JUNE 2017 - ISSUE 92
08
04
VISIT
Jordan
EXPLORE: RIYADH
10 EXCLUSIVE: AIRPORTS
15 Travel Talk 16 Rendezvous
18 Who's Moved
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Emirates Group Maintains Steady Growth
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel SENIOR JOURNALIST Ellen Petty JOURNALIST
Maria Sabova CONTRIBUTORS
Panayiotis Karanicholas Anna Spyrou Dominique Christou SALES & SALES SUPPORT Magda Christou DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
The Emirates Group has announced performance figures for the financial year ending March 31, which marked the company’s 29th consecutive year of profit and steady business expansion.
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ith over 80 subsidiaries and companies, the group achieved AED2.5 billion (USD670 million) profit during the reviewed period, down 70 percent from 2016’s record figure, while revenue reached AED94.7 billion (USD25.8 billion), a year-on-year increase of two percent. Meanwhile, dnata generated the highest profit ever, crossing the AED1.2 billion (USD330 million) mark. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chief executive, The Emirates Group, said, “We remain optimistic for the future of our industry, although we expect the year ahead to remain challenging with hyper competition squeezing airline yields, and volatility in many markets impacting travel flows and demand.”
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Air Arabia Reports Q1 Results
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 Email: kuka@rmamedia.com Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456, Email: david@simpson-media.com
Cover: Wadi Rum, Jordan Tourism Board
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of COUNTRY
2
30.5.2017 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
108.50
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
18.11
Iran (IRR)
Rial
32,455.35
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,172.77
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,512.16
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.38
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.78
Syria (SYP)
Pound
214.34
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.44
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.01
Despite an industry-wide decline in yield margins in the first quarter (Q1) of this year, Air Arabia delivered solid commercial and operational results, which are said to have surpassed analysts’ expectations.
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uring Q1, net profit stood at AED103 million (USD28.04 million), a 10 percent yearon-year drop, while the turnover reached AED810 million (USD220.52 million), 14 percent decrease compared to the corresponding period in 2016. The low-cost carrier compensated for the challenging quarter by maintaining strong passenger demand, achieving a seat load factor of 81 percent, as well as applying cost control measures. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, commented that due to rising passenger demand for low cost travel, the company remains confident of its further growth.
JUNE 2017
HOTEL PERFORMANCE
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Hotstats’ newest report MENA Chain Hotels Market Review March 2017 has unveiled an exceptionally strong start to the year for hotels in Beirut, whereas properties in Amman struggle to overcome increasing costs, and the downward trajectory continues in Abu Dhabi. ROOM RATES TAKE A DIVE IN ABU DHABI
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oteliers in Abu Dhabi revealed that in March, a 3.1 percentage point drop in occupancy was observed, alongside an 18.6 percent plummet in achieved average room rate (ARR). These two measures contributed to a 21.6 percent year-on-year drop in RevPAR to USD101.08. Achieved ARR had fallen 16.6 percent over the past 36 months, reaching just USD135.29 in the 12 months to March, compared to USD162.27 during the same period 2013-2014. This downward trajectory was accelerated in the first quarter of this year. Due to declining top line revenues, properties in the capital struggled to maintain profitability, with profit per room decreasing 27 percent in the past 24 months to USD54.42 in the 12 months to March.
RISING COSTS OVERWHELM HOTELS IN AMMAN
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ven with a one percent rise in total revenue in March, hotels in Amman suffered a 6.1 percent year-on-year decline in profits per room, thanks to escalating costs, including payroll and overheads, up 2.2 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively. Whilst hotels in the Jordanian capital achieved a three percent rise in occupancy to 59.2 percent, this was despite a 6.3 percent drop in achieved average room rate compared to March 2016, resulting in a 1.3 percent fall in RevPAR to USD86.60. Meanwhile, properties reported a one percent increase in total RevPAR to USD142.09, due to non-rooms revenue, including a 4.7 percent rise in food and beverage on a per available room basis. All in all, profit levels in Amman plummeted 6.1 percent to USD47.83 per available room.
BEIRUT BEGINS TO THRIVE
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roperties in Beirut had a strong first quarter (Q1), with a 21 percent year-on-year surge in profit per room, on the back of a 7.2 percent rise in RevPAR. In March, top line growth was primarily fuelled by a 10.1 percent boost in occupancy over the same period in 2016, resulting in a 17.1 percent increase in RevPAR to USD73.38. Despite a 2.9 percent jump in overheads in March, profit per room soared 49.5 percent, which contributed to 21 percent growth in Q1. In the 12 months to March, profit per room stood at USD24.73, a peak in recent times, especially when compared to just USD4.45 in the same period 2013-2014.
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Jordan: Reaching for MICE
Excellence THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN JORDAN IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE POSITIVE MOMENTUM OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESILIENCE, CREATING IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR ELEVATING ITS ALREADY FLOURISHING MICE SECTOR, WHERE UNIQUE OFFERINGS ARE GRADUALLY BUILDING THE DESTINATION'S STABLE REPUTATION AMONG BUSINESS TRAVELLERS AND MICE PLANNERS.
