling Mount Fuji, for instance, that experience is not directly relevant to the day-to-day challenges faced by the company. Yes, participants might leave pumped up and feeling good, but the likelihood that they will be able to apply what they have learned is low,” she says.

As a specialist in team building and executive retreats, Thornley-Brown suggests the speaker spend time with the client company to understand the day-to-day realities the audience faces.

“The speaker could then share the story of their expedition and identify key learnings and strategies gleaned from the experience, while pinpointing how participants could apply each specific strategy in their real world of work.”

From the speaker perspective, a priority req­ uirement for delivery of the right message is a comprehensive brief from the client, something not always forthcoming, says Carol Talbot.

“Often the idea to have a motivational speaker is last minute, when the meeting or conference agenda is complete and there is a gap,” she says. “Good motivational speakers will request a thorough brief from their clients to enable them to tailor their presentation to meet the clients’ objectives, connect at the audience level, understand the corporate culture and language and incorporate key messages that the client would like to get across.”

In the real world, however, Talbot says arrangements do not always work to brief, citing an occasion when after several meetings with the client and a thorough brief, the stage was set for a 60-minute motivational session for 100-plus delegates. “Delegates arrived at 12.30pm for this lunchtime meeting and I was informed that the managing director would speak for probably less than 15 minutes. Two and half hours later, he was still speaking and by that time the main motivation for the group was the idea of lunch,” she says, emphasising the lesson that flexibility is an absolute ‘must have’ for any speaker.

Reviving the audience Three of the top 10 trends cited in a recent Benchmark Hospitality survey were customised meeting packages, the revival of team building and creative and healthy culinary options for meals and refreshment breaks.

Canny venue operators, most particularly hotels and resorts, are ahead of the game, with W Hotels for instance offering mood lighting, upbeat music, aromas and innovative set ups, as well as special menus including breakout energisers and local specialities. In addition, the group offers on-site events to complement a conference programme ranging from selfmake sushi and karaoke breaks to a spa-ception, professional barbarcue challenge or video gaming with Kinect for Xbox 360.

At Radisson Blu hotels, the latest offering is Brain Food, devised by nutritionists to keep blood sugar constant, stress levels low and aid concentration. In addition, some hotels are now featuring the Brain Box, a breakout room with flexible furniture layout and plexi-glass walls which can be written on.

According to Francois Galoisy, general manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel Media City in Dubai, the new concepts have received positive feedback. “We invited our top clients and bookers to the hotel and everyone that attended the event loved the idea of the Brain Box, the fact that it’s a more ‘chilled out’ alternative to the traditional break-out room.

“Fun elements were also key, the wii as an option to play and ‘exercise’ was popular as was the fresh and tasty food. We expect to see elements like Brain Food and Brain Box to become staples within our meetings packages over the next few months.”

Time and motion Another issue that exercises those who specialise in event management is the running schedule of any event and the need to offer alternatives to the classic keynote celebrity kick-off to the conference, traditionally favoured in corporate circles.

“If you have invested time and money in securing a well-known speaker, you want maximum return on investment from people in the room,” says Kirstie Hepburn. “In the past few years, I have noticed a real drop in attention spans – blame it on the smart phone – and you also need to remember to leave time for Q&As, otherwise the audience leaves feeling very frustrated.”

Other considerations are the timing of these keynote/inspirational sessions and here she recommends a heavyweight presenter to overcome the late afternoon conference slump, as well as short, sharp keynotes interspersed through the day if possible.

JLA’s Lee has another suggestion – to halve the length of the average business forum.

Jeremy Lee

Moving the goal posts A good speaker will avoid the packaged presentation and adapt to suit the client requirements, according to Tina Schneidermann.

“I recently worked with Stephen Bungay and, over two days, he was able to change the programme to allow for more time on a point that was particularly important to the group and, as a consequence, also ended up working with them over dinner and well into the night.

“He has the experience and energy to sense that this point needed more time and could, within a few minutes, adapt the rest of the programme to ensure the objectives for the session would still be met.”

Above: Brain Food by Radisson Blu

Tina Schneidermann

“A conference can be twice the length of a Wagner opera and this should be the subject of a rethink,” he says. “Keep in the outside talent as they are the professionals, offering a breath of fresh air, but look at the internal speakers – management from marketing, sales, operations and finance might not be natural on-stage performers and could be best used with a moderator who can ‘interview’ them to bring out the salient points of any presentation.”

While this might work in terms of audience attention, conference programme specialist, Tina Schneidermann, director of TS Event Services, cautions that the focus of the meeting should never be forgotten.

“It can be useful to have several speakers or one speaker in different short sessions, although this is not always practical,” she says. “However, it’s important that the event owner and the team has the opportunity to demonstrate that it is their meeting and that they are espousing and driving the message throughout.” / 45

ANALYSIS / Motivational speakers

Doha GOALS www.dohagoals.com

Values II: The Next Generation, Doha GOALS Forum 2012

There is a mood to use people from the region and the standard motivational speech has defaulted to the local speaker since audiences can relate more to this. They feel less connection with international speakers. _ Tom Kenyon Slaney, London Speaker Bureau

Going local While most professionals are united in the view that motivational speaking is a sector that crosses geographical boundaries, one element that comes in to play for clients in the Arabian Gulf is the distance-money equation.

It is a fact of the conference life that the majority of speakers are English speakers, tend to hail from the US or the UK and most likely male.

The second fact adds in expense – airline flights, hotel accommodation and the length of time required by the speaker to make a meaningful contribution to an event.

“Travel can really increase the costs,” confirms Kirstie Hepburn, “and the budget never goes as far as you think it will.” A solution comes with the inclusion of more local content, according to the London Speaker Bureau’s Tom Kenyon Slaney, who established the Middle East Speaker Bureau (MESB) two years ago as the region’s first international set-up.

“While we do still bring in more speakers from the international markets, there are financial reasons to stay local in terms of costs, travel and accommodation,” he says.

“There is no doubt the market is growing and there is a need to be on the ground to capitalise on this potential,” he says. “Setting up in the region was a two-way thing, both to secure clients and bring in international speakers, but also to develop a portfolio of Gulf speakers.” Speakers on the books range from entrepreneur Mishal Kanoo to the first female Emirati film director Nayla Al Khaja and Kenyon Slaney says there is interest in these types of speakers both from the region and also overseas.

“There is a mood to use people from the region and the standard motivational speech has defaulted to the local speaker since audiences can relate more to this. They feel less connection with international speakers.”

Overall, he reports a demand for ‘nuts and bolts’ rather than the ‘frothy stuff’.

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Contacts: www.londonspeakerbureau.com (Tom Kenyon Slaney) www.jla.co.uk (Jeremy Lee) www.techsavvyglobal.com (Scott Steinberg) www.executiveoasis.com (Anne Thornley-Brown) www.strategicsolutionsoline.com (Susan Furness) www.ts-eventservices.com (Tina Schneidermann) www.matrix-training.com (Carol Talbot) www.richardattiasassociates.com (Kirstie Hepburn) Above: Doha GOALS Forum Below right: Brett Shuttleworth launched his services in the Middle East in 2012. His Corporate Training Portfolio includes a powerful one day event incorporating the Japanese martial art of Hojo (sword fighting) to potential the human element within organizations

Tom Kenyon Slaney

“Previously the name was the game, particularly in Dubai where big celebrities were routinely brought in for any event, but while audiences still do like a big guru and names such as global economists, there is more focus on training, standards and anything to do with developing a SME entrepreneurial culture.”

Of interest as topics for discussion, Kenyon Slaney says social media was ‘huge’ in the wake of the Arab Spring, while the top five subjects for MESB event content were economics (38 percent); motivation (16 percent); innovation (12 percent); sport and technology (10 percent each).

Long-term, Kenyon Slaney says he expects to see more locals in the meetings sector, both as speakers and organisers.

“The market is huge and, while more than 40 percent of the events we worked on last year were in Dubai, other growth markets include Abu Dhabi, Doha and, of course, Saudi Arabia.”

venue profile / the Ritz-Carlton abu dhabi, grand canal

Abu Dhabi’s new Venetian venue

The Ritz-Carlton’s largest ever property wows with materials, attention to detail and views

Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens with its own private beach overlooking the Grand Canal, the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal features 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 villas. Its dramatic architecture is inspired by 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the unique urban planning of the city of Venice.

This latest addition to The Ritz-Carlton portfolio is its 81st hotel worldwide, and the group’s ninth in the Middle East region. It is the third largest The RitzCarlton in the world, and largest in terms of built area, with some 102 separate buildings on the 57 acre site.

This waterfront resort comprises ten main stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, completed with artfully designed water features and manicured gardens spread throughout the 230,670 square meter property.

According to PR Director, Lynn Gervais, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is ideal for high-level conferences and meetings.

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There are 2,182 square meters of flexible space, including the magnificent 1,550 square meter Roma Ballroom, and 14 meeting rooms.

The lobby-level Roma ballroom is divisible by three, and can host events for up to 1,000 people. It forms the key element of the conference, meetings and events area, which includes a business centre, internet lounges, prayer rooms and a bridal suite, and features a 600 square meter pre-function area.

The lobby level also features five meeting rooms, ranging from 20 square metres to 85.

Upstairs, on level one, the four Napoli rooms offer 27 and 30 square metre spaces to suit all requirements, along with a 155 square metre con-

ference room, which can house 130 people in theatre style, 70 in a classroom style or 66 in a U-shaped meeting.

The upper level meeting suites – Firenze – come in two sizes, three are 37 square metres; one is 27 square metres.

On top of this, for a large scale event in the cooler months, the stunning 14,450 square metre pool garden offers enough space to host an event for 5,000 people, or a banquet for up to 3,000 people.

The pool garden includes a number of olive trees imported from Spain, Australian grass, ornamental shrubs, flowering trees, and water features.

There is also a 7,000 square metre ‘grand lawn’ which can host functions for 500 people, or a banquet for 300.

Business guests will appreciate The RitzCarlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key, offering five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day with a dedicated concierge service.

Guests can enjoy the 2,000 square meter stand-alone spa catering to men and women with 15 private treatment rooms as well as a private beach and outdoor plunge pools.

A fitness centre offers state-of-the-art equipment, a studio for group or private fitness classes, and personal trainers on request.

A major scene-stealer is the 1,600 square meter outdoor swimming pool that accentuates the stunning landscape of the hotel.

There are ten dining outlets. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Giornotte, features a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens; The Forge steak house offers specialty cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting.

Roma Ballroom

Property Features & Amenities • Business

37,210

square metres total of marbled area in the hotel

Centre offering services including secretarial assistance, printing, copying, binding, internet, fax, mailing and courier services.

