23 MAY 2015
ISSUE 289
UNION MUSEUM PROJECT GETS GREEN LIGHT AJMAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND SHARJAH INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SIGNED A DEAL UNDER WHICH CITY SIGHTSEEING SHARJAH WILL EXPAND ITS SERVICES TO AJMAN.
06 THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO TO RETURN LATE SUMMER
14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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TECHNOLOGY
03
ACCOMMODATION
12
AIR
20
RENDEZVOUS
25
INTERNATIONAL
26
AGENT CORNER
27
TRAVEL TALK
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
29
WHO’S MOVED
30
PHOTO ALBUM
31
NEWS & EVENTS
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CITY SIGHTSEEING SHARJAH TO EXPAND INTO AJMAN
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MARKET UPDATE
RJ Outlines Restructuring Plans In line with its restructuring strategy, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) will increase its authorised shared capital by JOD200 million (USD282 million) to JOD246.4 million (USD348 million).
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli
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he decision was taken at the company’s general assembly meeting, where board members suggested reducing capital by JOD37.9 million (USD53.5 million) to offset the accumulated losses at year-end 2014. The capital increase will happen in three phrases between this year and 2019, to restructure the airline’s finances, operations and administration and, as Suleiman Al Hafez, chairman, RJ, said, to enable the company bolster its competitive edge and maintain its strategic role.
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
Al Hafez (second from right) headed the meeting
Jumeirah: Successful Start to the Year After a strong 2014, which saw the company growing revenues by 5.2 percent, Jumeirah Group recorded positive results for the first four months of the year.
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ccupancy levels across its properties reached 84.6 percent. As a result, average daily rate (ADR) soared to AED2,385 (USD650) and RevPAR stood at AED2,018 (USD550). The UK continues to be the largest single source market for Jumeirahbranded properties around the globe, accounting for 15.2 percent of total room nights sold. Russia came in second, while business from the Gulf region showed a 13.9 percent rise.
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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
22/5/2015
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
98.88
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.62
Iran (IRR)
Rial
28,649.35
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,170.77
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,515.10
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.37
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.72
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.83
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.94
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.85
23 MAY 2015
TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS CrescentRating Introduces Game-changing B2B Platform
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uslim Travel Warehouse, a global trade platform connecting the tourism industry to the world’s largest family travel sector, was launched by CrescentRating, providing travel agencies with comprehensive search and booking capabilities across a portfolio of Muslim-friendly tour packages, excursions and activities. It will include 16 destinations in Europe, Asia
and the US, with more to be added over the next months. “There was a real need within the industry to offer a solution that enables travel agents around the world to be able to provide Muslim travellers, especially the family travellers, with itineraries that fit their needs and requirements,” said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO, CrescentRating.
GTA Establishes Multilingual Team in Dubai
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lobal travel distributor GTA moved one of its most valued functions to Dubai, aiming to provide enhanced service to worldwide travel agents. An improved Global Assistance Team will support those who encounter problems during their trip outside usual office hours in all major languages. Andy Aitkenhead, senior vice president, global operations, GTA, said, “Businesses choose to work with us in part because they know that we have real people at the end of the telephone [...]. Establishing our Global Assistance Team in Dubai allows us to take advantage of the emirate’s close ties with many parts of the world.”
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23 MAY 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY SITA to Equip Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal
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bu Dhabi Airports announced a five-year partnership with SITA to provide the new Midfield Terminal with information technology infrastructure. SITA will offer integrated end-toend passenger and airport management solutions including its airport management system, passenger processing platform, automated boarding gates, flight information display systems and baggage management services. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “We will ensure that the very latest in every system is installed.”
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Illusions Online Moves to Microsoft Cloud Technology
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llusions Online, a Dubai-based travel technology firm, penned a strategic deal with Microsoft to transfer the company’s entire business operating platform on to Microsoft’s cloud technology, Azure. The move to Azure – an initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and client satisfaction - will incorporate the existing system on which Illusions Online operates and will help pave the way for the future growth of the company’s core business. Faisal Memon, CEO, Illusions Online, noted, “We have major expansion and acquisition plans on a global scale. The deal with Microsoft will certainly fuel these plans and support our future growth.”
UAE Passengers: Technology Key to Stress-free Travel
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assengers increasingly rely on new airport and inflight technology when travelling, according to a Honeywell survey conducted by YouGov. Around 94 percent of UAE passengers agree that airports and airlines have taken the right steps to improve punctuality over the past decade. Many, however, feel that there is still much to be done, with nearly half of travellers believing that areas of speed and flight efficiency should be the industry’s top investment priorities. The majority of passengers uses new technologies to check in and move through security. They also increasingly view in-flight Wi-Fi as an essential travel tool.
