Business Traveller Middle East - January 2024 by Motivate Media Group

JANUARY 2024

businesstraveller.com

LE ADING THE WAY

GLOBAL TRAILS

GOING FOR GOLD

PLUS

Dubai’s Emirates is unstoppable amid record profits

Eight new hotels to visit around the world this year

Paris gets ready to host the mega Olympic Games

Air Miles • Tried & Tested • Opinion • Future Travel Trends

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WE CONNECT MORE COUNTRIES THAN ANY OTHER

AFRICA ABIDJAN ABUJA ACCRA ADDIS ABABA ALEXANDRIA ALGIERS ANTANANARIVO ASMARA BAMAKO BANJUL CAIRO CAPE TOWN CASABLANCA CONAKRY CONSTANTINE COTONOU DAKAR DAR ES SELAAM DJIBOUTI DOUALA DURBAN ENTEBBE FREETOWN HURGHADA JOHANNESBURG JUBA KHARTOUM KIGALI KILIMANJARO KINSHASA LAGOS LIBREVILLE LUANDA MAPUTO MARRAKESH MAURITIUS MOGADISHU N’DJAMENA NAIROBI NIAMEY NOUAKCHOTT ORAN OUGADOUGOU POINTE - NOIRE SEYCHELLES SHARM EL SHEIKH TUNIS YAOUNDE ZANZIBAR AMERICA ATLANTA BOGOTA BOSTON BUENOS AIRES CANCUN CARACAS CHICAGO DALLAS DETROIT HAVANA HOUSTON LOS ANGELES MEXICO CITY MIAMI MONTREAL NEWARK NEW YORK PANAMA SAN FRANCISCO SAO PAULO SEATTLE TORONTO VANCOUVER WASHINGTON FAR EAST AKTAU ALMATY BALI BANGKOK BISHKEK BUKHARA CEBU COLOMBO DHAKA DUSHANBE FERGENA GUANGZHOU HANOI HO CHI MINH HONG KONG ISLAMABAD JAKARTA KABUL KARACHI KATHMANDU KUALA LUMPUR LAHORE MALE MANILA MAZAR-I SHARIF MUMBAI NEW DELHI NUR-SULTAN PHUKET SAMARKAND SEOUL SINGAPORE TAIPEI TASHKENT TOKYO TURKISTAN ULAANBAATAR URGENCH EUROPE AMSTERDAM ATHENS BAKU BARCELONA BARI BASEL BATUM BELGRADE BERGAMO BERLIN BILBAO BILLUND BIRMINGHAM BOLOGNA BORDEAUX BREMEN BRUSSELS BUCHAREST BUDAPEST CATANIA CLUJ COLOGNE CONSTANTA COPENHAGEN DUBLIN DUBROVNIK DUSSELDORF EDINBURGH FRANKFURT GANJA GENEVA GOTHENBURG HAMBURG HANOVER HELSINKI HERSON / MYKOLAIV KAZAN KHARKIV KISHINEV KYIV LEIPZIG LISBON LJUBLJANA LONDON LUXEMBOURG LVIV LYON MADRID MALAGA MALTA MANCHESTER MARSEILLE MILAN MINSK MOSCOW MUNICH NAKHICHEVAN NAPLES NICE NUREMBERG ODESA OSLO PARIS PODGORICA PORTO PRAGUE PRISTINA RIGA ROME ROSTOV ROVANIEMI SALZBURG SARAJEVO SKOPJE SOCHI SOFIA ST. PETERSBURG STOCKHOLM STRASBOURG STUTTGART TALLINN TBILISI THESSALONIKI TIVAT TOULOUSE VALENCIA VARNA VENICE VIENNA VILNIUS WARSAW YEKATERINBURG ZAGREB ZAPORIJYA ZURICH MIDDLE EAST ABU DHABI AMMAN AQABA BAGHDAD BAHRAIN BASRA BEIRUT DAMMAM DOHA DUBAI ERBIL ERCAN ISFAHAN JEDDAH KUWAIT MEDINA MASHHAD MUSCAT NECEF RIYAD SHARJAH SHIRAZ SULAYMANIYAH TABRIZ TEHRAN TEL AVIV URMIA TÜRKİYE ADANA ADIYAMAN AGRI AMASYA/MERZIFON ANKARA ANTALYA BATMAN BINGOL BODRUM BURSA CANAKKALE DALAMAN DENIZLI DIYARBAKIR EDREMIT ELAZIG ERZINCAN ERZURUM GAZIANTEP HAKKARI HATAY IGDIR ISPARTA ISTANBUL IZMIR KAHRAMANMARAS KARS KASTAMONU KAYSERI KOCAELI KONYA KUTAHYA MALATYA MARDIN MUS NEVSEHIR ORDU-GIRESUN RIZE-ARTVIN SAMSUN SIIRT SINOP SIVAS SANLIURFA SIRNAK TOKAT TRABZON VAN ZONGULDAK

For updates please visit turkishairlines.com

CONTENTS

REGULARS 06 UPFRONT

The latest airline, hotel and travel news 10 SUSTAINABLE TRAVELLER

Best practices from across the region 12 GLOBAL NEWS

FEATURES 20 LEADING THE WAY

26 ASCENT MODE

36 ELEVATOR PITCH

37 AIR MILES

Eight exciting hotel openings worth travelling the world for in 2024

Laurent Demoulin, general manager of The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda Bay Ramla Ali, professional BritishSomalian boxer and Olympic athlete 40 OPINION

Defining and evolving the right culture within hospitality companies 54 LIFESTYLE

Power through the day with energising skincare and hair essentials 66 POSTCARD

Royal Diriyah Opera House

ON THE COVER

Emirates reiterates its position as a world-class carrier with global ambitions Airlines from across the Middle East are placing orders for hundreds of Boeing’s latest aircraft

An update on international travel

COVER: CLARKWIN CRUZ

JANUARY 2024

32 GLOBAL TRAILS

42 FUTURE TRAVEL TRENDS

From advancing technology and sustainability concerns to a focus on meaningful travel, these emerging trends are set to shake up the travel industry

OUT-OF-OFFICE

The business travel sector has found numerous ways to support the increasing number of remote workers

46 PARIS: GOING FOR GOLD

Paris has grand ambitions to host the greenest, fairest Games of them all – can it achieve this?

THE REPORT TRIED & TESTED FLIGHT

58 Air France Boeing 777-300ER (business class) New York – Paris

TRIED & TESTED HOTELS

60 Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai 61 Raffles London at The OWO

TRIED & TESTED RESTAURANT

62 Lolita Pool Bar and Lounge, Dubai 63 Zenon Dubai

SMART TRAVELLER

64 Our guide to... Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

46 JANUARY 2024

WELCOME

elcome to 2024. Although only four years on since the world shut down due to the start of the pandemic, the thoughts of the disruption that it caused to our lives seem like a progressively fading memory. The disruption wasn’t permanent, though the changes that it brought about in the way we live, work, travel, save and shop are set on an irreversible path. One of these areas that deserves a closer inspection is that of remote working. Most of us will distinctly remember receiving that email from the HR department back in 2020 informing us that it was time to pack our computers and take them home to work indefinitely. For those – and this was the majority of us at that time – who were thrust into a work-from-anywhere situation for the first time ever, we had to find novel ways to cope. We created daily routines to separate home and work life, saw our managers outline all-new processes and even used emerging technology in order to become digital nomads. This month, our cover story (pg14) looks at how hotels, airlines, and destinations too within this region have adapted to the reality that remote working – to some degree, at least – will remain the norm for the foreseeable future. From dedicated co-working spaces in hotels to self-sponsored residency visas in destinations such as Dubai, the business travel industry has united towards making remote working a sustainable decision for those who adopt it. Elsewhere in this edition, read the riveting insights we gathered from a recent interaction with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group about the future of the airline which is in the midst of the most profitable year in its history (pg20). As Emirates placed a US$52 billion order from Boeing a few weeks ago, we’ve also got an exclusive interview with Darren Hulst, vice president, Commercial Marketing at The Boeing Company (pg26) as he outlines the potential that Middle East carriers hold for the manufacturer. This summer, Paris will attract the world’s attention as the Olympic Games begin in July (pg46) and we have a guide to what you can expect. Also, we examine cutting-edge future trends in travel (pg42), some of which may begin to be rolled out as soon as this year itself. For now, from the entire team at Business Traveller, we wish you a Happy New Year.

Enjoy the issue.

Business Traveller Middle East is jointly published by Motivate Media Group and Panacea Media Ltd MOT IVAT E ME DIA GROUP

Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice Editor Varun Godinho Art Director Clarkwin Cruz Editorial Co-ordinator Londresa Flores Contributors Alice Holtham, Tamsin Cocks, Camille Macawili, Melanie Swan, Akanksha Maker, Hannah Brandler, Gemma Greenwood General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Group Sales Manager Chaitali Khimji Senior Sales Manager Murali Narayanan PANACE A ME DIA LT D

Managing Director Julian Gregory Associate Publisher Middle East Rania Apthorpe

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GLOBAL TRAILS Eight new hotel openings around the world in 2024 (Page 32)

GOING FOR GOLD Paris gets ready to host the Olympics this summer (Page46)

SMART TRAVELLER Your guide to Electronic Travel Authorisation (Page 64)

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JANUARY 2024

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UPFRONT

SAUDI ARABIA’S PIF ACQUIRES STAKE IN ROCCO FORTE HOTELS SAUDI ARABIA’S sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, has agreed to take a 49 per cent stake in Rocco Forte Hotels, with Italian company CDPE selling its stake in the hotel group. Rocco Forte Hotels was established in the 1990s by hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi, and currently comprises 14 hotels and resorts and 20 private villas, with properties including Brown’s Hotel in London, The Charles Hotel in Munich, and The Balmoral in Edinburgh. The Forte family will retain majority ownership and control of the group, with Sir Rocco remaining as executive chairman and Olga as deputy chairman.

HYATT DEBUTS RESIDENCES CONCEPT IN KUWAIT HYATT HAS OPENED Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, its first residential offering in the country. Located within Tower A of Tamdeen Square, the property is situated in Sabah Al Salem, close to Kuwait City’s Sixth Ring Road. Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences is spread across 33 floors. It includes 82 three-bedroom units and a single 435 sqm duplex with four bedrooms. Residents of Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences meanwhile can also enjoy the benefits of the Grand Hyatt Kuwait hotel which is approximately a 15-minute drive away and opened in 2022.

Turkish Airlines places order for 220 Airbus aircraft TURKISH AIRLINES has placed firm orders for 220 A321s and A350s, and a further 135 options with Airbus. The new order is split across 150 A321s, 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and five A350F freighter aircraft. It follows smaller orders for four A350-900s last July, and a further ten of that variant in September. In total, Turkish Airlines now has an order book for 504 Airbus aircraft, of which 212 have been delivered. JANUARY 2024

Jumeirah to double portfolio by 2030 THE DUBAI-HEADQUARTERED Jumeirah Group has said that it intends to double the size of its portfolio by 2030. A member of Dubai Holding, at present it operates 26 properties, comprising beachfront resorts, city hotels, and serviced residences across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Apart from the UAE, it will also expand its presence in Europe while “leveraging its strong base in London, Capri, Mallorca and Geneva to acquire luxury properties in other major cities as well as exploring opportunities in the US.” The group will also look East towards the Asia Pacific market to extend its reach beyond its existing properties in China, Bali and the Maldives.

Qatar Duty Free inaugurates Souq Al Matar at Hamad International

Riyadh to host Expo 2030

SAUDI ARABIA beat Italy and South Korea to win the bid to host the World Expo 2030. The expo will be held in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow” between 1 October, 2030 and 31 March, 2031. The World Expos are held every five years and last up to six months, typically welcoming tens of millions of visitors. The most recent one was the Expo 2020 Dubai and the upcoming edition is Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai which will take place between 13 April and 13 October 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

QATAR DUTY FREE (QDF), the owner and operator of all retail and catering outlets at Hamad International airport (HIA) in Doha, recently unveiled Souq Al Matar. Located in the North Node terminal of HIA, Souq Al Matar is positioned as an experiential mixed retail and dining concept. It features seven shops and two restaurants, developed in collaboration with architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, who also designed the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Souq Al Matar has wicker woven ceilings, arched doorways, and wooden-framed windows. In a nod to Qatari heritage, a dhow boat is displayed prominently, paying homage to the maritime trade history of the country. JANUARY 2024

UPFRONT

PIF to take 10 per cent stake in Heathrow

OUR HABITAS TO OPEN IN QATAR THIS MONTH 8

SAUDI’S PIF has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 10 per cent stake in FGP TopCo (TopCo), the holding company of Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, from Spanish infrastructure major Ferrovial. Under the terms of the agreement, while PIF picks up its share in TopCo, Ardian through its infrastructure funds will acquire a 15 per cent stake through separate vehicles. Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, and welcomed 6.1 million passengers in November. The airport has forecast that it will host a total of 81.4 million passengers in 2024.

HOSPITALITY GROUP Our Habitas will open its first property in Qatar this month. It has partnered with Qatar Airways to debut in Ras Abrouq, an hour’s drive from the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq features 42 villas, ranging from one- to fourbedrooms, all with private pools and large outdoor decks overlooking the sea. The new property will also collaborate with Qatar Tourism, Qatar Museums and other creative institutions to curate itineraries highlighting the region’s history and its emerging talent. It is the hospitality firm’s second opening in the Middle East, following that of its hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, two years ago.

Radisson Hotel Group returns to Jordan RADISSON HOTEL GROUP has opened a new Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall in Jordan’s capital. Located inside the Galleria Mall, it is approximately 30km from Queen Alia International airport. The hotel has 178 rooms and suites. Tim Cordon, COO of the Middle East and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall marks a significant milestone for us in Jordan and a return to the country. This hotel embodies our commitment to delivering exceptional service and a unique stay in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities.” Radisson Hotel Group has said that it aims to reach 100 operational hotels in the Middle East by 2026. By 2030, it plans to have a portfolio of 150 operational and under development properties across the Middle East.

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S US TA I N A BL E T R AV E L L E R

BLACKLANE MIDDLE EAST E XPANDS ALL-ELECTRIC FLEET TENFOLD LUXURY CHAUFFEUR hailing service Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold increase in its all-electric fleet size. Having launched in the UAE in March 2023, Blacklane says that the latest expansion includes the addition of Mercedes EQS-SUVs to its pool. In the UAE, it operates a dedicated fleet and provides both on-demand and pre-booked rides in Dubai. All Blacklane rides globally are 100 per cent carbon neutral since the firm offsets carbon emissions from every journey. Blacklane has quadrupled its global revenues to €200 million in 2022. It also recently closed of its Series F funding round. The company raised a total of US$36 million from shareholders Al Fahim Group, Gargash Group, MercedesBenz Mobility and Sixt.

Emirates operates A380 demonstration flight with 100 per cent SAF

mirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380, and it was used in one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while conventional jet fuel was used in the aircraft’s other three engines. ENOC secured the neat SAF comprising HEFA-SPK and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International ahead of the flight. Earlier in 2023, Emirates completed the first 100 per cent SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region on a GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER.

