Arab Turkish Travel Magazine

AT &

Arab & Turkish

Trave Magazine www.arabturkishtravel.com

OCTOBER 2010

Gaziantep Meets with Syrians News from the Countries Aviation News

Algeria

Bahrain

Morocco

Oman

Comoros

Palestine

Djibouti

Qatar

Egypt

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

Somalia

Jordan

Sudan

Syria

Kuwait

Tunisia

Lebanon

Turkey

Libya

U.A.E

Mauritania

Yemen

Inside This Issue

06 News From Countries 20 Exhibition 22 Cover Story 28 Aviation News

AT &

Travel Magazine Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine

OCTOBER 2010 Yemen continues to attract tourists for safe trips

18

Gaziantep meets with Syrians

22 28

Etihad’s in-flight Entertainment System Wins Industry Award

Country News

06

15

Turkey Tops the list of 2010 Holiday Destinations

Lebanon

Palestine

Syria

Algeria

Egypt

Libya

Qatar

Tunisia

Bahrain

Iraq

Mauritania

Saudi Arabia

Turkey

Comoros

Jordan

Morocco

Somalia

U.A.E

Djibouti

Kuwait

Oman

Sudan

Yemen

Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine Prepared by S&M Publication Ltd. ART DIRECTOR: Fatih Tahtalı OFFSET PREPARATION: Repronet Reprodüksiyon FILM&PRINTED: ÖzgürMatbaacılık HEAD OFFICE: S&M PUBLICATION LTD.Muratreis Muradiye Mektep Sokak 13/1 Baglarbasi- 81140 Istanbul-TURKEY Tel:+90.216.391 3795 Fax:+90.216.391 3796 www.arabturkishtravel:com ALL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO suat@arabturkishtravel.com - ozgur@arabturkishtravel.com

4 October 2010

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News From Countries

Algeria Algeria Wants Tourists Back to Desert Pearls Algeria’s Tourism Minister Smail Mimoune announces the construction of modern tourist facilities in the old Sahara desert destination Tassili.

Tassili was a popular destination before the 1992 war.

Minister Mimoune told the Algiers parliament that the development of tourism in the Saharan region of Tassili was at the top of priorities in his Ministry. A development plan for the important destination had been developed.

The national tourism plan was especially focusing on the Sahara region of Tassili and Djanet, but also on the building of coastal resorts along Algeria’s long and spectacular Mediterranean coast.

The Minister said the construction of hotels in Tassili respecting the special architecture of Saharan Africa was part of the tourism development plan. The plan’s implementation had already been assured through the current budget, approved of in 2009.

Developments of tourism infrastructure in Tassili and Djanet however primarily should be driven by private investments, with government giving major incentives for investments, Minister Mimoune explained.

This included a reduction of 5.4 percent in interest rates applied to bank credits for realisation of tourist infrastructure projects in Tassili.

Before Algeria in 1992 drifted into a brutal civil war, which included systematic attacks on foreigners, the Tassili-Djanet-Tamanrasset area in Algeria’s desert was the main tourist destination in the Sahara.

Especially the Sahara region was beyond government control and tourism to the region virtua lly dropped to zero in the 1990s.

Tourism has never been a main sector in Algeria, although the oilrich country has a vast potential.

As safety has returned to most of Algeria, the limited tourist numbers received before 1992 has been slow to recover.

Occasional terror attacks and kidnappings maintain the country’s image as an unsafe destination; tourism infrastructure has seen little investments since 1992; and massive red tape in Algeria scares off many foreign investors. The coasts of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt meanwhile have seen massive investments.

And while Algeria still lacks quality coastal resorts, local investors have for the last five years focused on the desert region of Tassili and its UNESCOregistered World Heritage Site Tassili n’Ajjer to attract foreign visitors.

Already in 2005, some 16,000 tourists visited the Tassili province.

Tourism is mostly focused on adventurers, with programmes to climb in the breathtaking Tassili and Hoggar mountain ranges or to join rough 4WD excursions into spectacular desert destinations.

The Algiers Tourism Ministry now foresees infrastructure investments to ease the access and comfort for a wider group of tourists. Eager to diversify its fossil fuel dependent economy, authorities have defined the country’s tourism potential its “second oil resource.”

Source: afrol News

6 October 2010

Bahrain Travelport Expands Middle East Presence with New Operations in Bahrain Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry operating both the Galileo and Worldspan global distribution systems (GDS), announces its investment in Bahrain, where it has established new Galileo operations to provide enhanced support to the local travel trade.

The GDS provider confirms that it has taken over the distribution of its Galileo platform in the Kingdom following the end of its agreement with

Middle East Computer Services (MECOS), part of Al Safar Group, and that it will serve all Galileo subscribers from a new, wholly-owned operation in Manama.

With a full-service team in place to meet the needs of Galileo travel agents and partners, the new support structure will enhance the resources available to the local travel industry, facilitating access to Travelport’s extensive international network, best-of-breed technology products and comprehensive training programmes.

Overseeing the new operation is Travelport’s newly-appointed Director for the Lower Gulf Region, Ghulam Saleh Al Balooshi, a Bahraini national and highly-experienced GDS veteran with more than 35 years experience within the travel industry: “As a result of this new distribution structure, we are well positioned to respond to the growing needs of the travel trade and nurture our longterm presence in Bahrain,” said Balooshi. “We look forward to having a direct relationship with local travel agents and injecting innovation, competition and value to the local landscape,” he added.

Reinforcing its continued strength in the Middle East, Travelport’s investment in Bahrain builds on the successful direct operations it has set-up across the region, with an efficient, direct distribution network for Galileo-connected travel agents already in place across the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

A special ceremony was held in Manama to mark the official launch of Travelport’s entry into Bahrain, which was attended by more than 250 local travel agents, who will now be able to deal directly with Travelport for all of their travel technology needs.

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News From Countries

Egypt Egypt Tourism Revenues Increased by 17.6 % first half Egypt’s Tourism Minister Zoheir Garrana has announced that the country’s tourism revenues from the first six months of 2010 have increased by 17.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. Garrana indicates a number of factors as contributing to the boost, including the strong euro driving holidaymakers out of the eurozone, record winter temperatures in Europe, and increasing numbers of Russian tourists now looking outside their own country for cheap holidays.

Tourism revenues reached $5.58 billion in the first half of 2010, compared to $4.6 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, industry analysts predict revenues to reach $12.4 billion by the end of the fiscal year, up on $10.8 billion in 2009.

“Revenues were predicted to rally during this period, as the effects of the recession dissipated,” says Ian Raine of holiday experts ulookubook. com. “There were other factors, of course, such as the weak pound driving British holidaymakers away from the eurozone, and the continued growth of Egypt’s robust package holiday industry - perhaps demonstrated best by the increased sales of holidays to Sharm el Sheikh the past quarter.

Unfortunately the ash cloud did much to dampen growth in April, with arrivals only up five per cent, compared to 20 per cent the month before.”

Over 7 million tourists came to the country in the first half of 2010 - an increase of 21 per cent from the same period in 2009. Garrana points to the 95 per cent increase in Russian tourists booking holidays to Egypt - presumably to escape record low temperatures in their own country contributing to the overall rise. Meanwhile, the average length of stay grew from 9.3 days in 2007 to over 10 days in 2010.

“It’s amazing what a bad winter can do to summer industry figures,” continues Raine. “The effect isn’t just limited to Egypt either, for the rest of the Mett - that’s Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey - have all shown impressive Q2 numbers.”

Egyptian tourism is responsible for 11 per cent of the country’s GDP, with around one in eight Egyptians working in the industry.

for METT destinations between summer 2009 and 2010 however the traditional destinations are still in the lead and continue to fight back with competitive offers.” dealchecker holidays and flight search facilities are the ultimate holiday helpers for savvy travellers, finding the best breaks and flights from dealchecker’s travel partners. Both facilities provide worldwide departures to leading worldwide destinations in two, three, four and seven night durations over a three-month time period. The search results reveal to travellers immediately how much they can save by adjusting their departures by just one day. Deals on Tenerife holidays start from just £181 for a November 10th departure from Bristol for seven nights self catering in the three star Vigilia Park Apartments or £196 for a September departure from Bournemouth staying seven nights at the three star Tamaimo Tropical Apartments on a self catering basis.

With so many destinations and deals to choose from travellers can be certain they will find a great getaway for autumn 2010. In addition to holiday deals dealchecker publish a regular weekly ‘real deals’ newsletter highlighting the top ten travel deals of the week, to subscribe see www. dealchecker.co.uk.

Iraq The first 5-Star Development in Karbala, Iraq Range Hospitality, a dynamic, progressive and innovative institution focused on hospitality and real estate, has launched the Al Rawdatain Gardens development in Iraq’s pilgrimage centre, Karbala, to cater to the significant shortage of accommodation.

Approximately 18 million pilgrims visit Karbala during the peak seasons every year. With a current shortage of accommodation in the city, Al Rawdatain Gardens aims to cater for this demand at accessible prices.

Investment in this development is available through Mulkiya Intifa’a - a Shariah Compliant Fractional Ownership proposition.

Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey Grow in Popularity During Q3 2010 Despite indications that the METT group (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey) is overtaking western Mediterranean destinations, dealchecker.co.uk reports an increase in travellers looking to book holidays in the traditional Med. Price comparison website dealchecker.co.uk has seen an increase in traffic of 14% for travellers looking for cheap holidays to Ibiza.

Commercial Director for dealchecker Troy Collins commented “The recent strengthening of the pound against the euro has resulted in an increase of traffic to the western Mediterranean destination pages on the dealchecker website. For July and August 2010 compared to the METT countries there has been an increase of 22% for travellers seeking cheap holidays in Spain and an increase of 14% for travellers seeking cheap holidays to Ibiza. Longer term we have seen an overall increase in traffic

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October 2010 7

News From Countries Iraq’s $112 billion economy whose GDP is growing at an average rate of 5.1% over the last three years has seen the Government actively encourage foreign investment through a number of initiatives including an amendment to the National Investment Law. His Excellency Shehzada Shabbir Bhai Saheb Nuruddin, brother of His Holiness Moula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, has been appointed as Range Hospitality’s honorary chairman. Range Hospitality has recently strengthened its roster of shareholders through the appointment of Ali Hussein Al Nemer (Saudi Arabia), Alykhan Karmali (Uganda), Munaf Ali (United Kingdom) and Mohammed Asaria (United Kingdom) to the Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to be the recipient of Shehzada’s support and guidance and honored by his participation. The Board of Directors comprises individuals from various parts of the Muslim world which will ensure a wider catchment area for our offering - Mulkiya Intifa’a,” said Mohammed Asaria, Vice Chairman, Range Hospitality.

Earlier this year, Range Hospitality mandated Abu Dhabi-based investment company, Noor Capital PSC, to procure the necessary initial funding for the Al Rawdatain Gardens development. In addition, Range Hospitality has appointed Dewan Architects & Engineers, an architectural firm with over 25 years experience and projects spanning over 10 countries in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, also known for the Yas Marina Hotel and Marriott Courtyard Dubai, as the lead architects and consultants. Control Risks, a leader in specialist security consultancy with over 30 years experience in the Middle East and seven years in Iraq is another of the leading names supporting the project.

Range Hospitality has taken every step to protect its Mulkiya Intifa’a investors. “We are providing an Escrow account with one of the leading global financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, to assure security of investment and timely delivery of the project to our investors,” said Munaf Ali, CEO, Range Hospitality. He further added: “Although it is not mandatory for Range Hospitality to have an escrow account for a development in Iraq, this is a self-regulating step to ensure investor confidence given the current market sentiment.”

As the first modern development to be built in Karbala, Al Rawdatain Gardens will have an elegant 12-storey residence structure at its core comprising a mix of fully furnished and serviced studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Spread over 55,000 square metres, the development is designed and furnished in accordance with international standards, with full air conditioning and heating, including internet access and safety deposit boxes. The entire development will include a total of 624 suites, extensive public areas, four restaurants, landscaped gardens, health facilities, 24-hour security, child care facilities, business centre, and guest services.

“We are receiving independent approaches from some of the world’s leading hotel operators to manage Al Rawdatain Gardens,” Asaria revealed. “We are in the process of operator selection and the calibre of the companies approaching us is clear evidence of the importance of Karbala within ‘New Iraq’ and the wider MENA region.”

In conclusion, Ali mentioned: “Range Hospitality was established to achieve both commercial and altruistic objectives. We have committed to donate 20% of our annual profits to charities under the direction of our Charitable Donation Committee.”

UK based CT Business Travel to open offices in Iraq CT Business Travel will be the first UK travel management company to open offices in Iraq. It will organise business travel to Iraq and provide local support to help minimise the risk to UK companies who are involved in rebuilding and improving Iraq’s infrastructure. Corporate travel specialists CT Business Travel has operated a number of successful trade missions to Iraq over the last 12 to 18 months, following the success of these missions and recognising the opportunities Iraq presents, CT Business Travel has taken the bold step of opening offices in Bagdad and Arbil.

This move will ensure that CT Business Travel can better service its clients who are travelling to and working within Iraq.

There are many opportunities for UK companies to secure contracts in Iraq to help start re-building and improving the country’s infrastructure.

