Travel Trade MENA Issue 69, July 2015 by Travel Trade Publications

Let’s TRADE with Europe traveltradeeurope.travel

JULY 2015

ISSUE 69

EXPLORE: LIBYA A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT AND THE GENERAL STABILITY OF THE MARKET SUPPORT A STRONG TOURISM FUTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA, WHICH IS READY TO AMAZE WITH ITS SUPERB HOSPITALITY AND AVIATION ACHIEVEMENTS.

15 EXCLUSIVE: HOTEL APARTMENTS

17 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

VISIT: SAUDI ARABIA

03 02 08

ONSITE: GREECE TOUR: HONG KONG EXPLORE: LIBYA EXCLUSIVE: HOTEL APARTMENTS TRAVEL TALK WHO’S MOVED RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

04 12 09 15 16 17 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24

VISIT: Saudi Arabia

MARKET UPDATE

Etihad Boasts Best-ever Financial Results

TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou 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 WEBSITE www.traveltrademena.travel

Etihad Airways recorded its fourth consecutive profitable year with net profit rising 52 percent to USD73 million on total revenues of USD7.6 billion, up 26.7 percent.

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

he Abu Dhabi-based carrier handled 14.8 million travellers in 2014, a year-on-year growth of 22.3 percent, while revenue passenger kilometres jumped 23.6 percent and available seat kilometres climbed 21.8 percent, meaning that the increase in demand and revenue continued to outstrip capacity enhancement. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partnership strategy once again delivered strong performance, with revenues soaring 37.7 percent to USD1.1 billion, equal to 24 percent of passenger revenues. As James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, explained, the improvement has been achieved through a unique strategy that combines organic growth with wide-ranging partnerships and minority equity investments in other airlines.

As of 25/6/2015 Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY 1USD=

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.39

Qatar (QAR)

Rial

3.64

Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal

3.75

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

98.80

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.63

Iran (IRR)

Rial

29,235.56

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,162.61

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,506.21

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.36

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

9.72

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.82

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.94

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.89

JULY 2015

VISIT SAUDI ARABIA

FOUNTAIN OF DEVELOPMENTS A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT AND THE GENERAL STABILITY OF THE MARKET SUPPORT A STRONG TOURISM FUTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA, WHICH IS READY TO AMAZE WITH ITS SUPERB HOSPITALITY AND AVIATION ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

 Maria Kazeli

writes

“S

audi Arabia will see a steady growth in its travel and tourism industry, with almost SAR33.5 billion (USD8.9 billion) to be invested in the sector until 2020,” enthused Rohit Sawant, assistant director, sales, InterContinental Al Jubail, highlighting the country’s powerful potential.

SAUDI ARABIA IN BRIEF

Capital: Riyadh Currency: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) Language: Arabic Population: 30 million Calling Code: +966 Capital Time Zone: GMT+3:00

Leaving no room for doubting the fact, he cited data from the World Travel & Tourism Council which show that travel and tourism investments in Saudi Arabia are expected to increase at an annual rate of 6.7 percent by 2020. Basel Talal, district director, Saudi Arabia, The Rezidor Hotel Group, corroborated that the healthy and stable GDP expansion of the Kingdom implies a strong belief and keen trust in the Saudi economy in general, and the tourism industry in particular, especially given the inflation increase factor which is marginal compared to other countries in GCC and elsewhere. “Saudi Arabia has witnessed a vast growth in both the hospitality industry and in tourism over the past few years, creating more opportunities for family activities, cultural attractions, hotels, restaurants and many alternatives  JULY 2015

VISIT SAUDI ARABIA for entertainment; all at higher standards than before to support the country in becoming a central destination for business and [leisure] travellers,” underlined also Tarek Bekhiet, regional director, marketing, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Looking forward to the upcoming opening of his 656-room hotel, Amr El Ebyari, director of sales and marketing, Hyatt Regency Makkah, contributed that Saudi Arabia and Mecca in specific have a great potential, especially once the Holy Mosque expansion is completed and visas for Hajj and Umrah visitors will be increased, opening up all potential markets. Moreover, Tariq Al Essa, executive director, Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau, praised the country’s events industry saying, “There are positive growth indicators for the sector. We have seen an increase in events in key economic sectors, as well as received optimistic feedback from the country’s primary stakeholders.” He added that the Kingdom has also witnessed strong interest from domestic and foreign organisational partners in regards to developing events specific to Saudi Arabia’s economic strengths. SOARING NUMBERS, INCREASING COMPETITION In a vast state that spreads across more than two million square kilometres, one cannot ignore the country-wide development in terms of tourist investments. According to Talal, this is in line with the upswing in GDP growth over the last five years, following the market slowdown in 2010. Justifying the rapid progress which is aimed at satisfying demand, data compiled by Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities’ statistical arm, Tourism Information and Research Centre, indicates that the destination is forecast to witness 21.5 million inbound tourism trips this year, and the figure is expected to rise to 28.9 million by 2020. In sharp contrast, the respective levels of domestic trips will touch 40.5 million in five years’ time. As Sawant highlighted, the government is increasingly placing a stronger emphasis on fostering domestic tourism. “Investments in new tourist attractions are set to grow 23 percent by 2017, and market trends are indicating a shift. This growing demand will create new and diverse opportunities for the sector. Pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah are

expected to rise from 12 million to nearly 18 million,” he supported, pointing to the strong link between the domestic and religious segments. Bekhiet commented that the growing competition is now a fact in the hospitality market, and in order for hoteliers to cope with it, they need to work on differentiating themselves not only with the product that they offer, but also by customising the guest experience, to truly understand their needs and deliver a memorable stay at all levels. “At Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, our goal is to be the first and only choice for GCC travellers and we expect to accomplish this by ensuring that we not only anticipate the needs of our guests, but also develop programmes and services to consistently exceed their expectations,” he added. However, Michel Mandrea, general manager, Coral Al Khobar Hotel, noted

another aspect saying, “Saudi Arabia boasts the largest number of hotel rooms in development pipeline in the region with most of this new supply only having been added in recent years. […] Due to demand that does not grow as fast as the room inventory, some hotels in the five-star bracket are lowering their rates to the four-star standards and therefore all rates are dropping.” FEEDING THE HUNGER OF MIDSCALE CLIENTELE It is no secret that the Middle Eastern country has always nurtured a businessoriented hospitality market, given its oil-rich terrain and as Talal stressed, “The guest profile in Saudi Arabia has been mainly business travellers reflecting the ever-growing economy of the Kingdom.” However, he revealed that lately The Rezidor Hotel Group’s properties