23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
GTA and Silk Air Promote Singapore In a bid to bring more traffic to Singapore, global travel distributor GTA has signed a year-long memorandum of understanding with SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, to collaborate on marketing initiatives.
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23 MAY 2015
aryl Lee, regional vice president, sales and marketing, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, GTA, stated, “With increasing competition from neighbouring destinations, visitors to Singapore fell 3.1 percent to 15.1 million in 2014 […]. We want to improve awareness among travel agents of all that Singapore has to offer travellers and particularly address misconceptions that it is expensive.”
BIA Hosts Dinner for Agents and Partners
Expedia Reveals Top Outbound Markets for UAE Residents
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ahrain Airport Company (BAC) recently hosted an appreciation dinner for travel agents and airline country managers from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Mohamed Khalil, chief commercial officer, BAC, stressed that 2014 was a significant year for Bahrain International Airport (BIA) as it marked a 10 percent surge in passenger numbers compared to 2013. “This was a tremendous achievement for BIA and by reflection BAC. Our aim is to further grow this number and we are confident that with your help, we will be successful in not only reaching our targets but surpassing them,” he added.
ne of the world’s largest online travel sites, Expedia highlighted the top 20 most popular outbound destinations from the UAE, based on bookings made on its sites. The list shows Cairo taking the lead over other international cities, followed by Amman and Beirut. “Expedia outbound passenger data [...] found that three MENA cities topped the poll. In terms of international destinations, London is ranked in fourth place […], ahead of New York in ninth place and Paris ranked at 15,” said Eman Barhoumeh, director of e-commerce, Expedia.
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WEEKLY NEWS Dollar Boosts Its Saudi Presence
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trengthening its footprint in Saudi Arabia, Dollar Rent A Car took part in the Riyadh Travel Fair Exhibition and Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition. Marwan Al Mulla, general manager, UAE and Oman, Dollar Rent A Car, explained, “Our presence in both Jeddah and Riyadh exhibitions was important because it strengthened our relationship with our key partners and it also opened new opportunities with prospective clients. The Saudi market is growing rapidly [...] so attending these exhibitions has never been more significant because we are directly dealing with the kingdom’s decision makers within the travel and tourism industry.”
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Union Museum Project Gets Green Light
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H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister, UAE, endorsed the implementation of the AED500 million (USD136 million) Union Museum project – a 25,000m2 museum located next to the Union House which narrates the history of the UAE from 1968 to 1974. It is to include restored historic buildings, a new pavilion, permanent and temporary halls, a theatre, educational and recreational areas, a rebuilt Ministry House, a new waterfront and a 123m-tall flag pole to substitute the old one that was built in 2001.
Union Museum rendering
RCI Lures Middle Eastern Cruise-goers
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uantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI’s) smart ship, will be passing through Dubai and Muscat en route to her new home in Tianjin, China, on May 29, 30 and 31. To promote the company’s cruise itineraries and vessels, Royal Caribbean Arabia participated at the Arabian Travel Market, highlighting the newly inaugurated Anthem of the Seas and its facilities including North Star, which provides guests with panoramic views from over 90m above sea level; RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, complete with bumper cars, a circus school, roller skating and more.
23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS St. Moritz Highlighted at the ATM
Croatia Lures Middle Eastern Travellers
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Zagreb
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einforcing the Alpine luxury hub St. Moritz as the ideal family holiday destination for GCC travellers, Tourism Organization Engadin St Moritz took part at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. The organisation hosted an exclusive networking event with members of CEO Clubs U.A.E on May 06. “St. Moritz enjoyed a 19 percent increase in the number of visitors from the GCC in 2014, and we are keen to invest in this region even further to attract more visitors to St. Moritz,” said Ariane Ehrat, CEO, Tourism Organization Engadin St. Moritz.
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roatian National Tourist Board (CNTB), Zagreb Tourist Board and flydubai used the Arabian Travel Market to highlight an increase in the number of routes to the Croatian capital, and its offerings for the Middle Eastern clientele. “Notwithstanding Croatia’s stunning natural beauty, our heritage and our cultural similarities, the real game-changer now is the increased number of direct flights to Zagreb, most notably those operated by flydubai and Qatar Airways. Many people may not realise that we are little more than five hours away from Dubai,” said Jelena Slavujevic, representative, CNTB.
23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
CITY SIGHTSEEING SHARJAH TO EXPAND INTO AJMAN Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) and Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) signed an agreement to enhance collaboration and joint promotion.
