13 SEPTEMBER 2014
ISSUE 253
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13 SEPTEMBER 2014
ISSUE 253
YAS ISLAND SHOWCASED IN CHINESE VISITOR SUMMIT STR GLOBAL’S PRELIMINARY JULY DATA FOR DUBAI INDICATED NEGATIVE REVPAR PERFORMANCE, WITH THE SPECIFIC METRIC DROPPING BY 7.4 PERCENT TO AED290.23 (USD79).
08 BIA: PASSENGER VOLUME INCREASES SIX PERCENT
14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE TECHNOLOGY ACCOMMODATION CLASSIFIEDS AIR RENDEZVOUS INTERNATIONAL AGENT CORNER TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO’S MOVED PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS
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DUBAI HOTELS’ PERFORMANCE WILTS
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MENA EXCHANGE RATES As of 12/9/2014
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.39
Qatar (QAR)
Rial
3.64
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
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Dirham
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Dinar
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Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.15
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Rial
26,660.24
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Dinar
1,163.74
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Dinar
0.29
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,511.54
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Dinar
1.22
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.60
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Pound
156.65
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Dinar
1.77
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.91
IAG Showing Solid Progress International Airlines Group (IAG) has presented results for the six months to June 30 (H1).
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ighlights include operating profit of EUR230 million (USD307.9 million), compared to a loss of EUR33 million (USD44.2 million) before exceptional items during the same period of 2013. Total H1 revenue was up 6.7 percent over H1 2013 at EUR9.3 billion (USD12.4 billion). Willie Walsh, CEO, IAG, said, “This performance shows that we are making further solid progress. Our disciplined approach to capacity continues and we will make reductions where it makes sense as we go through the year.” As regards the trading outlook, Walsh commented that at current fuel prices and foreign exchange rates, the company expects to improve operating profit for the full year by at least EUR500 million (USD655.8 million), from a 2013 base of EUR770 million (USD1 billion).
Emaar Maintains Upward Path Led by strong performance in its malls and hospitality segments, Emaar Properties recorded a net profit of AED1.73 billion (USD471 million) during the first half (H1) of the year, a 41 percent year-on-year increase.
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he malls and retail and the hospitality and leisure subsidiaries contributed 52 percent to total revenue in the period, up 14 percent on the same period in 2013. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said the positive growth of the company has been energised by Dubai’s strong credentials as a stable and safe hub for business and leisure. “In the last six months, Emaar has contributed significantly to building Dubai’s property infrastructure through the launch of several new projects. We will continue to create iconic lifestyle destinations to support the city as it gears up to host the World Expo 2020 through strategic joint venture partnerships,” he added. 13 SEPTEMBER 2014
TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS
Travelport Redefines Travel Commerce
SAIF-Zone Targets Indian IT Investors
I During the first half (H1) of the year, Travelport demonstrated continued financial growth and strong operating performance, as attested to by the company’s financial results for the period.
n an effort to attract Indian information technology (IT) investors, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIFZone) participated in the two-day India Innovation Summit which took place in Bangalore, the third largest city in India. The summit attracted over 550 CEOs, IT heads, and other trade professionals. “SAIF-Zone has conducted two meetings with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and Confederation of Indian Industry during the summit. The response was very good and we hope that some Indian companies will move to our zone,” said Saud Al Mazrouei, director, SAIF-Zone.
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t USD1.12 billion, net revenue was USD38 million, or four percent, higher than in the same period of 2013, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose to USD297 million, up six percent year-on-year. During H1, Travelport made a number of targeted strategic investments in Beyond Air to extend growth in all of the payments, corporate travel and hotel distribution aspects of its Travel Commerce Platform. “From a capital structure perspective, we have concluded deleveraging transactions of almost USD1 billion through a series of debt for equity deals and the sale of the majority of our shares in Orbitz Worldwide,” commented Gordon Wilson, president, Travelport.
Online Channels Continue to Lead Hotel Bookings
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ccording to data from TravelClick’s North American Distribution Review (NADR), online channels continued to grow in popularity among individual business and leisure travellers during the second quarter (Q2) of the year. Online channels include online travel agents (OTA), hotel websites and global distribution systems (GDS). The OTA channel saw a 12.8 percent increase in bookings compared to Q2 2013. Room bookings via hotel websites increased 6.9 percent year-on-year, and the GDS channel grew by 2.7 percent. The OTA channel also experienced the highest growth in average daily rates (ADR) with an increase of 10.7 percent. According to the review, all channels are already showing continued growth in ADR in the third quarter.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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yndham Hotel Group has launched an online learning management system, aimed at franchisees. Currently available at no charge to hotel owners in the US and Canada, there are plans for its immediate international expansion. It provides hotel general managers access to almost 100 training courses covering topics from front desk operations to online reputation management. Managers can enrol new team members, create customised learning paths and monitor team progress, all through one central portal, as Annemarie Fairweather, senior vice president, global learning and development, Wyndham Hotel Group, explained. “In designing and developing this system, we wanted to ensure that we are providing franchisees with one of the most comprehensive and robust training systems available,” she added.
