Travel Trade MENA April 2015 by Travel Trade Publications

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THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING TRAVEL TRADE FRANCHISE…. MEET NEWLY-LAUNCHED TRAVEL TRADE EUROPE!

AGENTS!... ...A new hotel booking system has arrived!

Let's TRADE with Europe!

10 JANUARY 2015

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JANUARY 2015

ISSUE 05

THE CABINET APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR INCLUDING TROODOS INTO THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK, A MOVE THAT IS EXPECTED TO PROMOTE THE REGION AS WELL AS CYPRUS IN TERMS OF THEMATIC TOURISM.

VISITBERLIN UNVEILED THE LATEST TOURIST FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 2014, SHOWING A 5.1 PERCENT INCREASE IN ARRIVALS, REACHING 1,138,671, AND A 5.6 PERCENT RISE IN OVERNIGHT STAYS ACROSS BERLIN’S ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS.

HERMES AIRPORTS INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC GATES

BRAVOFLY RUMBO GROUP TO ACQUIRE LASTMINUTE.COM

IN THIS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE CRUISING TOURISM BOARDS ACCOMMODATION AIRPORTS AIR RENDEZVOUS AGENTS TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO’S MOVED PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS

ISSUE 23

NICOSIA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT GOES AHEAD

NIKI SERVES ATHENS

02 04 09 10 17 18 21 23 24 25 26 27 28

BERLIN RECORDS INCREASING VISITOR NUMBERS

MARKET UPDATE

NICOSIA

NAUTICAL NEWS

AIRPORTS

TRAVEL AGENTS

TOURISM BOARDS

ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL CHANNELS

RENDEZVOUS

INTERNATIONAL / IN FOCUS

NEWS & EVENTS

TROODOS TO ACQUIRE EUROPEAN STATUS

online

APRIL 2015

ISSUE 66

EXPLORE: SHARJAH WITH A PLETHORA OF ATTRACTIONS, ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS AND FRESH DEVELOPMENTS, ABU DHABI IS SET TO SURPASS EVERY MARK SET IN THE PAST AND AMAZE BOTH ITS FRIENDS AND FOES.

11 EXCLUSIVE: BUSINESS TRAVEL

16 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

ONSITE: AJMAN

04 02 07

VISIT: ABU DHABI EXPLORE: SHARJAH TOUR: MALTA EXCLUSIVE: BUSINESS TRAVEL TRAVEL CHANNELS TRAVEL TALK WHO’S MOVED RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

04 11 09 14 16 16 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24

VISIT: Abu Dhabi

MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli

Abu Dhabi Duty Free 2014 Revenues Reach USD272 Million Abu Dhabi Duty Free exceeded sales of AED1 billion (USD272 million) in 2014, representing a year-on-year rise of 10.5 percent.

SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Christou Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltrademena.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprinters Ltd P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035, Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprinters.com

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

Dubai: Supply Outgrows Demand

As of 27/3/2015 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

96.75

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.63

Iran (IRR)

Rial

27,987.69

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,173.20

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,503.49

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.38

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

9.86

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.93

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.95

Yemen (YER)

Rial

215.06

Abu Dhabi International Airport

“T

his significant milestone confirms that we are providing passengers with the diverse services and offerings they expect at a major international airport and reflects the incredible growth in passengers, which is largely driven by the success of the national airline, Etihad Airways,” commented Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports. Beauty and fragrance emerged as the biggest selling product categories in 2014 with a 31 percent share of the turnover, increasing sales by 9.7 percent over 2013. Indian, Chinese and Emirati passengers continued to account for the highest share of spending at the airport, at 36 percent.

HEADQUARTERS

The 3.7 percent increase in demand failed to offset the 6.8 percent rise in supply in Dubai, leading to declines in rates and RevPAR.

Downtown Dubai

ccording to data compiled by STR Global, occupancy levels in January dropped 2.9 percent to 85.6 percent, while average daily rate (ADR) was down 3.6 percent to AED1070.89 (USD291.55). As a result, RevPAR fell 6.4 percent to AED916.17 (USD249.42). “Dubai reported declines in RevPAR performance for the month [of January], off the back of double-digit growth in January 2014,” confirmed Elizabeth Winkle, managing director, STR Global. APRIL 2015

MARKET UPDATE

Investments Double on Al Marjan Island Sales and investments on Ras Al Khaimahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Al Marjan Island doubled in January, compared to the same period in 2014.

Al Marjan Island

bdullah Rashed Al Abdooli, managing director, Al Marjan Island Company, attributed the growth to the unique investment environment offered by the project and supported by the longterm vision of the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government. He described the manmade island as a great place for hotels and related companies, adding that investors can sense the scope for upscale offering on the residential and tourism forefronts.

flydubai Profit Up 12.3 Percent flydubai recorded a net profit of AED250 million (USD68 million) for 2014, an increase of 12.3 percent with total revenue reaching AED4.4 billion (USD1.2 billion).

he carrier, which achieved profitability for the third consecutive year, served 7.25 million passengers, with demand on flights to and from Central Asia rising 57 percent year-onyear. During the year under review, flydubai added 23 new routes to its network and now offers some 1,400 services per week, 608 of which are operated within the GCC. With the upcoming delivery of seven aircraft, the airline is set to end the current year with a fleet of 50 aircarft. APRIL 2015

ONSITE AJMAN

Working Towards a Vision AJMAN, THE SMALLEST OF THE SEVEN EMIRATES, IS LOOKING AHEAD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE AND IS GEARED UP TO ACCOMPLISH ITS AIM AND BOOST THE INDUSTRY. WITH THE AJMAN 2021 VISION IN MIND, THE TOURISM BODY IS WORKING SWIFTLY TOWARDS THIS GOAL.

 Dominique Christou writes

jman’s tourism revenues reached nearly AED300 million (USD81.7 million) in 2014, compared to AED220 million (USD59.9 million) in 2013, according to Dalal Al Marzouqi, research and development executive, Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD). The number of hotel and hotel apartment guests increased to 850,000, from 600,000 in 2013, and average hotel occupancy rate stood at 65 percent. Interestingly enough, four-star hotels outperformed five-star establishments in terms of occupancy. As for occupancy by nationality, Russia ranked on top, followed by the CIS countries, UAE nationals and residents, Arab countries,

GCC markets and Asia and Europe, according to Al Marzouqi, who added that about 100,000 Europeans visited Ajman, 30,000 of which were German citizens. STRONG LEADERSHIP ATDD has proven to be the driving force behind the rise in occupancy levels at

AJMAN IN BRIEF

Country: UAE Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Language: Arabic Population: 262,186 Calling Code: +971 Time Zone: GMT +4:00