• Wireless high speed internet service available at a supplement in all rooms and public areas, with complimentary access available in the Club Level Lounge.

• Separate Prayer Rooms for ladies and gentlemen.

• Sandy beach with lifeguard supervision

• Pool with lifeguard supervision • Espa Spa including a

steam room, a hammam, a hair & beauty salon and 15 treatment rooms • Health Club open 24 hours a day • Ritz Kids Club for children aged 4 to 12, and babysitting services • Shops including Rivoli • Currency exchange available 24 hours.

• Complimentary valet parking available 24 hours a day.

• Rental car services

Middle Eastern restaurant Mijana showcases the best regional cooking, while Asian restaurant Li Jiang whets the appetite for all things spicy, authentic and Oriental, with a focus on dim sum.

The property’s three signature restaurants are designed by internationally-renowned interior design firm, Super Potato, and integrate recycled and regionally-sourced materials, such as the clear tempered glass, mud wall, black granite stone and antique teak used in Li Jiang. For those who enjoy a more casual experience, there is Dolce, a coffee and gelato shop, an outdoor restaurant, Al Fresco; two poolside bars, a lobby lounge and a bar.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Manta, PO box 91888, Tel 02 818 8888, Fax 02 818 88088, ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi / 49

case study / oman

Pedal power

Stage 3 Arrival. Image by Tim de Waele/Corbis

As the official hotel partner for the Tour of Oman, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa shows its strength in handling high-profile sporting occasions and is seizing the moment to lure even more prestigious meetings and events

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The Tour of Oman’s 18 teams: Australia ORICA – GreenEDGE Belgium Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team China Champion System Pro Cycling Team Denmark Team Saxo – Tinkoff France AG2R La Mondiale FDJ Germany Team NetApp - Endura Ireland Bardiani Valvole – CSF Inox

Bringing the world’s top cyclists to Muscat, the fourth edition of the Tour of Oman took place from February 11 to 16 and Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa was once again the choice venue for all those involved. The resort welcomed around 400 guests per day during the eight-day event, including big name participants, members of the organising committee and their support teams. Pulling out all the stops to cater to the group’s unique requirements, tailor-made buffet meals for the athletes, an extensive space to be used as a bike workshop and a dedicated press room were among the special services provided.

“The resort provides the perfect base for sportspeople with a variety of facilities and services available in the 125,000-acre complex, including: two fully equipped gymnasiums; CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La village; the football stadium-sized Al Midan Amphitheatre; and a flexible culinary team that can cater to different dietary requests. Additionally, the three hotels within the resort allow for privacy for separate groups and teams,” said Matthias Emperhoff, Director of Events Management, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. “One of the highlights this year was the cocktail reception hosted by the resort, which was attended by the top cyclists, the organising committee of Tour de France and the city government of Muscat. HE Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, Head of Muscat Municipality and organiser of the Tour of Oman, was the guest of honour for the evening. He expressed excitement over this year’s race and its combination with the Muscat cultural and heritage festival.”

Won this year by Britain's Chris Froome, the tour challenges riders to a 938.5-kilometre, six-stage course over varied terrain, including an awe-inspiring climb up the Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) at the close of the fourth stage.

HE Al Harthi, said: "February in Oman is no longer known just for its glorious warm temperatures, but also for the Tour of Oman.

Though young, celebrating its fourth year in 2013, it is already seen as a critical pre-season race.

That such a recent addition to the international professional cycling calendar should already attract many of the greatest names, such as Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Alberto Contador, Cadel Evans, Philippe Gilbert, Vincenzo Nivali, Joaquim Rodriguez, Peter Velits and Bradley Wiggins, is a huge source of pride. It is also testament to the ideal racing conditions offered

by Oman’s landscape and weather and to our country’s determination to invest in its youth."

Italy Cannondale Japan Team Japan Kazakhstan Astana Pro Team Luxembourg Radioshack - Leopard Russia Katusha Team Switzerland IAM Cycling The Netherlands Team Argos – Shimano Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team United Kingdom Sky Procycling USA BMC Racing Team

Main: Tour of Oman, February, 2013 Above: Al Midan Amphitheatre Left: The resort's lazy river

Matthias Emperhoff

/ 51

case study / oman

Riding the sporting wave, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has recently announced that it will host the International Sailing Federation annual conference in November. The seven-day conference is expected to lure 300 attendees.

Emperhoff says: “The tremendous amount of media coverage we gather before and during the course of the events has a significant contribution in bringing in more MICE business.”

Looking to the future It is a peak time for Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, with half its overall business in February coming from meetings, events, conferences and incentives. This is a huge achievement for the resort, which usually records an annual average of 30 percent of overall business to the sector.

“As Oman is so accessible, it is a particularly attractive destination for meetings and incentives, although team building is popular too,” said Emperhoff.

“Around half our corporate business comes from the GCC, while the other half arrives from Europe. We have a clear strategy for increasing our MICE business in 2013, starting with Saudi Arabia – a market we are extremely keen to tap.

“We face various challenges, however, as Oman has not yet received approved visa status for visitors from Russia and China, both important source markets for us with huge potential. We hope that the application of visas from these emerging markets will become easier in future.”

The resort has translated its website into simplified Chinese, Japanese and Russian, as well as Arabic, in order to help make information more accessible to visitors from these regions. Closer to home, it is looking to the GCC – Dubai and Abu

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Need to know Set in 124 acres (it takes two hours to complete a full site inspection) Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is home to three hotels. The largest, Al Waha, is a dedicated family hotel with 262 guest rooms.

Al Bandar, the resort's focal point, features seven food and beverage outlets and 11 meeting rooms, as well as the Barr Al Jissah Ballroom measuring 1,056 square metres and providing banquet-style seating for up to 700 people.

The hotel has 198 sea-facing guest rooms.

Al Husn Hotel offers Shangri-La's highest level of service, amenities and privileges and boasts a 100-metre beach. It has 180 rooms. The three hotels share 21 restaurants offering a mix of dining options.

Meeting facilities: The pillarless 1,008-squaremetre Barr Al Jissah Ballroom can accommodate up to 850 guests for conferences or cocktail receptions. There are also seven additional meeting rooms.

Outdoor reception areas: Usually used for musical, theatre and cultural displays, the Al Midan Amphitheatre provides a dramatic venue for corporate functions. It can seat 1,200 banquet-style with a stage and dance floor.

Top incentives: The coastline is ideal for water sports, as well as diving, deep-sea fishing and dolphin- and whale-watching trips, which are available from the resort’s dive centre and marina.

The on-site Omani Heritage Village provides a first-hand glimpse of a traditional, rural lifestyle.

Visitors can see local artisans at work, demonstrating the techniques of traditional crafts, including khanjar making, silver making, weaving, basketry, henna tattoo decoration and pottery. There’s also a souk and an art gallery within the resort.

Location: The resort is around a 45-minute drive (40km) from Muscat International Airport and just 20 minutes from downtown Muscat.

Tel: +968 2 4776666 Web: www.shangri-la.com/muscat/

Above: Water sports Below: Al Husn infinity pool

Dhabi, in particular – for more corporate bookings, but believes a lack of infrastructure makes it harder for Oman to attract big business.

“The suppliers are limited here,” says Emperhoff. “While it’s not ideal, we usually bring them in from Dubai as, currently, there is not enough demand for suppliers to set up here full time. Still, we are carving out a niche for ourselves as many cosmetics, pharmaceutical, automotive, insurance and food companies book events with us, typically bringing in up to 400 people for three or four days at a time.”

ANALYSIS / RACING INCENTIVES

On the fast track

High-performance cars, five-star hospitality, pit-stop catering and unique team-building options are making the Middle East’s motorsports venues a drawcard for regional and international event planners. Sarah McCay takes a closer look at what the region’s circuits have to offer

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Left: Yas Marina Circuit

In the pits Event planners looking for a truly unique motorsports venue can take advantage of the 36 Paddock Garages at the Yas Marina Circuit. Available for hire individually or all together, the garages are an ideal venue for on-track activities and general events such as buffet dinners, seminars and branded display areas.

• Divided into the main pit garages and the support pit garages • The garages can be transformed into presentation areas or banqueting suites • The main pit garages are air-conditioned and feature an invisible AC curtain, designed to prevent cool air escaping when the pit door is open

Below: Yas Marina Paddock Bottom: Felipe Massa autographing memorabilia

International motorsport has been big business in the Middle East for nearly a decade, ever since the first regional Formula 1 took off from the Bahrain International Circuit in 2004. Since then, the fast cars and stylish venues that have made the Middle East a hub for international racing aficionados have proved alluring for event planners looking for a venue with a difference.

When the Yas Marina Circuit opened in Abu Dhabi in 2009, marking the arrival of a second Grand Prix in the region, the Middle East was firmly established as a main player in the racing industry.

In 2009, the region had the honour of hosting the final race of the FIA Formula 1 series with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. This was followed by the opening round of the 2010 FIA Formula 1 series returning to the region for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in March 2010.

Corporate event planners and destination management companies (DMCs) have been quick to see the value of racing circuits as unique venues for combining business meetings with team building and incentive activities.

“The fact that Abu Dhabi is internationally recognised as a top motorssport venue, with its hosting of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the last few years, attracts the attention of corporate clients and groups from around the world. The facilities are excellent and offer opportunities to create various types of activities around motor sport in general. Obviously, automotive and the related industries are always keen to offer experiences specifically catered around their own fields,” says Luc Delcomminette, Vice President, Arabian Adventures.

The fact that Abu Dhabi is internationally recognised as a top motorsports venue, with its hosting of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the last few years, attracts the attention of corporate clients and groups from around the world _ Luc Delcomminette, Vice President, Arabian Adventures / 55

ANALYSIS / RACING INCENTIVES

We offer a meeting space with a twist so it takes delegates out of the ordinary hotel meeting room to something really different and gives business a fresh touch _ Asli Plail, MICE Product Manager, Yas Marina Circuit

Business first Venues such as the Yas Marina Circuit attribute most of their off-season business to the corporate arena. Yas Marina Circuit boasts a number of distinctive venues that can host groups ranging in size from two to 800, including the 1,200-square-metre Media Centre, which is used for large-scale events such as press conferences, symposiums, receptions and banquets.

Closer to the track, the Yas Paddock Suites provide large indoor, open and rooftop areas and are suited to conference breakout areas, exhibitions and gala dinners. Overlooking the Yas Marina on one side and the pit buildings on the other are the 18 Paddock Team Villas.

