7 MARCH 2015
ISSUE 278
AL QASBA ENTHRALLS WITH SPECTACULAR SHOWS CARLSON REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP ADDED A RECORD NUMBER OF PROJECTS TO ITS FAST-GROWING MIDDLE EAST PORTFOLIO IN 2014.
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14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE TECHNOLOGY CRUISING ACCOMMODATION AIR INTERNATIONAL RENDEZVOUS AGENT CORNER TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO’S MOVED PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS
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REZIDOR: 12 HOTELS SIGNED IN THE MIDDLE EAST
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli
he company’s revenues reached AED9.89 billion (USD2.69 billion), with the shopping malls, retail and hospitality businesses contributing over 54 percent of the total. As Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, noted, the company recorded positive growth across each of its three core businesses – property, shopping malls and hospitality – as well as in international markets.
CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Christou Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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Emaar Properties recorded its highest-ever net operating profit at AED3.35 billion (USD912 million) for the full-year 2014, up 30 percent over 2013.
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SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba
As of
Emaar’s Net Operating Profit Jumps 30 Percent
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Downtown Dubai
Erbil International Airport’s Figures Surge in 2014 Erbil International Airport (EIA) reported a 31 percent increase in passenger numbers in 2014 with 1,566,000 travellers on its records, driven by a 62 percent rise in Iraqi Airways’ traffic and the expansion of Zagros Jet.
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alar Faiq, airport director, EIA, elaborated, “In 2014, we saw evidence of a slowdown in traffic amongst international travellers […], but an increase in domestic travel, as Iraqi Airways increased services to Baghdad and other cities in the country to
make up for the closure of road links to the south.” He added that EIA was pleased to welcome back the airlines that had earlier suspended operations and in January, 108 passenger flights departed EIA, serving 23 cities across 14 countries.
Sharjah Adopts GDP Diversification Policy Sharjah continues to benefit from a diverse economy with no single industry representing more than 20 percent of its GDP.
T The World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment 2015
his was highlighted by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, during the recently concluded The World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment 2015 in Sharjah. The emirate strives to keep and improve its competitive edge by investing in education, research and development while at the same time, as Al Qasimi noted, it also continues to support a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Today, Sharjah is home to almost 45,000 small and medium enterprises focussed mainly on manufacturing, real estate and business services. 7 MARCH 2015
TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS Travelstart Launches PayFort pay@store
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gyptian online travel agency, Travelstart announced the addition of the PayFort pay@store feature to its list of payment options. The move will make paying for bookings much easier for Travelstart Egypt’s unbanked customers.
With the new option, customers wishing to pay in cash are free from the constraints of paying during Travelstart and bank operating hours. They can now pay at one of the 50,000 points of sale, 6,200 ATMs and 1,300 post office branches that comprise the nationwide Fawry network.
Travelport Renews Galileo Caucasus Agreement
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ravelport has renewed its distributor agreement in Azerbaijan and Georgia with Galileo Caucasus. The multiyear deal cements the long-standing relationship between the two companies and builds on Travelport’s strategy of driving a strong presence in Eastern Europe. The announcement follows the recent full-content agreement with Azerbaijan Airlines, which provides all Travelport-connected agencies with access to all of the airline’s content. For the first time, the full-content agreement also included Azerbaijan-based travel agencies who can now book tickets more efficiently, as part of their existing workflow. Marcin Pilarski, managing director, Eastern Europe, Travelport, commented, “This recent deal should significantly improve the effective delivery of our products and services to travel agencies and to grow our business in the countries.”
Marcin Pilarski
7 MARCH 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS CRUISING
Uniworld to Unveil S.S. Maria Theresa
Cruise CEOs Head to Miami
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is to reveal the design of its newest Super Ship, S.S. Maria Theresa at the end of the month.
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epresenting the company’s most ambitious ship to date, the floating palace has been designed to exemplify true artistry and take guests on a journey back in time with an onboard atmosphere and style seamlessly integrated with the history and architecture of the very places they will visit onshore. Offering 64 staterooms, 10 suites, and one Royal Suite, the S.S. Maria Theresa will set sail on her inaugural voyage on March 28 on the European Jewels voyage from Budapest to Amsterdam. She will also serve the line’s Tulips & Windmills, European Holiday Markets and Grand Christmas & New Year’s Cruise itineraries.
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Budapest
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ruise Shipping Miami’s State of the Industry session is set to attract the CEOs of some of the world’s largest cruise companies to discuss the state and future of the global cruise business. “Recently, we have seen significant changes in the cruise industry, with brand consolidations and new faces at the C-suite level,” commented Christopher Dauer, director, cruise events portfolio, UBM Connect, saying that four wellknown executives will provide a top-level overview of where the global cruise industry is today and what they foresee going forward. This year’s Cruise Shipping Miami will run between March 16 – 19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha Lead in Sustainability
Dubai was named the most sustainable city in the Middle East, followed by Abu Dhabi and Doha, in the inaugural Sustainable Cities Index, released by design and consultancy firm, ARCADIS.
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he report, which examined three aspects, namely social (people), environmental (planet) and economic (profit), found that cities in the Middle East have seen the highest real term population growth over the past five years, with Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi experiencing a rise of over 30 percent, putting significant strain on infrastructure. Globally, Frankfurt topped the list, followed by London and Copenhagen, while Dubai came 33rd, Abu Dhabi 34th, Doha at 41st. The top 50 also included Jeddah and Riyadh.