APRIL 2015

ONSITE AJMAN hotels, as M. C. Ranasinghe, business development manager, Tulip Inn Royal Suites Ajman, said. “The number of guests have been increased by a considerable figure in 2014 over 2013, with all due support from ATDD.” Similarly, Iftikhar Hamdani, cluster general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, attributed the tourism success of 2014 to the fact that ATDD has been actively participating in road shows and exhibitions and opening new markets, with this be-

“

THE OVERALL GROWTH OF THE EMIRATE’S TOURISM SECTOR CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY

APRIL 2015

ing likely to continue in the current year. “Along with ATDD, we will continue to tap new markets including China, India and Western Europe. Our hotels, specifically, will find more partners in Eastern Europe and the GCC,” noted Hamdani. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman, ATDD, affirmed the importance of promotional campaigns in increasing awareness about tourist and cultural services and products in Ajman and enhancing the image of the destination regionally and internationally. ATDD’s planned participation in a number of international tourism exhibitions supports efforts to achieve the government’s strategic goals, on top of which is enhancing the image of Ajman as a distinguished tourism destination. In line with this, Kai Schukowski, hotel manager, Kempinski Hotel Ajman, said that ATDD has done a tremendous job and invested significant resources to ensure stronger visibility of the emirate, including in the local market. “We have witnessed a significant increase of weekend travellers from 

ONSITE AJMAN Dubai and Abu Dhabi who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities. With the addition of new five-star hotels, a great selection of restaurants and serene beaches, Ajman is naturally destined to become a key destination in the UAE in the coming years,” noted Schukowski. KEEPING OPTIMISTIC The overall growth of the emirate’s tourism sector can be felt throughout the industry. Hamdani revealed that at his hotel, the share of the weakened Russian market – traditionally key for the emirate’s hospitality scene - was replaced with new sources. “Even [this year’s first quarter] results were better than in 2014 in terms of gross operating profit,” he enthused. Similarly, with the Russian market having an impact on the hotel’s guest numbers, Schukowski commented, “The year started off less positive than initially expected due to various factors, the main one being the situation in Russia

Al Zorah development

and Ukraine […]. Nevertheless, the German-speaking markets and Western Europe have shown very good pick-up and we are optimistic about going forward.” Moreover, Nehal Rizvi, general manager, Crown Palace Hotel Ajman, pointed out that this year so far has seen tremendous growth in terms of room nights as compared to the same period in 2014. “The first month showed some remarkable trends and we expect the same trend to carry on for the rest of

the year,” commented Rizvi, further stressing that the management attributes this success to the hard work and strategies ATDD has unleashed during all the road shows and tourism exhibitions locally and internationally. A NEW WAVE OF LIFE With Ajman Vision 2021 at the forefront of the emirate’s initiatives to boost tourism to the region, ATDD is set to establish the destination’s first Tourism Information Center later this year, further raising awareness of its offerings. The centre, to be set up on the Ajman Corniche, will include a reception area to deal with visitor questions and inquiries, and offer all available tourism information. In addition to this, Ajman is gearing up to welcome Fairmont Ajman on May 1, the impressive 14-storey hotel with 252 guestrooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. A destination within a destination, the property stands on a 200m stretch of golden sands and boasts an expansive infinity pool, fitness centre with spa facilities, conference rooms and an exciting portfolio of local and international dining outlets. Henny Schaeffer, general manager, Fairmont Ajman, commented on why the company chose the destination for its upcoming property, “Ajman has its own charm with a strong maritime, trade and fishing heritage. Like Ras al Khaimah, it is perfect for people who want a slightly gentler pace of holiday but is much closer to Dubai, which is a big plus.” Furthermore, as he reiterated, the tourism sector is growing in this emirate, and the company believes that Fairmont Ajman will make it even more popular as a destination for both overseas tourists and UAE residents. “Ajman is considered a leisure des-

tination, however, with comprehensive meetings facilities to include six meeting rooms, Fairmont Ajman caters for a wide range of bespoke event enquiries including press conferences, incentive and team building activities, outdoor receptions and weddings – the ballroom that seats 380 offers a full sea view that extends the length and height of the room,” concluded Schaeffer. MEGA PROJECT COMES ALIVE As Ajman continues to take steps to claim a larger share of the regional tourism market, works are very much underway on the emirate’s much-anticipated premier waterfront and lifestyle destination. Spread over an area of 5.4 million m2, Al Zorah will blend the best of nature with the finest in modern amenities to create a one of a kind refined place for residents and visitors alike. The freehold project of Al Zorah Development Company, a partnership between the government of Ajman and Solidere International, will encompass 12km of waterfront, 1.6km of sandy beaches and a 700,000m2 golf course. As Imad Dana, CEO, Al Zorah Development Company, noted, the main goal is provide a holistic lifestyle from day one and to achieve this, the company has invested more than AED500 million (USD136 million) in infrastructure. The first phase of the AED2 billion (USD544.5 million) project is set to welcome its first residents later this year. Key components will include a 113-key beach resort operated by Oberoi Hotels, a 192-unit resort by Lux Resorts & Hotels, a 18-hole golf, a marina and various residential properties, all of which will be connected to Sheikh Zayed Road by a new highway, significantly enhancing the destination’s competitiveness on the regional scene.  APRIL 2015

VISIT ABU DHABI

A DIVERSE NATURE UNCOVERED WITH A PLETHORA OF ATTRACTIONS, ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS AND FRESH DEVELOPMENTS, ABU DHABI IS SET TO SURPASS EVERY MARK SET IN THE PAST AND AMAZE BOTH ITS FRIENDS AND FOES.

 Maria Kazeli

writes

he destination’s exceptional 2014 performance reflects the heightened awareness of its world-class tourism offering and shows encouraging signs for further growth as more diverse products are added and local, regional and global marketing initiatives are expanded. This was testified by H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), who commended the industry’s extraordinary achievements. Figures released by the authority indicated that guest arrivals in 2014 totalled 3,494,063 – a year-on-year increase of 25 percent –, with guest nights climbing 19 percent over a 2013 comparison to reach 10,463,137. APRIL 2015

This has raised the bar higher, with Tim Mow, general manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, commenting that the new target of 3.5 million visitors for this year is achievable given the emirate’s diverse and five-star entertainment offerings. “Blessed with year-round sunshine, a calendar of high-calibre international sporting events such as the 

ABU DHABI IN BRIEF

Country: UAE Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Language: Arabic Population: 1.6 million Calling Code: +971 Time Zone: GMT +4:00