U H.E. Faisal bin Ahmed Al Nuaimi (left) and H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq
nder the terms of the deal, Shurooq’s City Sightseeing Sharjah will expand its services to Ajman which, as H.E. Faisal bin Ahmed Al Nuaimi, director general, ATDD, revealed, strives to achieve a 25 percent rise in tourist volumes. “This agreement serves the goals set in the ATDD’s updated strategic plan which was aligned with Ajman’s 2021 Vision, aiming to attract five million tourists to the emirate by 2021,” added Al Nuaimi.
HIA Welcomes 7.36 Million Travellers in Q1
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amad International Airport (HIA) served a record 7.36 million passengers during the first quarter (Q1) of the year, marking a 17 percent increase from the figures of Doha International Airport during the same period in 2014. Cargo totalled 249,769 tonnes, representing a nine percent year-on-year rise, while aircraft movements surged 14 percent to 49,208 movements. “HIA is fully prepared for the rise in aircraft movements and passenger traffic expected during the summer, owing to its sophisticated facilities and integrated services [...],” commented Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer, HIA.
Automated Boarding Pass System in Abu Dhabi
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bu Dhabi Airports paired up with air transport IT specialist, SITA to deploy a new traveller documents authentication system. By utilising the iValidate product, the solution will further enhance security, accelerate passenger processing and reduce waiting times by automatically verifying all types all boarding passes, be it mobile or home printed. Upon installation this June, Abu Dhabi International Airport will become the first hub in the Middle East to introduce the system.
Lausanne Aims for the Gulf Market
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ausanne Tourism Authority penned a deal with dnata to promote special summer getaway packages for families residing in the UAE and the Gulf region, starting after the holy month of Ramadan. “Through dnata, these packages include the provision of special offers to customers with an overall package for accommodation, dinning and sightseeing in Lausanne throughout a number of hotels during the summer season starting July until the end of September,” said Walter Looser, adviser, Lausanne Tourism Authority, pointing out that the UAE is ranked as the second Middle Eastern market.
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23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Crowne Plaza Amman Unveils Renovations Crowne Plaza Amman has undergone a major facelift with the Royal Tent being expanded even further to accommodate more guests, while its terrace has been enlarged in order to serve bigger buffet set-ups.
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oreover, the hotel’s pool has been renovated and has turned into a hydro-heated pool, whereas two Jacuzzis and a kids’ pool are now available to visitors and guests. In addition, the property has updated its menus and refreshed the surrounding landscape.
Crowne Plaza Amman pool
Meliá to Add Two GCC Hotels
Novotel and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Teams Tour China
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ovotel and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate’s delegation joined Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority on a five-day road in China, aimed at encouraging visitors from China and wider Asia to choose the UAE capital for their next trip. The tour, that included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, included face-to-face meetings with MICE and travel agents as well as key players in the local tourism sector.
Gulf Hotels Group Discloses Future Openings
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eliá Hotels International plans to open two new properties in the Gulf region within the next three years. Slated for a 2017 launch, ME Doha will comprise 235 rooms, business and convention facilities, three restaurants, an open-air cinema, a fitness centre and a spa. The second property was announced for the UAE. Meliá Downtown Residences Dubai, due to open in 2018, will offer 258 residential units, meeting rooms, business centre, to two restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre.
ME Doha rendering
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Aqeel Raees
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t this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Aqeel Raees, CEO, Gulf Hotels Group, revealed that the company signed deals for two four-star hotels in Seef and Manama, to be launched in September. He further confirmed that Gulf Hotels Group commenced work on the five-star Gulf Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, a waterfront property located 1.5km from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, to be completed by 2017. In addition, Gulf Residence Amwaj in conjunction with Lona Real Estate is nearing completion and the 173-unit, four-star hotel apartment property will open in the second half of the year.
23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Return Late Summer
Dusit Opens Saudi Sales Office
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
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fter establishing a joint venture hotel management company in Saudi Arabia with local partners Dyar Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International opened a regional sales office in Riyadh. With the Kingdom being the most significant source market for its properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo and the Maldives, the company aims to capitalise on this growing customer base while also providing support to the recently inaugurated entity. As Sameh Shawkat, regional director, sales and marketing, Middle East and Africa, Dusit International, explained, the opening comes at a time when the company focusses on its expansion in the Middle East and Africa.
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urrently undergoing a complete renovation, The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is set to reopen in late summer, heralding a new era of luxury in the Egyptian capital. Whilst retaining many of the original features, the 331-key property is poised to appeal to a new generation of guests with ultramodern facilities, including 50 suites, an Olympicsize pool with 17 private cabins, a spa, meeting and conference spaces with a 1,700m2 conference hall and an array of dining venues.