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TripAdvisor Hitches Ride with Uber Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Wyndham Delivers Online Training
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ripAdvisor has integrated Uber into its smartphone application and mobile website allowing travellers to reserve a ride with Uber in over 40 cities worldwide. As TripAdvisor users visit listings of restaurants, attractions and hotels they will see an estimate of Uber car fares and the waiting times for pickup. By tapping a Ride there with Uber button, TripAdvisor will seamlessly take them to Uber to complete the reservation and send a car to their location. Jeff Holden, chief product officer, Uber, spelled out the advantages saying, “Instead of having to exit the TripAdvisor app, run the Uber app and enter the destination address, your Uber is on its way with just a tap, ready to whisk you off to the venue you were looking at." Uber has also penned a similar agreement with Sabre-backed TripCase.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Dubai Available Virtually H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, revealed the forthcoming launch of Dubai360.com, a project set to showcase full 360-degree virtual tours of Dubai.
I Time-lapse of Dubai International
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ntegrating the latest technologies, the website presents a fully interactive panoramic time-lapse video showcasing Dubai’s cultural and modern attractions. Making its debut on the website is a 12-minute clip of runway activity at Dubai International. Users will be able to see planes from more than 125 different airlines flying to and from over 260 destinations, with nearly 1,000 aircraft movements captured over a 24-hour period. The initiative is hailed to be the world’s largest and highest quality virtual city tour that uses fully interactive and immersive 360-degree panoramic photo, timelapse and video content.
Oman’s Tourism Sector Poised for Boom
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ccording to a recent report by Oxford Business Group, sustained growth in Oman’s tourism industry is expected on the back of rising interest in the destination together with favourable economic conditions that are driving up disposable income and improved connectivity. The analysis pointed out that the Sultanate’s vast and diverse geography, which includes deserts, mountains and 3,400km of coastline, is attracting significant interest. At the same time, improvements to Oman’s transport infrastructure and connectivity are playing a key part in supporting tourism growth. Meanwhile, the industry is forging ahead as the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned the development of 54 new hotel resorts across the country this year, which will increase the number of rooms available by almost 3,000.
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WEEKLY NEWS EmiratesGBC to Discuss Sustainable Cities
Majid Al Futtaim Prepares New Mall
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Future. The two-day event will focus on local advances in sustainable cities as well as regional and international case studies in urban planning, with tours of sustainable buildings in the UAE plus short seminars highlighting the role of different sectors in building sustainable cities. Discussing the impending event, Saeed Al Abbar, chairman, EmiratesGBC, stated, “The first two editions of the Annual EmiratesGBC Congress set a strong platform for strengthening awareness and promoting innovative initiatives in the sustainable built environments of the UAE. Now, we are moving to the next realm of discussion, with a focus on creating sustainable cities, in line with the vision of the regional governments.”
City Centre Me’aisem
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he Majid Al Futtaim group has unveiled plans for its newest shopping mall, City Centre Me’aisem. With a phase one investment of AED275 million (USD75 million), the facility is to feature 60 international outlets set within a spacious 93,000m2 of land. The first phase of City Centre Me’aisem will open by the third quarter of 2015, unveiling a diverse offer of popular fashion and lifestyle brands, restaurants and convenienceoriented outlets such as banking and mobile services. The mall’s considered retail mix will serve the immediate needs of residents and working professionals, while bearing the design and service excellence expected of the trusted City Centre brand, supported Dimitri Vazelakis, executive managing director, shopping malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.
ubai is to hold the third annual congress of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) between October 21-22, with the theme Sustainable Cities of the
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Starter Supermarket Now Open at Abu Dhabi International Airport
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bu Dhabi Airports has welcomed the opening of Flamingo International’s Starter Supermarket at Skypark Plaza in Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new outlet offers a full range of everyday items to passengers, residents, visitors and employees around the airport’s community. Skypark Plaza intends to increase and strengthen its retail and food and beverage offering as the surrounding commercial area continues to grow at a rapid rate. This growth is destined to continue in parallel with developments in the nearby Abu Dhabi Airports’ Business Park as new companies set up and provide a full range of support services to the growing community.
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WEEKLY NEWS
DUBAI HOTELS’ PERFORMANCE WILTS STR Global’s preliminary July data for Dubai indicated negative RevPAR performance, with the specific metric dropping by 7.4 percent to AED290.23 (USD79).