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton
MARIA SABOVA WRITES
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he Kingdom’s unbeatable fusion of modern and ancient wonders has a potential to impress corporate visitors, while the industry stakeholders continue to invest in the development of world-class facilities encouraging the international attention of the travel and tourism influencers and decision-makers. Kamel Ajami, vice president, operations, Saudi Arabia and Levant, Hilton, revealed, “The tourism industry in Jordan is set to rise over the coming years. With new developments and offerings launched and others set for completion soon, the Kingdom continues to provide a wide range of offerings ensuring the fortification of one of its main economic pillars that is tourism.” Emphasising the importance of reaching out to new markets, thus indicating the current approach shaping the country’s tourism industry, Stephanie Twaissi, director, A Piece of Jordan, noted, “We are [...] in a position where we must seek to attract a new type of visitor, branch out into a new area and show the world that Jordan is suitable for all types of travel, business included.”
JORDAN IN BRIEF Capital: Amman Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) Language: Arabic Population: 7.86 Million Calling Code: +962 Capital Time Zone: GMT +2:00
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InterContinental Jordan
FRUITFUL COLLABORATION Jordan’ s industry professionals collectively agreed that the government of Jordan along with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) continuously intensify their common efforts to promote the country as an ideal destination for MICE travellers. Ajami has observed the sector’s boom and while attributing it to the outcome of the collaboration between governmental bodies with key local and international entities, he confirmed, “[…] Jordan’s MICE sector has grown exponentially in just a few short years. As part of the plan set forth, the Kingdom has upgraded its infrastructure to feature first-class business facilities and hotels that incorporate modern offices built to the highest standards and state-of-the-art conference centres.” Elaborating on the latest actions of cooperation, Ziad Fostuq, director, sales and marketing, Crowne Plaza Amman Hotel, unveiled, “We work closely with JTB and the Ministry of Tourism on different initiatives, and recently we have participated in their online portal [project] which they will launch soon for MICE buyers worldwide.” Speaking about the collaborative efforts related to the region of Aqaba, Dan Benzaquen, general manager, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, clarified, “The JTB and Aqaba Economic Zone Authority work closely with airlines and resorts to come up with reasonable offers to attract guests. This makes Aqaba competitive not only for leisure guests but also for clients coming from abroad.” While noting that the growth of business tourism in Jordan, and Aqaba in particular, is obvious, he further added that the region has a strong potential for boosting the business tourism thanks to more international hotel brands opening soon, improved domestic and international air connectivity and presence of renowned companies. Michael Koth, director, operations, Levant, InterContinental (IHG) Jordan, also revealed that the commitment to collectively focus on the GCC outbound business and other far eastern markets is paying off with the trend of pharmaceutical and technological companies returning to Jordan for MICE purposes. He explained, “Incentives may still take a little longer but for corporate pan-Arabian events and conferences, our seven IHG hotels have already crossed the valley and are confidently climbing up.” As significant proof that the common efforts have set the wheels in motion, Twaissi pointed out that Jordan has repeatedly hosted prominent global events, namely the recent Arab Summit and the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East and North Africa, which both demonstrated the success of the promotional initiatives to attract high-profile events. Hosted at King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton (KHBTCC), hailed as Jordan’s largest convention centre, these occasions indicate the country’s rising status on the MICE travellers‘ world map. Twaissi further enthused, “Jordan is a fantastic mix of history, culture and adventure; it combines the new and old, offering breathtaking and mysterious sights, high standard accommodation, excellent infrastructure and delicious cuisine. Jordan really does have something to suit everyone.” To sum-up, Zeid Talhami, director, sales and marketing, Fairmont Amman, JUNE 2017
pinponted, “Just as important [as the strategic collaboration] is reinforcing the fact that Jordan is safe, secure and sophisticated for travels, with accessible Arab hospitality and authentic experiences communicated on a global level. DELEGATES MORE THAN WELCOME While safety concerns might affect organisers' choice of the next Middle East destination for a MICE occasion, Jordan's industry professionals seem to believe that the country’s safety stands-out in the region. In a recent report released by the WEF comparing the level of safety in 136 countries, Jordan ranked as
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VISIT JORDAN Amman, Jordan Tourism Board
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and diplomatic nature, representing the main target audience for which the establishment caters to with its top of the line facilities. IN LINE WITH TRENDS
Rendering of Fairmont Amman
Jordan does not only appear to be well in line with other Middle Eastern destinations, competing to develop more modern and technologically advanced facilities to boost the attractive niche, but it seems that the country has found its own way of luring such visitors. Well informed about the trends and rising demands among MICE travellers, the service providers keep revamping their offerings to cater to all interests. Listing the factors which make Jordan an ideal MICE destination, Twaissi stated, “[…] The country has almost all the big hotel brands one can think of [...] , providing fully equipped rooms for conferences and banquets with top class facilities and specialised services to cater for the sector.” While highlighting that the corporate groups have an enormous choice of exciting locations able to host all types of events, she further described, “People and businesses choose Jordan because they want the mixture of ancient and modern. Jordan has the unique ability to create a striking contract between the past whilst offering a bright future.” Discussing the current trends among business travellers and corresponding offerings, Ajami, elaborated, “MICE travellers and event organisers are continuously searching for locations that provide holistic and comprehensive solutions that incorporate accommodation, catering, technology and entertainment. [...] Throughout the Kingdom [...] the country has witnessed several multi-million dollar MICE investment projects.” He further pointed out that business stakeholders opting for KHBTCC can take an advantage of 27 conference halls across three stories and 1,310m² of exhibition space equipped with state-of-the-art business amenities. Adjacent to Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, delegates are able to seamlessly access accommodation and dining, in addition to leisure and entertainment options. BUSINESS TRAVEL WITH ADDED VALUE