However, any companies venturing to Iraq to help with this re-building need to understand that there is still a certain amount of risk involved; this war torn country can not yet be considered completely safe.

Mark Kempster, Managing Director of CT Business Travel commented: “By having offices with local staff in Iraq, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide essential advice and great service to help clients.

Safety in a country like this is of course paramount so we can recommend the safest ways to travel around the county and the best accommodation

8 October 2010

to book, and should any situation arise where a company needs help, CT Business Travel is immediately on hand to assist.

This priceless local knowledge is also constantly being filtered back to our team in the UK. All our teams no matter where they are located go through rigorous and regular training regarding the most up to date and best security measures. The most important thing is that we are up to date with all the knowledge to ensure our clients have the safest journeys possible”.

No other UK travel management company has offices in Iraq and this puts CT Business Travel in a unique and privileged position, as they also have the ability to organise and provide visas for those wishing to travel and work in the country.

Through its years of experience in running trade missions and dealing with many UK businesses, CT Business Travel is able to identify and approach companies whose offerings are suitable to Iraq’s current and future needs, which will help re-build and provide the country with a solid infrastructure it so desperately needs.

CT Business Travel is an award winning corporate travel agency, has been trading for 21 years and is one of the largest independent business travel agents in the UK, providing travel management services to clients both large and small, offering great value and exceptional customer service.

Jordan Tourist Flow to Petra Remained Strong in August

According to the Petra Development Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Petra’s record-breaking tourism numbers continued in August, with revenues at the site reaching JD887,000, up 19 per cent from JD743,000 in August 2009.

The PDTRA statistics indicated that 41,000 non-Jordanians visited the ancient Nabataean city last month, a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2009, when 34,000 foreign tourists visited the site.

Meanwhile, revenues generated in the first eight months of the year rose by 42 per cent to reach JD10.8 million, up from JD7.6 million during the same period in 2009, the figures showed.

Approximately 500,000 tourists visited Petra in the January-August period, a 43 per cent growth from the first eight months of 2009, when 348,000 tourists visited the site, the PDTRA revealed.

Tourism officials have praised Petra’s strong showing this summer, a time of year which normally witnesses a lull in tourism activity.

“These figures indicate that we had a very good season this summer, and the indicators we have from tour operators and hotel owners show that this fall will be good as well,” PDTRA Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh told The Jordan Times over the phone .

According to Shraideh, preliminary figures provided by tour operators and hotels indicate that more than 800,000 non-Arab visitors will tour the ancient Nabataean city by the end of the year. Tourism figures are set to exceed the levels of 2008, when a record 802,000 people visited the rose-red city.

Shraideh said this year’s “successful” showing is the direct result of cooperation between the authority and the private sector.

Despite the record tourism numbers, further work is needed to encourage visitors to extend their stays in the Petra region, he stressed.

“We are still aiming to increase the number of visitors and their length of stays through improving services and infrastructure as well as marketing,” the official said.

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News From Countries Travco Expands its Reach to Jordan For the past three decades, Travco has been providing comprehensive travel solutions through its regional operations, making it inevitable to expand its network across the Middle East and also in Europe. As a further step towards cementing this expansion plan, Travco Group has announced the establishment of Travco Jordan.

Travco Jordan, a fully licensed Destination Management Company, has commenced its operations in Amman from its newly appointed offices at the Shmeisani district along with the representation offices in Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea district.

The Operation of Jordan is headed by Mr. Osama Bushra, the Chief Operating Officer of Travco in the region. Mr. Paolo Nocerino, the General Manager of Travco Jordan, carries a wealth of experience in the Tourism operations in the region and has handpicked the staff to man the new company. The team of professionals at Travco Jordan will cater to demand not only as a traditional tour operator, but also tailor-make holidays, handle MICE and FIT Groups in addition to Cruise handling and shore excursions to name but a few of its areas of expertise.

Capitalizing on its worldwide network of operations, the company aims to service the Jordanian market through its innovative and comprehensive travel solutions, responsive and efficient staff. Travco Jordan looks forward to extending its service to the group’s valued worldwide partners assuring the same quality of service and competence customary at the world of Travco.

Travco Group has been determined to establish itself a strong presence in the world of tourism, travel, and hospitality, and for the past few years has embarked on a very enthusiastic expansion plan and has now extended its reach from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Syria, and Jordan to China and Japan in addition to representation offices in Germany and the United Kingdom with more plans underway to be revealed in the near future.

King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at Jordan Re-Launched Under Hilton Brand Hilton Worldwide has commenced management of Jordan’s Dead Sea King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, one of the largest convention centre’s in the Middle East region.

The reflagged convention centre will now operate under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

With almost 5,000 square meters of meeting space and 23,000 square meters of build-up area spread over 25 conference and meeting rooms and three floors, King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre is one of the largest in the region. It can accommodate approximately 5,000 guests.

Hilton Worldwide manages the Convention Centre through an agreement with Dead Sea Resorts PSC Company. The Convention Centre is adjacent to the 285-room Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa that is currently under development and is scheduled to open in Q4 2014.

“This partnership will leverage the Hilton brand’s global expertise and innovative leadership in meetings and large scale events for the benefit of the region as Jordan continues its growth in this segment. Hilton is the leader in global

10 October 2010

hospitality and we are excited to expand our portfolio in this market,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

As part of Jordan’s strategy to capture MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) business, the convention centre has hosted and will host international conferences such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2007, 2009 and May 2011, the International Monetary Fund, as well as local and regional conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

With fully-equipped conference and meeting halls that vary in size and capacity, the centre is able to accommodate numerous events with different capacity requirements simultaneously.

KHBTCC has dedicated itself to achieve, encourage and set a local and regional benchmark for excellence in managing and attracting significant international, regional and local conventions, trade-shows, educational, cultural and social functions as well as other events to its world-class facilities, while maximizing the benefits for the Jordanian economy and local businesses.

KHBTCC will further strengthen the Hilton portfolio in Jordan, becoming the first project managed by the Hilton brand in Jordan, as one of five other new developments for Hilton Worldwide in the country. KHBTCC will join three new Hilton brand hotels in Aqaba, Amman and Dead Sea areas as well as the first Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Aqaba.

“Jordan is a key development market for us in our regional development strategy. As an upscale resort and therapeutic area, the Dead Sea is an ideal location to increase our presence in the Jordanian Kingdom where modernization meets with a rich history. KHBTCC will benefit from a swift opening, with the full support of the Hilton sales and marketing engines as well as the support of the KHBTCC former General Manager, Naif Zureikat, who will stay on to manage the convention centre,” said JeanPaul Herzog, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa.

Lying within the folds of the Jordan Valley more than 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Its richness in various minerals makes the Dead Sea, with its black mud, a destination of therapeutic tourism seeking its extraordinary curative powers. The growing resort area is also located 40-minutes away from the capital, Amman.

“As we face a surge in business travel across Jordan, Hilton Worldwide’s established credentials and well- positioned brands will help us manage demand and meet conference and incentive travellers’ high expectations for this new conversion,” said H.E. Eng. Said Darwazah, chairman of Dead Sea Resorts PSC. Hilton Worldwide has an impressive brand footprint in the Middle East and Africa with 44 hotels across 14 countries, and another 25 properties in the pipeline.

Kuwait Kuwaiti Tourists in Syria Increased 15% in 2009 The number of Kuwaiti tourists who visited Syria increased 15 percent in 2009, said a Syrian official.

Promotion director at the Syrian Tourism Ministry Dr. Ahmad Al-Yousef said that Saudi tourists increased about 18 percent and UAE and Bahrainis 15 percent. The number of foreign tourists ranged between 11 percent and 31 percent, he said. He added that most foreign tourists came from Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, Italy, France, Britain, Germany, Spain, Netherland, and Sweden.

Al-Yousef pointed out that the ministry completed preparations for the marketing campaign that will include street and television ads in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, as well as ads on the internet.

According to a report issued by the Syrian Tourism Ministry, it is expected that tourists who will visit Syria in 2014 will be about 12 million.

The official said that Syria will take part in several travel exhibitions including events in Kuwait, Dubai in June, Riyadh, Bahrain, and Tunisia.

Each market requires a different message, he said, adding that the Italian market, for example, likes religious tourism, while the Germans are interested in culture.

The ministry announced that the number of tourists who visited Syria in 2009 increased 12 percent compared to 2008. The number of Gulf tourists increased 16 percent, Turkish tourists went up 32 percent, and Europeans increased 25 percent. The total number of tourists was 6.091 million, increasing 661,000 from the 5.430 in the previous year.

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News From Countries

Lebanon Lebanon’s Boutique Hotel Sector Grows The boutique hotel sector in Lebanon is showing signs of slow growth, with the small number of participants in this niche market performing particularly well and displaying signs of optimism for future potential in the market as a whole.

A boutique hotel, according to the head of Lebanon’s Hotel Syndicate Pierre Achkar, is often quite small and usually consists of between 40 to 60 rooms.

“A boutique hotel is one that offers something special to its guests, its concept and look depending on where the hotel is located. Boutique hotels are characterized by their different room designs and sizes to guarantee that guests will never have the same experience twice,” Achkar said.

Achkar noted how boutique hotels offered the highest quality in all areas, including room service, food, amenities and multi-lingual staff.

“Inevitably therefore, these hotels often come with a very high-price tag,” he said.

Achkar informed that there was a high demand for rooms in boutique hotels mainly because Lebanon is still characterized by individual tourism rather than group-based tourism.

“Nevertheless, despite this high demand for rooms in boutique hotels, the majority of tourists to Lebanon are still preferring to choose the luxury-chain hotels because these are still the most well known. Since boutique hotels are often small and not overly exposed, many tourists still do not know about them,” Achkar said.

Achkar noted that although there was undoubtedly potential for the growth of the boutique hotel sector in Lebanon, a ceiling existed on individual-based tourism, citing the need for more 4-star hotels to accommodate for groups.

“Boutique hotels that are not excessively priced can attract wealthy groups from Europe and the Middle East. These [4-star] hotels are springing up outside Beirut since occupancy rates in the capital are usually above 75 percent on average during the summer months so are no longer able to accommodate large groups.”

regional routes from the airlines hub in Tripoli, Libya.

The aircraft is fitted with several rows of convertible seats that enable the carrier to choose a variety of cabin configurations depending on their requirements. These range from the standard two class configuration with 32 business class seats and 108 economy class seats to an all economy cabin seating 156 passengers.

“Libyan Airlines strives to continuously improve the flying experience for our customers” said Captain Sabri, Chairman of Libyan Aviation Holding Company. “Our new A320, offering the best cabin comfort, and equipped with state of the art connectivity will bring unprecedented levels of service to our market. This is a major milestone in the history of Libyan Airlines.”

“The A320 is the most modern, efficient and comfortable single aisle aircraft available on the market” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We look forward to working with Libyan Airlines as they continue their fleet renewal and expansion.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.

In the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), Airbus has sold around 1000 aircraft and has a backlog of over 500. More than 500 Airbus aircraft are flying with 48 MENA operators, representing around 40% percent of the fleet in service in the region.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With over 6,600 aircraft sold, and more than 4,300 aircraft delivered to some 310 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft.

Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.

Morocco Morocco and Qatar to Boost Tourism

Libya Libyan Airlines Receives its first New Airbus A320 Libyan Airlines, part of the Libyan Aviation Holding Company, has taken delivery of its first new Airbus A320 aircraft from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.

The new aircraft, the first of seven on order, will be equipped with On Air in-flight connectivity services allowing passengers to stay in touch with colleagues, family and friends while they travel.

Powered by CFM engines the aircraft will be operated on domestic and

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Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, met with H.E Yassir Zenagui, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism. Also present at the meeting was Mr. Abdel-Azim Galleries, Ambassador of the Republic of Morocco.

The two sides discussed ways to boost engagement in activities according to a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, as well emphasize the need for mutual collaboration between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Morocco on tourism matters.

During the meeting, H.E. Yassir Zenagui suggested organizing a Moroccan exhibition in Qatar – the first of its kind – at the Doha Exhibitions Center during the upcoming period. The main goal of the exhibition is to introduce the Moroccan traditions, customs and crafts to the Qatari community. Mr. Al Nuaimi was positive about such an event, and assured his support of the exhibition.

October 2010 11

News From Countries RIU to Keep Betting on Morocco’s Magic in 2011 RIU Hotels & Resorts will enlarge its portfolio with two hotels in the seaside town of Agadir and one hotel in the city of Marrakech.

Thus, the chain continues to grow in the North African country, where it already has two hotels in Agadir and one in Marrakech. The destination has attracted the hotel chain’s guests and partners thanks to its beauty, quality service, climate and proximity. By late 2011, RIU will have six hotels in the country, which will add up to a total of 1,776 rooms.

The first new addition will be the Hotel Riu Grand Palace Tikida Golf, a small, 55-five hotel that will be joining RIU’s portfolio on May 1, 2011. This is the second hotel in Riu Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive RIU Grand Palace line. The Grand Palace line is now being represented only by the Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis, located on Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria, Spain.