These three-storey villas are ideal locations for VIP hosting or smaller private functions with a difference. The Paddock Garages provide a unique venue for corporates looking to drive business. They are offered furnished or unfurnished. Alternative venues include the Yas Racing School, which is equipped with meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor lounge areas and a fleet of racing vehicles.

“We offer a meeting space with a twist so it takes delegates out of the ordinary hotel meeting room to something really different, giving business a fresh touch. While holding a corporate meeting you have the marina on one side and the circuit on the other. Plus, we are on an island, so we don’t lose any delegates to shopping,” says Asli Plail, MICE Product Manager, Yas Marina Circuit.

“Most of our business comes from the corporate world, about 80 to 90 percent. We are popular with the domestic market and the regional GCC market. Some segments, such as gala dinners and networking events, are moving here,” Plail adds.

Yas Marina Circuit joined ICCA in January 2013. The venue is also a member of MPI and is working with regional industry leaders to put together a local chapter. From a promotional perspective, Plail and her team attend IMEX, EIBTM, CIBTM and GIBTM, as well as conducting regular international roadshows.

For the 2013 edition of GIBTM, Yas Marina Circuit is to hold a hosted buyer event for 250, with delegates being treated to a track tour before visiting the five-star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel for lunch. In 2010, the track was used to host the GIBTM gala dinner for 1,000 hosted buyers.

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GIBTM Hosted Buyers hit the track At this year’s GIBTM, there will be an event for hosted buyers at Yas Marina Circuit on Wednesday 27 March 2013. The schedule is as follows: 1pm to 1:15pm Depart from ADNEC. 2pm - Coaches to arrive at Yas Marina Circuit.

The group will be joined by guides from the circuit and Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, ready to present the different options available for meetings, incentives, conferences and events including the Media Centre, Paddock Club and karting, plus more.

2.30pm - A networking lunch will be served in Nautilus Seafood Restaurant in the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel. A selection of suppliers will be represented including du Forum, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Links, Azure and, of course, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. Hosted buyers will be able to ask a question in exchange for a small gift from the venue.

3.30pm – Departure to ADNEC

Other large-scale events held at the Yas Marina Circuit include the 2011 World Economic Forum summit for 800 delegates. The circuit has also hosted the United Nations’ Global Alliance for ICT and Development Forum, National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s Global Financial Market Workshop and the Worldwide Staff Conference of Etihad Airways.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which hosts the annual Bahrain Grand Prix in March or April of each year, also offers a unique portfolio of meeting venues.

Its Al-Sakhi Tower offers an unparalleled view of the entire circuit and can accommodate 20 to 30 people, while the Oasis Complex, which overlooks the action on the desert track section, can accommodate up to 100 people. Corporate and social entertainment events can also be held in the various hospitality lounges all offering exclusive views of the track.

BIC offers state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and electronics and high-tech infrastructure associated with Formula 1 events. Whether you want to take a new car for a test drive, put the latest tyres through their paces, shoot a TV commercial or cater for any other corporate need, BIC claims to have the venue.

Also in Abu Dhabi, the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City offers a multi-sport venue spread over 400 acres. It offers a range of indoor and outdoor banqueting, meeting and events facilities. Its ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests, the outdoor amphitheatre can take 1,000 guests, while multipurpose meeting and training rooms equipped with the latest technical facilities provide smaller spaces for corporate meetings.

On-track activities Yas Marina Circuit also offers a number of ontrack experiences. Full- and half-day driving programmes include the Yas Premium Package for groups of up to 50, which includes personalised instruction and briefings from a Yas Racing School instructor, team-based activities at the Yas Racing School, Yas Kartzone, South Circuit and Vehicle Dynamics Area, a team buffet lunch, personalised assessments and an end-of-day awards ceremony.

Similar venues across the region also offer a race-day experience or team-building events. Dubai Autodrome is available throughout the year for exclusive hire, offering a one-of-a-kind facility that guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience. The venue can cater for a wide range of events for 10 to 15,000 people.

The circuit, which contains six different configurations, is designed to allow three circuits to operate simultaneously, safely and independently from each other. The result presents circuit users with unparalleled options.

“Driving on a race track is a unique experience for guests, especially in Dubai. We offer excellent, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors and can offer five-star hotel-style facilities for the corporate meeting and gathering with the backdrop of the track. After lunch, guests can hit the track” says Anthony Prophet, Race and Drive, Corporate and Group Event Enquiries, Dubai Autodrome.

Teambuilding

Left: Bahrain International Circuit Above right: Audi R8, Dubai Autodrome Below: Dubai Autodrome single-seaters

Dubai Autodrome’s teambuilder programme has been specifically designed to motivate and energise teams. The half-day itinerary means that the event is an ideal complement to a meeting or conference.

Sample itnerary: 12.45pm to 1.15pm ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION Guests are separated into teams and introduced to their team leaders who will look after them throughout the day.

1.15pm to 1.30pm WELCOME BRIEFING A Dubai Autodrome instructor explains the programme for the day, as well as covering the essential safety requirements.

1.30pm to 4.45pm START YOUR ENGINES Guests are escorted to the activity areas. Challenges include: the Autotest, where participants navigate an Audi TTS Turbo through a testing course; Pitstop Challenge, where teams perform a wheel change on an F1 car, against the clock; and Water Pressure, where teams are expected to transport a bucket of water through an obstacle course – the bucket is, naturally, on top of a car.

4.45pm to 5pm CHEQUERED FLAG The event comes to a close with trophies awarded to the best drivers, together with some fun awards for the participants.

/ 57

ANALYSIS / RACING INCENTIVES

In terms of team-building initiatives, incentive packages and corporate hospitality options, Dubai Autodrome has a full range of options from competitive karting and laser tag events up to world-class track driving experiences for small numbers or hundreds of guests.

Al Forsan’s Motor Sports Centre in Abu Dhabi is geared up to cater for both competitive and non-competitive track events. The 1.2 kilometre CIK-approved (Commission Internationale De Karting) professional circuit is designed and built to the highest standards.

The kart circuit is open all year round and can be hired for corporate events and teambuilding initiatives. Programmes on offer include endurance racing, Grand Prix racing, twin seat karts and 270cc senior hire karts.

Facilities include briefing rooms and support buildings, including air-conditioned pit bays, as well as a full-size paddock facility, vehicle wash bays and changing rooms.

The centre’s alternate-use circuit is used for autocross, Supermoto and teambuilding activities such as a blindfolded drive with passengers navigating the circuit.

BIC offers six separate track layouts, a test oval and drag strip, kart and paddock tracks.

Delegates can even experience off-roading at the Hummer Driving Academy and learn the techniques for navigation and desert survival.

Above: Yas Marina Circuit courtesy of Arabian Adventures Bottom: Karting at Dubai Autodrome

The DMC perspective

Luc Delcomminette

Quite often the perception is that these activities are more targeted towards males, but a lot of females really enjoy the challenge and thrill of motor sports _ Luc Delcomminette, Vice President, Arabian Adventures

58 /

DMCs and event management companies may have less than a decade of experience working with motor sports venues, but they have proved quick learners.

Arabian Adventures deals with a diverse range of clients including financial, pharmaceutical, insurance, retail and oil companies that request a range of events at motor sport venues.

“Group sizes and programmes are very diverse dependent on budget, time and the key objectives of the activity. Quite often the perception is that these activities are more targeted towards males, but a lot of females really enjoy the challenge and thrill of motor sports,” says Delcomminette.

Talking of the challenges, Delcomminette admits that safety is often the first concern.

“The challenges are typically associated with the fact that any motor sport involves speed and therefore associated risks. For Arabian Adventures, both the safety and comfort of our guests are paramount. Therefore, it is essential that detailed and careful planning is in place, with the organiser and the venue management, to not only cover the operational aspects of such events, but to also take into consideration necessary international safety standards and the protection of participants.”

Local DMC, The Vision, also has experience of working with motor sport venues across the region. “Motor sport venues, particularly international circuits, are a relatively new venue for GCC event planners. The first event we organised involving motor sport corporate challenges was in 2005 and I do admit it was ‘a jump in the sea’ as we had no experience or expectation on the result,” says Anwar Abu Monassar, Director of Operations, The Vision DMC.

ANALYSIS / RACING INCENTIVES

Left: Dubai Autodrome Bottom: biz-events' F1 challenge

“In recent years, new infrastructure has arisen that is capable of competing with global hot spots, making this an emerging niche segment within our planning and operations.”

Abu Monassar adds that such venues also offer back-stage opportunities for glamorous and exciting events. “They do offer many creative options in F&B for corporate dinners branded with different concepts,” he says.

The Vision has worked on a number of motor sports corporate events, with clients from the insurance, banking and automobile segments. “Motor sport corporate events are not yet a big share of our teambuilding activities, but they have been tested successfully,” Abu Monassar remarks.

Dubai-based DMC Impact Event & Destination Management also calls on the novelty factor for driving business at motor sports venues. According to Managing Director Alberto Giancarlo Cavallo, corporate event planners are now looking for venues that are a departure from the classic hotel meeting room.

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Anwar Abu Monassar

However, Cavallo says more options are needed. “Planners are always on the lookout for different venues – any new venue that is fresh and attracts their target group, but motor sport venues in the region are quite limited.”

Impact has worked on numerous events based at motorsport venues. “We have offered motor sport venues for events such as sales meetings, kick-off events, international car launches and various others. We have developed very successful concepts where the venue supported the company's strategic objective and key message, whether to accelerate business results or energise performance,” Cavallo explains.

Putting a unique spin on track-based activities, local company biz-events was called in to create a team-building event for all Formula 1 race-day volunteers ahead of last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Biz-events chose an event that brought to life work on the track with their Flat Out Formula 1 event. Designed to test the communication skills, collaboration and resourcefulness of the team, groups were charged with constructing an almost full scale Formula 1 racing car in kit form.

Working from detailed construction plans, each team had to turn a ‘flat-pack’ kit of materials into a cardboard driving machine and, at the same time, create human horsepower. The end result saw the volunteers taking to the track to race their vehicles.

From flat-packed racing cars to hotel-inspired corporate functions for thousands, racing circuits are pulling out all the stops to ensure a steady stream of corporate business during their offseason. The region’s DMCs and event planners are jostling for poll position to ensure their clients get the adrenalin-fuelled event they crave.

Oryx Rotana, where your time is of the essence… Always Spend your weekend, vacation or business trip at the fabulous Oryx Rotana, the newest 5 star business hotel in Doha. Oryx Rotana is a modern, high-tech hotel with a sky lit atrium that is complemented with water fountains and natural greeneries that are set to take your breath away. With the signature restaurants including the one and only “Jazz Club” with live entertainment and the exclusive beverages and Mediterranean Tapas “the Cellar”, Oryx Rotana offers a stay like no other in town.