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similar decline was observed in occupancy, with hotels in the emirate reaching just 45.4 percent, falling 11.8 percent. “Dubai reported the lowest occupancy levels of any month for the last 18 years, when STR Global began tracking hotel performance for the market”, said Elizabeth Winkle, managing director, STR Global, attributing the fact to July being one of the hottest months within the region and having coincided with the fasting month of Ramadan.
Number of Omanis in Private Sector Grows
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report by the Oman National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that the number of Omanis working in the private sector who are insured and active increased by 4.4 percent at the end of the second quarter, totalling almost 190,000 employees. Regarding the proportion of private sector employees in each district, the NCSI survey reported that the Muscat Governorate recorded an increase of 5.4 percent, standing at 71,344 workers when compared with end of 2013 total of 67,693. The private sector workforce at Al Batinah North also increased, by 5.8 percent, to 33,316 employees.
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Dubai
UAE Travel Influencers to Promote Sir Bani Yas Island
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op UAE tour and cruise excursion operators and destination management companies visited Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island to take in its wildlife, heritage and adventure experiences, dubbing them powerful tools in raising awareness of the emirate’s diversity and commitment to conservation. The island, located in the western region of Al Gharbia, is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park which has more than 10,000 free roaming animals, whilst the clear waters surrounding the island are rich with marine life. During a two-day tour, the visitors took in a wealth of wildlife and activity tours, conference facilities and the island’s three five-star resorts, and claimed that the naturebased destination has a key role to play in boosting visitor lengthof-stay for the emirate.
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WEEKLY NEWS Yas Island Showcased in Chinese Visitor Summit
Entertainment for All at MGM
Yas Waterworld Welcomed the Visitors
Muscat Grand Mall
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as Island, Abu Dhabi, showcased its world class leisure, entertainment and business offering to nearly 90 Chinese Visitor Summit delegates. The visitors were welcomed by Karim El Guanaini, vice president, Destination Management, Yas Island, accompanied by characters from Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. “The showcase has been a great opportunity to build relationships with influential travel industry representatives from China. We have gained valuable insights into the needs of travellers from China [...]. In turn, we have demonstrated how Yas Island can meet those needs,” commented El Guanaini. The latest figures from Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority for April reveal a growth of 309 percent in the number of guests from China over the same month in 2013.
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uscat Grand Mall (MGM) recently organised a special evening of entertainment for visitors as part of its Outreach Program, in collaboration with the US Embassy. The event marked the beginning of a season of entertainment at MGM, with numerous shows, campaigns, exhibitions and charity events planned over the next four months. Hassan Jaboub, general manager, MGM, commented, “As one of Oman’s youngest shopping destinations, cultural diversity has always been a core value behind the operations at Muscat Grand Mall. As such we are always looking to partner with, and support events which are unique to the Sultanate and appeal to both broad as well as niche audiences. [...] I am confident we will get a similar response for each of our shows and awareness campaigns that are to follow over the next four months.”
Muriya Launches Jebel Sifah Dive Centre
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uriya, a leading tourism development company in Oman, has launched a dive centre at Jebel Sifah. Located within walking distance of the Sifawy Boutique Hotel, Extra Divers is operated by German dive tour operators Extra Divers Worldwide, and will offer guests and visitors unforgettable dives to nearby sites such as the Munassir wreck and Fahal Islands, as well as the reefs at Ras Abu Daoud. “The dive centre will bring new visitors to Jebel Sifah and enhance Oman’s reputation as one of the most popular diving destinations in the region,” said Bahaa Hefzallah, marketing director, Muriya. Divers
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13 SEPTEMBER 2014
WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Targets Saudi Arabia
A Agents at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has hosted a three-day exploration trip for 12 Dammam- based outbound tour operators, in partnership with Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel. The Saudi delegation enjoyed a variety of offerings, from luxury accommodation to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as the emirate looks to precision target provinces in the Kingdom Across the GCC, Saudi Arabia currently accounts for the most guests, guest nights and average length of stay in Abu Dhabi, with the Kingdom being the emirate’s eighth most productive international source market. In the first half of this year, guests from Saudi Arabia increased by 21 percent compared to 2013.
Burj Al Arab
Design Planning for Dubai Expo 2020
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ext stage design master planning is well progressed at the Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali, host venue for Dubai Expo 2020. Work is being undertaken by a consortium comprising lead architects and urban planners, HOK, with infrastructure and engineering partners, Arup. The HOK-Arup consortium will support both strategic and operational components of the Expo master plan and also assist in the detailed integration of the site into the wider Dubai infrastructure. “HOK and our consultants Arup are pleased to reengage with this landmark project allowing us to continue on the next chapter and help in the development of a master plan that sets new precedents for hosting a global event of this type,” said Daniel Hajjar, senior vice president, HOK.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Targets Bleisure Travellers In order to capitalise on the increasing trend towards bleisure, a combination of business and leisure travel within one stay, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi has put together a package that offers visitors to the emirate a chance to turn their business trip into a leisure experience.