Dusit Inks Deals for Saudi and Qatari Hotels
Rendering of Dusit Thani Jeddah
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fter partnering with Dyar Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International confirmed the first two projects of the new joint venture hotel management company; Dusit Thani Jeddah and dusitD2 Salwa Doha, both slated for 2018 openings. The 211-key Dusit Thani Jeddah will have a Royal Suite, as well as a separate floor for female guests and male and female spas. The Shariah-compliant dusitD2 Salwa Doha, located in the heart of the Qatari capital, will boast two wedding halls, 10 meeting rooms and three dining outlets.
Riyadh to Get a New Mövenpick
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iyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District will welcome a new hotel by Mövenpick in 2017. The 353-key Mövenpick Hotel Financial District Riyadh will boast 264 rooms, 85 apartments and four bungalows, as well as four dining outlets, meeting rooms, a banquet hall, health club and gym. “King Abdullah Financial District is tipped to become Riyadh’s new business hub and our upscale hotel will be well placed to tap into the substantial corporate and meetings industry business,” said Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer, Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
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23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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est Western International (BWI) announced another addition to its rapidly expanding MENA portfolio: BEST WESTERN PREMIER Deira Hotel. “Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting cities and a destination with a heavy demand for both corporate and leisure clients. Entering Dubai with an established local operator strengthens our current foothold in the GCC region,” said Suzi Yoder, senior vice president, international operations, BWI. The 250-room four-star hotel offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, all-day dining, conference and banquet facilities and fitness centre.
DAMAC Properties Reveals Luxury Retail Strip
BlueBay Group Enters Morocco
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Vista Lux
Best Western to Conquer Dubai
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AMAC Properties unveiled details of its lifestyle and retail strip running through the centre of its living community, AKOYA Oxygen. The 93,000m2 Vista Lux includes a waterway and more than 1.5km of walkways, and will feature many firsts for the region, including a self-contained experiential rainforest, a hydroponic café and more, “Vista Lux will house more than 2,000 hotel apartments and residences, allowing visitors to the Dubai Rainforest, or those looking to challenge themselves at the Tiger Woodsdesigned Trump World Golf Club, Dubai, to have an all-encompassing, holistic experience,” said Ziad El Chaar, managing director, DAMAC Properties.
lueBay Group has launched Blue Diamond Sahara Palace in Marrakesh with 89 spacious suites, in addition to several Riads with their respective suites, equipped with private terraces, Balinese beds, large bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The property also features four restaurants serving Moroccan, Indian, international and Mediterranean specialties. The Spanish company plans to expand further in the region with upcoming openings in Istanbul, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and Sharm El Sheikh, under the Blue Diamond, BlueBay Hotels & Resorts and BelleVue Hotels & Resorts brands.
Jumeirah Al Naseem Coming Soon
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Jumeirah Al Naseem
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umeirah Group unveiled the name for its new hotel at Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Al Naseem, scheduled to open in 2016. The property will have 430 luxurious rooms and suites, complete with walk-in rain showers, floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor terraces. It is set among lush, landscaped gardens and offers three large swimming pools, as well as private beach access. Guests will have access to the Madinat Theatre, the resort’s waterways serviced by traditional wooden abra boats, a kids’ club and over 50 restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Rotana: 11 More Openings This Year
Oman Unveils Luxury Hotel Developments
Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort
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otana will launch 11 new properties this year spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey, in addition to its first property in the African market. Qatar will welcome its second five-star hotel as well as and the first Centro property, while the company’s UAE portfolio will welcome Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi. Rotana is also poised to extend its footprint in Bahrain with the launch of Downtown Rotana, and a further three projects are set to open in Saudi Arabia, including the first five-star Rotana hotel in Riyadh and the Kingdom’s first Centro hotels in Jeddah and Riyadh.
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man’s Ministry of Tourism will develop several luxurious hotels to address the rising numbers of guest arrivals. With an expected 1.14 million tourist arrivals this year, the top 10 projects that are under development in the country boast a total investment value of over USD3.3 billion. Among those are properties under the Westin, St. Regis, W, Ritz Carlton, Kempinski and Fairmont brands, as well as a Louis Vuitton hotel, Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort, Shati Salalah, Alila Resort Salalah and Yiti Resort.
Mövenpick Adds to Moroccan Portfolio
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övenpick Hotels & Resorts will soon add a third property in Morocco, due to soft open in the fourth quarter of the year. Owned by Kuwait’s Al Ajial Asset Fund, the 501-room five-star property will undergo extensive renovation and expansion valued at USD69 million, before reopening as Mövenpick Hotel & Palais Des Congrès. It will offer more suites in a newly-built wing, plus leisure as well as dining and entertainment venues. “Attracting MICE business especially from Europe, the Gulf states and the US will be a key focus,” commented Alan O’Dea, senior vice president, Africa, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
City Seasons Bur Dubai to Open This Summer
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ity Seasons Hotels is gearing up for the imminent launch of City Seasons Bur Dubai, the company’s third property in the emirate and seventh in the region. Located in the heart of the business centre and just a few steps from Burjuman Mall, the hotel boasts sleek and futuristic architecture. The 14-storey building comprises 192 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, leisure facilities and an entire floor dedicated to meeting and banqueting venues. Due to be launched this summer, the property will bring the company’s room count in the UAE and Oman to over 1,600 units.