So go ahead, make the most of your time in Doha.

WORLD T R AV E L AWARDS

2011 Qatar's Leading Business Hotel

For reservation and more information please call +974 4402 3333 or email to: res.oryx@rotana.com or visit www.rotana.com P.O. Box 29922, Doha, Qatar, T: +974 4402 3333, F: +974 4402 3300, oryx.hotel@rotana.com

rotana.com

Analysis / Exclusive meetings

Welcome to the club Exclusivity, luxury and bespoke service go hand-in-hand with hospitality in the Middle East. Happily, all are requirements for planners looking for a venue that offers just a little bit more. Sarah McCay reports on the rise of the exclusive club

Above: The Diplomatic Club, Qatar

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The region has been home to members’ clubs for more than half a century, but with the rise of five-star resorts and world-class dining options, exclusive clubs are raising their game and the meetings industry looks like rich pickings.

With membership lists that comprise the ‘who’s who’ of the region’s business, political and social circles, exclusive clubs provide an ideal environment for networking. Add to this, well-equipped and luxuriously appointed meeting rooms and you have the perfect location for mixing business with leisure. meetme rounds up the best exclusive clubs in the region.

The Diplomatic Club West Bay, Doha, Qatar Opened 12 years ago, The Diplomatic Club was built with the purpose of offering diplomats a sense of Qatari hospitality. Its architectural structure is inspired by Arabian palaces, decorated with Islamic patterns.

Over the years, The Diplomatic Club has hosted many high-profile events, including the opening dinner of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with more than 2,500 delegates. It was also selected to celebrate Qatar Airways’ annual gala dinner for 1,500 delegates.

Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, which opened in September 2011, is the first beach club on the island of Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. The 39,500-square-metre facility is part of the Monte-Carlo SBM collection of hotels and clubs in Monaco.

The club is open both to members and day guests.

Since its opening, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat has hosted both private and public events, from product launches, media events and weddings to commercial filming.

“We have hosted many prestigious events, including the British Airways (BA) 80th anniversary of flying to the Middle East. The club was transformed to include a fashion runway which showcased BA uniforms throughout the years,” explains Alexandra Lebon, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager. “We recently held the launch of the Citroen-Abu Dhabi team for the upcoming World Rally. It was a fantastic event that saw the venue turned into a car showroom with the race cars ‘floating’ above the pool and vintage cars filling the car park.”

Facilities The boardroom can hold up to 20 guests and features a 70-inch plasma screen and lectern. The club has two event lawns with the Bubbles Bar lawn able to accommodate up to 320 guests. All food and beverage outlets can be hired out for corporate events and meetings and for an extra special occasion, the entire club can be privatised.

Technology The venue offers high-speed Internet access, microphones, projectors, screens and video/CD players.

Member benefits Benefits for members include access to four food and beverage outlets, a gym and studio, kids’ club, spa treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, plunge pool and steam rooms.

Contact: montecarlobeachclub.ae

Facilities

TEL: +971 2 6563500

The Diplomatic Club features a wide range of meeting facilities, from the 960-square-metre ballroom to the library. All areas have natural daylight. Alternative venue options include the recently renovated Royal Tent. The 1,500square-metre tent can host up to 2,500 people for cocktails and 900 people for dinner.

Small groups can also dine on the water with the BBQ Donut, a floating food dinghy.

Seating up to eight people and featuring a specially installed barbecue grill, it comes complete with outboard engine.

The club also offers a number of purposebuilt pre-function outdoor spaces, as well as a private beach area and outdoor catering options.

Member benefits Corporate members benefit from access to the VIP arrival and departure lounges at Doha International Airport and preferential rates for meetings.

Contact: thediplomaticclub.com TEL: +974 4 484744

Top: The Diplomatic Club, Qatar Above: BBQ Donut at The Diplomatic Club, Qatar Right: Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Abu Dhabi / 63

Analysis / Exclusive meetings

World Trade Club 33rd Floor, Trade Centre Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai The World Trade Club was officially opened in 1989 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). “The World Trade Club serves the city as a premium business networking venue that is best suited for mid- to high-level executive meetings or social gatherings that require additional privacy and luxury,” says Mohammed Al Jumairi, Vice President – Hospitality, DWTC.

Facilities The World Trade Club offers eight meeting and dining rooms that can accommodate a wide range of business and social functions. Majlis, Mogul, Windsor, Club Room and Pearl all have their own distinctive style and ambience.

The club has a fine-dining restaurant, Seven Sands, which offers a contemporary international menu with subtle Asian and Arabic influences.

Below: World Trade Club, Dubai

The adjoining cocktail lounge, Falcon Lounge, includes a full service bar and wine cellar, as well as a separate cigar lounge.

Technology The Executive Boardroom features the latest audiovisual equipment, video conferencing facilities and e-connectivity.

Member benefits Members enjoy VIP access to shows and conferences at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), together with invites to exclusive World Trade Club member events and privileges at associated World Trade Clubs around the world.

DWTC organisers and exhibitors also enjoy access to the exclusive club rooms for private meetings, luncheons, receptions and dinners at special rates.

Contact: dwtc.com TEL: +971 4 3097979

Members enjoy VIP access to shows and conferences at DICEC, together with invites to exclusive World Trade Club member events and privileges at associated World Trade Clubs around the world

Above: The Diplomatic Club, Qatar Below: BBQ donut at The Diplomatic Club, Qatar

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Analysis / Exclusive meetings

Royal Island Beach Club Lebanon – The World, Dubai

2012

saw the first island, Lebanon, open on The World development in Dubai The Club – Abu Dhabi Mina Sadiyat, Abu Dhabi The Club was founded in 1962 by a group of expatriates at a time where there were few proper roads and buildings, and entertainment for expatriates was self-made.

“Private clubs are the perfect environment for a small meeting or business event. Members are among a familiar environment and the service is first-class and personable,” says Laura Dunn, Marketing and Communications Manager at The Club.

Facilities The meeting room has a capacity of between 12 and 15 in boardroom configuration. The main hall is suitable for a variety of events from a gala dinner to a large company meeting or training session. Capacity is 260 theatre-style or 200 for a round-table dinner.

The Waterfront Suite can accommodate up to 50 and The Deck, an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, can be used for drinks receptions and has a capacity of 100 standing.

The Club’s wharf can accommodate private groups of two to 30 guests, the lawn can accommodate drinks receptions for up to 200 guests and the Slipway Rooftop terrace has a capacity of 150. The Slipway Bar can accommodate up to 20 guests.

The beach at The Club has a capacity of 400 for dinner or drinks party for 1,000 and The Venue is a tarmac area suitable for a large-scale concert with a capacity of 3,000.

The dhow is used for private cruises with drinks and canapés for up to 30 guests and The Club also provides outside catering services. Meeting facilities, however, are only available to members.

Technology Projection, internet facilities, sound and light and a stage are all available.

Member benefits The Club has 4,500 members. Facilities include two beaches, a swimming pool, tennis, squash and badminton courts, sailing, scuba diving, dragon boating, a library and 13 bars and restaurants.

Contact: the-club.com TEL: +971 2 6731111 66 /

Royal Island Beach Club became the first island to open on The World in 2012. The island is reached via water taxi, Dubai Ferry from Jumeirah, or by private charter.

Royal Island Beach Club can cater for corporate events, team-building events and seminars. Since opening in 2012, it has hosted events for Google, Carlsberg and Du, to name a few.

Facilities With a total area of 39,000 square metres, Royal Island Beach Club can accommodate up to 500 people. A circular al fresco events area can host cocktail receptions for up to 250 guests. The club has eight private chalets, an international cuisine restaurant, a swimming pool and two beach areas.

Technology Internet is available on the island. Additional bandwidth can be arranged for up to 120 laptops for corporate events.

Member benefits Membership details are still being finalised.

Below and bottom: Royal Island Beach Club, Dubai

Contact: royalislandbeachclub.ae TEL: +971 4 3359088

Your agenda is our core experience.

MY PITCH / JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

MY PITCH

JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

With its large meeting space, artistic décor and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers brings the ‘wow’ factor to meetings, says General Manager Doris Greif

What type of meetings, events and conferences can you help me organise at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers?

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is home to one of the largest conference centres in Abu Dhabi and offers itself as a sanctuary of comfortable elegance, with the latest technological solutions to ease the demands of the modern business world.

Since opening in November 2011, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ Conference Centre has successfully staged major international events such as the official launch of the Sky News Arabia broadcasting service, a special presentation and promotional event highlighting the Range Rover 4, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Passenger Symposium and Abu Dhabi’s first World Luxury Fashion Week, to name a few.

Our forward calendar of corporate events is also busy with a number of international medical conferences and symposiums set to take place.

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I am looking for an event with a ‘wow’ factor – what can you offer that other venues in Abu Dhabi can’t?

We are passionate about supporting our clients and promoting our ‘Stay Different’ concept.

We do not simply host events, but help orchestrate ‘fine theatre’. The Mezzoon Ballroom alone can accommodate up to 1,400 guests in a conference setting or 1,000 guests for a sumptuous and individualised seated banquet dinner.

Given the size of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre, our strength is the ability to provide bespoke services and tailored settings.

No doubt a major ‘wow’ factor is our expansive pre-function area, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and providing a sweeping balcony from which the buzz of the lobby and striking design features of the main atrium can be appreciated. Luxury furnishings and interiors made from the world’s finest marble, crystal and other carefully selected materials form a tasteful backdrop for clients to add their own individual splash of colour.

Nothing is perhaps more breathtaking than the bespoke dome art instalment known as the Oculus in the pre-function area’s centre, featuring 12 tonnes of handcrafted Czech crystal and glass, 140 square metres of flat glass, more than 250,000 crystal components and 12,800 artistically hand-blown glass components, which took 12 weeks to install.

Another unique aspect offered to clients is The Observation Deck at 300, located on Level 74 which stands at 300 metres high. The luxury venue offers stunning sights with its 360-degree panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf and is available in the evenings for exclusive private events.

Doris Greif

Above left: Meeting room Opposite top right: Chairman’s suite Opposite bottom: The Mezzoon

FAST FACTS Opened: November 1, 2011 Location: West Corniche, Abu Dhabi Accommodation: 382 guest rooms and suites located between Levels 27 to 60 each with luxurious contemporary décor and furnishings. All rooms offer stunning sea views and range from 40 square metres to 60 square metres in floor area. Amenities include complimentary WiFi connectivity, a Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities.

What technology and creative input can your hotel offer?