Q U OT E O F T H E M O N T H

The world needed to find a new way. By following our North Star, we have found that path. We have delivered a comprehensive response to the Global Stocktake. We operationalised loss and damage and started to fill the fund. We mobilised more than US$85 billion in new financial commitments. We launched Alterra, the world’s largest catalytic private investor that is 100 per cent focused on solutions to climate change. And we have language on fossil fuels in our final agreement” –Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President

JANUARY 2024

COP28: UAE PLEDGES US$30 BILLION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE DURING HIS OPENING REMARKS at the recentlyconcluded COP28 summit in Dubai, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged US$30 billion to counter climate change. The money will be put towards a private investment vehicle, Alterra, which aims to mobilise US$250 billion over the next six years as a comprehensive climate finance system. Alterra has collaborated with BlackRock, Brookfield and TPG as its inaugural launch partners and already committed US$6.5 billion to climate-dedicated funds for global investments including in India, Africa and Latin America.

Dusit Thani Dubai eliminates nearly one million singleuse plastic bottles DUSIT THANI DUBAI has committed to eliminating the use of single-use plastic bottles within its property. To that end, it launched a water bottling system which it says has helped it save nearly one million 500ml plastic bottles. Kishore Sathar, director of Operations at Dusit Thani Dubai, says, “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond rhetoric. With the continued success of our innovative water bottling system, we are taking meaningful steps to reduce single-use plastic, aligning with the Dubai Government’s vision and our own Tree of Life Program. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering transparency, community engagement, and a more environmentally conscious future.”

HILTON GREEN BREAKFAST REDUCES FOOD WASTAGE BY 62 PER CENT AT 13 UAE HOTELS HILTON HAS REPORTED a 62 per cent decrease in food wastage over a four-month period across 13 of its hotels in the UAE, according to the result of its ‘Green Breakfast’ pilot programme. The programme began in August 2023 with the installation of production and plate waste systems across the 13 hotels, where baseline data was recorded and updated through November 2023. The 62 per cent reduction in pre- and post-consumer food waste equates to serving more than 400,000 meals and preventing almost 726 tonnes of CO2e emissions a year. Hilton collaborated with Winnow and ne’ma, the United Arab Emirates National Food Loss and Waste initiative, for this programme. Winnow provided teams with AI measurement tools and held weekly coaching sessions to impact behavioural change among the hotel teams, whereas strategically placed behavioural suggestions designed by ne’ma were placed in the dining area to encourage guests to make sustainable decisions during their breakfast.

JANUARY 2024

UPFRONT GLOBAL NEWS

Virgin Atlantic uses SAF for transatlantic flight

Ascott to open two properties in Marrakech

Radisson to debut in Benin City

Zedwell showcases third London hotel

Minor Hotels brings Anantara to Austria

Virgin Atlantic recently operated the first transatlantic flight powered by 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), from London to New York JFK. The SAF used on the flight was a blend of 88 per cent hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids and 12 per cent synthetic aromatic kerosene, supplied by Air bp and Virent.

The Ascott Limited will open two new properties in Marrakech. Ascott Hivernage Marrakech and The Unlimited Collection Hotel Marrakech, by Q4 2026. Together, the two hotels will comprise 190 fully furnished units. Elsewhere in Morocco, Ascott is also opening two further properties in Casablanca.

Radisson Hotel Group has signed a new property with the Edo State Government in Nigeria. Radisson Hotel Benin City is a 169-room hotel, scheduled to open next year. Situated in the prime Government Reserved Area, this property is the group’s 12th hotel in Nigeria and its first in Benin City, the fourth largest city in the country.

Zedwell Hotels has opened its newest property in the UK capital, located in Greenwich. The 96room property housed within the glass and steel Cavatina Point building on Harmony Place, follows the brand’s existing Piccadilly and Tottenham Court Road properties in offering a windowless sleep concept.

Minor Hotels will bring its Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas brand to Vienna next year. Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, located on Schottenring, will feature 152 rooms and suites and will welcome its first guests in March. The hotel is a rebranding of an existing Kempinski hotel which opened a decade ago.

JANUARY 2024

7 8

Air India unveils new uniforms

Fraser Suites announced for Bangkok

Free bike hire for Changi’s layover passengers

Japan Airlines confirms A350-1000 for Dallas

Air India has unveiled its new crew uniforms designed by Indian celebrity couturier Manish Malhotra. The ombré readyto-wear sarees and bandhgalas will be introduced in a phased manner over the coming months, starting with crew onboard the carrier’s first A350. The uniforms will feature ‘Vista’, the new logo of the airline.

One Bangkok has signed a management agreement with Frasers Hospitality to manage Fraser Suites Bangkok. The property, located at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road, will span the top ten floors of a 45-storey premium office tower. Offering one-three bedroom options, it will feature a total of 261 rooms.

Passengers travelling through Singapore Changi airport who have at least 5.5 hours, but less than 24 hours, to catch their connecting flight can now hire a bike for free for two hours to explore nearby attractions including the Jurassic Mile and some beaches. They will though need to have an entry visa for Singapore, if required.

Japan Airlines has said that its first two new Airbus A3501000 aircraft will be deployed on the Tokyo Haneda – New York JFK route from 24 January. When its third A350-1000 joins the fleet in a four-class configuration, the carrier will enter that aircraft onto its TokyoDallas route. JAL has a total of 13 A350-1000s on order.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth plans extensive refurbishment The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth will undergo an AU$60 million refurbishment this year led by architecture and interior design firm Fender Katsalidis. Originally owned and operated by Qantas, the heritage-listed building dates back to the 1960s and is located on the bustling Phillip Street.

JANUARY 2024

WORDS VARUN GODINHO

OUT-OF-OFFICE Nearly four years since the pandemic irreversibly disrupted traditional work models, the business travel sector has found a myriad of innovative ways to support the sustained growth in the number of remote workers

OUT-OF-OFFICE

REMOTE WORKING

hile a global health crisis unfolded nearly four years ago in March 2020, a parallel crisis among a worldwide workforce began to brew. Workers, except those employed in the most critical sectors, were all asked to abruptly cease coming to their workplace and instead work from home. It thrust a vast majority of an approximately 3.5 billion global workforce into adjusting to a new reality of having to find a space in their home where they could live and work. Over the months that followed, the vocabulary of employees – and also of those hiring them – expanded to include words such as ‘remote working’, ‘hybrid workplaces’ and ‘digital nomads’. The new reality had an impact on several ancillary sectors. The real estate sector gl obally underwent a significant change wherein some people chose to move out of urban centres and relocate to the suburbs since the commute to work was no longer a consideration. Meanwhile, urban city infrastructure that was built to support the coordinated mass movement of employees every day suddenly found itself with spare capacity. Also, technology was forced to play catchup and adjust itself to the needs of these workers. The impact on the business travel sector was telling too. Four years on though, airlines, hospitality and destinations themselves have all found novel ways to adapt to the workfrom-anywhere policy. “At Accor, we believe that the global pandemic has profoundly changed work habits. Our brands and hotels have adapted by creating spaces that are lively, flexible, communitybased and creative. It is integral to create an environment that aligns with the needs of remote workers. ‘Augmented Hospitality’ remains a key focus with an emphasis on multifaceted and mixed-use development projects,” says Paul Stevens, chief

'Augmented Hospitality’ remains a key focus with an emphasis on multi-faceted and mixed-use development projects PAUL STEVENS

LEFT: Remote workers have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world ABOVE: Paul Stevens, chief operating officer of the Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor

operating officer of the Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor. Stevens adds that Accor currently operates 224 properties – 55,500 rooms – with 69 further properties in the pipeline across the Premium, Midscale and Economy divisions in the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye region. These include 16 hotels – 2,900 keys – in the Middle East across multiple brands within the portfolio such as Aparthotel Adagio, Swissôtel Living, Mövenpick Living, and Novotel Living that are made keeping in mind the requirements of these remote workers. Stevens says, “Adapting to the post-Covid world, Accor is integrating modular workspaces by reimagining the spaces in its properties. From Novotel Suites JANUARY 2024

REMOTE WORKING

Dubai Mall of the Emirates and the Premium Aparthotel Adagio Jumeirah Village Triangle to Mövenpick Living in bustling Istanbul and Swissôtel Living in Jeddah, guests enjoy the independence of apartments combined with renowned hotel services.” The rise of flexible working models has also put into the spotlight newer trends such as that of “bleisure” wherein business travellers often extend their stay for a few days for leisure activities since their employers allow them to work remotely for a brief time before returning home. “Remote work policies have granted employees the flexibility to work, not only from home, but also from any location with internet access. Thanks to the flexibility of remote working, guests are choosing extended stays over the typical short-term ones and increasingly choosing accommodations that offer amenities conducive to remote work, including high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces within rooms, ergonomic furniture, and access to business centres or co-working spaces within the hotel premises. Furthermore, guests have been seen opting for flexible booking policies, allowing for easier cancellations and JANUARY 2024

Thanks to the flexibility of remote working, guests are choosing extended stays over the typical short-term ones STUART DEESON, vice president of operations for Hyatt within the Middle East and Africa

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A buffet breakfast at a Hyatt property; A business area in Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District; InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City; A Hyatt studio apartment in Dubai

modifications to bookings, addressing the unpredictability of remote work schedules. These trends have significantly impacted the hospitality sector, encouraging hotels to adapt their services to meet the requirements of remote workers,” says Stuart Deeson, vice president of operations for Hyatt within the Middle East and Africa. For a select few, the shift to working remotely has become a permanent feature – which means that they are free to work from anywhere in the world. In 2021, a digital nomad visa

was introduced within the UAE. In Dubai, for example, remote workers from around the world are now welcome to set up base for up to one year and acquire this visa which offers them full rights and access on par with regular residents of the country, while they’re still employed by their overseas employer. The eligibility criteria to obtain the visa are fairly straightforward: employees need to be drawing a monthly salary of US$3,500, have at least a year’s contract with their employer and possess health insurance

with coverage within the UAE. Once approved, they get a one-year visa with vital local benefits including access to utilities, telecoms, and schooling for their children. In a sign of Dubai’s repute as a remote working hub, Airbnb partnered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism towards the end of 2022 to launch the Dubai remote working hub portal which offers information on long-term listings as well as information on the emirate’s entry requirements and its visa policies. The initiative came by way of Airbnb’s Live and Work Anywhere programme wherein it identified 20 destinations globally including in the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and Thailand, that were the most remote-workerfriendly places in the world. Dubai’s standing was only reinforced more recently when research from real estate broker Savills found that Dubai topped its list of the 20 most appealing destinations for executive nomads to live. “Many have been impacted by layoffs across global tech firms,” says Swapnil Pillai, Savills Middle East associate director of research. “They are exploring the city as a base to support these thriving sectors. Most of the city’s

co-working spaces are operating at nearly 100 per cent occupancy, which supports Dubai’s ranking as a top destination for executive nomads.” Also on that Savills Executive Nomad Index, at number four, is Abu Dhabi which scored high among the criteria considered by Savills which include the affordability and availability of prime real estate residential properties, quality of life, climate, air connectivity and internet speed. Just last month, free public wifi – known as Hala Wi-Fi – was introduced across Abu Dhabi including at its parks and on its public buses. As for air connectivity, one of the criteria considered by Savills, Abu Dhabi has a brand-new Terminal A, whereas Dubai International (DXB)

airport has been ranked as the world’s busiest international airport for nine consecutive years. DXB is also home to Emirates. “From an Emirates perspective, and based on our business model which not only hinges on point-to-point, but also connectivity via Dubai to our network of over 140 cities, we are seeing travellers make longer journeys, which means they could be working remotely,” said a spokesperson for Emirates. “Our hub Dubai is a perfect example of how travellers are incorporating remote work into their plans. Our top inbound markets like the UK, India, Germany, the US and Saudi have shown significant growth, almost doubling in size since 2019. A third of those visiting from these top markets are staying in Dubai for close to two weeks or more. With greater flexibility for remote work, and more distributed workforce environments, Dubai also offers a broad range of spaces for business and leisure. As an airline, we’ve calibrated our booking tools to combine flights with accommodation, local Dubai experiences, and much more to cater to these types of travellers,” added the Emirates spokesperson. The growth in the number of people coming to Dubai to take up longterm residence has been a trend that hospitality majors such as Accor and Hyatt are responding to swiftly. As for IHG Hotels and Resorts, it also said recently that it has found an increasing number of people in Dubai opting for its long-stay hotel apartments. Staybridge Suites Dubai Al Maktoum, it says, specifically caters to extended stays, with apartment-style suites, fully equipped kitchens and dedicated living areas. That property, IHG notes, has 60-70 per cent of its total inventory of 244 units regularly booked up. Similarly, its InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City property also reportedly is usually at 60 per cent capacity across its 341 luxury residence suites. James Britchford, vice president of Commercial IMEA at IHG Hotels and Resorts, says, “IHG’s presence across Dubai ensures that JANUARY 2024

REMOTE WORKING

guests looking for long-stay options have a broad range of choices. Our diverse brands and local offerings are thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of a global expat community, ensuring that families, young professionals, and remote workers are all able to enjoy the benefits of hotel living.” Accor’s Stevens says that there are further trends to be culled by way of accommodating remote workers. He says that one major trend is the increased demand for services supporting hybrid events. “In response, we have introduced the ALL CONNECT concept powered by Microsoft Teams, a pioneering hybrid meeting experience allowing companies and organisers to schedule physical meetings at the hotel while ensuring remote and simultaneous interaction with multiple external participants,” says Stevens. Stevens adds that Accor has witnessed a growing demand for midscale branded residences in markets such as UAE, as well as in Egypt and Saudi Arabia with the Novotel Residences Makkah in Thakher City in Saudi set to open soon. Accor is also expanding its portfolio with the introduction of concepts such as TRIBE, a new lifestyle brand in the midscale segment. Hyatt’s Deeson meanwhile points to Hyatt Place and Hyatt House as properties that appeal to remote

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Our hub of Dubai is a perfect example of how travellers are incorporating remote work into their plans

workers. “There are several Hyatt Place hotels and Hyatt House properties in the UAE EMIRATES SPOKESPERSON and Saudi Arabia that offer spacious rooms and flexible spaces to work or socialise, making them ideal spots for remote work and leisure. The hotels offer remote workers exclusive access to a fully equipped business centre,” says Deeson. In the case of Wyndham, it launched The Meetings Collection in 2021 which is a network of its premium meetings-focused hotels. Within a little over a year after it launched, it went on to include more than 160 Wyndham hotels worldwide

including Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina in Türkiye and Wyndham Dubai Deira in the UAE. Co-working spaces are on the rise too, and some of them are incentivised by the hotels themselves. At the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia, for example, its Camel Step Café offers daily rates for startup founders and freelancers to use the space. The daily rates include unlimited coffee and snacks, business centre services, high-speed wifi, valet parking, complimentary printing and the use of the hotel’s meeting room for one hour. Another example of co-working spaces becoming more organised can be found by way of Dubai-based startup Letswork which has teamed up with hotels, cafés and business centres to offer individuals and companies the chance to pick where they want to set up their co-working space. Letswork has already expanded beyond the UAE into Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Portugal and Spain. There are indications that there will be a slowdown to the growth of remote workers – a number of major companies have begun taking steps to curb the 100 per cent remote working model, among them Activision Blizzard, Disney, and X. But make no mistake, remote working isn’t a phenomenon that’s going to fade into the sunset. Recognising that to be the case, Dubai even hosted the Remote Forum last year as a platform that seeks to understand the new frontier of opportunities that the remote workforce will pose for the future. Omar Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System, was reported as having said at the forum, that remote work was “now a main way of work and not an option” and that remote work in the UAE should be used as a “competitive advantage that improves the quality of life” of residents and visitors to the country. The business travel sector stands ready to deliver.