have witnessed an increase in bookings from the local market due to the growth of leisure and resort facilities in the popular cities of the Eastern and Western provinces, and the emergence of new leisure destinations such as Jizan, which overlooks the Red Sea. “This emerging trend is attracting more investors to build luxury furnished apartments and full-service hotels suitable for families and business travellers with a limited budget. In the Eastern Province, there has been an emergence of new midscale international brands such as Park Inn by Radisson, which is well-known in Europe and the US but which did not exist in the Saudi market until recently,” Talal suggested. He went on to say that the company opened the first Park Inn by Radisson in Al Khobar in 2009, which was followed by a second property under the brand in Dammam this year, whereas many more properties are to be soon introduced across Saudi Arabia. Most recently, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced three upcoming projects to open in 2016 which include Park Inn by Radisson Jubail Corniche, Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Aziziyah and Park Inn by Radisson Najran. In addition, 2018 will witness the launch of Park Inn by Radisson Jubail Industrial City, as well as the upper upscale Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Khobar Al Rakkah. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is also entering dynamically the valuefor-money game, as it lately announced the world’s largest Holiday Inn’s upcoming opening in Saudi Arabia. Comprising 5,154 units across five towers, Holiday Inn Makkah Abraaj Al Tayseer is to enrich Mecca’s skyline. The first phase will see the launch of 1,650 rooms across two towers by the end of this year, and the remaining ones are slated to be unveiled over the following three years. “As we celebrate our 40th year in Saudi Arabia, we are all the more focussed on continuing our expansion in this key market. With religious travel growing and the government set to improve infrastructure in line with this, there is a need for more branded accommodation in the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina. IHG is looking to play its part by opening more quality hotels to cater to the ever-growing number of pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah each year,” commented Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG. Remaining loyal to the affordable  JULY 2015

VISIT SAUDI ARABIA maining six percent is handled by flynas. SAUDIA, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, carried a total of 28 million passengers in 2014 and the management’s plans include nearly doubling the carrier’s fleet to 200 aircraft within the next five years, increasing domestic flights and expanding operations to new international destinations. Recently, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general, SAUDIA, launched the airline’s new strategic directions and commented, “The main objective […] is to take SAUDIA to new heights of progress, adopting a comprehensive strategic plan taking into consideration the airline’s present and future requirements, as well as new developments in the aviation industry.” Another player which is entering the game slowly but decisively is lowhospitality concept, Hilton Worldwide is also expanding its Saudi midmarket portfolio with the 166-room Hilton Garden Inn Al Ahsa and the 154-key Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar King Fahd Causeway, which will both launch in 2016. “Hilton Garden Inn is an exciting proposition for investors in the Middle East as Hilton Worldwide continues to grow its presence in the value segment across the region,” commented Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide. Mandrea attributed the turn towards the midscale segment to various related developments. “The scale of opportunity in the region for midmarket budget hotels is unprecedented. Low-cost carriers have made travel within the country extremely affordable and convenient. Expanding airline network, increased airport capacity and development of new airports across the Kingdom, addition of new tourism and family attractions and enhancement of infrastructure are all fuelling the demand for midmarket hotels,” he said. SOARING HIGH Major developments are also taking place in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. The country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation is working towards a strategy for 2020 which focusses on the establishment, development and expansion of around 27 international, regional and national airports. This is in addition to raising the Saudi airports’ passenger ca-

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THE SCALE OF OPPORTUNITY IN THE REGION FOR MIDMARKET BUDGET HOTELS IS UNPRECEDENTED

pacity to over 100 million by 2020. As per the latest data available from Tourism Information and Research Centre, Kingdom-wide passenger traffic at the destination’s airfields touched 57.6 million passengers in 2013. One of the country’s main gateways, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam continues to grow from strength to strength, anchored by a strong partnership between the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Changi Airports International that manages and operates the hub. In the first three months of the year, the airport achieved a growth rate of 18.5 percent, having handled over 2.4 million passengers, whereas international traffic surged over 16 percent as KFIA introduced more direct flight connections to Asia and Europe. Yousef Al-Dhahri, director general, KFIA, enthused, “This is the highest number of passengers handled in a single quarter in KFIA’s history, and the airport is on track to welcome more than

nine million passengers this year.” In addition, an Alpen Capital report pointed out that the growing population and religious tourism have boosted the growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector over the years, with the number of travellers carried by the country’s local airlines climbing at an annual average growth rate of 12.2 percent between 2008 and 2012. The same source revealed that even though the country opened up its horizons in 2007 to accept new players – thus ending Saudi Arabian Airlines’ (SAUDIA) monopoly – the national carrier still controls 94 percent of the Kingdom’s domestic air travel market, while the re-

cost carrier flynas which operates more than 950 weekly flights on 25 routes within and outside the Kingdom, having carried more than 22.5 million passengers since its inception in 2007. The future seems promising in all sectors in Saudi Arabia and industry players cannot hide their enthusiasm. Sawant predicted that the expansion of the Holy Mosque in Mecca will add more capacity to accommodate pilgrims who are expected to reach 20 million by year end, while the addition of Qatar Airlines and Saudi Gulf Airlines to serve domestic and international routes in the Kingdom will bring along a big change in both domestic and international travel.  JULY 2015

ONSITE GREECE

A Titan Re-emerges  Rita Kasziba writes

fter a major dive in arrivals to austerity-hit Greece, the destination welcomed over 24.27 million visitors in 2014, marking a robust 20.7 percent year-on-year increase and a major improvement compared to just 14.9 million travellers in 2008 when the crisis began to take its toll on the country. “After six years of recession and two bail-out programmes that have had a corrosive effect on Greece’s macroeconomic indicators to an extent unprecedented in the country’s post-war history, the destination was able to achieve a tremendous fiscal adjustment and illustrate clear signs of political and macroeconomic improvements,” commented Daisy Modiano, marketing manager, Ikos Resorts, attributing the success to the upgrade and improved perception of the Greek touristic product. In fact, significant efforts have been laid on promoting the diverse offering of the destination via various online and offline campaigns, Angela Varela, director, marketing department, Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), explained.

AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLE, 2014 BROUGHT THE POSITIVE CHANGE THE GREEK TOURISM INDUSTRY LONGED FOR, HERALDING A NEW ERA IN THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT AND PROVING THAT REAL TITANS ALWAYS CONQUER.

economic recession, investments have continued to flow into the sector. Greece also managed to gain from the turmoil in neighbouring areas, with thousands of sun-seekers rerouting to the country, Trivizas pinpointed. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH

GREECE IN BRIEF

Capital: Athens Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Greek Population: 10.8 million Calling Code: +30 Capital Time Zone: GMT +3:00

“Greece has been a favourite for many travellers around the world over the decades [...] but today’s holidaymaker wants more than just a beach holiday and Greece has so much more to offer in ways and areas lesser known,” highlighted Varela. Endeavours have already begun to

bear fruits with tourism revenues rising 10.2 percent to close to EUR13.4 billion (USD14.6 billion) in 2014, giving a muchneeded boost to the ailing economy. As Konstantinos Zdralis, director of sales, Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, noted, 2014 proved to be a turning point for the country with travellers from key markets, such as Germany, France and the UK, returning to the destination. In addition, during the challenging years between 2011 and 2013, the Greek industry realised the urging need to restructure the tourism product, its marketing as well as pricing, leading to more competitive offerings. In fact, the right balance between quality and price has been a key element of Greece’s return to the tourism elite, highlighted George Trivizas, owner, Kentavros Travel Network, stressing that despite the lingering impact of the

Building on the positive momentum, the Greek tourism industry is poised to experience a period of development with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ranking the destination 27th out of 184 countries on its list examining the industry’s relative importance to the GDP. Tourism stakeholders, however, agree that in order to maintain figures, the industry cannot rest on its laurels and needs to promote all aspects of the country beyond its sun and sand image. As Minas Kourtis, online marketing manager, Best Western Museum Hotel, Best Western Pythagorion Hotel, Best Western MyAthens Hotel and Best Western Rodian Gallery, explained, special emphasis should be given to niche segments, such as educational, conference or medical tourism, while Athens and Thessaloniki have the potential to grow into top city break destinations. As Zdralis put it, Greece is a  JULY 2015

ONSITE GREECE boutique offering, boasting a great range of experiences – and all these, all year round – thus it must be positioned as such to the right clientele. This clientele, however, anticipates quality and according to Trivizas, it is crucial to draw up strict legislation criteria for accommodation establishments and further improve transport infrastructure to enhance accessibility. “Also, Greece is considered too expensive, despite the fact that the country is very competitively priced compared to the rest of Europe,” noted Trivizas. According to Modiano, further steps, including the establishment of an industry fair and a stable and attractive tax

regime, are also imperial if Greece is to unlock the tourism industry’s potential. For this very reason, the government’s proposal to increase taxes to plug holes in the country’s budget has raised concerns, with many warning that the planned hike to 18 percent on restaurant bills and hotels could easily backfire. “If implemented, [with] the probable increase in value-added taxes (VAT) rates the Greek tourism product will become less competitive in comparison to the other countries in the wider region of the Mediterranean,” warned Kourtis, reminding that since much of the packages have already been sold, the action would require businesses to either absorb the difference or pass it on to guests. However, numbers are not everything. “It is [...] this unstable environment that is not supporting the healthy entrepreneurship, thus funding of new projects is always averted by such in-

stabilities,” hinted Zdralis, saying that to keep up with other destinations in the area, such as Turkey, Croatia or Spain, a safe and stable environment and the country’s proper positioning are crucial. “On the other hand, it is true that the tourism sector should back up the country’s effort to exit this recession cycle,” concluded Zdralis. To boost the industry’s contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development, Greece is poised to capture a larger share of the MENA outbound market. As Varela revealed, in 2014, the country received over 250,000 visitors from this area and GNTO is determined to further increase the number through

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GREECE HAS SO MUCH MORE TO OFFER IN WAYS AND AREAS LESSER KNOWN

a new online campaign, specifically designed to speak to the MENA clientele. Showcasing the Greek hospitality through luxury offerings is at the core of GNTO’s initiatives, Varela said, referring to luxury resorts and villas, renovated old mansions and boutique hotels offering high-standard and sophisticated services, customised private tours, unique experiences and spa treatments – all of

which are set to capture the attention of the highly valued Arab guest. At Hilton Athens, MENA guests represent approximately 10 percent of the total, Tina Toribaba, communication manager, Hilton Athens, revealed, describing the Arab clientele as experienced and therefore demanding – just the kind of guests the hotel aims to attract. “They appreciate the high quality service and politeness [...] and the location of the hotel close to the Kolonaki shopping district,” Toribaba explained.

Further improving connectivity and ac-

munications and marketing, AIA. The project comes as the local aviation industry continues to make strides. Spurred by buoyant international demand, AEGEAN Airlines’ synergies with Olympic Air have paid rich dividends with the company’s revenue rising seven percent to EUR912 million (USD995 million) and passenger numbers jumping 14 percent to 10.1 million customers in 2014. As Dimitris Gerogiannis, managing director, AEGEAN Airlines, noted, joining forces with Olympic Air has brought great benefits not only for the company, but also for the Greek economy. The positive development has also

cessibility is a key element in Greece’s tourism endeavours and the country’s recovery is also well reflected in Athens International Airport (AIA)’s passenger figures which, following the austerity measures, went into a deep dive, plummeting from over 16.5 million in 2007 to 12.9 million in 2012. Demand, however, picked up in 2014, with traffic volume soaring 21.2 percent year-on-year to close to 15.2 million. To enhance the connectivity of the capital and unlock its hub potential, Athens International Airport recently launched the TAG Athens project, which aims to promote connecting opportunities via the destination, primarily to passengers from the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe. “Following meticulous identification of the existing aviation opportunities, we decided to invite our partners and their passengers to ‘tag’ Athens as their intermediate point,” explained Ioanna Papadopoulou, director of com-

continued well into this year with international traffic rising 22 percent in the first quarter of the year. “We started the year with a significant investment in capacity and network expansion,” commented Gerogiannis, saying that the company maintains its belief that network synergies and tourism development in the country can offer further potential to the airline to return to stability. SkyGreece Airlines has also recently took to the skies to offer services from Montreal and Toronto to Athens, Thessaloniki, Budapest and Zagreb, connecting the Greek diaspora to the motherland. All these developments come as Greece seeks to unlock the full potential of its tourism industry and help the economy return to the right track. As Varela said, “The keyword is loyal. Our long-term goal is to have loyal visitors coming back to Greece year after year.” 

RIGHT CONNECTIONS

JULY 2015

TOUR HONG KONG

Absolute Dominance HAILED AS ASIA’S TRADE FAIR CAPITAL, HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS FOR EVENT ORGANISERS WORLDWIDE. SUPREME INFRASTRUCTURE, A WIDE ARRAY OF VENUES AND CONVENIENT LOCATION ARE ITS OBVIOUS SELLING POINTS, BUT IS THERE MORE TO IT THAT ESCAPES THE EYE?  Ana Mladenovic writes

“O

rganisers, exhibitors and buyers who demand top return on their exhibition investment and want maximum sales exposure coupled with minimum risk always put Hong Kong as their first choice,” said Gloria Fong, communications manager, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This was confirmed by the performance of HKCEC as during the 2013-14 financial year, the centre welcomed a total of 1,086 events spanning exhibitions, large conferences, conventions, entertainment and special events, concerts, film shows, banquets, corporate events, seminars and more. All together, these attracted almost 5.9 million visitors. Yet, as impressive as this sounds, it is just a fraction of Hong Kong’s bustling MICE scene, with a number of events being continuously rolled out across the city state’s hotels, restaurants and other venues. So, what makes Hong Kong so appealing for event organisers across the globe? COUNTING ITS STRENGTHS Elaborating on its competitive advantages Benedict Chow, general manager, Harbour Grand Hong Kong, praised the destination’s infrastructure saying,

“Hong Kong operates one of the world’s most advanced transportation systems […] that allows MICE attendees to reach meeting or conference venues like HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo, hotels, leisure spots like world-class theme parks, high-end shopping malls to bustling street bazaars and many other dinning options like inexpensive local delights or Michelin-starred restaurants.”