the 38th safest global destination for tourists and the fifth in the Arab world. With this in mind, Twaissi underlined the importance of word-of-mouth in promoting the destination’s profile as a stable business and leisure hub. Likewise, Hossam Maghyerh, general manager, Enjoy Jordan, stressed the significance of utilising social media to present the true image of Jordan, while correcting misconceptions and stereotypes related to the Middle East region. Bashar Anqour, general manager, Adam Travel & Tourism, elucidated that two key reasons behind the rising role of Jordan as the regional business centre is the high level of services, and stability. He further elaborated, “As a result of [high standards and safety], Jordan’s travel industry is focussed more on the business travel sector in order to [maximise the] niche, and the results [are] very promising.” Speaking in approval, Talhami emphasised that JTB’s actual strategy for the next three years encompasses specific attention to achieve growth in the profitable business travel sector. Meanwhile, Jordanian hoteliers agreed on the pivotal role of the MICE segment for the prosperity of their businesses. Twaissi expressed, “Jordan’s MICE industry continues to develop. As a country we recognise the demands of the meetings and incentive market and strive to exceed expectations.” Koth confirmed and exemplified, “Business travellers are of utmost importance to our hotel. Whether individually or for conference and events, they form, with more than 60 percent [of total guests], a strong foundation of our business success”. Fostuq elaborated that the majority of the hotel’s guests are of corporate
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Sharing another insight and explaining that business travellers represent a reliable market share for hotels due to high frequency of trips, Talhami pinpointed that genuine experiences and enriching complementary activities are becoming increasingly important in the MICE industry, where guests now expect added value from their event’s location over and above the functionality of the venues and accommodation. As a result, many corporate visitors seek to combine their business agenda with leisure activities, as Benzaquen also observed. Twaissi expanded, “In many ways, the MICE sector presents an ideal opportunity for the country. We know that when travel professionals enjoy their time here, they will see the potential and begin to promote Jordan as a viable business development option or to simply come back as a leisure tourist.” Through such a trend, tourism and hospitality providers have identified an opportunity for tailoring their services further, encouraging business travellers to make the most out of their stay and, ultimately, to return. Anqour, explained, “Combining business and leisure activities and MICE business services [...] creates great opportunities to our clients, not just in doing business, but also helps them in team building and entertainment.” InterContinental Jordan team, World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, Jordan
JUNE 2017
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VISIT JORDAN Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, Salam Meeting Room
For business travellers seeking authentic experiences to complement their stay, Twaissi suggested activities which are to be found out of the conference complexes and standard tour itineraries, “We would like MICE travellers to not just go from their conference onto a historical site [...], we would like to see conference organisers build into their programme schedule a time to learn about Jordan’s significance and culture.” Spending time with local communities and engaging in cross-cultural exchange represents an enriching way for corporate travellers to explore the destination in-depth through the interaction with locals while they may identify opportunities to contribute to sustainable initiatives. Twaissi, further revealed, “We find that when our clients go back home, they take a bit of Jordan with them.” OPPORTUNITIES IDENTIFIED Displaying a 33.5 percent year-on-year growth in visitors arrivals in 2016, along with this year’s upward trajectory of passenger traffic at Queen Alia International Airport, the overall prognosis for Jordan’s tourism seem promising. Industry players have
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identified the gaps and by turning them into opportunities, solid ground is being formed for the rise of the MICE tourism. With the strategic cooperation between governmental and private entities and effective communication with international channels, the country’s image as an attractive MICE destination has a potential not only to leap in the following months, but to be recognised as a global trend setter. Talhami described the strategic approach ahead, “Business tourism is a fastgrowing, lucrative market segment. It requires a targeted marketing approach that packages currently fragmented offerings into coherent, flexible and easily accessible add-ons to business travel.” Bespoke hospitality and tourism services, combined with the country’s distinguished historical and cultural attractions, have proven to be valuable assets for building Jordan’ s profile as a hallmark in business tourism. Koth concluded, “[…] The growing interest of European and Gulf originated business requests are [soaring]. Jordan has proven over time that safety is at the forefront of everything we do and in combination with our historical significance, natural beauty and diversity, exceptional climate and great hospitality, I am confident about our future MICE growth.”