7 MARCH 2015
Al Qasba Enthrals with Spectacular Shows
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l Qasba’s internal and external façades hosted a number of shows as part of this year’s Sharjah Light Festival. The emirate’s waterfront destination attracted hundreds of visitors every day, who enjoyed 10- and 20-minute-long light displays with dramatic sounds. The fifth edition of the annual programme coincided with the official announcement of Sharjah winning the title of Arab Tourism Capital for the year. Organised by Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Light Festival aims to capture imagination and highlight the destination’s distinguished landmarks and historic buildings.
Dubai Miracle Garden
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WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Gains Welcome Chinese Certification
Dubai Encourages Dialogue between Stakeholders
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wo attractions, 20 hotels and a luxury shopping mall across Abu Dhabi have achieved Welcome Chinese certification, setting their sights firmly on the booming Chinese visitor market. Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, in partnership with China Tourism Academy (CTA), the awarding of the Chinese travel industry’s highly sought-after certification marks the hospitality industry’s embrace of initiatives to further grow guest numbers and length of stay by visitors from the Asian country – now the emirate’s fifth largest overseas market. Welcome Chinese is a certification issued by CTA accreditation partner, Select Holding, to hospitality and attraction providers in 32 countries worldwide.
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Representatives of the certified institutions
ubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) concluded the first in a series of stakeholder engagement committees designed to increase communication and knowledge sharing between key sectors of the emirate’s tourism industry. The committees are the centre of a wider global network, established to enhance partnerships that will contribute to achieving goals set out in Dubai’s Vision 2020. At a domestic level, five sectors central to the growth of the tourism industry have been identified, including hotels, retail, aviation, land developers and travel trade. For each sector, DTCM has established a stakeholder engagement committee that will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the status of the sector and opportunities for growth.
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Hotel Demand on a High in Aqaba
Bahrain Displays Its Aviation Legacy
Launch of the Flying Feathers exhibition
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ookings in hotel establishments in Jordan’s Read Sea hub, Aqaba reached around 50 percent of the total occupancy rate during the first week of the Aqaba tourist carnival, announced Hani Mulki, chief commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). The occupancy level during the corresponding period in 2014 was 15 percent, he noted, adding that the rate tripled this year thanks to the carnival, which ASEZA organised in cooperation with the private sector.
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n a bid to showcase the aviation legacy of Bahrain to an international audience and enhance the passenger experience, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), launched the Flying Feathers photo exhibition at the hub’s departure lounge. The exhibition, which was inaugurated by Mohamed Yousif Al-Binfalah, CEO, BAC, provides the perfect opportunity for travellers to view rare historical images of Bahrain International Airport and have a glimpse through the book titled Flying Feathers, a History of Aviation in Bahrain, which captures the story of the Kingdom’s aviation history. The exhibition will stay up for one month, giving visitors a memorable farewell upon departure.
SCTA Delegation Heads to Dubai
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epresentatives of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) conducted an exploration visit to a number of urban heritage sites that were recently restored in Al Khor in Dubai. The tour enabled the Saudi delegation to explore its counterpart’s expertise in the development, rehabilitation, operation and investment of attractive tourism and heritages and private museums, and learn about the municipality’s role in setting up necessary plans and programmes. Meanwhile, back in the Kingdom, the organisation set up a timetable to license already approved buildings in Mecca and Medina to accommodate pilgrims in response to the cabinet’s recent resolution with the aim to further improve safety, security and public health conditions.
SCTA delegation in Dubai
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7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Oman Targets Saudi Tourists
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man’s Ministry of Tourism highlighted the Sultanate’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage at the 5th Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) in Saudi Arabia, as part of its efforts to attract more visitors and strengthen its industry foothold in the Kingdom. During JTTX, the ministry’s representatives underscored Oman’s famous holiday spots and other popular activities, and took the opportunity to build new partnerships, connect with high-level executives and collaborate with industry leaders and peers to help further promote the Sultanate to regional markets. Salem Adi Al Mamari, director general, tourism promotion, Ministry of Tourism, Oman, expressed confidence that JTTX would help bolster the country’s tourism strategy.
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Shurooq Joins UAE – UK Pioneers Forum
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he Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) participated in the second edition of the UAE – UK Pioneers Forum in London. Held under the theme Innovation in the UAE, the event represented a valuable platform for businesses operating in the UAE to engage with Emirati graduates from top British universities. “Shurooq, which continues to act as one of the major drivers in the emirate of Sharjah’s growth, made the best use of this opportunity to showcase the many exciting opportunities that it has to offer, as well as to highlight its ambitious plans for our country’s business growth and prosperity in the 21st century and beyond,” said Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, chief operating officer, Shurooq.
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS SITA Helps Hurghada’s Airport Elevate the Customer Experience
TCA Abu Dhabi Launches South African Outpost
Hurghada International Airport
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) appointed a specialist travel representation agency, Development Promotions as its representative in South Africa, to be led by Tracey Krog, country manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. “We look forward to working very closely with our trade partners, including Etihad Airways and South African Airways, tour operators, retail travel agents, professional conference organisers and incentive houses to showcase the destination’s vast range of exciting new developments such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Port, Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Midfield Terminal Complex and such events as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and fantastic summer season which we will launch to the trade shortly,” enthused Krog.