HONG KONG IN BRIEF

Capital: Hong Kong Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Language: Cantonese, English Population: 7.24 million Calling Code: +852 Capital Time Zone: GMT +8:00

The role of the city’s infrastructure in its wide-reaching allure was also highlighted by Sammy Musa, account manager, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) – GCC Representative Office, who went further to include safe and business-friendly environment, as well as world-class accommodation establishments, many of which are suitable for the MENA market. “Hong Kong’s over 240 hotels range from high-end luxurious to high-quality budget, and can comfortably accommodate even the biggest MICE events,

with over 72,000 rooms on offer across the city. Many of [its] key hotels are equipped with superlative meeting facilities, excellent entertainment facilities and a wide variety of choices for the Halal traveller,” said Musa. It is not just the variety of the hotels available that impresses event organisers worldwide, but also the fact that many of them offer the very latest in technology, as it was emphasised by Crystal Shek, director of catering, Hotel ICON. “[For example] the Silverbox Ballroom at our hotel features a state-of-

the-art sound system, special lighting effect with hundreds of colours, ceilingmounted projector and built-in projector screens,” she explained. Apart from existing options, the destination promises to elevate its offerings even further with new, innovative venues underway. “New conference and exhibition centres at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will provide additional venues which bring forth new options to MICE visitors in a completely well-planned zone, facilitated with hotels, restaurants, shopping JULY 2015

TOUR HONG KONG Langham, Dubai, we hope to establish that geo-market mix and brand positioning in the Middle East,” said Fung. Similar percentage of guests and promotional strategy have also been reported from Marriott International’s properties in the destination, relying on cooperation with HKTB and cross-promotion with MENA-based hotels, according to Lawrence Ng, vice president, sales and marketing, Greater China, Marriott International. “We shall certainly explore a future potential opportunity to expand the Middle East market,” he confirmed. Another big player that is actively dipping into the MENA market is The Peninsula Hotels. “To promote [ourselves to] the Middle East market, we have been actively making sales trips to the GCC region twice a year to conduct road shows and sales calls to both travel agencies and business partners,” said Sherona Lau, director of marketing, China South, Hong Kong and Taiwan, The Peninsula Hotels. “Furthermore, we are always look-

malls and commercial buildings,” explained Karen Chow, director of sales, Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees. The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal was also pinpointed by Musa, who believes it is poised to become one of the city state’s most impressive and prestigious MICE venues. But perhaps the most important advantage that makes Hong Kong such an easy destination to work in, according to him, is the professional and tailormade support to event organisers. “Meetings and Exhibitions Hong JULY 2015

Kong (MEHK), a division of the HKTB, provides free advisory services and support on planning a MICE event from start to finish. Whether it is helping to secure hotels that suit unique needs and budget, or providing city-wide hospitality or trade offers, MEHK will lay the groundwork for MICE planners and organisers,” said Musa. TURNING WESTWARDS Such an acclaimed destination garners interest from all corners of the world, in-

cluding MENA, albeit, on a smaller scale. “Business from the Middle East market is unfortunately a small fraction of three percent, however, we hope to build [on it] further with proactive sales activities and trade shows,” said David Fung, director of sales and marketing, The Langham, Hong Kong. He further added that the hotel works closely with HKTB to promote the destination though activities such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai and individual meetings with professionals. “With the upcoming opening of The

ing to create new promotional offers to attract travellers from the GCC region to Hong Kong and to encourage long stays,” she added. Also proactive in its approach towards this market is Regal Oriental Hotel, which is Halal-certified and offers a wide range of Muslim-friendly facilities and amenities, and all of its front-line staff received a basic training on the cultural preferences of MENA travellers. “As a fast-emerging market, Middle East market is very important,”said Anna Wu, marketing communications 

TOUR HONG KONG

manager, Regal Oriental Hotel, confirming that the property took part at this year’s ATM. “[We are] offering special promotions to all potential travel agencies who are handling Muslim market in Hong Kong to explore business opportunities,” Wu added. Many hotels are just now realising the full potential of this lucrative market, carefully honing their strategies and ensuring that all the necessary facilities and services are in place. “Middle East is one of our targeted new markets we are developing. As our hotel is very new in this market, the percentage is still developing at this stage for MICE-related business,” said K. Chow, suggesting that the region will for sure continue to be one of Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees’ targeted markets for business development. “And we have been working with the Halal officials on upkeeping certified provision of Halal menus in accordance to its specific requirements at our hotel restaurant with positive feedback from guests,” she added. Also recognising the importance of providing culturally-specific facilities to Arab guests is Harbour Grand Hong Kong, as B. Chow elucidated, “To cater to the needs of the Middle Eastern travellers, Harbour Grand Hong Kong has special arrangements […] such as providing Halal food, direction in rooms and turndown mat for prayers, connecting rooms to accommodate big families, and even a kitchenette for simple home cooking.” And taking it a notch further, The Peninsula Hotels offer in-room technology which offers Arabic language options, enabling users to view all of guest services, menus and even city guides.

“Other key points include tailoring our amenities to Middle Eastern preferences – Arabic TV channels and newspaper options, welcome and turndown amenities featuring tailored cuisine, the Koran, prayer carpets and Qibla arrows,” said Lau. DISTINCT LOCATION “[Hong Kong is] within four hours of flying time from the region’s key financial markets, and is less than a five-hour flight from half of the world’s population,” stressed Musa, adding that in terms of accessibility, [Hong Kong] maintains an open-door policy, offering nationals of 170 countries and regions visa-free entry. “[There is] great connectivity from the region with Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways all flying daily directly into Hong Kong International Airport,” he reminded. In 2014, Cathay Pacific Airways revised its Middle East network, add-

