ATM Dailies – Day4

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THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY 6 – 9 May 2013

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JUMEIRAH'S LAW OF HOSPITALITY

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Contents 06 EXHIBITOR NEWS 15 Interview GERALD LAWLESS 16 Focus EXHIBITORS ABOVE PAR: WORLD-CLASS FAIRWAYS 18 Photo essay HIGHLIGHTS OF ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2013 22 Focus THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY'S 'RISING STARS' 24 EXHIBITOR TRAILS 26 DESTINATION PROFILES 30 EXHIBITOR COMMENTS

Thursday 9 May

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TWEET TWEET...

SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET

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CAREERS AND TRAVEL AGENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT The focus on the final day of Arabian Travel Market is careers and travel agents, with a number of seminars designed to celebrate professional achievement.

Key features include the Rising Stars session, taking place at 12.15 – 13.15, which will spotlight five upcoming industry professionals who have each been handpicked by their mentors as ones to watch. They will be speaking about their career ambitions, as well as how they see the travel and tourism industry evolving in future. (For further details turn to page 22).

Later today, a prize giving ceremony is taking place from 14.45 – 15.45 in the Google Technology Theatre to announce the winners of the Travel Agent Programme Passport Competition, which has been running since Monday. Today is

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Social media and technology have played a pivotal role in this year’s Arabian Travel Market with the show revealing the true global impact of the explosion in online activity.

Not only has Arabian Travel Market unveiled the latest industry trends and digital innovations in initiatives such as yesterday’s Google Think Travel

Event, but the show itself has witnessed an exponential surge in social media and website interaction, taking the event to new global audiences.

In fact, this year’s instalment of Arabian Travel Market generated more Tweets than pop icon Justin Bieber who staged two gigs in Dubai earlier this week.

In the Twitter trending stakes, #ATMDubai consistently ranked within the top four in terms of the highest number of Tweets this week, not only in Dubai, but across the UAE, with show followers heading off stiff competition from fans (‘Beliebers’) of the teenage heartthrob.

the last opportunity to enter, simply drop completed passports at the TTN Travel & Tourism News stand (ME4300) or hand it over at the beginning of the session.

All travel agents who have submitted their stamped passports to be entered into the prize draw have a chance to win fabulous prizes including flights from Lufthansa, a holiday package from Bahrain, experiences from Yas Island and more.

Winners of Arabian Travel Market’s two online games will also be announced. Prizes include an economy flight to Venice sponsored by Emirates and a Fortnum & Mason hamper, courtesy of the UK Pavilion.

DON'T MISS! 12.15–13.15

RISING STARS – Leading lights in travel — SEMINAR THEATRE – HALL 1 —

14.45–15.45

ANNOUNCING PRIZE-WINNERS AND DRAWING THE WINNERS OF THE TRAVEL AGENT PROGRAMME PASSPORT COMPETITION — GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY THEATRE —

08/05/2013 23:59

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) UAE 2450 info@ajmantourism.ae

‫ﻣﻦ ﻗﻠﺐ ﻋﺠﻤﺎن‬ From the Heart of Ajman

NEWS

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TWEET TWEET...

Tweet peaks at the show have occurred between 09.00 and 10.00 and 15.00 and 17.00 daily when Arabian Travel Market’s social media team has released the latest onsite blog of videos and images and promoted them through Twitter and Facebook.

Arabian Travel Market organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) said the show’s Twitter followers had increased 16 percent since the start of April, spurred by online and social media marketing campaigns.

“We have seen a huge increase in interaction on Twitter, with much of our content being re-Tweeted to hit audiences outside of the established Arabian Travel Market community,” revealed RTE Portfolio Director Mark Walsh.

“We are also ensuring we respond directly and rapidly to Tweets and messages on Facebook to provide a superior customer-service experience for delegates.”

Today's highlights Seminar schedule 11.00 –12.00 STORMING TO PERFORMING… GETTING TEAMS TO WORK TOGETHER — SEMINAR THEATRE – HALL 1 —

11.00 –12.00 TRAVEL BLOGGING

What’s your perspective?

— GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY THEATRE —

12.15–13.15 RISING STARS

Leading lights in travel — SEMINAR THEATRE – HALL 1 —

12.15–13.15 USING ARABIC ONLINE — GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY THEATRE —

13.30–14.30 NTO vs TRAVEL AGENTS Exploring co-operation

— SEMINAR THEATRE – HALL 1 —

13.30 –14.30 TECH SHOWCASE — GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY THEATRE —

The busy Google Think Travel Event

The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published on behalf of: ®

Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8271 2158, Email: arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk Web: www.arabiantravelmarket.com Arabian Travel Market is owned and protected by Elsevier Properties SA and used under licence. Reed Travel Exhibitions/Reed Exhibitions is a registered trade mark of Reed Elsevier Group PLC.

Published by:

With 56 percent of web visitors new to our site this year, it proves that after 20 years of Arabian Travel Market, providing good quality content is still the most important factor Walsh said Arabian Travel Market Facebook ‘Likes’ had increased 10 percent during this year’s show and interest in the website, www. arabiantravelmarket.com, had also improved with unique visitors up 67 percent, site visits up 57 percent and total page views up 69 percent compared to the 2012 show’s online statistics.

Views on mobile devices during the show have increased a mammoth 198 percent and the Apple iPad proved the top device of choice with a 175 percent spike.

Walsh attributed the hike in web traffic to a boost in links to the site driven by emails, Tweets and Facebook messages promoting video updates and blogs produced on the show floor.

“With 56 percent of web visitors new to our site this year, it proves that after 20 years of Arabian Travel Market, providing good quality content is still the most important

factor, but in this day and age, social media is the key method of delivering that content,” remarked Walsh.

This year, day three of the show (Wednesday 8 May) was designated ‘Digital and Technology Day’ and featured the ‘Think Travel’ event hosted

by Internet giant Google, where the results of a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) travel habits survey were revealed.

The study, conducted by IPSOS, was designed to better understand the decision-making process of travellers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Entitled ‘Traveller’s Road to Decision’, it revealed that leisure, business and affluent travellers in both countries are tech-savvy and rely on mobiles and videos when making travel decisions.

Apart from travel advice from friends and family, the Internet was revealed as the number one source for planning trips.

It was used by 50 percent of all business travellers and 39 percent of leisure travellers

13.30–14.30 Destination briefing AFRICA: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EAST COAST FOR LUXURY TOURISM — GOOGLE CAFÉ, SHEIKH SAEED ARENA —

14.45–15.45 FOSTERING VALUES IN EMPLOYEES AND COMPANIES — SEMINAR THEATRE – HALL 1 —

14.45–15.45 ANNOUNCING PRIZE-WINNERS AND DRAWING THE WINNERS OF THE TRAVEL AGENT PROGRAMME PASSPORT COMPETITION — GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY THEATRE —

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Delegates clamour to attend Google’s Think Travel Event yesterday

Nicholas Publishing International

surveyed in the UAE and the by 48 percent and 38 percent, respectively, in KSA. Among those using the web to plan their travel, 69 percent used their smart phones or tablets to do so in the past year. Saudis lead the way with 50 percent of travellers accessing the web through mobile devices compared to 35 percent in the UAE. However, actual travel bookings made on mobile devices is practically non-existent in the UAE and is just eight percent in KSA. Online videos were revealed as a popular information source when researching a trip or destination. In KSA, 81 percent of leisure travellers, 92 percent of business travellers and 87 percent of affluent travellers use this media. Around 80 percent watch these travel-related videos on YouTube. In the UAE, affluent travellers use online videos as their top source for planning trips (21 percent) in conjunction with online map sites.

“Now is the time for action because users in these markets (UAE and KSA) are ready. They are going online and they are using smart phones and mobile devices,” said Travel Industry Manager for Google MENA, Marie de Ducla.

“It’s not about deciding whether you should have a mobile website, but rather what technology you will use to ensure you provide your clients with the best possible experience.”

Hotel and flight comparison site Wego.com also released an insightful study into online travel booking habits from an inbound perspective at yesterday’s show. Its research found that South Asia accounts for a quarter of all growth in online bookings to the UAE, with flights booked online from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore now matching the number of those booked from Jordan and Egypt.

PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights, Dubai Tel: +971 4 4243640, Fax: +971 4 4327505 Email: enquiries@npimedia.com Web: www.npimedia.com © Copyright This show daily is published under licence by Reed Exhibitions Limited. The copyright in the design and content of the show daily is owned by Reed Exhibitions Limited or its licensors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

SHOW DAILY TEAM: EDITORIAL Group Editor Faye Rowe faye.rowe@npimedia.com Production Editor Debra Freeman-Thorpe Contributors Jacqueline Castelluccia Naomi Chadderton Olivia Cuthbert Gemma Greenwood Rachel Ingram Cavell Mallett Sarah McCay Eddie Taylor Kirsty Tuxford STUDIO Senior Art Director Andrea Tempesta Senior Designers Prachi Bhaumik, Kerri Bennett Kelly Massie, Tony Santiago Designer Hiral Kapadia Photographers Adham Sneeh, Grant Pritchard, Martin Pfeiffer Production Co-ordinator Naveed Aziz ADVERTISING Advertisement Manager Irene Fernandez irene.fernandez@npimedia.com International Sales Manager Rose D'Souza rose.dsouza@npimedia.com Sales Co-ordinator Carol Milan PUBLISHING Publisher Rob Nicholas rob.nicholas@npimedia.com

Visit NPI at stand UAE3155

09/05/2013 00:00

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Offer is available from 1 June until 31 August 2013. Offer is subject to availability.

*

news

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SOFITEL’S PARADISE PREVIEW

Emirates showcased upgraded facilities at Arabian Travel Market

Sofitel’s Arabian Travel Market partners have been treated to a first look inside the group’s newest fivestar property. Sofitel The Palm Dubai is scheduled to open this summer and the team behind the flagship hotel launch are hosting

visits to the impressive site throughout the week.