E M I R AT E S

Leading the way As Emirates posts record profits and signs multiple billion-dollar deals to acquire new aircraft, the Dubai-based airline is only reiterating its position as a world-class carrier with global ambitions

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year ago, Dubai unveiled its new economic roadmap called ‘D33’ which aims to double its GDP by 2033. It set out targets for it to become one of the five leading logistic hubs worldwide, double the volume of its foreign trade and rise to the position of one of the top four global financial centres. Dubai’s aviation ecosystem, including its airports and airlines that facilitate the movement of several million people to Dubai each year, will play a central role in realising that vision. Dubai’s main airline, Emirates, is already demonstrating tremendous potential. The Emirates Group reported a record annual profit of US$3 billion for the year 20222023. It followed that up by announcing at the start of November last year, that it had hit a half-year net profit of US$2.7 billion which was not only a 138 per cent increase

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RIGHT: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group BELOW: An Emirates Boeing 777 departing from Dubai International

over the US$1.2 billion it did in the corresponding period the previous year, but was also nearly approaching the total amount of the previous financial year. Those handsome profits meant that as of 30 September 2023, the group closed the first half year of 2023-24 with a cash position of US$11.6 billion. It has now already repaid Dhs9.2 billion of its Covid-19-related loans too. Apart from repaying its debts, it also left the airline in a commanding position to accelerate its growth – and it hasn’t wasted any time in doing so. By the time the Dubai Airshow 2023 rolled around days after it had announced its half-yearly profit in November, the airline placed a US$52 billion order for 95 Boeing aircraft.

ABOVE: Emirates will invest US$950 million into a new engineering facility to be built at Dubai World Central

“I think that it will be able to achieve the Dubai D33 strategy and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, during a roundtable on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow 2023 in reference to that deal. “He always pushes us to the limits and the minute we reach there and think that’s the end of it, he comes up with another milestone for us to achieve. I think his support and backing, and that of the full team within the government, is what helps us to achieve our targets.” Emirates’ big announcement at the airshow was accompanied by a major one from flydubai too. That

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carrier sealed a US$11 billion deal for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Sheikh Ahmed, in addition to his role at Emirates Group, also serves as the chairman of flydubai. Emirates and flydubai decided to cooperate closely back in 2017 with codeshare flights, coordination on scheduling across their respective networks and implementing a common loyalty programme. When asked whether Emirates and flydubai could at some point operate as a single unified carrier, Sheikh Ahmed says, “That I will leave to time. We coordinate a lot of things between the two airlines – both are owned by the Dubai government. The two teams work closely with each other. If the two teams find another way to work [even closer] together, I will always approve it.” JANUARY 2024

ABOVE: Emirates is the world's largest operator of A380s TOP: The airline was present at the Dubai Airshow 2023 OPPOSITE PAGE: Cabin crew in front of an Emirates aircraft on display at the Dubai Airshow 2023

With Emirates’ Boeing deal at the airshow including 55 777-9s and 35 777-8s, it takes the airline’s 777X order book to a total of 205 units. Emirates has remained a resolutely all-widebody airline, while flydubai which was a single-aisle aircraft operator until now, has decided to venture into the widebody territory with its latest Dreamliner deal – a segment that was until now exclusively Emirates' within the partnership between the two carriers. There were natural concerns then that flydubai’s decision would lead to the possibility of either airline cannibalising traffic from the other – something that Sheikh Ahmed is confident will not be the case. “Flydubai has always been on routes that Emirates flies. I think you will see more of this in the future. Let’s take an X airport today that is operated by Emirates, but not by flydubai. If it’s a long-haul route, you might then see both carriers flying to that route.” As Emirates and flydubai cooperate closer together on both regional and long-haul routes, Emirates is also cooperating closely with UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways. That arrangement which was announced at the Arabian Travel Market last year will initially take the shape of an “open-jaw” agreement between the two airlines and will allow passengers to the UAE to fly in with one carrier and exit using the other airline. This level of cooperation would be vital for Emirates to compete with other major airlines in the region – especially newer ones such as Riyadh Air which is set to commence operations in 2025. Riyadh Air has already announced its own strategic agreements with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia.

E M I R AT E S

Sheikh Ahmed says that there’s room for more airlines to enter the market and for them to grow as well. “I’ve always said that the Gulf market can take the existing numbers [of airlines], and much more than that. Why should we think that the Gulf market won’t be able to take such a number? When we started here in the UAE, we started with one airline. Today, we have six and we manage. I think adding another one in Saudi Arabia will be good for the competition and we see many countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas with more than one airline. “Competition is healthy, but you also have to run your business in a way that it will be able to make money and continue.” On whether Emirates would consider picking up a stake in another airline, Sheikh Ahmed said that it wasn’t part of its plans at present. “We are focused on growing our business here, and we continue to do that.” Emirates’ peers in the region are adopting starkly different strategies for their future. Qatar Airways, for example, has indicated that it plans to phase out its first class on future incoming aircraft and instead focus on enhancing its business class offering. However, Sheikh Ahmed believes that the first class still holds a bright future for Emirates. “You will see Emirates continue

with its first class and you will also see something else that will be delivered within the new aircraft of Emirates which will be coming in the near future – we’ll leave it as a surprise,” he says. The one cabin class that Emirates has been a pioneer within the region, having introduced it a few months ago, is premium economy. With the addition of Tokyo Narita on 20 December, the airline has now deployed its premium economy cabin to 14 destinations, including the likes of London Heathrow, Sydney, Singapore, New York JFK and San Francisco, among others. “When it comes to our numbers on the premium economy that we have achieved so far, it’s beyond our expectations. This is doing so well that we will continue to see it on different routes,” said Sheikh Ahmed. Also at the airshow, apart from the Boeing deal, Emirates placed a US$6 billion order for 15 additional Airbus A350-900s. The decision to skip the larger variant A350-1000 was significant considering that the airline’s president Sir Tim Clark has already reportedly flagged concerns over Rolls-Royce engines. Sheikh Ahmed

Competition is healthy, but you also have to run your business in a way that it will be able to make money and continue

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E M I R AT E S

reiterated the commitments that the airline would require from Rolls-Royce. “I need guarantees about when, at what price and then maintenance per hour.” Among its existing Airbus fleet, its A380s are expected to be in service until the middle of the next decade. Keeping its large fleet of widebodies in top condition was a major consideration when Emirates announced at the airshow that it would invest US$950 million into a new engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC). That facility would not only help the airline be entirely self-sufficient for its maintenance, repairs and overhaul requirements, but also allow it to offer spare capacity to other airlines. It will be capable of handling commercial aircraft up to the size of Code F (A380). Emirates is already the world’s largest operator of the A380, and in November it became the world’s first airline to undertake an A380 demonstration flight with 100 per sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that was used to power one of its four engines. In October, it also began operating SAF-powered flights from Dubai International (DXB) JANUARY 2024

following an agreement with Shell Aviation for the latter to supply it with 315,000 gallons of blended SAF at its home base. But the current limitations with SAF isn’t just the lack of its widespread production, but the fact that it is still an expensive fuel compared to regular jet fuel. In fact, Emirates in its recent half-yearly 2023-24 financial report already stated that fuel was the largest component of its operating cost (34 per cent). An increase in fuel prices is expected to invariably be passed onto passengers. In an effort to be a part of the change, rather than waiting on it, Emirates announced a US$200 million aviation sustainability fund that it would allocate to partners undertaking R&D. That fund was announced in May last year, and Sheikh Ahmed says that the airline has spent the time since then carefully vetting who these funds are allocated to. “The minute you say that I have money ready for R&D, you can imagine how many people will come to you and say that they want some of that money. But we have to be very sure that whatever money goes towards R&D, it will help the sustainability programme.

ABOVE: The airline recently undertook the first A380 demo flight using 100 per cent SAF OPPISITE PAGE FROM TOP: The carrier's City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai; A self-service kiosk for passengers

And this is why it will take a bit of time to ensure that if we are investing with somebody, we will see a benefit from it when it comes to efficiency.” As Dubai continues building itself into an economic powerhouse, back in 2021 it announced plans to list 10 state-owned companies so that it could raise the size of its financial market to Dhs3 trillion. The firms that have been listed thus far include Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Tecom, Salik, Empower and Dubai Taxi Company – the latter of which was listed only a few weeks ago. With Emirates reporting large profits and in the midst of a sizeable expansion, there is speculation that it could be one among the ten to list. “My answer always when it comes to an IPO is to let the government decide, not me. It’s a good thing to see nearly 10 companies in Dubai that will be listed – so far there have been five. But the decision, if you ask me, of whether Emirates will also undergo an IPO is for the government to decide.” One way or the other, Emirates is making D33 and its goals a near-term reality. JANUARY 2024

BOEING

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oeing reaped a rich harvest at the recently concluded Dubai Airshow 2023. Among its biggest orders was a US$52 billion agreement for 95 widebody aircraft from Emirates. The carrier is already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and it signed further orders for 55 777-9s and 35 777-8s as well as five additional Dreamliners. Another Dubai-based carrier, flydubai, also inked a deal for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worth US$11 billion. Boeing went on to receive confirmed orders for dozens more aircraft at the airshow including 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 Max aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines, and orders from SCAT Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Royal Air Maroc too. “The fact that flydubai and Emirates decided to make big orders demonstrates the resilience of the market, how important new aircraft are to their future, and also the value of Boeing products. This is the culmination of months, and even years in some cases, of working with our customers to figure out what makes the most sense for them and how these aircraft fit in their future fleet needs,” Darren Hulst, vice president, Commercial Marketing at The Boeing Company told Business Traveller along the sidelines of the show. The Middle East’s aviation sector is booming. Hulst explains that Boeing’s global forecast projects that the Middle East needs about 3,000 new aircraft over the next two decades until 2042. Last March, two major Saudi carriers – the newly launched Riyadh Air, backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, and Saudia – placed large orders from Boeing. Saudia ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with an option for another 10, while Riyadh Air agreed to purchase 39 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase 33 more of the same aircraft. “In the last three years, globally, we’ve sold just about over 800 widebody jets, primarily 787s

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mode

Boeing is in a commanding position within the Middle East, with carriers from across the region, placing fresh orders for hundreds of its aircraft

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BOEING

and also 777s, and a lot of that has been to customers here in the Middle East. When you look at the backlog for Middle East airlines, 75 per cent of those widebody orders have been for Boeing widebodies. Our goal would be to satisfy the needs of our customers with these versatile jets, either the 787 or the 777. This is an incredibly important region for us to showcase what Boeing widebodies can do,” notes Hulst. The all-Boeing operator of flydubai, in a dramatic departure from its policy of only inducting narrowbody aircraft, decided to place its first-ever widebody order at the airshow. Emirates only has widebody aircraft in its fleet to date, and Riyadh Air at the time of going to press has stuck to the widebody segment of aircraft. It begs the question of In the last three whether widebodies years, globally, we’ve are a more appealing sold just about over proposition to major 800 widebody jets carriers from this region as opposed to DARREN HULST, vice president, Commercial Marketing at The narrowbody aircraft. Boeing Company Hulst weighs in on the subject. “This region needs more widebody aircraft than other regions because so much of its traffic is focused on connecting big population centres from Asia to Europe, and from Africa to Asia, and so on. That yields a larger mix of widebody aircraft. “But I also think that as we go into the next decade, with more of a local economy developing in places like Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, we’re going to see the development of short- and mediumhaul traffic, and that will be largely driven by single-aisle aircraft. “Going forward, Saudi Arabian carriers that are launching, developing and refleeting are also looking for single-aisle aircraft to complement JANUARY 2024

their widebody jets. Our forecast for the long term is that a little bit under half of the aircraft [ordered by] Middle East carrier will be widebodies, and a little bit over half will be single-aisle aircraft.” The widebody is still going to be a major draw for carriers from the region. Hulst notes that airlines from the Middle East represent about 7 per cent of the demand overall for aircraft, but almost 20 per cent of widebody demand – a figure that can

readily rival global markets. “One out of every five big aircraft delivered [globally] will be provided to this market. This region is therefore on par with the widebody segment within North America and Europe. This region will take on the same level of importance [as other global markets] for some of our programmes – the 777X is a great example.” Among the first eight global customers to express their interest in the 777X, three – Emirates, Qatar

Airways and Etihad Airways – were from the Middle East. Emirates’ most recent order at the Dubai Airshow 2023 takes its 777X order book to a total of 205 aircraft. The incoming 777-9s and 777-8s will replace its retiring 777 aircraft. “The 777X is the largest twin-engine widebody aircraft ever. For airlines that currently operate the 777-300ER, it’s going to increase their capacity by around 2040 seats and offer the lowest cost per seat of any widebody in history.

