Travel Trade Weekly Issue 279 by Travel Trade Publications

14 MARCH 2015

ISSUE 279

LAUSANNE PARTNERS WITH UAE AGENTS DUBAI IS SET TO BECOME HOME TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST TROPICAL RAINFOREST, DEVELOPED BY DAMAC PROPERTIES.

12 BURJ AL SARAB TO OPEN IN APRIL

14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

TECHNOLOGY

ACCOMMODATION

AIR

RENDEZVOUS

INTERNATIONAL

AGENT CORNER

TRAVEL TALK

TRAVEL CHANNELS

WHO’S MOVED

PHOTO ALBUM

NEWS & EVENTS

DUBAI TO LAUNCH MANMADE RAINFOREST

MARKET UPDATE

Air Arabia Profits Soar 30 Percent Air Arabia reported a record net profit of AED566 million (USD154.1 million) in 2014, marking a 30 percent year-on-year growth. The airline’s turnover reached AED3.7 billion (USD1.01 billion), up 17 percent.

his was driven by increased demand with passenger numbers soaring 12 percent to 6.8 million. As a result, load factor remained high at 81 percent. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, attributed the success to the company’s expansion strategy into new markets and improved operational efficiencies. “[This year] continues to witness political uncertainty in some parts of the region and with the current fluctuating fuel prices, the pressure on the global economies is increasing. Despite the […] challenges, we remain highly confident about the long-term prospects for our business,” added Al Thani.

Starwood’s Quarterly Profit Jumps

TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide′s fourth quarter (Q4) 2014 net income reached USD243 million or USD1.33 per share, up from USD128 million and USD0.67 per share in the same period in 2013.

SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Christou Ana Mladenovic 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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

13/3/2015

As of

Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar

s Frits van Paasschen, outgoing CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, said, the company delivered another solid year of performance. “Worldwide RevPAR was up nearly six percent in constant dollars, and both adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation and earnings per share were ahead of our expectations.” For the full year 2014, the company’s net income totalled USD633 million and USD3.40 per share compared to USD635 million and USD3.28 per share in 2013.

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

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

97.22

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.62

Iran (IRR)

Rial

27,995.26

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,169.26

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,507.75

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.36

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

10.07

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.93

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.99

Yemen (YER)

Rial

215.09

14 MARCH 2015

TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS Travelport Extends Galileo Caucasus Deal

ravelport has renewed its distribution agreement with Galileo Caucasus in Azerbaijan and Georgia, further cementing the technology provider’s strong presence in Eastern Europe. Galileo Caucasus has been distributing Travelport’s content, products and services in both countries since 2010. The announcement follows the recently

signed full-content deal with Azerbaijan Airlines, which ensures access to the carrier’s content for all Travelport-connected agencies. “Maintaining a strong position with our partners and focussing on direct and localised support in the Caucasus is a crucial part of our strategy for Travelport in Eastern Europe,” stressed Marcin Pilarski, managing director, Eastern Europe, Travelport.

Mobile App Aiding Muslim Tourists

rhal, a mobile application available in both Arabic and English, has been launched for Muslim travellers. The app not only guides users to tourist attractions and shopping places in 90 cities around the world, but also lists the nearest Halal restaurants and mosques. Prayer timings and a compass showing the direction of Mecca are also included in the app, which can be downloaded for free. “One of my biggest worries as a tourist has always been locating Halal restaurants. On Fridays I also worry about finding a mosque for Juma prayers,” explained Irfan Ahmad, CEO, Irhal.com. “We launched the Irhal.com website several years ago and in 2014 we received over one million unique visitors. But our users wanted to have the information on their smartphones, so we developed the Irhal app.”

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS

DUBAI TO LAUNCH MANMADE RAINFOREST Dubai is set to become home to the Middle East’s first tropical rainforest.

eveloped by DAMAC Properties, the educational and cultural dome will be housed within the company’s AKOYA Oxygen master development community as one of the premium attractions. Dubai Rainforest, which is scheduled to be completed ahead of Expo 2020, will fit perfectly into the ethos of AKOYA Oxygen, hailed as the greenest community in Dubai, according to Ziad El Chaar, managing director, DAMAC Properties. “Dubai is known around the world for attracting the biggest and best and the Dubai Rainforest joins that list of unique attractions which will support the growth of the city,” added El Chaar.

RAK: Over Two Million Guest Nights

as Al Khaimah recorded 2.14 million guest nights in 2014, a robust 72 percent increase over 2013’s performance, positioning the emirate as one of the fastest growing destinations. Tourism revenue also reached new heights at AED1 billion (USD272.26 million) making 2014, as Steven Rice, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, a historic year with a number of important landmarks. “Ras Al Khaimah is now proving to be a hit with both domestic holiday-makers as well as the wider international community. Overall our natural assets of beach and nature combined with the great portfolio of world-class hotel brands present in the emirate has given Ras Al Khaimah a really strong platform for further growth [this year] and beyond,” he added.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Tourism Experts Line Up

n line with Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)’s efforts to enhance the city’s status as a premier destination for international business events, Dubai welcomed 100 influential meeting planners and business events journalists from across Europe for a three-day trip. Organised by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the tour allowed the decision-makers to experience Dubai first hand and explore some of the destination’s leading hotels and venues. “Our international partners in the travel industry are much more likely to recommend Dubai as an events destination to their corporate clients after they see first hand and just how welcoming and convenient the city is for business and incentive trips,” said Steen Jakobsen, director, DBE.