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HONG KONG’S OVER 240 HOTELS RANGE FROM HIGHEND LUXURIOUS TO HIGH-QUALITY BUDGET

ing Doha as its latest destination in the region and increasing the number of flights between Bahrain and Hong Kong via Dubai from four per week to daily. Riyadh is now served five times per week, while Dubai remained double-daily. Flights to and from Abu Dhabi ceased operations. The UAE capital is, on the other hand, connected with Hong Kong with daily services by Etihad Airways since June 15. To offer passengers greater

connectivity with the rest of the MENA region and beyond, Hong Kong Airlines recently expanded its existing codeshare agreement with the UAE flag carrier to include this route. Li Dianchun, commercial director, Hong Kong Airlines, commented, “We are glad to strengthen the partnership with Etihad Airways through a codeshare expansion. […] The enhanced connectivity will enable our passengers to enjoy a wider range of choices while experiencing the world-class services and products offered by both airlines.” Not only is it easily accessible from the Middle East, but Hong Kong also offers event organisers an opportunity to spice up their events with multi-destination programmes. “For MICE planners, the city provides an ideal base to access Mainland China for meetings and incentive trips,” enthused Holly Sum, director of group, meeting and incentive sales, InterContinental Hong Kong. “Multi-destination MICE events including Hong Kong with Sanya or Macau seem to be a trend,” she added. With so many offerings on the table, Hong Kong is definitely poised for further success in this niche area, with its whole sector working towards advancing it to unprecedented heights, for everyone’s benefit. After all, its strong MICE appeal drives growth in other areas of the city’s economy. “We are lucky to be such a highly-regarded city for MICE. The MICE industry not only strengthens Hong Kong’s position as an international business and trading hub but also proves to be an important economic engine as it spurs economic growth in ancillary business sectors,” concluded Ng. 

JULY 2015

EXPLORE LIBYA

Once Upon a Time  Maria Kazeli writes

series of domino effects have scared Libya and deep divisions still plague both the country and its tourism sector, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) expecting a mere total of 93,000 international arrivals into the North African destination this year. According to WTTC’s Travel & Tourism Economic Impact report, money spent by foreign travellers in Libya touched LYD173.1 million (USD126.6 million) in 2014, but this figure is to decline by 12.6 percent this year. In a long-term calculation, the organisation

LIBYA IN BRIEF

BEING DEEPLY HAUNTED BY THE DEMONS OF ITS PAST AND PRESENT, LIBYA IS LOOKING INTO A LETHARGIC FUTURE REGARDING TOURISM GROWTH. HOWEVER, GOOD WILL IS STILL THERE.

foresees that by 2025 inbound tourism levels will amount to 133,000 individuals, generating expenditure of LYD194.7 million (USD142.4 million). Libya is home to a number of tourist sites which when fully developed have the potential to drive the whole country’s tourism growth. In a bid to build up the right strategy, the country’s Ministry of Tourism enlisted the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to help implement an action plan to reconstruct the sector as an effective way to boost national revenue, create employment, promote cohesion and augment the county’s image to the world. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, confirmed that Libya is a prime setting for tourism development, being blessed with natural, cultural and archaeological assets, including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially with its status as a travellers’ haven back in the 1960s. FEARLESS INVESTMENTS

Capital: Tripoli Currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD) Language: Arabic Population: 6.2 million Calling Code: +218 Capital Time Zone: GMT+2:00

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The future is likely to see further entrepreneurial interest in Libya, with WTTC reporting that the travel and tourism sector attracted a capital investment of LYD388 million (USD283.8 million) in 2014 and the number is set to rise by 1.5 percent this year. In a surprise move, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group recently announced 

EXPLORE LIBYA an important role to Libya’s development efforts, since recently its flag carrier, Air Malta concluded an interline cargo agreement with Global Aviation Services to utilise space on its weekly freighter operation from Ostend, Belgium to Misrata and Mitiga’s airports. GLORY OF THE PAST Despite the unfavourable conditions, the industry has all the good will to help the country progress. “We really hope that the last quarter of this year will be the start of the turning point not only in the tourism and hospitality industry, but for the whole country so that 2016 will be a good start for all of us,” suggested Wafa Sayari, reservation manager, Al Waddan Hotel Tripoli, a historical property that dates back to 1930 and used to operate as a hotel casino with a cinema. She added that Libya is a very rich country with a big potential to grow that it will re-enter the destination with Radisson Blu Hotel, Misrata. The 126room property, which is scheduled to open early 2016, will be the first internationally-branded project in the Libyan city and is the conversion of an existing hotel currently undergoing full renovation. In revealing the news, Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, said that the country is a familiar territory as the company used to operate the Tripoli-based Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel until its suspension in August 2014. “Libya remains an attractive emerging market for us, and we carefully monitor its development. Although the overall situation is still at risk, we are confident that Libya will continue to recover from the unrest and offer opportunities for international investments across all sectors,” he supported. Called to justify the group’s decision to return to a destination still tormented by internal turbulence, Elie Milky, senior director, business development, Middle East and Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group, said, “[This] is the expansion of an existing relationship we have with our owners of our hotel in Tripoli and the belief that the country is expected to rebound in the medium to long term. Also, Misrata is considered to be Libya’s commercial hub which has been witnessing a certain level of economic activity and relative stability compared to the rest of the country.”

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THE LAST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WILL BE THE START OF THE TURNING POINT NOT ONLY IN THE INDUSTRY, BUT FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY He added that the hotel’s main markets will comprise governmental, domestic as well as foreign corporate segments. In the aviation field, developments are also rapid as Libyan carrier Afriqiyah Airways is launching a new airline called PanAfriqiyah, a new European operator based in Malta. The Southern European state was selected as the operations control station for PanAfriqiyah on the merits of the island’s proximity to Africa, efficient aviation infrastructure, stable economic and political climate as well as attractive governmental investment policies, according to Philip Apap Bologna, director, BizAv Services, which is headquartered in Malta and has undertaken the role of technical project manager and consultant for the new airline. PanAfriqiyah is to initially operate under a Maltese air operator certificate,

in full compliance with European Union standards and the European Aviation Safety Agency regulatory requirements. The carrier will be using Malta International Airport as its main hub to initially connect north and central African destinations through the island and onwards to Europe. Operations are expected to start by early 2016, offering the African travelling public new opportunities, better connectivity and higher standards in safety and service, as Apap Bologna asserted. The Mediterranean country plays

and be equal to other progressive countries in Africa and the Middle East. “With its industries like oil, natural resources, manufacturing, constructions, financial services, tourism and transportation, I am sure Libya will be back on track. And the opening of embassies will attract different foreigners who will have a big role in the tourism industry,” concluded Sayari. However, great steps need to be taken for Libya to regain its former glory and become what it used to be once in the 1960s; a popular tourist hotspot.  JULY 2015

EXCLUSIVE HOTEL APARTMENTS

Home Is Where the Heart Is SPURRED BY THE BOOMING INTRA-ARAB TRAVEL MARKET AND THE RELOCATION OF INCREASING NUMBERS OF EXPATRIATES, DEMAND FOR EXTENDED STAY ACCOMMODATION CONTINUES TO RISE, CREATING AUSPICIOUS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL AND GLOBAL HOSPITALITY PLAYERS.  Rita Kasziba writes