“The timing of Arabian Travel Market for us is absolutely right. We have organised site inspections for our worldwide partners who are now in Dubai at the show. This is happening during Arabian Travel Market,

Christophe Schnyder

DUBAI'S NUMBERS TAKE OFF Dubai International Airport is now the world’s second busiest international hub, with record passenger numbers in 2012 helping it overtake Charles de Gaulle in Paris.

“For the first two months of 2013, passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport rose 13 percent to 10,640,120 passengers, up from 9,413,286 for the same period in 2012. At this rate and with the growth constraints in London, Dubai is set to overtake Heathrow as the world’s busiest airport for international traffic by 2015,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide.

Middle Eastern airlines, in particularly Emirates, are a crucial element of this success, as they bring increasing numbers of passengers to the region.

“There is no doubt the world is looking at developments in Middle East aviation very closely,” said Antinori. “We take that as a compliment for the tremendous work being done to leverage aviation for the benefit of economies. In Dubai, we have the vision of the authorities to thank for what Dubai has become, which is an aviation-centric

economy. Testament to that are magnificent facilities such as Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built A380 concourse, which now provides the seat for the new Emirates-Qantas partnership.”

The economic downturn affecting the US and some countries in Europe has not affected aviation in the Middle East as severely.

“The health of the global economy certainly affects the way people travel – but the demand to travel, whether it be for business, pleasure or to visit friends and relatives, is unstoppable,” commented Antinori. “In more testing economic times, people continue to travel – they just travel differently. So a business trip may be reduced to one night instead of two and the flight may be timed to arrive first thing in the morning rather than arriving for a meeting the day before. Families may cut back on the number of visits to relatives elsewhere in the world, or a globetrotting backpacker may take longer to save the money required for a trip, but

I can assure you, the world is still very much on the move and Dubai is exceptionally well positioned to capitalise on this.”

Middle Eastern aviation is not without its challenges and fuel price hikes are somewhat of a thorn in the side of the industry.

Emirates, too, has felt the sting.

“Fuel prices continue to be a major issue, driven, as we have long felt, through the greed of speculators,” said Antinori. “Fuel is a major operational overhead for us and indeed all airlines.

In the last financial year, fuel represented 45 percent of our costs, taking our annual bill to a staggering US$6.6 billion.

“Clearly, the nagging uncertainties of the global economy do not help, but our network is vast, our aircraft fleet is flexible and we will adapt to the changing environment, as we always have. In this climate, while our loads are looking healthy for much of the network, yields remain a challenge, squeezed further by ludicrous government taxes on aviation in some jurisdictions. Despite this, we are positive and the demand for global travel is clear.”

Visit stand UAE3310

Swiss-Belhotel signs Riyadh deal Swiss-Belhotel International has added an impressive new property to its growing collection of Middle East hotels.

During Arabian Travel Market the operator announced a major new hotel project in

Riyadh, signing a management agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Al Jumaiah Group.

Welcoming the agreement, Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President, said: “As the

Eng. Ahmed M. Al-Essa, Asst. Vice President for Licensing, SCTA; Ghassan Aridi, CEO, Alpha Tours; Abdallah Ali Al-Jumaiah, President, Al Jumaiah Group and Gavin M. Faull

Visit stand HC5125

commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh captures considerable inbound demand, and the signing of a second property gives us guaranteed city-wide coverage and access to a burgeoning corporate base to drive solid and sustained business growth.

“With a limited supply of quality internationally branded economy hotels in the kingdom this is a timely opportunity for us to cement the status of the brand in the market,” added Faull.

The 126-room Swiss-Belhotel Riyadh, situated just one kilometre from King Abdullah Financial City district, is scheduled to open in September 2014.

Visit stand HC5650

as we speak, to give partners a chance to view the property and to sample it,” said Christophe Schnyder, General Manager, Sofitel The Palm Dubai.

Located on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, the hotel is one of the largest in the French group’s international portfolio with 361 rooms and suites alongside 182 serviced apartments. There are also 14 food and beverage outlets and a 28-room spa.

The hotel group is also rolling out robust expansion strategies in the region and beyond with plans to increase their offerings from 110 hotels to 150 by 2015.

“We are focusing on the Middle East and Asia as these are two booming economies.

Obviously, we have Sofitel The Palm Dubai and also in the pipeline is Sofitel Downtown, located next to Burj Khalifa and scheduled to open in Q1 of 2014,” added Schnyder.

21%

rise in visitor numbers on days one and two of the show compared to 2012 Source: Arabian Travel Market 2013

Travelport gets a fresh look Travelport has introduced a series of enhancements to its business-to-business hotel booking engine, Travelport Rooms and More.

The revamped portal, developed as a result of customer feedback, now provides access to over 450,000 unique hotel properties and one million room offers. This incorporates new content from leading hotel aggregator lowcostbeds. com, quickbeds.com and, most recently, the UAE’s Destinations of the World, which brought more than 80,000 properties to the search engine.

Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director Middle East & Africa and Gilles Mascaras, Vice President Global Marketing, are on the company’s stand at Arabian Travel Market to help inform attendees about the benefits.

“Our aim is to offer unrivalled content and the new look is a big part of this as it is going to change the way suppliers view the distribution plan,” said Mascaras. “The way brands are styled is very important

and the portal’s ability to deliver rich content is not only more user-friendly, but it encourages more sales.”

The update, which has been around two years in the making, allows agents to use a streamlined pointand-click method as well as the traditional cryptic input, which, in turn, offers a

faster commission payment process for travel agents.

“The number of hotels is predicted to grow by 30 percent over the next four years with Asia Pacific, the Middle East and America being three key markets and we are looking to grow Travelport Rooms and More in line with this,” said Saab.

Rabih Saab and Gilles Mascaras

Visit stand TT6020

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BE King of the castle

Saadiyat Rotana on track Rotana is moving forward with development plans for its five-star Saadiyat Rotana Resort, which is set to open in 2015. The property will be located on Saadiyat Beach, a nine-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand on Saadiyat Island.

Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana, said: “We are delighted to announce that the opening date of the five-star Saadiyat Rotana Resort will be in 2015 – the same year the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi is to open on

the island. The luxurious property, designed with a distinctly themed atmosphere, will have great appeal, particularly among tourists who are looking for the kind of excellent sea-facing destinations the island represents.”

The property will feature 354 rooms and suites as well as 13 private beach villas, designed to offer a sense of space combined with an innovative design. It will also offer a private stretch of beach, a variety of food and

Visit stand HC5720

beverage outlets with large meeting and conference facilities, in addition to a Zen the Spa at Rotana and a Bodylines health and fitness club.

Ali Al Hammadi, Deputy Managing Director at Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), said: “We are confident that the new Saadiyat Rotana Resort will add great value to our exclusive offering of luxury hotels on the island and, therefore, enhance our visitors’ experience even further.”

The chance to stay in an ancient Scottish castle is just one of the sought-after tourism products available at the UK Pavilion. The Susan Reid Collection comprises fairytale castles and National Trust properties for private hire in breathtaking locations.

“We are looking to build the awareness of the clients who visit London during the summer months for perhaps one to three months at a time and who may consider a trip to Scotland during part of that stay to experience their very own private castle and Scottish estate,” said Susan Reid, Proprietor, Susan Reid Collection and Managing Director Estate Life City, Country, Castle & Estate Collection. “The clients who typically hire castles include everyone from royalty to everyday travellers looking for a memorable experience.”

There are tailormade packages for each property depending on the clients’ requirements, which incorporate everything from golfing, fishing and shooting, to spa treatments and dining courtesy of Michelin-star chefs.

“People presume that for luxury they need to stay in five-star hotels, but we can pull together a far more enjoyable and memorable experience for visitors staying in one of our properties,” said Reid. “Our services include private jet transfer from London to Scotland or transfer by helicopter from Scotland airport to the property and private transfers to points of interest.”

The income received from events held at the castles and estates is invested back into each property to ensure the continuing upkeep and development of the original buildings and grounds.

This is the first time the Susan Reid Collection is exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market and the company hopes to build a good client database of Middle Eastern travellers.

Visit stand EU8150

India Tourism Dubai Tel: +971-4-2274848 Fax: +971-4-2274013 E-mail: goirto@emirates.net.ae

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Reed Travel Exhibitions launches ISTM IN AUSTRIA Austria

Travel buyers with an interest in winter sports will be pleased to learn that the inaugural International Ski Travel Market (ISTM) is taking place from March 17 to 18, 2014 at the five-star A-ROSA Hotel in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

The event will bring together up to 80 European resort tourist boards and inbound ski travel suppliers to meet with 80 leading outbound ski tour operators

in a series of pre-arranged appointments. Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “With Reed’s portfolio of large-scale travel events spanning the globe, we are delighted to be able to launch a forum specifically dedicated to a niche travel industry sector such as ski.

“To ensure a targeted event where ski travel buyers can

conduct business with ski travel destinations and in-bound operators, all buyers and suppliers will be pre-qualified against strict criteria for participation.” There will be topical industry seminars and destination briefings designed to arm delegates with the latest product information, tools and technologies required to complete their contracting for the year ahead. There will also be opportunities to network socially and to meet members of the European travel trade press.

Gordon Ritter, Purchasing Director, TUI Ski, TUI Travel, said: ”ISTM represents a unique opportunity for the European ski industry to come together to further develop product and strategic business relationships.

For more information, please visit www.istm.co.uk

Jumeirah first in Kuwait The Jumeirah Group has opened a property in Kuwait, marking the group’s first hotel in the Gulf region outside the UAE. The Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa opened on May 7, 2013 and boasts an idyllic spot along the shore of the Arabian Gulf, close to Kuwait City’s business and financial centre and only 10 minutes’ drive from Kuwait International Airport.