The Hotel Riu Tikida Garden will also be opening on May 1, 2011, after a comprehensive refurbishment carried out to adapt its facilities to the hotel chain’s quality standards. The hotel will have 255 rooms and offer Riu’s renowned All-Inclusive service.

RIU’s third inauguration scheduled for Morocco will be the Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir in November 2011. This hotel, located on the oceanfront, will be the first hotel in the Riu Palace luxury product line in this resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where the company currently operates the ClubHotel Riu Tikida Dunas and the Hotel Riu Tikida Beach.

The new Riu Palace will have 440 rooms and feature RIU’s distinctive service and haute cuisine.

Golf lovers will find the Riu Palace Agadir Tikida an ideal choice, since its guests will be able to enjoy the many advantages of the 36-hole Golf du Soleil golf course located just seven kilometres away.

“Morocco is a fascinating country thanks to its rich culture and exotic traditions, all of which, together with its landscape, beaches and cuisine, make Morocco a complete tourist destination that attracts thousands of tourists each year”, says Carmen Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts.

She also adds that the Tikida Group is “the ideal partner for growing in the country, since both companies share the same values: a strict commitment to quality, a dedication to service and excellent value for money.”

Oman Oman Aims to Become World Class Tourist Destination Oman Tourism is currently identifying new international markets to appeal to. During the past decade, Oman’s tourism industry rapidly expanded and became one of the Sultanate’s most pivotal non-oil sectors, specialising in eco-tourism and first class tourism.

Usama Bin Karim Al Haremi of Oman Air’s Corporate Communications and Media said that in light of this success, the tourism industry became one of the top targets of the Omani long-term socio-economic plan, namely, “Oman 2020”.

The ministry of Tourism and Oman Air he added, continue to promote the Sultanate as a high quality destination aimed primarily at responsible tourists. Through aggressive marketing campaigns and improved infrastructure, Oman has raised the industry’s contribution to GDP from one to nearly three percent in 2008.

He informed that Business Monitor International (BMI), a leading UK print and online publisher of specialist business information on global emerging markets, has recently published its Oman Tourism Report 2009.

The summary reads, Oman might still lay claim to being one of the ‘great

12 October 2010

undiscovered destinations’ but that position is very likely to change in the coming years. While tourism – at least from countries outside the Arabian Gulf region – is still only new, there has been a successful effort to build the profile and attract visitors to this once closed nation.

Oman has smaller oil and gas reserves than many of its neighbours and consequently has had to face the challenge of diversifying its economy earlier than most. Tourism was identified several years ago as one of the new industries on which the Sultanate will invest. Funds have been allocated both to infrastructure within the country and marketing efforts overseas. The most recent initiative is a regional one. Iran and Oman have entered into an agreement to promote tourism between the two countries and to undertake joint promotions to third countries.

Oman plans to attract 12 million visitors annually by 2020, an almost fourfold increase on the current level. The focal point for decision-making is how it can achieve this increase while maintaining the ‘authentic’ character of the Sultanate.

At this point, the majority of tourists to Oman come from other Gulf countries to the coast on the southwest corner of the country. This area catches the Indian Ocean monsoon during the summer months between June and September. While most of the gulf region suffers from extreme, dry heat during that time, the Dhofar Province has a cool and misty summer. Travellers from outside the region may not see the attraction of a cool, damp 25 degrees Celsius (C) summer holiday.

Al Haremi stated that the tourism sector in Oman had seen fundamental changes following multi-pronged measures by the government to boost the economy. The Sultanate he said, predicted a record year for Oman’s tourism industry during 2010 as marketing strategies implemented by the ministry of Tourism, coupled with Oman Air’s ambitious route expansion plans, continue to pay dividends. He said the intention is to turn the Sultanate into a world-class tourist destination in coming years. The Tourism Ministry he added has also set its sights on the potentially vast markets of Russia, China, and India.

“In association with the Tourism Ministry, Oman Air aims to continue joint marketing initiatives targeting the key European market, since Oman Air’s network expansion and Oman’s tourism growth are closely linked. Surely, our joint campaign will be a useful pilot for how Oman Air and the Ministry of Tourism will work together in other international markets. Our objective is to build awareness in Oman as the destination of choice for cultural, nature and adventure tourism in the Middle East,” Al Haremi said.

He highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s recent announcement in relation to their market positioning, and the intention of the Ministry to continue focusing on Oman as a destination for authentic, high quality Arabian experiences across their pitch to high yielding segments and responsible tourists.

BMI report also states that the potential growth in tourist numbers, however, must come from further afield. This is happening and it is changing the balance among the arriving visitors. This newer part of the tourism market has been impacted by the global financial crisis, with the result that visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and sector employment are all down on the levels from the same time a year ago.

The business environment in Oman is exemplary and will remain so, as the government, aware of its own economic limitations, seeks to attract further investment flows. The high-inflation environment will be a deterrent to some, but ongoing ample liquidity and government spending, as well as good medium- to long-term growth potential, should be sufficient to counteract this. The legal system is relatively transparent and clear, and there is no history of disputes involving foreign investors.

At the same time, corruption levels are lower than in other countries in the Middle East, and the Omani bureaucracy is regarded as the most efficient in the Arabian Gulf region. The sultanate ranks 49th globally in the World Bank’s 2008 Doing Business survey, and 47th in our own business environment rankings.

Like other GCC states, Oman is looking largely to spend its way out of recession. The government has signaled it will act where needed. The 2009 budget, as unveiled in January anticipates a deficit of OMR810 million, which would equate to around 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). BMI believes that the likelihood of increased spending and lower income will push the deficit further into the red. We expect a budget deficit of 8.5% for this year, which will ease slightly in 2010. Given the strong financial assets and five years of prudent saving, this deficit is easily manageable.

Describing the report Al Haremi said, The Oman Tourism Report has been researched at source, and features latest-available data covering tourist expenditure, government expenditure on tourism, foreign direct investment projects, domestic airline revenues, passenger arrivals and departures, and the country’s hospitality markets; 5-year industry forecasts through end-2013; company rankings and competitive landscapes for multinational and local companies; and analysis of latest industry developments, trends and regulatory changes, as well as political risk factors affecting the Omani tourism sector

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News From Countries The Sultanate of Oman Hosts 100km Cross Country Event A major ten day, 100km trek through the Omani Rub Al Khali desert will take place to celebrate the long standing, historical ties between Oman and the UK. From 04 to 14 January 2011, a team of eight girls aged between 17 and 24, four from the UK and four from Oman, will be invited to complete this great expedition. The girls will travel on foot, with camels to support them through their voyage, taking place in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.

At the end of the trip, the girls will reach the peak of Oman’s third highest sand dune, just south of Umm As Samim.

At the summit, the Omani and British flags will be raised to symbolise the bond between both nations, whilst showcasing Oman as a centre for peace.

The journey is aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue between young people from the UK and Oman and to commemorate a history of allegiance between both nations. This event also coincides with the Sultan of Oman’s 40th anniversary and will celebrate the longevity of his peaceful reign. Significantly, the journey will also support His Majesty’s initiative to recognise the potential and celebrate the capabilities of Omani women.

Rub Al Khali desert, also known as the ‘Empty Quarter,’ is an huge expanse of barren desert, stretching over 1,000km in length. Journeying through this harsh and inhospitable land, the girls will learn a number of survival techniques to increase their environmental awareness and develop the skills young people need to work together.

Hosted by the Omani Ministry of Tourism and endorsed by Ambassadors in London and Muscat, the event is expected to generate huge publicity for the UK and Oman. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has also shown great support for this event by providing a grant for cutting edge technology to engage people globally before and during the journey. Daily updates on the progress of the journey will be posted on the internet by the participants, and sent to press and media via satellite connection.

Qatar Qatar Focus on Asian Market Qatar Tourism Authority is making its final preparations for a promotional roadshow through Asia, scheduled to kick off mid-October. QTA and leading members of the tourism industry will travel to Asia to strengthen ties and boost awareness of Qatar’s tourism offerings to professionals in the travel trade. The cities on the roadshow include Seoul, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, with the campaign finishing just before ITB Asia in Singapore.

The Asian roadshow comes on the back of a successful tour which took place in Europe earlier in the year. The slogan of the campaign, “Experience 48 hours in Qatar: Our Business is Your Pleasure”, embodies the mission to promote Qatar as destination for meetings and incentive travel, as well as stopover travel on long haul flights between Asia and Europe or the Americas. The promotional roadshow is a new initiative launched by Qatar Tourism Authority to promote Qatar as a premier business and upscale leisure destination to MICE (meetings, incentive, convention, exhibitions) professionals.

The campaign in Asia will is well timed as it takes place a few months ahead of the Asian Cup 2011, which will take place in January in Doha, allowing for visitors to schedule their travel itinerary well enough in advance.

Qatar Tourism Authority will be accompanied by a distinguished delegation from the hospitality, culture, sports and leisure sectors in Qatar. To further this promotional campaign, each of these cities has daily direct flights on Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, the first 5-star airline in the Middle East.

Qatar has made significant investments domestically and internationally

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to encourage cultural, sport, and leisure tourism to complement business tourism industry in the country. The government of Qatar has made significant investments to develop Qatar’s tourism infrastructure over a 5 year period, including the construction of new hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities. Qatar is hosting venue for many international sporting championships in tennis, golf, athletics and football. The iconic Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, has put Qatar’s capital city of Doha firmly on the culture scene in the Middle East. Other major projects scheduled to open in the near future include the Qatar National Convention Centre, which boasts 40,000 square meters of state-of-theart exhibition space and the New Doha International Airport, which at completion will be able to handle 50 million passengers.

Qatar’s $23b Rail Project to be Completed in 2026 Qatar aims to have most of a 17 billion euro ($22.79 billion) rail project with Deutsche Bahn built by 2022, officials said recently after signing one of the biggest-ever foreign deals for German industry. The whole project – which includes freight and passenger trains and a metro – is expected to be completed in 2026.

But a major portion of the work will be completed by 2022, when Qatar hopes to host the FIFA World Cup, officials said.

Qatar also aims to build a connection to neighboring Saudi Arabia via a 40-kilometer causeway, one of the world’s longest, to Bahrain, according to a report quoted to foreign agencies and published by the Jeddah-based Saudi Gazette.

The network will integrate Qatar’s east coast rail link, a passenger and freight railway line, and connect oil and natural gas hub Ras Laffan in the north with the refinery town of Mesaieed in the south, via Doha, and a high-speed link between the new Doha international airport and the city’s centre.

The network will also connect to Bahrain via the Qatar-Bahrain causeway, a freight rail link based on the Gulf Arab rail network and Doha Expressway studies, a comprehensive Doha Metro Network, based on the Qatar Transport Master Plan and multiple light rail people mover networks in Lusail, Education City and West Bay. Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and Deutsche Bahn AG will develop a metro system in Qatar’s capital, a national railroad network for passenger and freight traffic, and a long-distance connection to neighboring Bahrain.

Qatar is world’s biggest exporter of LNG with economic growth expected at 9 percent this year. It spends billions on infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia Haj Spending Increase 25 percent Foreigners coming to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage this year are expected to spend more than SR25 billion, 25 percent more than last year.

Some of the reasons for the increase are: Increase in the number of pilgrims, The rising costs of accommodation, Increase in the prices of air tickets, Increase in the prices of foods and beverages.

Another reason might be the rule that not allowing people above 60, children under 12, and pregnant women to enter country to prevent the spread of the swine flu last year.

The number of Umrah pilgrims this year increased by about half a million over the previous year reaching close to four million. It is expected that the number of Umrah pilgrims to reach five million a year in the next five years

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News From Countries Saudi Arabia Stops Issuing Tourist Visas Saudi Arabia has put a temporary freeze on tourist visas to cope with the rush in Umrah visitors since August 31st.

The kingdom issued 20,000 tourist visas in 2009 compared with 6,000 in 2008. Airport sources said since the beginning of Umrah, more than 1.4 million people have entered the kingdom. The kingdom receives about 15,000 Umrah pilgrims daily while about 10,000 leave daily.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) declined to comment, but Prince Abdullah Bin Saud, chairman of the consultative committee for organisers of tourist trips, said the issue would be discussed with the SCTA president after Eid. According to airport sources, about 15,000 people arrive daily through the airport to perform Umrah while about 10,000 leave the kingdom daily after performing the rituals.

The sources said since the beginning of the Umrah season in February, more than 1.4 million people had entered the kingdom to perform Umrah.

They expect those who have arrived in the kingdom for Umrah to be leaving the country starting from Ramadan 28, which is the night on which the Imam of the Grand Mosque concludes reciting the Quran.

16% Increase in Umrah visas for Ramadan

Saudi Arabia to Improve its Tourism Image logo Authorities are taking steps to improve the Kingdom’s tourism and antiquities resources which will contribute to national economic growth and provide better international understanding of the country’s culture and heritage.

Early this month, Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), addressed the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, an independent center of Oxford University in UK that provides a meeting point between the Islamic and Western worlds of learning.

In his lecture on Saudi Arabia’s heritage and culture, Prince Sultan revealed that the Kingdom will hold a series of international exhibitions to showcase the country’s rich culture and antiquities. He said the first event is the Saudi Archeology Exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris in midJuly 2010, which will eventually tour other museums around the world.