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he traditional distinction between business and leisure travel is gradually blurring, as business travellers increasingly take their spouses along on trips that often stretch into extended stays with a leisure component,” said Pierre Delfau, general manager, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi. Delfau noted that the emirate, with its status as a business tourism hub and its extensive line-up of cultural and entertainment events and attractions, is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing trend. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
Golden Tulip Invests in Training
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olden Tulip MENA has demonstrated both its commitment to investing in its people and its belief in the growing potential of the tourism industry by sending its managers and salespeople on a training programme dedicated to hotel master selling. The training took place at Golden Tulip Al Barsha Dubai. Paul Diab, vice president operations, Golden Tulip MENA, commented, “Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries of the region, as well as the world, [and] in order to fill this growing demand, qualified human resources, products and services are important areas for investment.”
Marriott Property in Cairo Launches Ebtessama Foundation Initiative
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airo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino has launched the first phase of its Ebtessama Foundation training programme, which aims to train and develop people with intellectual disabilities to qualify them for work in the tourism and hotels sector. The hotel will provide professional training aimed at enabling participants to secure a permanent job. The kick-off for the first phase was attended by Magda Samy, head of Ebtessama Association, members of the executive committee of the property, and the parents of selected trainees.
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ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS Safety at Millennium Resort Mussanah
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
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illennium Resort Mussanah held a Lifesaving Begins training course which saw selected staff certified as lifeguards. Seven members of the resort’s recreation and security departments passed at the first attempt and renewed their qualification after completing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, medical first aid, deep water and multiple-victim rescue exercises. They also learned how to use Automatic External Defibrillators as the resort continues to equip staff with the skills to respond to emergencies. With a wide range of leisure facilities including five swimming pools, a private beach with football and volleyball courts, as well as a fully-equipped health and fitness centre and spa, safety is a top priority at the resort, as Maurice De Rooij, general manager, Millennium Resort Mussanah, pointed out.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Introduces Mobile App
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W Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai has announced the launch of a mobile check-in and check-out service. The user-friendly app enables Marriott Rewards members to receive notifications on their smartphone prior to arrival, alerting them that they can remotely check-in and also notifies them when the hotel is ready for their arrival. According to Bill Keffer, general manager, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, the application also simplifies the process for international guests, as it is available in an array of languages, reducing the chance of any language barrier.
Fine Dining at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
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our Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is to extend its relationship with Michelin-starred chef Wolfgang Puck with the opening of two signature restaurants and a new bar and lounge. CUT by Wolfgang Puck will present a contemporary interpretation of the classic American steakhouse whilst the second dining establishment, ReAsian Cuisine | Wolfgang Puck, will feature traditional Chinese cuisine and refined Asian cooking. The Moroccan-inspired Blue Moon Lounge / Wolfgang Puck will feature lush and comfortable seating for guests to enjoy an inventive bar menu.
Wolfgang Puck
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13 SEPTEMBER 2014
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Etihad Opens New Contact Centre Etihad Airways has completed the final phase in the development of its Al Ain contact centre facility, with the opening of a second contact centre, bringing to three the number of centres within the UAE, and a total of four worldwide.
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New Etihad Contact Centre
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he new facility will complement the airline’s current Al Ain contact centre, which was launched in 2011 and is staffed and managed by a 170-member team. The centre will operate continuously with desk capacity for 70 agents providing bilingual Arabic and English assistance to the airline’s guests in the UAE and across the Gulf region. “Our contact centres, which are located in the UAE and the UK, handle around three million calls each year. As Etihad Airways grows, we continue to evolve our guest services to provide the best experience for all our guests and travel trade partners,” commented Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways.
SAUDIA to Welcome New Mobile Apps
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obile Travel Technologies (MTT), a mobile apps, web and technology products provider for airlines, has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) to develop the carrier’s mobile apps for iPhone and Android as well as its mobile web offerings. The project will be rolled out in multiple phases, with the initial stage to include the iPhone app release with flight search, flight status and check-in functionalities as well as booking and payment capability. “New mobile apps are a strategic direction for SAUDIA to improve our services, expand customer reach and augment SAUDIA’s sales and service channels via mobile, to meet both customer expectations and business goals,“ said Muhammad Albakri, chief information officer, SAUDIA.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR BIA: Passenger Volume Increases Six Percent
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BIA
ahrain International Airport (BIA) welcomed a total of 4.58 million passengers during the first half of the year, a growth of six percent on the same period of 2013. Aircraft movements grew by the same percentage whilst departing passengers increased by nine percent compared to the first six months of 2013. “The increase is largely attributable to national carrier Gulf Air’s introduction of more frequent routes to key Middle East and GCC airports, as well the introduction of some new routes to numerous international destinations. In addition, several airlines have newly launched flights to Bahrain during the first half of the year […] and numerous international airlines have increased the number of their flights coming to Bahrain,” commented Ahmed AlNemah, acting undersecretary, civil aviation affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Bahrain.