Jumeirah Group President and CEO Gerald Lawless said: “The opening of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa is a landmark event. We are proud to be bringing our brand to Kuwait and would like to thank

the management of the hotel’s owning company Al Aziziah for giving us the opportunity to operate this remarkable property.”

The hotel comprises 408 guest rooms, including 316 rooms and suites, 80 residential suites and 12 villas with garden views. All rooms range from 40 to 60 square metres in size, suites from 80 to 360 square metres and villas from 350 to 450 square metres. A key element of the hotel’s design is the incorporation of water streams and fountains throughout the

hotel that continue into the Talise Spa. The spa covers 3,500 square metres and includes 17 treatment rooms, two private suites and a salt room using salt blocks from the Himalayas for rejuvenation and wellbeing.

“I believe the quality of the hotel and the services delivered by our colleagues under the leadership of the General Manager Mark Griffiths will offer the people of Kuwait and visitors a true taste of Jumeirah’s unique brand of hospitality,” added Lawless.

Visit stand HC5340

34%

increase in floor space dedicated to technology compared to 2012 Source: Arabian Travel Market 2013

Making the most of Monaco

VISIT US ON OUR STAND EU7330

The Principality of Monaco has its own stand at Arabian Travel Market for the first time. “We are here to promote the destination in the GCC as we have a long tradition of welcoming guests from this region,” said President Guillaume Rose, Head of the Tourist and Convention Authority.

“Monaco has a lot to offer to high-level clientele in the Middle East and our knowhow gives us an evident asset. ”One of the liveliest spots along the Cote d'Azur, Monaco is celeb-rating the 150th anniversary of the MonteCarlo SBM, one of the leading players in the European gaming sector and leader in luxury tourism in Monaco.

The destination is also a home to major events including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the International Circus Festival and

the Summer Music Festival of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club.

In addition, the spotlight will be on the five-star Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, which recently opened a new restaurant called Odyssey designed by Karl Lagerfeld, with a menu by French chef and restaurateur Joel Robuchon. “We are concentrating on the new markets of Brazil, Russia, India

and China without forgetting our traditional clientele from the UK, France, Italy and so on. We are holding a Monaco Roadshow in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh designed to present the destination to professionals. The Monaco delegation will be led by myself, along with the general managers of the most luxurious resorts of Monaco,” added Rose.

Visit stand EU7330

Y o u ’ l l f i n d a w a Y. Meydan Beach. The exclusive beach experience you ’ll do anything to be a part of.

CHill dinE RElaX discover Mediterranean tranquility in the heart of dubai. Meydan Beach welcomes day guests and members to relax by its deep blue infinity pools, take time out for spa pampering, indulge in italian dining by Giannino or chill out with Café del Mar ’s resident dJs through sunset and into the night. find out more at Meydan’s stand uaE 3210 in Hall 3, or come and visit us in person.

Call us on + 971 44 333 777 or visit www.meydanbeach.com Meydan Beach, The walk, JBR, dubai.

B E l o n G.

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A whole new world A new theme park is set to open in Dubai covering 1.5 million square feet. IMG Worlds of Adventure will be the world’s largest temperaturecontrolled indoor entertainment destination and is predicted to attract 20,000 visitors a day.

The Dubailand attraction will also feature roller coasters, retail outlets and dining venues.

“We are very excited to have unveiled IMG Worlds of

Adventure at Arabian Travel Market 2013,” said an IMG Group representative.

Located within City of Arabia, Dubailand, the venue will incorporate four themed zones, MARVEL, Cartoon Network, The Lost Valley and the vast IMG Entertainment Zone.

IMG Group representatives brought Iron Man and Spiderman characters along to entertain visitors at Arabian Travel Market.

Visit stand UAE3340

Air India’s new scheme for travel Air India’s new 60-day advance purchase fare (Apex scheme) is boosting its appeal to leisure tourists planning their trips in advance.

The new advance purchase fare tickets will be available from mid-May on a number of Air India routes and can be purchased for travel commencing in 60 days and beyond. The all-inclusive 60-day advance purchase fare on the Delhi-Mumbai sector is US$73 (INR3,981) while on the Delhi-Lucknow route the fare is US$66 (INR 2,566).

The new initiative should spur growth in air travel and invigorate the market by encouraging holiday travel.

The Apex tickets are available for sale through all travel agents, on-line travel agents, Air India website and booking offices.

Visit stand AS6720

flydubai TAKES OFF WITH A VISA service Dubai’s innovative low-cost carrier, flydubai, now offers passengers travelling on its flights to Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine the chance to apply for a visa through its flydubai Travel

Shop at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2.

Tourist visas are available for all three destinations, with business visas also available for those travelling to Russia.

The flydubai stand

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, said: “Last month, we announced more flights to both Russia and Ukraine. Together with Azerbaijan, we will soon offer 46 flights a week to these destinations and, thanks to the new visa facilitation service, it will be even easier for people to visit these countries for leisure or business.”

To apply, passengers need to submit a completed application form along with a passport, two passport photographs and a flydubai travel insurance document. A confirmed flydubai flight booking should also be presented on the application or collection of the visa and passport.

Visit stand UAE3110

Exhibitors planning to dramatically increase their stand size at Arabian Travel Market 2014 include flydubai and Portugal Source: Arabian Travel Market 2013

CHANGING FORTUNES AT ACCOR A growing demand for budget hotels across the Middle East has seen Accor update its portfolio to capitalise on the trend. Changing demographics, such as a large base of young nationals and an increase in domestic business and leisure travel, has led to a flurry of international branded economy properties across the region.

Responding to the developing budget market, Accor has updated its economy brand portfolio, Ibis, with the creation of Ibis Styles and Ibis Budget.

“In order to maintain the continual growth of the brand and remain the leader in this segment, Accor is constantly investing in Ibis to guarantee its customers extra quality at no extra cost with innovative room designs and common areas, new restaurant concepts and multi-skilled employees,” said Christophe Landais, Managing Director Accor Middle East.

Ibis Styles is a non-standardised economy brand offering all-inclusive packages in citycentre locations, stylish interiors and room rates that include breakfast and internet access.

The Ibis Budget brand offers comfortable rooms, breakfast buffets and affordable rates all year round. The first branded economy hotel in the region came with the opening of Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai in 2003.

“After Dubai, we opened the first internationally branded hotels with Ibis Kuwait Salmiya and Sharq, Ibis Muscat and most recently in Saudi Arabia we opened Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street in December 2012.

“As a benchmark brand for standardised economy

hotels in the region, Ibis hotels’ network has rapidly expanded to its current 11 hotels representing over 2,600 rooms,” explains Landais.

“On the basis of the success of all Ibis hotels in the region and our capacity to address market requirements through our regional and local offices based in Dubai, Jeddah and Cairo, Accor is in a strong position to respond to the ever-increasing demand of economy hotels in the region and is very excited about the future,” concluded Landais.

Accor at Arabian Travel Market

Visit stands HC5650 ATM show dailies artwork.indd 4

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15/04/13 17:30

08/05/2013 23:12

Al Faisaliah Resort & Spa, Durrat Arriyadh

Building the future... inspired by the past

Al Shohada Hotel, Makkah

Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina, King Abdullah Economic City

Al Faisaliah Center, Riyadh

Al Faisaliah Hotel, Madinah Al Khozama managed portfolio

Experience, diversity and powerful business partners Since 1995, Al Khozama Management Company has been at the forefront of commercial property management and development across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the country’s most iconic hospitality, retail and mixed-use complexes. This constant innovation comes from a fundamental belief in quality, exceptional service and insight into the needs of tomorrow’s consumers – as well as the steadfast support of our business partners.

Al Khozama is committed to the future of the country and region. We’ll continue to create groundbreaking Middle Eastern environments, where communities, business and tourism can thrive in unrivalled surroundings.

Visit us at ATM Dubai, Stand Number HC 5260, Sheikh Saeed Arena.

OWNERSHIP AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT · HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT · RETAIL MANAGEMENT · INVESTMENT P.O. Box 4148, Riyadh 11491, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. T: +966.1.273.0005/6 F: +966.1.273.0001

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Always adventurous Ajman lays foundation Destination management company Arabian Adventures is in the business of providing memorable experiences and is keen to communicate the diversity of its products at Arabian Travel Market.

“We’re definitely more than a tour and safari company,” said Peter Payet, Senior Vice President, Arabian Adventures and Congress Solutions International. “We are constantly reinventing our products and coming up with innovative offerings.”

The company offers a complete range of services, such as ‘meet and assist’ on arrival at the airport, visa assistance, airport transfers, hotel reservations and event management – all in addition to tours and excursions.

“Our main focus this year is to continue to strengthen markets such as Russia and the CIS, China and Brazil through strategic promotions to reinforce

the UAE’s position as a robust travel market, offering the very best in business and leisure infrastructure, service and products. We will also continue to nurture strong traditional source markets including Germany, the UK and Australia.”

Dubai is now experiencing record tourist arrivals and Arabian Adventures’ drive to attract business is increasing Arabian Adventures at Arabian Travel Market

Visit stand UAE3310

12-14_ATM_2013_D4_NEWS.indd 14

alongside. The company has recently invested in organising large-scale familiarisation trips from various countries. Most recent examples include hosting 700 agents from Germany and 500 agents from Australia.

“Groups and incentive business have good potential for growth given that there is a wide availability of accommodation here,“ said Payet.

STONE for tourism

Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates is seizing opportunities created by improving its tourist offering.

The self-described ‘Charming Emirate’ is unveiling a number of high-class hotels along its shorefront in 2013, with the Fairmont Ajman and the Bab al-Bahr Resort set to join the Starwood-owned Ajman Palace Hotel, which opened late last year.

As the infrastructure develops, Ajman’s Tourism Development Authority is now seeking to introduce best practice with a new classification system for the emirate’s tourist facilities.

Faisal al-Nuaimi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: “We are committed to delivering the highest levels of quality in hotel service, according to the latest international standards.