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23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Air Arabia: New Sales Office in Ras Al Khaimah
Germania Adds Tunisian Routes
Adel Ali (left) and Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Aviation
After a year of successful operations from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Air Arabia opened a new sales office and city terminal check-in in the emirate.
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his step is another vote of confidence in the long-term potential of Ras Al Khaimah as an aviation and tourism centre,” said Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia. Located on Nakheel Road, the facility is open daily and is manned with sales agents able to assist with bookings. Customers can also drop off their bags and collect their boarding passes before journeying to either Ras Al Khaimah International Airport or Sharjah International Airport.
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ermania has further expanded its North African network with the introduction of two new services to Djerba and Enfidha in Tunisia. Just in time for the busy summer holiday season, the German carrier now offers weekly flights between Berlin Schönefeld Airport and Enfidha–Hammamet International Airport every Saturday, while services to Djerba–Zarzis International Airport are being operated on Tuesdays. The Berlin-headquartered airline’s routemap also includes Moroccan and Egyptian destinations.
Etihad and Alitalia’s Expo Pavilion Inaugurated
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ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Alitalia and Etihad Airways, official global carriers of Expo Milano 2015, to celebrate the opening of their joint pavilion at the mega-event. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, said, “The combined networks of Etihad Airways and Alitalia offer unmatched travel connections into Italy, making us the smartest option to bring the world to Expo Milano [...]. In addition, as official global carriers, we are able to actively promote the event worldwide and provide visitors with a pavilion experience that is memorable, entertaining and educational, in line with the Expo theme.”
Emirates Skywards Teams Up with Heathrow
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mirates and London’s Heathrow Airport launched a strategic partnership to bring more benefits for members of their respective loyalty programmes. Over 14 million members of Emirates Skywards and Heathrow Rewards will now have the option to convert their miles into points and vice versa, and spend them on airport services or put them towards flights. “As the UK’s hub airport, where we operate five daily A380 flights, this partnership makes perfect sense for us and for our loyal Emirates Skywards members,” said Thierry Antinori, chief commercial officer, Emirates.
JW Marriott Bodrum
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23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR flydubai Aligns with Emerging Travel Trends
Etihad: US Airlines Supported by USD71.48 Billion
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lydubai’s customers see direct air links as key factors influencing their airline choice with priority given to connectivity (37 percent) and value for money (24 percent), according to the budget airline’s latest survey based on the analysis of over 4,000 independent opinions compiled through its in-flight entertainment system. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, commented, “The data we are capturing shows travel patterns as well as behaviours, and importantly helps us to drive innovation to meet our passengers’ expectations. The timeliness of this analysis and our emphasis of putting the customer experience at the core of our operations give us a unique insight to our passengers.”
esearch commissioned by Etihad Airways shows that the three biggest US carriers, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines Group, along with carriers with which they have merged, received government subsidies worth of USD71.48 billion to transition from the verge of bankruptcy to industry leaders. The Abu Dhabi-based airline released the findings after being accused of being aided by unfair advantages. As James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, reinforced, the company wished to highlight the fact that these airlines have been benefitting, and continue to benefit, from a highly favourable legal regime.
Emirates Boosts Beirut Operations
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mirates plans to gradually increase its services to Beirut with a third daily frequency, fully effective as of October 1. The addition of the extra flight, which will take the number of weekly Emirates’ Lebanese operations to 21, will further enhance connectivity for customers travelling onwards to destinations in the US, Australia and Africa. The Dubai-based airline will deploy a 267-seat Airbus 340-300 in a three-class configuration on the route.
Doha
Qatar Airways Introduces Doha – Dubai Shuttle
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atar Airways’ newest offering aims to make travelling between Doha and Dubai smoother with the introduction of a shuttle service which offers flights from Hamad International Airport to Dubai International, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport. The new service, the first of its kind between the two cities, enables 18 daily connections between the two cities. “The Doha – Dubai Shuttle caters to the needs of both business and leisure travellers, and provides them with a more convenient and time-saving option […],” said Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
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23 MAY 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Air Malta Facilitates Cargo Operations to Libya
Second Etihad Airways’ A380 to London kno u o y d Di
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ir Malta has concluded an interline cargo agreement with Global Aviation Services to utilise space on its weekly freighter operation from Ostend, Belgium to Libya’s Misrata and Mitiga airports. Through this deal Air Malta will be providing cargo space on its direct flights from Malta to Amsterdam and Malta to Brussels and connecting with Global Aviation Services’ Libya-bound service over the weekend through these airports.