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urghada International Airport has transformed the passenger experience at its new terminal with innovative solutions from air transport IT specialist, SITA by introducing its processing platform, baggage management and airport operations systems. Ismail Aboulez, chairman, Aviation Information Technology Company, which handles IT issues at the Egyptian hub, said, “We have made major renovations at Hurghada International Airport to better serve the growing number of leisure passengers in the region as Egypt’s tourism sector continues to recover. SITA’s airport solutions incorporate the industry’s most advanced technology and align with industry trends, such as self-service. So, we are creating a more enjoyable passenger experience, while at the same time cutting costs and improving operational efficiency.”
Traditional South African welcome
Al Ain Zoo at Qasr Al Hosn Festival
Qasr Al Hosn Festival Welcomes Al Ain Zoo
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l Ain Zoo participated in Abu Dhabi’s third annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival in February. The zoo’s participation came in line with its effort to educate the public on the UAE’s rich heritage and wildlife, in addition to its learning and conservation programmes. Muna Al Dhaheri, chief of conservation and education, Al Ain Zoo, said, “Qasr Al Hosn is a unique platform for us to reach out to the public and cultivate a knowledge culture about our conservation efforts that focus on several aspects including animal management, wildlife sustainability and protection of desert species on an international scale.”
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Fairmont to Debut in Bahrain
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with Bahrain Real Estate Investment to develop a new luxury property in the Kingdom.
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lated for launch in 2018, Fairmont Bahrain Resort will be located in the Al Jazayer area, at the centre of what will become a major entertainment, leisure and corporate retreat on the island. Guest will benefit from 215 rooms and chalets; Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel within a hotel concept and over 2,000m2 of meeting and event space. Other amenities will include an expansive beachfront area with a spa and health club, and various dining concepts. As Jennifer Fox, president, Fairmont brand, FRHI Hotels & Resorts, pinpointed, Bahrain has one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East.
The hotel’s management with the award
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Pushes Green Initiatives
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umeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai has been awarded the Green Globe Certification after securing a compliance score of 83 percent. Over the past years, substantial energy-saving measures have been implemented throughout the property; solar panels are for example being utilised for heating water and currently LED bulbs are being installed. As a result, in 2014, electricity consumption was reduced by 4.3 percent, while thanks to the grey water facility, water usage was cut by 11.3 percent. “We challenge our teams to focus on ethical and ecologically friendly practices and we will continue reducing our impact on the environment and helping to make the world a more sustainable place,” said Charles Clark, general manager, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
7 MARCH 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
Jumeirah to Operate Saadiyat Island Resort
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Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort
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umeirah Group has signed an agreement with H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, senior member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, to operate a luxury resort on the UAE capital’s Saadiyat Island. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, Jumeirah Sa’adiyat Island Resort is set to become the most luxurious five-star resort in Abu Dhabi. Slated for opening in 2017, the property will feature 294 rooms, spa suites, presidential suites and private high-end villas, along with various leisure facilities and dining outlets. “Abu Dhabi’s ongoing and impressive development as a tourism destination will be further enhanced by the Saadiyat Island project,” said Gerald Lawless, CEO, Jumeirah Group.
Abu Dhabi Ambassadors Programme ceremony
Improving Abu Dhabi’s Visitor Experience
7 MARCH 2015
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has launched its Abu Dhabi Ambassadors Programme in a special ceremony held at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Abu Dhabi Ambassadors Programme, a major aspect of TCA Abu Dhabi’s Emiratisation strategy, plays a pivotal role in realising the authority’s vision of improving the emirate’s visitor experience through increased interaction with locals. The programme consists of essential training workshops covering hospitality, heritage and tourism over three months, in addition to specialised lectures on the subjects of how to deal with the media and the public, etiquette and protocol fundamentals and the principles of organising tours in cooperation with a leading company.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Starwood Brings Aloft and Elements to Dubai
R Hotels Teams Up with CUCA
Signing of the agreement
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with wasl hospitality & leisure to debut the Aloft and Elements brands in Dubai. Scheduled to open in early 2018 near Dubai Maritime City, Aloft Dubai Raffa and Element Dubai Raffa will operate as a unique complex, offering 165 and 96 rooms respectively. With the introduction of the tech-forward and eco-wise brands, Dubai will soon be home to all nine of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s brands and will become the destination with the second largest concentration of properties for the company. “The pipeline for our mid-market brands is increasingly robust and we see many opportunities for both new-build hotels and conversions for the brands throughout the Middle East,” disclosed Bart Carnahan, senior vice president, acquisitions and development, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
he City University College of Ajman (CUCA) has signed a collaboration agreement with R Hotels, for its hotel management and tourism (HTM) programme. In a bid to provide better training and employment opportunities for HTM students, R Hotels will offer internship and on-site training opportunities at properties owned and managed by the company, enabling aspiring hoteliers to gain valuable experience. “R Hotels focusses on human capital as it is the core asset in the hospitality sector,” stressed Sumair Tariq, managing director, R Hotels, adding that the deal enables the company to lure future hospitality and tourism professionals.