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he Middle East has become a global business hub between East and West, resulting in a rise in corporate and relocation travellers looking for flexibility, more space, a home away from home and great value, and serviced apartments tick all these boxes,” said Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, president, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), noting that the stable economic growth has also led to extended holidays further propelling demand for such offerings. In fact, the past years’ tourism and economic boom in the region has brought a different type of clientele JULY 2015

who look for long-term stays in their new home away from home, with all the comfort of their old address, explained Ramsay Rankoussi, director of business development, Middle East and Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group. As Rankoussi further noted, while historically demand for such accommodation options has been led by corporate guests, a rising number of leisure travellers are now opting for hotel apartments; some to enjoy the expansive spaces and stay together, and some to cut down their budget by taking advantage of the rooms’ generous size and the in-built kitchenette. As Michael Kuhn, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha noted, the proliferation of serviced apartments is one of the hottest trends in the region. “Their appeal is that they are 

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EXCLUSIVE HOTEL APARTMENTS very well positioned for both the corporate traveller as well as families from the GCC because of their space and the facilities they offer for both short-term and long-stay demand,” elucidated Kuhn, stressing that interest in this

kind of accommodation option is not restricted to the temporary relocation of people as more and more young families and couples are opting for hotel apartments due to the convenience and self-sufficiency they offer. In addition, local and multinational businesses often book for their new employees until they find a permanent new address for them, noted Nives Deininger, director of sales, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dubai, adding that the recent years’ surge in enquiries has triggered a growth of similar magnitude in supply, leading to slight improvements in bottom line results. Vincent Miccolis, area general manager, GCC, The Ascott Limited, drew the spotlight on other economic factors, saying that although the ongoing and planned infrastructure projects have brought a good deal of business with a large number of expatriates moving to the region, the drop in oil prices and the global slow-down in the oil and gas sectors have prompted employers to look for competitively priced options. “Accommodation allowances are being reduced and employees are being asked to consider residential apartment living versus hotel apartments,” explained Miccolis.

MAXIMISING ROI Yet, hotel apartments remain a lucrative segment for companies looking for high return on investment (ROI) as it represents a hybrid model of traditional

more accessible model. In addition, due to the simplified offering and lower operating costs, serviced apartments promise higher profit margins, presenting a clear benefit to the owner.

revenue,” explained Alzaabi. In the end, it is a win-win situation because the idea that all is already paid for and there are no unexpected charges ensures a stress-free stay, noted Deininger. Thanks to the new regulations in the

Further elaborating on the concept and its considerable advantages for hotel companies, Alzaabi pinpointed how the unnecessity of extensive food and beverage outlets and other facilities that are mostly the domain of full service hotels allow lower development and operational costs. In addition, as Alzaabi suggested, extended-stay products have the tendency to be less affected by seasonal variances with more stable occupancy levels all year round. “Hotels tend to have high and low seasons, however long-term commitment guests […] ensure a more stable

region which support the development of new projects while imposing minimum standards, the hotel apartments sector has already notably expanded in recent years, noted Rankoussi. “A lot of new investors have decided to enter the hospitality industry through this model and it has therefore accelerated the growth because of the success rate,” said Rankoussi, suggesting that in the future, more operators will opt to manage serviced apartments as mixeduse or standalone projects or under a dedicated brand or existing core name. Deininger referred to other hospi-

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[SERVICED APARTMENTS] ARE VERY WELL POSITIONED FOR BOTH THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER AS WELL AS FAMILIES residential projects and hotel services, imparted Rankoussi. “The development cost is lower for an extended-stay property because it is much more efficient with lower back of house requirements. Secondly, if you add the component of full hotel services, this allows you the flexibility of providing short- and long-term duration accommodation options as well as the benefit of higher yields because of a higher income potential,” elaborated Rankoussi, saying that the business model is readily understood by owners as many of them already have experience in residential buildings thus the level of confidence in investing in such projects is usually high, meaning they are able to justify their diversified interest in hospitality but with a

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EXCLUSIVE HOTEL APARTMENTS tality giants, such as AccorHotels and DAMAC Properties, which are increasingly focussing on their extended-stay brands and projects – a clear evidence that the regional serviced hotel apartment sector is set for a bright future.

These developments come right in line with the regional states’ endeavour to diversify their economies away from oil and gas revenues, said Miccolis, citing Deloitte’s GCC Powers of Construction report which identifies the sector

& Copthorne MEA one of the few hotel groups that operate solo executive apartments in the Middle East. In fact, the substantial rise in longstay guests relocating to the region is a trend to watch, indicated Jihad Fattouh, acting general manager, First Central Hotel Suites, Dubai. “With a steady demand for longstay accommodation, we see that hotel apartments will continue to become a key factor affecting the decision of any business or leisure traveller, especially as they come fully-equipped and furnished to make it a home for [themselves],” commented Fattouh. Considering all these, the regional hotel apartments sector is on its path to a promising future, said Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer, Al Bustan Centre & Residence, Dubai, disclosing that 40 percent of the property’s inventory has been contracted on long-term basis. “Demand increases consistently and will continue [to do so] in the future with the expected projects in the pipeline,” expressed El Hayek.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels MEA, for example, plans to introduce the Millennium Executive Apartments brand in Abu Dhabi and key cities throughout Saudi Arabia, and The Rezidor Hotel Group is not far behind either with Rankoussi indicating that over 50 percent of the company’s future regional pipeline has either a mixed-use component, that combines hotel rooms and serviced apartments, or is a standalone project catering to long-term stays, reflecting the company’s confidence in the segment’s future. “Geographically, the region has tremendous potential, especially for domestic tourism in the secondary cities in Saudi Arabia and business hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Cairo, Riyadh and Jeddah,” divulged Rankoussi. As the sector continues to mature in the region, Kuhn expects significant improvements not only in quantity but in quality as well. “Making sure that you provide the right service and quality is important,” concluded Kuhn. 

as a key driver for job creation. “[The region’s] population is forecast to grow from 350 million to 602 million by 2050, driving the GCC countries’ strategies to provide education, healthcare, infrastructure and support to communities. The population growth and infrastructure projects will only strengthen the demand for accommodation in the hotel apartment sector across the GCC,” predicted Miccolis. Controlling the funding and financing structure of hotel apartments will, however, likely change, and while condominiums and time-share developments are still in the infancy stages in the region, according to Rankoussi, they will begin to gain prominence. In fact, DAMAC Properties has over the past years invested millions of dollars in hotel apartment projects, especially in the bustling Dubai World Central area. The fact that the developer has more than 10,000 hotel rooms and mostly serviced hotel apartments under development, speaks volumes about the capability of the sector. “Since Dubai is adding new attractions such as Dubai Parks and Resorts, as well as the imminent Expo 2020, there may be a short period where supply may exceed demand but thereafter, I do believe, it will level off,” suggested Deininger. JULY 2015