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tihad Airways took delivery of its second Airbus A380 which has been introduced on the popular Abu Dhabi to London’s Heathrow Airport route. Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, said that the addition will give passengers more opportunities to experience the carrier’s revolutionary 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 inflight technology,” he added. In June, the third A380 will be introduced on one of the two daily services from Abu Dhabi to Sydney.
Gulf Air Attains IATA Safety Audit
Emirates Unveils New Headsets in Economy Class
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ulf Air has successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) therefore the company will now be registered under IOSA until May 2017. The national carrier regularly conducts internal appraisals in order for it to be aligned with IOSA safety rules and recommendations. With this being the airline’s sixth assessment, Nasser Al Salmi, chief operations officer, Gulf Air commented, “We approached this audit with two specific goals: to meet all of IATA’s rigorous safety requirements in order to maintain IOSA registration and to evaluate our operational safety standards.”
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Etihad Airways' Airbus A380
Air Malta cargo
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mirates is preparing to launch new, redesigned headsets for its in-flight entertainment system, which will be available from the end of June on all Emirates A380 aircraft. The new equipment has been redesigned to improve sound quality, reduce ambient cabin noise and enhance overall comfort. “Now customers can completely immerse themselves in the broad variety of entertainment choices offered onboard,” said Patrick Brannelly, divisional vice president, customer experience, in-flight entertainment and connectivity, Emirates.
23 MAY 2015
RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Steen Jakobsen DIRECTOR, DUBAI BUSINESS EVENTS
STEEN JAKOBSEN: All stakeholders recognise the importance and opportunities related to the business events sector so as Dubai’s official convention bureau, Dubai Business Events’ role is to lead, support and manage a cooperative strategy that involves public and private stakeholders across tourism, hospitality, academic and business sectors. Working with these partners, we spearhead and participate in a range of activities throughout the year. In 2014, we were present promoting Dubai at over 100 international events and we welcomed more than 200 international conference decision makers and influencers to the emirate. Along with international marketing and relationship building, we are also working towards fostering ongoing advocacy at a local level in order to build an established and long-term base of support for business events. […] TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How can today’s business travellers turn into tomorrow’s holiday-makers?
STEEN JAKOBSEN: The emirate has done a wonderful job of establishing its profile as a world-class leisure destination which is ideal from an incentive industry point of view. Our aim now is to build upon the opportunity presented by destination Dubai’s rebrand in 2014 and further market the emirate’s holistic offer to key business and academic audiences and the time has never been better to do so. The hospitality industry has further diversified its offering with more budget options than ever before. This, coupled with exceptional infrastructure and connectivity both to, and within the city has made for a compelling offer for business event planners. As the city’s leisure calendar of events also continue to grow year on year, so too does our reputation for hosting large-scale, high-profile groups and events. These elements combined make for a compelling destination offer whether you are a business or leisure traveller and all fit well into our ethos that today’s leisure traveller could be tomorrow’s business traveller.
INCREASED EMPHASIS IS BEING PLACED ON BUSINESS TRAVEL WHICH, ACCORDING TO STEEN JAKOBSEN, DIRECTOR, DUBAI BUSINESS EVENTS (DBE), PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ATTRACTING 20 MILLION VISITORS TO DUBAI. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is business travel for Dubai? STEEN JAKOBSEN: The importance of business events and business travel to Dubai’s tourism sector, and economy in general, cannot be understated. Events, including business events, are a key pillar in Tourism Vision 2020 which aims to welcome 20 million visitors a year by 2020. Dubai is the region’s leading MICE destination with a 50 percent share of the market and thanks to a variety of factors and initiatives such as Tourism Vision and Expo 2020, prospects for growth remain very strong. 23 MAY 2015
Dubai Business Events’ role is to further develop and increase the emirate’s share of the international business events market. Along with the clear and positive economic impact, in terms of inbound travel numbers and associated infrastructure projects, business events including congresses and association meetings also strengthen knowledge and job creation which, in turn, benefit the emirate and its population long into the future. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What steps are taken in order to encourage hotels, venues and service providers to focus more on this segment?
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
Best Western Boasts New Japanese Gem Kagoshima on Kyushu Island has recently welcomed BEST WESTERN Rembrandt Hotel Kagoshima Resort, the brand’s newest addition in the country’s southwestern part.
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BEST WESTERN Rembrandt Hotel Kagoshima Resort
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ffering a view of the Sakurajima volcano, the 199-room property accommodates 230m2 of meeting space and a local cuisine restaurant. Enhanced with an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, the hotel is also overlooking Kinkoh Bay.