VISIT ABU DHABI

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a world-class culinary and hotel selection and major visitor attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the newly-opened Yas Mall, it is no surprise that inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi is on the rise,” Mow enthused. The largest of the emirates indeed offers a wide range of attractions spread out across it and as Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi, suggested, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves into the depth and diversity of experiences available, while also savouring culture and history. Reflecting the travel trade’s point of view, Joseph Punnooran, business development executive, Albadie Travel, remarked that demand for the city will soon pick up as it offers something different to visitors – including a taste of sustainable, eco, cultural and also adventure tourism. With the opening of new hotspots, tourism in Abu Dhabi is growing and as Ibrahim Korkut, director of sales and marketing, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, confirmed, the emirate has many attractions and activities to appeal to everyone and as it continues to develop and introduce world-famous cultural venues such as the Louvre and Guggenheim, it is only going to attract a more varied type of traveller. THE ISLAND OF ENTERTAINMENT An integral part of the hub’s attractiveness as a tourism destination is Yas Island, suggested Clive Dwyer, director, destination management, Yas Island. “Due to its world-class attractions and unique, rich experiences, Yas Island

“This increase in footfall from local and international markets has a positive flow on effect to the emirate, with visitors exploring other parts of Abu Dhabi as part of their holiday experience,” he said, corroborating Korkut’s observation that there has been a major shift in consumer behaviour with more guests opting to stay one or more nights as opposed to making a day trip to Yas Island. “As both Yas Island and Abu Dhabi continue to attract more events, so are we also attracting more visitors,” reminded Cedric Le Rest, general manager, Yas Marina, adding that the management is extremely pleased with how well the new restaurants and facilities were received by local residents and tourists alike, since in 2014 Yas Marina saw continuous growth in the number of visitors each week. “This has been supported by a focus on product bundling and international marketing, which has positively influenced travellers’ behaviour. For example, a higher percentage of visitors coming from Dubai are choosing to stay on Yas Island for one or more nights versus just spending the day exploring the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This option to explore two different emirates within close proximity to each other is very appealing for visitors to the UAE,” Le Rest said. REACHING OUT FURTHER has become renowned as a world-class family entertainment destination. As part of our strategy to delight our customers, we are continually strengthening the existing product on the island. For example, we are introducing new rides and attractions in our theme parks and increasing the number of dining choices available to guests,” he revealed. Testifying to this, Jesse Vargas, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, said that with its many family activities and unique venues, Yas Island has grown into a prime leisure, entertainment and business destination, and it has plenty more exciting plans to be unveiled in the future that will strengthen its presence amongst leading leisure hotspots worldwide. Vargas went on to reveal that Ferrari World Abu Dhabi benefitted from being located on this popular destination. “[2014] proved to be a great year for us as we welcomed thousands of tourists, and millions since opening. Building on that success, we also announced our expansion plans that will add seven

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS IN RETAINING ADNEC’S POSITION

new rides and a range of other exciting entertainment offerings,” he said. Korkut explained that travellers are now choosing to stay on Yas Island rather than in the city centre as it has plenty of attractions, one of which is the recently-opened Yas Mall; a venue which aims to lure over 20 million visitors in its first full year of operations. Regarding the 300-store mall opening, Dwyer added that since its launch at the end of 2014, visitation to the island has doubled.

As part of these marketing efforts which Le Rest mentioned, and hoping to aspire more travellers to experience Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism products portfolio, TCA Abu Dhabi recently launched a revamped website promoting many of the emirate’s best experiences, hotels and restaurants. “With this new site, we can now showcase the destination through thematic experiences that reflect our diversity in landscape, culture, heritage, attractions and accommodation, referring consumers directly to our industry partners,” commented Mouza Al Shamsi, acting executive director, marketing and communications, TCA Abu Dhabi, highlighting the authority’s multidimensional approach. The new informational site, suggesting what to see and do, where to stay and how to explore the emirate, has been rolled out in nine language versions including Arabic, English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Chinese.  APRIL 2015

VISIT ABU DHABI Alongside, our efforts are focussed on expanding and upgrading our facilities in order to accommodate the anticipated growth in ADNEC’s activities and events,” Al Dhaheri commented. He added that the company has evolved a strategy to increase the share of business tourism in the overall economy, raising the emirate’s profile as a leading destination for international and regional events. “We aim to continue attracting international events through leveraging our strategic geographical advantage to enhance the economic and touristic stature of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE,” he concluded. The fact that Abu Dhabi has become one of the most important destinations for business and global events The authority is paying particular attention to China as it has been marked as one of the most important segments for Abu Dhabi and it delivered the highest growth percentage in 2014 with a 166 percent rise in arrivals, elevating it to the emirate’s fifth most productive overseas market. Moreover, a research released by InterContinental Hotels Group revealed that the city is expected to welcome more than 177,000 Chinese travellers by 2023, a rise of more than 300 percent from 44,000 in 2013. Another important country for the emirate is India, which remains Abu Dhabi’s largest overseas source market for hotel guests, posting a 32 percent increase in 2014 and eclipsing its stellar 2013 performance figures to reach 231,702 guests. Responding to this demand, Etihad Airways launched daily flights between the city and Kolkata, the airline’s 11th destination in India. Overall, the carrier handled almost 14.8 million passengers in 2014, marking a significant surge of 23 percent over 2013 levels. Moreover, Etihad Airways transported more than 74 percent of the 19.9 million passengers who travelled through Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2014. Reassuring Asia’s prospective, Stephen Gee, director of operations, Zaya Hospitality, suggested that the use of the Middle East region as a preferred staging point from emerging markets for longer trips to Asia and the Indian subcontinent is an area holding hidden potential.

AN UNDENIABLE NICHE Another segment that can not be ignored in Abu Dhabi is business tourism, a field well represented and promoted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). Gearing up to mark the 10th anniversary of operations, the company has completed another eventful year in 2014. According to Humaid Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO, ADNEC, the entity played a major part in Abu Dhabi’s economy in 2014, with its economic impact reaching AED2.56 billion (USD697 million). “We also achieved significant success in the exhibitions sector hosting 327 events that drew more than 1.6 million visitors. [This year], we look forward to the support of our strategic partners in retaining ADNEC’s position at the forefront of the MICE industry. We also hope to bring in more flagship international conferences to the emirate.

was also supported by Wael Soueid, area general manager, Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas. “This is in turn attracting more and more visitors. We are constantly supporting the demand by offering more corporate retreat offers and group packages,” he said. BRAND NEW AND GROWING In a bid to broaden the emirate’s tourism horizons, many new developments are coming online in the bustling Abu Dhabi. Royal Rose Abu Dhabi, the latest property of City Seasons Hotels, has been recently unveiled, with Gianni Malerba, general manager, Royal Rose Hotel, saying, “When we talk affordable luxury we target the five-star traveller who wants to feel at home in a comfortable place where service is key. Royal Rose with its elaborate architecture and unique features resembling a French 17th century

palace is the perfect address.” Moreover, Swiss-Belhotel International launched the latest addition to its Middle East portfolio, Swiss-Belhotel Corniche, Abu Dhabi, fulfilling a longheld ambition of the Asian group. In addition, TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi, comprising 146 rooms and suites, recently opened its doors offering a spa, a gym, an outdoor pool, underground parking and free Wi-Fi Internet access. Concerning the aviation field, Abu Dhabi Airports announced the opening of several facilities at Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which are set to improve overall operational efficiency and increase the speed at which passengers move through the facility. “We are firm in our intention to become a leading global air transporta-