Sumair Tariq (left) and Imran Khan, president, CUCA
Centro Capital Centre’s team at Masdar City
Centro Capital Centre Team Visits Masdar City
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entro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, operated by Rotana, organised a site visit for its colleagues to Masdar City, hailed as the world’s most sustainable eco-destination. The tour formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives that aim to educate and inform the team members about the usage of renewable and clean energy sources. ”Such visits are part and parcel of our constant efforts to learn more about the environmental initiatives in the country that we live in,” explained Ayman Ashor, general manager, Centro Capital Centre, adding that looking at the day to day operations of Masdar City is something all organisations can learn from.
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
REZIDOR: 12 HOTELS SIGNED IN THE MIDDLE EAST Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group added a record number of projects to its fast-growing Middle East portfolio in 2014.
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hile in 2012 the company had signed five properties, the figure rose to 10 in 2013 and to 12 in 2014, representing 40 percent of the company’s global activities, with new openings in Saudi Arabia comprising 25 percent worldwide. Over the next two years, at least 12 new Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson-branded properties, with a total of 2,412 rooms, will be inaugurated in locations within Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Egypt. These will include one each in Sohar, Ajman, Cairo, Dammam, Jizan and Dhahran, among others; two each in Dubai and Riyadh, and four in Jeddah.
Radisson Blu Riyadh Exhibition Centre
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rand Hyatt Doha has partnered with Viva Infoventures to launch Digital Hospitality Network (DHN), a revolutionary network of large format touch-screens running the next generation Vivas interactive media platform and engineered to inform and engage users. The new platform provides numerous services and the smart technology allows guests to get all the information they need to know about exclusive deals, upcoming events, shopping and dining options, as well as Qatar’s main attractions, explained Christoph Franzen, general manager, Grand Hyatt Doha.
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Al Habtoor Group Eyes Egypt
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor
DHN at Grand Hyatt Doha
Smart Hotel Technology at Grand Hyatt Doha
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halaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Habtoor Group, recently visited Egypt in order to explore potential business opportunities in the country. “It is my hope to build Al Habtoor City in a prime location in Cairo. This will be of great benefit to the country’s economy, and will also provide thousands of jobs,” he enthused. Currently under construction in Dubai, Al Habtoor City employs around 8,000 people, and is expected to provide a further 3,000 jobs once completed. It includes five-star hotels and luxury residential towers, restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities. Al Habtoor added, “Thousands of families in Egypt would benefit from a project like this, as most of the jobs would be recruited locally.”
7 MARCH 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS Golden Sands Hotel Apartments Lures Indian Travellers
Hilton Fujairah Resort Hosts Car Event
Mohammad Khoori
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ilton Fujairah Resort played host to the annual Porshe Road Tour’s Fujairah stop. Driving from Dubai to Fujairah on the East Coast, more than 90 cars made up the convoy. Upon arrival, the car enthusiasts were treated to a buffet and enjoyed their time in the pool area and at the beach. Expressing delight at welcoming the club members, Oliver Kesseler, general manager, Hilton Fujairah Resort, said, “We are pleased that a prestigious club such as Porsche Club UAE has selected Hilton Fujairah Resort as their favourite host and destination in the country over the years. We are inspired to offer our warmest hospitality and provide them with the highest level of service at every event.”
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olden Sands Hotel Apartments aims to capture a larger share of the lucrative Indian market, which already represents close to a quarter of its total guest numbers. In a bid to attract more visitors from the subcontinent, the management headed to New Delhi in January to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Expo (SATTE). Mohammed Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, commented, “During our presence at SATTE, we met some existing clients and also were able to discuss business levels for the upcoming Indian school holidays as there is expectation of good demand for that period. We are positive that our presence there will further boost inward traffic into Dubai from India.”
Porsche Club UAE members at Hilton Fujairah Resort
Jumeirah Adds Restaurant Division
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umeirah Group has launched Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai, (JRG Dubai), a global management company that creates, operates and franchises a portfolio of 60 restaurant brands. JRG Dubai operates home-grown high-end premium casual and casual dining venues and lounges, such as Pierchic, Tortuga, Pai Thai, 360° and The Noodle House. The launch marks a pioneering move from the Dubai-founded company to dedicate resources to the further development of its restaurant portfolio, as it aims to help establish Dubai as a hub for culinary excellence. JRG Dubai will develop existing restaurants located within the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts portfolio via a series of refurbishments, menu overhauls, talent acquisition and marketing excellence. In addition, the division will also engage in joint ventures, franchising and white label operations.
7 MARCH 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Rezidor’s Regional RevPAR Soars
Gloria Hotels & Resorts Outlines Growth Plans
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he Rezidor Hotel Group’s like-forlike RevPAR within the Middle East, Africa and others unit rose 7.3 percent to EUR72.2 (USD82.2) in 2014, while occupancy jumped 5.8 percentage points to 68.7 percent and average room rate (ARR) increased 1.4 percent to EUR105.2 (USD119.8). In the fourth quarter of 2014, RevPAR was up by 5.1 percent to EUR74 (USD84), driven by an occupancy increase of 8.4 percentage points to 68.3 percent which helped offset the three percent decline in ARR to EUR108.3 (USD123.4). The positive results in the region were fuelled by double-digit growth in both Egypt and Bahrain.
loria Hotels & Resorts is poised to increase its presence in the region. As Freddy Farid, area general manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, revealed, over the coming months, the company will focus on renovating its properties, and at the same time the management will also be looking at opportunities to launch new projects in MENA. To support this development, further expanding its partner network is also a key priority for the organisation. Going forward, Farid expects the corporate segment’s growth to dominate throughout the year as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a business hub, attracting leading companies from across the region and beyond.