Within the Kingdom, Prince Sultan said, several programs have been implemented to provide a better understanding of the importance of Saudi tourism.

The initiatives include the following: Investing in the cultural education of citizens, particularly Saudi youth, so that they can better appreciate the values of their heritage and their national identity through the establishment of new museums and the restoration of historic sites that will be converted into cultural and educational centers.

Introducing the public, particularly Saudi teachers and students, to antiquity sites and museums through tours, awareness programs, and classroom instruction so that they can recognize the value of their heritage and cultural identity.

Rehabilitating historic town centers, traditional villages and markets all over the country.

Establishing archives on the history of the Kingdom, which will house written material, photographs and artifacts collected by the King Abdul Aziz Foundation and Library, the King Fahd Library and Al-Turath Foundation.

Syria The Ministry of Haj has increased the number of Ramadan visas for foreign pilgrims by 16 percent, according to Walid Abu Saba, head of the Tourism and Hotel Committee at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The news has been welcomed by Umrah travel agents and hoteliers.

The ministry had planned to issue 792,000 Umrah visas this Ramadan.

But faced with the rising demand from external agents and complaints of low occupancy by hotel owners in Makkah and Madinah, it has decided to issue up to 911,000 visas. Last Ramadan, 674,000 visas were issued.

Expressing his gratitude to the government, Abu Saba told Arab News the increase will have a direct impact on hotel occupancies in the two holy cities. He expected 80 percent occupancy for the first 20 days of Ramadan as against 65 percent that he had estimated a week before. He expected the last 10 days to be even better.

Barring the slump witnessed in Rajab and Shaaban, the Umrah sector has performed exceptionally well this year. Abu Saba said the figure for foreign pilgrims’ arrivals is going to touch four million this year, which will be a record in itself.

Hotel owners are reporting increased occupancy during the last few days. Among the noticeable pilgrims are nationals of Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). According to Shaji Nehal, a travel industry executive and long-time Umrah watcher, since GCC nationals do not require visas to travel to Saudi Arabia their travel plans remain very fluid. Many of them decide to perform Umrah after breaking their fast on the first day of Ramadan, and the advent of the holy month motivates many others to make last-minute decisions. Hence, as Ramadan progresses so does the influx of pilgrims.

Meanwhile, hotel rooms in Makkah and Madinah have become costlier by more than 500 percent. A normal room in a five-star hotel which otherwise is available for SR750 is now being rented for SR4,000 per night. Ramadan rates for hotel rooms in the two holy cities give an interesting read.

14 October 2010

Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International Opens 2 Properties Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International announced 2 new hotel projects.

Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International will open its fourth hotel in Syria. The fourth ring of Dedeman chain in Syria will be located in Latakia, Syria’s coastal tourist resort town. Dedeman Latakia will be built on a 400-meter long beach and it is planned to have 261 rooms as well as a conference hall, 3 restaurants and a fitness and spa center. The hotel will welcome first guests in 2013. Dedeman currently operates three hotels in Syria; the Dedeman Aleppo, Dedeman Damascus and Dedeman Palmyra.

Moreover, Dedeman will also open another hotel in north western city of Edirne. The hotel will have a panoramic view of Tuna and Meriç rivers and forest area. It will be the first 5-star hotel of the city that will welcome its first guests in 2011. The hotel will have 160 rooms, 12 conference rooms, and 650 pax Ball Room.

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News From Countries

Tunisia Tunisia Ranked Second Globally on Recuperative Tourism

Tunisia is ranked second at the world level following France on recuperative tourism, mineral water therapy and thalassotherapy, a specialized study published stated.

Tunisia boasts of a big stockpile of mineral water distributed over 95 sources all over the country, the study added as it was made public during the regional forum titled “Recuperative and Therapeutic Tourism” currently held in the Tunisian eastern coastal city of Sousse.

Further, 30 of these sources are distinguished by their cold water that reaches up to 25 C, while 65 sources are marked by their hot water that goes up to 70 C, the study issued by the Tunisian Mineral Water Department said.

It also said that 50 mineral hot water sources are being currently used in four recuperative stations and 46 recuperative mineral baths in addition to 45 thalassotherapy centers.

There are more than 170,000 people flocking annually to these recuperative stations and thalassotherapy centers including 135,000 foreigners, namely 80 percent of the total visitors, while the total number of those who go to recuperative mineral baths in Tunisia are estimated at 3 millions including Tunisians and foreigners.

The study went on to say that the mineral water sector in Tunisia saw a remarkable development in the recent years to occupy an advanced position in the field of diversifying Tunisian tourist product and scenery.

It also pointed to the hydrological studies conducted by other concerned departments for measuring the stockpiles of these recuperative water, determining the source areas and raising the usable water level through fostering the private sector investment in this field.

The study concluded by saying that these efforts resulted in setting up 18 recuperative centers and stations, besides the initiatives made by many of the hoteliers on establishing recuperative thalassotherapy units inside their hotels.

Turkey Number of Turkish Tourists to Syria rises by 170 pct

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The number of Turkish tourists visiting Syria is increased by 170 percent between January-July 2010 compared to the same period of 2009.

Pointing to the visa exemption agreement signed by Turkey and Syria, Syrian tourism officials said that the number of Turkish visitors in Syria had risen up to 943,533 during January-July period of 2010.

Such figure was 349,457 visitors in the same term of 2009, officials noted

Turkey Tops the list of 2010 Holiday Destinations

The first shots of a package holiday price war have been fired with tour companies offering a host of discounts as they attempt to capitalise on a recovering market. Bookings for the top 20 summer 2010 destinations have increased sharply over the past three months, according to the Cooperative Travel company.

The Turkish resort of Dalaman has seen an 82 per cent increase in bookings and has taken over from Majorca as the number one holiday destination for UK travellers in 2010. Majorca is in second place, with Orlando in Florida third, the Spanish Costa Blanca fourth and the Greek island of Crete fifth.

Other destinations high on the booking list include Bodrum in Turkey, Ibiza and Larnaca in Cyprus.

Trevor Davis, director of retail distribution at Co-operative Travel, said: “As the holiday sector recovers, the battle for bookers will intensify, with companies seeking to increase their market share after a challenging 12 months.”

Meanwhile, holiday company Thomas Cook launched a new advertising campaign .

It coincides with a survey by the company that revealed that people put foreign holidays higher in their “must have” list than eating out, home improvements, buying new clothes or UK breaks.

Thomas Cook predicted Turkey would be the in-place to visit in 2010, with Egypt, Majorca, Tenerife and Cyprus all expected to do well too.

Travel agency Going Places said it was launching an early-booking offer for Airtours’ holidays tomorrow.

There will be savings of up to £200 per booking for those booking before 4 February, 2010.

Direct Holidays is offering £100 off prices and child-goes-free deals for those booking before 31 January, 2010, on selected holidays.

The company is also offering an additional £50 off winter 2010-11 breaks for early bookers.

Latest figures from Shearings Holidays reveal that bookings for next year’s UK breaks have increased by more than 95 per cent in some regions, with locations that have been showcased in the latest barrage of British holiday TV shows proving to be among the biggest winners.

Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings, said: “Programmes such as John Sergeant On The Tourist Trail, Martin Clunes’ Islands Of Britain and Alexander Armstrong’s Very British Holiday have reignited people’s love of Britain.

“Screen locations are always popular with tourists and the trend for UK holiday programmes has encouraged people to have a closer look at holiday destinations in the UK.” Meanwhile, another study found that more than half of those who spent their holiday at home in the UK this year are planning on making up for it by flying abroad in 2010.

Fifty-six per cent said they plan on escaping British shores to head for sun, sea and warmer climates next year. Spain, US and France emerged as their desired travel hotspots.

Nick Trend of travel website www.simonseeks.com said: “It reveals a real determination to travel, especially among those who didn’t take a holiday overseas in 2009, but it also made clear that keeping a tight grip on budget was a clear priority for many people.”

October 2010 15

News From Countries

U.A.E UAE Heritage Days opens in Turkey UAE Ambassador to Turkey Khalid Khalifa Al Mualla inaugurated here the “Emirates Heritage Days’, a week-long cultural festival that portray the tradition and the heritage of United Arab Emirates.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Ankara and is attended by a large number of people.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior Turkish officials including Director of Ankara Municipality and Deputy Speaker of Turkish Parliament Zakaria Aslan This is the first showcasing of the of cultural heritage of the UAE in Ankara and is part of a cultural project launched by the embassy in Turkey under the theme “Cultural Initiatives”, which will continue throughout the year at various intervals to enlighten the people of Turkey on the heritage, arts and history of the UAE and to enhance communication between the two countries.

The Ambassador delivered a speech welcoming the guests and visitors, in which he discussed the historical relations linking the two countries and the depth of Islamic and religious ties between the two countries.

2009.

Domestic tourism again held its own growing by 18% year-on-year to 67,808 hotel guests. The UK was again the emirate’s biggest individual international market growing by 12% month-on-month to 10,031.

The GCC again proved its value with a 32% month-on-month growth with Saudi Arabia being the top performing Gulf market notching up a 44% growth to 2,915 and becoming Abu Dhabi’s 10th most important hotel guest source.

World Future Energy Summit at Abu Dhabi in January, 2011

Abu Dhabi Hotel Occupancies on the Rise

Abu Dhabi emirate recorded a 14% increase on guest numbers across its 116 licensed hotels and hotel apartments last month compared to May 2009, accordingly to newly released Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority figures.

Rising to 161,004, the May performance took the overall first five months of this year hotel guest total to 790,812 – a 16% increase on the same period last year. The performance represents the seventh consecutive month of double-digit guest growth for the emirate.

“We are well on course to achieve our 2010 target of 1.65 million hotel guests,” said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“We are now focussed on keeping the momentum going. We have significantly expanded our Summer in Abu Dhabi family festival to take in Abu Dhabi city and, for the first time, Al Ain to help keep the momentum going and the industry has responded well with a wealth of one-for-one visitor stay incentives. With headline shows, in-mall entertainment and deals across attractions, shops and restaurants, we are looking to also encourage the average length of stay.

“With the planned opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi this October and the peak Grand Prix season yet to come, target attainment is well within our reach.”

Guest nights in May this year rose 12% on May 2009 and for the year-toMay showed an 11% increase.

“Increased room inventory on last year has made the market much more competitive and impacted occupancy and revenue levels. The upside, of course, is that the destination as a whole now sits in a much more competitive position than it was a year ago which, in the long term, will be sustainable benefits,” said Al Muhairi. Abu Dhabi currently has around 17,500 hotel/hotel apartment rooms as compared with about 12,500 in May last year.

Occupancy levels were 61% this May – a 17% decline on May 2009 while revenue declined 9% to AED 330 million though food and beverage revenue for the first five months of the year is showing a 14% increase on

16 October 2010

The fourth edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) will take place in Abu Dhabi from January 17, 2011.

Held under the patronage of Shaikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar, the four-day WFES is being organised by Reed Exhibitions.

The annual event launched in 2008 has evolved into a must-attend programme for world leaders, investors, policy makers, researchers, financial institutions and experts dedicated to renewable energy. The focal theme for the ensuing edition of WFES will be ‘Enabling Future Energy Solutions’, and a key topic of discussion will be how to utilise the MENA region’s enormous potential to become one of the world’s largest producers of renewable energy, according to a statement issued by the organisers.

MENA region is receiving increasing global attention as its potential as a source of renewable energy production emerges. “Recent research from Booz & Company indicates that as a result of high solar radiation levels and good wind resources, the region has the potential to offer 45 per cent of the world’s total renewable energy generation based on measurement of existing generation capacity,” the statement said.

The research showed that if this resource is fully harnessed the region could be capable of producing three times the world’s total current power demand, the statement said.

Dubai Releases Tourism Report of H1 2010 Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) shows that Dubai has achieved significant growth in terms of hotel occupancy and tourism arrivals in the first half of 2010 (January through June), where the number of hotel guests in Dubai reached 4,181,326 with a 9% increase

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News From Countries from 3,852,742 guests in the first half of the last year.

Statistics from DTCM show that the number of hotels operating in Dubai has reached 566, representing a 7 per cent increase from 530 last year, while hotel rooms reached 67,369, indicating a 16 per cent increase from 58,188 rooms last year.

Hotel revenues by the end of the first half of 2010 reached AED 6,888,477, representing a 6 per cent increase over the first half of 2010, during which revenues reached AED 6,519,691.

Statistics issued by the Department referred to the 18 per cent increase in the number of tourist nights, which reached 12,462,209 nights compared to 10,541,955 during the same period last year.

Hotels sustained their occupancy rate of 71.7 per cent despite the increase in the number of hotel rooms. Meanwhile, the occupancy rate of hotel apartments increased from 67.2 per cent last year to 68.8 per cent this year; representing a 2 per cent increase.

Figures show that total Arab guests in Dubai reached 1, 216, 024 or an increase of 10 per cent from 1,110, 088 last year.

There were 494,309 guests from the GCC, registering a 20 per cent growth from 412,145 during the same period last year. Guests from other Arab countries reached 338,532, rising by 3 per cent from 329,599 in the first half last year.

The number of Asian guests increased by 17 per cent to reach 1,059,096 compared with 902,878 in the same period last year.