Air Arabia: Net Profit Rises 128 Percent
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ir Arabia announced that its financial results for the second quarter of the year (Q2) exceeded expectations, with the airline recording a net profit of AED173 million (USD47 million), an increase of 128 percent year-on-year. The Sharjah-based carrier posted a Q2 turnover of AED915 million (USD249 million), an increase of 15 percent over the same period in 2013. The airline served over 1.6 million passengers in the period under review while its average seat load factor stood at 84 percent. “Air Arabia’s outstanding start to the year has accelerated in the second quarter as the investments made into our operational capacity and cost management have continued to deliver results,” commented Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia.
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AIR WEEKLY NEWS First Class Amenity Kits from Oman Air
Qatar Airways to Add More Flights between Doha and Dubai
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man Air has officially unveiled its brand-new amenity kits for first class passengers. There is a kit for female passengers and one for male passengers, both containing cosmetic items provided by the luxury Omani brand Amouage. The kits also contain comfort items such as an eyeshade, earplugs and mouthwash, offering premium customers every luxury they need to arrive at their destination refreshed, groomed and ready to enjoy their stay. The new kits have been on trial on specially-selected routes since the end of 2013.
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rom October 26, Qatar Airways will increase capacity on its popular Doha – Dubai routes, taking frequency to 14 flights per day to Dubai International (DXB) and four flights per day to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The Doha – DXB itinerary has the highest frequency in Qatar Airway’s route network. Currently being served 91 times a week, it is going to be increased to 98 flights a week. DWC will now be operated 28 times a week, up from 21. The airline has also revised departure timings to give passengers more flexibility in their plans. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented on the expansion, “We are dedicated to increasing our presence in key markets like the UAE and adding capacity on one of our most popular routes like Dubai demonstrates this commitment.”
Jazeera Airways Reports on Operational Performance
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azeera Airways has released its operational performance report for July, based on official figures and statistics from Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The report shows increases in passengers on routes serving Istanbul, Jeddah, Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh and Sohag. The biggest growth in passenger numbers was registered on the Kuwait - Istanbul route which grew by 129 percent over July 2013. The airline operates five flights a week to the city’s primary airport, Istanbul Atatürk Airport. The Kuwait-Sohag route was up 71 percent over July 2013, and increases were also registered on two of Jazeera’s other routes in Egypt, with Cairo up 12 percent and Sharm El Sheikh up 19 percent. The airline’s report also showed an on-time performance of 94 percent, based on results by independent US-based OTP tracker, FlightStats.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR Qatar Airways Doubles Services to Medina
Q Medina
atar Airways will be launching an additional daily flight to Medina from October 26, increasing to 14 its number of weekly flights to the city. The introduction of the extra service is further proof of the expanding consumer and business demand on this popular route and demonstrates the airline’s commitment to Saudi Arabia, where it now flies to seven destinations. "The additional daily flight to Medina will now bring additional connectivity for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East and other GCC countries,” said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways. "From Medina, passengers will be able to travel seamlessly through our Doha hub to popular cities such as London, Paris, Bangkok, Hong Kong, New York and Washington.”
Emirates SkyCargo Lifts Capacity to Los Angeles
L Los Angeles International Airport
os Angeles has joined Chicago, Atlanta and Houston in Emirates SkyCargo’s network of freighter destinations across the US, with the start of a weekly service to the city. The company also has belly-hold cargo services to a number of other US cities as Hiran Perera, senior vice president, cargo planning and freighters, Emirates, noted. “We have a network of 10 key cities across the US, which enables us to provide broad access to the world’s largest economy for businesses across our network, and for American businesses in other parts of the world.” Perera anticipates good growth out of Los Angeles which is ranked 14th in the world and fifth in the US in terms of air cargo tonnage processed. In 2012, the hub handled over 1.9 million tonnes of air cargo valued at nearly USD87 billion.
flynas to Connect Jeddah and Sharjah
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n response to demand, flynas is relaunching operations between Jeddah and Sharjah with four flights a week from September 16. Not only will the new service ease travel between the two cities, it will also open up numerous onward connections to Adana, Cairo, Dammam, Jizan, Antakya, Khartoum, Riyadh, Istanbul and Aswan, as Jeddah is a flynas hub. “We want to be on everyone’s radar when it comes to travel between Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Wael Al Sarhan, director of marketing and communication, flynas. “That is why we are relaunching this route, offering excellent value flights given the high growth of air traffic between Saudi Arabia and the emirates.”