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EXPLORE RIYADH
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Riyadh Invested in
Tourism
UNDER SAUDI VISION 2030, SAUDI ARABIA IS CURRENTLY IN THE MIDST OF A TRANSFORMATION, NOT ONLY THROUGHOUT THE TOURISM INDUSTRY, BUT ITS OVERALL ECONOMY AS THE KINGDOM INVESTS IN NON-OIL REVENUE STREAMS. AS THE POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE OF THE COUNTRY, RIYADH HAS GROWN INTO A HUB FOR CORPORATE TRAVEL. HOWEVER, THIS PREVIOUSLY LUCRATIVE SECTOR HAS DIMINISHED IN RECENT TIMES, A TREND THAT HAS BECOME ESPECIALLY APPARENT IN RIYADH.
ELLEN PETTY WRITES
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hile noting that so far this year business is relatively similar to 2016, Tarek Bekhiet, regional director, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, indeed confirmed that the majority of the property’s guests are intraregional business travellers from the GCC, the UK and the US, an indicator of how valuable the corporate segment is to hoteliers in the capital. In fact, considered to be reliant on business tourism, the travel industry in Riyadh continues to be stifled by the ongoing impact of falling oil prices, which has caused a reduction in both economic growth and the number of business trips undertaken. As revealed in Hotstats’ MENA Chain Hotels Market Review January 2017, in 2016, hoteliers recorded a 24 percent plummet in profit per room, a trend which continued into January, during which a 16.2 percent year-on-year fall in this measure was observed. Furthermore, there was a 13.9 percent fall in RevPAR compared to January 2016, despite addresses in Riyadh successfully saving 10.2 percent in payroll and 10.5 percent in overheads. As a result of declining revenue in food and beverage as well as conference and banqueting, down 15 percent and 20.1 percent, respectively, total revenue dropped 14.3 percent over the same period in 2016. Elaborating on this, Diane Daudin-Clavaud, director, communications and public relations, Nobu Hotel Riyadh, provided further insight into the first quarter (Q1) of this year, describing a year-on-year decrease in RevPAR of 8.8 percent and a 10.3 percent drop in average daily rate. On a more positive note, she highlighted that during the first three months of the year, occupancy grew 1.7 percent. WINDS OF CHANGE
RIYADH IN BRIEF Country: Saudi Arabia Currency: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) Language: Arabic Population: 5,272,000 Calling Code: +966 1 Time Zone: GMT +3:00
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In line with its commitment to boosting the tourism industry, Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has been allocated its biggest ever budget, 79 percent higher than the 2016 fiscal year. Of the total SAR1.11billion (USD296 million) of funding, SAR216 million (USD57.59 million) has been earmarked for tourism, a year-on-year surge of 52 percent, and a gauge of how seriously Saudi Arabia is taking tourism. Furthermore, SCTH recently revealed an initiative to lend a total of SAR2.7 billion (USD720 mil-
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lion) for tourism and hotel projects. Despite the fact that hotels in the capital are battling to sustain the pre-oil collapse levels, Riyadh has a significant number of hotel developments in the making. More specifically, Riyadh has been lauded as the country’s busiest city in terms of hotel construction, with a remarkable 48 projects underway, as revealed in TOPHOTELPROJECT’s The 2017 Saudi Arabia Hotel Construction Overview, prepared for The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia. This includes a number of international brands, thought to have been influenced by the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 and the monumental potential that it will bring. Of these, approximately 2,500 rooms are expected to be delivered this year, including Fairmont Riyadh Business Gate, Crowne Plaza ITCC and Swiss-Belhotel Riyadh as well as three Hilton Hotels & Resorts-branded addresses. In Q1, 261 units were added to the city, bringing its total stock to around 11,900 keys, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Riyadh 2017 Q1 Real Estate Market Overview. Yet, this is viewed as nothing short of positive. While explaining that ADR is likely to further decrease, Daudin-Clavaud added that occupancy, total revenue as well as the number of flights and travellers are all set to soar. Recognising that a rise in supply will ensure better service from hoteliers in order to differentiate themselves and to retain guests, Bekhiet further exemplified, “Such investments lead to increase in competition, which I believe creates a healthy competitive environment. It challenges us to push out limits of creativity and always seek more innovative strategies to excel in the market.” BROADENING HORIZONS While there is significant potential for Riyadh to reinforce its status as top corporate hotspot, as Bekhiet highlighted, the capital has much more to offer. As well as noting that SCTH has launched programmes to enhance Riyadh’s entertainment appeal, he clarified, “I believe that promoting cultural tourism more would be very beneficial [...].” Bekhiet pinpointed natural phenomena such as Edge of the World as leading sites in the Riyadh region that would appeal to travellers from around the world. Alongside this, he underscored that the introduction of an online tourism visa could be the key to significantly boosting arrivals. With domestic tourism a priority for SCTH, there have been a number of initiatives announced to increase the appeal of the capital, including a new cultural, sports and entertainment city, southwest of Riyadh, which will include a Six Flags theme park, among other attractions, and increase job opportunities for young people. Daudin-Clavaud also recognised the importance of having an entertainment complex, while adding that festivals are certain to encourage visitors to the capital. She continued to explain that there is also a need to beautify the city as well as tap into the ever expanding sports tourism segment which has seen exponential growth around the world. However, the main priority for Riyadh is to bolster its position as a regional centre for MICE. Bekhiet elaborated this point,
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EXPLORE RIYADH
underscoring the continuous government efforts to drive MICE business and establish Riyadh as an important destination within the region for conferences and exhibitions. Alongside this, a number of projects have added to the appeal of the capital, including the development of Riyadh Metro, scheduled to launch in 2019. Moreover, Bekhiet identified major improvements to King Khalid International Airport, including an easier and facilitated arrival process and the opening of new terminals. Ultimately, change is underway. When considering the number of hotel and tourism projects due to open in the coming years, along with SCTH’s dedication to developing an increasingly heterogeneous tourism industry, indeed, the future looks hopeful.