“Today, about a quarter of global widebody seats are on aircraft with 340 seats and more. So, there’s a sizeable replacement demand in that space for aircraft that are efficient, but also large. That’s where the 777X fits into the market – when you need capacity, but you have limitations on frequency, and also when you need an efficient replacement for ageing fleets,” says Hulst. While Boeing walked away from the Dubai Airshow with orders

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Interiors of a Boeing 777X; The Boeing manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington; Etihad’s latest Boeing 787-10 lands at Abu Dhabi International airport; Emirates has an order book of a total of 205 777X aircraft; Boeing at the Dubai Airshow 2023

for hundreds of new aircraft, the pressure is now on it to deliver them as per the agreed timelines. That may prove a challenge though given that the pandemic blew a gaping hole through the supply chains of nearly every major industry, with the aviation sector which typically relies on a number of external component manufacturers to support its operations, particularly affected. Apart from affecting physical production levels, the pandemic also saw skilled personnel exit from the industry. “The pandemic rippled through the whole industry. Not only did it take a production rate that was used to producing at a high rate and bring it down to very little, but you also saw a significant attrition of skills and capabilities where the JANUARY 2024

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most accomplished and experienced workers in many cases took retirement packages and left from the industry. “Now, we need to rebuild that talent and rescale every single part of that supply chain, otherwise you can’t achieve the production rates that you need to,” says Hulst, while admitting that the going hasn’t been easy while striving to achieve those goals. “It’s been challenging for us and frustrating for our customers because we haven’t been able to do it as fast as we all thought we could. In some cases, we’ve even embedded our own employees with our key suppliers to stabilise production and to help them focus on where they need to be for us to achieve not just the current rate of production, but also for us to meet the future needs of our production goals.” Hulst says that at present Boeing is continuing to raise the production rates on its single-aisle 737 aircraft – they’re currently manufacturing around 38 of them each month. He added that Boeing is also adding JANUARY 2024

FROM TOP: A 737 Max 7 aircraft sits on the tarmac outside of the Boeing factory in Renton; A Qatar Airways Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft

an assembly line in Everett to supplement the current assembly line in Renton. Over at its facility in Charleston, Boeing is producing nearly five 787s each month. “The 787 production rate before the pandemic was 14 per month. If you look at where the market is going, I think before the

end of this decade, we’re going to be in that neighbourhood because of demand in the market.” As Boeing increases production, it’s also laying a greater emphasis on sustainability. Hulst says that each new aircraft that it brings to market is around 20-40 per cent more efficient than the one it is replacing. It has also

BOEING

ABOVE: Riyadh Air agreed to purchase 39 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase 33 more of the same aircraft LEFT: Flydubai recently inked a deal for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worth US$11 billion

undertaken supplementary activities such as purchasing 5 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel for use in its test flights and for customer delivery flights. “The real kind of critical work we’re investing in has to do with scaling sustainable aviation – it sounds boring, but it is critical. We can’t get there by producing a hydrogen jet in 2050. We can’t get there by replacing the whole fleet in the next five years. Investments in scaling infrastructure are absolutely our focus in the next five to ten years. We’re looking at future technologies, but maturing a technology that can actually change the way people fly on a commercial aircraft with 100 seats

In some cases, we’ve embedded our own employees with key suppliers to stabilise production

or bigger is still a decade away,” cautions Hulst. As an example of Boeing’s commitment to sustainable aviation, he cites its US$450 million investment into all-electric autonomous air taxi developer, Wisk, in January 2022 which will be able to transport fourfive passengers. Other forward-looking technologies that Boeing is currently considering include the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project in partnership with NASA to explore airframe technologies,

specifically new wing designs, that can make their way onto single-aisle commercial aircraft. “We’re looking at Truss-Braced wing technology that could dramatically impact the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft. [We're also looking at] advanced propulsion technologies that are mostly in the hands of our engine suppliers, but need to be integrated into an aircraft's design. And then finally, we have production systems. For us to make airplanes more inexpensive, but also more quickly, a production system revolution will be a part of what brings a new aircraft to market. Right now, we’re investing in all those angles,” says Hulst. The Middle East has already proved to be a ready and willing market for Boeing products, and as new technology emerges and debuts in next-generation aircraft, this region will likely also be among the early customers of those aircraft. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, two of the biggest markets in this region, have much potential to further develop their aviation ecosystems. “The UAE and Saudi Arabia are huge for us. If you look at UAE, you look at a pretty advanced aviation market. You’re looking at a place that has invested in and put together the infrastructure to connect people. In fact, when you think about connecting, you think about a hub like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. In Saudi Arabia, I think it’s just the beginning of the potential. You are seeing what is possible there with the right investment. Saudi Arabia has a religious market. It also has a potential leisure market that hasn’t yet been tapped and it’s got a big domestic market. So if you think of its potential, it’s vast. I think they’re just starting to tap into that growth. And so from my perspective, the UAE market is mature and continuing to develop while the Saudi Arabia market is almost like a developing and emerging market for aviation.” The American manufacturer is letting this region have nothing less than its undivided attention. JANUARY 2024

EIGHT EXCITING HOTEL OPENINGS WORTH TRAVELLING THE WORLD FOR IN 2024

W O R D S A L I C E H O LT H A M

HOTELS

anu Tokyo, Japan

Opening: March 2024 Ultra-luxury Aman Resorts will debut its more affordable sister brand, Janu (pictured left) , in early 2024 with its flagship hotel in Tokyo. The bustling Japanese capital will welcome Janu Tokyo to its progressive Azabudai Hills neighbourhood, and the 122-key property will be the only hotel within the development. Rich textures, a striking use of glass and latticed woodwork create a space that nods to traditional Japan while ensuring it fits firmly in its futuristic city within a city. The Janu ethos is all about shared social experiences, and the 4,000 sqm wellness space will feature one of Tokyo’s biggest gyms, alongside a 25m lap pool, a duo of Spa Houses, and a recovery studio complete with an oxygen chamber. On the culinary front, a celebration of Italian flavour awaits at all-day dining restaurant, Janu Mercato; then there’s a duo of Japanese restaurants, called Ligura and Sumi. Completing the restaurant repertoire are the Janu Grill, with its spectacular show kitchen, two large wine cellars, bar and counter-style seating, and Hu Jing, where guests can savour Cantonese signatures such as roast duck, contemporary dim sum and seafood specialities. janu.com

Soneva Secret, Maldives

Opening: February 2024 A luxurious private island resort might not feel new or noteworthy when it comes to the Maldives, but Soneva Secret isn’t a regular Indian Ocean escape. This resort is set to offer next-level exclusivity and a standard of luxury that few others can deliver. Oozing barefoot luxury, the resort will be the first within the Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Guests will check in to one of just 14 overwater or beach villas, which includes the Maldives’ first and only floating villa set away from the rest of the resort. Those familiar with sister property Soneva Janu which offers a constant stream of Instagram fodder will recognise the Robinson Crusoe-inspired overwater villas at Secret that come with a private slide into the ocean. Curate your own itinerary to feature holistic wellness experiences, lunch on a secluded sandbank prepared by a private chef, a guided session of swimming with manta rays, or an evening exploring the resort’s expansive wine cellar, reachable via zipline. soneva.com

DBOX FOR MORI BUILDING CO LTD

Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, Indonesia

Opening: Q4 2024 If a blissful immersion into an untamed jungle is high on your 2024 bucket list, then head straight to Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, opening at the end of this year. This long-awaited resort will fuse the brand’s signature Thai touch with a tropical experience befitting of the Ubud locale, to create a resort that’s all about embracing serenity. A collection of 66 guest rooms and villas await guests, with the beautiful pool villas set to be one of the most appealing new offerings in the area. A pool bar, a collection of internationally influenced restaurants and an Anantara Spa are available to those who just want to drop-and-flop. But discovering the destination’s rolling rice fields, temples and cultural icons on the resort’s doorstep shouldn’t be missed. anantara.com/ubud-bali JANUARY 2024

HOTELS

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Seychelles

Opening: February 2024 Due to its proximity, gorgeous beaches and ever-alluring weather, the Seychelles are an enduringly popular choice for GCC residents seeking a long weekend escape. If it’s on your hit list for 2024, consider the Waldorf Astoria’s debut resort in the island archipelago, a private island escape where an impressive collection of restaurants and activities unfold along lush vegetation and golden sands. Each of the 50 villas is a seaside oasis with a luxe-tropical feel, and five-star facilities including private pools, an outdoor shower and their own concierge to cater to every whim. There are half a dozen restaurants that allow farmto-table flavours to take centre stage, from locally sourced seafood at Mediterranean restaurant La Perle to Maison Des Espice where a fusion of Creole dishes awaits. There’s plenty to keep travellers busy, from whale watching to cooking classes, plus pampering sessions at the spa. hilton.com

One&Only Kéa Island, Greece

Park Hyatt Marrakech, Morocco

Opening: Early 2024 First announced in 2008, the longawaited Park Hyatt Marrakech will debut this year. Set outside of the bustling Marrakech medinas within Al Madden, it will likely be the ideal resort stay for those looking to escape the fast-paced city feel while still feeling like they’re close to all the action. Golf lovers can look forward to an 18-hole golf course, while further facilities promised include a unique spa, several restaurants and stunning Atlas Mountains views. Of the 130 guest rooms, more than half are suites that harmoniously blend contemporary and classic styles, ranging in size from one- to threebedroom abodes. hyatt.com JANUARY 2024

Opening: Spring 2024 Trade the tourist-packed Cyclades of Santorini and Mykonos for Kéa, a lesser-known isle within this soughtafter archipelago that’s as verdant as it is rugged. Here, the luxurious One&Only will debut its second Grecian – and only third European – property this spring. Accessible from the Greek capital by a 30-minute boat or 15-minute helicopter ride, this former holiday destination du jour of Athenians-in-the-know will soon be home to an all-villa resort set against the backdrop of the dramatic coastal cliffside. One- and twobedroom villas come with either sea or cliff views, and all offer secluded privacy, their own swimming pool, and the kind of breezy interiors that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. A central swimming pool and beach club are stylish spots to drink in the resort experience, while thrilling aquatic adventures like sailing and snorkelling await in the Aegean Sea. oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, UK

Opening: Early 2024 In the beating heart of London’s most iconic luxury neighbourhood, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will debut in early 2024. Promising to bring the brand’s signature Asian flair to a district that’s renowned for luxury and style, the 50-room hotel is complemented by 77 private residences, all of which will benefit from discreet, sleek, and personalised service. Among the array of facilities, the property will see the arrival of acclaimed chef Akira Back’s first UK restaurant, as well as his ‘ABar Lounge’ concept and ‘ABar’ rooftop bar. There will also be a strong focus on wellness, and as such the hotel will house a signature spa that promises to be an urban utopia that features a 25m heated pool, biohacking treatments, and a state-of-the-art gym. mandarinoriental.com

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Opening: Q1 2024 The Reserves are the crown jewels in the Ritz-Carlton crown, and this breathtaking overwater villa resort is just the sixth Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world. Known for their remote and untouched locations, they don’t come much more unspoiled than Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, which has largely been off-limits to visitors – until now. Nujuma will open in early 2024 alongside a St. Regis property on Ummahat Island. This sugary stretch of sand will become the backdrop for a paradisiacal resort that will feature 63 one- to threebedroom water and beach villas, a speciality seafood restaurant, a spa, and an educational Conservation House. Set within the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands, water-based activities here are set to be nothing short of spectacular. Pair that with Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s intuitive service and locally inspired focus, and you’ve got an alluring island escape unlike any other. ritzcarlton.com JANUARY 2024

E L E VATO R P I TC H

ELE

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TOR PITCH

Business Traveller Middle East gives Laurent Demoulin, general manager of The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda Bay in Morocco, five minutes to pitch his property to prospective guests

The opening of The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort in Tamuda Bay marks the debut of the St. Regis brand in Morocco along the Mediterranean coastline. Renowned for its natural splendour, pristine golden beaches, and rich history, Tamuda Bay captivates visitors with its allure. Upon stepping out of the car and entering the hotel, the magnetic pull of the Mediterranean Sea becomes immediately apparent. Every room, restaurant, and meeting room in our hotel offers a tranquil view of the sea, creating a distinctive and serene ambience. Built as a private riad with intimate courtyards and lush gardens, our resort pays tribute to the Andalucian cultural legacy of the area. The curated art collection from local artists transports our guests to the nearby Tetouan, acclaimed by UNESCO as Morocco’s bestpreserved medina with its seven renowned gates, as well as to the Rif mountains and the captivating landmarks of the coastal landscape, including the Hercules Caves. We have 83 guestrooms and 17 suites – all with a private sea-facing balcony – including a 1,800 sq ft Presidential suite. We are committed to an uncompromising level of service JANUARY 2024

and our dedicated team of butlers are on hand to ensure that each guest’s preferences are anticipated at every turn. Guests who stay at the hotel will embark on an extraordinary culinary experience. The Baie Blanche Brasserie is a contemporary French brasserie with Moroccan influences and it has an enticing seafood menu. The Bahia Vista Beach Bar and Grill, by the beach, offers fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen and prepared by our chefs at the show kitchen and on the Josper grill. The menu also offers a large selection of sushi prepared by our two sushi masters. The sun-kissed circular seating areas provide an ideal ambience for savouring an apéritif, while the two secluded tables overlooking the Mediterranean Sea create an exquisite setting for an intimate dining experience. The St. Regis Bar, inspired by the King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York, offers a curated menu of

“Upon stepping out of the car and entering the hotel, the magnetic pull of the Mediterranean Sea becomes immediately apparent”

classic cocktails. The Library acts as a quiet corner to enjoy a locally inspired take on the acclaimed signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea. At sunset, the nightly St. Regis champagne-sabering ritual commences within the Grand Hall Garden. In addition to the fully equipped Exercise Room, The St. Regis Spa has five treatment rooms, including one suite for couples, and have been named to celebrate Berber women. We have partnered with Sothys and marocMaroc to offer exclusive treatments exploring Moroccan beauty traditions. The resort also offers an exterior pool facing the sea with direct access to the beach. With more than 5,000 sq ft of luxury event spaces and a riadinspired private patio, the hotel offers the perfect setting for celebrations, weddings, gatherings, and meetings. The Astor Ballroom, with its exterior garden overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, can host receptions for up to 280 guests. International guests seeking unparalleled luxury who choose the St. Regis La Bahia Blanca expect the extraordinary. Our commitment to exceeding expectations is a testament to the timeless legacy of hospitality that defines our iconic brand.

AIR MILES

AIR MILES WITH

Ramla Ali

The professional British-Somalian boxer and Olympic athlete is breaking entrenched barriers for women entering sports at the grassroots level

INTERVIEW VARUN GODINHO

ho introduced you to the sport of boxing? I owe my introduction to boxing to boxercise classes at the age of 12, a journey born out of the need to boost my self-confidence and reshape my body perception. Training secretly due to concerns about my family’s disapproval, I eventually gained strength and impressed trainers who recognised my potential. Despite warnings that ‘girls don’t box,’ I pursued the sport and my passion grew. Which is the most personally satisfying professional highlight thus far? The most satisfying moment for me was representing Somalia in the Olympic Games in 2021. As the first Somali female professional boxer and the first from my home country to compete in the Olympics, it meant everything. Despite the challenges, the experience encapsulated the essence of the Olympics – representing my community and nation. While the loss stung, I see it as a step forward for Somali women in sports. Regardless of the hurdles, being there and competing was more important than my personal journey, paving the way for a positive shift in the landscape of females in African sports. What is the nature of your recent collaboration with SIRO One Za’abeel in Dubai? Partnering with SIRO is a natural fit for me, given our shared commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing. In the often male-dominated realm of boxing, I’ve strived to create an environment where women feel not just accepted but encouraged to participate. SIRO mirrors these ambitions by aiming to introduce hotels and platforms that welcome everyone to enhance their well-being and positively impact their physical and mental health. I’m excited to work with the SIRO team to develop programmes and experiences that go beyond traditional fitness routines. It’s about

breaking barriers just as we’ve done in the world of boxing. What are the three things that always accompany you on your travels? The first is my pair of boxing gloves, ensuring I’m always ready for impromptu training sessions. The second is a journal – a space for reflection, goal-setting, and capturing the moments along my journey. Lastly, I take with me a carefully curated playlist of motivational tunes. Which is your most memorable travel experience? Our favourite trip has been to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. We are looking forward to continuing our travels through Africa with an upcoming trip to Rwanda where we will be staying at the stunning One&Only resorts. This is something me and my husband have been wanting to do for the last five years. How do you spend your Air Miles? My Air Miles are crucial in balancing my demanding training schedule and personal life. I use them to book flights for competitions, ensuring I can maintain peak performance without compromising family time. You started the Ramla Ali Sisters Club a few years ago. What’s been the impact of it? The Ramla Ali Sisters Club has proved a haven for Muslim women to train without fear of discrimination. The club, initially focusing on providing a safe space for women to train with or without hijabs, has expanded its mission to include self-defence classes. The