14 MARCH 2015

F European delegation

Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek

Dubai Hosts European Specialists

ive crucial players of the emirate’s tourism industry will participate in a special Tourism Question Time at this year’s Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) annual Overseas Office Summit. The event will see representatives from the hospitality, attraction, tour operator, MICE and transportation sectors come together to share insight on the opportunities and challenges facing the emirate’s tourism industry. The panel discussion will give each speaker the opportunity to outline their support and plans to optimise prospects for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, and will be followed by an open question and answer session from a gathering of travel industry representatives.

WEEKLY NEWS

Sharjah Invites Air Arabia Delegation

Benefits of Visa Facilitation Highlighted

Air Arabia Delegation at SCTDA

isa facilitation has experienced strong progress in recent years, particularly through the implementation of visa on arrival policies, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s latest Visa Openness Report. According to the document, 62 percent of the world’s population required a traditional visa prior to departure in 2014, down from 77 percent in 2008. In the same year, 19 percent of people were able to enter a destination without a visa, while 16 percent could receive it on arrival, as compared to 17 percent and six percent in 2008. “UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, and easier visa procedures will be crucial to attract these travellers, […]”, said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO.

harjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) organised a familiarisation tour for Air Arabia’s team from India. The 28-strong delegation had the chance to visit some of the main attractions of the emirate. Underscoring the authority’s commitment to maintain sustained and effective communication with all entities in the tourism sector, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, SCTDA, said, “The familiarisation trip provided the Air Arabia delegation with updated information about new tourism projects as well as events and festivals organised by SCTDA enabling them to attract more tourists to Sharjah.”

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Qasr Al Hosn Conservation Project Underway

bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) remains committed to conserving Qasr Al Hosn, the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi and a valuable monument of Emirati heritage. A world-class team of experts has been assembled to support the conservation process of the fort and the Cultural Foundation Building. “The vision behind the master plan is to re-establish Abu Dhabi’s cultural heart by conserving the Fort, National Consultative Council and the Cultural Foundation Building and address their surrounding urban context to create a leading cultural learning hub that combines preserving traditional heritage with state-of-the-art modern day technology,” said Arwa Al Nuaimi, project manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS Dubai Parks and Resorts Moves Closer to Opening Cruise ship terminal in Dubai

Dubai Cruise Tourism Hits New Milestones

ubai’s Mina Rashid cruise terminals welcomed over 30 ship calls and 150,000 passengers, including 26 hub ship calls from four cruise lines, in January, setting a new record for the emirate’s cruise season. Mina Rashid also accommodated five cruise ships at the same time on two occasions, another first in the facility’s history, and also hosted Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, hailed as the largest cruise ship to call in the GCC. As Hamad bin Mejren, executive director, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, pinpointed, in 2014, Dubai received 358,000 passengers from 94 cruise ship calls, and the forecast for the current year stands at 425,000 tourists from 115 calls.

ulti-themed leisure and entertainment destination, Dubai Parks and Resorts has completed the formation of its senior management team. The new colleagues will ensure that the project remains on track to open in October 2016. “The management team brings significant experience in their respective fields and will ensure that we have the right structures and processes in place to deliver this landmark project on time,” said Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai Parks and Resorts. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the AED10.5 billion (USD2.86 billion) development will comprise three separate theme parks: motiongate, a Hollywood movie inspired theme park concept; LEGOLAND Dubai, the first LEGOLAND park in the Middle East; and Bollywood Park that will showcase the authentic Bollywood movie experience to visitors.

Dollar Strengthens Presence in Saudi Arabia

Marwan Al Mulla

ollar Rent A Car recently participated in the annual Jeddah Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) in a bid to further consolidate its footprint in the growing Saudi market. Held from February 4 – 7, the team of Dollar Rent A Car informed travel agents about the company’s upcoming summer promotions. They also met with new and potential partners to introduce the brand and present the services that they could offer to this market. Marwan Al Mulla, general manager, Dollar Rent A Car UAE and Oman, said, “There is a good opportunity and potential to grow the business in this region so we want to capitalise on that […].”

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS Oman to Showcase USD3.3 Billion Projects

he annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM) road show series has kicked off with Oman being the first stop. With more than USD3.3 billion worth of high-profile tourism projects currently under development in the Sultanate, the country is rapidly expanding its existing tourism offering, with luxury brand leaders set to make their hospitality debut and a number of important tourism and cultural developments also nearing completion. Of the top 10 projects currently under development in the country, luxury hospitality is a major focus with Westin, St. Regis and W all taking shape, as well as the new USD200 million The Ritz-Carlton – The Muscat Reserve, and the high-end Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort valued at USD840 million.

DMCA Participates in DIBS

ubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) took part in this year’s edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), which took place on March 3 – 7. DMCA’s participation, which was inspired by various elements of maritime innovation, included the launch of the latest smart innovative services and applications that have been developed to facilitate the smooth, efficient and fast completion of transactions with the authority. DMCA showcased its marine craft licensing portfolio and new smart applications that have been designed based on ideas aimed at achieving a highly-renewable and sustainable maritime sector.