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EXCLUSIVE AIRPORTS
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Middle Eastern Airports:
What to Expect
BY 2035, AN ADDITIONAL 258 MILLION PASSENGERS PER ANNUM ARE EXPECTED TO PASS THROUGH THE MIDDLE EAST’S AIRPORTS, BOOSTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION AND ACROSS THE GLOBE. THE ENCOURAGING NUMBERS HOWEVER ALSO POSE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO THE REGION’S AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE, HUMAN RESOURCES, INTER-CONNECTIVITY, SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABILITY.
ANNA SPYROU WRITES
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ased on Airports Council International’s (ACI) World Report, passenger traffic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew 6.5 percent in 2016 with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman registering 7.6 percent, nine percent, 20.4 percent and 17.4 percent growth, respectively, compared to 2015. Furthermore, as concluded in the 6th Arab Aviation Summit’s Whitepaper report, the Middle East is expected to post a five percent growth and see an extra 258 million passengers on routes to, from and within the region by 2035. These figures give several reasons for confidence amongst investors, governments and the travel and tourism industry, while also demonstrating the sector’s resilience to potential challenges emerging from economic and geopolitical uncertainties. As Muhammad Ali Albakri, regional vice president, Africa and Middle East, International Air Transport Association (IATA), disclosed, the aviation sector in the Middle East supports 2.4 million jobs and contributes nearly USD160 billion in economic activities. Ali Tounsi, secretary general, ACI Africa, further explained that the region’s leading position in the global aviation sector has rapidly evolved during the last 10 years, primarily due to its strategic location as an intercontinental hub as well as the growth of low-cost carriers. In this fast changing landscape, airports in the region have been dramatically transformed from places largely dealing with airline and aircraft activities to multifunctional centres and complex businesses in their own right. “Significant construction of new facilities […] allowing operators and airlines to capitalise on their airports’ geographical location, to connect to the world’s major tourist destinations and centres of
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EXCLUSIVE AIRPORTS
Rendering of Midfield Terminal, Abu Dhabi International Airport
Rendering of GoSleep sleeping pods at Abu Dhabi International Airport
commerce,” elaborated Tounsi. With more than 65 million passengers passing through its gates every year, Dubai International's passenger traffic climbed 7.4 percent during the first quarter (Q1) of the year, with the hub welcoming 22,496,596 travellers compared to 20,948,690 during the corresponding period in 2016. Aiming to increase its capacity from 75 million to 90 million travellers, Dubai’s gateway unveiled Concourse D in 2016, the result of a USD1.2 billion investment, which has enhanced services and boosted capacity for some 60 international airlines, now facilitates 350 flights per day to 94 destinations around the globe. In addition, Lorne Riley, head, corporate communications, Dubai Airports, revealed that a number of new exciting projects have been recently lined up as part of the preparation for Expo 2020, aiming to deliver world-class experiences to the millions of passengers expected to pass through Dubai’s hubs. “We are now working on a new project called DXB Plus which seeks to enhance service while increasing capacity to 188 million passengers by 2018,” added Riley. Abu Dhabi International Airport is not lagging behind, neither in traffic growth nor infrastructure development. Having handled 6.15 million passengers during Q1, representing 1.8 percent year-on-year increase in airport traffic, the hub remains a key driving force in the emirate's Economic Vision 2030. Other major projects worth mentioning include the recently completed new Hamad International Airport, which welcomed 9,782,202 passengers during Q1, a 10 percent growth compared to the 8,868,066 travellers served during the corresponding period in 2016. AIRPORTS FOR THE PEOPLE By adopting more customer-centric models, hubs in the Middle East are constantly evolving to embrace all aspects of hospitality while taking into account the varied demographics of visitors, faiths and cultures. Recent amenities that reflect the traveller-first trend include international restaurants, health clubs, prayer rooms, spa facilities, garden zones and sleeping pods for relaxation. Designed with the aim to keep young passengers entertained while waiting for their flight, Dubai International’s dedicated kids’ area features a whole range of fun activities and interactive games making it the ideal place for kids to burn off excess energy before flying. Highlighting the importance of smart technology in ensuring seamless operations, Hani El Asaad, president, Middle East, India & Africa, SITA, commented, “Passengers want to spend as little time completing the travel steps in the airport and in the Middle East many passengers value the increased control that technology brings to their journey.” To enhance the overall experience, new traveller document authentication
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solutions have been introduced, significantly accelerating passenger processing while also reducing waiting lines. An example is the launch of Smart Gates across Dubai International in 2016 which saw waiting time at the hub drop by as much as 10 percent during Q1. Completely free of charge and requiring no pre-registration, the new service enabled the users of Emirates identification cards to pass through automated immigration gates, thus pushing down transaction time to an average 10 to 15 seconds per passenger. Since its introduction, over 1.3 million UAE residents have taken advantage of the service. On the top of these innovations, Dubai International has recently unleashed what is claimed to be the world’s fastest free airport Wi-Fi connection. Aptly named WOWFi, the service provides Internet connection up to a staggering 100mbps, surpassing all other airports, keeping passengers entertained and connected to the world. Commenting on the importance of the people factor and the crucial role of customer service, Riley emphasised that the best way to deliver a seamless experience is the collaboration between authorities and flag carriers. She further added, “For a significant number of passengers, Dubai International is their only experience of Dubai as they spend a few hours here on transit. We believe that their experience has a major effect on their idea of what Dubai would be like.” Elaborating on this, Mohammed Qazi, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, stated, “All passengers are important and while, we are a small and ageing