Sisters Club was at the beginning directed towards Muslim women, but has evolved into a resource for any woman, particularly those facing vulnerability and limited access to sports. The impact extends beyond teaching physical skills – it’s about inspiring confidence and empowerment. What will life after boxing look like for you? Life after boxing holds a multitude of opportunities for growth, impact, and embracing new challenges. My partnership with SIRO is something I envision long-term as their dedication to holistic well-being aligns seamlessly with my vision, ensuring a transition from boxing that prioritises health, fulfilment, and continued empowerment. JANUARY 2024

OPINION

Hotel heists From petty theft to grand larceny, our columnist has seen it all, but some of the most legendary hotel robberies have slipped into myth

JANUARY 2024

Three workmen came out of the lorry in The Guinness Book of Records recorded it as white overalls, with the company name the costliest jewel theft in history. Or was it? proudly displayed on their back in red. In 2013, the unlucky hotel hit the headlines “We’ve come to collect the concert grand with an even bigger jewel theft – this time piano in the ballroom for repairs,” they valued at US$136 million. The Los Angeles announced confidently. Times reported that a gunman walked into the The night manager had heard nothing of Carlton InterContinental Hotel (now the it, but dutifully led them to the hotel’s prized Carlton Cannes under the Regent brand) and Steinway – an instrument some nine foot in loaded his bags from a temporary exhibit of length, beautifully crafted in jewellery by a prestigious mahogany and maple, and diamond house. worth well over £150,000 in When it published the Someone crawled today’s money. story, the newspaper along the lounge The workmen said it was wanted to reference the carpet and under a so big, it was impossible for similar theft some nine them to handle it alone – chair to try and steal years previously, but could and of course, you’ve find no trace of the original a Hermès Birkin bag story. Neither the hotel guessed it, the night manager helped them lift it management nor the local into the back of the lorry… press could find any record never to be seen again. of what had happened. The details of what was MISSING JEWELS stolen and whether anyone The trouble with incredible had ever been caught had stories about bold hotel thefts vanished – like the supposed is that the legend begins to stolen goods – into thin air. shroud truth. Entertainment Weekly reported in 2019 Strangely, the same account that it was ‘the greatest heist that never was.’ appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald in But perhaps the most interesting thefts are 2009, with an identical storyline – except when no one realises they have lost anything. that the piano theft had taken place at the At one hotel I worked at, it took me some Sheraton Grand London Park Lane this time. time to work out how an employee in the After that news item was published, stories accounting office afforded long-distance of grand pianos disappearing all over the world holidays on such a frequent basis. from hotel lobbies began to proliferate. I Eventually, I discovered he’d been claiming began to doubt myself that it had ever airline mileage on all the hotel bills that happened at Claridge’s. But I’d heard it from guests hadn’t claimed for themselves and an impeccable source: the hotel doorman. putting them onto his own mileage account. It reminds me of one of the most infamous A warning to business travellers: always claim hotel thefts of all: the legendary US$60 your miles before someone else does. And million diamond armed robbery from the don’t let people collect your grand piano in Carlton in Cannes in 1994. In 1996, the middle of the night…

BENJAMIN SOUTHAN

n my 40 years of running hotels, I’ve dealt with my fair share of thefts. There was the typical toll of lost room amenities, fluffy towels and bathrobes, which in some cases must have required an extra suitcase to heave the loot out through the revolving doors. I have witnessed smart women dining in the restaurant stealing other ladies’ purses, and elderly gentlemen lining up behind those at reception and walking off with their briefcases. In one instance someone crawled along the lounge carpet and under a chair to steal a large Hermès carrier bag containing that iconic handbag, the Birkin, valued at just under £100,000. They almost got away with it until a security officer literally ‘stepped in’, by stamping their foot on the offender’s hand before they could crawl back. Possibly the most outlandish thievery came during my time running the Carlton Tower in London (now Carlton Jumeirah), when the iconic cast-bronze bull statue was stolen from the Rib Room by some late-night diners who miraculously got it through the front door, despite it weighing at least 50 kilos. In this case, a prick of conscience seemed to affect the culprits – and two days later a mystified doorman retrieved it from an otherwise empty taxi. The driver declined to say how it had flagged him down for a lift. One of the best stories I can remember happened at Claridge’s Hotel while I was working with The Savoy Group of hotels in the 1970s. On a cold January morning in 1975, the night manager was surprised to find a large lorry turning up outside the hotel entrance at just after 1am. Emblazoned on the side was the name Chappell’s, the purveyor of fine pianos, which had a store close by in New Bond Street.

DEREK PICOT A HOTELIER FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND AUTHOR OF THE HOTEL DETECTIVE AND HIS LOVER

OPINION

Why is my flight delayed?

When things go wrong, lack of information often adds to our frustration. Our undercover pilot sheds light on what’s happening behind the scenes

lights are often booked months in advance, with clearly stated schedules, so it’s reasonable to expect they will depart on time. Unfortunately, as you’ve all no doubt experienced, that’s not always the case. What makes matters worse is when there is no staff to offer any information, leaving passengers disgruntled. As crew, we get equally frustrated by delays. We, too, want to reach our destination on time. Some delays are known about ahead of time, such as planned strikes, so airlines can at least try to reschedule you and minimise the disruption. But in most cases, delays are caused by unforeseen issues such as adverse weather conditions, technical problems, air traffic control issues, passenger-related delays, knock on effects of previous flights, and crew hours expiring. FAILURE TO LAUNCH In the UK, most weather-related delays occur in winter, as a result of fog, ice, snow, high winds and thunderstorms, but summer can also present challenges. In all of these cases air traffic control (ATC) may need to impose restrictions on the number of aircraft departing and arriving, which at a busy airport like London Heathrow, can quickly create significant delays or cancellations. The main challenge with fog is visibility for aircraft on the ground, meaning it takes much longer to vacate a runway on landing, and requires increased spacing between arriving aircraft. It’s also difficult to see other aircraft, so the number moving around the airfield has to be reduced. Any deposits of ice and snow on an aircraft, meanwhile, will increase drag and decrease lift, which could be a recipe for disaster. The

need to remove these deposits is therefore imperative, and achieved by spraying the aircraft with a hot fluid, which adds time to the normal departure. High winds also result in delays as they destabilise aircraft landing which can lead to a “go-around” (see my column at businesstraveller.com), hence ATC restricts the number of landings to accommodate this. Thunderstorms also mean aircraft have to change route, which increases the ATC workload and requires the number of aircraft to be reduced to avoid overload.

Some delays are known about ahead of time...but in most cases, delays are caused by unforeseen issues

Before departure, standard system and safety checks are run to ensure all systems are go. It’s not uncommon for minor technical issues to be detected. These usually pose no threat to passengers, but may require time to reset or require an engineer to fix the issue. Other issues could be to do with the aircraft being too heavy. Each aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight (of combined fuel, cargo, passengers and so on), which varies

depending on atmospheric pressure. If the aeroplane exceeds this, it cannot take off until the weight has been reduced. Passenger-related delays usually result in baggage having to be off-loaded, which can take up to 30 minutes depending on aircraft size. In other cases, delays could be due to unruly passengers who are intoxicated or posing a threat to others. Knock-on delays are another common culprit. There is only a finite time between an aircraft arriving and departing, which can be less than 30 minutes for some low-cost airlines. If the inbound flight arrives late, your flight is likely to depart late. CHAIN REACTION Things happen – we get it. But why can’t airlines give clearer answers as to how long your flight will be delayed? Well, any one of these hiccups can lead to another, and another… A technical delay requiring a simple fix may turn out to be more complex than originally thought. Because you’ve missed your air traffic departure time slot, another will need to be requested, putting you at the back of the queue. The next thing you hear is that the crew are going out of hours. Crew are legally capped in the length of each duty to ensure the flight can be operated safely without crew becoming fatigued and making mistakes. A significant delay might push the crew over their maximum hours, which means new crew may have to be sourced resulting in a longer delay or cancellation. If you are affected by delays, in some cases, you can apply for compensation. And please try not to shout at the crew – it’s most likely not our fault, and we’re just as fed up as you! JANUARY 2024

OPINION

A workplace for everyone Defining, nurturing and evolving the right culture within hospitality companies is vital to attract and retain the finest talent

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reating and curating evident, activated, and sustainable cultures has never been more strategically imperative for hospitality companies. Having a robust culture that embraces diversity, fosters inclusion, and delivers equity, is not just a moral obligation in 2024, it is also an opportunity for organisational advantage in an everincreasingly competitive marketplace. Post-pandemic, there has been a seismic shift in the awareness of what constitutes a positive and successful team culture – historically, the focus was ‘satisfaction’. An annual staff satisfaction survey was, in many cases, the sole measure of the cultural strength of a hospitality organisation. In the aftermath of pandemic shutdowns and lockdowns, many hospitality leaders were left bewildered as vast numbers of supposedly satisfied workers decided not to return to their jobs. “Where did they go?,” leaders asked, albeit asking the wrong question. The real issue was “Why won’t they come back?” And the answer to that question leads us to what is now the most important word in the cultural vocabulary of enlightened leaders: ‘belonging’. Team members will no longer accept simply existing in an organisation, they want to feel that they truly belong there. For them to feel a deep sense of belonging, they must feel complete alignment with the purpose and values of an organisation. This calls for a highly visible cultural ideology. The ideology must deliver organisational purpose, not process. Hospitality leaders must finally accept their obligation to articulate the ‘why’ of the organisation to team members, and not just the ‘how’. Once established, the ideology must not simply be JANUARY 2024

BILL WALSHE FORMER CEO VICEROY HOTEL GROUP, PUBLIC SPEAKER AND FOUNDER OF PRIDEOLOGY

delivered to them, it must be discussed with them too. It’s imperative that when communicating about culture, it’s in the form of a conversation, not a presentation. To create belonging, they must believe their voices will be heard. Most importantly, leaders at all levels in the organisation must be given the skills and confidence to be seen to embody the culture in everything they do.

Team members will no longer accept simply existing in an organisation, they want to feel that they truly belong there

For a culture of belonging to thrive, diversity needs to be embraced and inclusion needs to flourish. The cultural ideology needs to speak to a recognition of individuality, and a celebration of differences. Team members must believe that diversity is a path to opportunity, not an impediment. Leaders set the tone for inclusivity by engaging in open communication, creating safe spaces devoid of judgment and discrimination. A commitment to diversity without a commitment to inclusion is pointless. When I was CEO of Viceroy, I was struggling with this reality. The then head

of diversity at Netflix and DEI guru Verna Myers explained it to me like this: “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.” Organisations with multiple nationalities in the workforce must view their diversity as a cultural opportunity, not a complexity. When I worked at Jumeirah in Dubai, there were 112 different colleague nationalities. Then CEO Gerald Lawless viewed diversity as one of the group’s greatest strengths. “Prejudice is fuelled by ignorance,” he would tell us, encouraging us to instead seize the opportunity to learn from the other 111 nationalities we were privileged to work with, to embrace cultures unlike our own, to accept and never judge. Every robust team culture is built on a platform of effective, active, and inclusive communication. This is particularly true in times of crisis where transparent communication allows teams to activate the behaviours necessary to navigate turbulence. Strong cultures allow great leaders to maintain calm and create confidence in a crisis, to build trust through coordination and collaboration, to share information, and to answer questions with honesty and integrity, retaining alignment despite upheaval. In conclusion, let’s refocus on the core component of a robust hospitality company culture – ‘purpose’. I believe that the first and fundamental obligation of every organisation is to make people proud. Leaders must build cultures that make people proud to belong; proud because they feel valued, respected, included, and rewarded. This type of culture does not happen by accident, it takes commitment, effort, resources, and intention. And the best news is that it’s never too late to start.

Choose from our extensive range of authentic Thesiger photographs.

PERFECT DECORATIONS FOR HOTELS, OFFICES AND HOMES. Framed or unframed prints available exclusively from The Arabian Gallery

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Transport hubs of the future as imagined by Intrepid Travel; Passenger at Frankfurt airport; The Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge hotel; A Goroka Show in Papua New Guinea

Meaningful journeys

“Psychographics” – the study of traits such as values, goals and lifestyle choices – will increasingly inform the curation of meaningful journeys and is set to take the lead in luxury travel, according to a recent forecast from Globetrender, commissioned by luxury tour operator cazenove+loyd. Within this will be a rise in social and environmentally responsible travel experiences. Example itineraries include indigenous experiences where travellers can immerse JANUARY 2024

themselves in remote cultures with local tribes, such as in Papua New Guinea. Those looking to understand their own heritage may embark on ‘DNA pilgrimages’, to learn more about who they are or their ancestry. One itinerary on offer features a visit to Nepal to retrace the steps of a family member who served in the Royal Gurkha Rifles. “Pioneering safaris”, meanwhile, cater to travellers who want their presence to benefit rather than exploit wildlife and ecosystems. Guests at the Casa Caiman in Pantanal in Brazil, for example, will have the chance to monitor Hyacinth Macaw nests and add to knowledge about local birds at the Hyacinth Macaw Institute.

Artificial Intelligence

In the travel industry, machine learning is rapidly being integrated to improve processes for both operators and consumers. Behind-thescenes, IT specialists such as SITA are using AI to monitor things like on-time performance (OTP), baggage tracking and airport passenger flows to improve efficiencies. As travellers, we’ve seen a huge increase in AI chatbots to help us with our travel queries or hotel requests, from Aloft’s ChatBotlr to Mercure’s Mercure BOT. These services are best suited to simple questions that free up staff for more detailed enquiries, but the tech is advancing all the time. Last July, Trip.com introduced its most advanced AI assistant TripGenie, which has been specifically designed to offer more personalised and curated recommendations.

TRENDS

ABOVE: A VoloCity eVTOL flies over Paris

Peer Bueller, CFO of travel search engine Kayak, says, “It’s a ton of work to explain in a search box what you’re looking for. I hope in ten years we’ll have figured out how to have conversational interfaces with technology in a way that it understands us the way we understand each other. It will be the equivalent of speaking to a human travel advisor about your trip, but one that has the knowledge of all travel agents in the world, and that’s a really powerful thing.”

Biometrics

Flashing your face instead of your passport is starting to become commonplace at airports across the world in a bid to reduce congestion and improve security. Singapore Changi airport has vowed to go “passport-free” in 2024 with biometric technology and facial recognition used to allow passengers to fly without passports or boarding passes. “Biometrics will be used to create a single token of authentication that will be employed at various automated touchpoints, from bag-drop to immigration and boarding,” said Singapore’s minister for communications and information, Josephine Teo, last September. Other airports and travel authorities are following suit. In October, for example, Frankfurt airport introduced “full-coverage biometric systems”. Pierre Dominique Prümm, executive director

aviation and infrastructure at Fraport AG, said, “We are the first European airport to offer all passengers a contactless and convenient passenger journey using biometrics. Our goal is to equip at least 50 per cent of all check-in kiosks, presecurity, and boarding gates with this new, pioneering technology.”