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD According to Alzaabi, the extended-stay segment has been overlooked in recent years; this, however, is about to change. “We have seen a growing demand from medium- and long-stay business travellers and contractors looking for upscale serviced apartment accommodation, which resulted in the creation of the Millennium Executive Apartments brand,” said Alzaabi. The latest product of the company debuted in Muscat in March, making Millennium

RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Nearly a year after its inauguration, how is the property performing? How satisfied are you with demand and occupancy rates? FAKHRI HINDIYEH: Crowne Plaza Duqm is proud to offer first-class services to businessmen, in addition to all the attractions available in a beach resort. [It boasts] luxurious rooms and suites, breathtaking sea views, in addition to its prime location between Muscat and Salalah [as] Crowne Plaza Duqm lays only 10km from the growing commercial and industrial axis of Duqm. The warm colours and the Omani designs add a touch of warmth to its 213 rooms and suites, all overlooking the Arabian Sea. Crowne Plaza Duqm is considered the best destination for conferences and seminars in one of its five banquet spaces of different sizes, all equipped with the most advanced audiovisual devices. One of the banquet facilities has a capacity of 300 persons. A year after the grand opening, the hotel is fully operational with all the demanded facilities and services to ensure guest satisfaction, which plays an essential role [and is] in line with the market demand […]. The occupancy is increasing day after day to keep up with the development witnessed in Duqm. The hotel serves many segments including businessmen and corporate visitors during their business visits to Duqm, as well tourists. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Duqm is positioned as MENA’s most accomplished industrial and economic stronghold. How is this in line with the property’s goals? How is the region developing in terms of tourist arrivals and its overall tourist product? FAKHRI HINDIYEH: [We are located in] Duqm Special Economic Zone, a tourism zone encompassing seafront tracts that include pristine, white sand beaches. The designated tourist area occupies 24km2 and includes an 18km stretch of beach on the pristine Arabian Sea. This area has been earmarked for hotels and resorts catering to investors, business executives and tourists. Today [Duqm] is an industrial city with a notable port, and has been looking to increase tourism in the area

Q & A with Fakhri Hindiyeh HOTEL MANAGER, CROWNE PLAZA DUQM

CROWNE PLAZA DUQM IS PERCHED ON THE THRONE OF HOSPITALITY AND RELAXATION, ACCORDING TO FAKHRI HINDIYEH, HOTEL MANAGER, CROWNE PLAZA DUQM, WHO SAYS THAT WITH THE CITY’S PORT GROWING, THE HOTEL SEEKS TO BE ONE OF THE LARGEST LEISURE AND BUSINESS DESTINATIONS IN OMAN. through Oman Tourism Development Company. It is now central to the state’s development goals, with a 25-year plan formulated in 1995 to increase its population to 100,000 by 2020. The port has undergone development and a shipbuilding facility to facilitate the port was created. Oman Air began services at the airport in July 2014, with four weekly flights from Muscat’s airport as a step to facilitate Duqm growth. The local authorities held conferences

for Duqm growth and developments, while Crowne Plaza Duqm, along with Intercontinental Hotels Group, are participating in the touristic exhibitions to market Duqm for the leisure and corporate visitors. […] TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Being located at a fast-developing industrial hub but also overlooking the Arabian Sea, how does the hotel capture the best of the two worlds – both the

business and the leisure segments? FAKHRI HINDIYEH: Duqm is fast becoming a hotspot for travel and business within Oman. With the hotel’s location on the beachfront and its premium business facilities, we are confident that Crowne Plaza Duqm is an attractive offering for business and leisure guests alike. With the development of the dry dock and port of Duqm that became the attractive point for the international commercial and industrial ships, Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority is working within the framework of its interest in the tourism sector to complete the construction and operation of the dock for cruise ships and commercial […], which will be completed in 2016. With that growth for Duqm, Crowne Plaza is on the top for serving and offering the high-standard services for both leisure and corporate visitors with the high-technology meeting facilities for all conferences and meetings, along with the comfort sea-view rooms offer after a long day of pressure and stress for the businessmen, in addition to offering attractive touristic rates and packages for all the GCC and Western tourists to ensure that they will have a memorable stay. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are the priorities for the remainder of the year? Do you have any upcoming plans for upgrades or developments at the property? FAKHRI HINDIYEH: In the context of hotel development and upgrading to ensure satisfaction and a comfortable stay, Crowne Plaza Duqm Hotel is planning to establish a high-standard spa. We are looking forward to bringing truly memorable spa experiences into the lives for hotel visitors. Guests at the lodge can now enjoy soothing treatments designed to relax the spirit, harmonise the body, preserve youthfulness and enhance health and vitality. The spa is designed to encompass its natural surroundings, showcasing the hotel’s beautifully landscaped gardens with direct access and picturesque views offering peace and tranquillity. In addition, guests will benefit from the beach facilities that will guarantee to them a memorable and enjoyable stay.  JULY 2015

TRAVEL TALK

[Dubai] is a destination that is well-received by many people originating from different cultures

JASMINE ARIKA Director of marketing and communications, Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

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“Dubai is an all-rounded destination, as is the UAE. It is without a doubt that any guest who first visits on business is likely to return on a leisure trip, particularly with family. It is also a destination that is well-received by many people originating from different cultures from around the world. The city offers a host of tourist attractions that is bound to keep a leisure guest more than busy on his/her visit. At Amwaj Rotana, we receive numerous repeat guests who visit for different reasons each time.”

You still have to provide similar features to a hotel

MICHAEL KUHN General manager, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha

“The growth of serviced apartments is one of the biggest trends in the region. [...] Guests are looking for a service that respects the fact that they are living in an apartment and are not just here for a few nights. You still have to provide similar features to a hotel [...] but you also need to be mindful of how much a long-stay guest wants to interact with the hotel team to ensure the right amount of privacy. I believe that the combination that we as Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments are providing is a very good approach to tackle this.”

WHO’S MOVED

WALID EL MASRI

SHAUN PARSONS

Walid El Masri has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Ramada Downtown Dubai. He will head the sales and marketing department in developing strategies aimed at increasing hotel revenue and keeping pace with the growing competition. He has also been tasked with further strengthening ties with the property’s key partners, generating business leads and identifying new markets, and he will also oversee the GCC sales strategy for owning company R Hotels. El Masri, who has more than 15 years of industry experience, joins the team from Rotana. Prior to that, he held various sales roles at AccorHotels, Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts, Metropolitan Palace Hotel and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Shaun Parsons has been named complex general manager of Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, as well as Le Méridien Fairway. Bringing with him over two decades of experience and knowledge, Parsons returns to Dubai from Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi where he served as general manager during the property’s refurbishment of its guest rooms, public areas and extensive food and beverage operations. After 15 years with Hyatt in the Asia Pacific region, Parsons joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide as a complex executive assistant manager of food and beverage, and then continued as complex hotel manager at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina and The Westin Dubai.