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WE AIM TO CONTINUE ATTRACTING INTERNATIONAL EVENTS THROUGH LEVERAGING OUR [...] GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE

tion hub and in order to do so, we need to ensure that all parts of a passenger’s journey into and out of terminal buildings, aircraft stands and runways at Abu Dhabi International Airport are as easy and as comfortable as possible, and to increase both processing speed and passenger and aircraft flow,” confirmed H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports.  APRIL 2015

EXPLORE SHARJAH

Authenticity in Modern Setting PROUD HOLDER OF THE TITLE CAPITAL OF ARAB TOURISM 2015, SHARJAH HAS OVER THE YEARS GAINED A REPUTATION FOR ITS DEEP-ROOTED DEVOTION TO TRADITIONAL VALUES, FAMILYFRIENDLY OFFERINGS AND A SAFE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, AND WITH DEMAND SET TO OUTPACE SUPPLY, THE EMIRATE PRESENTS AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES.  Rita Kasziba writes

ith no industry representing more than 20 percent of its GDP, Sharjah’s economy is considered one of the most diversified in the region. This, coupled with the government’s firm support for entrepreneurship and innovation, has enabled the emirate to attract major names from the industry, and millions of visitors each year. “Sharjah offers a unique tourism product, which has been growing over the last decade at a local, regional and international level,” elucidated Ahmed ElGharib, operations manager, Hilton Sharjah, pinpointing how the emirate, celebrated as the Capital of Arab Tourism APRIL 2015

for the current year, embraces its rich traditions and uses its cultural heritage as a platform through which it promotes its modern tourism infrastructure. In 2014, some two million people headed to Sharjah, up from 1.55 million in 2010. Notably, almost half of the visitors were Europeans, significantly boosting figures despite a drop from Russia. As Jean Pierre Simon, general manager, Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah, noted, in spite of a slow start, business picked up in the second half of the year. “Due to the CIS market’s crash, there was not much hope for a boom which is proving to be a challenging situation for hotels,” divulged Simon, further disclosing that reaching out to new markets has helped maintain business levels. Michael Kasch, general manager, Centro Sharjah, also admitted that the devaluation of the Russian Rou-

ble and the overall plunge in demand from CIS countries has hampered business growth, still the hotel’s current occupancy levels average around 90 percent, demonstrating the emirate’s strong branding and positioning. Alper Can Bulcum, general manager, Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Resi-

SHARJAH IN BRIEF

Country: UAE Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Language: Arabic Population: 950,000 Calling Code: +971 Time Zone: GMT +4:00

dence and Ramada Sharjah, attributed the results to the steady demand from upcoming markets such as India and China, as well as the corporate segment. In fact, business travellers are heading to the emirate in increasing numbers, as Alex Cherfan, operation manager, Golden Tulip Sharjah, indicated, saying that oil and gas projects along with major corporate events have given a significant boost to the sector, offsetting the decline from other markets. On the other hand, as Kasch noted, high rates in Dubai also pose an opportunity for hotels in the Northern Emirates to lure guests travelling on a budget. Yet, Sharjah’s main selling points go well beyond the attractive room rates, suggested Kasch, stressing that celebrated as the cultural capital of the UAE, the destination spectacularly embraces the essence of Arab tourism. 

EXPLORE SHARJAH LET THE NUMBERS SPEAK Sharjah’s unique image has officially been recognised with the Capital of Arab Tourism 2015 title which, as H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), noted, underlines the emirate’s success in attracting millions of tourists annually. The fact that travel and tourism, which contributes as much as 8.5 percent to the emirate’s GDP, has been identified as one of the four key sectors for Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) underscores just how big of an opportunity the leadership sees in this segment.

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SHARJAH OFFERS A UNIQUE TOURISM PRODUCT, WHICH HAS BEEN GROWING OVER THE LAST DECADE

Translated into numbers, Shurooq evaluates the potential of the emirate’s travel and tourism market at AED1.44 billion (USD392.05 million) for the current year and by 2020, this figure is set to soar close to 37 percent to AED1.97 billion (USD536.35 million) boosted by a growing expatriate population, heavy government investment in tourism infrastructure and rising disposable income. As ElGharib noted, in 2014, some 9.5 million travellers passed through Sharjah International Airport, thus the main task now is to increase average length of stay and boost repeat business. Between 2014 – 2020, over 4,110 hotel rooms would have come on line and with demand set to reach some 5,800 units during the period under review, Sharjah presents rewarding investment opportunities for hotel chains and service providers, especially in the

high-in-demand deluxe sector, particularly popular with GCC travellers. The emirate closed 2014 with 106 hotel establishments and some 10,000 rooms, with more hotels expected to come on line, including the 349-key Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, slated for a November launch, and Novotel Sharjah Expo, due for a 2017 opening. Highlighting the emirate’s competitive advantages from an investor’s point of view, Simon said, “Sharjah is considered cost-effective compared to other emirates as the commercial and residential property rental are very affordable to start a business. Moreover, logistics, infrastructure and the variety of licensing options for setting up a business make Sharjah an attractive destination for an investor.” As H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah, recently

noted, while the recovery from regional unrest and financial crisis may take some time in parts of the world, the pace of development in Sharjah has accelerated over the past years, turning the emirate into a safe haven for investors. While it still retains its status as a key industrial hub for the UAE, Sharjah has over the years built up a solid, knowledge-based economy in line with Al Qasimi’s credo that, “culture supplements a successful economy.”

seven emirates has its own charm and being a family-friendly destination with a thriving cultural scene and dynamic event calendar are unique to Sharjah, distinguishing it from other destinations. According to Kamal Rijhwani, executive assistant manager, sales and marketing, Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah, the roster of events lined up for the coming months to celebrate Sharjah as the Capital of Arab Tourism, will only further strengthen this image and help stakeholders leverage this. “Sharjah has come a long way in promoting itself as a tourist destination,” said Rijhwani, noting that enhanced air links have helped attract a wider pool of travellers from both regional and longhaul markets, such as China. In fact, as Simon noted, China has emerged as a new market; one that was not expected to grow at such a pace. “In addition, owing to better offers and family activities in Sharjah, the GCC market is also taking interest

ONE-OF-A-KIND This one-of-a-kind image has been pivotal to the destination’s success, and has helped carve out a niche for the emirate as ElGharib noted, saying that people visiting Sharjah have special interests and know what to expect from their visit. “Sharjah itself has an inter-Arab tourism strategy, being very familyoriented,” he added, arguing that the steady increase in both supply and demand would eventually threaten to dilute this solid image and turn Sharjah into another mass tourism destination. Cherfan agreed that each of the APRIL 2015

