25 AUGUST 2015
ISSUE 20
RIGA WELCOMES 50 MILLIONTH PASSENGER IN JUNE, THE HOSPITALITY MARKETS IN ITALY AND POLAND WERE MARKED BY SLIGHT DECREASES IN OCCUPANCY. ACCORDING TO THE LATEST HOTSTATS REPORT, THE PICTURE WAS TOTALLY DIFFERENT IN AMSTERDAM.
06 2014: THE YEAR OF OVERNIGHT TRIPS FOR LATVIANS
09 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
02
HOTEL PERFORMANCE
04
AIRPORTS
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TOURISM BOARDS
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CRUISING
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ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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WHO’S MOVED
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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HOTSTATS REVEALS EUROPEAN HOTEL PERFORMANCE
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba
Aeroflot Group Passenger Numbers Up 14 Percent Aeroflot Group handled 17.9 million travellers in the first half of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 14 percent.
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rom the total, Aeroflot accounted for 12 million customers, 9.3 percent more than in the corresponding period in 2014. Group revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) and available seat kilometres (ASKs) both rose by 8.7 percent; load factor remained flat at 75.7 percent. Aeroflot posted even better results, demonstrating a 9.6 percent and a nine percent improvement in RPKs and ASKs respectively, with load factor standing at 76.9 percent.
CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic
PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu
DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis
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
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Russia Crisis Takes a Toll on ITE Revenues International trade exhibition and conference organiser, ITE Group reported revenues of GBP58 million (EUR83.2 million) for the third quarter of its financial year, marking a 17 percent year-on-year decline.
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he negative results were mainly attributed to the challenging trading conditions in Russia and the relative weakness of the Euro and the Russian Ruble against the British Pound. Nevertheless, as the situation in Russia continues to stabilise, the company remains confident about the outlook for the current financial year, with 96 percent of consensus revenues now contracted. As at mid-July, ITE Group had contracted revenues of circa GBP130 million (EUR183 million) for the full year which, on a like-for-like basis, is 14 percent less than at the same time in 2014.
Austrian Airlines: Steady Recovery EXCHANGE RATES
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Austrian Airlines’ earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased to EUR36 million in the second quarter of the year, bringing the first half’s EBIT levels to minus EUR17 million, compared to the minus 41 million recorded in 2014.
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he crisis in Ukraine and Russia, as well as the situation in the Middle East impacted negatively the carrier with previously profitable routes like Tripoli or Baghdad remaining inactive. US routes, however, performed well, and Iran showed hope following the country’s agreement with the United Nations, as Heinz Lachinger, chief financial officer, Austrian Airlines, said. “We are currently taking a close look at Iran, and are ready to go with new destinations,” he added. 25 AUGUST 2015
MARKET UPDATE
Clouds Over London London hotels reported a decrease in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) in June, but UK provinces continued to show much more positive year-on-year movements, according to HotStats.
Lufthansa Group: Sales Rise in H1 Sales increased 8.5 percent to EUR15.4 billion at Lufthansa Group during the first half (H1) of the year, with traffic revenue standing at EUR12.1 billion.
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he group’s net result for the period rose to EUR954 million, compared with a net loss of EUR79 million in 2014. “Aside from the positive development of our business operating areas, […] the fall in fuel costs is largely responsible for the improvement in our results,” said Simone Menne, chairman, financial and aviation services, Lufthansa Group. “We will, however, not be misled by that, since we assume that the price level for airline tickets will not recover. We will therefore continue to work consistently on the competitive focus of the Lufthansa Group,” added Menne.
Record July for Viking Line
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London
outh West hoteliers recorded a 12.6 percent surge in GOPPAR and combined rise in occupancy of 1.7 percentage points and in average room rate (ARR) of 7.7 percent. This resulted in a noteworthy increase of 10 percent in RevPAR to GBP64.97 (EUR92). Mixed performances were recorded in non-room revenues, which softened total RevPAR levels to a growth of 6.9 percent to GBP106.39 (EUR150).
Croatia Airlines: One Millionth Passenger for The Year
Passenger volumes reached new heights in July for Viking Line with over 945,300 travellers – 20,500 more than in the same month in 2014 – opting for the red ships.
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he number of cars transported by the company rose six percent to over 116,400. Expressing satisfaction with the figures, Jan Hanses, CEO, Viking Line, noted that the price competition on certain routes this summer had been fierce, which has benefitted customers. Demand was particularly strong on the Turku – Åland Islands – Stockholm and the Stockholm – Mariehamn itineraries.
Croatia Airlines recently celebrated its millionth passenger this year with a special ceremony, awarding the lucky traveller with two economy class tickets to any of the carrier’s international destinations.
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n addition, the winning passenger, Maro Popović, also received a premium service prize for two on the departure and arrival flights by Zagreb International Airport. Up to the end of July, the Croatian flag carrier recorded an increase of four percent in passenger numbers, and it is estimated that by the end of the year, it will transport about two to three percent more travellers than in 2014. 25 AUGUST 2015
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NEWS HOTEL PERFORMANCE
Amsterdam and Hamburg Take the Lead
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ross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) at accommodation establishments in Amsterdam and Hamburg surged 15 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively. Occupancy in the Dutch capital shot up by 6.5 percentage points to 90.2 percent and ARR increased 1.5 percent while RevPAR grew 9.4 percent. Similar performances were registered in non-room departments and total RevPAR rose 9.5 percent to EUR230.59. Hamburg hoteliers also forged ahead and registered an 8.2 percent hike in RevPAR as a result of a 1.1 percentage point boost in occupancy combined with a 6.8 percent growth in ARR to EUR147.40. The ARR uplift was most notably fuelled by a 34.5 percent increase in the tours and groups segment.