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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How does having a spa help a hotel’s image and enhance its customer database? Does your property prefer to include its spa offering in package deals or offer them to individual travellers? SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY: Acting as panacea to modern lifestyle challenges and aspirations, spas are playing a vital role for modern travellers who are looking for an experiential vacation, both in the corporate and leisure sector. Having a spa in a hotel or resort, it definitely increases the customer database and boosts the average length of stay. There is demand for both spa packages and customised programmes for spa guests based on their needs and expectations.
Q & A with
Suraj Jokhushankar Dubey DIRECTOR OF SPA AND WELLNESS, MÖVENPICK RESORT & SPA DEAD SEA Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
year, our spa revenue has increased by approximately 12 percent year-on-year. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Do Middle Eastern customers use your services as much as foreign guests do? Which are your biggest feeder markets? SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY: With a growing awareness of lifestyle wellbeing, there is an increasing demand from local guests for spa services. Our biggest feeder markets are Europe and Russia for the medical guests/ tourists. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is sustainability for modern spa users and wellness travellers according to your experience?
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Has Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea witnessed increasing popularity for the spa’s services this year? Has the hotel’s spa revenue increased this year compared to 2013? SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY: Compared to 2013 there is a positive surge in spa utilisation both from medical tourists and leisure guests. For the first half of this
WITH ISSUES SUCH AS SUSTAINABILITY AND HOLISTIC SPA METHODS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT IN THE INDUSTRY, SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY, DIRECTOR OF SPA AND WELLNESS, MÖVENPICK RESORT & SPA DEAD SEA, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTOR.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the latest trends you observe in the spa industry?
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THE CURRENT SPA INDUSTRY IS UNDERGOING TRANSFORMATION Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
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SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY: The modern travellers for both spa and wellness are increasingly conscious about the sustainability aspect of services and products offered at spa. It makes a positive impact if spas are practicing sustainable measure to use natural resources in heat, light and power to operate the services. The spa products which are locally sourced and organic in nature are more accepted by guests, enhancing the feel good factor.
SURAJ JOKHUSHANKAR DUBEY: The current spa industry is undergoing transformation from mundane massage services to a comprehensive holistic wellbeing approach. The latest spa trend is to opt for more natural, evidenced-based and therapeutic spa products and services focusing on mind-body balance.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
New Addition to IHG’s Houston Hotels
dusitD2 Suining
Houston Northwest-Brookhollow
Dusit Fudu Hotels & Resorts to Manage Two Hotels in China
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usit Fudu Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Suining Rex Horizon to manage a Dusit Thani as well as a dusitD2 property in Suining, Sichuan. Scheduled to open in 2017, the deluxe 370-unit Dusit Thani Hotel Suining and the upscale 268-room dusitD2 Hotel Suining will be the first internationally branded hotels in the Chinese city. The hotels will be located within the Jiankun City project, next to an upcoming 40,000m2 exhibition centre. Lim Boon Kwee, president, Dusit Fudu Hotels & Resorts, highlighted, “We are delighted to present our two brands, Dusit Thani and dusitD2 in this exciting city to meet the increasing demand for high-end accommodation for both business and leisure travellers.”
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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of Houston Northwest-Brookhollow, a new Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites property which takes the number of IHG hotels in the Houston area to over 60. Located near the Energy Corridor district, which is home to some of the world’s leading oil and gas corporations, the hotel is also close to the Galleria mall and downtown Houston. The new 79-room hotel offers a comfortable, affordable stay with amenities that include a 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary Internet access and a business centre. As Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas, Holiday Inn brand family, IHG, explained, "Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers."