EXPLORE SHARJAH in the city. This certainly has benefitted the destination, but due to budget constrains from the Chinese market, it is quite challenging for us to maximise the revenue,” explained Simon, adding that neighbouring Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are also giving a stiff competition for the destination. Rijhwani referred to Air Arabia’s aggressive expansion strategy, Qatar Airways’ Sharjah – Doha route, launched in March 2014, and the expected arrival of other carriers – developments which help improve accessibility and, eventually, boost performance levels in the industry. In fact, in 2014, Sharjah International Airport welcomed more than 9.5 million passengers, up from just 1.66 million in 2004 and around one million more than in 2013, propelled by new routes and additional frequencies by both new and existing carriers. According to H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Airport Authority, the increase in figures is a testament to the growing popularity of the UAE’s third busiest airport, its “simple yet efficient procedures”, and, nevertheless, the attractiveness of Sharjah as a business and tourist destination. Over the past 12 years, Sharjah and Air Arabia’s growth followed a similar upward trajectory. Since the pioneer low-cost carrier’s inception in 2004, guest numbers to the emirate catapulted from 857,000 to over two million, reflecting the airline’s role in the development. Today, Air Arabia flies to over 100 destinations from its bases, carrying some 6.8 million travellers annually. “Our programme of expansion into new markets, combined with improved operational efficiencies, has led to another year of sustained growth and

APRIL 2015

profitability for the airline,” commented Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, on the company’s 30 profit increase recorded for 2014. The new Urumqi route marked another milestone in this growth strategy, marking Air Arabia’s entry into what Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, described as one of the world’s great economies. “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,” stated Ali, suggesting that the airline is keen on further expanding its Chinese footprint over time. Air Arabia’s inaugural route to the vast Asian country not only supports the airline’s growth strategy, it also opens up new horizons for Sharjah’s tourism industry as a whole. The team at Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah has already got a glimpse into what to expect in terms of requirements and preferences of the Chinese travellers, having welcomed the first guests arriving from the Asian country with Air Arabia, Rihjwani explained. Others, including Centro Sharjah, are

in the process of adjusting their services in order to cater to the market’s specific needs. As Kasch revealed, the hotel is currently recruiting Mandarin and Cantonese speaking colleagues and new menus and signage are also being prepared. “Stakeholders from the industry are certain to reap huge benefits and we are looking forward [to secure] our fair share of the pie,” claimed Kasch. To win over the Chinese market, one must understand the segment’s nuances.

“Chinese guests, as all other guests, have certain requirements,” started ElGharib, revealing that the company is relaunching its Huanying scheme, a special initiative for Chinese travellers. “The programme is very detailed from front desk team members [speaking their language] to in-room amenities and traditional breakfast items,” explained ElGharib, indicating that with the competition getting stiffer, new initiatives and promotional activities are crucial to ensuring high business levels. Bulcum agreed that the recent increase in supply in the emirate and the UAE in general created a competitive environment. Sharjah, led by SCTDA and Shurooq, however proved to be successful in attracting new markets in order to balance supply and demand. “Tourists nowadays are looking for alternative destinations in the Middle East which offer a combination of culture, sightseeing, beaches and most importantly, safety,” stressed Bulcum. As Kasch said, “Sharjah will always be the epitome of Arab tourism.” 

TOUR MALTA

Unearthing Hidden Gems  Dominique Christou writes

ccording to Malta’s National Statistics Office, total inbound tourist trips for January were estimated at 74,280, an increase of 6.8 percent when compared to the corresponding month of 2014. A total of 63,093 inbound visits were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 8,437 were classified as business trips. Inbound tourists from European Union member states went up by 16 percent to 61,163. As for the total nights spent, these surged 5.4 percent when compared to January 2014, reaching 602,510 nights. The largest share of guest nights, 64.1 percent, was spent in collective accommodation establishments. POSITIVE ARRIVALS Tourism results in 2014 also saw a rise in visitor numbers to the country, and this was mainly attributed to a rise in

airline traffic to the island, according to Edward Gauci, director, Hotel Argento, who further noted that opening air transport to new destinations has given Malta an extra boost of new markets. That the trend is likely to continue was confirmed by this February′s performance at Malta International Airport (MIA), which welcomed 208,896 passengers, an increase of 8.1 percent over the same month in 2014. These results were achieved thanks to a rise in aircraft movements which translated to a seat capacity increase of 3.1 percent over 2014. February also saw a significant im-

MALTA IN BRIEF

Capital: Valletta Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Maltese Population: 424,527 Calling Code: +356 Capital Time Zone: GMT +1:00

MALTA, WHICH MAKES UP ONE OF THREE OF THE ARCHIPELAGO ISLANDS, HAS AN ARRAY OF FACILITIES AT THE READY FOR TOURISTS, WITH SANDY BEACHES AND UNBEATABLE WEATHER. BUT STEPPING AWAY FROM THE EMINENT IS THE ISLAND OF GOZO WITH ITS OWN DISTINCTIVENESS, NOW AIMING TO ATTRACT DISCERNING TRAVELLERS.

provement in seat load factor to 75.9 percent, compared to 72.5 percent during the same period in 2014. This, alongside the above highlighted January figures, proves that Malta is becoming more popular during the winter season. “This is another reminder that the passenger growth we are seeing in Malta is steady, consistent and year-round. This is what all stakeholders have been working towards and it is encouraging to see such excellent results being registered month after month,” said Alan Borg, CEO, MIA. A QUALITY DESTINATION So what is it that people look for when visiting Malta? According to David Woodward, general manager, Corinthia Palace & Spa, the Maltese tourism sector is becoming increasingly focussed on quality and luxury. The tourism product here has begun to attract a very upmarket crowd, thanks to the incredible history, good service and the sheer variety of what is on offer. “At Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, our

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THE MALTESE TOURISM SECTOR IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY FOCUSSED ON QUALITY AND LUXURY

own Private Malta programme – which is designed especially for people who want to go behind the scenes of the island’s well-to-do and their homes – is proving to be very popular for this market,” commented Woodward. MALTA’S LITTLE SISTER The growth momentum that is sweeping across Malta has also brushed against Gozo, often referred to as Malta’s little sister. Gozo Tourism Association noted a positive increase in tourist arrivals in APRIL 2015

TOUR MALTA

2014, both on national levels, as well as those regionally achieved by the Gozitan tourism industry, and Esther Bajada, director, tourism and economic development, Ministry for Gozo, attributes this success to the increase in awareness about the destination, resulting from the Ministry for Gozo’s and the Malta Tourism Authority’s joint promotional initiatives, as well as private investment in product enhancement that led to in higher customer satisfaction and retention. The Ministry for Gozo has ongo-