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh
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R Hotels Reveals New Website
The company′s new website
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Hotels has launched its brand-new website; an all-inclusive portal for the company and its properties. It features a platform which conveniently allows users to book rooms at any establishments under R Hotels, namely Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Ramada Downtown Dubai, Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman. The site’s main page also features the latest promotions from the properties’ restaurants and spas, as well as deals for long-stay and corporate guests. In addition, the portal includes a comprehensive description and image gallery of rooms and suites, restaurants, facilities and meeting rooms, and it also provides information on the latest news and career opportunities.
7 MARCH 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Air Arabia Links Ras Al Khaimah and Doha Air Arabia has launched four-weekly flights to Doha from its Ras Al Khaimah hub. The introduction of the services brings the total number of destinations operated by the carrier from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to nine.
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del Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, enthused, “When we launched our Ras Al Khaimah hub in 2014, we made a firm commitment to increase connectivity to and from the Northern Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the region’s most attractive destinations and we are confident that our newly-launched flights will provide customers with great connectivity between both cities, both for leisure and for business.”
Emirates Brand Value Reaches USD6.6 billion
Oman Air Tops OTP Rankings
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mirates has broken into the top 200 of the world’s biggest brands for the first time, according to this year’s Brand Finance Global 500 report. For the fourth consecutive year, the airline has continued to climb the ranks, now listed at the 196th position, an increase of 38 spots in just 12 months. The estimated brand value of the company, which also retains its position as the most valuable brand in the Middle East and the most valuable airline brand, jumped 21 percent from USD5.48 billion to USD6.6 billion. “Our brand strategy does not only involve marketing and sponsorships, but everything we do including product innovation and service delivery,” stressed Tim Clark, president, Emirates, adding that the strength of the brand also underscores the positive impact that the company has on the industry.
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ecent figures published by London’s Heathrow Airport show that Oman Air topped the hub’s punctuality league for November 2014. The national carrier of the Sultanate recorded 100 percent on-time performance (OTP) for its departures and 96.7 percent OTP for arrivals over the course of the month, placing the airline at the top of the list for departures and second for arrivals, giving an overall first place for combined OTP. Oman Air’s management now looks forward to maintaining this record while continuing to deliver a superb passenger experience for its customers.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR SAUDIA Adds Jeddah – Al-Ula Route
Emirates to Hire over 11,000 New Staff
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o support its projected growth, Emirates Group plans to offer career opportunities to more than 11,000 people, increasing its staff size by six percent by March 2016. As Emirates, part of Emirates Group, gears up to take delivery of over 20 new aircraft, it is also actively recruiting talent in areas such as flight operations, engineering, airport services and corporate functions. dnata on the other hand is looking for experts in the fields of airport operations, engineering and commercial business development. In 2014, Emirates received nearly 483,944 online applications for over 2,000 jobs, from 227 countries, while the group’s careers portal registers more than a million visitors every month.
Air Arabia Lands in China
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lynas has entered into a strategic partnership with private car booking service provider, Careem, offering passengers up to 10 percent discount on the company’s published fares when booking on flight. To celebrate the contract, for a period of two weeks, flynas travellers could enjoy a free scheduled ride to the airport. Abdulla Elyas, founding partner, Careem Saudi Arabia, said, “We are honoured to be aligning with such a well-known and respected company as flynas. Furthermore, it is a partnership that makes total sense since we both have a strong commitment to our customers to be on time.”
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Inauguration ceremony
flynas and Careem representatives
flynas Signs Deal with Careem
n line with its strategic plan to further expand its domestic network, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has launched twice-weekly services between Jeddah and Al-Ula. “We have allocated 70 percent of our flights for the domestic sector,” said Abdullah Al-Ajhar, executive vice president, public relations, SAUDIA. In 2014, the airline carried 15.7 million passengers on 120,248 domestic flights, registering an increase of 987,636 passengers and 4,384 flights compared to 2013. According to Al-Ajhar, the new flights, which are offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, enable a significant number of tourists to visits to the famous Madain Saleh archaeological sites.
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ir Arabia has commenced direct operations from its Sharjah hub to its 101st destination, Urumqi, China. The low-cost carrier offers three weekly services to the modern industrial city in a region which is home to over 20 million people. As Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, noted, the route is set to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. “Urumqi represents an exciting first Chinese destination for us and we hope to add more routes over time. This is a major move for Air Arabia and an important step in strengthening connectivity between the rapidly growing economies of the Middle East and Eastern Asia,” he said.
7 MARCH 2015
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
First Holiday Inn Express in Pachuca
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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has unveiled the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Pachuca, Mexico. Located in the state of Hidalgo, the new-build Holiday Inn Express Pachuca features 118 rooms. "Holiday Inn Express hotels offer guests a great night’s rest while helping them be productive on the go, and this hotel is the smart choice for people travelling to Pachuca,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, distribution and commercial marketing, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. The hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, three meeting rooms, gym and business centre.