SAF and eVTOLs

Sustainability is one of the biggest buzzwords in travel right now and a major driving force for change. Within aviation, production lines of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are ramping up to power air travel within the next decade. Virgin Atlantic achieved a major milestone recently when it became the first commercial airline to complete a fully SAF-powered transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to New York’s JFK, heralding the start of a new era of sustainable air travel. Research into hydrogen fuels and electric aircraft is also targeting a 2030s kick off. In its Travel Trends 2024 report, Amadeus highlighted eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) as a key emerging trend. It said: “As cities are more congested and air pollution is more prevalent, a potential solution to fossil-fuel-powered transportation will be the emergence of skyways that allow flying taxis, eVTOL aircraft and other kinds of electric aircraft to provide lower emission air travel options, both within urban areas, to satellite airports, cross-country and between islands.” German aircraft manufacturer Volocopter is poised to provide one of the first fleets, with its VoloCity eVTOLs being distributed for the Paris Olympics 2024, followed by plans to launch electric air taxis in Singapore in 2024, and subsequently in Malaysia and Indonesia. JANUARY 2024

KRUGER SHALATI TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE HOTEL; PHONLAMAIPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Changi airport has vowed to go “passport-free” in 2024 and rely on biometrics instead

TRENDS

Other eVTOL companies include Toff Mobility, which has plans to launch electric aircraft in South Korea in 2024, while in the US Joby Aviation intends to start commercial eVTOL flights from 2025 after signing agreements with Delta and ANA.

Carbon tracking

GREGOR HOFBAUER; WILDPIXEL/GETTY IMAGES

In addition to investment in more fuel-efficient fleets and operations, numerous airlines offer carbon offsets for passengers or businesses to pay extra to decrease the carbon footprint of their flight. These funds are redirected to regenerative practices such as recycling, environmental protection, tree planting and supporting local communities. But carbon offsetting is often criticised and more needs to be done. Intrepid Travel recently published its A Sustainable Future for Travel report, in which it painted a dystopian future of virtual vacations, shade-seeking holidays, and carbon passports that restrict individual movement if measures are not taken seriously. According to the report, experts say individual travellers should be limiting their carbon emissions to 2.3 tonnes each year – the equivalent of a round-trip from Brazil to Saudi Arabia. However, the average carbon footprint of UK travellers alone is 11.7 tonnes. Hyper-personalised carbon tracking is one of the key tools highlighted to combat this, with Intrepid recently introducing carbon labelling on 500 itineraries to give consumers a ‘nutrition label’ style indicator of the exact amount of emissions their trip would involve. Intrepid predicts this going one step further, with travellers in 2040 likely to have personal carbon tracking counters on their smartphone so they can fully monitor their footprint. BELOW FROM LEFT: Chatbots are widely used within the travel industry; Wearable carbon trackers; Coworking; Stratospheric journeys and insect-based menus are all set to take off

Multi-modal journeys

In relation to carbon emissions, there’s a growing push for “multimodal” journeys that combine more sustainable methods and reduce the reliance on air travel. In early 2023, France instituted a semi-ban on short flights that could be completed by train, while flight-free travel company Byway specifically promotes alternatives to flying. Cat Jones, founder and CEO of Byway, says, “Our at-a-glance flightcomparison feature shows the scale of the carbon savings made by choosing flight-free for specific trips – for example, an 82 per cent [reduction in carbon emissions] for taking the train to Aberdeen – and we hope it will inspire more people to swap flight-based holidays for joyful multi-stop overland journeys.” Transport hubs are also investing in more opportunities to provide connected infrastructure. According to SITA’s Meet the Megatrends 2022 report, “intermodal travel ranks high on the investment agenda for airlines,” with 67 per cent of airlines confirming development programmes of this nature. On the ground, travellers are also showing more interest in sustainable travel. According to a recent GBTA survey on the evolution of ground transport, companies have shown a 38 per cent increase in interest in sustainable and eco-friendly Zephalto is set to vehicles since 2019. Up to 66 launch stratospheric per cent of business travellers said they were interested journeys 25km above in using ground Earth with Michelintransport

starred dining

TRENDS

Menus of the future

such as train or car rentals instead of flying, while 37 per cent of European business travellers used an electric scooter, bike, or other type of electric micro-mobility on their last business trip.

Space tourism

At the same time as we lighten our footsteps on this planet, we’ll be taking our first footsteps off it. The stars of the tourism space race include Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, all of which are launching a range of commercial space flights. It’s not quite ready for mass tourism – tickets for a foray into the final frontier start from a cool US$450,000 on board Virgin Galactic – but other players are joining the market. French company Zephalto is set to launch stratospheric journeys 25km above Earth, combining out-of-this-world views with Michelinstarred dining. Pre-reservation is due to launch soon, with ticket prices at €120,000. It’s not just about floating around in zerogravity though, with plans for orbiting luxury hotels in the works. The Space Development Company is working on plans to create a luxury space hotel, Voyager Station. Construction is due to start in 2026, with the project touted to provide accommodation for 280 guests and 112 crew members, and shuttles provided by SpaceX.

Locally sourced ingredients have become a staple on many high-end menus, but the future of dining is set to visit new extremes. To mark its centenary, UK train operator LNER commissioned a survey from Perspectus Global to establish the top five food trends for the next 100 years in partnership with food futurologist Robin Fegen. The food forecast revealed drastic results, predicting that some ingredients such as chocolate will virtually disappear from menus due to its high-carbon footprint. Instead, diners can look forward to “bug burgers, cricket cakes and mealworm macarons”, as nutritionally-sound and environmentally-friendly insects become a major part of our diet. In the nearer future, Fegen expects to see a vast increase in plant-based cuisine and a rise in genetic modification to create healthier, tastier options. “It’s highly unlikely vegans will become meat eaters, but undoubtedly, we will see more meat eaters become vegans, even after meat has started to be created in labs and insect protein has become more prevalent. We’re looking at a plant-based future with more plants, fungi, algae and more.”

Increased co-working

According to Hospitality Investor, the first three months of 2023 saw the fewest office properties sold on record, as the needs of the global workforce continue to adapt in a post-Covid world, while a recent survey by Global Workplace Analytics revealed that 77 per cent of UK workers now desire flexible work arrangements. Communal workspaces are increasingly in demand by the new breed of digital nomads, and hotels are answering that cry, with newer brands building cool co-working spaces into their offering. Ruby Hotels is one such chain, which offers Ruby Workspaces in five of its properties across Europe, with a focus on flexible, all-inclusive memberships, high-speed wifi and bottomless barista coffees. Other notable options include Zoku Amsterdam, a “home-office hybrid”, and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai with the added benefits of poolside tapas and a cocktail lounge. In London, The Hoxton has Working From_ at its Southwark site, TRIBE Hotels has the Social Hub in Canary Wharf and nhow London in Shoreditch offers a vibrant coworking lobby space. JANUARY 2024

D E S T I N AT I O N

PARIS: GOING FOR GOLD Paris has grand ambitions to host the greenest, fairest Games of them all – can it achieve this?

BOBY

s I walk along the banks This will mark the first time that of the Seine, it’s hard to the opening ceremony has taken imagine that next summer place outside of a stadium, with the peaceful vista dotted at least 600,000 spectators (both with tourist cruises will free and ticketed) attending – ten instead be packed with athletes times more than in an Olympic bearing flags from around the world, stadium. “It’s going to be out of this with crowds cheering them on from world. A generational event and a the sidelines. watershed moment,” A six-kilometre enthuses Will The Seine will set stretch of this Whiston, executive iconic river will set vice president of the scene for the the scene for the opening ceremony of On Location’s opening ceremony Olympics and the Olympics, with a Paralympics business of the Olympic Games on 26 July, unit, the official flotilla of 160 boats 2024, with a flotilla hospitality provider of some 160 boats for Paris 2024 (see meandering between box on page 49). the Austerlitz and Iéna bridges Hosting the before culminating in opening on the front of the Trocadéro. Seine is an incredibly Along the route, ambitious way to kick delegation boats will off the world’s largest pass by historical sporting event, but perhaps monuments doubling an appropriate way to celebrate the as competition centenary of the Paris 1924 Olympics venues – from the Place de la and the return of spectators to the Concorde to the Grand Palais. Games – international visitors were

JANUARY 2024

WORDS HANNAH BRANDLER

OLYMPICS: 26 July – 11 August 2024 PARALYMPICS: 28 August – 8 September 2024 10,500 Olympic and 4,350 Paralympic athletes More than 13 million spectators 350,000 hours of TV broadcast 41 competition sites More than 600,000 meals to be served at the Athletes Village daily Average of 30,000 police officers and gendarmes mobilised daily, along with an estimated 25,000 private security guards Target to not exceed 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 Paris 2024 will be the first Games to use 100 per cent renewable electricity Polluted water in the Seine is ten times less prevalent, and the number of fish species recorded has increased from 14 to 32 over the last 30 years

JANUARY 2024

D E S T I N AT I O N

banned from attending the Tokyo edition in 2021 due to the pandemic. The event is also in keeping with the ambitious spirit of the 2024 Games, which seeks to be more inclusive and the most sustainable in history. Here, we explore whether the host city is on track to build a lasting legacy.

Green machine

PARIS 2024/PROLOOG

Paris 2024 is being hailed as the greenest Olympic Games in history, with a target to halve the carbon emissions compared to the average of London 2012 and Rio 2016, and pledges to offset more CO2 than the Games generates. “What’s special about the Paris Games is that 95 per cent of the venues hosting athletes and competitions already exist,” says Corinne Menegaux, managing director of tourist office Paris je t’aime. “Major sporting events will happen in historical jewels.

It’s a way to showcase the culture and patrimony,” adds Gwénaëlle Delos, director at Atout France UK & Ireland, the French tourism development agency. To name a few, the Stade de France will host athletics, para-athletics and rugby (hot off the heels of the Rugby World Cup), the Champ de Mars will provide the backdrop for beach volleyball and blind football, and Stade Roland Garros will set the scene for tennis, wheelchair tennis and boxing. “If there are permanent constructions, it’s because there’s a real need for them,” Menegaux adds. JANUARY 2024

The Aquatics Centre in the suburb of Saint-Denis, for instance, is the only permanent sports facility to be built for the Games and it was done so using low-carbon construction methods, while a footbridge connects it to the Stade de France opposite. Next summer it will host artistic swimming, water polo and diving events, but beyond this it will become a multi-sports venue for the community of Saint-Denis. Its modular configuration means the 5,000It’s being hailed as seat venue will be transformed into a the greenest Games 2,500-seat facility, in history, pledging complete with two to offset more CO2 50m pools, and able to host neighbourhood than it generates events plus national and international competitions from July 2025. Additionally, action on the Seine won’t be limited to the opening ceremony. Paris aims to make the river swimmable for competition events

for the first time since 2012, with an ongoing clean-up drive already in operation – test events were held in the Seine in August. The long-term goal is to create public swimming facilities in the Seine by summer 2025. (That is, if people are prepared to dip their toe in the water after the forthcoming release of a fictional Netflix film about sharks in the Seine, as my friend frightfully discovered when she accidentally stumbled onto the film set in September.) Another focus is to promote the use of public transport for travelling to competition venues, with every site accessible via a combination of metro, trains, buses, taxis and trams. Public transport will be reinforced to take up to 500,000 spectators per day during the Olympics, and up to 300,000 for the Paralympics. An additional 60km of cycling lanes are also being created to link all the competition venues, and will stick around once the Games end in a bid to reduce pollution in the city centre. Public bike sharing system Vélib is also adding 3,000 bikes to its

athletes and visitors, will ultimately only be revealed after the Games, though the UK has promised to send its delegation by Eurostar.

The people’s games?

network, bringing it to a total fleet of around 21,000 bikes. The hope is that Paris 2024 will provide a more sustainable model for future events, with the focus on carbon reduction set to become a contractual requirement for all host cities. “They are setting everyone up for a great sustainability story,” says Whiston. The total carbon footprint, complete with long-haul flights by

“Ouvrons Grand les Jeux” (Games Wide Open) is the official slogan for Paris 2024, intended to evoke a sense of inclusivity. Indeed, Paris 2024 is set to be the first Games to have gender parity in athlete participation, while previously exclusive events such as the opening ceremony will have both free and ticketed entry. That said, the label is at odds with the country’s reputation on mobility issues, with the public transport system ill-equipped to handle the 350,000 people with disabilities who plan to visit in the summer of 2024. Last year, the Council of Europe found that France was in violation of the European Social Charter, due to failings towards people with disabilities. The Paris metro, for instance, has just one line (M14) with fully accessible stations – and even then, there are reports of broken lifts. Measures, albeit long overdue, are being carried out to address this problem. In April 2023, French president Emmanuel Macron pledged €1.5 billion in funding to improve accessibility in public spaces, and more recently the French government announced that small businesses such

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCES

Paris 2024 will be the first Games to have an official global hospitality partner, with packages sold on a single platform. On Location will provide an array of experiential hospitality and travel packages for individuals and companies, complete with hotel stays and transport within the city. Highlights include showstopping views of the opening ceremony from the Alma bridge, finish line seats at the track and field events, interactions with athletes and access to Clubhouse 24, an entertainment zone at the Palais de Tokyo which features large screens, interactive activations, a Parisian-inspired food hall and live music performances. “In the past people have experienced an Olympic sporting event. Now they’re going to have a full day of immersive experiences within Paris,” says On Location’s Will Whiston. See corporatehospitality. paris2024.org for more information.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Rendering of the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis ABOVE AND LEFT: Renderings of the opening ceremony on the Seine and at the Trocadéro

as shops, hotels and restaurants will be able to apply for a grant to make their buildings more accessible. The government will pay for 50 per cent of the costs of a project up to €20,000. This is essential given that a study revealed that approximately 560,000 of 900,000 establishments open to the public in France are not yet accessible. “The Line 14 of the metro, which in 2024 will link Orly airport to the future Saint-Denis Pleyel station (and therefore the Stade de France), is fully accessible to wheelchair users, as are all the tram lines and all those of the Paris Bus Network, as well as RER A and B,” says Menegaux. By the start of the Games, 174 SNCF stations are set to be accessible, and the government aims to increase the fleet of taxis with ramps and the number of trained drivers to 1,000 by 2024. The system is unlikely to be revolutionised in time for summer, but the hope is that the Games will help create long-term change for the 17 per cent of the population JANUARY 2024

D E S T I N AT I O N

(12 million people) affected by a disability in France. French wheelchair tennis gold medallist and advocate for disability rights, Michaël Jérémiasz, spoke on the subject at the Accor Global Meeting Exchange last July in Paris. “At the moment, disabled people It’s a World Cup with are the most a Superbowl at the discriminated minority in beginning and end, France. The Games and 600 other are probably championships the greatest opportunity to give us more rights… I really believe the Games Facing a will [accelerate] the process. challenge It’s exciting in terms Hosting the Olympics and of entertainment, but Paralympics is no small feat, I see it as a political with a myriad of challenges to tool because the overcome in the run-up to the events Games for me start as well as firefighting for the period in on 1 January, 2025. action. “It’s the most complex event That’s when I expect all the partners, government, society and the media to in the world. It’s a World Cup with a Superbowl at the beginning and end, say, ‘Now we understand who you are and 600 other world championships and what you fight for’.”