The Mezzoon Ballroom provides state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment with AV experts on hand to assist organisers both in the planning stages and during the event. We have partnered with the American Swank organisation, an international leader in event AV operations, which has a permanent presence at the property and is available to provide professional technical support, for peace of mind.

With regards to logistics, a special service elevator with the capacity to lift cars is also available, offering direct access to the ballroom. We provide creative input for designing the event spaces during the on-site consultation process. Clients can have access to a visual mock-up plan of how their event space would look like.

Similarly, we also provide clients with a visual concept of banqueting options with a full menu of food and beverage choices made available on iPads for perusal.

The hire of the Mezzoon Ballroom automatically provides event organisers with a dedicated planning office, where we assist in carefully choreographing each event. Our director of conference and events Rebecca Nachanakian, brings extensive luxury hotel conferencing experience.

Meeting facilities: The Conference Centre on Podium 4 is among the largest in Abu Dhabi and features 13 meeting rooms ranging from 42 square metres to 575 square metres. The Mezzoon Ballroom spans 1,900 square metres and can be divided into four separate sections and comfortably accommodate up to 1,400 guests for a conference.

Leisure facilities: Six P Gym is equipped with TechnoGym equipment and is located on Podium Level 3M, next to Talise Spa. The private beach, pools and poolside areas provide a relaxing space for enjoying the sun and views of the Arabian Gulf.

Some of my delegates will bring their families along.

What facilities and activities can the hotel offer?

While remaining predominately a business hotel in the heart of the UAE’s capital, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is unique in that we offer a private beach on the Arabian Gulf. Our three pools, Talise Spa and Six P Gym also provide superb recreational facilities, while Abu Dhabi’s adjoining high-end luxury brand shopping experience, Avenue at Etihad Towers, is conveniently directly accessed from the hotel for moments of retail therapy.

What meeting packages can you offer for group business?

For larger groups and events, a bespoke approach is taken. However, the hotel has prepared a selection of packages with business individuals, groups and corporations in mind. Extensive details about Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ Business First Package and Daily Delegate Rate Offer are available at the website jumeirah.com.

Long story short, tell me why Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is the venue for me?

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ spacious and elegant Conference Centre, with its state-of-the-art technology and highly crafted interiors, allows for individualised flair and peace of mind with a professional team readily available throughout to support event organisers. We are passionate about events. Thankfully, clients and the industry also appreciate our work. We recently received accolades such as World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel and UAE’s Leading Hotel during the World Travel Awards 2012. We were also named 2012 Overall Best Business Hotel in the Middle East by Business Traveller Middle East magazine.

If clients are looking for a venue and support team that allows for a bespoke approach and an opportunity to host a memorable event, then Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre is the answer.

Contact: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers PO Box 111929, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 8115555 Email: jadinfo@jumeirah.com

I am considering organising a meeting that involves a memorable culinary experience. Any suggestions?

Our executive chef Loughlin Druhan, along with supporting executive chef Nidal Daou, brings vast culinary expertise to provide a memorable gourmet experience. Together they have a passion, dedication and flair for taking much-loved traditional flavours and techniques and infusing them with modern influences, imagination, combinations and style.

Seven state-of-the-art production kitchens are the heart of the operation, located on the same level as the Conference Centre and Mezzoon Ballroom, to ensure the quality and integrity of each dish. A myriad of flavours from the Middle East, Spain, France, Italy, Asia-Pacific and Morocco, to name just a few, form the basis for smart business lunches, inspiring coffee breaks and innovative, hard to forget dinner banquets. / 69

comment

The real meaning of value Delivering consistent quality of service is one of the trademarks of AIPC-certified convention centres, writes AIPC President Edgar Hirt When value is the key issue, customers need a reference point to ensure they’re getting the most for their money. In today’s meetings industry, the value benchmark takes many different forms.

Cost is certainly a factor, but so are quality, consistency, creativity and imagination. All these factors contribute to the overall event experience.

Today, convention centres are focused on balancing various criteria: consistent quality on one hand, and innovation and flexibility on the other. How will an event organiser know which centres embrace these principles? The first clue is to look for the AIPC logo.

Membership of AIPC means that a site is committed to excellence in centre management and has invested in making that commitment through linking up with like-minded venues worldwide.

This kind of exchange is absolutely critical for two reasons.

Firstly, because it is only by being aware of the full spectrum of possibilities that a centre can truly excel. Today’s meetings and conventions are increasingly complex and demanding, with formats that are constantly evolving. Being able to access the full range of experiences represented in more than 170 centres in 54 countries worldwide provides insights that are absolutely critical to understanding how to enhance an event in an ever-changing environment.

Secondly, AIPC members have access to services and resources that enable them to actually deliver on expectations in a practical, cost-effective and risk-free way. This includes the latest glimpse into clients’ needs as well as all the latest updates on research, education, technology insights and standards that have to become a part of their product.

The best method of sharing information about collective experience is via the AIPC global membership network.

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the advantages of sharing information far outweigh the potential risks to business

The real challenge is how to share that information effectively. The fact that a centre’s local and regional business is essentially exclusive, considering that national and international events are likely to be on a long rotation, means the advantages of sharing information far outweigh the potential risks to business from those that are considered competitors. The result is a strong tradition of information exchange that benefits everyone, including clients.

In today’s complex industry, no centre can exist in isolation. There is too much information and knowledge required to be able keep up on one’s own. Yet many have to, as there are generally very few such facilities in a single destination. The solution is to link up with colleagues around the world and the benefit is the extraordinary range of knowledge this can deliver.

AIPC members use this to their full advantage and are, therefore, the ones best positioned to deliver the expertise and flexibility demanded by today’s major events.

Ultimately, a successful event is one where everyone’s expectations are met or exceeded. Working together towards that objective will always produce the best results.

Edgar Hirt is Managing Director of Congress Center Hamburg and President of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), a pre-eminent international association of convention centres.

AIPC is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention-centre management. Its programmes are directed toward enhancing the profile and performance of its members and their purposebuilt facilities whose primary purpose is to accommodate and service meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

The AIPC is a global network of over 170 leading centres in 54 countries with the active involvement of more than 850 management-level professionals. For further information, please contact marianne.de.raay@aipc.org or visit www.aipc.org

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The show must go on…

Cathy Mead looks into the region’s entertainment industry – one which has truly come of age

As I commented in the last issue of meetme, the Middle East is a cultural melting pot. One area where the differences in culture become abundantly apparent is in the entertainment sector.

Entertainment is very subjective. In terms of events, you must position the offering to the target audience. We must also consider the demographic of the audience – the age, male to female mix, and genre. More importantly is to determine if it is all about the entertainment, part of an overall corporate event, or simply background music.

This region certainly has some cultural sensitivities, but probably not as many as you think. There have been several comedians appearing in various events in the past year alone, who could be considered a little ‘risky’; but they have been cleverly marketed to the right target audience.

We are currently planning an event in April for Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), where several hundred travel agents from the US will be attending an opening dinner. A high percentage have not been to the region before so the decision was made – ‘subtle, elegant, relaxed with a mix of Arabic entertainment.’

The venue is the events arena at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with that million dollar view of the Burj Al Arab – who wouldn’t want to have this iconic building as their backdrop?

Guests will be greeted by traditional Emirati ‘Ayallah’ stick dancers; there will be a sand artist telling the story of Dubai and how it came to be, followed by a live band playing Arabic-influenced background music. This is their first night and they will be tired; so the entertainment needs to be in keeping with the needs of the guest, while promoting the destination.

On many occasions, the entertainment aspect is not given as much thought as it should. It is often seen as an add-on, or there’s a “Shall we just play some background music?” attitude.

Many facets go into making an event successful. The venue, the catering, logistics, transport, and up there in the top five has to be, what was the entertainment? It can be one of those ‘make it or break it’ successes of any event. Some great entertainment 72 /

some things may not translate in this region. if in doubt then simply don’t do it companies based here can help you every step of the way, such as The Fridge and Sian Entertainment. In recent months, The Fridge has been putting on entertainment shows at the First Group Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, with much success.

You have companies like Done Events bringing globally renowned artists to the region. This is what gives us that good mix and balance, and shows the entertainment world globally that the Middle East can stage world-class events, regardless of how big or small the name is.

Entertainment companies look for that blend of local, cultural and global talent so they can offer choices similar to other major

cities around the world. It’s all subjective, and fantastic that we now have so much choice and for all ages!

The talent is out there. I predict we will see more and more local talent performing a wide genre of music. A question: is there anything from an entertainment point of view that we have not done?

We see more and more global artists coming to perform in the region – Beyonce, Madonna, the Eagles. Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Sting have all appeared on the social calendar and we too are welcoming all the ‘come back’ 80s bands that are hitting our venues - it has been a real eclectic mix with something for everyone!

Cirque du Soleil is another favorite, recently bringing its third show to the region, Dralion. It sold out so quickly in Dubai, the promoters had to offer several more dates, which also sold out. This is a great example of a very mixed audience experiencing a show that positions itself to suits all nationalities.

Some corporate companies will move their events around to suit what is coming up on the social calendar. They may go down the sponsorship route – like taking a corporate box at one of the big-ticket items such as the Dubai World Cup or the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.

The region is pushing the entertainment boundaries, while ‘seeking to understand, in order to be understood’.

Event organisers, promoters and planners must address: What can we do? What will work? Who is the audience? Can we make this work financially? What cultural sensitivities do we need to consider? What does this entertainment bring to the destination?

We are aware that on rare occasions some things may not translate in this region. My advice is if in doubt then simply don’t do it.

However, there are exciting times ahead and the entertainment being offered is getting better and better!

Cathy has over 20 years’ expertise in marketing, sales, events and change management. A former Director of the Board for the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) her experience includes senior roles in Dubai at Jumeirah, Raffles and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Following a successful career in the UK, Cathy is now md of i4detail.ae.

Contact: cathy@i4detail.ae

Destination Report / Saudi Arabia

the rise of the Kingdom

Fuelled by oil money and with a vision for diversification, Saudi Arabia is aiming to claim the ranks of the best destinations for meetings and events

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A vast and hugely wealthy country, Saudi Arabia stretches from the Red Sea in the west to the Arabian Gulf in the east, making it the largest of the seven countries on the Arabian Gulf. The country is bordered by Jordan and Iraq in the north, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE in the east, Oman in the southeast and Yemen in the south.

The discovery of massive oil reserves in the 1930s transformed the country, bringing economic prosperity that few of its people could have imagined.

Despite abundant oil wealth, the kingdom is mindful that in order to achieve sustainability, it needs to gradually diversify its economy and lessen its dependency on revenues generated by its hydrocarbon industry.