Rome and Warsaw Perform Well In June, the hospitality markets in Italy’s and Poland’s capital cities were marked by slight decreases in occupancy. According to the latest HotStats report, the picture was totally different in Amsterdam and Hamburg with occupancy levels exceeding 90 percent in the Dutch city. On the other hand, Istanbul faced serious challenges, with room rates, occupancy and RevPAR slipping.
Istanbul Lags Behind
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otels in Istanbul experienced challenging conditions in June and reported negative year-on-year comparisons across all key performance indicators. A 1.3 percentage point drop in occupancy combined with an 11.1 percent decline in average room rates (ARR) led to a 12.8 percent RevPAR decrease. Mixed performances were recorded in ancillary departments and total RevPAR levels plunged 11.5 percent to EUR151.83. With payroll going up by 4.5 percentage points, departmental operating profit per available room (DOPPAR) fell 16.5 percent to EUR94.93.
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Warsaw
ome hoteliers managed to increase ARR by 10 percent but occupancy went down 0.9 percentage points, which resulted in a RevPAR uplift of 8.9 percent to EUR212. Apart from occupancy, Rome registered positive year-on-year comparisons across all key performance indicators, though a decrease in meeting room hire revenue per available room of 2.9 percent softened total RevPAR growth of 7.8 percent to EUR309.31. Properties in Warsaw also experienced a slight decrease in occupancy, at 0.1 percentage points. A 5.3 percent boost in ARR coupled with the 0.1 percentage point drop in occupancy led to a 5.2 percent improvement in RevPAR to EUR90.21.
25 AUGUST 2015
AIRPORTS NEWS
The one millionth passenger in Budapest
Budapest: Over One Million Passengers in One Month
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udapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport celebrated a major milestone as traffic for July exceeded the one million mark for the first time in the airfield’s history. To mark the occasion, members of the management team welcomed Tamás Hadik and his wife as the Hungarian couple disembarked from a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. The lucky couple also received a free booking from the Middle Eastern airline, along with other gifts. The Hungarian capital’s airport has never before registered one million passengers in a single month and the achievement helped propel a 12 percent year-on-year growth for the first half of the year.
Glasgow Airport Encourages Recycling
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Members of the airport’s sustainability team
lasgow Airport, working with its waste management contractor Biffa, has seen its recycling rate soar to over 90 percent since making a Resource Efficiency Pledge, and is now encouraging all businesses on its campus to follow its lead in boosting their green credentials. The pledge, coordinated by Resource Efficient Scotland, is a free initiative which asks businesses and organisations to commit to reducing their impact on the environment by making better use of energy, water and raw materials. Since undertaking this commitment, the airport has introduced a new terminal recycling system, with double bins which separate general waste from recycling, encouraging passengers and staff to get involved in the process.
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NEWS AIRPORTS
Riga Welcomes 50 Millionth Passenger
EU Airports Take the Lead
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iga International Airport registered its 50 millionth traveller since the launch of the airfield. Monta Skābarniece arrived on an airBaltic flight from Munich to be greeted by members of the company’s management team. During the first six months of the year, the Latvian hub handled close to 2.38 million travellers. Commenting on the rising traffic, Anrijs Matīss, transport minister, Latvia, said, “The number of passengers keeps growing; therefore, I wish you to reach the annual figure of five million passengers this year.”
The 50 millionth passenger in Riga
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etween January and June, passenger volumes at Europe’s airports rose 4.5 percent, driven by strong demand in European Union (EU) member states. Based on data compiled by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, airfields located in the EU witnessed a 5.1 percent surge in figures, more than double the rate the non-EU airports posted at 2.3 percent. “The first half of this year has seen solid passenger traffic growth for the European airport industry. However, where as recently as 18 months ago, non-EU airports were propping up weaker passenger traffic growth at EU airports, we are now through the looking glass,” noted Olivier Jankovec, director general, ACI Europe, saying that this reversed trend is likely to continue for the rest of the year.
ADR Achieves Record Visitor Numbers
Copenhagen Attracts Chinese Charter Business
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eroporti di Roma (ADR) enjoyed a new all-time record of 157,000 passengers at Fiumicino Airport on July 31, with a further 155,000 passengers expected to have transited at the airport by end of day August 2. The figures further reaffirm the company’s full operational activities.
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ADR c ffi 014 In 2 ed a tra re o d r m o rec me of lion volu 44 mil ? n r a e th sseng s pa
ollowing the effort of Copenhagen Airport to lure more Chinese travellers to the Danish capital, almost 3,500 charter tourists from Beijing and Hangzhou will arrive to the city this autumn with Beijing Capital Airlines. According to VisitDenmark data, Chinese travellers spend two to three times more money than the average tourist in the country, but they like to visit several European destinations during a single trip. “It is necessary that we cooperate to make even more Chinese tourists choose Denmark as one of the countries they want to visit, and preferably, of course, to be the country they arrive in and fly back from,” said Peter Krogsgaard, chief commercial officer, Copenhagen Airports.
25 AUGUST 2015
TOURISM BOARDS NEWS
Malta: Geared up to Host Increased Visitors
Ireland on Track for Record Year
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Malta
alta saw a 4.5 percent year-on-year growth in inbound visitors in June, reaching 187,617 when also including overnight cruise passenger numbers. Expenditure by tourists during the month in question peaked at an impressive EUR165.2 million featuring an incremental spend of EUR4.4 million over the same month in 2014. The number of overnight stays increased marginally to reach1.36 million. With encouraging figures, Malta Tourism Authority has introduced an innovative way to assist the growing number of tourists. The authority has launched a programme which sees 12 students trained to perform the role of tourist assistants during the busy summer months. The Tourist Assistants when approached by tourists are able to provide necessary information, guidance and recommendations.