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BWI Enters Petaling Jaya
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est Western International (BWI) has announced the latest stage of its rapid Malaysian expansion, with the launch of a new hotel in Petaling Jaya. BEST WESTERN Petaling Jaya will boast 344 rooms and suites, the signature Kembali Kitchen restaurant and the SkyZ Dine & Bar, located on the rooftop level. Additionally, the property will offer four function rooms, a business centre, a rooftop swimming pool and a fitness centre. “Malaysia is an incredibly exciting market for BWI, and I am delighted to continue our rapid expansion with the launch of our first hotel in Petaling Jaya,” said Ron Pohl, senior vice president, brand management and development, BWI.
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Qantas Boosts Route Network
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antas Group is to add new services to its international and domestic network, giving customers greater direct travel options in Australia, as well as overseas. Internationally, the airline will increase frequency on its upcoming Brisbane – T okyo route from four to seven flights a week. Domestically, more than 15,000 seats a year will be added to the Whitsunday Coast region as part of a dual brand revamp to Qantas Airways and Jetstar Airways’ flying. From June 27, Qantas Airways will introduce a twice-weekly return service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island, taking over the route from Jetstar Airways. In turn, the low-cost carrier will start operating a direct three-times-weekly service between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport from June 25.
7 MARCH 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How was business in 2014? SAMIR ARORA: Although there are many new players in the market, Ramada Downtown Dubai’s unique location and view from the guestrooms had its edge over the others and [managed to] maintain its fair share in the market. Ramada Downtown’s [occupancy] averaged as high as 80 percent for the year 2014. The hotel met its target and performed exceptionally well in the first two quarters and had a fair performance in the last two. Given our unique location and offerings, the hotel will continue to do well in coming years.
Q & A with Samir Arora
GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA DOWNTOWN DUBAI
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What were the major achievements of the hotel’s management which you are proud of? SAMIR ARORA: Ramada Downtown, with support from our parent company R Hotels, embarked on a refurbishment where our lobby, lifts, restaurant, meeting rooms and guestrooms were given a complete makeover. The hotel also rebranded its all-day dining restaurant, which has been very well received by our local clientele. Formerly known as Orchid, the new restaurant is called Kenza, which means ‘treasure’ in Arabic. We refurbished the interiors and improved our menu and offerings. The makeover was well-received by our regular guests and they really appreciated the fact that their feedback was taken into consideration. There were many other initiatives, which led to resolving many guest issues and improved our guest satisfaction on TripAdvisor on exceptional levels. Our TripAdvisor ranking to date has improved by 100 positions and stands at number 110 out of 480 hotels in Dubai. The hotel also penetrated new markets apart from our traditional GCC markets, and as a result we enjoy a good mix of nationalities. In addition, Ramada Downtown Dubai also reinforced its corporate social responsibility, with a passion to give back to the society. In 2014, we partnered with Friends of Cancer Patients, a UAE-based and volunteer organisation which provides moral and financial aid to can7 MARCH 2015
SAMIR ARORA: There is no new mantra in hospitality. We always need to stick to the basics. We need to ensure that our service delivery and problem resolution is always a top priority. One also has to keep product in top condition, so we ensure that our facilities are well-maintained to high standards. Apart from that, technology is one aspect which one has to keep up with these days. Internet speed today is more important than breakfast for many guests, so we ensure that we do not lag behind in this aspect. We also need to ensure that our associates and team are challenged. Today there are many opportunities in the market that are attractive for an associate to indulge in. We have to stay very close to our star performers and keep them interested. When your team is happy, it reflects on the quality of service that they render.
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THERE IS NO NEW MANTRA IN HOSPITALITY. WE ALWAYS NEED TO STICK TO THE BASICS GROWING COMPETITION IN THE UAE IS NOT A CONCERN AS SAMIR ARORA, GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA DOWNTOWN DUBAI, EXPLAINS. AS LONG AS YOU STICK TO THE BASICS AND KEEP YOUR GUESTS HAPPY, THEY WILL KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE, HE DECLARED. cer patients and their loved-ones. We raised funds for the organisation by selling shirts with the Fight for Cancer message. We also provided complimentary stay and arranged tours for them to experience the attractions in downtown Dubai.
SAMIR ARORA:: Saudi Arabia was our top nationality with 40 percent within our mix. As mentioned earlier, we have penetrated many European and Asian markets. As a result, the hotel now has a very good mix of nationalities.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How would you describe the hotel’s clientele and how has it changed over the past few years?
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: With Dubai’s industry booming, how do you make sure to stay ahead of the growing competition?
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the management’s plans for this year? SAMIR ARORA: Ramada Downtown is focussing on establishing relationships in new markets like Europe and the subcontinent which is very much in line with Emirates and Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing’s strategy. The hotel will also strengthen its already existing relationship in the GCC and the business travel segment. As the supply of rooms comes online, holding on to its market share will be the key going forward with clever tactics. This will ensure that the hotel will fill rooms with the right mix and rate. The hotel will also continue to upgrade its product and services, and come up with deals that provide the best value for money.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Hilton Garden Inn Introduced to Namibia
Recife
Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek
Accor Boosts Brazilian Portfolio
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ccor has announced three new addresses in Recife, hailed as the Brazilian Venice due to its many canals, religious buildings and expansive beach offering. The three new hotels include Mercure Recife Mar Hotels Conventions, Grand Mercure Recife Atlante Plaza and Grand Mercure Summerville Resort, which will replace three properties from the Pontes Hotels & Resorts network and add a total of 432 rooms to Accor’s collection in northeast Brazil. The company already has 24 hotels in the region in Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and Sergipe, and 210 hotels in the country.