“The new star rating system has allowed operators, whether

Faisal al-Nuaimi

a hotel, apartment building, resort or other, to learn about the required standards, the improvements and level of quality that should be adopted.”

Ajman also announced its first ever set of comprehensive statistics on visitor numbers and hotel rooms in the emirate – a key step in understanding the tourist facilities that exist and who is using them.

The report revealed the number of guests in Ajman’s 10 hotels during 2012 was 283,960, climbing from the 255,298 guests recorded in 2011. The number staying in hotel apartments, of which there are now 18, almost doubled from to 162,680 guests in 2011 to a healthy 318,118 in 2012. The total number of beds now stands at 4,226.

Visit stand UAE2450

08/05/2013 23:06

interview | Gerald Lawless

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the law OF HOSPITALITY Credited with helping to establish Jumeirah as one of the premier luxury hotel brands in the world, Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, PROVIDES HIS UNIQUE HOSPITALITY INSIGHT AND PERSPECTIVE

Who do you admire in the business world?

It has to be HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as he is a fantastic example of someone who gets things done.

Gerald Lawless

Which area of the Middle East do you see as having further potential for tourism development, building on where it is today?

There are many areas that have great growth potential.

We are very encouraged by the recovery in Dubai during the last eight months and 2013 is off to a fantastic start, especially when you look at the expansion of Emirates airline.

In Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is very successful, having recently hosted the 13th WTTC Global Summit in April.

While the UAE will continue to lead the way in terms of tourism expansion, we are also encouraged by Muscat and the great development of the visitor market there. In addition, we are hopeful for Egypt, as it is always a destination that bounces back. No matter what, Egypt has some of the greatest tourist attractions in the world.

Saudi Arabia is one to watch as it is looking to expand on its huge religious tourism market by encouraging tourists to spend time seeing the rest of the kingdom.

As a member of the Executive Committee and Vice Chairman – Corporate Governance of the World Travel and Tourism Council, what do you see as the opportunities for the region having hosted the Global Summit in Abu Dhabi in April?

The summit helped to raise awareness that travel and tourism is a force for good.

The industry accounts for 260

million jobs worldwide, which is equal to eight percent of the global workforce and around nine percent of global GDP. The industry deserves to be understood and the aim is to get this message across to governments around the world.

Therefore, WTTC has been a big success from this perspective.

We are encouraging the freedom to travel by asking more governments to consider issuing visit visas electronically.

If this can open up a country to visitors then it can open up their economies too. We have had a lot of success so far in helping people understand that enhancing tourism will, in turn, enhance the economy and employment.

We expect to see many more conventions and summits taking place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the UAE is so easy to get to and Jumeirah is well-placed to host them.

Where are the priority markets now for Jumeirah to hoist its flag?

We are concentrating on our home region – the Middle East. We have projects under development in Oman and Jordan, which are due to open within two years and we also have a property opening in Kuwait this week.

Another project we are hoping to finalise within the next few months is in Saudi Arabia. We are very close to signing up.

Also on the radar is a luxury resort in Aqaba in Jordan and a further opening in Baku in Azerbaijan.

Which is your favourite Jumeirah property?

Like a good parent, I love all my children equally.

Describe a typical day's work for you?

With 22 hotels in nine countries and a number of new developments, I rarely have a typical day because I travel a lot. When I am working in Dubai, I usually arrive at the office at around 8.30am. If I have the time, I will go to the gym at lunchtime and if I don’t I’ll plan to go in the evening, although that rarely happens. In Dubai, your work is your life and you life is your work. Hence, I have a lot of social engagements in the evenings.

What's the best piece of business advice you have been given?

To believe in yourself and be courageous in implementing your dreams. This piece of advice didn’t come from one person in particular, but it has stuck in my mind.

Are you a fan of social media?

I have a Facebook page which I use for keeping in touch with friends and family and I’m on Twitter, although I don’t use it.

Jumeirah is a great believer in using social media to promote the company and our products. It’s a great way

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

The UAE is a very luxury-centric market, but one of the big growth areas over the last few years has been ‘budget’ hotels.

Will we see Jumeirah stay true to its luxury roots or do you see a potential foray into another tier of the market in future?

I would say that there has been big growth in all market segments in the past few years. With the likes of JW Marriott and Conrad coming to market alongside more budget hotels, it’s good to have a broad spread in Dubai and I am very encouraged that there is development in all areas.

Jumeirah is very comfortable being in the top-end luxury segment and we see this continuing.

Jumeirah has some marvellous signature properties in the UAE. How do you ensure product consistency in all aspects when extending the brand into international markets?

In luxury, it is important that each property has its own identity.

Every one of our hotels has its own character and we recognise that each customer is different.

This is why we train all our employees to look after our guests in line with our Stay Different philosophy. This is what’s known as the golden thread of Jumeirah culture and it can be broken down into three main elements.

The first is that we always greet guests with a smile. The second is that we never say ‘no’ as a first response. Lastly, we always treat each other with respect and integrity. We spend a huge amount of time getting this message across.

to keep in touch with guests and we follow up swiftly on any questions and feedback posted via social media sites.

What's your favourite way to spend leisure time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

We will spend an evening out with friends and family.

Our son has just moved from London to Abu Dhabi to work for a law firm, so it’s easier to see him more frequently now.

What advice would you give to young people hoping to climb the career ladder in the hospitality industry today?

Our youngest son is a student of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration so I have to be careful in what I say!

I would advise young people that they are joining one of the best, if not the best, industries in the world. You will never be alone and you will always be around like-minded people. The dynamic of the industry is very positive and the opportunity is there to follow your dreams.

While the UAE will continue to lead the way in terms of tourism expansion, we are also encouraged

by Muscat and the great development of the visitor market there. In addition, we are hopeful for Egypt, as it is always a destination that bounces back Club Suite, Burj Al Arab

golf | FOCUS

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Swing into action Arabian Travel Market welcomes some of the world’s top golf clubs this year as golfing holidays become an increasingly popular getaway choice

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily Since opening in 2010, Verdura Golf & Spa Resort has gained a reputation as one of the finest in Europe. The resort is set on the south coast of the island of Sicily and has over 1.8 kilometres of private coastline, which includes two stunning championship golf courses – the East and the West.

The West course incorporates more coastal land than the East, but both feature the signature hallmarks of famed golf course designer Kyle Phillips, who specialises in recreating the rolling ‘linksy’ landscapes of Scotland.

Phillips’ design skills and the lay of the land mean that both courses are truly superb. Last year the PGA European Tour’s Sicilian Open was hosted on a composite course of nine holes of the East and nine holes of the West.

Visit stand HC5676

17th hole, Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa, South Africa

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai, UAE Opened in 2004, Arabian Ranches is an 18-hole, par-72 golf course that was designed by former Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. The course makes the most of its natural terrain with many ‘sandy waste’ areas ready to trap a wayward approach shot. All standards of golfers are catered for, with every golf cart on the premises offering stateof-the-art GPS yardage systems.

There is also a floodlit driving range where players can hone their skills after the sun goes down. The luxurious clubhouse features 11 guest rooms, a fully stocked pro-shop and the popular Ranches Restaurant and Bar which features a terrace with a stunning panoramic view across holes nine and 18.

Visit stand HC5320 Cristallo Hotel & Spa, Cortina, Italy Located 100 kilometres north of Venice in the city of Cortina in the heart of the Dolomites is the magnificent five-star Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf. The hotel was voted Italy’s and Europe’s leading ski resort for 2009 and the recent addition of the golf course has enhanced its reputation even further. Nine holes are open to play with the second nine under construction. Designed by renowned golf course architect Peter Harradine in collaboration with Silvio Bernardi, the views

of the surrounding mountain ranges that the course offers are something to behold. The luxurious hotel also boasts the immaculate Cristallo Ultimate Spa, which is the perfect place to unwind after a day playing.

Visit stand HC5270 Millennium Golf Resort, Al Ain, UAE The Millennium Golf Resort will transform Al Ain’s landscape in the very near future following plans to enhance the 18-hole championship course at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club with the opening of a superior hotel featuring luxury suites and chalets and two restaurants. The back nine of the championship course,

which last year hosted the final of the MENA Golf Tour, is floodlit for evening play, while the par-three Academy course also features floodlights so beginners and recreational players can play at a time that suites them.

Opened in 2007, it is the first grass course in the city and, with the development of the hotel underway, it’s sure to become one of the standout golfing facilities in the region.

Visit stand HC5550 Doha Golf Club, Qatar Home to the prestigious Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, one of the premier events on The PGA European Tour, Doha Golf Club features a magnificent

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is set on the south coast of the island of Sicily and has over 1.8 kilometres of private coastline Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily

18-hole championship course and a first-rate clubhouse with facilities to match. Past champions of the Qatar Masters include the two-time Masters Champion Adam Scott, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, so visitors will be following in the footsteps of some of the game’s great players as they make their way around the lush course. Cacti have been imported from Arizona to enhance the natural beauty of the course and in addition to the championship layout there is a fully floodlit Academy course, which is far less demanding, but is maintained to the same impeccable standards.

Visit stand ME4210 Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa, George, South Africa Just a stone’s throw from the Indian Ocean on the south coast of South Africa is the stunning Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa, which features stunning vistas and a golf course designed by one of South Africa’s most successful golfers, Ernie Els. The course, which is set in the style of a classic Scottish links course, is an 18-hole championship layout and features a clubhouse that overlooks the greens on holes 16, 17 and 18 as well as panoramic views of the ocean and the Gwaing River valley.

The signature hole is the parthree 17th, which plays from an elevated tee with a stunning view of the ocean ahead.

Visit stand HC5450

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, El Jadida, Morocco Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the championship course at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is 7,484 yards long – the longest in Morocco. However, Player designed the layout with several teeing options which enables golfers of all abilities to enjoy the course. The dunes

and valleys that shape the play have all been created with sand from the nearby region, while the facility is overseen by worldrenowned golf management company Troon Golf. Away from the golf course, the clubhouse, which offers stunning views across both the course and the ocean, is a striking building surrounded by swaying palm trees.