Viimsi Gets a New Entertainment Hub
25 AUGUST 2015
From left: Niall Gibbons, Pashal Donohoe, tourism minister, Ireland, and Brian Ambrose, chairman, Tourism Ireland
London’s Autumn Season of Culture
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u:lsa:l, a Tallinn-based bowling and billiards club, has opened a new branch in Viimsi with a bowling and billiards centre, as well as MUUUV Viimsi, an adventure park with an innovative concept. ”MUUUV Viimsi adventure park is a play centre for children between five and 12, with enough space for up to 150 children to have fun,“ said Riin Raie, managing director, ViimsiKu:lsa:l and MUUUV. The adventure park, ideal for kids’ events, features climbing tracks of various difficulty levels, a rock-climbing wall, a trampoline landscape with tubes for sliding and climbing, a mesh pyramid, mysterious cocoon swings and interactive games, among other.
reland witnessed an 11.7 percent rise in overseas visitors in the first half of the year with an additional 407,100 travellers, when compared to the corresponding period in 2014. As Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland, noted, the goal is to ensure that this will be the best year ever for Irish tourism. According to Gibbons, figures have been particularly encouraging from North America, up almost 15 percent, meaning that Ireland now welcomes 10 percent of all American visitors to Europe. It has also been the best-ever first half performance from mainland Europe with numbers rising 13 percent and year-end performance is also expected to reach new heights from long-haul markets.
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Science Museum, London
ccording to insights from Google, London is the most searched city for art galleries, performing arts, innovative art and design. It was also revealed that the UK capital’s theatres generate more searches than those in any other city, while international searches for globally renowned museums rank the Science Museum in London as the most googled museum in the world. The data comes just as VisitLondon.com, in partnership with the GREAT Britain campaign, launch London’s Autumn Season of Culture, a video clip which showcases the blockbuster exhibitions and events coming to the capital. The film was premiered at an evening event, where leading figures of the city’s major institutions celebrated the launch of their key autumn exhibitions.
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NEWS TOURISM BOARDS British Visits to Denmark Hit a Record High
International Tourism Fuels Berlin Figures
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Denmark
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enmark continues to attract an increasing number of British travellers with statistics released by the Danish Statistical Office pointing to a 33 percent rise in arrivals between 2009 and 2014. As a result, the UK is now Copenhagen’s biggest tourism market, and according to Dennis Englung, director, UK, VisitDenmark, figures are likely to continue to soar due to a packed schedule of festivals and events as well as the country’s permanent attractions. “We are extremely delighted with Denmark’s performance. The UK is an incredibly exciting and important market for Danish tourism with huge potential for continued growth,” added Englund.
erlin continues to grow in popularity with international travellers, with figures released by visitBerlin showing an 8.5 percent rise in foreign guest nights for the first half of the year. Between January and June, the German capital welcomed more than 5.8 million visitors, up 4.9 percent year-on-year, driven by a nine percent surge in guest volumes from international markets. Bed nights for the six-month period climbed over 13.8 million, with foreign visitors accounting for almost 6.1 million nights. As Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin, noted, the growth reflects the destination’s increasing attractiveness globally and especially in new markets. “We are seeing impressive number, especially from Asia and Brazil. Never before have there been so many visitors from these countries,” pinpointed Kieker.
Belarus Steps Up Tourism Promotion
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elarus will showcase its tourism potential at the World Travel Market in London, between November 2 – 5, under the leadership of the National Tourism Agency.
Belarus pavilion at Expo Milano 2015
Berlin
In addition, the country will also showcase its tourism opportunities at EXPO Milano 2015 in September. The programme will include the presentation of the destination’s tourism routes, historical and cultural values, and travel agencies, with a number of Belarusian travel agents set to meet with Italian tour operators.
CCD Attracts Association Events to Dublin
O Samuel Beckett Bridge and CCD
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ver the next two years, Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) will host five prestigious association conferences, which are expected to attract over 5,300 delegates to the city and generate more than EUR7 million in revenues. The events scheduled for 2016 are the seventh European Conference on Interventional Oncology, the 48th Annual General Meeting and Conference of The International Capital Market Association, the world congress of The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association, and the annual congress of The International Society of Paediatric Oncology. Furthermore, in 2017, CCD will play host to The 7th World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights. 25 AUGUST 2015
TOURISM BOARDS NEWS Bad Harzburg Welcomes Treetop Trail
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he first treetop trail at Harz National Park in Bad Harzburg has opened to the public, offering bird’s eye views. Measuring almost one kilometre in length and set 22m above the ground, the walkway offers an unusual perspective for visitors.
Another must for intrepid explorers is the woodland trail, which has 33 checkpoints. Here, one can learn how the forest's complex ecosystem works and which animals live alongside the bats and lynx. The treetop walkway is accessed via a spiral tower, also suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Bad Harzburg
2014: The Year of Overnight Trips for Latvians
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ome 7 5.6 percent of Latvian residents went on same-day and overnight trips in 2014, which is one percent higher than 2013, according to data gathered from Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. More specifically, 19.9 percent of Latvian residents engaged in overnight recreational trips both within the country as well as abroad, spending at least one night outside their usual place. Compared to 2013, the share of these travellers increased by 16.1 percent. Of all foreign overnight trips, 52.8 percent were recreational, 25.9 percent were visits to friends and relatives, 12.1 percent were for business, and 9.2 percent were for other personal purposes. Concerning foreign overnight recreational trips, the number grew by 29.4 percent.