South Australia Awaits New Five-star Hotel
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he city of Adelaide anticipates the development of a new fivestar property that will be operated under Accor’s Sofitel brand. The 32-storey project will offer 250 rooms and suites, as well as 80 apartments, a collection of food and beverage outlets, conference rooms, a swimming pool, a health and fitness centre, a Sofitel Club Lounge and a restaurant. The USD140 million Sofitel Adelaide is expected to open by the end of 2018. Characterised as the city’s new gem, the hotel will create a uniquely European experience for guests, said Daniel Palumbo, managing director, Palumbo, the hotel's developer.
Wyndham Enters Eastern Africa with Tanzanian Debut
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yndham Hotel Group (WHG) opened its first hotel in eastern Africa, the 139-room Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. “[The opening of Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam] is a key milestone in our regional growth,” commented Dan Ruff, president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, WHG. The property features locally inspired artwork and extensive leisure facilities including a swimming pool, rooftop gym, direct beach access and five food and beverage outlets, as well as seven meeting rooms for up to 375 guests.
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23 MAY 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Charlotte Harris
POSITION:
Products and marketing manager
COMPANY:
Charlotte Travel
LOCATION:
Hong Kong
WEBSITE:
www.charlottetravel.com.hk
Who are you? I am the product and marketing manager for Charlotte Travel, a one-stop-shop travel agency based in Hong Kong focussing on global corporate and high-end leisure travel. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Having the opportunity to travel and meet like-minded people within the same industry across the globe gives me my adrenaline rush and keeps my engine running. When is the best time to visit the destinations you offer? The best time to travel to Bhutan is during spring and autumn when it is not too hot and the main Bhutanese festivals are on. [...] As for the Northern Lights, book now! Solar activity occurs roughly in an 11-year cycle and we are now at the peak of the cycle. This means that from now to winter 2016, there is an incredibly high chance of seeing the Northern lights in the Arctic Circle. Where would you like to travel for your next holiday? I would love to spend a few nights at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland to see the Northern lights. I am not a huge fan of the cold so staying in the warmth of a bed and looking up through the ceiling of the glass igloo would be amazing. Why should people come to you for travel advice? Our team started with three people [‌]. Charlotte Travel has now grown to the optimum size company that enables us to retain its focus on individual and personalised service whilst cultivating differentiated and respected reputation within an important and growing niche market. 23 MAY 2015
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TRAVEL TALK
I […] very much look forward to our bright future
RAMI SAYESS General manager, Four Seasons Hotel Doha
NICOLA HOCHGRUBER General manager, Novotel and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Hotel
“After 10 incredible years, Four Seasons Hotel Doha continues to be a recognised leader in hospitality thanks to our exceptional employees, intuitive service standards and valued guests. I am excited to celebrate and honour the hotel’s rich past and very much look forward to our bright future as we continue to offer unforgettable and unique experiences found nowhere else – from culinary to spa, the hotel’s priority remains focussed on dazzling each guest that walks through our doors.”
Emirates is committed to providing support for innovative projects
PATRICK BRANELLY Divisional vice president, customer experience, in-flight entertainment and connectivity, Emirates
“As a global airline with our base in Dubai, Emirates is committed to providing support for innovative projects that highlight the unknown incredible stories within the vibrant UAE ecosystem. Through supporting the creation of The Last Wilderness of the UAE documentary and then letting our passengers view it onboard our flights, we hope to engage millions of our customers around the world and raise awareness about the abundant natural beauty found in the UAE’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems.”
A happy employee will definitely lead to a higher customer satisfaction
The award reflects Dubai Airports’ efforts in driving commercial performance
“We are proud to state that we have been champions of the Accor Fun Day for two years in a row, [in] 2014 and the current year. This is a wonderful event and I personally consider it a special Accor hub that combines all employees and managers from different hotels to come together for a wonderful day and refresh relations, and of course [this] adds up to our satisfaction, as we all know a happy employee will definitely lead to a higher customer satisfaction.”
“The [Most Supportive Approach to Travel-Retail] award [from Duty Free News International Global Awards] reflects Dubai Airports’ efforts in driving commercial performance through creating successful, growth-oriented partnerships, and in effectively planning commercial spaces to enable continued profitability. It is also an endorsement of our strategy to partner and work with premium global brands to enhance and reward increased passenger engagement at our airports.”