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airport, we try our best to accommodate [travellers] requirements. Key for us is to expedite the process at each stage during their arrivals and departures.” Qazi exemplified that all bags are delivered to the baggage belt within 10-15 minutes, and that a bedsit has been set up for visa change passengers, giving them comfort and ease on their journey through the airport. GOING GREEN Recognising the urgent need to improve its reputation in relation to environmental efficiency and carbon reduction, global aviation is at the helm of policy changes and green initiatives. “More and more airports have become involved in management programmes that advance their environmental protection, economic efficiency and social responsibility,” enthused Tounsi. Pioneered by ACI Europe in 2009, Airport Carbon Accreditation assesses and recognises airports’ efforts to measure, manage and reduce CO2 emissions while certifying them at four different levels of accreditation this covers all stages of carbon management including mapping, reduction, optimisation and neutrality. Shedding light on the importance of the programme, Tounsi stated, “ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation is an example of how initiatives can become much bigger than originally planned, when examples of sustainability commitments are shared, in turn inspiring others to follow, especially when they positively affect airports’ license to grow, facilitate and improve stakeholder engagement, and improve efficiency. It is a win-win approach.” Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport are the first airports in the GCC, and two of 56 internationally, to achieve ACI’s Level 2 accreditation, while more Middle Eastern and African hubs are on the way to becoming carbon neutral. In addition, and as a part of its strategy to limit environmental impact, Dubai Airports succeeded in saving 5.17 million kilowatt-hours in 2016 by participating in Earth Hour, when all non-essential lights across both hubs switched off for one hour. On top of that, both hubs have actively participated in events such World Clean Up Day and launched several eco-friendly projects including the optimisation of chiller plants, as well as the deployment of energy variable frequency drives for pumps and automation. Together with its supply chain partners, International Air Transport Association has defined sustainability as one of its core priorities, adopting a multi-faced four-pillar aviation strategy thats focussed on improving technology through the deployment of sustainable low-carbon fuels, more efficient aircraft operations by promoting taxiing on one engine, encouraging airlines to retrofit winglets and replace pilot paper manuals with laptops. Another milestone in the context of managing emissions was the establishment of Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation Council (CORSIA) during the 39th edition of International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly. “CORSIA is the first global carbon offsetting scheme covering an industrial sector,” indicated Albakri, who further explained that the programme has been warmly welcomed by the sector with 65 states already volunteering to implement the scheme, which will cover approximately 80 percent of CO2 growth in 2021-2035. FACING THE CHALLENGES Talking about the future of aviation in the MENA region, Albakri pointed out that despite the encouraging figures forecasted by global organisations, questions still linger as the region grapples with several challenges. At the top of the list are safety and security issues. Aiming to meet the ever-increasing demand for cybersecurity, SITA and Airbus have recently joined forces to launch a new Security Operations Center Services, providing airlines, airports and other air transport industry stakeholders with information about unusual cyber activity. As El-Asaad disclosed, SITA’s Airline IT Trends Survey 2016 revealed that 91 percent of airlines plan to invest in cybersecurity programmes over the next three years. Improvement of air traffic management in the Gulf countries is another
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Kids Zone at Dubai International
Hamad International Airport
obstacle highlighted by Albakri, who argued that delays will almost double by 2025 if the region’s invisible infrastructure is not upgraded to help deal with the rapid growth of the aviation sector. “Technology will also play a role in helping airports in the region to manage a growing number of passengers. Enhancing capacity and ensuring seamless operations is one of the primary drivers for GCC airports, which are expected to handle 450 million passengers by 2020,” elaborated El-Asaad. The need to face the unprecedented rise in taxes and charges especially in the UAE and African countries, including Tunisia and Egypt has been raised. “Every dollar that a passenger spends in the region creates jobs and spreads prosperity and every dollar collected in taxes or charges is an incentive for travellers to go elsewhere,” pinpointed Albakri. To reflect on these topics and more, 200 industry thought leaders, government officials and journalists gather every year for the Arab Aviation Summit. Taking place annually in a different Arab city, the event is considered an ideal partnership of the public and private sectors along with the media community. As concluded during the latest gathering, held in Jordan, the aviation industry in the MENA region is expected to grow. With the subcontinent in close proximity to international hubs, natural beauties, historic sites and wonders, it has the potential to become one of the world’s fastest growing regions for air movements. JUNE 2017
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Abu Dhabi Supports Emerging Artists
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels Facilitated Blood Donation
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ommitted to its social responsibility programme, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels hosted a successful blood donation day at Al Bidda Boutique Hotel in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation’s blood donor unit. With both hotel staff and guests participating, the campaign hoped to boost national blood reserves and strengthen public awareness about the importance of regular blood donations. Aisha Al Khamees, manager, human resources, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, commented, “At Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels we take our role of corporate social responsibility leader very seriously. The blood donation drive is testament to our commitment to Qatar’s communities and individuals.”