Latvia
25 AUGUST 2015
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NEWS CRUISING
Malta: Over 200,000 Cruise Passengers
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alta recorded a 66.4 percent rise in cruise passenger numbers for the second quarter of the year. The islands welcomed a total of 205,224 visitors, 81,860 more than in the corresponding period in 2014. All in all, for the first half of the year, cruise passenger numbers to the country rose 39.9 percent. “Apart from the immediate benefits of cruise passengers’ spending in Malta’s economy particularly in Valletta and Grand Harbour business communities, the fact that such a large number are visiting our islands for a few hours allows us to showcase what Malta can offer […],” noted Paul Bugeja, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority.
Valletta
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Crystal Cruises to Expand in Waters and Air
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rystal Cruises is poised to become the first hospitality brand to offer luxurious explorations for ocean, expedition, river, yacht and air. Over the next three years, the company will introduce new ships, effectively establishing three brand new classes of cruising, as well as its own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Crystal Yacht Cruises will debut at the end of this year and will be followed in 2017 with the river cruises division. In the same year, the company will soar to new heights with the launch of Crystal Luxury Air which will carry 60 guests to destinations where other airlines do not offer nonstop services. In addition, late 2018 will see the launch of the exclusive class ocean vessels.
Crystal Esprit
Carnival Corporation Raises Dividend
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arnival Corporation has increased its quarterly dividend by 20 percent to USD0.30 per
share. As Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corporation, pinpointed, the move reflects the company’s strong cash flow from operations approaching USD4 billion (EUR3.3 billion) this year. ”We are committed to returning value to our shareholders as we work toward our goal of providing double digit return on invested capital,” added Donald. Carnival Corporation has a portfolio of 10 cruise brands.
Costa Serena in Shanghai
25 AUGUST 2015
NEWS CRUISING Costa Cruises to Build Next-Generation Ships
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Hamburg Gears Up for Cruise Days
Costa Victoria
osta Cruises has placed an order to build two next-generation cruise ships, with the largest guest capacity in the world featuring a revolutionary green design, marking the first ships of their kind in the cruise industry. The vessels will be powered at sea by liquefied natural gas, hailed as the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough, and will be built by Meyer Werft with delivery in 2019 and 2020. Each of the ships will exceed 180,000 gross tonnage, offering more than 2,600 passenger cabins for a total of 6,600 passengers onboard.
Norwegian: EUR155 Million of Income in Q2
Hamburg
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Frank Del Rio
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amburg, a major maritime city, looks forward to welcoming visitors aboard its cruise ship festival, Hamburg Cruise Days, from September 11 – 13. The main event will take place on the second evening with a grand parade of illuminated cruise liners sailing down the Elbe while fireworks light up the sky. Another highlight will be the Blue Port light installation which bathes the waterfront in a blue glow. Spread out between the two cruise ship terminals in HafenCity and Altona, the festival also offers an extensive programme on dry land, themed on cruises, culture, and cuisine.
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orwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reported financial results for the second quarter, having generated an adjusted net income of USD171.6 million (EUR155 million). Continued synergy identification efforts from the integration of NCL and Prestige led to synergies of USD75 million (EUR67.7 million) this year and USD125 million (EUR112.8 million) in 2016 prior to reinvestment. Frank Del Rio, CEO, NCL, stated, “Many of the strategies we have previously communicated are gaining more and more traction, from the weaving of Prestige’s go to market strategy into the Norwegian brand’s pricing and marketing practices, to the focus on adding value for our guests in lieu of discounting, in addition to leveraging our scale to maximise cost efficiencies.”
25 AUGUST 2015
ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Carlson Rezidor to Debut in Slovenia
Starwood Grows Spanish Presence
H10 Madrid Property Turns into Boutique Hotel
S Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Ljubljana
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lovenia is preparing to welcome the 236key Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Ljubljana, the first property by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in the country, by the end of the year. “We will be part of the country’s growth journey, making our contributions to the local economies and aiming to bring our core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson to primary and secondary locations in the country,” said Elie Younes, executive vice president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Part of BTC City, Ljubljana’s key business, shopping, entertainment and cultural centre, the hotel will offer an all-day-dining restaurant, two bars, three meeting rooms, a board room, and a gym.
25 AUGUST 2015
tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with Phoenix Enterprises to convert a property into a Westin branded hotel. Due to be unveiled in March 2016, The Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort will feature 172 rooms and suites, extensive leisure facilities, including a workout studio, outdoor pool, a 1,500m2 spa, a variety of dining outlets, 800m2 of event space with a ballroom, three meeting rooms and a business centre, while for young guests, the property will offer a range of complimentary events. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy access to a 27-hole championship course with world-class facilities.
The Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort
H10 Villa de la Reina, Madrid
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panish hotel company, H10 Hotels has unveiled the upgraded and improved H10 Villa de la Reina in Madrid. Over the past months, the establishment received a complete facelift to return as a boutique hotel that combines both modern and classical touches. All 74 rooms have been refurbished and equipped with modern amenities. To match the new theme of the property, the Las Infantas Restaurant has also been upgraded and guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the building. This project forms part of the renovation process being carried out by H10 Hotels to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
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NEWS AIR Four Seasons Budapest Adds New Restaurant
Wizz Air Continues Bulgaria Expansion
Long-Haul Plans for Iberia
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izz Air is poised to further consolidate its presence in Bulgaria by adding a sixth aircraft to its Sofia base. As of March 2016, the airliner will be operated from the capital city on new routes to Alicante, Bristol, Hamburg Lubeck and Oslo Torp, all offered twice weekly. In addition, the carrier will increase frequency on existing services to London Luton, Brussels Charleroi, Eindhoven and Malmö. As György Abrán, chief commercial officer, Wizz Air, noted, with the addition of the new flights the airline will operate to 16 countries from three Bulgarian locations.