Kempinski Adds to African Portfolio
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empinski has taken over management of the Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hotel offers 237 contemporary rooms and suites and a full range of services and leisure facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. Several meeting and events areas, including an auditorium with seating for 250 attendees, provide space for large groups and conferences. The hotel is ideal for business travellers and groups looking for five-star luxury in close proximity to the country’s principal governing bodies, diplomatic and media organisations, and international corporations. Reto Wittwer, president, Kempinski, commented, “By partnering with key players on the continent to secure the best locations for our luxury properties we will continue to be the pioneer of luxury hospitality in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
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Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo
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AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Purvi Jhaveri
POSITION:
Director
COMPANY:
Sunday...Pure Holidays
LOCATION:
WEBSITE:
India www.sundaypureholidays.com
Hong Kong
Hong Kong to Host GCC Travel Professionals
Who are you? I am Purvi Jhaveri, director at Sunday…Pure Holidays. We are a holiday company providing customised services to independent travellers and the corporate world exclusively. Our admin office in Mumbai is capable of catering to the majority of visitors to any part of the world. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? The opportunities to travel and to put forward the best face of the area that I promote. The creativity that is involved in promoting an area, means that you are constantly learning and thinking of new things to offer and new ways to share information. There is never a dull moment, and you never have the same day twice. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Maldives is next on the cards for this year. It has long since been a destination we have wanted to travel to and it seems it will come true soon. Why should people come to you for travel advice? Our approach of affordable and flexible tours is unique. We can help save on travel costs without making the client feel that they ever sacrificed comfort. 13 SEPTEMBER 2014
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ong Kong Tourism Board is to play host to the largest familiarisation group from the GCC countries to increase destination awareness and help promote Hong Kong in the region. Agents from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will experience Hong Kong’s tourism offerings between September 21 – 26. The trip will include a full workshop day, giving members of the delegation time to network and contract with Hong Kong suppliers and products. This familiarisation visit will help to stimulate bookings from the region, especially amongst leisure travellers during the upcoming short break holiday periods.
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TRAVEL TALK
I want to thank all Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan ambassadors and associates for their hard work
JULES-HENRI EDOUARD General manager, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
“I am honoured [that our hotel received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for its overall performance in the hospitality industry]. I want to thank all Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan ambassadors and associates for their hard work and great efforts during 2013. This award recognises hotels and resorts around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in hospitality and service quality.”
We are soon going to have the first Four Seasons food and beverage boat
MAHMOUD ELKEIY General manager, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence
“We are soon going to have the first Four Seasons food and beverage boat with several outlets, which will dock right in front of us on the Nile. It will have six outlets that will include an Egyptian restaurant, a Brazilian restaurant, an American restaurant, a lounge and Club 35, which is a very wellknown club in the city. It will be docking right in front of the hotel and it will be managed by the Four Seasons at The First Residence management team. Due opening [is set for the second quarter of] 2015.”
I am very confident we will be seeing great growth from this segment in 2015
SAYED TAYOUN Area director, sales and marketing, Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Hotels Group
“The Chinese market is very important to us. The Bronze Certificate [Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island received for the Welcome Chinese standard from China Tourism Academy (CTA)] represents our effort to reach out to this immense potential market. With the support from CTA I am very confident we will be seeing great growth from this segment in 2015.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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13 SEPTEMBER 2014
TRAVEL CHANNELS
UAE Chefs Participated in the World Congress of Chefs A delegation of 31 chefs from the UAE joined the World Congress of Chefs in Stavanger, Norway, taking part in the conferences and competitions.
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hef Uwe Micheel, director of kitchens, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, praised the good balance contained in the educational programme during the congress, which ranged from a tea seminar to a session by a chocolate master. Andy Cuthbert, chairman, Emirates Culinary Guild, who was also heading the World Chefs Global Committee for Young Chefs development, commented on the event, “One of the key experiences for over 50 Young Chefs from all over the world was the opportunity to experience a congress, a new country and the chance to form lifelong bonds.” The congress takes place every two years and will next be held in Athens, Greece in April 2016.
UAE Chefs
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13 SEPTEMBER 2014
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giant chocolate cake, in the shape of 100, was recently unveiled at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah to celebrate Hilton Worldwide surpassing 100 hotels in the Middle East. Straight from the hotel’s pastry kitchen, Bertrand Valegeas, executive chef, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, and his team were joined by the Hilton Worldwide regional team during a special unveiling of the cake at the hotel’s poolside. During the celebration, Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, commented, “This is a significant milestone for Hilton Worldwide in the Middle East and clearly underlines our commitment to be the leading hospitality company in the region.”
The Making of Emirates’ 50th A380 Aircraft
GCC-Stat Talks Numbers with Eurostat he Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) recently received a delegation from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), as part of GCC-Stat’s ongoing efforts to develop its statistical system through cooperation and consultation with the global statistics community. The three-day visit aimed to GCC - Stat and Eurostat Meeting assist the Arab centre enhance its capacity as a regional coordinator of statistical activities, focussing on improvement in strategic planning and processes, as well as providing best practices in various statistical activities. Workshops and discussions highlighted GCCStat’s work strategy and work plan, legal framework, planning and monitoring of activities, setting up and implementing methodological standards, quality management, working groups, committees and task forces.