European guests reached 1,254,518, increasing by 3 per cent over last year’s 1,216,415.

Hotel guests from the Americas reached 334,984 compared with 312,904 during last year’s first half, representing a 7 per cent increase.

Guests from Australia and Pacific countries reached 100,077, with a 7 per cent increase from 93,159 last year.

There were no remarkable changes in the number of African guests, which reached 216,626 in the first half of 2010.

UK had the most number of guests coming to Dubai in the first half of this year as the country accounted for 382,356 guests, while KSA came first among Arab countries with 227,382 guests.

Dubai Metro Ridership hits 23m Passengers

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority, revealed the Dubai Metro ridership broke the barrier of 23 million passengers since the launch of the service on 09/09/09 up to the first of week of July 2010. Al Tayer also stated that the daily ridership of the Metro has reached a new height on Thursday 01 July 2010 clocking 130,529 passengers.

Al Tayer expressed his delight with these statistics which demonstrate that RTA plan to increase mass transport ridership is moving on the right track, and also reflect a transition, though small, in the culture of the community towards using mass transit systems. “People have started to perceive the benefits and advantages of using of public transport such as the psychological & physical comfort in transit, and reduced fuel & vehicle maintenance costs besides the contribution of using public transport to effectively cutting road accident mortalities, and reducing carbon emissions from vehicle exhausts,” he stated.

“The number of metro users is steadily on the rise since the launch of the service on 09 September 2009 with ridership jumping from 1.8

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million passengers in October 2009 to 3.3 million passengers in June 2010 recording in the process an increase rate as high as 185 per cent.

In September 2009 the number of metro commuters clocked 1,196,920 passengers and the following month saw an increase in the ridership to 1,767,879 passengers. Metro ridership broke the two million passengers barrier in December 2009 and the number kept rising to reach 3,193,087 passengers in May 2010 and touched a higher point last June by clocking 3,262,912 passengers,” continued Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board & Executive Director further added that the daily ridership of the Dubai Metro jumped from 54,683 passengers in October 2009 to 116,340 passengers last June, recording a 212 per cent rise. July 2010 recorded an all-time high figure in the daily metro ridership as the first day of this month (Thursday) clocked 130,529 passengers.

This sustained growth in the metro ridership is attributed to the vibrant nature of Dubai city; which has become a summer tourist destination, thanks to the Dubai Summer Festival and the promotional offers made by hotels & malls, making it a tourist attraction point.

Commenting on passenger breakdown per stations Al Tayer said: “Khalid bin Al Waleed Station is the busiest station as the number of commuters who used the station since the start of the metro operation reached 3,145,210 passengers, followed by Mall of the Emirates Station (3,059,069 passengers), Al Ittihad Station (2,989,879 passengers), Deira City Center Station (2,102,484 passengers), and Al Rashidiya Station (1,829,653 passengers).

“The number of commuters who used the ten new metro stations of which seven have been opened by the end of April and three opened on May 15, witnessed a healthy growth of about two million passengers.

Ibn Battuta Station ranked first in the number of users clocking 466,554 passengers, followed by Al Karama Station (276,817 passengers), Dubai Marina Station (231,663 passengers), Emirates Towers Station (211,262 passengers), Emirates Airlines Station (150,670 passengers), Dubai Internet City Station (149,549 passengers), Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport Station (116,000 passengers), Noor Islamic Bank Station (114,581 passengers), Dubai World Trade Center Station (98,805 passengers ), and GGICO Station (93,058 passengers).

In its strategic plan; which is aligned with the Dubai Strategic Plan (Infrastructure Sector), RTA has set top priority to the integration of multi-modal mass transit systems in the emirate; including public buses, Dubai Metro and marine transport modes spanning abra, water bus and water taxi; which has recently been inaugurated recently. Over the next phase, RTA will seek to disseminate the culture of mass transit modes and encourage community members to use them in their daily travels.

“The huge investments pumped by the Government of Dubai to uplift the infrastructure of transportation sector has paid dividends and proved effective. The growth in the number of mass transit mode users reflects a shift in the culture of using public transport by all segments of the community and the drive was particularly helped by the metro service. RTA public transport means, including the Dubai Metro, public buses, water transport and taxis, have lifted more than 288.777 million passengers in 2009 and the daily ridership of mass transit modes topped 842k passengers. This number is likely to grow with the opening of the remaining stations on the Red Line. Dubai Metro is expected to lift about 35 million passengers in 2010, and the number of metro users is expected to pick up sharply with the operation of the Green Line in August 2011 as this line serves vital areas with commercial activities, government offices and high population density,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.

Sharjah’s Hotel Apartments Occupancy Increases to 70% A report released by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Department (SCTDA) indicates that the total number of guests staying in Sharjah’s hotel apartments in the month of July reached 68,363, a 14 percent increase as compared to the 59,888 guests reported for the corresponding period last year.

During the same period, the number of hotel apartments nights increased by 12 percent from July 2009 figures of 58,722 hotel nights to 65,626, while the emirate’s hotel occupancy rate rose from 64 percent in July 2009 to 70 percent in July 2010.

The SCTDA’s statistics show that GCC tourists remained the top visitors to Sharjah in July 2010, accounting for 45 percent of total tourist arrivals, followed by tourists from other Arab countries (20%), Asian tourists (18%), European tourists (12%) and tourists from the Commonwealth, USA, Africa and Pacific region (5%).

“Statistics show that Sharjah has become a destination of choice for

October 2010 17

News From Countries GCC tourists. More than 30,000 GCC tourists visited the emirate in July, a figure that emphasises the feasibility of presence in this important market and the necessity of providing more offers for GCC tourists. This will help promote the success of Sharjah’s tourism sector, and can be partly accomplished through the continuing organisation of the GCC promotional tours that the SCTDA has been involved with for the last nine years,” said HE Mohamed A. Al Noman, Director General of the SCTDA. The SCTDA, in co-operation with Air Arabia and representatives from the emirate’s tourism sector, has also organised a promotional tour across a number of European capitals and held meetings with tourism companies in Turkey, Belgium, Greece, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine, where tourism and travel companies and agencies expressed significant interest in what makes Sharjah such a unique destination on the world’s tourism map.

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah Maritime Museum, Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Museum for Arabic Contemporary Art will be open from 9am to 2pm from Saturday to Thursday, and 9pm to 11pm from Saturday to Friday in the evening.

Sharjah Aquarium will be closed on Sunday as an exception. Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum will open its doors from Sunday to Thursday from 9.30am to 1.30pm, and is closed on Tuesday and Friday.

Museums including Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim, Majlis Al Midfaa, Al Eslah School Museum, Bait Al Naboodah, Sharjah Hisn, Al Mahatta Museum, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Science Museum, Sharjah Discovery Centre, Sharjah Classic Car Museum and Bait Sheikh Said Bin Hamad Al Qassimi (Kalba) will be open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm and will remain closed on Friday.

Sharjah Taxi Fares to Increase from September 1 Sharjah As of September 1, commuters in Sharjah will have to pay more for their taxi journeys as a result of the introduction of a minimum taxi fare, in addition to an increase in the tariff.

A senior official at Sharjah Transport announced that the minimum fare for all taxi trips will be Dh10. The tariff, meanwhile, will be revised to Dh1 for every 620 metres covered, as opposed to the former rate of Dh1 for every 650 metres covered.

“The change in the tariff, as well as the introduction of a minimum fare, were established after we received numerous demands from taxi franchisee companies which were unable to cope with the recent hike in fuel prices which in turn increased their operating costs,” said Abdullah Al Zari, Director-General of Sharjah Transport.

“So if the meter in the taxi reads Dh7 [at the end of the journey], the passenger will have to pay Dh10 instead,” he said.

Al Zari said that the flag-fall rate at which the meter starts will remain the same at Dh3.5 during the day and Dh4 during the night.

The introduction of a minimum fare is intended to benefit passengers as well as the five taxi franchisee companies since it will enable the latter to improve their quality of service, according to Sharjah Transport.

Sharjah Museums Revise Their Working Hours Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) announced revised office and museum operating hours for visitors during the holy month of Ramadan.

With an aim to promote the emirate’s rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture, the department’s head offices will operate from 8.30am to 1.30pm, Sunday to Thursday, effective from the first day of Ramadan.

“Sharjah Museums Department is continuously seeking ways to provide the best service that complies with visitors’ needs to facilitate visits during the holy month of Ramadan. We encourage our visitors to spend time with their families and visit our museums for a learning and enjoyable experience. On behalf of all the staff at SMD and our family of 19 museums, we would like to wish everyone residing in the UAE a blessed Ramadan,” said Manal Ataya, Director General, SMD.

18 October 2010

Yemen Yemen Continues to Attract Tourists for Safe Trips Despite recent headlines, Yemen continues to attract tourists and its officials are taking additional precautions to ensure their guests have a safe trip. This is why 125 tourist vehicles have now been equipped with remote-control systems and high tech surveillance.

These vehicles, which have been distributed around the country, have been fitted with tracking systems which allow personnel from a remote location to monitor the cars’ movements and location. In the advent of a kidnapping, drivers of the vehicle can simply press a button which will notify the monitoring centre of the event, at which point they will take over control of the vehicle’s movements or disable it altogether.

Specialised tourist police are then deployed to handle the situation. These security systems are also a handy deterrent against vehicle theft.

Kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen have been in the news recently. Even if they tend to be resolved quickly and peacefully, Yemen’s government is naturally eager to see kidnappings end completely and the authorities have therefore been increasing security and surveillance with this aim.

On top of the specialised vehicles and tourist police, they have increased patrols and created new tourist rest houses for visitors in more remote areas of the country.

Alan D’Arcy, tour leader for the British-Yemeni Society, commented: “I consider Yemen as perhaps one of the most interesting and unexplored countries left for world travellers and it is excellent to see the government continuing to make visitor safety a top priority. The security enhanced vehicles and additional rest stops are great measures to bring peace of mind to travellers”.

Added Benjamin Carey, Yemen’s representative in the UK: “With support from its many friends in Europe, the Yemeni Government has been investing heavily in visitor security, because it recognises that tourism can make an important social and economic contribution. British visitors will always enjoy traditional Yemeni hospitality renowned throughout the world; they will also now benefit from the comfort of these added security measures too.”

Last year the UK contributed 32% of Yemen’s European visitors, confirming the spirit of British travellers and Yemen’s adventurous appeal.

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News From Countries

Appointments Tayfun Döskaya has been appointed as General Coordinator at Via Hotel Istanbul and Via/Port Convention & Expo Center. l Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Craig Thomas as Country Manager Thailand and Mekong Region.

Tayfun Döskaya l Esra Eriskin Tüzün named General Manager of Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, Taksim. l Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul appointed Figen Çaglar as Sales and Marketing Director. l The management and staff of the Al Bustan Rotana Dubai are pleased to welcome back Rogier van der Werf as Director of Employee Development. l Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul-Moda appointed Hülya Akgün as Business Development Director. l R- Ivor Prestwood joins Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi as General Manager Esra E. Tuzun l Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), the world class corporate travel services company, has announced the appointment of Dar Alkhartoum Air Booking Agency as its new partner in Sudan. l R- Murat Oldaç has been appointed to Divan Group as the Cluster Resident Manager for Divan Istanbul Hotel and Divan Istanbul City Hotel. l Seda Bayraktar has been appointed to Marketing and Corporate Communications specialist at Gloria Hotels&Resorts.

Figen Çaglar l Marco Saxer has been appointed Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait asGeneral Manager.Mr. Saxer was previously General Manager ofAmari Atrium Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. l Levent Topçuoglu has been appointed Bursa Çelik Palas as General Manager. l Mete Üsküdarli named Revenue & PR Manager at A’jia Hotel. l Davut Duman has been appointed as F&B Director at Via Hotel Istanbul and Via/Port Convention & Expo Center. l Doubletree by Hilton Ankara Kolej appointed Tanju Özalpay as General Manager.

Rogier van der Werf l Nehir Kaplan has been appointed as Revenue Manager at Via Hotel Istanbul and Via/Port Convention & Expo Center. l Todori Kalamaris will be the new General Manager of Hilton Izmir, effective from September 2010. l Aydın Dayi has been appointed as Executive Chef at Via Hotel Istanbul and Via/Port Convention & Expo Center. l Emre Bahçekapılı has been appointed as Group Sales Executive at Gezi Hotel Bosphorus which will open in Istanbul in September 2010. l Hilton Izmir appointed Özge Uyal Öztürk as Director of Sales.

Hülya Akgün l R- Emre Yardimci has been appointed as marketing manager of Lufthansa’s South east Europe, Africa, Middle Yöneticiler East and Pakistan areas.

• Harun Bilgiç Bodrum Green Beach Resort otel müdürü oldu. l Meral Özçelik has been appointed Hilton Dalaman Resort & Spa as Sales and Marketing Director.

• Ali Barut Concordia Celes otel genel müdürlü¤üne atand›. l Okan Karadag has been appointed as General Manager to Mia Pera; the new business hotel of Istanbul’s • Faik Kaptano¤lu ALTAV - baflkanl›¤›na yeniden secildi. historical Pera district.