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beria is to launch new long-haul routes to Asia, Africa, and the Americas in 2016 and 2017. The new destinations are expected to be announced before the end of this year, following negotiation and profitability studies. The expansion consideration is made possible by the successful implementation of Iberia’s Plan de Futuro and consequential improvements in costs and earnings performance, which is meeting the company’s objectives, as the latest report by parent company International Airlines Group attests. Possible destinations include Tokyo, Doha, Johannesburg, Toronto, Guadalajara, Managua, San Juan de Puerto Rico, Brasilia and Asunción.
Increased Capacity and Comfort to Panama City
Spa Experience Onboard Air Malta
A Panama City
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etween November and the end of the winter season, Air France will offer six weekly flights to Panama City from ParisCharles de Gaulle Airport. All services will be operated by Boeing 777-200 aircraft, equipped with the airline’s latest long-haul travel cabins. Onboard, customers will be able to enjoy the new business class, as well as the completely redesigned premium economy and economy seats, ensuring optimum travel comfort.
ir Malta launched The Sky Spa, a free in-flight spa experience onboard a commercial short-haul flight. Flights KM 116/7 to and from Gatwick Airport were chosen to introduce the onboard service of spa treatments, offered free of charge to passengers travelling in economy class. Two professional therapists welcomed travellers with various beauty product samples and later pampered them with complimentary treatments including hand, feet and neck massages. The initiative was made possible by teaming up with Myoka Spas, and will be available on selected flights. This experience is deemed as just the beginning of a series of similar projects that the airline will be launching in the near future aimed at enhancing customer experience.
25 AUGUST 2015
AIR NEWS Brussels Airlines Flew 12,000 passengers to Tomorrowland
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russels Airlines transported almost 12,000 passengers onboard 119 flights bound for the world famous music festival, Tomorrowland. The passengers were aged from 18 to 72, belonging to 93 different nationalities. Out of all flights, 80 were party flights and four featured live DJs.The carrier’s flights departed from 64 airports worldwide.
Brussels Airlines party flight to Tomorrowland
Amsterdam
airBaltic to Spread Its Wings to Amsterdam
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n March 27, 2016, airBaltic is set to launch a new route connecting Tallinn and Amsterdam. Christophe Viatte, chief commercial officer, airBaltic, commented, “airBaltic’s new direct flights will strengthen our service with Europe’s major hubs and will offer unmatched onward connections to the whole world.” The carrier will fly to the Dutch capital seven times a week, using a Boeing 737-500 aircraft.
Multifold Benefits of UIA and NexTo Partnership
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hanks to a collaboration between Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) and NexTo, an Internet platform, passengers of the carrier now have the opportunity to choose their fellow travellers. The site uses a global flights’ database and works for almost all regular services in the world, thus, allowing to find companions in any part of the world. NexTo users are able to check-in on the airline’s flights via mobile devices, receive important information, communicate with existing and potential fellow travellers via the platform’s social network, as well as search and plan routes.
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ects ls conn ta UIA to capi es i e t i n i c a Ukr largest e US, and rope, th the d u in E Asia an st? , a S E I C le Midd
bmi and Loganair Form New Group
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mi regional and Loganair have become part of a new regional airline group, AIL Group. The holding company, Airline Investment Limited (AIL) acquired the shares in bmi regional, creating a new group with substantial scale and reach: 46 aircraft, carrying approximately 1.5 million passengers per year, flying to 47 routes across 10 countries, and generating a turnover of some GBP200 million (EUR284 million). Each carrier will continue to operate as a distinct business and brand, the consolidation of the two companies will, however, provide natural efficiencies and economies of scale that will enhance both entities.
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TRAVEL TALK
This remarkable outcome will be an inspiration
TAMÁS FAZEKAS General manager, Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace
“I am extremely proud that our commitment to the highest standards has been recognised once again with the prestigious [Best Luxury Wellness Spa accolade within Hungary for the Buddhattitude Spa at the world Luxury Spa Award]. We are delighted with our win, and I am sure that this remarkable outcome will be an inspiration for the entire team to continue reaching for excellence for years to come.”
Air Malta understands that customers look for peace of mind
PHILIP MICALLEF CEO, Air Malta
Hyatt Place Jermuk will offer a new choice
Promotions are also continuing in 18 other markets
NIALL GIBBONS CEO, Tourism Ireland
“We were delighted to be in Kilkenny for [July’s] board meeting [...]. It also afforded us the opportunity to discuss the extensive promotional programme which Tourism Ireland is undertaking around the world this year, to build on the success of 2014 and continue to grow overseas visitor numbers to Kilkenny and the South East. Priority markets are Great Britain, the US, Germany and France, but our promotions are also continuing in 18 other markets across the world.”
“[The launch of our upgraded product range] marks an important development and a significant milestone for Air Malta. We have made many product changes to offer customers more choice and flexibility. Our passengers will be able to get what they pay for at the price they choose. Air Malta understands that customers look for peace of mind when flying, and do not want to be worried and ripped off with luggage charges or other extra fees.”