A Giant Cake to Celebrate 100 Middle East Hotels
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aving recently taken delivery of its 50th Airbus, Emirates now operates the world’s largest A380 fleet, serving 29 destinations across the world. In a behind-the-scenes video, Emirates revealed that it takes 800 workers just 65 - 80 days to assemble, install, test, paint, furnish and deliver an Emirates Airbus A380. Sections of the aircraft are produced and assembled at various sites across Europe before being transported to Hamburg for the final stages of painting and cabin furnishing. It takes about 33 working days to furnish the 550m2 cabin area onboard the Emirates A380. This includes all seats, galleys, crew rest areas, shower-spa and private suites in first class, the on-board lounge in business class cabin, and the in-flight entertainment system in all cabins.
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WHO’S MOVED
AMR SHAHROUR
MICHAEL FUCHS
Amr Shahrour has taken over the position of deputy director of sales at Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria. In his new capacity, Shahrour will provide support to the director of sales and marketing in maximising revenue and developing strategies, whilst also helping to maintain and strengthen ties with existing partners and generate new leads. He brings with him more than seven years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a strong background in sales.
Shahrour has a strong sales background
Farhat has a passion for hospitality
Michael Fuchs will lead Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel, Tripoli, from the post of general manager. A highly experienced hotelier, Fuchs has worked in the industry for over 30 years, most recently with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels looking after properties in Iraq. He has also worked with international hotel groups in Chad, China, Pakistan and Jordan. With his background in sales and marketing, Fuchs will be able to rapidly pinpoint vital issues, assess long range impact and create innovative solutions. In his new role he will lead business operations for the Libyan property, driving revenue and overseeing the performance and recruitment of employees.
Jaime Rosov has been appointed event director for Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) expo America 2015. Having worked on the show for the past two and half years and being a nine-year veteran of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), Rosov will helm the evolution of the event, as the company is rolling out a new model for IBTM America where her considerable experience will be invaluable. Rosov has worked on several of Reed Exhibitions’ largescale events in the US including the National Hardware Show, and PGA Shows.
Fuchs is an astute market and business analyst
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GEORGES FARHAT
Georges Farhat has been promoted from hotel manager to general manager at Crowne Plaza Dubai. He brings over 25 years of industry experience and started his career with InterContinental Hotels Group at Crowne Plaza in Dubai 20 years ago. Farhat’s passion for hospitality, willingness to learn, continuous strive for growth and aiming higher helped him rise through the ranks at Crowne Plaza Dubai over the years, and he held various leadership roles in front office and sales before moving on to be an executive assistant manager, resident manager and hotel manager.
JAIME ROSOV
Rosov aims to make the new dynamic tradeshow concept a success for all RTE stakeholders
13 SEPTEMBER 2014
PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Mohammed bin Rashid meets Chinese business interns
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas held its 13th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament
National Algerian Centre celebrated Eid in London
Etihad Airways opens nursery
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah celebrated 100 Middle East Hilton hotel with giant cake
13 SEPTEMBER 2014
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NEWS & EVENTS
EIBTM Builds Global Business Reach
EVENTS AFRO TOURISM EXPO 2014 Abuja, Nigeria September 17 – 18 www.afrotourismexpo.com The continent’s main conference and exhibition for travel, tourism and hospitality service providers.
KERALA TRAVEL MART (KTM)
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his year’s global meetings and events expo EIBTM, which will take place from November 18 – 20 in Barcelona, is expected to significantly exceed the 17,300 appointments that took place within the Global Village exhibition area in 2013. The Global Village is the platform for participants from across the travel industry to promote their products and services to over 15,000 meeting and event professionals, conducting face-to-face business to secure contracts globally and expand their regional target markets. According to Graeme Barnett, senior exhibition director, EIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions, the Global Village welcomed over 780 companies in 2013, just over 95 percent of which were hotels and destination management companies and the remainder cruise lines and airline alliances, amongst others. In addition to returning visitors, Barnett also confirmed the participation of new brands at this year’s event, including Eurostars Hotels, Azimut Hotels and Artexis Group.
Kochi, India September 18 – 20 www.keralatravelmart.org KTM brings together the business fraternity and the entrepreneurs behind Kerala’s products and services.
WORLD ROUTES 2014 Chicago, Illinois, US, September 20 – 23 www.routesonline.com World Routes forms the essential global gathering for aviation organisations from across all continents and countries.
ARAB AVIATION & MEDIA SUMMIT Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, September 24 www.aamsummit.com Arab media and top executives gather to have insightful discussions on the current trends.
JATA TOURISM EXPO JAPAN 2014
EIBTM
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Tokyo, Japan September 25 – 28 www.t-expo.jp Internationally recognised as one of the largest travel events in the world, the event presents Japan as a tourism nation to the world.
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