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ing initiatives in place to boost awareness of Gozo as a tourism destination, as Bajada commented, “Lately, we have focussed our marketing efforts more intensely on digital promotion, linked mainly to the official tourism web portal for the Island of Gozo.” This year, the ministry will lay great emphasis on digital promotion, including social media platforms. In addition to this, Gozo has a number of projects geared towards enhancing sustainability and is keen to become

an eco-island by 2020 and a hub for sustainable tourism, and Bajada indicated that initiatives are being taken out to reach this goal. “These include the conservation of valleys and the generation of renewable forms of energy by the government in Gozo. Sustainable tourism is the way forward for Gozo. The Ministry for Gozo is already trying to build a network of authentic farmers, crafts people and tourism service providers, which can provide a true experience of Gozo.“

Bajada noted that the island has considerable potential, especially when it comes to the high-end niche sectors, due to the infrastructure in place, such as health and wellness, and spa facilties. “We also have a rich cultural calendar including operas and international cultural festivals,” she added. With Gozo working to become a well-known and sought-after destination to visit, there are a number of infrastructural projects which should complement the island’s tourism offering. “These include the restoration of the Citadel and the upgrading of the historical city center in Victoria,” commented Bajada. Furthermore, the response to the government’s international call for expression of interest for the development of a cruise liner terminal and yacht marina is also being evacuated. The government is also examining the possibility of introducing further services between Malta and Gozo, which should guarantee further accessibility, mainly the introduction of a fast ferry service and fixed winged aircraft. 

EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS TRAVEL

Let’s Do Business  Rita Kasziba writes

hile exquisite décor, stunning views and extensive leisure facilities are real magnets for holiday-makers, these features do little for business travellers, who, as Bayan Zainy, marketing and communications assistant manager, Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa, noted, appreciate convenient location, comfort, reliable Internet connection and value for money over additional frills. As Ali Haddad, general manager, Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait, explained, “Holiday-makers prefer a place to relax and enjoy with their loved ones while off from a busy schedule. An ideal place [for them] would be a hotel with resort facilities and easy access to shopping districts and landmarks, while a business traveller is often more concerned about the Wi-Fi connection in his room, location and easy accessibility from the hotel to his meeting places, as well as food and shopping outlets.”

JUGGLING TIGHT MEETING SCHEDULES, PILING UP BUSINESS CARDS AND KEEPING UP WITH EMAILS AND WORKLOAD WHILE AWAY FROM THE OFFICE ARE ALL TOO FAMILIAR TO BUSY BUSINESS TRAVELLERS, WHO ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE MOVE AND THUS VALUE CONVENIENCE AND EFFICIENCY. SO, LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.

For these on-the-go executives, however, the standard nine-to-five working hours are often never heard of and most days they continue their work in their room well into the evening, thus, as Rabih Zein, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm, noted, they require convenience, connectivity and comfort. And hotels and service providers leave no stones unturned to ensure these guests’ utmost satisfaction as in 2014, global business travel was expected to contribute an estimated USD1.18 trillion to the world economy, with nearly 40 percent of this being generated in Asia Pacific according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). In 2012, more than 171.3 million business class tickets were offered on planes worldwide, with the Middle East having gradually increased its share in the thriving segment. Over the past decade, the number of business class seats available from and to the UAE showed a massive leap with the addition of some 4.1 million seats in this category between 2002 and 2012.  APRIL 2015

EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS TRAVEL NUMBERS DO NOT LIE

international meeting planners and organised some 5,000 consultations. “The emirate has done a wonderful job of establishing its profile as a worldclass leisure destination which is ideal from an incentive industry point of view,” said Jakobsen, referring to Dubai’s hosting of its largest-ever incentive group of more than 14,500 Chinese delegates in 2014 and adding that with a plethora of projects under development for Expo 2020 and the hotel sector’s constant diversification, the time has never been better to promote Dubai’s business and events credentials. As part of the emirate’s vision for 2020, it aims to double leisure visitors to 17 million per year and increase the number of those travelling on business by 50 – 75 percent to around 3.5 million people per annum.

The steady flow of business travellers is in parallel with the new regulations and reforms aimed at reducing burdensome bureaucracy and improving legal and regulatory frameworks in the region. In fact, based on the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2015 report, the UAE was one of the top 10 countries that have implemented the most efficient strategies in the past year to better facilitate business procedures, earning the country the 22th place on the annual list with one of the biggest improvement being noted in the field of property registration. The top 50 also included Saudi Arabia on the 49th and Qatar on the 50th spot. Reflecting the sector’s catalyst role in socio-economic development, in 2014, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)’s impact on Abu Dhabi’s economy reached AED2.56 billion (USD697 million), exceeding the previously forecasted target of AED2.55 billion (USD694 million). The venue welcomed 327 events, including several major international programmes, and more than 1.609 million visitors, 5.2 percent more than in 2013. Underscoring the sector’s significance, just one single event, namely the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, brought more than 1,800 exhibitors and some 76,000 attendees to the

UAE capital, resulting in thousands of room bookings, car rentals and a major halo effect in general. As Humaid Al Dhaheri, acting CEO, ADNEC, highlighted, the perception of Abu Dhabi and the Middle East in general within the MICE industry has changed dramatically in the past decade and can

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BUSINESS TRAVEL IS EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THE HOTTEST GROWTH SEGMENTS IN THE YEARS AHEAD

now be benchmarked against global players. ADNEC has undoubtedly played a key role in this success through attracting signature international events, exhibitions and conferences. “One of the key competitive advantages of Abu Dhabi as a meeting and event destination is its strategic geo-

graphical positioning at the crossroads of many fast-growing economies in Asia, Europe and the Americas,” elucidated Al Dhaheri. Likewise, the importance of business events and business travel to Dubai’s tourism sector, and economy in general, cannot be understated, stressed Steen Jakobsen, director, Dubai Business Events (DBE), a division of Dubai Departments of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, saying that events, including business occasions, are a key pillar of the destination’s vision which aims to attract 20 million visitors 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 2020 and Expo 2020, prospects for growth remain very strong.” As Jakobsen revealed, just in 2014, Dubai was showcased as a business and MICE destination by DBE at more than 100 international events and in this March alone, the city hosted 225 top

THE BUSINESS POTENTIAL As Haddad noted, business travel is expected to be one of the hottest growth segments in the years ahead and there is a big potential to turn these executives into holiday-makers in Kuwait as well if and when the government’s progressive plan is materialised. Likewise, as Zainy pinpointed, in Saudi Arabia, travellers often combine their business duties with pilgrimage, resulting in longer stays and, consequently, higher spending. “There are many aspects that make business travellers a valuable segment, such as the volume of business throughout the year; in other words, the potential of his company generating [additional] room nights, the desire to accumulate points through our loyalty programme and generate positive world-of-mouth [promotion].” Similarly, as Stephen Daniel, assistant general manager, The Domain APRIL 2015

EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS TRAVEL Hotel & Spa, Bahrain, noted, Bahrain’s tourism sector also continues to benefit from the Kingdom’s profile as a business and trade destination pulsating with business activities on weekdays. “With [numerous] regional and international events, trade shows and exhibitions, we see business travel increasing day by day,” stated Daniel. “The Gulf region continues to turn these weekday business travellers into weekend holiday-makers.” Along parallel lines, Imad Zaboura, general manager, Al Manshar Rotana Hotel, Kuwait, also drew attention to the pivotal role of the country’s overall infrastructure, saying that internationally renowned brands and developed road networks are crucial to luring businessmen. Once the destination has been chosen, attractive, easy-to-use and, if possible, mobile-friendly booking portals can make a difference for these busy executives as Jasmine Arika, director of marketing and communications, Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, noted. In fact, these days, technology and

APRIL 2015

Internet are fundamental needs of business travellers, reiterated Zein, stressing that free high-speed Wi-Fi is a must. “We can see that business travellers today are Internet-savvy and more informed […],” added Zainy. “Business travellers are looking to stay connected constantly through a strong Wi-Fi connection either on their mobile or other devices. Being able to access their emails, join a video meeting or open large attachments quickly and efficient-

ly is extremely important.” SOARING BUSINESS Likewise, business aviation continues to be a driving force behind the region’s growth, accounting, as Ali Ahmed AlNaqbi, founding chairman, Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), revealed, for 10 percent of all aviation jobs in the region and generating traffic to countries through dedicated

business aviation airports. “Business aviation is very essential transportation for business men, investors and companies who play a major role in the economy. It can help companies and individuals in using their time efficiently by avoiding long queues and the schedule of commercial airlines,” underlined AlNaqbi, noting that since MEBAA’s inception in 2006, the region has embraced the notion of business aviation and the association, along with governments, operators and manufacturers, addressed the most pressing issues hampering the sector’s development. “[Today], we have 10 fixed-base operators and at least five maintenance, repair and operations organisations dedicated for business aviation. In 2008, we also managed to dedicate one airport exclusively for business aviation, which is Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi which received tremendous acceptance in the region,” concluded Al Naqbi, reiterating MEBAA’s commitment to change the perception of business aviation. 

TRAVEL CHANNELS

SCTA Updates on Heritage Regulations

Travel and Tourism Talent Shortage

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is conducting a series of workshops across the provinces of the Kingdom to introduce the regulations pertaining to antiquities, museums and urban heritage.

esearch conducted for the World Travel & Tourism Council by Oxford Economics shows that the travel and tourism industry could employ 14 million fewer people and contribute USD610 billion less in GDP to the world economy over the next 10 years, when compared to accepted growth forecasts, if government and private companies fail to implement policies which promote proactive and careful talent management. Travel and tourism industries currently sustain 266 million jobs – a figure projected to rise to 347 million by 2024. Similarly, the industry contributed nearly USD7 trillion to the global economy in 2014, which is forecast to rise to USD11 trillion by 2024.

UNWTO and UNESCO Promote Cultural Tourism

Madain Saleh

he main aim of the programmes is to inform stakeholders of the new rubrics of the regulations and update them on the main principles in regard to managing antiquities sites and urban heritage buildings. Topics discussed at the workshops include recording, documentation and preservation, among others. The first event was held in Jeddah in mid-March, and over the next months, Hail, Najran, Al Ahsa, Al Qasiim, Al Baha, Al Dammam and the Northern Boards will also host workshops.

Cambodia

ver 900 participants from 100 countries, including ministers and vice ministers of tourism and culture, international experts, speakers and guests, gathered at the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture, recently held in Cambodia. The purpose of the conference was to explore and advance new partnership models between tourism and culture, where leading experts in the two fields got together over the course of two days to highlight the need to create a new framework for collaboration. During his opening speech, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, prime minister, Cambodia, stated, “We need cross-cutting policies to promote the sustainable development of cultural tourism.”

APRIL 2015

TRAVEL TALK

India and China are key markets for Dubai

WAEL EL BEHI General manager, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai

“Since the last quarter of 2014, due to the reduction of [global] oil prices and the geopolitical issues, demand has overshadowed supply in Dubai. This year looks promising. We have started the year on a positive note, achieving the highest revenue since the opening of the hotel. We are targeting all segments, and with little rate adjustments Dubai will still be able to attract tourists from all over the world. India and China are key markets for Dubai, and GCC, especially Saudi Arabia, will remain [key] suppliers for Dubai’s hotels and tourism.”

The key is constant innovation and creativity

STEFAN VIARD General manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts

“Dubai is setting a model in driving the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector with its Tourism Vision 2020. […] [It] has in fact energised our operations and we see the role of all stakeholders as complementary rather than competing in driving the hospitality sector of Dubai. [...] With the advances in technology, we have tailored our hotels to suit the needs of the culturally attuned and the socially networked individuals […]. The key is constant innovation and creativity […].”

Emirates is fully committed to the European market

TIM CLARK President, Emirates

“The relationship goes back to 1987 when we first started flying from Dubai to London’s Gatwick. Since then, we have witnessed growth based on demand and now operate over 350 passenger flights a week from Europe [...]. Emirates’ economic impact is significant; based on Frontier’s report, we supported over 100,000 jobs across Europe […]. By stimulating demand for travel and cargo, especially in markets underserved by other airlines, Emirates contributes to the economies of the communities we serve.”

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

APRIL 2015

WHO’S MOVED

STELLA GIASTA

SALLY MANSOUR MOUSTAFA

Stella Giasta has been introduced by Mövenpick Hotel Doha as the new director of sales. Giasta spent the past three years at Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai, where she was instrumental in developing new source markets and driving revenue generation and ecommerce activities. With an extensive background in revenue management and e-commerce, she has collected 10 years of industry experience at independent hotels such as Royal Olympic Athens Hotel and Macedonian Hotels in Greece, before relocating to the Middle East. Her diverse experience and extensive industry knowledge are set to play a major role in further growing the hotel’s business both locally and internationally.

Sally Mansour Moustafa is the new marketing and communications manager at Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Resorts and Ramada Sharjah. Moustafa brings vast experience to the team, having previously worked as brand manager at Emaar Retail and assistant marketing and public relations manager at JA Resorts & Hotels for eight years. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, advertising, public relations and internal and external communications. She will also work on developing and executing multiple media communication platforms to promote the two properties and arrange promotions and activities to generate revenue for their respective food and beverage outlets.