OCEC to Focus on Business Events

man is enjoying record visitation from Australia and New Zealand due to its positioning as a multifaceted destination with serious delegate appeal. This interest is being propelled by the new world-class Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), due to open in 2016. Mona Tannous, country manager, Australia and New Zealand, Ministry of Tourism, Oman, said that in 2011 – 2012 Oman achieved a staggering 72 percent increase in visitations from Australia and New Zealand, followed by 11 percent in 2012 – 2013 and 10 percent in 2013 – 2014, as a result exceeding those from European countries. With more than 10,500 hotel rooms expected to be available in Muscat by 2018, the opening of OCEC is seen as a catalyst for major business events in the Sultanate.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS Dubai’s Tourism Developing Rapidly

A Dubai

rabian Travel Market’s (ATM) road show series returned to familiar home ground on February 25, as Reed Travel Exhibitions’ team hosted the UAE leg of its eight-city tour in Dubai. “According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the UAE will retain its position as a regional tourism leader, with the sector valued at USD31.8 billion by the end of 2018. If you consider the fact that the top 10 tourism projects in the emirates represent a collective investment of just under USD40 billion, the local tourism and hospitality industry is going to accelerate to another level entirely,” said Nadege Noblet, exhibition manager, ATM.

IATA Reports a Strong 2014 in Passenger Movements

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Lausanne Partners with UAE Agents

nternational Air Transport Association (IATA) announced 2014 global passenger traffic results, showing a 5.9 percent rise in demand compared to 2013. This is above the 10-year average growth rate of 5.6 percent. Capacity rose 5.6 percent and load factor reached 79.7 percent. All regions performed well, with more than half of the improvement occurring in emerging markets. “Overall a record 3.3 billion passengers boarded aircraft [in 2014] – some 170 million more than in 2013. While it is clear that people will continue to travel in growing numbers, there have been signs in recent months that softening business confidence is translating into a leveling off of international travel demand,” said Tony Tyler, director general, IATA.

tourism delegation from Lausanne signed a number of cooperation agreements with travel agencies in the UAE. The partnerships follow a series of seminars held by the Swiss city’s team in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, aimed at highlighting the European country’s tourism potential. As Walter Loser, adviser, Lausanne Tourism Authority, noted, the agreements with dnata and other key agencies are set to help attract more visitors during summer and the holiday season. According to Loser, the UAE is currently the destination’s second largest market in the Middle East, after Saudi Arabia, followed by Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

Burj Al Sarab to Open in April

Burj Al Sarab

Jannah Hotels & Resorts is to unveil Burj Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi in April.

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ailed as one of the most luxurious hotels in the UAE capital, the five-star property comprises 318 rooms and suites, a number of food and beverage outlets, a health club with pool, gym and spa, and halls for conferences and events. As Richard Haddad, vice president, operations, Abu Dhabi, Jannah Hotels & Resorts, explained, the 18-floor hotel is part of the company’s expansion drive that aims to launch nearly 30 projects in the next five years. “We expect strong business and high occupancy rates at the hotel following the signing of a number of contracts with our partners in Europe and other countries to attract tourists and guests,” added Haddad.

Two New Marriott Properties in Saudi Arabia

DoubleTree by Hilton to Debut in Egypt

arriott International is set to introduce two new properties, including its first-ever full service hotel in Al Khobar. The announcement of the two properties, Al Khobar Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Al Khobar, was made following the recent signing of an agreement with Ali Bin Sultan & Brothers Group Holding. Due to be completed in 2018, Al Khobar Marriott Hotel will comprise a total of 200 rooms and the 80-unit Marriott Executive Apartments in the vicinity is also slated for opening around the same time. Commenting on the projects, Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, said, “We see huge potential for growth in the Kingdom and [the] agreement is testament to this.”

DoubleTree by Hilton in Ain Al Sokhna

ilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Asala for Investment and Touristic Development Company to open the first DoubleTree by Hilton branded property in Egypt. Slated for launch in 2017, DoubleTree by Hilton Ain Al Sokhna will feature 197 rooms along with a range of amenities, such as a fitness centre, swimming pools and meeting rooms. The upscale hotel will be part of a mixed-use residential and leisure development in Ain Al Sokhna, 55km from Suez. Hilton Worldwide currently has 18 properties operating across Egypt, with a further five projects under development.

14 MARCH 2015

ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS New Anantara in Dubai to Open in 2018

InterContinental Doha Launches Tourist Attraction

Fountain in front of InterContinental Doha

inor Hotel Group (MHG) has partnered with Dubai Properties Group to develop a new Anantarabranded property in Dubai. Due to open in early 2018, Anantara Dubai Creek Hotel will be located on Culture Village’s waterfront and will feature 290 rooms, a rooftop pool, spa, a number of dining outlets, ballroom and conference facilities among others. As Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, MHG, explained, further growing the company’s footprint in the UAE is of strategic importance for MHG. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Habbai, chief officer, urban planning and infrastructure, Dubai Properties Group, suggested that the project will be part of a growing portfolio of hotels which the company plans to develop in key areas in Dubai.

nterContinental Doha has added a new water fountain to enrich the hotel arrival experience. The fountain shoots water jets and has five different show areas, and it performs a water and light dance show daily on a musical repertoire that includes the awardwinning theme song of The Phantom of the Opera, and classical melodies such as Strauss’ Radetzky March or Vivaldi’s Winter. “We always seek to offer our guests, Qatar visitors and also Qatar residents, memorable and valuable experiences, and that is why we have decided to invest in this magnificent fountain,” commented Andreas Pfister, area general manager, Qatar, InterContinental Hotels Group.