Visit stand HC5420 The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, UAE The Abu Dhabi Golf Club plays host to the world’s best players every year and is located just 15 minutes from the city centre and 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Featuring 27 world-class holes all wonderfully maintained by renowned golf management organisation of excellence Troon Golf, Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise.

The Westin hotel faces the course and the restaurants and bars offer the finest cuisine in truly remarkable surroundings.

Look out for the unique clubhouse that overlooks the 18th green and the course.

Designed to resemble a falcon, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world of golf.

Visit stand UAE2210

Doha Golf Club at Arabian Travel Market

The Meydan Hotel raises the bar for service, style and sheer indulgence and a visit to this iconic Dubai landmark will leave you breathless.

Luxurious accommodation, several sensational restaurants and plenty of horse racing action make The Meydan Hotel the perfect weekend getaway.

A decision so difficult, trying both is the only option.

Situated in the heart of the Dubai desert, nestled between majestic dunes and clear blue skies, lies an exclusive traditional resort.

Renowned for its traditional Arabic hospitality and unique setting, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is the ultimate luxury getaway.

For more information call +971 4 381 3231 or email info@meydanhotels.com www.meydanhotels.com

pictures | Show

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the show in PICTURES discover Arabian travel market 2013 through THE LENSE WITH our selection of Photographs taken over the past three days

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1. Saleh Al Geziry, Director Overseas Promotions and Inward Missions, DTCM and Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Arabian Travel Market.

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6 2. The Miracle Garden blooms at the Dubai Properties Group stand. 3. Travel Connection gave away a Real Madrid shirt signed by Cristiano Ronaldo to highlight the close relationship between the club and Hotel Villa Magna, a leading hotel in the Spanish capital.

4. The United States’ Ambassador to the UAE, Michael H Corbin, learns the ropes of the Wild West courtesy of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. 5. Masai warriors take to the show floor. 6. Dubai Police showcases its supercar line-up. 7. Qatar Airways invites visitors to try the seats on board its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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1. Introducing flydubai’s cabin crew.

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2. An eye-catching visitor to the Government of Dubai stand. 3. The team behind your Show Daily. 4. The Trump International Golf Course tees off on the DAMAC Properties stand. 5. A jumbo-sized attraction on the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau stand.

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careers | FOCUS

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TRAVEL INDUSTRY STARS OF THE FUTURE Up-and-coming travel professionals taking part in Arabian Travel Market’s ‘Rising Stars’ seminar discuss their career ambitions and offer hot tips to industry newcomers

Lecture, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

The 2013 instalment of Arabian Travel Market marks the show’s 20th anniversary and with this in mind, event organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), has put together an educational programme in keeping with this birthday theme.

The show’s opening seminar session entitled ‘20 Years: Now, Then, Tomorrow’ featured a stellar line-up of industry veterans and VIPs who discussed the achievements of Dubai and the UAE’s travel and tourism sector over the past 20 years and the role they played in this staggering growth and development. On the last day of the show the seminar programme looks to the future by staging a session featuring travel and hospitality industry professionals who look set to help shape the sector over the next 20 years.

The five ‘Rising Stars’ seminar panellists have been nominated by industry veterans featured in the official Arabian Travel Market 20th anniversary publication, Twenty Years in Travel: Celebrating the 20-year rise of the Middle East’s travel industry and the people who have shaped its past and mapped out its future. When interviewed, the industry magnates profiled in the book, which ranged from heads of government tourism bodies and other major travel and tourism-related organisations to travel stalwarts with more than 20 years’ experience working in the region, were

all asked to elect a rising star – someone they believe will play a key role in the industry’s development over the next two decades. There were too many nominees recommended to list here, but the five professionals taking part in Arabian Travel Market’s ‘Rising Stars’ panel were selected because they represent a broad range of travel and hospitality expertise.

They are: Rashid Alawadi, Manager Retail, dnata; Madiya bin Hadi, Operations Manager, Arabian Adventures; Lamia Al Ansi, Contracts Manager, Omran; Elie Milky, Director of Business Development MEA, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; and Christophe Mousset, Hotel Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

“Arabian Travel Market’s 20th anniversary exhibition is not only a time for reflection as we celebrate two decades of growth in line with the region’s phenomenal travel and tourism industry developments, but it also provides the ideal platform

Lamia Al Ansi

to look ahead to the next 20 years,” says RTE’s Portfolio Director, Mark Walsh. “The industry is only as successful as the people who drive its growth and progress and the ‘Rising Stars’ seminar session aims to provide Arabian Travel Market delegates with an insight into the movers and shakers of the future; professionals who not only boast expertise in their chosen fields, but raw passion for the travel and hospitality industry.”

Walsh says panellists taking part in the seminar will “inspire delegates by sharing success stories and hopes, dreams and ambitions for the future.

“The stars will also provide advice to young industry professionals hoping to make their individual marks climbing the career ladder,” he adds.

Madiya bin Hadi Madiya bin Hadi is an example of an Emirati woman whose passion for Dubai and natural talents as a tour guide kick-started her career.

She was originally a school teacher and for eight years after graduating, taught Maths, Science, Arabic and Religion to students in grades one to three, but she “always loved travel”, she says.

“When friends visit Dubai, I love taking them around the place and showing them our hospitality. My relatives call me the family tourist guide.

Most tourists who visit Dubai do not have the opportunity to meet local people, but who better to show them around than Emiratis?” In 1998, Hadi applied for an Emirates Group management trainee programme and was offered a

Be positive, enjoy the ride and come armed with an open heart, openmind and open attitude.

Elie Milky

Madiya bin Hadi

place. Following three years of training she was appointed to a managerial position and four years ago she was promoted to her current role of Operations Manager at Arabian Adventures, the Emirates Group’s Destination Management Company (DMC).

Her role is broad-ranging and involves assisting with government-related issues, updating tours and safaris, product development, liaising with suppliers, helping organise group programmes and getting involved with conference handling for sister company, Congress Solutions International (CSI).

“I love my job and my company and I would like to encourage more Emirati men and women to join the industry,” she says.

Lamia Al Ansi The drive to excel, a passion for the industry, family support and exposure to the right experiences have led Lamia Al Ansi on a successful career path, culminating in her current role as Contracts Manager at Omran, the company established by the Government of Oman to deliver major tourism projects in the sultanate.

“From a relatively young age, I had the opportunity to work across three continents, with each destination offering me a wealth of knowledge and experience that has led to finding my passion for business development and strategic tendering,” she explains. Ansi says one of her ambitions is “to see our region transform into a centre for travel and tourism excellence”. “I would

Rashid Alawadi

also like to help lead the industry’s growth and prosperity as I believe it contributes to the wellbeing of every person in this region be it directly or indirectly,” she adds. Her advice to industry newcomers is to "be positive, enjoy the ride and come armed with an open heart, open mind and open attitude.

You will be surprised how this opens up everything and everyone around you, helping you to achieve your goals.”

Elie Milky Elie Milky’s advice to young industry professionals is: “Work hard, but love what you do.”

“It is passion for the industry that will drive you to do great things,” he adds.

Milky speaks from experience. He has an MBA and worked in hotel consulting, real estate and finance roles before landing the regional development role at Carlson Rezidor in Dubai.

“The company I work for has tremendous growth opportunities and I am determined to grow in line with the group’s ambitions,” he says. Milky acknowledges that the region’s hotel market will become increasingly competitive, but says he will strive to exploit opportunities in the Middle East and Africa to the best of his ability.

“I hope to continue to contribute to hotel development on a regional level and to gradually assume a more influential global role,” he reveals.

Milky, Ansi and Hadi and their fellow rising stars, will provide more valuable insights at the ‘Rising Stars’ seminar, which takes place in the Seminar Theatre, Hall 1, from 12.15 – 1.15pm on Thursday May 9.

Christophe Mousset

A n e w l u x u r y d e s t i n At i o n , r i c h i n c u lt u r e , with its eyes set on the future.

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EXHIBITOR TRAILs

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exhibitor trail: Sports travel With 24 exhibitors in the ‘sports travel’ category, there is plenty to cater for adventure seekers...

Visit stand HC5320

The Torch Doha Hotel

Bluebird Travel

To find out about a hotel venue offering excellent sporting facilities and superb views, visit The Torch Doha Hotel stand. At 300 metres high and with 360-degree panoramic views across Doha,the five-star hotel includes a health club that spans four levels and a cantilevered swimming pool 80 metres above ground, plus fitness facilities with state-of-the-art equipment.

Turkish-based Bluebird Travel specialises in sports travel with a focus on golf and football. Founded 16 years ago, the agency is already active in the Middle East and Germany and is keen to communicate more about its products. On the stand, visitors will find information about winter football camps and the various teams from Europe, Canada and South Korea that Bluebird Travel has hosted.

Visit stand UAE2100

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Box Office

Arabian Ranches Golf Club is presenting the latest news on course upgrades and other services available. The club opened its doors in February 2004 as an 18-hole, par-72 desert-style grass course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design.

Information about the luxurious Spanish colonial clubhouse and its guest rooms is also available at the stand.

Box Office’s 1Platinum Concierge provides a VIP service, including premium tickets to leading sports and entertainment events around the world. Visit the stand to find out how the concierge service can help customers.

Visit stand ME4210

Visit stand EU7470

exhibitor trail: CAREERS Globally, the tourism and hospitality industry is growing. Many exhibitors at Arabian Travel Market are here to recruit new talent, so if you’re in the market for a new role, follow the ‘Careers’ exhibitor trail…

Visit stand EU8110

Information Systems Associates (ISA)

Turkish Airlines

Information Systems Associates (ISA) has been providing IT solutions for the global travel and aviation industry since 2005. The team at Arabian Travel Market offers insights into a wide range of tailormade aviation technology solutions. Positions currently available include: Database Architect; Analyst – Planning and Strategy; and Head – Enterprise Architect, R&D.

Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, operates flights to 223 destinations across 98 countries, the largest country network for an airline. As one of the world’s fastest-growing carriers, Turkish Airlines owes its global network coverage and award-winning service to strict compliance with quality, reliability, safety and product line standards.

The airline employs people who are open to multiculturism and innovation. Ask about career opportunities at the company's stand.

Laureate Hospitality Education

Visit stand HC5274 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Bahrain

Laureate Hospitality Education is a well-known hospitality management education group of six institutions in five countries: Switzerland, Spain, Australia, China and the US. It includes hotel management institutions Glion, Les Roches and Blue Mountains and incorporates students of more than 100 nationalities. A visit to this stand is essential for those looking to learn new skills and a step up in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Explore the opportunities available at Ramee Group, which currently operates a total of 37 hotels, resorts, spas and apartments in UAE, Bahrain, India and Oman. Representatives at the stand are ready to share information about all the careers available within the group.

Visit stand TT6180

Visit stand EU8350

Qatar, where the past meets the future.

Qatar – where you can follow in the footsteps of Arabian legends. Marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the past, present and future. Unwind on the golden sands of the Arabian peninsula, with its deep blue sea gently lapping at your feet.

For the ultimate authentic experience, visit Qatar.

qatartourism.gov.qa

INDONESIA — bahrain | Destination

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Indonesia Borobudur temple, Magelang, Central Java

Elka Pangestu, Indonesia will welcome between 8.5 million and nine million tourists this year, up seven percent to 12.5 percent from the eight million international arrivals in 2012.Indonesia’s total foreign currency receipts for 2012 exceeded US$9 billion,

the WTO Ministerial Meeting.

Additionally, Bali and Jakarta will host the Miss World Pageant, for which the airports of Bali and Jakarta are being improved and expanded and many access roads are currently under construction.

Other large events taking place in the country include the annual Sail Indonesia three-month regatta, which this year will focus on the island of Komodo with ’Sail Komodo’.

The Tour de Singkarak in West

Sumatra is also expected to draw crowds, as is a host of international concerts and performances in 2013. Ensuring Indonesia’s tourism growth continues is also a focus, with hotel investment and construction at an all-time high across the country.

Foreign investments in hotels and restaurants have hit a record US$729.7 million, with US$86.1 million in domestic investments. More cruise ships have also booked to sail in Indonesian waters as Benoa harbour in Bali and other ports

of call have been widened to serve and accommodate the larger vessels. Meanwhile, a number of Indonesian airlines have acquired whole fleets of new aircraft, flying to more remote destinations, connecting domestic secondary destinations and offering direct international connections, most notably from China, the Southeast Asian countries and Australia. A total of 12 new airports will open across Indonesia this year, with a further seven airports coming on line in 2014 and five more opening in 2015.

The majority of airports due to open are situated on the far-flung islands in east Indonesia. Most significant is the opening of the long-awaited Kuala Namu International Airport which will replace the already very overcrowded airport of Medan in North Sumatra.

infrastructure as the GCC moves ahead with long-term plans to create an integrated intraregional rail network.

The country’s rail master plan, which is currently being finalised, includes mainline connections to neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well a domestic network encompassing

metro, light rail and monorail options. Bahrain International Airport will commence work on expanding its capacity this year, with plans to boost the number of passengers to 13.5 million. The expansion is due for completion in 2015. Further commercial development in the kingdom will include the former

Indonesia’s total foreign currency receipts for 2012 exceeded US$9 billion, an increase of six percent compared to 2011

I

ndonesia’s sea territory covers four times its land mass of 5.8 million square kilometres.

The archipelago – comprising approximately 17,500 islands – is renowned for its diverse marine treasures and 81 kilometres of coastline. Its waters boast 28,000 flora species, 350 fauna species, 110 microbes and 600 corals. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative

Economy is responsible for national tourism development.

It focuses on promoting the country’s image as a safe, tourist-friendly destination.

It also works with the tourism industry to help promote Indonesia’s destinations to the international market. According to the Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari

an increase of six percent compared to 2011. This makes tourism the fourth largest foreign currency earner in the country, excluding oil and gas.

Helping to spur this growth on is the fact that this year, Bali will host the APEC Summit along with 10 other Indonesian cities hosting related ministerial meetings prior to the summit.

The country will also host

Indonesia at Arabian Travel Market The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia AS6550

Bahrain A fort in Bahrain

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he Arab League’s Council of Arab Tourism Ministers named Bahrain’s capital city Manama the 2013 Capital of Arab Tourism on February 25 this year. The accolade comes at an important juncture in Bahrain’s tourism fortunes.

The Kingdom is looking to fast-forward its tourism proposition this year as the government signs off on multibillion-dollar transportation infrastructure plans. The aim is to see Bahrain’s travel and

tourism sector contributing 17.4 percent to GDP by 2021.

Throughout the year, Manama will push ahead with tourism and cultural projects, including opening the Bahrain National Theatre and developing the Bab al-Bahrain area.

According to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, Bahrain’s hospitality market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8 percent between 2011

and 2016, with the relatively high growth attributed to opportunities for sector recovery following a challenging 2012, prompting forecasted tourism arrival CAGR growth of 2.9 percent through to 2022.

New hotel development forms a core part of Bahrain’s tourism plans. At present, 75 percent of hotel supply is dominated by four- and five-star hotels. However, chains such as Rotana and Marriott have plans to bring in new mid-level brands to the market.

In the pipeline is a 260-room Wyndham Grand Manama to open in Bahrain Bay by the end of 2013, followed by a 50-storey JW Marriott in 2016.

Marriott International opened a 78-room Residence Inn in 2012 and will debut the Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Island in 2013, with Rotana also opening its first Arjaan property this year. Bahrain is also re-energising its transportation

Bahrain at Arabian Travel Market Kingdom of Bahrain, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Sector ME4040

Tanah Lot sea temple, Bali

New hotel development forms a core part of Bahrain’s tourism plans. At present, 75 percent of hotel supply is dominated by four- and five-star hotels World Trade Center, Bahrain

Indonesia fact file The Republic of Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is an archipelago of 17,508 islands and is the fourth most populated nation in the world Population: 238 million Climate: Indonesia

benefits from a constant tropical climate that sees temperatures on its coastal plains averaging 28 degrees Celsius, while its inland and mountain regions achieve 26 degrees Celsius Local time: GMT +7 to +9 Currency: Rupiah Language: Indonesian Getting there: National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia flies to 51 destinations worldwide, including 18 international airports

Pearl Roundabout, now known as Al Farooq Junction, as a major investment zone.

Meanwhile, Manama Central Market is to undergo a US$500 million redevelopment that will include four 28-storey office and shopping towers, a new market, a heritage village and a five-star hotel.

Bahrain fact file The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands located near the western shores of the Arabian Gulf.

The King Fahd Causeway connects it to Saudi Arabia Population: 1.2 million Climate: Bahrain’s

climate is hot, especially in the summer, when temperatures can reach 38 degrees Celsius. The seas around Bahrain are shallow and this can cause the climate to become humid Local Time: GMT +3 Currency: Bahraini dinar Language: Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken Getting there: Gulf Air serves more than 40 destinations worldwide from Bahrain International Airport. Other carriers also serving the destination include Air Arabia, Emirates and Kuwait Airways

Destination | Egypt — france

Egypt

27

Temple Complex and Valley of the Kings near Luxor are hugely popular attractions.

The coastal areas of the Sinai Peninsula, including the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, attract those seeking sun, sea and sand, as well as keen divers and snorkellers.

According to Tourism Minister

Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque (Alabaster Mosque), Cairo

tourists visited the country in 2012, generating US$10 billion in revenue. For now, the focus is on Egypt’s beach tourism, with the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada already seeing growth. Colliers International’s Egypt Hotel Market Overview 2013, released earlier this year,

Egypt fact file The Arab Republic of Egypt is a trans-continental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia, via a section of land formed by the Sinai Peninsula. The country covers one million square kilometres

Egypt continues to invest in its product. Some 6,855 hotel rooms are set to come online in the next five years Hisham Zazou, Egypt expects to record 14 million tourists for 2013, generating some US$12 billion in revenue.

Zazou has stated that, while the tourism sector saw a decline of 33 percent in 2011, figures are rebounding, with a 17 percent growth seen in 2012. Some 11.5 million

P

erhaps the oldest tourism destination on the planet with more than 7,000 years of history, its status as home to the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient

World together with the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, Egypt continues to welcome visitors in their millions. On the Nile, the Abu Simbel temples south of Aswan and the Karnak

Egypt at Arabian Travel Market Egyptian Tourist Authority NA1110

The Chapel of Hathor

France T

he world’s most popular tourism destination, France attracts nearly 80 million visitors a year. In 2011, this European country welcomed 78 million foreign visitors, resulting in US$45 billion in tourism revenue. Figures for 2012 are expected to continue the upward trend when published, especially following a number

of important developments in France during the year. Last year saw the launch of the high-speed rail line known as the Rhine-Rhone which allows travel from Eastern France to the south of France, without transiting through Paris.

In December the Louvre-Lens museum opened in northern France. The art museum, located

in the industrial city of Lens, displays collections on loan from the Musée du Louvre in Paris.

In 2013, Marseille-Provence will be the European Capital of Culture. This is a sought-after label created by the European Union in 1985 and awarded after an international selection process. Following Marseille, this title will not be awarded to

Eiffel Tower, Paris

showed that average hotel occupancy levels in these two resorts had risen significantly in 2012, compared with 2011.

In Sharm El Sheikh, average occupancy rose 27.1 percent, to 63 percent, in 2012, while in nearby Hurghada hotels saw occupancy grow 15.9 percent to reach 67 percent. Growth in the number of tourist arrivals has already been seen in early 2013, with the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) reporting a 12 percent growth in arrivals in February this year.