Developing the tourism industry – and in particular the meetings and business travel sector – as a vital source of domestic revenue features high up on the government’s list of priorities. As a result, the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) recently commissioned two studies that not only highlight the significance of the meetings and conventions industry, but also identify ways to maximise its potential.

The specific attention given to this sector is buoyed by financial dynamics, according to SCTA’s Abdullah Al Jehani, Vice-President for Marketing and Programs.

Quoting data from the Tourism Information and Research Center

us$2.32 billion total business tourism spend in 2011

Left: The Kingdom Tower, Riyadh Right: Kingdom Centre, Riyadh

SAUDI FAST FACTS Land area: 2.15 million square kilometres Local time: GMT + 3 hours Population: 26.5 million (as of July 2012 est.)

Capital: Riyadh Currency: Saudi riyal (US$1 = SAR3.75) Languages: Arabic, but English is widely spoken Peak season for meetings and incentive travel: Non-religious business and leisure travellers should avoid Ramadan and the Hajj season. October to May is considered the most comfortable time to visit when temperatures stay at below 30°C. Getting there: National carrier Saudia flies to 89 destinations worldwide from its hub in Jeddah while Gulf carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways also operate flights to destinations across the kingdom.

(SCTA’s statistical department), Al Jehani said total business tourism spend hit SAR8.6 billion (US$2.32 billion) in 2011, representing 3.2 million premium flights by both domestic and inbound business travellers.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is even more optimistic about its projections for the sector. In its Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2012 report, the council reveals that it expects business travel spending in Saudi Arabia to grow at an average of 5.1 percent per annum to reach SAR51 billion (US$14 billion) by 2022.

Paul Kennedy, Director and Owner of Kennedy Integrated Solutions Limited (KISL) and author of the SCTA-commissioned ‘Strategy and Action Plan for the Development of the MICE Market in Saudi Arabia’ report released in 2012, says there is huge potential for the kingdom’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry to thrive.

“A significant population, a commitment to develop the meetings and event infrastructure and the resources to do it should see Saudi Arabia become a recognised destination,” he says.

Another industry-specific report published in February 2013 by the World Bank takes stock of the kingdom’s economic and urban development programmes as crucial factors in fuelling growth in the exhibition and conference sector. “The meetings sector takes an essential rank in the kingdom’s tourism market. Excluding Hajj and Umrah trips and visits to Al Madinah, the expenditure of business trips represents 20 percent of the total tourism expenditure in Saudi Arabia,” the World Bank reveals.

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Destination Report / Saudi Arabia

Focus on business tourism Visitor numbers are expected to hit 88 million by 2020. Around 20 percent come for business, while the rest are leisure tourists and religious pilgrims.

According to Business Monitor International's Saudi Arabia Tourism Report Q1 2013, tourist arrivals are forecast to increase by seven percent to 17.3 million in 2013. The report also predicts the number of tourist arrivals to grow by an average of 8.5 percent a year through to 2017. The kingdom’s tourism industry is unique in that, despite tough visa regulations, it has strong growth potential.

It comes as no surprise then that Saudi Arabia is seeing unprecedented growth in hotel rooms to cope with the influx, with 317,000 keys predicted by the end of 2012, increasing to 424,000 by the end of 2016.

Meeting venues have also expanded. In total, Saudi Arabia lists around 500 potential meetings venues – a figure that is growing monthly – most of which are based in its main business cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Most often, hotel conference facilities are used to stage events, while dedicated exhibitions venues in the kingdom remain at a premium.

Catalyst for growth

In total, Saudi Arabia lists around 500 potential meetings venues – a figure that is growing monthly – most based in its main business cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam

us$17 generated by every US$1 invested in business tourism

Left: Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel Above: RICEC exterior

As the World Bank study mentions, business travel is a substantial force in the global economy representing nearly 25 percent of the worldwide travel and tourism demand. From a global macroeconomic perspective, business tourism holds valuable financial significance as every US$1 (SAR3.7) invested in this sector generates US$17 (SAR63) in trade.

“Business travel is, therefore, not only a crucial segment for international tourism growth, but also a catalyst for economic performance. It is based on face-to-face interaction and often referred to as the meetings industry, which yields a high turnover to an economy,” the report notes.

As it affects other tourism-related industries such as hotels, transportation, entertainment, catering, retail and business services, the meetings industry also contributes to the local economy in terms of greater profits and higher employment levels.

In Saudi Arabia, the government realises that there are huge benefits iexpanding the meetings industry in major cities across the kingdom. In conducting the study, the World Bank focused on the economic impact and prospects of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), the Dhahran International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) and the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Centre (JIECC).

Based on the data analysed, the three facilities represented a direct impact of SAR297 million (US$80 million) to the Saudi economy in 2010. Indirectly, the effect was higher at SAR327 million (US$88.30 million). / 77

Destination Report / Saudi Arabia

“Generally, the study illustrates that for every riyal (US$0.27) spent by an exhibitor, SAR475 (US$128) is generated. In addition, every event held needs more than 100 employees. These factors stimulate the national economy,” the bank reports.

Among the facilities evaluated, RICEC posted the largest domestic market share as it generated a direct economic impact of SAR158.1 million (US$43 million), followed by DIEC with SAR87.5 million (US$24 milion) and JIECC contributed SAR51.4 million (US$14 million).

World Bank analysts who conducted the study believe there is potential for Saudi Arabia to expand its meetings industry, given the country’s robust economy and commitment to develop national infrastructure. However, in order to capitalise on the industry’s economic prospects, there is a need to establish a Visitor Convention Bureau (VCB) in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to promoting the kingdom as a world-class meetings destination.

“Most VCBs around the world follow motivational regulations such as facilitation of visa procedures, reducing meetings restrictions and increasing the number of events during the whole year,” the report notes.

Above & Below: Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) 2012 at RICEC

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One step at a time

EVOLVING EVENTS INDUSTRY William O’Toole of Event Project Management System (EPMS) has been involved in designing events and festivals for some of Saudi Arabia’s government agencies and major companies. Since 2004, the events industry in the kingdom, he says, has witnessed tremendous growth and this is tied to the development of various sectors.

“Every sector in the country is on the move: transport, tourism, information and communications technology, banking and agriculture.

These are internal drivers to diversify the types of events,” he says.

O’Toole agrees that the creation of a Saudi Convention Bureau, or a one-stop shop for anything related to the meetings and events sector, will help develop industries and related events.

Asked what advice he can offer companies, event organisers and meeting planners looking to enter the Saudi market, he said patience and the ability to build relationships.

“In my experience, the country is based on trust.”

“It is a good idea to demonstrate your expertise and products in the country. Saudi companies and government agencies take a while to form a relationship with you.

Making quick conclusions without understanding the complexity behind decisions is a big mistake. First rule is to meet locals who you can work with and feel there is a common understanding,” he adds, reitering that Saudis are excellent business people and negotiators and they expect to develop a long-term relationship with their business partners.

SCTA’s Al Jehani confirms that the creation of a Saudi Convention Bureau (SCB) is currently being considered by the Saudi Council of Ministers and a decision is expected within 2013.

In the meantime, the commission is exerting efforts to promote the kingdom’s meetings industry through events such as the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh from March 31 to April 4 and the Saudi MICE Convention in Jeddah from November 3 to 5.

“The convention will put prime focus on the Saudi meetings industry and its role not only in the development of national economy, but also on a social level. Through this event, we also aim to increase the volume of investments in projects related to exhibitions and conferences,” Al Jehani says.

The creation of an SCB was also emphasised in a study conducted for SCTA in 2012

by KISL. According to the research, the establishment of such an agency should be taken as a matter of urgency if the kingdom wishes to compete on a regional scale.

“Establishing a national convention bureau is a statement of intention and commitment by the government, which is primarily about attracting inbound international conferences, events and exhibitions,” the report notes.

Acting as a representative body, convention bureaux carry the responsibility of creating and improving the brand image and value of a destination, which in Saudi Arabia’s case, will surely go a long way in developing (or changing) the world’s perception of the kingdom, the research adds.

The report also highlights the need for Saudi Arabia to review its current regulatory framework, which analysts at KISL believe stifles the sector’s growth, including its ability to create jobs and increase contribution to the country’s gross domestic product.

“I believe this is vital in positioning Saudi as an international destination for MICE. Most other countries only have regulations focusing on issues of personal and organisational health and safety. The current system in Saudi is, in my opinion, the major barrier to the development of a successful industry, which is based in part on inbound business, but also restricts domestic business,” says KISL’s Kennedy.

In order to compete, any destination needs to be accessible in all aspects from travel and facilities to ease of operation and minimal regulation, he adds. “If Saudi Arabia can get these conditions right, then clearly it will be able to successfully compete against other Gulf nations. At the current time, however, it is simpler for international companies to do business in other Gulf destinations.”

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Destination Report / Saudi Arabia

Paul Kennedy

Future outlook In the next five years, SCTA expects the kingdom’s venue capacity to increase by 50 percent following the building of a planned new convention centre in Jeddah and the entry of new hotels across the country.

Property management consultancy firm Jones Lang LaSalle estimates that the capital Riyadh's inventory of hotel rooms will steadily grow from 8,400 in 2012 to 15,026 in 2015. Hotel supply in Jeddah, meanwhile, will climb from 11,310 in 2012 to 13,249 in 2014 as investments in the hospitality sector pour in.

“Several investments in the hotels sector will definitely add value to Saudi’s venues inventory. On the other hand, wedding halls are spread out in Saudi Arabia and they occasionally function as meetings facilities. These halls can be upgraded to become official meeting venues,” says Al Jehani.

He says promotional activities will be one of SCTA’s undertakings as the agency seeks to spread the word about Saudi Arabia and its travel and tourism sector. “Our main goal is to develop a competent Saudi meetings industry in order to be able to create and host events of regional and international scale. This will be achieved by improving the regulatory environment in the country (including visas and licensing), the quality of meetings-related infrastructure and the professional skills’ set of employees in this field,” Al Jehani explains.

In the next few years, SCTA’s strategy will gradually shift towards contributing to developing a knowledgebased economy and creating meetings and events based on the needs of various sectors vital to Saudi Arabia’s economic expansion. “After four to five years, we aim to build and strengthen our relations with international associations so we can attract more global events to Saudi Arabia,” he says.