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ilton Worldwide signed a management agreement with Out of Africa Hospitality to open the mid-market Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek in Namibia. Expected to welcome its first guests early 2017, the 180-room hotel will open adjacent to the existing Hilton Windhoek and form part of the Freedom Plaza development, adding significant meeting space across the two properties. Located in the business and government heartland of the Namibian capital, Hilton Windhoek opened in 2011, and now the newly-agreed Hilton Garden Inn Windhoek will bring hallmark brand characteristics such as complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24-hour pavilion pantry to the destination.
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ouvre Hotels Group has opened Golden Tulip Essential Pontianak, the third Golden Tulip project in Indonesia. The newly-built property has a touch of luxury and modern style design, and it features 186 rooms, six function rooms with capacity up to 750 persons, and a ballroom. Mark Van Ogtrop, managing director, southeast Asia, Louvre Hotels Group, said, “The hotel has a very impressive interior with a nice ambiance and ideal for business. We are also confident to launch our new food and beverage concept with a very modern and stylish design in this hotel, called The Branche and Copacabana Pool & Lounge, which will be the first hippest place to be seen in the city.”
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Golden Tulip Essential Pontianak
Louvre Hotels Expands in Indonesia
7 MARCH 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Ali Dirani
POSITION:
MICE manager
COMPANY:
Saudi International Travel Agency
LOCATION:
Saudi Arabia
WEBSITE:
www.aldawleyah.travel
Who are you? I am Ali Dirani. I am from Lebanon and I work for Saudi International Travel Agency in Saudi Arabia. We offer all kinds of services [as well as] airline tickets, cargo and visa services. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Now, thanks to this field I have professional and personal relations worldwide. I have also visited many new destinations and met new cultures. When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia? The best time is winter and spring, when the weather is amazing. It is the best time of the year. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? My next holiday is my honeymoon and I am travelling to Italy and Turkey. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I have great experience with previous clients and I will offer customers the best prices and best services. 7 MARCH 2015
Dubai
Dubai and Abu Dhabi among Kuoni’s Best-selling Destinations
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oth Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly popular holiday destinations among British travellers, according to a new report from Kuoni Travel. Whilst islands in the Maldives hold onto their best-selling spot for the 10th year running, demand is also rapidly growing for the two UAE destinations, with combined sales putting them in the travel company’s top three for the first time. Thailand finished second and the top 10 was completed with Sri Lanka, US, Mauritius, Cuba, Antigua, Singapore and Barbados. The fastest-growing long-haul destinations included the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico and Cambodia.
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TRAVEL TALK
Ritz-Carlton, Doha food and beverage team constantly creates innovative culinary surprises
SUBIN DHARMAN Executive assistant manager, food and beverage, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
“Fully committed to delighting guests and visitors in the hotel’s nine dining outlets, bars and lounges, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha food and beverage team constantly creates innovative culinary surprises and elevates the guest experience.”
Our participation in this year’s ITB Berlin will yield excellent results
SAMIR ARORA General manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai
Sports allow our brand to reach a broad audience
BOUTROS BOUTROS Divisional senior vice president, corporate communications, marketing and brand, Emirates
“Emirates is well-known for sponsoring world-class sports clubs and properties, but our sponsorship portfolio features a good mix of arts and cultural events as well. Dubai and the UAE, being our home market, gets the lion’s share of our attention when it comes to sponsored events [...]. Sports allow our brand to reach a broad audience across geographies, while music and culture tend to be slightly more niche. Sponsoring cultural events allow us to engage with a different audience, or sometimes, even the same audience but in a different setting.”
“ITB Berlin is an excellent platform to showcase our latest products and offerings. We are confident that our participation in this year’s ITB Berlin will yield excellent results, opening doors for new partners in the German and European market in general.”
It is not just about being able to play sports
KEVORK DELDELIAN General manager, Oryx Rotana Doha
“We [in Qatar] are the first country to have such a national [sports] day and we are very proud of it. We will make sure that every year all the members of Oryx Rotana Doha participate in it. We have to be prepared – it is not just about being able to play sports, it is about the culture and philosophy of sport, and that is what H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, [emir of Qatar] is trying to do for the people, to make them feel sport, to live sport and to be ready for such a big challenge.”
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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7 MARCH 2015
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Etihad Airways Organises Charity Trip to Sri Lanka A delegation from Etihad Airways visited Sri Lanka to present some AED100,000 (USD27,225) raised through a series of charitable initiatives to underprivileged communities.
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he two-day programme included the opening of Maha Vidyalaya School in Alankuda which was fully rebuilt with funds raised by the airline. The school benefits 1,500 students who also received care packages. A new women’s clinic was also launched at District Kalpitiya Hospital in Puttalam following significant donations from the carrier. Reinforcing the airline’s commitment to giving back to those in need, Khaled Al Mehairbi, senior vice president, government and aero-political affairs, Etihad Airways, said that the donation represented the kindness and generosity of staff and partners, as well as the wider community in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways management and crew members with students at Maha Vidyalaya School in Alankuda
Spanish Prime Minister Receives UNWTO′s Open Letter
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n recognition of tourism’s ability to create jobs and drive socio-economic growth, Mariano Rajoy, prime minister, Spain, has accepted the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel & Tourism Council’s open letter on travel and tourism, which calls on heads of state to prioritise the sector. The industry accounts for 10.9 percent of Spain’s GDP and generates one in nine jobs. Moreover, Spain is the third most visited country in the world, and the second destination in terms of foreign earnings from tourism. With the sector representing 25 percent of all new jobs created in the country in 2014, tourism remains firmly positioned as one of the most important economic sectors.