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iming to cultivate positive attitudes to the status of art and its place within the cultural and social fabric of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) collaboratively organised the fourth edition of the ADEC Students Showcase. Held at Manarat Al Saadiyat from May 14 – 20, the exhibition aimed to promote creativity and artistic innovation as well as inspire young, talented students. H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, stated, “By exhibiting the artworks of students, we aim to nurture the students’ artistic talents and encourage them to develop their passion in arts. Our role is to support them in developing their competencies and understanding their cultural heritage [...].”
S DeG Gives Sharjah Land a Makeover
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harjah Department of eGovernment (DeG) launched a new edition of its Sharjah Land game, with revamped experiences and features, aiming to promote Sharjah’s cultural and modern values to children and citizens across the UAE. DeG also unveiled a new character, representing one of the core functioning government entities in the emirate, contributing to Sharjah’s development, safety, sustainability, culture and innovation. The launch ceremony was part of a three-day programme, which included a series of activities to promote the game including theatrical performances from its storyline, video screenings and hands-on workshops.
JUNE 2017
MAHER SALMAN AL MUSALLAM
“We are 12 months away from welcoming the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to the Gulf Air fleet – a historic moment in our trajectory and yet another important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernisation process [...]. As we look to strengthen our presence across the globe, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will also serve to enhance Gulf Air’s operational efficiency while offering enhanced passenger comfort.”
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
We are passionate about what we do [...] “It is my great privilege to accept this prestigious Industry Pioneer award from H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum voted by the industry. This recognises more than 10 years since we identified a material gap in the Middle East’s hotel market when there were very few, if any, branded three- and fourstar hotels in the prime cities across the Middle East. [...] We are passionate about what we do and this is the reason why, with my team, we continue to commit time, energy, resources and investment to further growth. [...].”
CEO, JAZEERA AIRWAYS
ROHIT RAMACHANDRAN
FOUNDER, ACTION HOTELS
SHEIKH MUBARAK AL ABDULLAH AL-MUBARAK AL SABA
CEO, GULF AIR
[...] We look to strengthen our presence across the globe [...]
H.E. AKBAR AL BAKER
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Qatar Airways is dedicated to promoting the power of sport [...]
“We are tremendously excited about renewing our sponsorship agreement with Al-Ahli Saudi FC. Qatar Airways is dedicated to promoting the power of sport in bringing people together. Nowhere is this more evident than through our many world-class sponsorships, including those with FIFA, [...]. We congratulate Al-Ahli FC on all it has achieved, and look forward to celebrating its continued success in the future.”
[…] Punctuality in travel is vitally important […]
“We are extremely proud of this achievement [of being ranked as best on time performance in the Middle East and] being recognised among the best in class on a global scale and as an unchallenged regional leader is testament to our commitment to maximum customer satisfaction and operational excellence. […] Punctuality in travel is vitally important to ensure our customers enjoy a comfortable, reliable and worry-free experience to their destinations.”
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
JUNE 2017
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
What are you doing to attract such visitors to your three resorts in the Maldives and how do you meet their needs?
EVGENIA BOYANKOVA GROUP DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SUN SIYAM RESORTS
THE MALDIVES HAS GROWN FROM A HONEYMOON HOTSPOT TO AN IDEAL FAMILY DESTINATION. EVGENIA BOYANKOVA, GROUP DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SUN SIYAM RESORTS, PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON HOW THE PROPERTIES MEET THE NEEDS OF MIDDLE EASTERN TRAVELLERS.
EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: Our resorts in the Maldives are ideal for travellers from the Middle East and we continue to see strong growth from this market. With the major Middle East holidays falling during the summer, we expect this growth to continue with the numerous promotions available for our guests to avail. Sun Siyam remains a market leader among the Middle East outbound tourism market. We offer a wide range of different experiences across our resorts in the Maldives. For honeymooners, we have our very romantic boutique island Sun Aqua Vilu Reef located in the stunning South Nilandhe Atoll. Our flagship resort The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has won several awards such as Leading Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean and families can enjoy our special family offer where kids stay, play and eat free until 18 years old. Our Family Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool are perfect for families, featuring a separate room for the kids and a private pool for the whole family. In addition, our four-star Deluxe Olhuveli Beach and Spa offers interconnected rooms and free transfer for kids, making it an ideal family destination. Over Eid and the summer holidays, Sun Siyam Resorts has some very special holiday package promotions for our guests travelling from the Middle East. We will be offering clients from the Middle East a variety of discounted packages so that they can enjoy a long holiday with family and friends at any one of our great five-star resort locations – where we offer affordable luxury, premium hospitality, fine dining experiences, and a boutique lifestyle. At Sun Siyam Resorts, we combine the ultimate privacy our villas offer, with the active energy to be enjoyed at our restaurants and lounges.