• Mustafa K›z›l Alkoçlar otel, Uluda¤ genel müdürlü¤üne atand›. l Recep Özdemir named General Manager of Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City.

Ivor Prestwood • Riza Epikmen ve Feyyaz Yalçin UKTAS yönetimine seçildi. l After 15 years at the BW The President Hotel in Istanbul, Gülseren Vatansever appointed as General Manager of • Serap Garipo¤lu Sungate Port Royal otel pazarlama müdürü oldu. the hotel.

• Suat Kantacio¤lu Ankara Radisson SAS as F&B müdürü oldu. l Basak Erel has been appointed to Rixos Hotels as Senior Vice President. l Tijen Günyol Dilber has been appointed to Martı Hotels as Assistant General Manager responsible from Sales and Marketing. l Can Girgin has been appointed Magic Life Marmaris as General Manager.

Murat Oldaç Havayollar› l Turkey’s first and newest hotel; Double Tree By Hilton Hotel Moda appointed Yalçın Aydın as General Manager.

• Air France ABD uçufllar›nda promosyonlar uyguluyor. l Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul-Moda appointed Hülya Akgün as Business Development Director.

• Pegasus Airline yeni bir Boeing 737-800 u filosuna katt›. l Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International appointed Asaad Farag as Director of Operations.

• SunExpress ‹zmir - Samsun uçufllar›na bafllad›. l Berna Erdogan has been appointed Sales Manager to Kaya Izmir Thermal & Spa Hotel which will open in • Pegasus uçak içi promosyonlar› uyguluyor.

August 2010.

• American Airlines 2008 de ABD uçufllar›nda özel tarifeler uygulayacak. l Levent Topçuoglu has been appointed Bursa Çelik Palas as General Manager. l

Meral Özçelik

Okan Karadag

Recep Özdemir

KISA...KISA...

Gülseren Vatansever

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Basak Erel

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Haber ve reklamlar›n›z›n Can Girgin yay›n› için son gün 22.fiubat.2008

Ücretsiz abone olun Focus on Travel News Art›k Hergun Bilgisayar›n›zda www.ftnnews.com

• Turkish Airlines Hatay ucuslari basladi.

• British Airways Antalya-London ucufllar›na bafll›yor.

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New Online Travel Gazette for Russian Market

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Transorient turizm kurucusu eski Tursab ba kanlarından Ferit Epikmen a abeyimizi Kasım ayı ba ında kaybettik. Ailesi ve Turizm sektorümüzün ba › sa olsun.

• OTI grub 2008 de 600 bin yabanci turist getirmeyi hedefliyor. www.ftnnews.com

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www.rustourismnews.com Tesisler October 2010 19 • Polat Renaissance ‹stanbul IT Servislerini yeniledi.

• Carlton otel arazisi sat›ld›.

• Bentley otel yeni y›l› özel bir partiyle kutladi.

Exhibition ATM-Dubai

Arabian Travel Market 2010 Arabian Travel Market 2010 closed on a high note as four days of the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event clearly reflected the industry’s built-up momentum for growth.

With significantly increased number of participants and visitors maximising every opportunity at further developing renewed business opportunities, brought about by steadily recovering economies previously affected by unfavourable global economic conditions, the show lived up to its billing as the most important to date.

Onsite statistics recorded an overall visitor increase of three percent; Arabian Travel Market also witnessed an increase in GCC visitors.

Turkey registered the largest visitor increase amongst participating

20 October 2010

countries. Most importantly there was an increase in quality visitors with participants returning day after day to conduct business.

Turkey is promoted to the Middle East market with several hotels and travel agencies. Turkey’s city of Bursa attended ATM 2010 with its special stand which brings together city’s all tourism service companies; hotels, travel agencies, ski resorts, etc. Moreover, Bursa city organized a night at the Monarch Hotel and made a presentation of city’s offerings as well as served guests its famous Iskender kebab.

Almost all exhibitors of Turkey booth are delighted at participating in Arabian Travel Market. Having its own dedicated stand as a new-tomarket exhibitor, Turkish Airlines used this year’s Arabian Travel Market participation to enhance its brand presence, raise further awareness and reach out to more clients.

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October 2010 21

Cover Story

Gaziantep

Meets with Syrians

G

aziantep is one of the oldest culturel center of the region.Its history dates back B.C 4000 and it is located between Mesopotamia and Mediterranean,on the Silk Road.

Because of being on ancient connection roads made a lot of civilizations covet this city.This roads trade roads are connected with Urfa,Ka lkamis,Duluk,Islahiye,Kilis and Halep.Lieppert pointed out all tose roads at the Anatolian Map he drew.

22 October 2010

The geological state of the city increasing its importance.There are some ore beds whihch were thougt to be useed in Ancient Age,at Taurus Mountains.It is explained in the epitaphs that iron mines were run and steal was gotten with the tecnology of the period.

In Gaziantep There are traces belongs to Pale otik,Neolitik,Calceotik,Bronze Ages,Hittits,Ro mes,Byzantiums,Seljuks.GAzientep has been an important religional center since Hittits.

Gazientep was known as holy city of Hittit main god Tesup and the city saved this feature during Greeks and Romes.

Gaziantep is a tourism center with its culturel,naturel,Geographical beauties.

Districts:Gaziantep(center),Araban,Islahiye,K arkamis,Nizip,Oguzeli,Nurdagi,Sahinbey,Sehit Kamil,Yavuzeli

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Cover Story

Gaziantep is located at the point where Mediterranean and Southeast Anatolian regions meet and it is neighbour to Syria.

Thousands of Syrians visit to Gaziantep after visa free agremeent between Syria and Turkey.Only 150 km drive by bus takes about 2 hours so Syrian people visit the city mostly for shopping and pleasure.

What to see Belkis/Zeugma Ruins : This ancient city is by the river Firat, in the borders of village Belkis ,in district Nizip. It is founded at about a 20 thousands of land measure area. It had been always an important point during the history .

It was one f the iggest city of its period with its population of 80 thousands .

Selevkos Nikator who was one go the generals of Alexander Great and then became king of Syria, founded a cith at this region in 399 B.C. The name of the cith was Selevkos Euphrates.

The city was taken by Romes in the 1 st century.

Since that time the city is mentioned as “ Zeugma� which means bridge ,passageway.

Famous geographer Strabon mentioned abour Zeugma. There was important improvements during the Hellenistic period. A temple of fate god Thyke was constructed on the acropolis, at the city. This temple is still underground. The ancient city minted its own coins . There was the

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pattern of Thyke Temple at the one side of the coins and Rome Eagle pattern at the other side.

Duluk : this ancient city is on the historical Silk Road. Stone tools which proves the human settlement during the 6000 s B.C ,at the cave Sarkli. The city was mentioned as Doliche in the history and it was the religional centre of Tesup that is the main god of Hittities. There are a lot of rock graves and churhes around.

caravanserais at the Gaziantep which is on the Sik Road. Tuz Inn, Sire Inn, Hisva Inn, Mecidiye Inn, Emir Ali Inn, Kurkcu Inn, Belediye Inn, Elbeyli Inn, Yeni Inn, Haci Omer Inn and Millet Inn are the most important ones.

Karkamis Ruins : It is determined that Karkamis ruins are settlement centre of Neolithic period. Epic Gilghamis is depicted at the ortosts of the city ,during the late Hittitie period. The remains of this region ,are exhibited at the Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum.

Inns : There are a lot of inns and

October 2010 23

Cover Story

Gaziantep Castle : It is one of the msot beautiful castle of Turkey whic still stands. There isn’t a certain information about the founders and foundation date of the castle. It is thought that it had been an observation tower of Rome Period and in the course of the time it was enlarged . There are hammam ruins, cisterns and structure ruins at the castle.

Traditional Antep Architecture and Houses :The city has a deep-seated and rich

architecture in the course of histroy. there are residents, mosques, inns and hammama. The climate, plant cover, topography and social life of the region effected the construction of those kagir structures. Because of the hot summers the houses has courtsyards where people spend Rum Castle : Its formar name was Hromgle. most of their time in summer.

Syrians called this city Kala-Rhomata. It was the streets are narrow and shaded. conquered by Memluks at the ends of XII. The Antep houses are abstracted from the outer century and named as “Kal-at el Muslimin”.After places by high walls. They are generally twoMercidabik War the city was taken by Ottomans. storeyed and has a salient part which looks to there is still some structure ruins of Turk-Islam the street at the second floor. period.

Promenades :Forests dulukbaba, Karpuzatan The Firat Valley which is between Samsat and (Oguzeli), Kavaklik, Dutluk, Nafak, Forests Rum Castle is full of caves of prehistoric period. Burc, Pond Burc, town Buyuksahinbey, Nizip Karpuzatan and Cifte pools.

24 October 2010

Seyh Fethullah Mosque and Kulliye :It is the most important historical structure in Gaziantep. It contains a mosque , a dervish lodge, hammam and medrese. Today the medrese doesn’t exist. It has an important place in the Turk-Islam architeture with ist vault.

There is a hand-written Koran which was written

by Seyh Fethullah inside the mosque.

Bovaci Mosque: It is the oldest mosque of Gaziantep and it was constructed by Boyaci Yusuf andKadi Kemalettin ,in 1357.The mpsque bellongs to the period of Turkish Memluks. It has rich marble and tile adornments.The wooden minber is decorated with star, palmet,rosette and geometrical patterns.

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Cover Story Gaziantep has an important place in the Turk-Islam architecture with its vault. Old markets, covered bazaars and souvenir shops are the treasures of the city.

Omeriye Mosque :It is located in the Dugmeci quarter of Gaziantep. Its constructor isn’t known. There is beautifl samples of stone workmenship at the minaret.

Ahmet Celebi Mosque: It is in Ulucanlar quarter.

The founder of the mosque is HAci Osmanoglu Seyh Ramazan Efendi who is in the ancestry of the Prophet. It is kulliye which includes a medrese ,mosque and a kastel.According to its inscription it was constructed in 1672.Its wooden adornments attract attention.

Yusa Prophet Tomb :Prophet Yusa is nephew of Hz. Musa. He rescued Israil from being nomad he settled them to Arz-i Kenan. There are two tombs at the two rooms of a building in the

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region Pir Sefa. One of them belongs to prophet Yuse , other Pir Sefa.

Rumkale : Rumkale is located in the village

Kasaba, in district Yavuzeli. It is at the point where river Firat and stream Merzimen meet. It Pir Sefa Hazretleri Tomb :Pir Sefa and is thought that it was constructed in the 840 B.C Prophet Yusa are buried at the same place. ,during the period of Hittities. Johannes who was Rumour has it that Pir Sefa was from Medine and he died during the conquest of Gaziantep by one of the 12 apostles of Jesus , make Rumkale a centre during the ROme period and published Muslims. So he was buried here.

Chriatianity in Gaziantep and its around.Rumour Okkesive Hazretleri Tomb: This tomb has it that there had been a rough copy of Bible is located at a hill which is ?nt he southeat of saved at a rock engraved room but it had been Ă–ounatin Nurdagi.It is 17 km. from Gozluhoyuk. taken to Beyrut. The castle is accepted as holy Rumour has it that Okkesiye Hazretleri was one because it is thought that the grave of the of the five sahabis who died during the conquest Johannes is inside the castle. of Gaziantep and its around.

October 2010 25

Cover Story

(Bakircilar Bazaar) Bakircilar Bazaar is the most favorable place for the tourists.

Sport Activities Camp-Caravan : there are camp possibilities at the forests Dulukbaba which is covered with cedar trees.

Hunting : It is possible to hunt partridge, wild duck and wild goose around the river Firat.

Trekking with Horses : It is done around Rum Catle, river Firat, stream Merziman, Sofdagi and plateaus Hizir. Beside there are tracks where spor activities with horses are possible, at the forests Burc.

Trekking: Plateau Hizir (Mountains Amanos), Sof Mountain Plateau (Sof Mountain), Rumkale, side of river Firat, forests Duluk and forests Burc.

Fishing :Sahinbey Burc pond, Tahtakopru dam lake, Hancagiz Dam lake, Alleben pond and river Firat are the areas where fishing is possible.

What to Eat : Cuisine of Gaziantep has been at a privileged place among the Turk and World cuisines. Icli Kofte ,cig kofte, eksili 26 October 2010

ufak kofte, yogurtlu ufak kofte are spacial meat dishes of the region. the province acquire fame with its kebabs. there are various kinds of kebabs.

Aubergine Kebab Ingredients :1.5 kg of aubergines (bi and long), 1.5 kg. mince meat, 5-6 tomatoes, 5-6 peppers, salt, blac pepper.

Preparing :After washing the aubergines chop them in width for 3 cm. long.At the same time knead the mince meat ,salt and black pepper. Then put a piece of aubergine and mince meat as big as walnut to the shishes and flat it with your hand. Put the tomatoes and peppers at a different shish. Cook them on flame free brazier.

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Cover Story

Shopping in Gaziantep Gaziantep is also shopping center of Southeast Anatolia.Modern shopping malls and traditional bazaars are very populer for foreigners..

Olive, olive oil, pistachio nuts, fruits and vegetables, cotton and silk textiles, dresses are famous products.