PETER FULTON Group president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and southwest Asia, Hyatt
“Having built a strong foundation for the brand in the US, we are delighted with the second Hyatt Place hotel in Armenia and the third Hyatt Place hotel in Europe, further growing the brand’s presence in key markets where our guests are increasingly travelling. We have designed every aspect of the Hyatt Place brand with today’s traveller in mind. As the company continues to grow, the brand strategically and thoughtfully in key markets around the world, Hyatt Place Jermuk will offer a new choice to future and existing Hyatt guests.”
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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25 AUGUST 2015
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Iberia Coordinates Monetary Contribution to UNICEF Iberia, along with the UNICEF Committee in Spain and Amadeus travel reservations system have raised over EUR350,000 in small donations by the airline’s passengers who booked their tickets online.
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hanks to a platform developed by the tech firm, customers booking tickets via Iberia.com can make direct donations to UNICEF. The total amount was accumulated since the start of the initiative in November 2013. All proceeds go to the non-profit organisation’s 100% Vaccinated Children programme, aimed at vaccinating kids in the most remote regions of the world, and at eradicating polio and other infectious diseases in eight countries where vaccination rates are currently very low.
Water-based Holidays in the UK
IHG Academy Celebrates 70 New Graduates
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his year, a total of 70 students graduated from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)’s Academy programme, founded three years ago by Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, in cooperation with the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Helwan University. The students acquired practical job experience in front office, kitchen and food and beverage-related departments. Sameh Sobhy, general manager, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, commented, “The IHG Academy gives participants the invaluable experience of working in a hotel […]. We are extremely proud of our 70 graduates who have done a great job and big efforts to learn and develop their skills in a practical manner.“
Lithuania Chooses Top Gastronomic Experience
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s an island surrounded by 12,000km of coastline and home to the dramatic beauty of the Lake District as well as canals that loop around scenic countryside, there is plenty of water-based fun to be had around Britain, and overall in the UK. Among the exciting options, to suit visitors of all ages and interests, are coasteering in Angelsey, northwest Wales, wild swims in plunge pools in Brecon Beacons, south Wales, water trampoline fun on Fermanagh Lakelands, Northern Ireland, fresh water fishing in Loch Lomond, central Scotland, day-tripping at the magical Mersea Island, southeast England, and surfing with surf camps available for youngsters on the Cornish coast of southwest England.
Gastronomic innovations in Lithuania
B Loch Lomond, Scotland
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est gastronomic destinations are being elected in Lithuania, with 16 projects competing for the title. These include sakotis tree cake, Baltic Sea fish, beer of Pakruojis, natural honey in Jurbarkas and more. After thorough evaluation, 10 projects will be selected and visited by an expert commission, which will vote for the four most interesting ones. The finalists will be announced at a special event, and the winning project will be presented in Brussels, along with the best gastronomic projects from the rest of the European Union.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
ECTAA Warns against Greek VAT Hike The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) called on the negotiating parties for the Greek bailout programme to adopt a swift decision on the future VAT rates for tourism services in the country and implement any changes gradually to avoid the ripple effect on tourism.
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ccording to the organisation, changes to VAT rates, if any, should be implemented with sufficient advanced notice, so that they can be integrated into prices. ECTAA warns that any increase cannot be absorbed by the industry and will be passed on to highly price sensitive customers. With average VAT rates for industry related services in Southern Europe ranging between four and eight percent, Greece could easily price itself out of a competitive market.
UNWTO Calls for Higher Financing for Tourism
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t the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) called for higher support for tourism in international financing for development flows to maximise the sector’s contribution to sustainable development globally. Despite being a high-impact economic activity, a major job generator, and key export sector accounting for six percent of total world trade, tourism receives only a fraction of disbursements. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, noted that tourism has been identified by half of the world’s Least Developed Countries as a priority instrument for poverty reduction. “[It is time] to raise the level of assistance in tourism to further harness its vast potential for stimulating green growth and inclusive development worldwide, particularly for the most in need,” he added.
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Aiding Towards WWF
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n July 16, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder, easyJet, and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, co-hosted their third annual fundraising cocktail party in aid of the work of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), protecting endangered species. The private event managed to raise EUR190,000 towards the foundation.
Santorini
Stelios Haji-Ioannou
Berlin Ranks Top for Chinese Travellers kn Did you
ow. .
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the in is Berl th most n n seve us urba lo e u h p t o p in area pean o r u E n? Unio
Berlin
erlin ranks as favourite German city for Chinese travellers, according to the Chinese International Travel Monitor study by Hotels.com. In 2014, the city welcomed around 90,000 Chinese visitors, up almost seven percent yearon-year, who spent more than 210,000 nights, an uplift of 12.5 percent. “China has a middle class of around 250 million people who enjoy travelling and have significant purchasing power,” explained Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin. “The potential is enormous in the MICE segment, too. We are currently involved in intensive negotiations with partners from China who are interested in major incentive trips and congresses,” he further elucidated.
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AGENTS NEWS
Chinese Travellers Offer Potential for Agents
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round 80 percent of international trips made by the Chinese are holidays, according to the World Travel Monitor by IPK International, commissioned by ITB Berlin. The Chinese went on 105 million foreign journeys in 2014; 36.6 million outside Macau and Hong Kong. The Internet is the most important booking platform, and the most soughtafter offers are from travel agents and tour operators. Martin Buck, senior vice president, Messe Berlin, commented, “Security is the most important factor for the Chinese […] and that is what package trips offer. Foreign languages and the lack of multilingual signs still comprise a barrier that can be overcome with tour guides.”