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Dammam

Carlson Rezidor Adds Two Saudi Hotels

arlson Rezidor Hotel Group has launched two new properties in Saudi Arabia, bringing the company’s portfolio in the Kingdom to 25 properties and more than 4,900 rooms in operation and under development. Situated along the Red Sea coastline, Radisson Blue Resort Jizan features 151 unites, while Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Dammam, located on the city’s Corniche Road, boasts 90 rooms. “Saudi Arabia shows substantial growth potential for the hospitality industry, stimulated by rapid economic development and ambitious public investment in a host of associated sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure and real estate,” said Mark Willis, area vice president, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments’ stand at OTM

OTM Mumbai Welcomes Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

Cristal Launches Rewards Scheme

he team of Golden Sands Hotel Apartments successfully participated in this year’s OTM Mumbai, hailed as India’s biggest travel show. Mohammed Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, said, “India is one of the fastest growing markets of outbound tourists even in the present economic scenario. They continue to travel and the UAE is one of their preferred destinations because of our close proximity to India and because we offer a variety of services, facilities and attractions that meet their demands.” He went on to add that Mumbai is the biggest outbound tourist market in India.

ristal Group, in partnership with Elite Club, launched a global rewards membership programme, which enables members to enjoy privileges across Cristal hotels and Elite Club venues. “Each Cristal Rewards member will receive an Elite Club Card Membership along with his package and valid for the same period. This will increase the number of Cristal Rewards membership sales and will attract all Elite Club existing members travelling to Iraq and the UAE, to stay at Cristal Hotels,” said Peter Blackburn, president, Cristal Group.

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ity Seasons Hotels’ management is poised to further consolidate the brand’s presence in the region. As Mohamed Al Aamri, managing director, City Seasons Hotels, revealed, the company’s seventh hotel will open in summer in Bur Dubai, just atop BurJuman. Designed with the business travellers’ needs in mind, the property will offer convenient access to the shopping mall and key locations in the area. “Another project is in the pipeline in Oman [and we also have ] plans to refurbish and further expand our existing hotel, City Seasons Muscat,” revealed Al Aamri, suggesting that negotiations are also underway in a neighbouring Arab country and the company is also exploring the viability of entering the budget accommodation segment.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIR

Emirates Ups Capacity on Nairobi Service Emirates is planning to switch from the current Airbus A330-200 used on its double daily Nairobi route to a larger Boeing 777-300 ER, from May 1.

he introduction of the aircraft will boost capacity on the route by 1,638 seats per week, and make the Kenyan capital an all-Boeing 777 operation for the airline. As Orhan Abbas, senior vice president, commercial operations, Latin America, Southern and Central Africa, Emirates, revealed, the Nairobi – Dubai service is one of the carrier’s busiest routes in Africa. “Nairobi is a very popular destination for both business and leisure travellers […]. We anticipate that our additional capacity will stimulate further growth in both tourism and business traffic on the route,” concluded Abbas.

atar Airways has extended its Boeing 787 Dreamliner network to Tunisia with the launch of daily services to Tunis. The move, which comes in response to growing demand for air travel to the region, boosts the airline’s capacity by 92 percent to 254 seats from 132 seats on the Airbus A320 which was previously deployed on the route. “Our 787s provide a superior experience with specially designed interiors, spacious cabins and custom-made seats in both business and economy class. We are confident that our passengers flying to and from Tunis will luxuriate in the enhanced travel experience onboard the Qatar Airways Dreamliner,” said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.

Etihad Airways to Have Onsite Medical Facility

tihad Airways is to become the first company in Abu Dhabi with an onsite medical facility to support the visa application process for thousands of employees and their dependents in the UAE. An agreement was signed with Ambulatory Healthcare Services – SEHA to operate the facility and provide visa medical services, such as x-rays, blood tests and physical examinations, for approximately 45,000 Etihad Airways employees and 7,000 dependents by 2018. The facility, located at Etihad Plaza in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, will open in August.