VOLOCOPTER

ELECTRIC FLIGHT

Urban air mobility provider Volocopter says its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) services are on track to launch in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, transporting passengers between Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports and the city centre. The VoloCity air taxi, an eVTOL with two seats (a pilot and a passenger), will have a 35km range and speeds of up to 110kph. The electric air taxi will be fully battery-powered and will fly at heights below 500m in Paris. The public can book flights for the summer of 2024, with booking opportunities set to be unveiled on Volocopter’s channels soon. The operations in Paris will “gradually grow to cover the whole Paris region over the next decade,” according to Volocopter. volocopter.com

JANUARY 2024

in the middle,” exclaims Whiston. “Major global sporting events are very different from an English Premier League match, for example. You need to manage a whole urban complex, not just a stadium,” he adds. This is no easy task for a city that has been marred by its fair share of disruption over the past few years. Headlines have ranged from protests against the government’s planned pension reform, which even involved a brief storming of the International Olympic Committee HQ, to terrorist threats and a bedbug infestation. However, thankfully the Games have a way of uniting a nation. I recall similar unease in the run-up to the London Games in 2012, and yet this event is now looked back on fondly as an optimistic period – though, hindsight has revealed a questionable legacy with regards to improving grassroots sport participation and social inequality. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to promote the country in terms of investments and tourism. It’s all about improving the quality of the offer and the services, working on our welcome and attractiveness,” says Delos at Atout France. Can Paris go one step further and accelerate sustainable development and social change? Will it be a game changer? Only time will tell. In the meantime, see you on the sidelines – or swimming in the Seine thereafter.

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Jamie Brown, chief executive officer of Ludlow Coffee Group, outlines the region’s untapped potential within the coffee market

How does Coffee Planet differentiate itself from its peers? Since its inception in 2005, Coffee Planet has had a vision to strive to bring specialty coffee to all consumers and customers. Formed in Dubai, Coffee Planet’s first step on this journey was in the 'on the go' market, becoming renowned for its 100 per cent Arabica specialty coffee. Eventually, it grew into other markets such as HORECA, private label, retail, airlines, and airports. In fact, if you are reading this magazine with a cup of coffee in a Dubai airport lounge or flying to or from the country on one of our national airlines, there is a very good chance it is one of Coffee Planet’s products that you are enjoying. In 2008, we opened a roastery in JAFZA, Dubai. Over time, we could produce all coffee categories, including home compostable capsules. Coffee Planet is truly a 360-degree coffee solution business that can provide any coffee, all the machines, service, and support, as well as upskilling the market with our SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) accredited educational institute. What is the size of the coffee market within the region? The UAE imported 50 million kilogrammes of green beans in 2022, and 98 per cent of that was consumed in the country. Coffee consumption has seen exponential growth in recent years, with a year-on-year average increase of imports from 2018 to 2022 of 33 per cent and a rise of 100 per cent between 2021 and 2022. The average UAE person consumes 3.5kg of coffee per year, and US$630 million is spent annually on coffee in the country. There are now over 4,000 cafés across the UAE and more

JANUARY 2024

than 9,000 in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia consumes over US$1 billion of coffee per year, and this is expected to reach US$2.2 billion by 2028. Of the 2 per cent of green beans that are exported from the UAE (mostly to the wider region), Coffee Planet exports 27 per cent of this number due to the needs of international private label customers and distributors. Where does the untapped potential lie within the region’s coffee market? Specialty coffee has been the subject of much demand in the region since the coffee shop boom in the 1990s, and with 88.5 per cent of the population in the UAE being expats and 58 per cent in Saudi Arabia, they are also demanding the high-quality comforts of home. With over 20 training facilities, and around 25,000 baristas in the UAE alone, the specialty coffee market is growing. Which are some of the major partners that you work with? As well as the major airlines and airports in the region, we serve many of the leading hotels and restaurants. Coffee Planet is also proud to work with some of the leading brands across all segments. Their products can be purchased online through partners such as Amazon and noon, and picked up at some of the leading international supermarkets and coffee companies.

How do you ensure sustainability across sourcing and production? Coffee Planet has a commitment to planet-friendly coffee from crop to cup. It can source a variety of certified coffees, including Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Fairtrade and Organic. We are also on the path to achieving 100 per cent traceability over all the coffee we source by 2024. Our groundbreaking biodegradable and home-compostable as well as wooden capsules offer eco-conscious coffee lovers a sustainable choice without compromising on flavour. What are some of the upcoming expansion plans for Coffee Planet? In 2023, we were once again crowned as a UAE Superbrand. We recently announced a restructuring of our group (Ludlow Coffee Group) and the exciting new rebrand of our Coffee Planet roastery to Jigsaw Coffee Company, which is a global roasting business. Jigsaw Coffee Company builds on a heritage of creating some of the finest specialty coffee with a growing footprint of roasting capability, supporting many of the leading food and beverage brands for their private label needs (more than 50 per cent of the coffee we produce is for private label customers). The partnerships stretch from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia, and the US.

the

eport Tried, Tested, Tasted.

F LIGHT

Air France Boeing 777-300ER (business class) New York – Paris

HOTEL S

R E STAUR ANT

SMAR T TR AVELLER

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Lolita Pool Bar and Lounge, Dubai

Raffles London at The OWO

Zenon Dubai

Our guide to... 64 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

TRIED & TESTED FLIGHT

Air France Boeing 777-300ER business class NEW YORK - PARIS

OLIVIER HOARAU; STELIA AEROSPACE DESIGN INVESTMENT

B A C K G R O U N D Air France launched its new long-haul business class product on its Boeing 777-300ER in early 2023, featuring the “three F’s” – fully flat, full aisle access, and full privacy. The retrofit is being extended to all 12 of the airline’s long-haul 777-300 fleet, plus the A350-900s, with routes served including New York JFK, Rio de Janeiro, Dakar, Johannesburg, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. The carrier will also launch a new La Première (first class) product next year.

(Jet Lag Relief, Detox Time or Eye-Must treatments). La Première passengers can reserve these in advance. Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus guests can book at the desk on a first-come-first-served basis.

B O A R D I N G We arrived at the gate at 1645

C H E C K - I N I arrived at JFK Terminal 1 at 1420 for the 1730 flight AF15 to Paris. The check-in counters were directly in front of the entrance and there was a short queue in both SkyPriority and normal counters. We used a private expedited security lane (open 9am-10pm, US$35, reserve via flyvipone.com) and I was airside by 1445. Laptop and shoes had to be removed, but not liquids.

and boarding commenced immediately. After settling into my seat, the cabin crew brought round a choice of orange juice or water. Champagne was not part of the initial welcome offering (apparently due to US restrictions on duty free offerings). Boarding was completed by 1720, we pushed back at 1730 and took off at 1755. A seatbelt-style restraint is required for take-off and landing in addition to the normal waist restraint. The business class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone formation with 48 seats split across two cabins. I was in seat 14H at the back of the cabin, which leads directly on to the premium economy cabin.

T H E L O U N G E The Air France lounge is located by Gate 1 – a two-minute walk from security. It’s a bright and airy split-level space (open 9.30am-midnight) with plenty of

The Clarins Spa at the Air France lounge offers 20-minute treatments

table-seating, although it was busy and most were occupied. There was a selection of hot and cold dishes that were refreshed regularly, plus wine, Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut and Heineken beer. The highlight is the Clarins Spa, which opened in November 2022, and offers 20-minute treatments in two beauty rooms JANUARY 2024

The new cabin is smart and elegant, adhering to the carrier’s colour scheme of navy blue and white with pops of red. Viewed from the front, the white cabin walls and ceiling offer a bright entrance, while from behind, dark blue compartment backs create a cosier environment. Dark blue carpets have a traditional herringbone pattern, modelled on Parisian apartments, while Air France’s seahorse logo is subtly backlit. There is plenty of overhead storage space, with the central divider fairly high and creating a spacious feel.

T H E S E A T As mentioned, key highlights of

the new product are a fully-flat bed at almost two-metres long, direct aisle access for each passenger, and full privacy thanks to a sliding compartment door (though I had

trouble closing mine and needed two flight attendants to help). There is also a fully retractable divider screen in the middle row for passengers travelling together. The seat is made from French leather, brushed aluminium and wool, and was very comfortable with soft padding. It came with a soft blue microfibre pillow and blanket, and a hangar for coats and jackets. These can be self-labelled with your seat number so it’s easy for cabin crew to return items. Overall, the compartment felt very spacious, even with the partition screen up and the privacy door closed. It has also been redesigned to offer more storage. Under the seat in front there is a large footwell to store small bags during take-off – though this is also where your legs go when you recline into a bed, so you would need to remove any items here to fit comfortably. There is a small storage space by your feet for magazines or small items, along with a bottle of water and a universal laptop socket. A side compartment houses the headphones, IFE remote, a mirror, and space for small items. There is also a large fixed surface area on the inside of the

TRIED & TESTED FLIGHT

compartment, which was handy to store things on, such as finished meal trays. An adjustable table slides out from underneath this, with a clever off-centre fold design that improved stability. At the end of the side table were pre-set controls to adjust the seat positions and a ‘do not disturb’ feature, which appears on the outside of a compartment. The new business class has an impressive tech offering. There are wireless charging ports at each seat for devices such as phones, along with USB A and C ports and a laptop socket. There is a 17.3-inch 4K anti-glare IFE touchscreen (with a handheld remote) and excellent noise-cancelling headphones. Bluetooth connectivity has also been added so customers can use their own devices. More than 350 films are available, as well as TV series, music and podcasts plus a new wellbeing selection. The cabin is wifi connected, and it’s free to send and receive messages. There are also three paid packages: Surf 1 hour (€8); Surf Full Flight (€18); or Stream Full Flight (€30). I used the latter and could email seamlessly and watch content on YouTube.

T H E F L I G H T During the beginning and end of the flight, LED lights delivered a charming “red, white and blue” hue to the cabin, mimicking the French flag, while these were darkened for periods of rest. Large menus were brought round at 1805, printed in both French and English, along with amenity kits and a hot towel. The amenity kits, made from 96 per cent recyclable materials, came in a lovely navy pouch. Contents included a pair of navy socks, sleeping mask and ear plugs. There was also a toothbrush and toothpaste, pen, Clarins face moisturiser and lip balm. Bathrooms were equipped with Clarins moisturising lotion and cotton pads.

It’s free to send and receive messages in the cabin, and there are three wifi packages The starter was duck foie gras with Armagnac, pear jelly, quinoa and a vegetable medley (no default vegetarian option). Main dishes included braised beef with thyme sauce, duck confit gratin with a foie gras sauce, sautéed shrimp with vanilla beurre blanc sauce, and a mushroom risotto with chestnut cream. This was followed by a cheese selection and a dessert of opera cake, raspberry crumble and pistachio macarons. There was also an express dinner option which included a selection of cold dishes for those wanting to maximise sleep time. The wine selection included a printed introduction from sommelier Paolo Basso with two whites, two reds and a Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. There was also a selection of soft drinks, aperitifs and hot drink options. I had already chosen my meal via the new pre-flight online meal selection service, which ensures passengers get their first choice and reduces wastage. Meals can be selected from two weeks until 24 hours before departure. The beef was fairly tasty, though a little dry. Flights departing from Paris will showcase a new dining experience featuring partnerships with French chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic, whose restaurant Maison Pic has three Michelin stars. At 1830 refreshment drinks were brought round with some snacks, and ten minutes later the meal service began. However, the main course was not delivered until 1920, and cleared at 2000. With just 4.5 hours left of the flight, I would have preferred a quicker service to get some more rest.

Cabin crew defaulted to speaking in French, even when passengers had shown they weren’t able to speak the language. While the service was very friendly, I found the language barrier slightly disorienting for an international carrier departing from the US. Lights were dimmed shortly after trays were cleared. The overhead personal lights were quite bright, as were the lights in front. A light continental breakfast menu was served about an hour before landing, with fruit juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and bread, pastries, yoghurt and a fruit salad. Again, an express “Cafe Comptoir” is available until 30 minutes before landing with tea, coffee and a pastry.

A R R I V A L We landed on time at 0640 and

were airside by 0650. I then made my way to 2E, Gate K for a connecting flight to London.

V E R D I C T Air France’s new business class is a major upgrade and a very competitive offering. The individual compartments were roomy and private and made for a very comfortable flight. Tamsin Cocks

FLIGHT DURATION 7 hours 10 minutes

C ONFIGURATION 1-2-1

SE AT WIDTH 21.5 in/55cm

SE AT LENGTH 78 in/200cm

PRICE Internet rates for a one-way New York JFK-Paris flight in January start from €2,747 in business class

CONTACT airfrance.co.uk

JANUARY 2024

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL BEST FOR Its F&B offerings across the hotel

DON’T MISS Cocktails at the newly-renovated Aer

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in January start from Rs22,000 for a Deluxe Room Renovated

CONTACT

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai B A C K G R O U N D Four Seasons Hotel

Mumbai opened in May 2008 and was designed by John Arzarian, Lohan Associates. It recently commenced a renovation programme that initially included its lobby and some of its rooms. Further renovations are currently being carried out across the rest of the property and will be completed by this year.

W H E R E I S I T ? The hotel is conveniently situated in Worli on Dr E Moses Road. It’s close to business centres in Lower Parel and also to the main F&B hubs of the city including Kamala Mills and Todi Mills. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Having stayed at the hotel several times in the past, I was curious to see how the renovation of the lobby and rooms would turn out to be. The lobby space has now physically transformed itself entirely to echo an Art Deco style with geometric shapes and bold colours. The design of the lobby is fresh and elegant – and the same is true for the renovated rooms as well. R O O M S As soon as I entered the Deluxe Room Renovated, I was amazed by how much it has changed post the renovation. Bold colours and sharp shapes were key design elements and thoughtfully designed upholstery was featured in the room. The wall along the headrest of the bed was designed in deep blue alongside chic light JANUARY 2024

fixtures. The newly refurbished rooms were furnished with cuttingedge features, one of which was integrated Lutron electricals that offer easy and effective control over lighting and ambience, to meet the demands of contemporary travellers. I could also easily manage the amount of light I wanted by adjusting the blackout curtains and shutters to let in natural light. A multipurpose table has replaced the conventional desk. The bathroom featured dual sinks and an elegant tub opened to a beautiful view of the city’s skyline.

F O O D A N D D R I N K I have always enjoyed the F&B offerings at this hotel, and this time was no exception. At San:Qi, I chose to indulge in its pan-Asian cuisine and opted for a Thai curry, pad Thai and salmon sushi. Also, I quite enjoyed the high tea at the Modernist – which is the hotel’s

The lobby space now echoes an Art Deco architectural style with geometric shapes and bold colours

1/136, Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra; +91 22 6982 8000; fourseasons.com/ mumbai private members’ club. It features organic tea options with a range of decadent savouries and desserts. In the evening, I visited the hotel’s newly renovated rooftop lounge – Aer. The renovation of this space covers both its menu and the physical space which now reflects a nautical theme. The drinks and food are inspired by the skies of the city and feature innovative cocktails. Its food menu is also thoughtfully crafted with high-quality ingredients and creative preparations that pair well with the drinks.