The statistical agency recorded that 845,000 tourists visited Egypt in February 2013, compared with 753,000 who visited Egypt in February 2011.

CAPMAS stated that tourism

another French city for at least another 10 years. During the year, the region will host over 400 cultural events, bringing together the top artists in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Exhibitions, spectacles, concerts, parades, festivals, food tastings and more will be hosted to represent culture in all its different forms.

Overall, the aim is to highlight young talented artists from Europe and the Mediterranean In Marseille, the entire seafront will undergo a cultural transformation, while the port will welcome more cruise ships.

New openings include MuCEM – the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations,

Population: 80 million Climate: Egypt’s climate

Bas relief of Egyptian god Horus

numbers for the first quarter of 2013 had risen by 15 percent. To keep up with tourism arrivals, Egypt continues to invest in its product. Some 6,855 hotel rooms are set to come online in the next five years, according to hospitality research company HVS International, while modernisation continues at Cairo International Airport. Terminal 3 has opened with a capacity of 22 million passengers a year, while Terminal 2 is expected to re-enter operations this year with a capacity of 8.5 million passengers.

Macarons in patisserie window

architecturally breath-taking buildings. For visitors travelling to the south of France, the Théâtre Antique d'Orange is a cultural wonder. Built by the Romans in the 1st century CE, the structure is one of the best preserved of its kind and

Last year saw the launch of the high-speed rail line known as the Rhine-Rhone

France at Arabian Travel Market Atout France EU7220

which opened in January. This new museum showcases projects that bring together civilisations and cultures across Europe and the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, the French tourist board is busy promoting other cultural destinations throughout the country. It has put together a list of attractions including the Centre Pompidou de Metz and the Louvre in Paris, both of which are housed in

varies widely, from long hot summers on the coasts and deserts, to snow fall on the Sinai mountains.

Rainfall is expected in the winter months between October and March Local Time: GMT +2 Currency: Egyptian pound Language: Literary Arabic is the official language, while Egyptian Arabic is spoken by the locals.

Other dialects and languages are spoken regionally. English is widely understood Getting there: Egypt has four international airports: Cairo International Airport, Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria, Luxor International Airport and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.

National flag carrier Egypt Air flies to more than 75 destinations

tourists can still wander round its open-air auditorium.Another French fancy is the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a beautiful château estate situated about 200 kilometres south of Paris.

Open between April and late October for the International Garden Festival, the historic manor features amazing stained glass windows and Japanesestyle gardens. Photographic exhibitions are also held here.

France fact file The French Republic is mostly located in Western Europe, with several overseas regions and territories. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea Population: 65.3 million Climate: There are four

climatic zones: a humid seaboard zone, semicontinental, intermediate and Mediterranean Local Time: GMT+1 (GMT+2 in summer) Currency: Euro Language: French Getting there: National flag carrier Air France serves 165 destinations with a fleet of 254 aircraft. In 2011, the airline handled 60 million passengers

germany — Sri lanka | Destination

28

Germany G

ermany is emerging as one of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe, with more than 400 million overnight stays in 2012.

“In the last three years, tourism in Germany has grown at a faster rate than the global and European average and the country has continued to strengthen its position as one of the most popular

travel destinations,” said Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).

Backing up this trend is the findings of the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index, which measures and compares the reputation of 50 countries around the world. The Index ranked Germany second, behind only the US and ahead of the

Berlin

Germany at Arabian Travel Market German National Tourist Office EU8140

UK in third, for 2012. In the survey, Germany was perceived as a reliable, trustworthy and modern country and it scored particularly highly in the field of business and innovation.

The company broke the 400-million overnight stays mark for the first time last year.

The German Federal Statistical Office recorded 407.26 million overnight stays in 2012. Of these, 338.43 million were domestic travellers while 68.83 million overnight stays were by visitors from abroad.

According to a recent survey by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the hospitality industry enjoyed a good summer of business in 2012. Campsites recovered particularly well, almost reaching the record levels last seen in summer 2003.

Room occupancy rates in the hospitality industry rose by more than 1 percent year on year to 56.7 percent.

For 2013 to 2019, Destination Germany will be focusing its marketing efforts on many cultural attractions.

Germany is home to 37 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which represent a major travel incentive for international visitors and have helped to make Germany the

Sri Lanka

Germany fact file

The German Federal Statistical Office recorded 407.26 million overnight stays in 2012 most popular cultural travel destination among Europeans, according to IPK International.

Part of the GNTB focus for 2013 will be the 200th anniversary of Richard Wagner’s birth. Wagner is one of Germany’s greatest composers and music dramatists and left his mark all over the country. The GNTB is using the anniversary as an opportunity

to promote specific events in towns and cities where Wagner lived or worked.

‘Brothers Grimm: 200 years of folklore and fairytales’ is another theme of the GNTB’s global sales and marketing activities. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm became famous around the world for their collection of ‘Children’s and Household Tales’ and their legacy is a

of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has identified the Middle East as a market with high potential. On the back of Arabian Travel Market, SLTPB aims to invite travel agencies and the media to Sri Lanka for FAM tours.

For 2013, SLTPB aims to attract 90,000 visitors from the Middle East. However, this is expected to rise to 200,000 by 2016, as overall tourism arrivals to Sri Lanka rise to 2.5 million.

Facilitating greater transport

links between the region and Sri Lanka, flydubai, Dubai’s low-cost airline, is to increase its flight frequency to Sri Lanka to double daily from the summer.

The flydubai announcement followed the March 2013 opening of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (also known as Hambantota Airport), which will now be served by a daily flydubai service from June 3, 2013. The new airport will also be served by flights from AirArabia, out of Sharjah.

For the more adventurous traveller, visitors can swim with elephants, hike in the mountains, or explore lost cities

Lotus Pond

S

major reason for culturally minded travellers to visit Germany. “Anniversaries of the births of world-famous musicians and poets provide a perfect opportunity to position Germany as a land of art and culture in international markets,” said Hedorfer.

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry van de Velde, an exponent of Classical Modernism who paved the way for the Bauhaus movement and the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

et in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a documented history that dates back three thousand years.

Nature remains abundant and unspoilt, as Sri Lanka offers stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within a compact location. Stri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330

kilometres of coastline, 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls and 25,000 water bodies, all encompassed in an island also known as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean‘.

For more adventurous travellers, there are options to swim with elephants, hike and climb in the mountains,

or explore lost cities in untamed jungle. Promoting itself under the theme of ‘Wonder of Asia’, Sri Lanka returns to Arabian Travel Market for the 11th consecutive year, bringing 56 co-exhibiting industry stakeholders. Arabian Travel Market forms a key pillar in Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion efforts across the year to attract Arabian travellers to the island country. Under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister

Sri Lanka at Arabian Travel Market Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau AS6750

Shoreline, Indian Ocean

The Federal Republic of Germany consists of 16 states and its capital. Its largest city is Berlin. The country covers an area of 357,021 square kilometres Population: 82 million Climate: Germany has a

temperate seasonal climate.

Winters are mild and summers tend to be cool, although temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius Local Time: GMT +1 Currency: Euro Language: German Getting there: National flag carrier Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe, serving more than 215 destinations worldwide

Golden Temple of Damubulla

Sri Lanka fact file The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island country in the northern Indian Ocean.

Known until 1972 as Ceylon, Sri Lanka has maritime borders with India to the northwest and the Maldives to the southwest Population: 20 million Climate: Sri Lanka’s climate

is tropical and hot Local Time: GMT +5.30 Currency: Sri Lankan rupee Language: Sinhala, Tamil Getting there: National flag carrier SriLankan Airlines serves 61 destinations globally, with plans to add a further 13 to its network. It is also part of the oneworld alliance

Destination | jordan — usa

Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan

29

The kingdom reported a 15.3 percent increase in 2012 receipts over 2011 figures, with tourism contributing US$3.47 billion to the economy.

The increase was attributed, in part, to a pick-up in tourism numbers from Iraq, Libya and the US, according to Jordan’s Central Bank. Jordan’s current hotel development pipeline has 3,858 rooms waiting to come online, many of which

108-room Corp Executive Hotel Amman, in April 2013.

Meanwhile, construction is about to commence on a US$1 billion 475-room luxury hotel operated by Hilton Worldwide.

The hotel will be located at the southeast corner of the airport highway in the capital Amman and the first phase of construction will reportedly cost around US$350 million. To complement Jordan’s impressive

The kingdom reported a 15.3 percent increase in 2012 receipts

J

ordan, home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – the ancient Nabatean Kingdom of Petra, attracts more than six million tourists a year, lured by its old-world charm and modernday hotels and restaurants.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Jordan welcomed

6,314,250 visitors in 2012, down slightly on the 2011 figure of 6,812,426. However 4,162,367 overnight tourists were recorded in 2012, up 5.1 percent from 3,959,643 in 2011.

With a 25-year tourism development plan in place, the aim is to see tourism arrivals and receipts continue to grow.

Jordan at Arabian Travel Market Jordan Tourism Board ME2040

will enter the market in 2014.

Development is concentrated around the leisure resorts of the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Hotels in the pipeline include the new 285-room Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, which will open adjacent to the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (KHBTCC) on the Dead Sea at the end of the year.

Hotels due to open in 2014/15 include the Westin Aqaba Harbour Resort & Spa, Starwood’s Luxury Collection Al Manara Hotel and the JW Marriott Aqaba Hotel & Spa, along with a US$1.5 billion Red Sea Astrarium – a Star Trekthemed amusement park. In the capital, UAE-based operator Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) opened the

USA State Capitol Building, Colorado

B

rand USA makes an appearance at Arabian Travel Market this year as the country continues to see tourism arrivals increase year on year. Sixty-one million international tourists visited the US in 2012, up six percent on 2011 figures. Arrivals from the Middle East grew by 13.8 percent to 858,841.