Nadia Bastaki, vice president, medical services, Etihad Airways (left), and Mariam Buti Al Mazreoui, acting CEO, Ambulatory Healthcare Services – SEHA

Qatar Airways Dreamliner Debuts in Tunisia

14 MARCH 2015

AIR WEEKLY NEWS

SAUDIA to Launch Tabuk – Cairo Flight

Gulf Air Showcases IT Excellence to BCSB Delegation

flydubai Adds to Iranian Network

audi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is to launch a direct flight from Tabuk to Cairo on March 30 as part of the airline′s efforts to expand its international network. The three-weekly flights will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Abdul Mohsen Junaid, executive vice president, commerce, SAUDIA, said that the new flight from Tabuk would make more seats available to passengers travelling to Cairo from the Kingdom. “The move comes within the framework of the management’s efforts to make optimum use of the airline’s fleet,” he added.

ulf Air recently hosted a delegation from the Bahrain Civil Service Bureau (BCSB) at its headquarters, conducting a comprehensive tour of the carrier’s information technology (IT) department. During the tour, members of the BCSB were introduced to Gulf Air’s IT practices and Quality and Information Security Management Systems by Jassim Haji, director of information technology, Gulf Air. “Gulf Air was recently awarded the highly sought-after ISO 9001 Certification (Quality Management), ISO 20000 Certification (Service Management) and, for the second year in a row, the ISO 27001 Certification (Information Security Management System), and during this visit we shared more information in regards to the controls and solutions which are in place to secure Gulf Air’s information assets,” said Haji.

lydubai has launched flights to Ahwaz, Hamadan, Esfahan, Shiraz and Tabriz in Iran. Flights to Shiraz, Esfahan and Ahwaz commenced on March 8, 11 and 14 respectively, and Hamadan and Tabriz will join the flydubai network on March 16. Shiraz, Esfahan and Ahwaz are served three times a week, Hamadan once a week and Tabriz four times a week. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, said, “The addition of flights to the five points increases our frequency to the Republic to 22 flights weekly, allowing more people to travel conveniently between the UAE and Iran.”

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14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIR

Gulf Air Celebrates 20 Years of Loyalty Programme

easyJet Adds Three New Summer Routes

Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek

s part of its Falconflyer programme’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Gulf Air is giving the chance to Falconflyer members to win 20,000 miles each month. Having started in January, the promotion will run until December, with one lucky winner chosen via a monthly raffle and a total of 20 travellers being rewarded with 400,000 Falconflyer miles. Kavita Al Jassim, senior manager, customer experience, Gulf Air, said, “We are delighted, 20 years into our Falconflyer programme, to continue to find new and innovative ways to reward our loyal members.”

asyJet is to launch three new twice-weekly routes for summer, which include London’s Gatwick Airport – Preveza, Gatwick Airport – Pula, and Stansted – Monastir, Tunisia. The new service to Greece will start on May 17 and will be operated on an Airbus A320. The other two itineraries are set to take off in June. Sophie Dekkers, UK director, easyJet, said, “We are pleased to be continuing to deliver a comprehensive network of destinations with the addition of these three new summer routes which have gone on sale [already]. The addition of these new services underlines our continued commitment to expanding our network and we are sure that these new routes will be very popular with passengers.”

Cape Town

Qatar Airways Expands South African Network

atar Airways has announced a major expansion in South Africa with the launch of flights to Durban and increased frequencies to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Durban service will be offered four times per week via Johannesburg, bringing the total frequency to the country′s largest city up from 10 weekly flights to a double-daily service. From October 1, the Cape Town route will be operated daily. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, reassured that the airline’s new home at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha will offer rapid and convenient connections for passengers from South Africa.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIR Air Malta to Serve Oran

ir Malta is planning to open up a new route to Oran, Algeria’s second largest city. The twice-weekly frequency is expected to operate every Monday and Thursday, from July 20 until August 31. The service will compliment the twice-weekly flights to Algiers that will increase to thrice-weekly frequencies during the peak summer months just after Ramadan. Flights to Algiers this summer will operate every Monday, Thursday and Sunday.

Air Arabia Links Ras Al Khaimah and Nepal

EGYPTAIR Named Official Carrier of Economic Conference

ir Arabia has commenced twice-weekly services between Ras Al Khaimah and Kathmandu, the carrier’s 10th destination from the Northern Emirates. As Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, pinpointed, travellers can now enjoy seamless connections to Nepal from both Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. “In just nine months, we have reached the milestone of 10 exciting destinations to which our customers can fly using Ras Al Khaimah Airport. [...] We look forward to adding more routes in the future from our second hub in the UAE as the emirate’s travel and tourism sector continue to enjoy significant growth,” added Ali.

Nepal

GYPTAIR was the official carrier of the national economic conference Egypt Is the Future, which was held in Sharm El Sheikh earlier this month. The event formed part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to offer all facilities necessary to attract Arab and foreign investments to the country, and was hailed as one of the most significant economic conferences in the region. In support of the event, EGYPTAIR offered a generous discount on all international flights to Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh during the conference days.

14 MARCH 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIR Etihad Airways Enters East India

Emirates Returns to Baghdad

Kolkata

tihad Airways launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata, the airline’s 11th destination in India on its own, and its 15th route in the country in collaboration with network partner Jet Airways. The new service will meet the growing demand from air travellers who are keen to fly between West Bengal and the Middle East, Europe and North America via the carrier’s Abu Dhabi home base, as Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, said. The route to and from Kolkata connects with a number of Etihad Airways’ key North American destinations, including San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Toronto, often providing one of the fastest journey times in the market.

Qatar Airways and Bangkok Airways Enhance Partnership

ollowing a suspension of one and a half month, Emirates has relaunched passenger services to Baghdad. Operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a three-class configuration, the route is being offered six times a week. As Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, Emirates, explained, the return of services followed a comprehensive safety and security review in conjunction with UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. “Our flights to Baghdad have provided essential economic links for the capital and it is good news for our customers that we can now restart operations,” he added.

atar Airways has further strengthened its relationship with Bangkok Airways with the addition of new codeshare routes. As Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, noted, the introduction of the new services further enhances the airline’s competitive offering. Passengers will benefit from 10 extra routes from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Nay Pyi Taw and Siem Reap, together with Koh Samui to Singapore, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur and Phuket to Chiang Mai. The move will complement Qatar Airways’ current codeshares from the Thai capital to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Lampang, Trat, Sukhothai, Samui, Mandalay, Yangon and Phnom Penh.

14 MARCH 2015

RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Announced in October 2014, Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome its first guests later this year. What were the main reasons behind the company’s decision to choose Ras Al Khaimah for its next project? ALAIN DEBARE: Ras Al Khaimah is proving to be a strong economic producer with GDP estimated to grow at 4.8 percent per annum up to 2023. It has one of the UAE’s fastest growing free trade zones with over 7,500 registered international companies, a host of legacy and established industries, many of which are unique to Ras Al Khaimah. As a destination, Ras Al Khaimah looks set to emerge as a key regional player, displaying good potential for both business and leisure traffic. Published figures for 2012 show that visitors to the emirate grew by 31.6 percent between 2010 and 2012.

Q & A with Alain Debare CEO, ACTION HOTELS

“

THE REGION, SPECIFICALLY THE GCC AND THE UAE IS UNDERPINNED BY SOUND ECONOMIC GROWTH

We see a good opportunity for a mid-economy hotel where the branded supply is mainly in the upscale and luxury sector. Our partnership with Golden Tulip Hotels is key, as we expect to leverage the local market knowledge of Ras Al Khaimah, as well as their global network.

“

THE ECONOMY AND MIDSCALE HOTELS SECTOR HAS A VERY LOW PENETRATION SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 2005, ACTION HOTELS HAS CONTINUOUSLY EXPANDED ITS PRESENCE IN THE REGION BY INDENTIFYING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRANDED ECONOMY AND MIDSCALE HOTEL PROJECTS. HERE, ALAIN DEBARE, CEO, ACTION HOTELS, REVEALS WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE COMPANY.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What will be the main features of the hotel? ALAIN DEBARE: Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah is a 104-key hotel with 48 twobedroom and 56 one-bedroom apartments. We are converting a residential property by undertaking a full refurbishment and interior conversion. We always play special attention to the fit-out of our hotels, and while we are guided by the specifications of the flag - in this case Tulip Inn - we always 14 MARCH 2015

aim for a product that is ‘a notch above the guidelines’. Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah is no exception to this commitment from Action Hotels. The hotel will carry the three-star rating from Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism licensing and everything looks on track for an opening at the start of the fourth quarter of the year. The property is well located to attract both the business and leisure travellers drawn to Ras Al Khaimah’s coastal areas, mountain ranges, desert dunes, business parks and commercial centre. It is situated on Ahmed Bin Majeed Street in the centre of Ras Al Khaimah area, just two blocks from the emirate’s exhibition centre. Also, within a 2km radius of Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah are Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the Free Trade Zone Business Park, Museum of Ras al Khaimah, and the Ministry of Interior and Civil Defence, among others.

ibis Sharq, an Action Hotels property

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you see the branded economy and midscale sector’s future development in the region? ALAIN DEBARE: The region, specifically the GCC and the UAE is underpinned by sound economic growth and a burgeoning middle class resulting in increasing intra-regional travel. These dynamics, among others, are driving the demand for the affordable, consistent, quality hotel accommodation offered by the branded economy and mid-scale segment, currently in undersupply throughout the region. Indeed, across the Middle East the economy and midscale hotels sector has a very low penetration with just over 20 percent of the branded hotel stock, compared to almost 50 percent in Europe and a nudging 65 percent in the US.

WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Mexico to Welcome Two One&Only Properties

Dusit International Partners with Prince Hotels

Carlson Rezidor to Enter South Sudan

erzner International has entered into an agreement with BK Partners, a private equity fund focussed on tourism and land development, to construct and operate two new One&Only resorts on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. One&Only Mandarina will offer approximately 145 luxurious villas as well as private residential estates, world-class farm-to-table dining and original retail options. A beach club, a family pool, both internationally-influenced and locally-inspired restaurants, fashion boutiques, a spa and fitness centre, and a conference centre will also be present. One&Only Santa Maria de Xala will be part of a new 1,200ha development, offering some 75 luxury villas and suites with private pools, as well as a prestigious One&Only residential component.

One&Only Mandarina site

The signing ceremony

usit International has entered into a marketing alliance with Japanese hospitality group Prince Hotels, which will allow both companies to leverage on each other’s local expertise and sales and marketing resources, and create opportunities for crossselling, marketing and promotions. Khun Chanin Donavanik, CEO, Dusit International, added, “This [partnership] is especially significant as we prepare to launch our highly anticipated Dusit Thani Guam Resort in the second quarter, the tallest building on the island and the newest resort to open since 1999.”

Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba

arlson Rezidor Hotel Group is to further cement is presence in Africa with its first project in South

Sudan. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2017, the upper upscale Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba will feature 158 rooms, four food and beverage outlets, 750m2 of meeting space with a business centre, an outdoor swimming pool, a 300m2 spa and gym, retail space, a sky bar and restaurant. “South Sudan is a promising emerging country, and we look forward to establishing out presence there together with our partner, Blue Diamond Hotel Limited,” commented on the new project Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group.

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AGENT CORNER

Agent’s Insight NAME:

Parissa Eivazi

POSITION:

Inbound tour manager

COMPANY:

Gardeshgaran’e Share Raz

LOCATION:

Iran

WEBSITE:

www.letsgoiran.com

Who are you? I am the inbound tour manager at Gardeshgaran’e Share Raz travel agency which is one of the largest companies in Iran with three branches, five websites and more than 30 clerks. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? When I see people are happy and enjoy their time. My aim is their satisfaction and I always do my best to achieve this goal. When is the best time to visit Iran? Iran is a vast country. You can see different climates on the same day. You can ski in Dizin and on the same day you can swim in Kish. Depending on your purpose of travelling to Iran, suitable times will differ. Normally, like lots of other places, the best time is spring and then autumn. Winter is a good time to travel to the south of Iran and summer is the best time to travel to northwest of Iran. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I enjoy visiting different cultures so it does not matter where [I go], the action of travelling to another place is important for me. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I have a master’s degree in tourism and 13 years of experience. I am ready to answer travellers’ questions all the time, even when I am home. I always try to talk as a friend so that people feel free to ask any question they have. 14 MARCH 2015

TRAVEL TALK

We are very fortunate to have these associates

CHRISTIAN PALACIN General manager, City Seasons Hotel Dubai

“We were pleased that our City Seasons Hotel Dubai came fourth [at the Gulf Food Exhibition] and was awarded Merit Certificate. This has taken our team a lot of efforts in planning and execution, especially considering the high occupancy at the hotel [...]. We are very fortunate to have these associates as part of our team. This is a very proud moment and a great achievement.”

There is something for everyone

PASCAL EGGERSTEDT General manager, InterContinental Doha The City

Language plays a crucial role in catering to [...] different tastes

PATRICK BRANNELLY Vice president, inflight services, Emirates

“[In 2014], Emirates flew over 45 million people to 145 destinations. The diverse entertainment selection we offer mirrors the personality of our global customers. We try to have our finger on the pulse of what entertainment our customers enjoy, and language plays a crucial role in catering to these different tastes. As an international airline serving an international audience, the languages we offer onboard, whether spoken by our cosmopolitan cabin crew or within the multilingual entertainment content we feature, helps make Emirates the airline of choice.”

“We are thrilled to be marking three years in Doha […]. From our seven innovating dining and entertainment venues to our leisure facilities with a health club and rooftop swimming pool overlooking Doha’s skyline, there is something for everyone at InterContinental Doha The City. We have so many exciting projects in the pipeline for InterContinental Doha The City. Guests can look forward to an upcoming revamp of Strata Lounge, the highest lounge in Doha on the 55th and 56th floor, as well as our new Al Jalsa Garden Lounge and much more to come.”

This will see us fly more customers

SALEEM AMANULLA General manager, airport services, Oman Air

“On behalf of Oman Air, I would like to say how pleased and honoured we are to receive [the Best Airline in Chittagong award from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training Center, Bangladesh]. It is particularly satisfying to receive this acclaim at a time when Oman Air has just launched its ambitious growth strategy. This will see us fly more customers to more destinations, aboard more aircraft, than ever before. As a result many thousands more people will have the opportunity to experience Oman Air’s exceptional comfort, service and convenience.”

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

14 MARCH 2015

TRAVEL CHANNELS

flynas Raises Money for Children with Disabilities Officials from both flynas and the Disabled Children’s Association (DCA) gathered to celebrate the delivery of the first cheque generated by Buy a Ticket with a Child’s Smile programme, accessible on the airline′s website.

he campaign was launched in September 2014 as an initiative to encourage flynas passengers purchasing tickets through the carrier’s website, to click on a special icon and donate to the cause. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to flynas guests who have chosen to support the campaign through their generous donations,” said Wael Al-Sarhan, director of marketing and communications, NAS Holding Group.

Celebrating the delivery of the first cheque

Mövenpick Manager Runs Marathons to Raise Funds

ichael Nugent, general manager, Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, will be running the 42.2km London Marathon in April followed by the 89km South African Comrades Ultra Marathon in May to support a charity. Nugent’s goal is to collect AED50,000 (USD13,600) and donate it towards research into Crohn’s and Colitis. Throughout his career in the hotel sector, Nugent has implemented and initiated various corporate social responsibility activities. His simple philosophy is that, “If we all do something, be it big or small, we can ultimately make a tangible difference in our local communities and beyond.”