Emirati Kitchen Featured at Abu Dhabi Food Festival
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ne of the highlights at this year’s Abu Dhabi Food Festival, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, was the new Emirati Kitchen, showcasing some the country’s best Emirati chefs and tastiest cuisine. Emirati Kitchen, which ran between February 5 – 7, provided a forum to celebrate authentic dishes of the UAE, and encouraged the community and visitors alike to come together in appreciation of fine food. Some of the country’s most noted chefs made their appearance demonstrating how to make traditional dishes and offered visitors a true taste of Emirati culture.
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WHO’S MOVED
STEPHEN JOHN DANIEL
Stephen John Daniel has joined The Domain Bahrain Hotel and Spa as assistant general manager. Being in the hospitality industry since 1987, Daniel is a hardcore professional who believes in dedication and positive attitude. He moved to Bahrain in 1993 and has fast risen through the ranks with the Holiday Inn brand between 1993 and 2002. He then joined Al Safir Hotel & Tower where he held various positions, including sales manager, rooms division manager, director of business development and director of sales and marketing. During his 13-year tenure with the property, he has gained invaluable knowledge of hotel management operations.
MOHAMMED WAHEED AL LAWATI
Mohammed Waheed Al Lawati has been named executive assistant at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC). Al Lawati brings to the soon-toopen project a range of valuable marketing and entrepreneurship skills. He has previously been involved in a number of large-scale national projects and also served in a pivotal role at Injaz Oman, part of the Junior Achievement Worldwide organisation. His appointment comes in line with OCEC management’s efforts to meet demand by meeting organisers worldwide.
Al Lawati has valuable marketing skills
LINDA CELESTINO
Linda Celestino has been appointed vice president of guest services at Etihad Airways. Celestino started her career as cabin crew at Ansett Australia, progressing to become a senior manager in guest services and guest experience. Over the past 25 years, Celestino has held various senior positions in Australia and the Middle East and was also the president of New York-based Airline Passenger Experience Association. Most recently she worked as general manager of in-flight services and product at Oman Air where she was responsible for cabin crew selection and training, as well as guest experience. In her capacity, Celestino will be responsible for 6,000 cabin crew to ensure safe, inspired, consistent and innovative services, both onboard and across the airline’s global lounges.
Celestino has 25 years of experience
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7 MARCH 2015
PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Etihad Airways organised a charity visit to Sri Lanka to support global education and health initiatives
InterContinental Cairo Semiramis hosted Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner
In-room camping at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
7 MARCH 2015
FC Barcelona players Neymar Jr (left) and Gerard Pique board a Qatar Executive aircraft
Gulfood′s 20th edition attracted over 4,800 companies and 80,000 visitors
Ice sculpting at the annual Gulfood show in Dubai
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NEWS & EVENTS Business Set to Flourish at IMEX
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MEX, taking place between May 19 – 21 in Frankfurt, is on course to boost business growth, with a substantial number of new hosted buyer groups confirmed and over 20 new stands, representing organisations from all five continents, already booked. The event will also introduce new strands to its educational programme including Creative Thursday, while two new session formats will be geared specifically towards young professionals and senior planners. Before the show opens, there will also be two new in-depth sessions, on business networking and building confidence. “With many more initiatives still to be announced in the coming months, we are creating the best possible environment for business and are looking forward to welcoming everyone,” said Ray Bloom, chairman, IMEX Group.
Reed Exhibitions Acquires ThinkGP
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eed Exhibitions has completed the acquisition of ThinkGP from GenesisEd. ThinkGP is widely acknowledged as Australia’s provider of accredited online education to general practitioners and other primary healthcare professionals. In terms of the deal, the company will be integrated into the Reed Medical Education division alongside the General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) portfolio of events held annually in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Reed Medical Education will now be able to deliver general practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare professionals throughout Australia the choice of the face-to-face, experiential opportunities available at the GPCE events or the convenience and immediacy of online learning opportunities via ThinkGP.
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EVENTS INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET JAPAN Kyoto, Japan March 16 – 18 www.iltm.com/japan A specialist invitation-only event, where Japan’s travel agents and advisors meet the world’s most spectacular travel experiences.
MITT TRAVEL & TOURISM EXHIBITION Moscow, Russia March 18 – 21 www.mitt.ru One of Russia’s largest and longest-running travel exhibitions with over 2,056 participants and more than 200 destinations.
INTERNATIONAL SKI TRAVEL MARKET Davos, Switzerland March 23 – 24 www.istm.co.uk An event, bringing together resorts, tourism boards and ski travel suppliers.
AZERBAIJAN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR Baku, Azerbaijan April 02 – 04 www.aitf.az A main event in Azerbaijan’s fast-growing tourism market, attracting a large number of international participants and trade visitors.
7 MARCH 2015