M E E T I N G S Modernist is the hotel’s

private members’ club. This space is elegantly designed and features a number of meeting rooms. It helps that the views from here are quite nice as well. The hotel has an array of meeting rooms, the more popular ones being The Great Room and The Foyer which can fit up to 500 and 90 people respectively.

L E I S U R E I spent some time at the fitness centre of the hotel which is well-equipped with a range of machines and weights. There is a spa where you can opt for several Ayurvedic and express therapies, depending on your schedule. The hotel also has an open-air swimming pool.

V E R D I C T A fantastic choice for a business traveller as it has well-appointed rooms, good F&B options and extensive leisure amenities too. Akanksha Maker

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Raffles London at The OWO B A C K G R O U N D The first Raffles hotel in London, owned by the Hinduja Group and operated by Accor, is housed in a legendary Edwardian Baroque-style building. The Grade II listed Old War Office was built for The British Army in 1906, based on the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to monarchs between 1530 and 1698. It has witnessed world-shaping events and been the office of political and military leaders including Sir Winston Churchill. The inception of MI5 and MI6 took place in this building which was subsequently used as a film location for multiple Bond movies including Octopussy and Spectre.

F O O D A N D D R I N K There are nine restaurants, three of which are a partnership with renowned chef, Mauro Colagreco. We dined at his signature restaurant, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO. We were taken on a five-course taster menu journey, paired with unique wines, at this sophisticated dining room. Each masterfully crafted dish was hyper-local and hyperseasonal, explained in detail by a member of staff, focusing on the use of ingredients, their source and their flavours. For breakfast, we dined at Mauro’s relaxed venue, Saison, with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine, both buffet style and à la carte, served in the building’s former library.

W H E R E I S I T ? It’s located on Whitehall, central London, an area synonymous with British politics. It faces Horse Guards and the official gates to Buckingham Palace, and is steps away from 10 Downing Street. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Exquisite, breathtaking and, quintessentially Raffles, an achievement that should not be taken lightly. Echoing the sentiments of Raffles and Orient Express CEO Omer Acar, this “monumental project” marks an “important moment in the history of the Raffles brand”, because no other Raffles in the world comes as close to emulating the Singapore original in terms of its elegant sense of place and history. This is confirmed as you enter, with the Grand Staircase featuring a dazzling Murano glass chandelier illuminating the mosaic-tiled floors and oakpanelled walls. The old war office’s features have been preserved during a meticulous eight-year restoration project. R O O M S There are 120 rooms including 39 suites, one of them originally the army council room of Churchill. There are eight Corner Suites dedicated to notable women and female spies and we stayed in one of them – The Nearne Suite, named after sisters and secret agents Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne. After checking in, our personal butler showed us to our suite and explained its history and features, including the in-room iPad, which controlled everything from lighting and curtains to TV

ceiling skylight and light feature illuminated the bed, while a walk-in shower, large bath and double sink unit, quality amenities plus under-floor heating made the white marble bathroom feel super luxurious.

M E E T I N G S Magnificent event spaces

include a grand ballroom and, in spy-themed style, several ‘Morse’ and ‘Code’ rooms are available for meetings. The maximum guest capacity of the ballroom is 600.

L E I S U R E Raffles is not only a dining

A stay at Raffles London at The OWO is bucket list worthy settings, as well as butler communications – and it all worked. From carpets to carpentry, the suite was a nod to English Art Deco traditions, with regal red and subtle cream tones and subtle geometric shapes throughout. The elegant suite featured an entrance hallway with seating and an adjoining guest bathroom, a large lounge with a dining table and chairs, a threeseater sofa and a chaise lounge overlooking Whitehall. In the bedroom, a beautiful

destination but a well-being hub too, spanning four floors and featuring a 20m indoor pool surrounded by day beds, steam and sauna rooms, a gym and a movement studio. But the highlight is the indulgent Guerlain Spa with nine treatment suites. I enjoyed a superb treatment, BEST FOR customised to A special occasion suit my needs. The spa bed was DON’T MISS divine, the therapist Five-course tasting professional and menu at Mauro intuitive, and the Colagreco treatment worldclass, topped off PRICE with a heady spray Internet rates for of Guerlain perfume. a midweek stay

V E R D I C T This is

no ordinary hotel or getaway. A stay at Raffles London at The OWO is bucket list worthy. It’s quite simply a hospitality industry triumph. Gemma Greenwood

in January start from £6,000 for a Corner Suite

CONTACT 57 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2BX; +44 20 3907 7500; raffles.com/london JANUARY 2024

T R I E D & T E S T E D R E S TAU R A N T

Lolita Pool Bar and Lounge, Dubai B A C K G R O U N D Pullman Dubai Downtown received a fresh lease of life last year after undergoing a thorough renovation. There are several F&B spaces at the hotel including Couqley French Brasserie, Honeycomb Hi-Fi and Brothaus Bistro and Bakery. However, it is Lolita Pool Bar and Lounge, the hotel’s own F&B concept, where we found ourselves recently as the cooler weather allowed us to explore outdoor venues.

T H E V E N U E Located alongside the pool of the property, there’s a calming vibe that encourages you to kick back as you enter this space. There are colourful bright seating options dressed in pink, blue, and orange. It comprises a mix of high-table seating areas, couches, tables and bar stools. Thoughtfully, the seats here are covered with quick-drying fabric which is essential when you consider that some might enjoy a swim at the pool before heading here. The space is dominated by commanding views of the Burj Khalifa. The music playing at the venue alternates between lounge and more relaxed numbers. There is an alfresco and partially covered dining space too. One level down from the main restaurant zone, and accessible via a flight of stairs, is the podium level which can double up as a great private events space. F O O D A N D D R I N K The licenced venue has a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and also serves

JANUARY 2024

Pullman Dubai Downtown received a fresh lease of life last year shisha from 3pm onwards. We began with the breezy views mocktail which was a combination of watermelon, lychee, basil and 7Up – fizz, tang and herbs all brought together harmoniously. The menu card is a single spread – mainly light bites and salads and bowls during the day, and heavier main course options at night. We visited the restaurant in the afternoon and began with the nachos which were served with creamy guacamole alongside it and a delicious smoked cheese sauce. From the ‘South ’N’ East’ section of the menu, we called for the delicious shrimp volcano maki with mango aioli. For lunch, the mains include options of salads, pizzas, burgers and bowls. We ordered the chicken katsu bowl with a base of rice. The portions here are large and are comfortable for sharing. Other options in this section of the menu include an Acai bowl, kale Caesars salad, and a wagyu smashed burger. From 5pm-11pm, the selection of mains expands to include the likes of grilled seabass, lamb racks, wok-fried noodles,

and steaks. For dessert, we were mighty happy with our choice to go with the matcha tres leches served with diplomat cream, and also fluff y churros that were presented with a brilliant three-chocolate sauce.

S E R V I C E The staff are happy to let you be alone and enjoy your privacy. They aren’t in a hurry to rush you through your courses and realise that the relaxed atmosphere of the space must be reflected in the manner in which they attend to guests as well. When you need them though, drawing their attention is never a difficult task.

V E R D I C T Great views of the Burj Khalifa, a good reason to plunge into the pool before and after your meal, an enviable location within Downtown Dubai and a well-rounded food and beverage menu are all compelling reasons to visit this restaurant. Varun Godinho HOURS Daily 9am–2am

LOCATION Pullman Dubai Downtown, Marasi Drive, Dubai

CONTACT +9714 369 0000; pullmandubaidowntown.com

T R I E D & T E S T E D R E S TAU R A N T

Zenon blends fine dining, music and art also unlike anything I’ve tasted, with the texture somewhere between a Turkish ice cream and a classic gelato. With a selection of crunchy toppings of nuts and chocolate pearls, it felt like a very indulgent preparation which still somehow had that comforting taste that takes you back to your childhood.

S E R V I C E Perhaps as I was doing a review, the staff were slightly heavy on the service, making it a little difficult to continue chatting at certain points. However, they were certainly attentive and very keen to share their recommendations and knowledge of the menu.

Zenon Dubai B A C K G R O U N D The latest restaurant to

open in the Address Dubai Mall, Zenon is a truly unique experience blending fine dining, music and art. What better place to have a restaurant of the future than Dubai, where anything is possible? Blending classic Greek statues and luxurious interiors with futuristic art, Zenon is a breath of fresh air, branding itself as ‘the past meets the future’. The music from the resident DJ is projected to the walls to deliver a fully immersive sound and light experience in the ultimate city of the future.

T H E V E N U E With two distinct vibes,

there is Zenon’s fine dining concept and its cool lounge spaces. The grand hall-style restaurant is bedecked with enormous AI digital art screens, where constantly changing colourful displays create an encompassing backdrop. Holograms and dynamic video projection mapping blend with great music, creating a unique dining experience. In the lounge, live entertainment creates a vibrant buzzing atmosphere where the two concepts blend seamlessly together.

F O O D A N D D R I N K Blending Mediterranean and Asian flavours, at the helm of this restaurant is Italian executive chef Lorenzo Buccarini, Japanese head

chef Tatsuya Ueda, HOURS and Grecian head Daily noon-3am chef Thomas Papas. With plenty of LOCATION options from the Address Dubai Mall, land and sea, the Sheikh Mohammed menu is extensive Bin Rashid Boulevard but not intimidating. Downtown, Dubai We started with a selection of sashimi, CONTACT served as artfully +971 50 807 7812; as the restaurant addresshotels.com itself with caviar and wasabi on the side. Signature offerings include Italian favourites Rigatoni and Tagliolini which the waiter was excited to recommend. The burrata salad was a far more elegant affair than usual, with a colourful fruity salad complementing the melt-in-the-mouth cheese. Freshly caught seabass cooked on the grill was a delicious and light main, chosen from a range of whole fish brought to the table. But don’t skip the meat menu. The wagyu striploin was cooked to perfection – succulent and tender. Even the side dishes, from the triple-cooked fries to the mini broccolini, are bursting with flavour. The menu is a perfect sharing combination where everyone can taste everything. Make sure to save room for dessert with each dish handcrafted like a masterpiece. The profiteroles were the lightest and most delicious version of this classic dessert that I’ve ever tasted, more like an Eton mess than the heavy dessert I grew up with. The marsala ice cream is

V E R D I C T Zenon perfectly combines the pre-dinner drinks concept with a lively dinner atmosphere, and offers the postdinner party vibe too. Although Dubai is a city with so many restaurants to visit, I would definitely go back to this one. Melanie Swan

JANUARY 2024

SMAR T TR AVELLER

Our guide to…

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

JANUARY 2024

WORDS TAMSIN COCK S

WHAT IS IT? The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new piece of digital documentation granting people permission to travel or transit in the UK. It is an extra step of pre-clearance before travel, that does not replace travel documentation or guarantee right to enter the country. Visitors will still need to pass through border control and security as normal. An ETA will be required for visitors travelling for tourism, visiting family or friends, business or short-term studies, or transiting, with stays allowed for up to six

months. AN ETA will be required whether travelling via boat, plane or train, and boarding will be denied without an ETA. Visitors coming for other reasons, such as long-term work or study, will need to apply for the appropriate visa. WHO WILL NEED AN ETA? The ETA will apply to all foreign nationals who currently do not require a visa to travel to the UK, including children. This will affect millions of people who have previously had no contact with the Home Office, such as US, European, and Australian nationals. WHO WILL NOT NEED AN ETA? People with British or Irish passports (or who have legal residency in Ireland), permission to live, work or study in the UK, or those with visas to visit the UK will not need an ETA. Dual nationals should travel on their British or Irish passport. WHEN DOES IT COME INTO EFFECT? The roll out of the ETA system will be phased over the next few years. The new system started on 15 November, 2023 with nationals from Qatar, who now require an ETA to travel to the UK. Applications opened on 25 October. This will next be extended to nationals from Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who will need an ETA from 22 February, 2024. Applications will open on 1 February. More nationalities will be added to the scheme in due course, though the details have not yet been announced. HOW DO I APPLY? Applicants can apply at gov.uk or via the ETA app before booking

travel to the UK. You’ll be required to enter your passport details and travel information, and will need to travel on the same passport used in the application. Individuals can apply for an ETA on behalf of others, for example, office travel managers can apply on behalf of colleagues that will be travelling. Each traveller will need their own ETA. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? A single application will cost £10. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS? Successful applications are expected to take up to a maximum of three days to process. Applicants will receive an email confirmation and the ETA will be linked electronically to their passport. A paper copy is not required but can be useful as a back up in case of technical errors. Applications that require further investigation may take longer.

HOW LONG IS THE ETA VALID FOR? The ETA will last for two years, and can be used for multiple journeys. If your passport expires in that time you will need to apply for a new ETA. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM DENIED AN ETA? If your application for an ETA is unsuccessful there is no appeal process. In such cases, the individual’s next port of call would be to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which would require a more comprehensive overview of personal information/travel and immigration history. Alternatively, visitors may be able to apply for a Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa, or a transit visa. JANUARY 2024

ZUB ADA/GETTY IMAGES

illions of people are currently able to enjoy visa-free entry to the UK, with no need to make any declarations or applications to the Home Office. However, that is all set to change, with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement due to be rolled out that will affect travellers from Europe, North America and beyond. The system will be similar to the digital ESTA programme in place in the US, or the Australian ETA. The Home Office estimates there will be around 30 million applications each year once it has fully launched by 2025. The government has said the introduction of the ETA will “digitise the borders” and “help to strengthen the UK’s border security and improve the travel experience”, though critics have questioned the decision to add hurdles for foreign visitors to gain entry to the UK. The scheme officially launched in November 2023, starting with Qatari nationals, and will be extended to other visitors over the next few years. Here, we give an overview of the new scheme.

POSTCARD

Saudi Arabia to get its first opera house Saudi Arabia is set to get its first opera house which will be built in Diriyah. Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City have announced that a 45,000 sqm Royal Diriyah Opera House will be designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. Riyadh-based Syn Architects will provide local expertise and insights into the Najdi-architectural style which the structure’s designers will rely upon. Scheduled to open in 2028, it will accommodate approximately 3,500 people across four venues. This includes a 2,000-seat theatre for big productions, two smaller theatres as well as a rooftop amphitheatre which will host outdoor performances. Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said, “As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s selection as the host city for Expo 2030 is a testament to our dynamic progress and vision for the future. The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a cornerstone in this journey, showcasing the unique blend of our rich heritage and modern innovation.” Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, added, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Snøhetta. A demonstration of Diriyah’s mission to attract the finest talents in the design world, we are committed to raising the bar of architectural excellence and celebrating our rich heritage through innovative design.” JANUARY 2024

An awe-inspiring community in Meydan, with each villa boasting Bentley Home’s iconic furnishings and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline