16 MAY 2015
ISSUE 288
EGYPTIAN TOURISM SETS CAMP IN ABU DHABI RAS AL KHAIMAH IS TO WELCOME ANOTHER GLOBAL BRAND AS MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL PLANS TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST PROPERTY IN THE EMIRATE IN 2019.
04 RAS AL KHAIMAH TO WELCOME QATAR AIRWAYS
20 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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GENERAL
04
ACCOMMODATION
08
AIR
20
RENDEZVOUS
25
INTERNATIONAL
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AGENT CORNER
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TRAVEL TALK
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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WHO’S MOVED
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
32
MARRIOTT TO DEBUT IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
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MARKET UPDATE
Rezidor: 10 New Hotels, Two New Countries The Rezidor Hotel Group continued its fast-paced expansion in the first quarter of the year with 10 new hotel signings that span some 2,300 rooms and two new countries, Armenia and Togo.
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MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Valentine Stavrou PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS
Radisson Blu Resort Jizan
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uring the three-month period, three properties with 330 units were launched, bringing the company’s total portfolio to 337 hotels with almost 76,000 rooms in operation and 97 properties with 20,500 keys under development in 75 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Two hotels opened in Saudi Arabia and one in the UAE, and four other projects were signed in the Kingdom, reinforcing the two countries’ standing as the company’s core growth markets, as Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, noted.
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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 As of
15/5/2015
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
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
98.05
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.62
Iran (IRR)
Rial
28,498.00
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,167.93
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,510.98
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.37
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.62
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.93
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.91
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
16 MAY 2015
MARKET UPDATE
RJ Reduces Losses in First Quarter The net loss of Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) went down by 64 percent in the first quarter of the year, compared to the corresponding period in 2014.
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he figure reached JOD8.3 million (USD11.7 million), against the JOD23 million (USD32.4 million) incurred by the company in 2014. Suleiman Al Hafez, chairman, board of directors, RJ, attributed the significant drop in losses to lower oil prices and effective airline operations that are part of a strategy that aims to increase revenues and cut costs wherever possible, without affecting the level of safety or the services offered to passengers.
ADNEC: Record Q1 Results Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) posted its bestever first quarter (Q1) performance figures.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
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he results are largely attributed to the hosting of 14 exhibitions and five conferences that attracted more than 270,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre. For the three-month period, the company registered a 400 percent rise in conferences, generating some AED842 million (USD229 million) for Abu Dhabi’s economy and bringing the company closer to its aims to, as Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, managing director, ADNEC, said, achieve the performance goals and position Abu Dhabi as the capital of business tourism in the Middle East. 16 MAY 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS
Egyptian Tourism Authority Sets Camp in Abu Dhabi
Sharjah to Attract 10 Million by 2021
Khaled Ramy, tourism minister, Egypt, announced the launch of Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA)’s new GCC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, in line with the new Masr Qariba campaign which targets Arab audiences.
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Sphinx, Egypt
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he new outpost will become operational in July to oversee activities in the Arabian Gulf, Lebanon and Jordan. Masr Qariba builds on 2014’s Wahastouna campaign, which led to significant year-onyear increases in the number of tourists visiting Egypt from the UAE (74.2 percent), Saudi Arabia (68.6 percent) and Kuwait (48 percent). Ramy said, “We will continue to focus our efforts on Arab markets in the coming period, which are a key component of our strategic vision to increase the number of tourists to 20 million in 2020.”
harjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which focusses on bringing in more than 10 million tourists by 2021, when the UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary. The main goal of the vision is to build a platform to unite all the efforts, initiatives and tourism programmes under one umbrella. H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Noman, chairman, SCTDA, commented, “We believe that developing tourism capacity and launching strategic projects are essential to ensure sustained growth and excellence. We are, therefore, focussed on maintaining the uniqueness of our tourism sector and expand the market share of tourism in the economy.”
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Dubai: 13.2 Million Visitors in 2014
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ome 13.2 million international travellers visited Dubai in 2014, up 8.2 percent year-on-year. According to H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, the figure demonstrates Dubai’s broadening appeal as a tourism destination among multiple geographies and audiences, highlighting both the success achieved to date and the opportunity for continual growth. As he further highlighted, the results, that are especially promising in the light of the 80-day partial closure of Dubai International, have been supported by the new visa policies for 13 European Union member states and Dubai International’s transformation into an international hub.
16 MAY 2015
USD22 Million Al Noor Island Launched in Sharjah
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harjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) unveiled its latest project, the AED80 million (USD21.8 million) Al Noor Island in Khalid Lagoon, due to launch in the fourth quarter of the year. Spanning 45,470m2, the destination will boast a range of entertainment and leisure options including a butterfly house, literature pavilion and a pontoon, bringing the emirate closer to its goal to attract 10 million travellers by 2021. According to H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Noman, chairman, Shurooq, Sharjah presents an excellent model of using cultural heritage to advance the modern tourism development.
Al Noor Island
The Wave, Muscat and Muriya Launch Water Taxi Service
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he Wave, Muscat and Muriya Tourism Development have jointly introduced a water taxi service between Almouj Marina and the Jebel Sifah Marina, stopping at the Marina Bandar Rowdha. A one-way trip lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes. “We look forward to being joined by other developers so we can provide more stops and frequency for what is definitely a fun, scenic and convenient ride to our Jebel Sifah destination,” said Ahmed Dabbous, CEO, Muriya Tourism Development.
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WEEKLY NEWS Gourmet Bus Announced in Dubai
DWC to Accommodate 26 Million Passengers
Gourmet Bus
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ubai will soon welcome Gourmet Bus, a first of its kind tourist service that offers visitors to the city the chance to tour its attractions while indulging in five-star international cuisine aboard a moving vehicle. The concept will be launched by Alpha Destination Management. According to Samir Hamadeh, general manager, Alpha Destination Management, Dubai will be the first city in the world to have this kind of unique service for tourists. The tour will include sightseeing of Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Zabeel Palace, Sheikh Zayed Road and Burj Al Arab.
apacity at Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) will rise from six million to 26 million by early 2017, with construction on the airport’s passenger terminal due to begin later this year. The development is a precursor to the USD32 billion expansion project poised to create the world’s biggest airport with a capacity in excess of 200 million travellers per annum. The announcement comes as Dubai International nears its capacity limit and continues to record significant rises in traffic. In March, over 6.7 million passengers passed through the hub’s terminals, marking a 7.2 percent surge and bringing quarterly figures to 19.6 million travellers.
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Carlson Rezidor: Four New Gulf Hotels Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Saudi-based Al Hokair Group further strengthened their strategic partnership by announcing one new hotel in Dubai and three in Saudi Arabia.
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I ost Park has m n n ee isso Rad cently b as a d re e e nch r th relau offer fo le of nt nte vibra ing clie and Y? w X gro ation r gene
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he 102-room Park Inn by Radisson Al Barsha First, which will be offering easy access to attractions such as Mall of the Emirates, is scheduled to open in 2017. Moreover, Park Inn by Radisson Jubail Corniche will launch in early 2016; the 156-unit Park Inn by Radisson Jubail Industrial City will debut early 2018; and Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Khobar Al Rakkah will be also unveiled in 2018.
Middle East Expansion for Mövenpick
Dubai to Welcome Second Hotel Indigo Property
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n light of soaring visitor numbers to the Middle East, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts plans to open more than 10 hotels by 2020 across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar. “Our timing could not be better as the Middle East looks set to embark on an unprecedented growth phase, fuelled by a combination of renewed consumer confidence and increased regional public and private infrastructure investment, in addition to upcoming mega events such as the World Expo 2020 in Dubai and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” enthused Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer, Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
ubai is to become home to the 170-key Hotel Indigo Dubai The Sustainable City in the first half of 2017. The property is envisioned to run entirely on solar power while waste water and other materials will be recycled. “Hotel Indigo Dubai The Sustainable City will set us apart. It will be a truly unique hotel, perfect for guests looking for boutique style and design with the story of its exciting new location woven into the very fabric of the property,” commented Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG.
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION HMH Sees Growth in Midmarket Halal Tourism
years. According to Laurent Voivenel, CEO, HMH, the most significant development in halal tourism is being witnessed in the midmarket segment, and the company is keen on capitalising on this trend. “This will include having a hotel in every GCC country while doubling our portfolio in the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” he revealed, adding that interest is also strong in Asian markets, such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
HMH’s The Ajman Palace Hotel
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ospitality Management Holdings (HMH) plans to further expand its halal-friendly and midmarket and budget segments by 30 percent over the next five
DAMAC’s NAIA Breeze Opens for Business
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he first NAIA Hotels and Hotel Apartments project was officially unveiled in the heart of Dubai’s Burj Area. Overlooking the canal to one side and Burj Khalifa to the other, the 342-key NAIA Breeze offers five-star service standards. In the coming years, two further hotels will be completed under DAMAC Hotels & Resorts’ NAIA brand, namely the 10-storey NAIA Tanora at the site of Expo 2020 with 270 units and NAIA Celestia in the centre of Dubai World Central, with luxury hotel apartment studios and one and two-bedroom apartments.
Cristal Group to Debut in Dubai
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ristal Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aber Group for Boutique 7 Hotel that will be rebranded to the four-star Cristal Media Hotel. Centrally located in TECOM area, the hotel will feature 79 rooms and suites, a range of on-site food and beverage outlets as well as leisure and recreational facilities. “Cristal Media Hotel is truly a world-class property [...]. One of its unique selling propositions is the luxurious duplex three-bedroom suites that only one other hotel offers in Dubai,” said Kamal Fakhoury, chief operations officer, Cristal Group.
Emaar Reveals Global Expansion Plans
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maar Hospitality Group announced its aggressive international expansion strategy focussed on branching out to Bahrain and Nigeria. In Bahrain, the brand will be represented by The Address Marassi Al Bahrain and The Address Residences Marassi Al Bahrain. The Kingdom will also welcome Vida Hotels and Resorts, marking the brand’s first exposure outside the UAE. The group’s flagship hotel brand will be introduced to Nigeria with the opening of The Address Centenary City Abuja and The Address Residences Centenary City Abuja. both forming part of Centenary City, Abuja, a project developed by UAE-based company, Eagle Hills.
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16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Swissôtel Expands in Turkey
Shaza Hotels to Open in Bahrain
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Shaza Seef Bahrain
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wissôtel Hotels & Resorts penned a deal to manage Swissôtel KozaPark Istanbul in the city’s fast-growing Esenyurt district. Slated for a 2019 opening, the 160-key hotel will be a part of the KozaPark residential, retail and entertainment destination, and will introduce the city’s first branded Swissôtel Residences with 450 luxury units. Lilian Rotan, vice president, Swissôtel brand, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, described Istanbul as a very important market for the company. “With the addition of a spectacular new hotel in the city and our planned opening in Bodrum later this summer, Turkey offers great potential for our hotel group,” said Rotan.
haza Hotels signed a management agreement with Hani Group to operate a 156-room hotel in Bahrain’s Seef district, set to launch in 2017. Shaza Seef Bahrain will be centrally located in a fast-developing shopping and business area, close to the city’s largest malls and the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The hotel, which will also offer a variety of world-class restaurants, a spacious ballroom and extensive meeting facilities, is in the design phase and construction is expected to begin in the next few months.
Al Rayyan Hospitality Gears for More Ventures
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l Rayyan Hospitality, the development company behind Qatar’s Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels and Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, is preparing to launch two more projects this year. The ambitious waterfront destination, Salwa Beach Resort features a 362-room Hilton hotel, two beachfront villages, a massive destination water park, marina with yacht club, dive centre, cinemas, shopping mall, health club and spa, 14 restaurants and much more. Al Rayyan Hospitality is also developing Al Messila Resort & VIP Spa with an ultra-luxurious 122-key hotel, 30 luxury villas and one of the largest ladies’ spas and wellness centres in the region.
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otana is soon to launch its first two properties in Turkey with both Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana due to welcome their first guests on June 1. The two hotels will share vital facilities including the lobby, lounge cafe, business centre, restaurant, fitness and wellness club, indoor and outdoor pools as well as a number of meeting and conference rooms. “A breakthrough into Turkey is a significant achievement for Rotana as it is a crucial territory to penetrate for us to solidify our standing as the leading hotel management company in the region,” said Omer Kaddouri, CEO, Rotana.
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Burgu Arjaan by Rotana (left) and Tango Arjaan by Rotana
Rotana to Debut in Turkey in June
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Four Seasons to Add Second Dubai Hotel
DAMAC Launches Nova Hotel Villas Concept
Nova Hotel Villas
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ust months after the opening of the company’s first property in Dubai, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is preparing for the launch of its second project in the emirate. Due to be unveiled in 2016, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai at DIFC will boast 106 rooms, several food and beverage outlets, a spa and fitness centre and four meeting rooms. As Shabab Lutfi, CEO, Bright Start, the owner of the property, disclosed, the strategic location within Dubai International Financial Centre was carefully selected to cater to high-end business travellers.
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AMAC Properties introduced its first hotel villa model, Nova Hotel Villas, within the AKOYA Oxygen community in Dubai. The development is set in a private enclave within green surroundings of 510ha, offering three- to six-bedroom units with spacious open plan living. “The process of making the villas personal starts before owners move in, by instructing our team of experienced interior designers and decorators on your personal taste, resulting in a fully furnished home which is truly aligned to your personal tastes,” commented Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, DAMAC Properties.
DWC Signs Three New Hotels
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ubai World Central (DWC) signed deals with three international hospitality brands, Aloft, Studio M and Millennium, to be developed on its grounds between 2018 and 2019. Aloft Dubai World Central will feature 150 rooms and expansive meeting spaces; the three-star budget Studio M Dubai World Central will offer a chic, minimalist design across its 750 units; and the 400-key Millennium Dubai World Central will cater to the upper midscale and upscale corporate traveller.
Art- and Culture-themed Resort to Open in Sharjah
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harjah’s hotel scene is to welcome the emirate’s first art- and culture-themed five-star deluxe property, the 234-key Majlis Grand Mercure Sharjah Resort & Spa. A joint project of Basma Group and Accor, the resort will be operated under the hotel company’s Majlis Grand Mercure brand, specifically designed for the Middle East. Spanning an area of 12,000m2, the property will have all sea-facing units, each with a private balcony. Other facilities will include two restaurants, Hammam spa with six treatment rooms, a pool, fitness centre and state-of-the-art meeting and function spaces.
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16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
MARRIOTT TO DEBUT IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
New Treatments Unveiled at Lily & Peach Spa
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is to welcome another global brand as Marriott International plans to launch its first property in the emirate in 2019.
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ocated in the northern part of the destination, the five-star Ras Al Khaimah Marriott Resort will feature 300 keys, extensive meeting, health and leisure facilities and six food and beverage outlets. It will be the first of two projects to be built within the RAK Free Trade Zone, bringing the emirate closer to its goal to add 1,000 rooms by 2017.
Rixos The Walk to Open in 2016
Fairmont Ajman Unveiled
Rixos The Walk
Fairmont Ajman
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ixos Hotels is to further expand its UAE portfolio with Rixos The Walk scheduled to welcome its first guests in the second quarter of 2016. Housed within the Crystal Towers along Dubai’s shoreline, the new urban retreat will offer a range of first of its kind experiences. Bugra Berberoglu, CEO, Rixos Hotels, enthused, “What we are creating here is something different. The market for luxury hospitality is substantially over saturated in Dubai, so we will offer something that goes beyond the traditional luxury five-star experiences and open a destination within a destination that everybody will be talking about.”
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he recently launched Lily & Peach Spa, with its two branches in Deira Dubai, introduced a series of treatments for face and body using Pevonia, an international cosmetics brand made of the purest natural ingredients. The new therapies range from express facials to deeper, longer and relaxing procedures that use Vitamin C and dried seaweed. Pevonia’s green skincare products and treatments blend the finest natural botanical and marine ingredients with advanced technology and delivery systems for bespoke results.
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airmont Hotels & Resorts’ latest project in the UAE, Fairmont Ajman has opened its doors. The 14-floor hotel boasts 252 rooms and two-storey penthouses along with a wide range of facilities and amenities, such as a spa and fitness centre, children’s club, infinity pool, seven meeting spaces with a ballroom and an innovative dining portfolio. “Ajman has its own charm with a strong maritime, trade and fishing heritage and is perfect for travellers who want cultural tourism, as well as a relaxed and an unhurried experience,” commented on the location Henny Schaeffer, general manager, Fairmont Ajman.
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait
Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait Upgrades Facilities
FRHI Signs Two Hotels in Egypt
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ymphony Style Hotel Kuwait announced a series of upgrades aimed at further accommodating the needs of its guests. A total of 18 new meeting rooms are now available and travellers can also opt for a longer stay in one of the three luxury apartments, whereas children are catered to at the newly-created 500m2 kids′ club. Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait’s meeting area includes an additional 1,584m2 of sea-facing space spread across six floors, with three meeting rooms on each floor and a common breakout area. Moreover, the 17th floor accommodates three brand-new spacious apartments that can be converted into one- or two-bedroom flats.
RHI Hotels & Resorts announced two new projects in Egypt, with both scheduled to open before 2020. Fairmont Soma Bay, part of a 10 million square metre integrated mixed-use master development, will feature 300 rooms and suites including Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel within a hotel concept, and 150 Fairmont-branded Residences for sale. Swissôtel Katameyah will comprise 250 rooms and suites and 50 luxury residential apartments under the Swissôtel Living concept. The hotel will also boast 38 Swiss Executive Club rooms and 1,700m2 of meeting space.
Jumeirah Group Debuts in Bodrum
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Jumeirah Bodrum Palace
verlooking the Aegean Sea, Jumeirah Bodrum Palace is now open for business, offering 135 sea-view rooms including suites, villas with private pools and a six-bedroom palace. The 110,000m2 resort also hosts a selection of bars and restaurants along with eight family pools, a spa, treatment rooms, Hammams, fitness centre and children’s playground. “Jumeirah Bodrum Palace is a truly spectacular luxury resort. We have worked closely with the owner to ensure that the full Jumeirah experience is delivered through the hotel and I am delighted to say that the improvements to the hotel have exceeded our expectations,” commented Gerald Lawless, CEO, Jumeirah Group.
Gloria Hotel to Undergo Renovations
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he all-suite Gloria Hotel, Dubai revealed that the 1,000-key property will renovate its one- and two-bedroom units this summer as part of a massive AED16 million (USD4.3 million) project. A total of 150 suites covering five floors will receive an interior makeover and the end result will see modern fixtures and fittings, as well as custom-made soft furnishings. “Gloria Hotel attracts a variety of guests from around the world so we need to make sure that their experience with us is always unique and longlasting,” said Freddy Farid, area general manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts.
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16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Ras Al Khaimah to Welcome Qatar Airways Qatar Airways is expanding its UAE services with the launch of direct daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah, commencing October 1.
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oday, Qatar Airways enjoys a robust operation in the UAE with 98 flights a week to Dubai [International], 28 flights a week to Dubai World Central, 42 flights a week to Abu Dhabi and 21 flights a week to Sharjah. Now with the addition of seven weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah, Qatar Airways will have a total of 196 weekly flights from Doha to the UAE,” said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
Akbar Al Baker (second from left) with H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Etihad Goes to Entebbe
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tihad Airways has further strengthened its presence in East Africa with the launch of new services between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe, in central Uganda. Operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 business and 120 economy class seats, the new itinerary provides business and leisure travellers with a direct four-times-per-week service between the two cities. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, said, “Uganda is one of the continent’s fastest-growing business and tourism destinations, and the launch of services to Uganda is consistent with our strategy of targeting areas of strong growth in emerging markets.”
Three New US Routes for Qatar Airways
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atar Airways announced the next phase of its US expansion with the introduction of three new daily passenger routes to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta. On January 1, 2016, the carrier will commence flights to Los Angeles with its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft, while on March 16, 2016, it will launch services to Boston onboard an Airbus A350 XWB. Lastly, July 1, 2016 will see the inauguration of operations to Atlanta. Moreover, increasing passenger demand to New York has prompted Qatar Airways to add a second daily service to the city from March 1, 2016.
JW Marriott Bodrum
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16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Qatar Airways Delights Audiences
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atar Airways showcased its latest first and business class offerings at the recently-held Arabian Travel Market (ATM), welcoming visitors to its stand to explore a replica of the Airbus A350 XWB entrance dome; experience the Airbus A380 seats; and discover the exclusive onboard offerings of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, A350 XWB, and the A380. “As one of the most important travel trade shows in the Middle East, ATM is the perfect platform for Qatar Airways to communicate its worldwide expansion plans and to connect with travel industry suppliers, partners and key officials,” said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
Turkish Airlines Launches New Routes to Kuwait
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urkish flag carrier, Turkish Airlines is to open up new links to Kuwait with flights from Trabzon, Bursa and İzmir. The return services from Trabzon will be inaugurated on July 16 and will run three times a week. On July 17, Turkish Airlines will launch the Bursa itinerary which will be offered twice-weekly. Lastly, operations from İzmir to Kuwait are planned to start on July 22, flying out every Wednesday.
Trabzon
Emirates to Deploy A380 on Perth Route
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mirates has further expanded the network of destinations served by its Airbus A380 aircraft with the launch of A380 services to Perth. The Western Australian city is the fourth location in the country to welcome a regular Emirates A380 flight, a fact that, according to Barry Brown, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, East, Emirates, is a testament to the strong global demand for travel into Australia. The double-decker aircraft will transport up to 982 passengers in a three-class configuration daily and together with partner airline Qantas, a total of seven daily A380 services will operate from Australia to the UAE.
Etihad Dreamliner to Fly to Singapore
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Singapore
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tihad Airways plans to deploy a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, further widening travel options between the destinations. The new B787 operation, which will commence on August 1, will follow a major upgrade on June 1, which includes the introduction of first class seats and a change in schedule timings with evening departures. According to James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, onboard the Dreamliner, passengers will experience levels of comfort and attention to detail not enjoyed previously by today’s air traveller or offered by any of the company’s competitors on the route.
16 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Air Arabia Jordan to Launch Soon
flynas Connects Riyadh and Cairo kno u o y d i D
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ates oper yptian s a flyn six Eg iro, ts to s: Ca g i fl h tination Sohag, s a i , l de mE andr Alex or, Shar d n Lux eikh a Sh an? Asw Cairo
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ir Arabia Jordan will commence operations from its Queen Alia International Airport base in Amman this month, beginning with direct flights to four countries in the region. Starting May 18, the low-cost carrier’s inaugural service will take off to Kuwait City as the first destination, followed by the launch of regular scheduled operations to Jeddah, Erbil and Sharm El Sheikh on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively, with more destinations to be added later in the year. Air Arabia Jordan′s fleet consists of new Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with a spacious economy seat pitch.
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lynas has further expanded its presence in Egypt by commencing daily nonstop services between Riyadh and Cairo. According to Bandar Al Mohanna, CEO, NAS Holding, the new route is a true affirmation of the Saudi carrier’s vision to strengthen its network in Egypt and the wider region. “Given the huge demand, the daily flights will add capacity to a busy sector servicing the capitals of these two key MENA economies,” added Al Mohanna.
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tihad Airways has taken delivery of its second Airbus A380 which will first fly between Abu Dhabi and London’s Heathrow Airport. As Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, noted, the introduction of the second aircraft of its kind on the route will give passengers more opportunities to experience the airline’s new cabins, including The Residence by Etihad and First Apartments. “By August, all three daily flights on this flagship route will be operated by the A380, offering our guests unparalleled luxury and superior in-flight technology,” revealed Baumgartner.
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Etihad Airways A380
Etihad to Operate Second A380 to Heathrow
16 MAY 2015
RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Wael Soueid
AREA GENERAL MANAGER, ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS
mand for incentives at Qasr Al Sarab which follows on the heels of a push of a new product designed to reward top 10 achievers with a three-night stay. We have also seen renewed interest in the Desert Islands Conference Centre facilities teamed with team building activities taking full advantage of the extensive leisure pursuits on offer. Generally speaking, we have also noticed an increase in young affluent travellers, as well as a renewed interest in eco-travel [...]. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is cultural tourism to your Abu Dhabi-based hotels and resorts′ business? WAEL SOUEID: It is incredibly important to us, as our resorts are indigenous to the UAE and so embrace and celebrate the local culture and heritage of the country. To support Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA)’s initiative to promote Abu Dhabi’s history and cul-
ture, we have a variety of activities that help our guests leave with remarkable memories to last a lifetime. Located on an island that has so much of its own history and culture, our Sir Bani Yas Island properties, Desert Islands, Al Yamm Villas and Al Sahel Villas, offer guests a chance to visit a pre-Islamic monastery, as well as a culture and history tour hosted by Emirati nationals. Additionally, guests at our Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Liwa desert can enjoy the majestic Arabic architecture, as well as horse riding in the dunes, falconry and a saluki show – all designed to embrace the heritage and culture of the UAE. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa on the other hand, is a natural habitat, closely linked to the heritage of the UAE as it has been carefully designed to protect and enhance the unique Mangroves setting around the city. For [this year] we have also developed larger scale annual events to showcase the Anantara brand and the scope of Abu Dhabi as a leisure destination […].
WAEL SOUEID, AREA GENERAL MANAGER, ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS, INTRODUCES THE COMPANY’S FIVE PROPERTIES IN ABU DHABI AND COMMENTS ON THE CURRENT HOSPITALITY TRENDS. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has performance been at your Abu Dhabi properties and what are your expectations for the rest of the year? WAEL SOUEID: The performance of our properties has so far exceeded our expectations with strong occupancy levels across all five properties, which we expect to continue into the [rest] of the year. Of course, we have been considerate of travel trends due to political instability in some of the UAE’s core markets such as Russia, and have adapted our sales strategies and expectations 16 MAY 2015
in line with this, however our growth across all properties overall has been strong as travel within the UAE and travel originating from neighbouring countries continues to grow at a steady pace. With properties in the city, by the beach and in the desert, Anantara has a diverse offering in Abu Dhabi and so the target audiences are also diverse. As well as a steady mix of leisure travellers from the UK and Germany for all five hotels, there has been significant MICE travel to our city property Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. [Moreover] there is increased de-
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
New arrival in the Caribbean by Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard by Marriott Curaçao
Already present in Curacao’s capital city Willemstad with Curaçao Marriott Resort & Emerald Casino and Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino, Marriott International will be expanding in the Caribbean island country with the first Courtyard by Marriott scheduled to open in 2017.
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he 177-room property will be located near the ship terminal and the guest experience will be enhanced with the available retail space, entertainment area, restaurants and a casino. Klaus Moser, one of the shareholders of Courtyard by Marriott Curaçao, expressed his confidence in the success of the brand.
Combination Stays for Tanzania and Seychelles
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our Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles are now offering the opportunity to enjoy the very best of the bush and the beach with its new Safari Unplugged package, made available after the launch of a direct Air Seychelles flight between Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and Mahé in Seychelles. The new package allows guests to book any combination of back-to-back stays with both properties to benefit from a monetary credit which may be redeemed at either Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts property.
kn Did you
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fari s Sa is n o s Sea geti Four e Seren thin g i d Lo ated w tional loc eti Na sited vi ng Sere which is urists o t Park 0, 000 r? by 9 ach yea e
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Starwood Launches Tribute Portfolio
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide introduced its 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels under the name Tribute Portfolio. With plans to expand to up to 100 properties within the next five years, Tribute Portfolio debuted with Royal Palm South Beach Miami. Initially, the brand’s growth will be focused on North America and Europe and new openings are planned for Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, Savannah, Georgia and Charleston. “We believe Tribute Portfolio will be an exciting solution for hotel owners of distinct properties who wish to maintain their independent spirit,” said Adam Aron, CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
16 MAY 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Hussain Firunaas Shareef
POSITION:
Sales and marketing manager
COMPANY:
100 Percent Maldives
LOCATION:
Maldives
WEBSITE:
www.100percentmaldives.com
Who are you? I am Hussain Firunaas Shareef, born and raised in the Maldives. I am the sales and marketing manager of 100 Percent Maldives [‌]. We are a member of Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators [and] are able to compete with major travel agents in the country and get relatively cheap rates. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? I am able to provide vacationers all around the world with a tropical holiday in the Maldives. The best thing about this is the remarks we get from the said vacationers. When is the best time to visit the Maldives? The Maldives is a tropical country located near the Equator. It is a place you can visit throughout the year and enjoy what it has to offer at its best. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I am honest in giving my opinions and have a piqued interest in travelling, so I would be very much suitable for customers who wish to get the best holiday destination, despite a high price. Also, if the customers are on a budget I would give them the cheapest rates available with ongoing special offers and discounts. 16 MAY 2015
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TRAVEL TALK
Raising awareness through our hotels is a great initiative
TIM CORDON General manager, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
“Recognising how precious our water resources are has never been more important, especially in our highly water-stressed part of the world. Raising awareness through our hotels [with the Walk for Water programme on Earth Day] is a great initiative and cements our brand as being one of the world’s most ethical companies.”
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is looking forward to providing new and innovative options
HASSAN HASSANEIN General manager, Mövenpick Kuwait Hotel
“We are delighted to organise cooking classes and to launch our Power Bites menu with so many children present, featuring nutritious meals that are presented in a fun, engaging way. And we are pleased that our dishes appeal to all the parents as well. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is looking forward to providing new and innovative options for all families.”
Alper [Can Bulcum] is an asset to our brand
DANIEL RUFF President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean (EMEAI), Wyndham Hotel Group
“Alper [Can Bulcum, general manager, Ramada Sharjah, winner of the General Manager of the Year EMEAI award] is a great leader because of his ability to provide strategic direction, drive revenue and create meaningful relationships with guests and the local community. Alper is an asset to our brand and I offer my sincere congratulations to him. I look forward to seeing his enthusiasm for hospitality fuel the hotel’s success moving forward.”
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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16 MAY 2015
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Charity Markets at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Raise USD19,000 The flea market held at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort proved to be a success raising an additional AED22,000 (USD6,000) for the hotel’s charity fund.
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hen combined with the money collected during 2014’s flea markets, the total sum for this project reached AED70,000 (USD19,000). The event showcased 90 private exhibitors selling pre-loved items from their homes and welcomed hundreds of visitors looking for the best bargains. The hotel’s current fundraising efforts are supporting a children’s home, called Kalamusu Kedella in Sri Lanka.
Kalamusu Kedella Children’s Home
Accor to Plant 100,000 Trees in the UAE
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ccor HotelServices Middle East aims to plant 100,000 trees in the UAE over the next decade, as the company announced at an eco-event held at Sofitel The Palm Dubai, in addition to sharing its regional 2014 environmental performance results. Highlights of these include a newly installed system for monitoring and analysing utilities in all hotels; the Plant for the Planet towel and linen reuse initiative; new water regulators in rooms and public areas; and LED lights and heat pumps across its properties.
Park Inn Muscat HACCP Certificated
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ark Inn by Radisson Muscat announced the renewal of its HACCP certification, first accredited to the property in 2013. The hotel has secured the coveted Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point document for its efforts in providing safe and wholesome food to customers. “We would like to be known for our own food safety standards and culinary world – to be known for healthy cuisine and good service at the same time remain to high standards of safety and hygiene while act in accordance with the local laws,” commented Ajay Dhoundiyal, executive chef, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat.
The hotel’s team following the certification
16 MAY 2015
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WHO’S MOVED
JANET ABRAHAMS
Janet Abrahams has joined the soon-to-open Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl as area director of sales and marketing. Abrahams’ career in the international luxury hospitality sector spans 20 years and includes roles in the UAE, the Levant, Europe and Asia. She started in London and soon took on international roles with responsibilities for multiple properties and brands before accepting country and regional director positions, successfully building a career with renowned flagship properties, opening new hotels, and rebranding and developing destinations for discerning luxury travellers from all over the world.
DINO GELMETTI
SAMIH BARBIR
Dino Gelmetti has been named vice president of airline solutions in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Sabre. In his role, Gelmetti will lead the company’s business in EMEA with the main goal to further grow revenue and customer base and maintain successful and trusted partnerships with existing airline customers. The industry veteran brings almost 20 years’ experience to Sabre, having previously worked as global sales director for technology services provider, Xchanging. Prior to that, he held senior positions at IT solutions provider EMC Corporation and IT software and services organisation Unisys.
Samih Barbir has been appointed chairman of Abdali Investment & Development. Barbir brings a wealth of experience to the company, having previously served in managerial positions in the marketing, finance and real estate sectors throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Prior to joining the group, Barbir acted as managing director at Quilvest Private Equity in Europe and the Middle East. He was also the general manager of Saraya Sochi in Russia and served as chairman and CEO of the Investment Development Authority in Lebanon. Barbir is replacing Joseph Helou, who held the position since 2011. Abdali is hailed as the largest mixed-use project in Amman, Jordan spanning over 384,000m2.
Barbir has experience in marketing, finance and real estate
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16 MAY 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...
Khamis Kazzaz, general manager, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah (middle), accepts the Sharjah’s Leading Hotel accolade at the World Travel Awards
Bahrain Junior Open 2015 at Royal Golf Club, Bahrain
Legoland unveiled the layout of the upcoming Dubai theme park using 150,000 Lego bricks at the Arabian Travel Market
16 MAY 2015
Annual staff party at Al Bustan Centre & Residence, Dubai
Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel′s team shines at the inter-hotel cooking competition at HORECA
Frasers Hospitality won four awards at the recent World Travel Awards
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NEWS & EVENTS WTM Success in Latin America
EVENTS IMEX
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atin America is now firmly established as a leading region for World Travel Market (WTM) as this year’s event attracted 21 percent more visitors and press, while a large volume of deals were also signed. The three-day show hosted 1,300 exhibitors at Expo Centre Norte, São Paulo, a much larger and central venue compared to previous years. Visitors and vendors alike expressed their satisfaction and highlighted WTM’s importance. “We fulfilled our mission to transform the event into a catalyst for business and we will continue maintaining this line in order to grow,” said Lawrence Reinisch, director, WTM Latin America.
Frankfurt, Germany May 19 – 21 www.imex-frankfurt.com A one-stop-shop for planners looking to book and organise worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel programmes.
Event Expert Urges Exhibitors to Focus on Pre-event Preparations
CHINA GUILIN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO (CGITE)
A
head of the China Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo that will take place in September, Edward Liu, group managing director, Conference and Exhibitions Management Services, Singapore, shared his insight on how exhibitors can excel at this kind of events. He suggested that concrete background research on forthcoming events helps participators prepare adequately while he sees careful budgeting as being extremely important too. Vendors should create a well-planned promotional mix based on their four Ps; product, price, place and promotion, while attendees were also encouraged to smartly design their booth.
Guilin, China May 29 – 31 www.cgite.com.cn Part of Conference & Exhibition Management Services’ travel and tourism portfolio, CGITE brings together Chinese and international buyers and exhibitors in one dynamic marketplace.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO HONG KONG Wanchai, Hong Kong June 11 – 14 www.itehk.com Amongst others, the event also highlights trendy travel themes such as overseas weddings and honeymoons, as well as sports tourism.
KOREA WORLD TRAVEL FAIR Seoul, South Korea June 11 – 15 www.kotfa.co.kr With a 30-year history, the event sees the participation of 60 countries which promote their tourism resources and cultures. Edward Liu
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16 MAY 2015