After four to five years, we aim to build and strengthen our relations with international associations so we can attract more global events to Saudi Arabia _ Abdullah Al Jehani, Vice-President for Marketing and Programs, SCTA

SAUDI’S HOTEL BOOM

Abdullah Al Jehani

The world’s hoteliers are looking to Saudi Arabia and 2012 was the year they signed up for what is seen as one of the world’s boom destinations, with significant interest across the price ranges. US hotel giant Wyndham Hotel Group signed an agreement with Saudi’s largest petrol station operator Sasco to develop 20 budget hotels under its Super 8 economy brand.

Shifting focus to the luxury segment, the 1,487-room Swissotel Makkah opened in July to become the kingdom’s largest hotel. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is set to open 11 hotels across the MENA region by the end of 2013: three of them in Saudi Arabia.

Top: RICEC auditorium Right: Swissotel Makkah Tea Lounge / 81

Destination Report / Saudi Arabia

IHG is the biggest hotelier in the world by rooms and its new 502-room Crowne Plaza Madinah in Saudi Arabia opened in 2012 offering some of the best meeting facilities in the city. By the end of 2013, IHG plans to open the 326-room Crowne Plaza Riyadh and the 283-room Holiday Inn Riyadh Meydan. It has also agreed to build two hotels in the King Abdullah Financial District of Riyadh, including the first Hotel Indigo in the Middle East.

While Makkah and Al Madinah remain the focus for Islamic pilgrims to the kingdom, the focal points for the meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions market are the capital Riyadh, Dammam in the east and Jeddah in the west.

For both business and leisure travellers, one of the most stunning new hotels is The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, an Arabian-designed masterpiece set in 52-acres of beautifully landscaped gardens sculpted using 600-year-old olive trees from Lebanon and set among water fountains. There is more than 5,800 square metres of conference space, incorporating two ballrooms, two theatres, a huge variety of meeting rooms, a delegate restaurant and a full business centre.

Hyatt Hotels has its seventh Hyatt-branded hotel under development in Saudi Arabia and its second in Riyadh. The Hyatt Regency Riyadh, due to open in the third quarter of 2013, will offer 257 guestrooms, including 37 suites with a lobby lounge, two restaurants, a Regency Club lounge, more than 550 square metres of event space and a number of small meeting rooms.

The new Park Hyatt Riyadh is expected to open in 2015, featuring 275 rooms alongside three restaurants, a lounge, ballroom and conference space and a spa. The Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa, which opened in 2009, will be complemented by the opening of the 240-room Hyatt Regency Jeddah in the second half of 2015, located in the city centre close to Tahliyah Square.

82 /

5,800

square metres of conference space at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

Above Left: Jeddah Above Right: Hyatt Regency Riyadh Right: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

The hotel will feature three restaurants, two lounges and 1,700 square metres of space for events and meetings, as well as a ballroom and spa.

The final addition to the Hyatt portfolio, currently in the pipeline, is the 400-room Grand Hyatt Jeddah, which is due to open early 2016 in the city centre, with 5,700 square metres of meeting and events space, as well as a spa, fitness centre and three restaurants.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is also working hard to place its stamp on the destination. The company has signed a long-term management agreement with the Al Hokair Group to open Four Points

by Sheraton Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Four Points by Sheraton Dhahran and Aloft Riyadh. The addition of these three new properties increases Starwood’s portfolio to 13 hotels in Saudi Arabia.

Scheduled to open in December 2013, the Four Points by Sheraton Mall of Arabia is in a prime location in Jeddah, less than three miles from the King Abdulaziz International Airport and just five miles from the old city. It will offer 300 spacious rooms, a business centre and more than 900 square metres of state-of-the-art conference space.

Marriott International, one of the biggest hotel groups in the world, is in the process of developing nine new properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Jubail. Its brands include The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments and Courtyard by Marriott.

Another exciting update for meeting planners is that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has been signed to manage a new 287-room luxury hotel and convention centre just north of Riyadh, scheduled to open in 2013.

The Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, will be part of a new mixed-use development project comprising the 287-room hotel, a 4,000-square-metre convention centre and commercial real-estate space that will house multinational corporations.

To find out more about the meetings industry in the kingdom, read the annual Meet Saudi Arabia guide at: www.meetinsaudiarabia.com

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destination report / kuala lumpur

Driving greatness forwards Kuala Lumpur, a leading Asian business hub, is embarking on a programme of improvement and rejuvenation as the government’s Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley (GKL/KV) plan gets underway.

Sarah McCay looks at what this will mean for the meetings industry in Malaysia’s capital

Kuala Lumpur is the 21st most popular city for meetings and conventions in the world, according to the 2011 ICCA rankings, and the fifth most popular city in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region, having held 78 meetings in the year.

However, the government’s Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley (GKL/KV) development is set to have a huge impact on the city’s meetings industry. The GKL/KV plan has been identified as a key economic driver under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which aims to morph Malaysia into a high-income economy by year 2020.

The goal of this project is to position the city as one of the top 20 most ‘liveable’ metropolises globally and top 20 in terms of economic growth.

As part of the plan, nine 'Entry Point Projects' have been established including a high-speed rail connection to Singapore, development of an integrated urban rail system, rejuvenating the area around the Klang River, which flows through the city, and creating a greener capital city.

The development of overhead pedestrian walkways is also part of the plan, with 42 kilometres of paths connecting retail 84 /

Kuala Lumpur's impressive skyline with the Petronas Towers illuminated

/ 85

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destination report / kuala lumpur

A busy 2012 should see Kuala Lumpur maintain its top five ICCA ranking, while increased business in the forward calendar secures the city’s hold as the business hub of Asia. and tourism attractions between Bukit Bintang and the convention precinct of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Phase one, a 142 metre elevated and air-conditioned walkway linking the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) to Impiana Hotel, has been completed.

A Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, covering 141 kilometre with three major routes serving a radius of 20 kilometres of the city centre, will increase connectivity to, from and within the city, and enhance flexibility to travel and conduct business.

The GKL/KV plan also aims to establish world-class attractions and iconic places, further underlining the city’s credentials as a meetings and incentives destination.

Calendar of events A busy 2012 should see Kuala Lumpur maintain its top five ICCA ranking, while increased business in the forward calendar secures the city’s hold as the business hub of Asia.

Last year saw KLCC host 1,442 events, (the highest number recorded since opening in mid-2005), a seven percent increase from the 1,346 held the previous year, and serve over 1.6 million delegates and visitors. In turn, this resulted in an economic impact contribution of RM590 million (US$190 million).

The largest convention ever hosted by the city was the 18th FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology & Obstetrics in 2006, attended by approximately 8,300 delegates. Since then, large-scale events have been commonplace in the city.

In 2012, two significant business events stood out on the Kuala Lumpur calendar.

The 25th World Gas Conference (WGC) 2012 was held at KLCC, gathering global gas and energy leaders from around the world and attracting a record-breaking number of delegates of 5,300 from 90 countries.

“Organised by the Malaysian Gas Union, and supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), it is an important milestone for Malaysia.

This is only the second time in the International Gas Union’s 80-year history that WGC was held in Asia, and for the first time in Southeast Asia,” says Ho Yoke Ping, general manager, sales and marketing, MyCEB.

Right: View from the Petronas Towers Below: The 25th World Gas Conference (WGC) 2012

Kuala Lumpur Fast Facts Land Area: 243 km2 Local time: Egypt + 6 hours, KSA + 5 hours, UAE + 4 hours Population: 1.6 million Languages: Malay, English Currency: Ringgit Malaysia (RM) US$1 = RM3.09 Peak season for meetings and incentives: Year round Getting there: Kuala Lumpur International Airport is one of Asia’s major aviation hubs. It is the home base of Malaysia Airlines, which flies to a number of destinations around the Middle East

/ 87

destination report / kuala lumpur

Also in 2012, world experts on lung health converged in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 43rd Union World Conference on Lung Health organised by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and supported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and MyCEB. It is the largest global annual meeting focusing on the issue of lung health with more than 2,600 delegates from 122 countries attending the conference last year.

On the KLCC calendar of events for 2013 are the 35th Asia Pacific Dental Congress (APDC 2013), 7th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2013) and the ‘Women Deliver’ Conference 2013.

By July 2013, the centre will have welcomed more than 20,000 delegates.

Malaysia continues to see strong exhibition growth.

According to the UFI Trade Fair in Asia 2011, the country recorded the third highest growth in the region for exhibition space sold.

“This can be attributed to Malaysia’s ability to differentiate itself with a very attractive value proposition, particularly on accommodation and exchange rates. This strong proposition is complemented by world-class services, an established industry supply chain and top-notch facilities,” said Peter Brokenshire, general manager of KLCC. Ping also points to the destination’s value for money as being a major draw card with planners.

“Malaysia is currently ranked as one of the best value destinations in the world, providing excellent ROI during tough economic conditions.

As a more affordable destination, Malaysia is attracting world record attendances, bucking the global trend,” she explains.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitive Index 2011, Malaysia is ranked the third most price-competitive country globally.

88 /

Driving business Harley Davidson enthusiasts will be setting their GPS to Kuala Lumpur this September as the city plays host to ‘Asia Harley Days’, in conjunction with the HarleyDavidson 110th Anniversary celebrations, making it the exclusive regional experience hub in South East Asia.

Asia Harley Days will take place at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Members from the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), the motor company's official riding club, will travel to Kuala Lumpur from all over the world to attend this celebration, taking place September14-20. Events and activities include a flag parade, promotions, exhibition, displays, demo rides as well as a nationwide riding tour. For H.O.G. members, the event includes a welcome dinner, special access, promotions and deals throughout the week's events.

The event is expected to draw at least 5,000 foreign attendees, which is worth RM50 million in economic impact to the country.

Above: Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MyCEB

Above: Peter Brokenshire, General Manager of KLCC.

Incentives for incentives While the 2013 forward calendar may be full, MyCEB is introducing a number of incentives to attract more corporate groups in the mid- to long-term future.

MyCEB was established in 2009 by Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia, to further strengthen Malaysia’s business tourism brand and position for the international business events market. A non-profit organisation, MyCEB serves as a central hub to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage international business events in Malaysia and act as a conduit for national product development.

Kuala Lumpur’s unique blend of metropolis and garden city make it a popular choice with incentive planners.

For corporate and incentive meetings, the largest group Kuala Lumpur has hosted is the Perfect Travel China Incentive Conference 2007 with an estimated 8,500 delegates.

In February this year, a large incentive group of 2,300 from Japan’s upscale cosmetics production and distribution brand, POLA, conducted an incentive programme in Kuala Lumpur.

Now, MyCEB is looking to expand its net further, with Australia, North America, Europe and the Middle East all target markets, according to Ping.

MyCEB has created two new promotional programmes aimed at the corporate market. The Malaysia Twin Deal Programme (MTD) for corporate and incentive groups offers a two-pronged approach with rewards for planners and participants, and further enhances the success of their events.