You can shop at old markets as Belediye Pasajı, Büyük Pasaj, Söylemez Pasajı, Halep Pasajı, Suriye Pasajı, Turistik Çarsı, bakırcılar Çarsısı and Kurtulus Pasajı.

The city has also modern shopping malls as M1 Shopping Mall, Sanko Park Mall, Forum Mall.

Mütercin Asım street, Gaziler street , Suburcu street , Kargöz street and Sıhcan streets are other shopping places.

How to go There are several daily flights to Gaziantep with airlines. The Gaziantep International Airport is 20 km. from the city center.

Where to stay You can find a bed in a pension to five star hotels, for any budget in Gaziantep.

You can find traditional hand made gifts and souvenirs in the old markets.

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October 2010 27

Aviation

Etihad’s in-flight Entertainment System Wins Industry Award

Etihad Launches Airbus Freighter Service to Tripoli

E

E

tihad Airways has won the 2010 Avion Award for “best single achievement in in-flight entertainment” for its innovative “E-BOX” system at the Airline Passenger Experience Association’s (APEX) Annual Conference and Exhibition held in California.

APEX (formerly the World Airline Entertainment Association) showcases new industry products and innovations at the annual exhibition as well as recognising success within the industry every year.

E-BOX, available on Etihad aircraft in English and Arabic, was first

introduced across the airline’s fleet in August 2009.

It allows customers to navigate a wealth of films, television shows, music, games and information easily. It also now includes a range of innovative services such as meal and duty free ordering, live text news, and seat-toseat email and sms communication.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “IFE is a key element of an air traveller’s overall experience and Etihad has worked with dedication to ensure that we offer the very best in product innovation.“To see our innovation being recognised by what is considered the most prestigious IFE innovation award in the industry, against some tough competition, is highly satisfying and will ensure that we raise the bar even further in the coming 12 months.”

The E-BOX user interface was designed to provide customers with quicker access to selected services and entertainment options with as few “clicks” as possible, making it possible to personalise the interactive experience.

According to the panel of judges: “The E-BOX looks great and pleases passengers and cabin crew alike, but ultimately it was something under the skin that swayed the judges – the ease and flexibility with which the graphic user interface can be modified to incorporate new functions, accommodate the needs of different passenger demographics, and discreetly manage system outages.”

Other innovative features and applications of the E-BOX include a USB Media Player. This feature allows customers to view photos and videos via the USB port installed at all seats. Customers can also share photos with other guests on the flight. MP3 audio files can also be accessed.

Customers in First Class can order items from the dining menu via the E-BOX from the comfort of their private suite. Customers in First and Business Class can also place their breakfast orders via the IFE system.

Apart from tracking the usage of entertainment options, Etihad can also track which applications are used, and how the passenger navigates around the system. This assists greatly with future developments and allows Etihad to tailor programming and options to customers’ tastes.

Cabin crew members can also send messages directly to the customer from the crew terminal. This service has been further enhanced by adding an “Inbox” at the seat. If a specific message is sent to a seat or a group of seats, the message is stored in an inbox.

Mr Baumgartner added: “The strengths of the E-BOX is that not only does it take into account the passenger experience, but it also allows Etihad’s IFE team to easily update the numerous elements within the system quickly and easily.”

28 October 2010

tihad Crystal Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, has commenced scheduled services with its first Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft, operating from Abu Dhabi to Tripoli in Libya. The freighter aircraft will allow Etihad to increase frequencies and build its presence in key markets worldwide, as well as enhance its worldwide charter services. The aircraft will operate to various Etihad Crystal Cargo destinations including Hann, Beijing, Tripoli, Milan and N’Djamena.

Roy Kinnear, Executive Vice-president of Etihad Crystal Cargo, said the new A330-200 aircraft was a key part of the airline’s freighter fleet.

“The A330-200 freighter will reinforce and build Etihad’s presence in the highgrowth European and Asian freight markets, in particular China.

“Etihad Crystal Cargo is performing very well for Etihad and the entry into service of the A330-200 freighter is an example of our commitment to the growth and expansion of our business.”

Etihad is the launch customer of the A330-200 freighter aircraft. The A330200 freighter can carry up to 64 metric tonnes of cargo and can fly up to 7,400 kilometres non-stop.

Etihad is set to take delivery of a second A330-200 freighter in December, 2010. The A330-200 freighter is part of the airline’s order placed with Airbus at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget in 2007, for aircraft to be delivered between 2008 and 2011.

Qatar Airways to Fly Between Ankara and Doha

Q

atar Airways, flag carrier airline of Qatar, will launch flights between Turkish capital Ankara and Qatar’s capital Doha, the company announced. Flights will begin on April 5, 2010, and will be made four days a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Qatar Airways already operates daily flights to Istanbul from Doha.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the route expansion further demonstrated the airline’s long-term strategy to develop its international network.

“With four-flightsa-week to Ankara, Qatar Airways will significantly increase capacity to Turkey. Our daily flights to Istanbul route have been performing exceptionally well and by adding another destination in this popular country for business and leisure travellers, we look forward to facilitating traffic to and from Turkey,” Al Baker said.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 75 aircraft to 85 diverse business and leisure cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East, North America and Australasia with plans to top 120 destinations worldwide by 2013.

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Aviation

Second Russian Route Takes flydubai to Samara

improving, moving towards a brighter future.

“The flydubai service will contribute to and accelerate the turnover of the Iraqi economy,” he said.

“We hope other, similar partnerships with the UAE will help highlight the lydubai made it a Russian continued building of the new Iraq.” double with the announcement According to recent reports, Iraq’s GDP was US$112 billion in 2009 and of its24th destination, the the country’s economy is expected to grow by approximately 7% in 2010, Western Russian city of Samara.

7.9% in 2011 and at similar rates for the next few years. This is above the Flights to Samara will begin on average projected growth for the Middle East.

Wednesday,October 20, and A one-way flight fare from Dubai to Erbil is priced at AED1,225 which can will follow hot on the heels of be purchased from the website (www.flydubai.com), call centre (+9714 301 flydubai’s first flight toRussia, which will be to Yekaterinburg on Saturday, 0800) and travel agents.

October 16.

Flights to Erbil operate twice a week on Fridays and Mondays. On Fridays, Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai CEO, said: “Trafficbetween Russia and Dubai FZ201 departs Dubai at 1830hrs, arriving in Erbil at 2030hrs local time. is developing and we at flydubai are pleased to beplaying our part in FZ202 departs from Erbil at 2115hrs, landing in Dubai at 0055hrs local ensuring business and leisure travellers from bothcountries can discover time. On Mondays, FZ201 leaves Dubai at 1130hrs arriving in Erbil at the benefits of travel between our two nations.

1330hrs local time and the return flight, FZ202, takes off at 1415hrs “The introduction of flydubai’s directservice to Samara provides an option landing in Dubai at 1800hrs local time. for travellers to the Samara Oblastregion, which is an important area near flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the the river Volga.” north side of Dubai International Airport.

Situated where the Volga and Samara riversmeet, Samara is an important regional centre, as the majority of the Russiancar manufacturing industry is situated in neighbouring Tolyati.

A city with a long history of importance tothe region Samara also offers culture and plenty to see for leisure travellers.Samara is a haven for ballet mirates, the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380, announced and opera lovers and has played host to some ofRussia’s most famous Hong Kong as the newest destination for its super-jumbo. sons, including composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who livedthere during Emirates has a total of 12 A380s in service with 78 on order and Hong World War II and wrote his Seventh Symphony in the city, andauthor Kong will become the Dubai-based global airline’s 11th A380 destination.

Alexey Tolstoy, who was born in the city.

Starting on 1st October, Emirates’ A380 will operate daily from Dubai as flydubai flights toSamara will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and EK384 via Bangkok with the return flight operating as EK385.

Saturdays from October 20.Flight FZ903 will depart Dubai International Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Airport Terminal 2 at 0900hrs andarrive in Samara at 1450hrs local time.

Far East and Australasia, said: “We are very excited to announce Hong The return flight FZ904 leaves KurumochInternational Airport at 1550hrs Kong as a new Emirates A380 destination. and arrives in Dubai at 1935hrs local time.Prices for flights from Dubai “This commercially-vibrant metropolis became part of Emirates’ ever begin from AED 1150 and flights from Samara startat USD 400. Flights expanding network back in 1991, and today we operate a double-daily can be purchased on flydubai’s website (flydubai.com),through the call service between Hong Kong and Dubai, one non-stop and one flight via centre and with travel partners.

Bangkok. We also operate 18 weekly Emirates SkyCargo freighter services.

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Emirates’ A380 Network Continues to Expand

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flydubai Begins Flights to Erbil, Iraq

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lydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, launched services to its first Iraqi city and 22nd destination overall, when the airline’s inaugural flight landed in Erbil.

FZ201 took off from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 at 1830hrs on July 16 evening and landed in Iraq’s third largest city, the capital of the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq, three hours later at 2030hrs local time. flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, said: “Stability and prosperity is returning to Iraq and particularly the Kurdistan region, and this makes Erbil an important gateway into the country.

“Erbil has seen encouraging development in recent years with many strategic projects being implemented across infrastructure, energy and commerce. Our new direct service will further strengthen the growth of the city by offering affordable and quality air links between the UAE and Iraq.”

Abdul Hadi Osman, Commercial Attache of the Republic of Iraq in Dubai said: “The start of flydubai flights to Erbil is another indication of the continued development of economic relations between Iraq and the UAE. It highlights how the relations between both countries are rapidly

30 October 2010

“We are proud to be able to demonstrate ourcommitment to Hong Kong by putting our flagship aircraft on this route. Our passengers from Hong Kong now have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful service and comforts available on this aircraft and our passengers fromThailand will have the option of flying the A380 to either Dubai or Hong Kong.”

Emirates’ luxurious A380 products include two onboard shower spas in the First Class cabin, featuring signature amenities by the airline’s premium spa brand, Timeless Spa. For First and Business Class passengers the onboard lounge is the social highlight, featuring afullystocked bar and a selection of hot and cold canapés.

Flat-bed massage-equipped private suitesawait passengers in First Class, while in Business Class there is a new generation of all-aisle flat-bed seats, for those travelling on the main deckin Economy Class can stretch out in seats with a pitch of up to 33 inches.

In all classes, there is mood-lighting and ice, the award-winning, inflight entertainment system featuring over 1200 channels of on-demand entertainment, including movies and music in Thai and Cantonese.

Emirates currentlyoperates the A380 from Dubai daily to Paris, Jeddah, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland, Beijing and double daily to London Heathrow. On September 1st Emirates will begin daily flights with the A380 to Manchester and from 31st October the aircraft will make a welcome return to the non-stop service between Dubai and New York’s JFK airport.

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Aviation

airBaltic Plans to Fly to Amman & Beirut

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he Latvian national airline airBaltic plans to serve more destinations in the next winter season and offer additional flights, to improve connections for travelers flying via North Hub Riga to and from over 70 destinations in Europe, CIS and the Middle East.

Tero Taskila, Chief Commercial Officer of airBaltic: “In 2009, airBaltic made record profit, because we focused on attractive prices and good connections via Riga. We have adjusted our flights to meet the winter demand and seasonal changes. Compared to last winter, eleven new routes are added to our network. We will offer almost 10% more flights than last winter; flight frequencies are increased on more than ten routes thus improving connections via Riga to and from Europe, CIS and the Middle East.”

Comparing to the schedule of the previous winter season, airBaltic plans to offer new flights this year from North Hub Riga to Kittila, Vaasa, Kuopio, Rovaniemi in Finland, Amman (Jordan), Beirut (Lebanon), Umea (Sweden). Furthermore, airBaltic will operate new direct flights TampereKittila, Tampere-Rovaniemi, Vaasa-Umea, Tallinn-Vilnius.

In addition, airBaltic plans to increase flight frequency on several routes compared to the previous winter season. More flights will be operated to Bergen (3 times weekly), Stavanger (3 times weekly), Brussels (11 times weekly), Gothenburg (4 times weekly), Kaliningrad (13 times weekly), Helsinki (35 times weekly), Tbilisi (4 times weekly), Vienna (6 times weekly), Zurich (4 times weekly). airBaltic was acknowledged by anna.aero for the ANNIES award as the Europe’s largest flag carrier by new routes, operating this summer 27 routes more than in 2009. airBaltic serves more than 70 destinations from its home base at Riga, Latvia. From each of these, airBaltic offers convenient connections via North Hub Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East.

Montpellier, Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Istanbul, Milan, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Bologna, Basel and Malaga.

Air Arabia fleet consists of brand new Airbus A320 aircraft offering its passengers best economy configuration in the market with 32″ seat pitch as well as all inclusive free baggage allowance. The carrier offers customers comfort, reliability, and value for money air travel from and into The Moroccan city of Casablanca.

Air Arabia Started Abu Dhabi – Alexandria Flights

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ir Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), announced Thursday, July 15 the start of its direct services from its latest hub in Alexandria, Egypt, to the UAE’s Capital Abu Dhabi. Inaugural ceremony was held at Abu Dhabi International airport included officials from Egypt and the UAE as well as representatives from Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and the airline’s management. Roundtrip flights to Air Arabia’s fifth destination from its Egyptian hub will operate four times per week between Burj Al Arab International Airport, Alexandria, Egypt and Abu Dhabi International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The LCC will fly to Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights depart from Alexandria at 22.00 to arrive in Abu Dhabi at 02.40 the following day, and return flights depart from Abu Dhabi at 03:20, to arrive in Alexandria at 06:20 the same day.