GBTA: Consolidated Meetings, Events and Travel on the Rise
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round half of travel buyers currently have or are working on a consolidated meetings, events and travel programme, according to research from GBTA Foundation, marking a 14 percent growth in adoption over the past five years. The study, Meetings, Events, and Travel Programs: Consolidation Drivers and Barriers, surveyed more than 200 North American and European travel buyers or travel intermediaries. “Popular goals and drivers for fully-consolidated programmes include better leveraging and maximising spend, obtaining better negotiated rates and dynamic pricing, and increasing efficiencies and improving service for stakeholders,” said Joseph Bates, vice president, research, GBTA Foundation.
Supporting Sustained Financial Health in Aviation
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he International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that the second edition of the World Financial Symposium will focus on industry efforts to support sustained financial health. Running between September 14 – 17 in Barcelona, the event will provide a forum for experts to analyse the challenges to attaining long-term financial stability so that the industry can help drive the global economy, as Tony Tyler, CEO, IATA, explained. “After many years of hard work and restructuring, the airline industry on average is finally earning its cost of capital. This is a significant achievement but it needs to be put into perspective,” stressed Tyler.
World Financial Symposium 2014
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WHO’S MOVED
AUGUSTIN DE ROMANET
Augustin de Romanet has been elected to lead Airports Council International (ACI) Europe as president. De Romanet currently serves as president and CEO of Aéroports de Paris. Prior to that, he worked as managing director of Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and was also deputy secretary general to the presidency of France between June 2005 and October 2006 and held senior positions in various ministries. At ACI, his priority will be to meet two major challenges: to enable Europe to capture global traffic that is on the rise, and to develop the competitiveness of the airports in the face of competition from other continents.
CHRISTIAN BOELL
De Romanet will be tasked to tackle major challenges
KURT BOSTYN
Kurt Bostyn is Travelport’s new country manager for Belgium and Luxembourg. Bostyn, who assumed the position at the beginning of August, brought with him a wealth of experience gained with renowned companies in the travel industry. Most recently, he worked as head of meetings and events at Carlson Wagonlit Travel Benelux in Belgium. Prior to that, he served Virgin Express and Thomas Cook. Over the years, Bostyn has acquired first-hand knowledge in the business and leisure, distribution, MICE as well as tour operators sectors.
Bostyn comes with a wearth of experience
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JOOST VAN BEEK
Christian Boell has been named managing director for Europe at Norwegian Cruise Line. Based in Germany, he will lead the teams in the company’s newly-launched Southampton office as well as its existing European locations in Germany and Malta. A well-respected marketer with a wealth of experience, Boell has successfully managed different tourism brands and has initiated innovative branding concepts to meet demand and the requirements of different target groups. Prior to joining Steigenberger Hotels and The Schörghuber Corporate Group, he played a key role in the launch and expansion of German cruise lines AIDA Cruises and A-ROSA Cruises. In his last role, he headed marketing and sales as managing director of German river cruise brand nicko cruises.
Joost van Beek has taken the helm at the soon-to-open Jaz Amsterdam as general manager. van Beek has held various roles with NH Hotels since 1990, the most recent being regional director of operations. His strong track record is complemented by a dynamic approach and first-class idea of the local relevance of the brand. Scheduled to welcome its first guests this autumn, Jaz Amsterdam will be Steigenberger Hotels’ first property to operate under the new brand.
Van Beek brings a dynamic approach to the table
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WHO’S MOVED
KLAUS FROESE
NATE BURDULIS
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Klaus Froese will join Lufthansa Passage’s management board as chief operating officer, effective from September 1. Froese will also assume responsibility for the Lufthansa hub in Frankfurt as well as for overall flight operations. He commenced his career in aviation in 1987. He served as a pilot and training captain before becoming head of quality management and later head of group safety pilot and quality management operations of Lufthansa. Froese then gained experience as managing director of Lufthansa CityLine before joining Tyrolean Airways in Austria as managing director. At the time of the fusion of Tyrolean Airways and Austrian Airlines in 2015, he was named chief operating officer with responsibility for the entire flight operations of Austrian Airlines.
Nate Burdulis has been promoted to the newly created role of director of strategic sales planning and administration at Holland America Line. In his capacity, Burdulis will lead a team within the sales department that will provide on-demand reporting, sales analytics and strategic interaction with top accounts. He will also assist in developing and executing trade distribution programmes and initiatives designed to further expand the company’s relationship with industry professionals. Burdulis’ most recent position with Holland America Line was manager of pricing and demand. Prior to that, he served as a revenue management analyst and marketing specialist.
JÖRG TROESTER
Jörg Troester has been appointed board member of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA). With over two decades of experience in aviation, Troester, head of corporate strategy at Hahn Air, is an expert in the field of airline distribution and the author of various white papers which have influenced industry-related legislation. At ERA, Troester will aim to champion the interest of regional airlines and to add ideas to political exchanges and finding sustainable and effective solutions and developments for aviation in the European regions. His addition to the association is expected to bring new input to an already strong board.
Troester has over two decades of experience in aviation
CARSTEN SEUBERT
Carsten Seubert has been introduced as the new general manager of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko in Bulgaria. Having worked in Germany, Switzerland, Australia, the UK and China, Seubert has a total of 12 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Kempinski in 2006 as assistant events and groups manager at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich, Germany. He then moved to the company’s corporate office to serve as corporate training manager before becoming executive assistant manager at The Stafford London. In the same year and in the same position, he successfully launched Kempinski Hotel Yixing in China, while most recently he was the hotel manager at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.
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WHO’S MOVED
SOPHIE STABILE
Sophie Stabile has been chosen as AccorHotels’ CEO of the HotelServices in France. Stabile, whose appointment takes effect on October 1, has been chief financial officer and a member of the company’s executive committee since 2010. In 2013, her responsibilities were increased to include the management of the group’s procurement department and in 2006 she was appointed group controller general. Stabile joined AccorHotels in 1999 to head the consolidation and information system department after beginning her career with Deloitte.