Family Brunch Unveiled in Abu Dhabi

Oryx Rotana Doha Invites the Elderly

T Barbeque lunch at Oryx Rotana Doha

he team at Pascal Tepper French Bakery recently rolled out a unique Friday brunch, tailored for the entire family. The brunch at Abu Dhabi’s recently-opened dine-in bakery also included a creative baking class, Le Petit Pascal for kids, and the menu featured freshly baked Frenchinspired goodies, hot and cold dishes, salads, mains and dessert pastries, sandwiches and much more. Chef Pascal Tepper grew up baking bread, Viennoiseries and pastries, having learned traditional baking methods from his father.

n line with the management’s endeavours to raise awareness of the importance of giving back to the community, Oryx Rotana Doha held a barbeque lunch for the elder members of the Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care (IHSAN). The event was also joined by elders visiting from the UAE, who enjoyed a lunch, followed by fun games and giveaways. As Kevork Deldelian, general manager, Oryx Rotana Doha, noted, the initiative formed part of Rotana’s corporate social responsibility programme. “We are thankful to them for joining us and sharing their insights. These senior residences have greatly contributed to the development and wellbeing of our community and our future. Now, it is our duty to support and honour them,” stressed Deldelian.

14 MARCH 2015

WHO’S MOVED

AHMED AZMY

Ahmed Azmy has been promoted to resident manager at InterContinental Cairo Citystars. Azmy, who has been in the industry for more than 15 years, has extensive experience in city hotels and resorts. He joined InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 1999 at Semiramis Cairo InterContinental at the front office department and then continued at Crowne Plaza Sharm El Sheikh as assistant manager. He moved to InterContinental Cairo Citystars in 2004 as assistant front office manager and was later promoted to front office manager and director of rooms. Since 2013, Azmy served as executive assistant manager in charge of rooms.

AMIR LABABEDI

Azmy joined IHG in 1999

RICHARD HARTMAN

Richard Hartman has joined Jumeirah Group’s board as a non-executive director. Hartman has over 35 years of experience in the hotel and restaurant industry. Between 2008 – 2011 he served as CEO at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, and in the past years, he was part of a number of boards. He built his early career with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts from 1966 onwards, serving the company later as president of the North Africa as well as the Asia Pacific regions. Between 1999 – 2008 he held senior positions at InterContinental Hotels Group, where he was a board director and also managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Hartman has 35 years of experience

ZUNERA BILWANI

Amir Lababedi has been chosen to fill the newly-created position of vice president of development in the Middle East and South Asia at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Lababedi, who holds a hospitality and tourism management degree along with a master’s degree in global banking and finance, has two decades of experience in the industry that covers investment advisory services to leading hotel investment stakeholders. He has also produced extensive development strategies for hotels and other real estate asset classes for government-related funds. Amongst the new territories prioritised for future development by the company in Lababedi’s region are Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Muscat, Delhi, Mumbai and Dhaka, as well as the Dubai World Central district.

Zunera Bilwani has moved to Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah as marketing and public relations coordinator. Bilwani, who holds a degree in marketing, brings with her two years of experience in digital marketing. In her capacity, she will mainly focus on promoting the property through digital marketing tools, branding and various creative public relations activities. Her capability to face challenges and her keen eye for detail are set to tremendously benefit the team and the resort in general.

Bilwani will now focus on promoting the resort

14 MARCH 2015

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...

Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Beirut

Mahamad who is fighting a life-threatening disease dreamed about visiting Dubai and JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai granted his wish

Emirates' team with the flags of the 14 participating nations of the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2015

14 MARCH 2015

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino held a jewellery fashion show

InterContinental Jordan has adopted an original culinary concept where five celebrity chefs provide 20 tested bespoke recipes

InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut took part in an authentic Scottish experience in honour of Scottish poet Robert Burns

NEWS & EVENTS ibtm arabia Promotes MICE

nternational hosted buyers from 36 countries representing key MICE business planners, gathered in Abu Dhabi for an exclusive closed door one-to-one meeting format at the revamped ibtm arabia. The event, that took place at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, provided a platform for the capital′s MICE sector to introduce new products and services, and present them to industry experts specialising in diverse fields such as international corporate groups and the expanding local wedding business, and promote packages to the local and GCC markets.

GTA Hosts Conference in Vietnam

total of 25 senior travel representatives visited Ho Chi Minh as global travel distributor GTA held its annual sourcing, sales and operations conference for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA) in the Vietnamese city. The conference explored GTA’s future strategy to help retail and wholesale, high street and online travel agents as well as tour operators benefit from the company′s extensive global distribution network.

EVENTS INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET JAPAN Kyoto, Japan March 16 – 18 www.iltm.com/japan A specialist invitation-only event, where Japan’s travel agents and advisors meet the world’s most spectacular travel experiences.

MITT TRAVEL & TOURISM EXHIBITION Moscow, Russia March 18 – 21 www.mitt.ru One of Russia’s largest and longest-running travel exhibitions with over 2,056 participants and more than 200 destinations.

INTERNATIONAL SKI TRAVEL MARKET Davos, Switzerland March 23 – 24 www.istm.co.uk An event bringing together resorts, tourism boards and ski travel suppliers.

AZERBAIJAN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR Baku, Azerbaijan April 02 – 04 www.aitf.az A main event in Azerbaijan’s fast-growing tourism market, attracting a large number of international participants and trade visitors.

14 MARCH 2015