Spending by international visitors also continues to rise, with January 2013 up 11 percent on January 2012 levels.

International visitors spent an estimated US$14.4 billion on travel to (and tourism-related activities within) the US during the month.

With 50 states and territories to choose from, planning an American vacation can seem a tall order. Lonely Planet has identified its top 10 destinations in the US for 2013 and includes

to go this year to see the aurora borealis (the northern lights).

This year marks the end of an 11-year cycle and promises a large, totally natural, firework display from late summer.

San Juan Islands, Washington, north of Seattle is being tipped as the ‘gourmet Archipelago’

by Lonely Planet for the islands’ array of fresh fish and seafood.

Sixty-one million international tourists visited the US in 2012, up six percent on 2011 figures.

Arrivals from the Middle East grew by 13.8 percent to 858,841 northern lights, museums, moose trails and Polynesian paradises. On the list are Louisville, Kentucky on the Ohio River featuring converted warehouses used as local breweries, antique shops and the city’s coolest restaurants.

Fairbanks, Alaska, is the place

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is becoming known as an art capital. Must visits include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Icebox. American Samoa in the South Pacific is further away from mainland US than Hawaii and provides an authentic

USA at Arabian Travel Market Brand USA Pavilion AM7140

Petra, Jordan

Polynesian experience. Eastern Sierra, California, offers plenty to see, with the Travertine hot spring in Bridgeport, the Gold Rush ghost town of Bodie and Mono Lake’s calcified tufa towers. Northern Maine offers an all-out American adventure with moose, white water rafting and hiking. Visitors should head to the Baxter State Park, with 200,000 acres of lakes and mountains.

Twin Cities, Minnesota, otherwise known as Minneapolis and St Paul, are a biker’s heaven. New bike Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

View of Karak, from Karak Castle, Jordan

line-up of hotels, a new terminal opened at Queen Alia International Airport earlier this year. The terminal is expected to almost triple capacity at the airport, which is located 20 miles from Amman. The US$750 million terminal covers 103,000 square metres and has been designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, with a roof design inspired by Bedouin tents.

National flag carrier, Royal Jordanian (RJ) celebrates its golden jubilee in 2013, with 50 years of operations. Since the airline's inception, the number of passengers carried has increased from 87,000 in 1964 to more than 3.3 million in 2012 and the number of yearly flights from 4,193 to appoximately 39,000. The RJ fleet has 33 modern aircraft and

lanes and a Nice Ride bikeshare system make for a biking holiday with a difference.

Verde Valley, Arizona, between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, offers green canyons rimmed by red rocks and authentic mining towns full of folklore and good food. Finally, Glacier National Park, Montana, offers one of the country’s wildest, most remote and pristine national parks. However, tourists need to book soon – the park’s 25 glaciers are melting and may well have vanished altogether by 2030!

Jordan fact file The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located on the East Bank of the River Jordan and extends into the historic region of Palestine.

The country borders Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Israel Population: 6.5 million Climate: The climate in

Jordan is semi-dry in summer with an average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, while winters are cooler and average 13 degrees Celsius.

Local Time: GMT +3 Currency: Jordanian dinar Language: Arabic Getting there: National flag carrier Royal Jordanian Airlines flies to more than 60 destinations worldwide

St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City

USA fact file The US has a land area of about 9.6 million square kilometres, about half the size of Russia and about the same size as China Population: 310 million, the world’s thirdlargest population Climate: The overall climate is temperate, with notable exceptions. Alaska is cold, while Hawaii and South Florida are tropical Local Time: GMT -4 to -10 Currency: US dollar Language: Most Americans speak English, although over 10 percent of the population speak Spanish – making it the fifth-largest Spanish population in the world Getting there: There are numerous air links from the Middle East to the US, with Emirates serving Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington

exhibitor | Vox pops

30

exhibitor vox pops Sound bites direct from the show floor

Francois Bouteiller

Moine Kandil

Christopher McFall

Gabor Maraczi

Sampath Alahakoon

nasair

Millennium Hotels & Resorts

Novotel Hotels, Ibis Hotels

Hungarian Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

We are very happy with Arabian Travel Market this year. It’s important for us to be present here at the show. This is our fifth consecutive year attending and our stand is taking up more and more space each time, in line with Arabian Travel Market’s growth. The attendance at our stand has been tremendous, which is excellent for us as it shows the high level of interest in Saudi Arabia. nasair has expanded in 2012 and we have a strategic growth plan in place for 2013 to increase operations by 50 percent.

We have also announced that we are taking delivery of 10 aircraft this year.

I think Arabian Travel Market is one of the best trade shows. The format is very strong now and exhibitors from all over the world attend due to the popularity of the UAE and the business that can be sourced from the GCC countries. We’ve been promoting our name, our brands, the new hotels that we are opening soon and the summer promotions we are holding. Millennium is growing fast, with 14 hotels currently in operation. In the coming eight months, we’re opening around eight properties and in the pipeline we have about 35 properties to be introduced in the next five years or so.

It has been a very successful show.

I am here to launch what will be the Novotel Hotel Al Barsha, which is Accor’s newest Novotel product in Dubai. It’s a very big opening for the brand, with 465 units and a very central location that will be great for business and leisure travellers. The timing of Arabian Travel Market is very good for us and we use it as a platform to introduce the property.

So far nobody knows anything about the hotel, so part of what we’re doing here is saying ‘we are here’, which is also the strapline of our campaign.

As the biggest travel fair in the GCC, we find it very important to be here as there is a huge potential to promote Hungary’s health tourism. We’re famous for our thermal springs, so health treatments and products are a big market for us. Since coming to Arabian Travel market we’ve noticed a year-on-year increase with our tourism numbers and we expect this trend to continue in the future. This year we have formed a European Quartet, with Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia and our main announcement is a new trade marketing Initiative.

We’ve noticed an incredible change since we started exhibiting in 2003.

We began with only four companies participating and today we have 57. The Middle East has been really receptive to Sri Lanka as a destination.

Last year, we received over 56,000 arrivals from the region, which is because we’re a really multicultural country and we cater to all types of visitors. Many companies attending with us this year offer ready-made packages, which guests find attractive.

Arabian Travel Market is definitely one of the most effective platforms for us.

Visit stand ME4440

Visit stand HC5550

Visit stand HC5650

Visit stand EU7450

Visit stand AS6750

Houshang Hosseinpour

Narelle McDougall

Ziad El Chaar

Rudi Jagersbacher

Hussein Ali Hatata

FlyGeorgia

Anantara Hotels + Resorts + Spas

Damac Properties Company

Hilton Worldwide

Al Khozama

It has been a surreal experience for us participating in Arabian Travel Market for the first year. With the targets government officials have set that promise to have 20 million tourists in 2020, it has definitely given us hope for the future.

The UAE has always been a role model for us. We’re here to introduce the world to Georgia and the Georgians to the world. We’re also introducing our airline and our travel agency, while hopefully building relationships with other airlines and countries. At FlyGeorgia, we’re adding new routes and by next year we’re hoping to have 20 destinations.

Last year I was part of the stand taken by the Maldives, so this year, having an Anantara booth is very interesting for me. The Anantara Hotels + Resorts + Spas brand is starting to infiltrate the Middle East market more and more. I think Arabian Travel Market is an ideal place for building business relationships. For me, the exhibition is integral to making new contacts, but also for meeting up again with existing ones and supporting those communications. So much of what you do in the Middle East is about relationships.

We established our hospitality division for the first time in 2011, so this is our first time at Arabian Travel Market. We are now developing 4,400 serviced apartments and this year we are also launching the company’s national golf club in Dubai, which will be the first Trump golf club in Asia. We are here to introduce ourselves to the hospitality sector, the travel agents and to meet with tour operators from other countries to inform them about opportunities we have to offer in Dubai and also at the golf club.

It is great to be here at the ever-growing Arabian Travel Market. Our aim is to promote the Conrad Hotel, which is opening in mid-August, marking our first luxury product in the UAE. Following this, we have the opening of the Waldorf Astoria in Ras al-Khaimah and then one hotel on Palm Jumeirah. We also announced some other new signings yesterday, including a new Double Tree hotel in Bahrain and there is more to come. We exhibit at Arabian Travel Market every year and I think it is crucial to be here. It is a onestop-shop and the perfect place to launch our new luxury products.

We have been exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market for the last 15 years and, as a global event, it is a great place to meet friends, the public and investors.

This year is important as we have both a new logo and new branding and we are looking forward to raising awareness. We also have a new hotel in Jeddah in King Abdullah Economic City – an area that is bigger than Washington DC. Ours will be the first hotel in the city. I am also very proud at the moment as earlier this week we won five awards at the World Travel Awards including one for the leading hospitality company in Saudi Arabia.

Visit stand EU7480

Visit stand HC5674

Visit stand HC5560

Visit stand HC5840

Visit stand HC5260

CEO

Founder/Director

Vice President Operations Middle East & Africa

Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Maldives

Director of Sales & Marketing, Dubai

Managing Director, Dubai

Business Development Director

President MEA

Assistant Director of Marketing

Vice President Hospitality Division

Visit us at stand CR-1416

Iconic Towers in Lusail City - opening 2016

KATARA HOSPITALITY, CREATING ICONIC MASTERPIECES There is much more to being a world-class hospitality organisation than just owning, managing or developing hotels. At Katara Hospitality, our appreciation for the past powers our aspirations for the future. Decades of experience,

an innovative mindset and meticulous attention to detail enable us to craft unique masterpieces that set new standards for others to follow. With us, it is all about our boundless passion for creating legendary hospitality, building on our heritage.

Visit us at stand HC5850

Katara Hospitality Building, PO Box 2977 Doha, State of Qatar T +974 4423 7777 F +974 4427 0707 info@katarahospitality.com www.katarahospitality.com

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