ARNO SCHWALIE
Stabile joined AccorHotels in 1999
PHILIPPE EYDALEINE
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Philippe Eydaleine is Etihad Airways’ new head of public affairs in Europe. A seasoned public affairs leader with more than three decades of experience, Eydaleine will work with key European Union (EU) member and European states and stakeholders in order to build understanding of the airlines and the benefits it brings to the continent in terms of jobs, investment and connectivity. He joins the UAE carrier from the French Civil Aviation Authority where he worked as policy advisor on EU public affairs. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles at Air France, including permanent representative in Brussels, and also served in senior positions at Air Transportation Institute, Air Inter as well as the French State Secretariat for Transport.
CARSTEN WILLENBOCKEL
Arno Schwalie is The Rezidor Hotel Group’s new area vice president for Central Europe. He joins the company from Design Hotels in Berlin, where he currently works as chief operating officer. Effective from September 1, Schwalie will oversee the operational business for 74 properties with 16,300 rooms under the group’s brands. Schwalie, who will be based in Frankfurt, has a strong background in strategy, operations, marketing as well as national and international sales. He joined Design Hotels in 2006 as strategic business development manager and was later promoted to director of strategy and development, vice president of business development and corporate strategy and vice president and chief commercial officer.
Carsten Willenbockel has taken over the reins at Steigenberger Grandhotel and Spa, Heringsdorf in Germany. A state-certified business economist in the field of tourism, Willenbockel has over 20 years of experience in the industry. He was previously employed as general manager at Robinson Club Camyuva in Turkey, at Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida in Mallorca, and on a number of cruise ships operated by AIDA Cruises. Willenbockel succeeds Rolf Haug, who left the team in order to seek out new professional challenges.
Willenbockel joins with 20 years of related experience
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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...
Capability Scotland received a cheque from Glasgow Airport’s Challenge Fund to help develop The Hidden Gem Garden Project in West Lane Gardens
Formula 1 drivers, VIPs and the local jetset celebrated the close of Formula1 Hungarian Grand Prix at Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace
Budapest Airport and Rotary Club Budapest Center launched Play Me initiative where a piano is set up in the passenger area, to be played by anyone
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A Taste of Pakistan Festival in Minsk
Heathrow Airport passengers helped raise funds to fight pancreatic cancer
A family who had just got back from holidays received Jet2.com's special Golden Rain Cheques, giving them a free summer 2016 holiday
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NEWS & EVENTS Convention Boosts UK Arrivals to Slovenia
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Y Ljubljana
ear-to-date Slovenia welcomed 24 percent more travellers from the UK than in the same period in 2014, boosting overnight stays by 15 percent yearon-year. According to Mark Tanzer, CEO, Association of British Travel Agents, the organisation’s 2014 Travel Convention in Ljubljana played a major role in showcasing the destination to industry professionals and forging new partnerships. This year, Greece hopes to emulate this success by inviting the industry to explore a lesser visited part of the country.
The Return of Britain & Ireland Marketplace
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ritain & Ireland Marketplace, the business-to-business workshop for UK and Irish products will return to London's Wembley National Stadium on January 26, 2016. The European Tour Operators Association, in partnership with VisitEngland, Visit Wales, VisitScotland, and Tourism Ireland, as well as the British Hospitality Association, and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions will present the best tourism product that the nations and regions have to offer. Tour operators representing domestic and global markets will attend ready to discover, negotiate and contract.
ICOMEX Mexico City, Mexico August 25 – 26 www.icomex-mexico.com Part of ibtm events, the show focusses on incentives, congresses and conventions in Latin America.
OTDYKH 2015 Moscow, Russia September 15 – 18 www.tourismexpo.ru Focussing on three distinct segments, the event is a global platform for MICE, luxury and leisure travel experts.
German City Celebrates Museums and Galleries
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or a three-day period, Münster will transform into a showroom for art, culture and entertainment. Between September 3 – 5, the Schauraum Festival will bring the city centre to life with exhibitions, illuminations and live music as part of an extensive programme. Participating museums will cover a broad spectrum including early pieces and modern art. The northern city is considered as one of Germany’s historic highlights, since it has played an important role in the region and beyond, and earned its place in the annals of world history when the Treaty of Westphalia was signed there.
IFTM TOP RESA
Schauraum Festival
Berlin Debuts as European Maccabi Games Host
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etween July 27 – August 5, Berlin hosted for the first time the European Maccabi Games, gathering more than 2,300 Jewish athletes from 36 countries at the Olympiapark. The games were opened by Joachim Gauck, federal president, Germany, with performances from singers Adel Tawil and Matisyahu, and Berlin-based band Jewdyssee. August 2 and 3 saw the athletes participating in the games playing against professional and celebrity teams in Let's Play Together matches. The closing ceremony took place in the Estrel Berlin Convention Hall with closing remarks by Michael Müller, governing mayor, Berlin. The event is held every four years in Israel and then in Europe in the intervening years, and participants compete in several age groups.
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Paris, France September 29 – October 02 www.iftm.fr Established in 1978 in Deauville, it is a must-attend business-tobusiness event focussing on leisure tourism. In 2008, it became a multi-target show covering business, leisure and events.
UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MARKET Kiev, Ukraine September 30 – October 02 www.ukraine-itm.com.ua With 70 percent of the exhibition’s space already booked, the event is to host tourism authorities from Turkey, India, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Hungary, among others.
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