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destination report / kuala lumpur

tralia, New Zealand and North America. MyCEB is looking at launching the MTD programme in other countries soon.

The bureau has also launched a corporate and incentive campaign, “Malaysia – Asia like never before”. The Corporate & Incentive Guide, which forms part of its integrated digital and print campaign, focuses on ‘Theme Events & Experiences’, ‘Team Building’, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ and ‘Unique Venues’; providing event planners with creative ideas on each product.

As a Muslim country, Malaysia also aims to attract the Middle Eastern market and Kuala Lumpur tourism attractions work hard to ensure they meet the requirements of guests from the region.

Recently, Malaysia has been rated the world’s top Muslim-friendly holiday destination. The rating, from Singapore-based Muslim travel consultancy firm, Crescentrating, revealed that Malaysia overtook Egypt, Turkey, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The ranks were based on criteria such as offering Halal food, prayer facilities, and overall safety.

From a meetings perspective, KLCC’s Brokenshire also predicts strong growth in new markets from the Middle East.

“We certainly recognise the importance of the Middle East market and have identified opportunities in areas such as Islamic banking, Islamic arts, science and education, and the Halal food industry,” he said.

“We have been part of the Tourism Malaysia delegation to GIBTM since 2009. In addition, we have hosted our counterparts such as the Qatar National Convention Centre and the upcoming Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, for familiarisation visits.”

the numbers* Above: The KLCC complex at night Below: KLCC

26

During its 2012 financial year of January to December, MyCEB secured 26 association meetings, to be held in the country over the next five years

58

percent of delegate arrivals attending association meetings

109

corporate and incentive meetings for Malaysia in 2013

25,604

delegates expected to attend events in 2013

2.9 million

international business tourism arrivals to Malaysia by year 2020

US$205 million

expected economic impact from upcoming association meetings and corporate and incentive events *Figures are for Malaysia as a whole 90 /

Below: Perfect China Convention 2012 Bottom: Career & Postgraduate Fair 2012

Large spaces Kuala Lumpur already has a world-class facility – KLCC - which offers 56,000 square meters of flexible meeting and exhibition space. However, according to Brokenshire, more space is needed in the city, and plans are afoot to expand.

“Space is the biggest challenge. Exhibitions are becoming bigger and venues are not always able to accommodate them. In an effort to meet the increasing demand for larger space, we have secured an additional 2,600 square metres of multi-purpose function space adjacent to the centre. Exhibition Hall 6, as it’s called, connects to the centre via Exhibition Hall 5 and our West Wing Entrance,” he adds.

Also under development and set to add a new dimension to Kuala Lumpur’s meetings hardware is the KL Metropolis development. “Conceptualised as a 21st century commercial business district, KL Metropolis is poised to become one of the nation’s most important hubs, with synergistic mixed-use of development and Green Building Index (GBI) township requirements,” explains MyCEB’s Ping.

Spanning 75.5 acres, this comprehensive development will be home to Malaysia’s largest exhibition centre, the new MATRADE Centre, which Ping says is set to become the epicentre for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions activities. With a well-developed space of one million square feet, (305,000 square metres), the new MATRADE Centre is slated for completion in 2015.

The new centre will offer an amphitheatre, outdoor exhibition area, the Matrade Hall, three exhibition halls and eight function rooms.

Conceptualised as a 21st century commercial business district, KL Metropolis is poised to become one of the nation’s most important hubs _ Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MyCEB

/ 91

destination report / kuala lumpur Below: Mayangsari Grand Ballroom, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

Making room International hotel brands line up in Kuala Lumpur like a five-star ‘Who’s Who?’, making group accommodation an easy option for organisers.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, is in the Golden Triangle district, 10 minutes from the Petronas twin towers, featuring 365 guest rooms and 25 meeting rooms, totalling 10,000 square metres.

Sister hotel, the 29-storey, 561-room JW Marriott offers 3,059 square metres of total meeting space, including the 909 square metre Mayangsari Grand Ballroom, which has a maximum seating capacity of 1,000.

“Meetings play a crucial part of our business mix as JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton have a combined number of 45 meeting rooms,” explains Anna Olsson, director of sales & marketing, Kuala Lumpur, for owning company YTL Hotels.

According to Olsson, the hotels are also very popular with leisure travellers from the Middle East.

“This is one of the reasons we are focusing on the Middle East as a new source market for meetings, especially from the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. We have a close relationship with many of the local DMCs in Kuala Lumpur who are handling the Middle East market. We also attend tradeshows like Arabian Travel Market and roadshows that cater to these markets,” she explains.

Left: Thirty8 at the Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur

45

The combined number of meeting rooms at the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

Also in the heart of The Golden Triangle, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur offers ten function rooms, including seven with natural daylight, and a pillarless ballroom that can accommodate 2,000 people.

The 643-room five-star Mandarin Oriental is perfect for large groups – the Grand Ballroom is large enough to fit a Boeing 747 and can accommodate up to 2,400 guests. It is also right in the middle of the city with great views of the Petronas Towers.

Opened in 2012, the 412-room Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is also targeting the meetings industry. The property offers 3,300 metres squared of event space, including six function rooms.

According to Ann Lam, public relations manager, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the meetings sector in Kuala Lumpur is growing positively, with 20 percent of business attributed to this market. / 93

destination report / kuala lumpur

Groups can explore 130-million year old rainforests, climb the 4,100 metre Mount Kinabalu, or take in heritage and shopping tours while enjoying the multi-ethnic cultural and culinary feast Malaysia offers Also recently opened is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Connected to The Intermark office and shopping development, this hotel is within ten minutes’ walk of Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC. The property offers 6,100 square metres of meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom with a capacity of 1,300 guests.

The Impiana KLCC Hotel, now linked to the centre via a pedestrian walkway, has opened its second phase of development, adding 180 rooms to take its total inventory to 515 rooms.

More than 15 new hotels, adding 3,700 new rooms in the four- and fivestar categories, are expected to open between now and 2016, including the 200-room St. Regis Kuala Lumpur in 2014, and the 150-room W Hotel in 2016.

94 /

City limits

Above: Meeting facilities at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Malaysia is a melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians and indigenous peoples such as the Orang Asli (aborigines), Dayaks, Ibans and Muruts. This offers event planners the perfect escape from the corporate environment to immerse delegates in pre- or post-conference tours that will wow.

Groups can explore 130-million year old rainforests, climb the 4,100 m Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia, or take in heritage and shopping tours while enjoying the multi-ethnic cultural and culinary feast Malaysia offers.

Within Kuala Lumpur, attractions include the Royal Selangor pewter factory, where delegates can learn how pewter is crafted before getting some hands-on action at a pewtersmithing workshop.

Alternative attractions include the Islamic Arts Museum, which offers one of the best collections of Islamic decorative arts, including textiles, jewellery, and calligraphy. Alternatively, check out the Menara KL observation tower, built atop the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. At 421 metres high it offers the highest view of the city.

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SPYROS SPYROU Vice President & Managing Director, ASG Public Ltd; President of Cyprus Incentives & Meetings Association

Born in Limassol, Cyprus in 1963, Spyros Spyrou is a luminary in Cyprus society, running the island’s leading DMC, Honeywell Incentives, renowned business travel agency, Honeywell Travel and the largest car rental company in Cyprus, with a fleet of 1,200 vehicles.

He holds degrees in economics and business administration from the University of Laverne, California and an MBA from the UK. He became involved in the family business at the age of 24, which he subsequently took over and expanded from a small car rental company of 60 cars to the biggest on the island. He later added two start-ups, Honeywell Travel and Honeywell Incentives, and now employs 125 people.

Spyrou is Vice Chairman of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a Board Member of the Limassol Tourism Company. He also served for five years as a Limassol city councillor. Spyrou is married to lawyer Athena Spyrou and has two children, Andreas and Chara.

Who, or what, inspires you?

I have always been inspired by the idea of change and by people who bring change. Leadership is a quality that comprises many attributes, but the ability to use this quality to inspire people to believe in working towards changing things for the better is, in my opinion, core. By change, I do not mean revolutionary events – even changing small things is often inconvenient and to some people risky. I admire people who constantly look for opportunities to improve things and to adjust continuously.

Tell us about your early career in Cyprus.

I left Cyprus at the age of 20 and finished my studies with an MBA from the UK four years later. When I came back to Cyprus everything seemed very small and very restricted. I missed the opportunities and the open horizons of a big country like the UK, but on the other hand,

I felt that in my country I could do more on my own that would have some bigger impact on my society and my country 96 /

I felt that I could do more on my own in Cyprus that would have a bigger impact on my society and my country. I faced a difficult dilemma – to stay in Cyprus or go back to the UK? Eventually, I think what kept me in Cyprus was the opportunity to do something on my own.

Is the island a challenging market?

Cyprus has changed tremendously since my early years in the business. It is a very developed country with high standards of service and high quality of living. It is still very challenging for business, especially after its EU membership in 2004. Currently, we face some extraordinary challenges with the public finances of the country. In my opinion, it is an ability to adjust to changing times that keeps us competitive in a more open international environment. Especially in tourism, the choices for travellers are now wider and we must improve our ability to offer more for what we ask in return.

Why did you decide to leap from car hire into the travel business and the destination management business?

I did not. I actually developed the three businesses in parallel. When I acquired the family car rental business we had a fleet of 60 cars.

Now it operates more than 1,200 cars. In travel and in event management, which were my own start-ups, we have earned a leading position that we work hard to maintain and improve.

What is your business philosophy?

Vision – take challenges as opportunity. Focus – don’t let small things or obstacles distract you, and work hard with persistence.

How important is sustainable tourism to you?

In the medium and long term, only sustainable tourism is worth investing in and working for. We need to make tourism sustainable in all aspects, as our business objectives have to be aligned with our social objectives. Let us not forget that non-sustainable tourism is effectively depriving a destination of its unique identity, which was its unique selling point in the first place.

What are you doing to maintain and sustain the tourism industry in Limassol and Cyprus?

Until some time ago, tourism development and environment and local culture, were considered antagonistic. In the ’90s, we had very rapid tourism development. In the following decade, there were strong objections for further development by those who wanted to protect our environment or our local identity. Now we are in a more mature phase and working on ways to bring the two aspects into alignment. One example is a big project that started in Limassol about five years ago.

I was serving in the city council as an elected member, with the aim of rejuvenating the city’s historic centre, which had been as in decline for decades. The project is almost completed now and we are seeing many small businesses opening. Much of the buzz of the city’s life is moving towards the old centre.

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