“We are glad to announce the start of our services to the UAE’s Capital ir Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier and one of the regions fastest growing cities,” said Adel Ali, Group (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “We thank Abu Dhabi’s Civil Aviation announced that passenger traffic between Sharjah Authority and ADAC for their continuous support. Abu Dhabi represents and other GCC destinations reached 551, 041 in Air Arabia’s fifth destination from our month-old hub in Alexandria, Egypt, the first half of 2010, an increase of 16.8 percent, and we are confident of the strong demand for air travel between the two compared to 471, 828 in the same period last year. countries. Air Arabia will continue to offer best rates in the market along Air Arabia recorded an average seat load factor of with the highest standards of service and value for money products.”

81.8 per cent during this period with a total of 83 flights per week from its Ahmed Al Haddabi, Senior VP Operations, ADAC commented: “We are hub in Sharjah to nine destinations in the GCC. pleased to be welcoming Air Arabia’s inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “These International Airport from Alexandria Egypt, which adds one more encouraging results are a demonstration of Air Arabia’s superior service destination to our network. Air Arabia is the 5th new airline that ADAC has and value-for-money offerings, further reinforcing the carrier’s ability added to its portfolio this year and will be contributing to our continuing to continuously deliver sustained growth. Based on strong business traffic growth. We look forward to seeing this route further develop since fundamentals, Air Arabia has embarked upon a phase of organic growth the Egyptian market as a whole has great potential. and we remain committed to providing affordable low-cost alternative to “We are dedicated to extending the airport’s services to fit the needs of travel in the wider region.” our local and transfer passengers, which in turn will support Abu Dhabi Air Arabia began operations from its third hub in Alexandria, Egypt in June International Airport’s position as the ideal destination for regional and and announced a fourth hub in Jordan in collaboration with Tantash Group, international airlines.” an Amman-based investment

Air Arabia Sees Increasing Demand for GCC Destinations

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Air Arabia Increases Frequency Between Istanbul and Casablanca

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ir Arabia announced the increase of its flights between Istanbul and Casablanca from three to four flights per week, effective in July, 2010.

With the continuous success of Istanbul destination, Air Arabia decided to reinforce this destination by adding a fourth flight on Saturdays during the month of July, to support the increasing demand of its customers in this summer season.

Mr. Adel Ali, Air Arabia Group CEO said: “We are confident that this new service between Casablanca and Turkey’s largest city will provide customers with great opportunity to fly more often between the two cities with a great value for money and benefit from a reliable and comfort services”.

Air Arabia launched operations from its second hub in Casablanca, Morocco in April 29th, 2009. The airline currently serves direct flights from its base in Casablanca to the cities of

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Aviation

Egyptair Receives its First Airbus 330-300

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gyptair has received its first Airbus 330300 arriving Cairo on Saturday at 14:00.

Egyptair Holding Chairman and CEO, Eng Hussien Massoud with a number of Egyptian Civil Aviation and Egyptair officials were in reception of the new aircraft. The aircraft delivery ceremony was held in Airbus HQ in Toulouse with the attendance of Capt Alaa Ashour, Egyptair Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Fouad El- Attar, Airbus Middle East Vice Chairman. With the arrival of this aircraft, Eng Hussien Massoud announced “The delivery of this aircraft, which is the first of 5 A330-300 transaction, comes in line with the continuous strategic development of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Sector under the leadership of HE Ahmed Shafiq, the Egyptian Minister of Civil aviation, also comes within Egyptair’s ambitious plan to expand and modernize the fleet and the continuous development of Egyptair ’s services.”

Capt Alaa Ashour the Chairman and CEO of Egyptair , who flies the A330300 back to Cairo himself, expressed his happiness with the new aircraft saying “This aircraft is a good leap of Egyptair as it provides the on board Wireless internet and mobile services facilities to be the first aircraft in Africa from this type. Moreover, this aircraft will operate the daily nonstop morning flight between Cairo and London.”

This aircraft embraces a number of the latest technologies; like using the wireless internet and personal mobile on board, besides using the GSM, SMS and GPRS services. The passengers flying onboard the new A330-300 will be able to make phone calls through their personal mobiles with the same international calls rate of their service providers, in addition to the ability of sending SMS and using the mobile internet service. Moreover, the customers will enjoy using the WI-FI service throughout their flight.

With these innovative services, Egyptair will enable its customers from keeping in touch with their business, families and friends throughout all their relaxing flight.

The new A330-300 accommodates 301 seats, of which 36 in business class and 265 in economy class. All Egyptair customers flying onboard the aircraft will be able to recharge their personal devices while relaxing on their elegant seats and they will be also able to sleep on their 160ْ Flat Beds, or they will indulge themselves in hundreds of entertainment options with personal entertainment system screened on the 15.4” screens.

Further, Egyptair’s newest A330-300 economy seats provide wider and more relaxing seats with personal entertainment system displayed on the back of every sear to enable the customers and their families from selecting from the best entertainment programs; this is in addition to providing electricity plug in every seat.

Egyptair and Turkish Airlines Expand code share Cooperation foto

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n their continuous process of providing more options for their customers, EGYPTAIR and Turkish Airlines signed an agreement to enhance their existing code share strategic cooperation by adding new city

32 October 2010

pairs starting June 19th 2010. The agreement shall add more benefits to the customers of both carriers and will increase the transfer traffic in both carriers’ hubs Cairo and Istanbul.

EGYPTAIR’s customers will reach new markets on Turkish Airlines network from Alexandria to Istanbul with the commencement of four weekly flights. Moreover, EGYPTAIR will place its code on Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Alamaty in Kazakhstan.

Both carriers now operate a total to 31 weekly flights between Cairo and Istanbul and 4 flights from Alexandria.

The cooperation between both carriers is planned to cover further international destinations in the near future. Passengers of EGYPTAIR and Turkish Airlines will benefit from the mutually – coordinated timetables with more flight possibilities and convenient connections between Egypt and Turkey. These services can be booked through EGYPTAIR call center and travel agent worldwide.

Eng. Hussein Massoud, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company declared that “We are committed to offer our customers greater flexibility when planning their travel itineraries. We are pleased to announce the expansion of the existing code share agreement with Turkish Airlines, our Star Alliance partner ” He added that “This step is in the scope of our network expansion strategy and we will continue to add more benefits to EGYPTAIR’s customers.

AnadoluJet is now Rising from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport

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nadoluJet, as a trade mark of Turkish Airlines, has went into operation in 2008 starting with 20 flight points and 5 aircraft, in order to provide fast and economic transportation for Anatolian people.

AnadoluJet offers more new flight opportunities to its passengers with a fleet of 22 aircraft which is aimed to be possessed during August as a part of 2010 summer schedule..

Effective by August 2nd, 2010, all the domestic and international roundtrip flights carried out by Turkish Airlines from Sabiha Gokcen Airport will be operated by AnadoluJet. Due to being Sabiha Gokcen Airport the second hub after Esenboga Airport for AnadoluJet, passengers would have the chance of flying with much more economic prices. Sabiha Gokcen Airport, as a second hub, will contribute to the need of fast and more economic transportation of Istanbul.

The international round-trip flights from Sabiha Gokcen which will be carried out by AnadoluJet by August 2nd, 2010, will be Nicosia-Cyprus, Amsterdam, London-Stansted, MoscowSheremetyevo besides the current flights of StockholmArlanda, Copenhagen, Nahcivan and the domestic round-trip flights will be Izmir-Adnan Menderes, Antalya, Adana plus to the current domestic flights of Ankara-Esenboga, Trabzon, Erzurum, Dalaman, Konya and Bodrum-Milas.

The detailed information about AnadoluJet, aiming at introducing Anatolian people with airplanes and flights, could be reached at 444 AJET (444 2538) Call Center or www. anadolujet.com website.

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Aviation

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Breaks Passenger Record

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he number of passengers flying via Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SGIA) increased 95% in the first half of 2010

passing via Queen Alia International Airport.

According to Dabbas, RJ, the oneworld carrier, is keen to develop the air traffic between Jordan and Sudan in the interest of both countries’ citizens and people with different interests of frequent visits. He indicated that Royal Jordanian regularly serves Khartoum using the Airbus A320 aircraft that are distinguished with seat and legroom comfort, and high technical specifications, particularly the Audio Video On Demand (AVOD) system for each Crown and Economy class passenger.

He mentioned that the airline significantly increased the frequency of its operations to several destinations on its route network in response to the growing demand to travel on board RJ aircraft during this summer season.

It increased flight frequencies operated to and from Amman to more than 110 daily. And this demand is resulted from the various and diversified facilities provided by RJ to passengers, and the punctuality in take offs and landings. Additionally, considerable improvements are seen in the air and ground services, and travel procedures are now easier for being automated.

Turkish Airlines Signs for Additional A330-200 compare to same period last year.

According to the announcement from the SGIA, in the first half of 2009, 1,799,300 domestic passengers use the airport, whereas in 2010 this number increased to 3,465,570.

Number of international passengers between January and June period counted 771,340 in 2009 and 771,340 in 2010. Totally, number of passengers using airport is increased from 2,570,640 (2009) to 5,007,000 in 2010. The increase from last year is a record of 95%.

SGIA aims that 11 million passengers will use airport by the end of 2010.

SGIA, which is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe, has 25 million passengers capacity. As of today, there are flights to 66 international and 25 domestic points. 51 airline companies operate at SGIA.

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urkish Airlines has placed a firm order for an additional A330-200 aircraft. The purchase joins existing orders for 10 A330-300s, two A330-200 freighters and 24 A320 family aircraft signed in 2009.The newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines and will be delivered in 2011.

Turkish Airlines has operated Airbus aircraft since 1985, and today operates the largest Airbus fleet in the country, with 70 Airbus aircraft, including four A310s, 50 A320 family aircraft, seven A330s and nine A340s.

“This new aircraft will join our existing fleet of seven A330-200s, which have already demonstrated the cost efficiency and comfort that this

Royal Jordanian Increases flights to Khartoum

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oyal Jordanian decided to raise its frequency between Amman and the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, from five to seven weekly flights, effective September 17.

RJ president/CEO Hussein Dabbas said that this move is a result of the great demand on travel between the two countries, in light of the close relations that connect Jordan and Sudan in all economic and commercial fields. Additionally, the increased service will easily facilitate the growing movement of students and businessmen between the two countries.

He added that expanding the offered seat capacity on the AmmanKhartoum sectors aims at serving the active medical tourism of the Sudanese citizens who visit Jordan to receive medical treatment in the Jordanian hospitals that enjoy high reputation and confidence from the Sudanese public. Moreover, the increased frequency serves transit passengers traveling to the Middle East region

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aircraft provides,“ said Mr. Hamdi Topcu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines.“ “We are delighted that Turkish Airlines continues to choose Airbus to accommodate their rapid growth” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “Their continued commitment to all members of the A330 family of aircraft clearly demonstrates that they are the best aircraft in this market segment.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.

With a true wide-body fuselage creating very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side. It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat.

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used wide body aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,000 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 600 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 80 airlines worldwide.

October 2010 33

Tunisair Profits Increased

Kuwait’s Wataniya Airways Started Istanbul Flights

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uwait-based airline company Wataniya Airways began scheduled flights from Kuwait City to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Wataniya Airways will fly between the two cities every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday with its Airbus A320 aircrafts.

Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s new premium service airline, commenced operations in January 2009 with point to point connections across the Middle East.

Flying to numerous destinations such as Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai and Sharm El Sheikh, Wataniya Airways offers advantageous services and schedules geared to the specific demands of discerning travellers flying to and from Kuwait.

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unisair profits increased to reach 60 million dinars in 2009 against 33 million dinars in 2008 the company announced on Thursday in Tunis.

In spite of the recent air traffic disruption due to the volcanic ash clouds which prompted 18, 000 passengers to cancel their trips, and causing losses on 5 million dinars, the company’s overall performance was positive said the Tunisair’s CEO, Mr Nabil Chettaoui.

The national carrier has increased its flights in 2010 by programming two flights to Milan, three flights to Tripoli, one flight to Madrid and another to Bordeaux.

Tunisair is also planning a new flight line Djerba/Luxembourg soon.

The company will also create 19 new flights scheduled during the winter of 2010-2011. It has also conducted a study on the possibility of creating two new destinations to Douala in Cameroon and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

Bookings on scheduled flights for this summer are expected to increase by 3% compared to 2009, in addition to the development program of charter flights over the same period last year with 300 scheduled flights scheduled for the Enfidha airport.

Tunisair which is also involved in transporting some 50,000 Hadj and Omra pilgrims is expected to earn an additional 25 million dinars.

Tüm Arab Ülkeleri ve Türk Turizmi Arasında bir Köprü Kurduk Online Newsletter

Arab Turkish Travel Gazette www.arabturkishtravel.com İngilizce Haberlerinizi bekliyoruz!

34 October 2010

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