THOMAS FEHLBIER

RADEK CAIS

Thomas Fehlbier has taken over as general manager at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Fehlbier joins the team from Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa in Thailand, where he held the same position. He started his career in Germany and gradually grew through the ranks, having worked across several key departments such as business development, sales and marketing, food and beverage, process renovation management, revenue and finance. Fehlbier brings with him over 25 years of experience in managing resorts and global hotel chains across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with companies such as AVANI Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Jumeirah Group.

Radek Cais has been chosen as general manager of the soon-to-reopen The Nile RitzCarlton, Cairo. Cais, who has extensive experience in the launch of new projects as well as the renovation of existing properties, will oversee the opening preparations in tandem with managing the extensive revamping of the hotel. Prior to his moving to the Egyptian capital, Cais worked as hotel manager at The RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, where he was also an important part of the opening team. His career in the Middle Eastern hospitality industry extends to over a decade, covering a number of key locations, all across the region, such as the UAE capital, Jeddah, Bahrain and Cairo.

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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Your move from the food industry to travel and tourism is quite an unusual one. What motivated it? SAMMY MUSA: [...] Well, actually, the decision was that I wanted to own my own business and in taking such a huge leap, I wanted to do something that I loved. I only fell into the food industry after having graduated from university and needing to pay off the student loans. I prospered and did very well in every role I took on and so, when the time came to decide to do something for myself, I made the decision that I wanted to do something that I truly loved and travel has always been a passion for me. I am always driven to learn more about different cultures and derive an understanding of how different people live. I believe these different experiences broaden your horizons and change the way you think and feel and, in fact change the person that you are. It was so important for me to surround myself with people with vast experience in the travel industry and as such in choosing Gulf Reps as an investment, one of the key drivers was my business partner Leo Fewtrell who has been in this industry in the GCC for over 35 years.

Q & A with Sammy Musa MANAGING PARTNER, GULF REPS

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What is the key to a strong public relations and marketing strategy?

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are your plans and ambitions for Gulf Reps? SAMMY MUSA: Our ambitions are boundless. Besides developing and growing this business in the GCC, we have a vision to be a global player in this industry. We are currently a founding member of a global affiliation of travel and tourism marketing and public relations companies called the International Tourism Communications Network (ITCN). [...] So, in the next three to five years, we want to be part of developing the network of ITCN, as well as having our own offices in at least two different countries. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Why should one choose Gulf Reps as its MENAbased representative? SAMMY MUSA: In this region, the key to being able to deliver a clients’ message to the trade and the consumer is about your reach as an organisation. We at Gulf Reps have spent years developing our network of relationships, both within the JULY 2015

YOUNG, SEASONED AND AMBITIOUS, SAMMY MUSA, MANAGING PARTNER, GULF REPS, HAS A CLEAR VISION OF WHERE THE COMPANY IS HEADED. HE SHARES HIS VISION AND EXPERIENCE, REVEALING ALONG THE WAY WHAT DETERMINES A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGY. travel trade and the media, to ensure we are able to drive growth for our clients. Our relationships are so strong that they have become personal [...]. Also, what Gulf Reps brings to the table is an intimate knowledge of the region and its consumers, which enables us to put together effective communications strategies for our clients. The key word here is strategy: yes, Gulf Reps does some tactical work for some clients, but the fact of the matter is that

even when we are approached to do tactical projects, we always try to look at each project within the framework of a longer-term strategy for the client within the region. The other point of difference which should make Gulf Reps. the partner of choice is that we will never compromise on the quality of our work.

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WE ARE NOT ONLY ABLE TO [...] PROMOTE A PRODUCT IN THE REGION; WE ARE ALSO ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE TARGET MARKET

SAMMY MUSA: In considering an effective marketing and public relations strategy, any marketer can discuss the 4Ps or 7Ps or whatever the current literature says about the number of Ps there are in marketing, but in my humble opinion, it is a simple case of clearly identifying the objective of the client and converting that into a strategy. In terms of proposition, it is extremely important to define this clearly and to identify the target demographic. From here you can develop a clear message which will inspire your target market and then develop strategy which can be broken down into tactical initiatives to drive the relevant communications using the most relevant tools for that particular client and consumer. This is where Gulf Reps’ strengths really come into play. We are not only able to identify the best way to promote a product in the region; we are also able to identify the target market and our connections allow us to focus our communications directly to that target. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How do you ensure your clients get the maximum return on their investment? SAMMY MUSA: We take a very proactive approach to this. In developing the clients’ strategy for the region, we work with the client to put in place some clearly defined [key performance indicators] (KPIs). The reason I say clearly defined is that many KPIs are put in place, but not always with the big picture in mind. At Gulf Reps we ensure that the KPIs, if achieved, will take the client a step closer to achieving their overall objectives. When considering specific tactical marketing initiatives, we ensure that we set clear expectations in terms of the results from this initiative and then we measure those results, whether its number of bookings achieved or number of target consumers reached. 

NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS

Expo Centre Sharjah Welcomes Regus

Bangalore, India July 10 – 12 www.iitmindia.com One of the country’s premier travel and tourism exhibitions launches in Bangalore this year with other showings coming up in Chennai, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochi and Kolkatta.

lobal workplace provider, Regus has established presence at Expo Centre Sharjah, offering a range of support services to regional small and medium enterprises, start-ups, entrepreneurs and multinational corporations. According to Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, demand for workspaces is on the rise and the tie-up between Expo Centre Sharjah and Regus aims to tap into this high potential market. Ali Hamdan, coaching general manager, Regus, added, “Regus Expo Business Centre is our second serviced office centre in Sharjah. The smart combination of Regus’ international experience with office space solutions and Expo Centre’s state-of-the-art exhibition facilities will be a sure-shot winner.”

Inauguration ceremony

INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART

Air Navigation Forum in Bahrain IBTM CHINA Beijing, China August 05 – 06 www.cibtm.com A place for the meetings, events and incentives industry decision-makers to meet for global business adventures.

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.

MICE ASIA PACIFIC EXHIBITION Singapore, Singapore September 10 – 11 www.miceasiaexhibition.com Over two days, the event aims to connect Asia’s leading meetings, conference, exhibition and events organisers to meet and network with Asia Pacific’s leading venues.

ahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications played host to the 15th meeting of the Middle East Regional Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Group in early June. The programme focussed on key issues such as air traffic management, search and rescue, flight information and communication, navigation, surveillance systems, meteorology, aeronautical information systems and safety reports. As H.E. Ahmed AlNemah, acting under secretary, civil aviation affairs, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain, explained, the topics are all in support of implementing the Middle East Region Air Navigation strategy which has been developed as per the global plan.

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