EUGENE BARRY Executive vice president, commercial group, Dubai Airports
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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23 MAY 2015
TRAVEL CHANNELS
New Portuguese Visa Application Centre in Jeddah
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VFS Global has been chosen to run Portugal’s new visa application centre in Jeddah.
he launch of the outlet follows the first Portuguese visa centre’s opening in Riyadh in April. Services will also soon be extended to Al Khobar as well, just in time for the busy summer holiday season. Manuel Carvalho, ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Portugal, reiterated, “Jeddah is an important city and a crucial economic and travel hub. We expect that extending this service to Jeddah will allow for much more convenient travel to Portugal for Saudi residents, be they tourists, businesspeople, investors or students.”
Launch of the centre
New Visa Innovation Centre in the UAE
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isa is investing in an innovation centre in Dubai to provide the company, its clients and partners across the region with an ingenious space to jointly develop the next generation of payment technology. The initiative is set to help position the destination, home to Visa’s Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) headquarters, as a smart city and reinforce the region’s importance to the business, as Kamran Siddiqi, group executive, Visa CEMEA, noted.
Mother and Son Reunion at Holiday Inn Al Barsha
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fter spending two decades apart, a mother finally got the chance to meet her son at Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha. Hermelinda, who battles breast cancer, left the Philippines when Jonathan was less than three years old and the two have not seen each other ever since. Holiday Inn Dubai – Loves You initiative joined forces with Air Brunei, Cosmos Travel and RJ Radio Spice 105.4 to fulfill the mother’s wish and reunite her with her son. “It was an emotional moment when Hermelinda shed tears of joy as she finally saw her son hugging her, unbelieving her fortune. I pray and hope that is emotional burst will give her a new lease of life,” commented Roxana Jaffer, CEO, Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha.
Mother and son reunion
23 MAY 2015
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WHO’S MOVED
ABDULMOHSEN AL SAYEGH
Abdulmohsen Al Sayegh has assumed the position of chief financial officer at Air Seychelles. Al Sayegh, who holds a bachelor degree in business administration and financial services, has extensive experience working for Etihad Airways in the UAE and across the world. He joined the Abu Dhabibased carrier as senior financial controller in 2008 and moved to Sydney three years later as senior finance manager for Australia. In 2013, he continued as area finance manager in Berlin, overseeing operations in Ireland, Belgium, Turkey and Cyprus, together with the financial accounts of the UAE embassies in Europe on behalf of the company.
SARAH BUILT
JEFF KAYS
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Sarah Built is the new general manager for Australia and New Zealand at Etihad Airways, at an exciting time for the airline when it will introduce its flagship Airbus A380 to Sydney. Built has 25 years of aviation experience which includes sales and senior management roles with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, American Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways. She joined Etihad Airways in August 2011 as the airline’s London-based manager of global industry sales, in charge of the company’s commercial partnerships. Based in Sydney, Built will report to Lindsay White, vice president, Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Etihad Airways.
Jeff Kays has been appointed by Sabre to lead account management for enterprise customers within its hospitality solutions business, including newest customer, Wyndham Hotel Group. In his capacity, Kays will oversee the deployment of the SynXis Property Manager and SynXis Central Reservations system to thousands of Wyndham Hotel Group properties around the world. Kays is a highly experienced business leader with a proven record for managing strategic relationships and large-scale initiatives. Prior to joining Sabre, he spent 24 years at Accenture, where he held a number of leadership roles within the outsourcing and global business shared services organisations. Most recently, he was managing director for outsourcing account delivery, with responsibility for leading Accenture’s business process outsourcing services across the products industry for North America.
23 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...
Kinan Al Ghraoui, general manager, Villa, Rihab and Rimal Rotana Dubai (second from right) celebrates the property’s win in Dubai Green Tourism Awards’ standard hotel apartment category
Air Arabia Jordan has launched operations from Queen Alia International Airport
Marwa Al-Said, winner of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Lady in Red design competition
23 MAY 2015
Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach Dubai conducted a mangrove clean-up initiative to mark Earth Day
Mövenpick Hotel Doha held a selfie competition amongst its hotel operations' teams
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah was voted Sharjah’s Leading Hotel by World Travel Awards
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NEWS & EVENTS ibtm arabia 2016 Moves to Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
EVENTS CHINA GUILIN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO (CGITE) 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
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
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ollowing a successful debut edition in February, ibtm arabia 2016 will follow the same format and take place at the luxurious Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, from February 09 – 11, 2016. Lois Wilcox, exhibition manager, ibtm arabia, commented, “Part of the success of this year was the location and the fact that buyers and sellers were together for the duration of the event. For 2016, we are delighted to confirm that we will be replicating this unique offering in the famous promenade of Abu Dhabi with views of the Arabian Gulf and Cityscape.”
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.
INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART Bangalore, India July 10 – 12 www.iitmindia.com One of the country’s premier travel and tourism exhibitions established in 1998, this year launches in Bangalore with upcoming showings in Chennai, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochin and Kolkatta.
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