MICHAEL KUHN

Michael Kuhn has been appointed hotel manager at the new Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha. Kuhn has more than 15 years of experience under his belt. He began his career with The Rezidor Hotel Group in Germany, and has since then built a strong knowledge base of sales, marketing and operations in diverse markets across Europe and the Middle East. He relocated to the Middle East in 2011 and worked previously as director of sales and marketing at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Bahrain, where he was later promoted to executive assistant manager.

Kuhn relocated to the Middle East in 2011

Elodie Patel has joined the team of the recently launched Zaya Nurai Island as marketing manager. Patel started her career in the hospitality industry in 2008 in France. Having first worked at Novotel Château de Versailles and Kempinski Djibouti Palace, she relocated to the Middle East where she continued her professional journey at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, being in charge of marketing and communications.

ELODIE PATEL Patel joins the team from Kempinski

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RENDEZVOUS Travel Trade MENA: How successful has the concept been so far? PETER BAUMGARTNER: The Residence by Etihad is the world’s first multi-room suite in the sky to be operated by a commercial airline. Each private cabin, which can accommodate up to two guests, includes a double bed, en-suite shower facility and a dedicated Savoytrained personal butler – another first for commercial aviation. We unveiled The Residence by Etihad to overwhelming public interest and enthusiasm. Since the launch of the Residence in May 2014, it has continued to make headlines across the globe and has people talking. The halo effect on its own has beaten all expectations. The response to the launch of our new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, along with our new cabin crew uniforms in December 2014, can also be demonstrated online. The launch led to a major increase in online brand aware-

Q & A with

comparison, the cost for two people to travel from London to Abu Dhabi on a private jet, the closest comparison in terms of luxury and service, can be up to six times higher.

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Travel Trade MENA: The Residence by Etihad has utterly changed the way we think about luxury air travel. Do you expect your peers to introduce similar concepts?

Peter Baumgartner

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WE ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF DEFYING THE STATUS QUO

ness. On social media alone, the Etihad Airways brand garnered more than 145 million impressions throughout the world in a two-week period. Travel Trade MENA: Hailed as the most luxurious air travel experience, The Residence by Etihad is already available on some of the airline’s A380 routes. How many passengers do you expect annually in order to make this concept profitable? PETER BAUMGARTNER: Our new A380 aircraft is currently in operation on our London Heathrow route and will be introduced on our Sydney and New York services this year. We have been delighted by the response to date and continue to see strong demand. The sales figures have reinforced our prediction that there is a strong market for The Residence. APRIL 2015

WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE RESIDENCE BY ETIHAD, THE UAE FLAG CARRIER HAS LITERALLY TAKEN LUXURY TO NEW HEIGHTS. PETER BAUMGARTNER, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, ETIHAD AIRWAYS, SHARES INSIDER INFORMATION ON THE VISION BEHIND THE CONCEPT, AND WHY IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Travel Trade MENA: Why not book a private jet instead of The Residence by Etihad? PETER BAUMGARTNER: Guests can expect to pay around USD20,000 one way for The Residence, which can accommodate up to two people. As with every class of travel on Etihad Airways, this superlative luxury travel experience represents exceptionally good value. As a

The Residence by Etihad

PETER BAUMGARTNER: The project was almost six years in the making. We introduced our new Residence concept after considerable research and development. Not satisfied with what we found initially and recognising that no single design agency could deliver our vision for the cabin, we established the Etihad Design Consortium. We wanted to totally reimagine the way that people travel, reinterpreting the definition of luxury in new ways and boldly thinking about how aircraft real estate can be utilised. The consortium brought together three leading design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding, to integrate innovation into the cabin and product re-design project starting with the A380 and B787. We enjoy the challenge of defying the status quo and setting the bar higher than it has ever been before. Ultimately, this stimulates interest and further innovation in the industry, which is good news for the consumer. Whether our peers introduce similar concepts is something only they can comment on. Travel Trade MENA: What is next for Etihad Airways in terms of luxury offerings? PETER BAUMGARTNER: Our longterm vision is to be the world’s best airline. We continue to invest heavily in our premium product offering, to ensure that we are responding to the ever changing needs of today’s premium traveller, whilst working with the new possibilities available to us. We also continue to remain focussed on our economy product, and the opportunities here in delivering a bestin-class experience for our guests. Our focus for the current year and ahead is to continue delivering exceptional service and superb quality through experiential luxury. 

NEWS & EVENTS An Ideal Environment for MICE gatherings

EVENTS RIYADH TRAVEL FAIR Riyadh, Saudi Arabia April 14 – 17 www.riyadhtravel.net First organised in 2009, in 2014 the event witnessed a strong year-on-year increase of 18 percent in the number of exhibitors.

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA

azagan Beach and Golf Resort in Morocco sponsored The MICE Arabia Congress 2015, held between February 22 – 23 in Dubai. The Moroccan property showcased its services to over 150 delegates from corporate organisations and the travel trade sector. “After years of planning, we have created an ideal environment for MICE events at Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, adding to the exceptional amenities already available at the resort for family entertainment,” said Stephan Killinger, president, Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort. According to Killinger, supporting The MICE Arabia Congress 2015 gave the resort a strategic platform to interact with event organisers who are looking for venues.

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort

Cape Town, South Africa April 15 – 17 www.wtmafrica.com The annual event creates personal and business opportunities, providing visitors with quality contacts, content and communities.

Seychelles Presented at Lebanon Wedding Fair

rom February 19 – 22, the Seychelles Tourism Office - Middle East participated in the 12th edition of Wedding Folies in Lebanon. “Lebanon is still considered a new market for the Seychelles. In response to the growing need from this country, along with the necessity to promote the destination, we were delighted with our presence that enabled us to reach the consumers and to educate with the Seychelles product offerings,” said Ahmed Fathallah, regional manager, Seychelles Tourism Office - Middle East. Throughout the four-day exhibition, the Seychelles team welcomed many visitors and answered queries about Seychelles as a honeymoon and wedding destination.

KAZAKHSTAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & TRAVEL FAIR Almaty, Kazakhstan April 22 – 24 www.kitf.kz A major tourism forum in Central Asia, presenting resorts, upscale hotels, convenient air connections and more.

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET Dubai, UAE May 04 – 07 www.arabiantravelmarket.com Over the past 21 years, Arabian Travel Market has provided a place to do face-to-face business with companies from around the globe and this year’s edition promises to be larger than ever.

Oman Lures Saudi Travellers with a Road Show

n a bid to promote Oman to the Saudi market, the country’s Ministry of Tourism held its first road show this year in collaboration with Oman Air. The programme covered Riyadh, Al Khobar and Jedah. Salem Adi Al Mamari, director general, tourism promotion, Ministry of Tourism, Oman, stated, “As in the past, the road show will give our tourism campaign a significant boost – allowing us to strategically reach our target market with ease. This year’s road shows aimed at highlighting our country’s beauty and the reasons it has been attracting global attention over the past few years.”

APRIL 2015