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In terms of demographics, we see a trend of multigenerational travel. Maldives is no longer just a honeymoon destination. It is a place to enjoy the best beach and crystal clear water, privacy and bespoke service. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are the latest developments at Sun Siyam Resorts? What can guest expect in the coming months? EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: The summer season brings great deals for travellers. […] Olhuveli Beach and Spa resorts will open new Grand Beach Villas with Pool by August this year, which are ideal for families. The Grand Beach Villas, which come with their own private pool overlooking the beach, are now being furnished so that our guests can take advantage of the more spacious, modern and private surroundings. In addition to the room refurbishment, we are adding more facilities such as a conference and events centre, kids’ clubs for our young guests, a new entertainment centre, more food outlets, as well as a stunning wedding pavilion. Sun Aqua Vilu Reef will offer a specially tailored all-inclusive package and The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi will be opening its new Arabic Oriental restaurant Sindbad – the best place to enjoy your special dinner in front of the ocean. Our Sri Lankan resort Sun Aqua Pasikudah will be the centre of regional events this summer so there is lots to look forward to at Sun Siyam Resorts over the next few months.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Overall, what are the demographics of your guests? TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How was business in the first quarter (Q1) of the year? EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: Q1 this year has been good for us at Sun Siyam Resorts. We have closed Q1 plus April with positive growth compared to 2016 and we are proud of it. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: According to the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, there was a 0.7 percent decline in the number of Middle Eastern visitors in Q1.
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EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: We achieved the perfect nationality mix in 2016, combining travellers from all over the world. The opening of additional international sales offices in a number of new destinations helped us raise awareness and increase the demand and popularity of the Sun Siyam brand.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
JUNE 2017
PETER WALICHNOWSKI has been appointed as CEO of Omran, where he will lead the company as it continues to contribute to Oman’s fast growing tourism industry, in line with the country’s responsible tourism strategy. With more than 35 years of experience in tourism, real estate and mixed-use development, Walichnowski has held positions across Australia, Europe and the GCC, including at Majid Al Futtaim Properties. In his new role, Walichnowski will be fundamental in Omran’s plan to boost the Sultanate’s tourism growth as well as delivering sustainable social and economic returns.
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SALEH MOHAMED AL GEZIRY
PETER WALICHNOWSKI
WHO’S MOVED
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AHMED SAYED MOHAMED has taken on the role of leisure sales manager at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Jumeirah Beach Residence, where he will be instrumental in bolstering occupancy and revenue in the leisure segment. Prior to joining the property, Mohamed served as leisure sales manager at Cassells Al Barsha Hotel. Mohamed has gained extensive experience in the hospitality industry in a variety of positions, including group sales coordinatior, revenue and reservations manager as well as sales manager for corporate accounts. In his new role, Mohamed will be responsible for strengthening existing business relationships as well as seeking out new markets and deals.
Al Geziry will drive forward ATDD's vision
THANOS TSINIAS
AHMED SAYED MOHAMED
Walichnowski has more than 35 years of expertise
SALEH MOHAMED AL GEZIRY has been named as the new general manager of Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD). He joins the authority after serving as the director of overseas promotions and inward missions at Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), where he rose up the ranks to establish successful strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders in the private and public sectors in Dubai and internationally. Using his expertise, Al Geziry will drive forward the ATDD’s vision of promoting Ajman as a top destination and further accelerate demand for the emirate.
THANOS TSINIAS has been named as the new cluster director of rooms and revenue management for Dubai hotels at City Seasons Hotels. Having gained extensive experience in Europe and the Middle East, Tsinias first joined the group in 2012 for the opening of Royal Rose Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Prior to this appointment, Tsinias was part of the preopening team at City Seasons Towers in Burjuman. In his new role, Tsinias will be responsible for online and revenue management strategies for properties in Dubai, where in line with the company’s growth plans, he will streamline policies and maintain relationships with online partners.
Tsinias will lead revenue management strategies
JUNE 2017
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
Makarem is working on expanding its presence in the western region, thus boosting its leading position in the holy cities further. Accordingly, we have signed an agreement with the Public Investment Fund to operate one of their hotels that will boast 614 rooms and hotel apartments in Dar Al Hijra Mega Project in Al Madinah. In addition to several projects that will be announced soon.
ABDULLAH BAKRMAN CORPORATE MARKETING MANAGER , HOTEL OPERATIONS DIVISION, DUR HOSPITALITY COMPANY
WITH TOURISM IN SAUDI ARABIA EXPECTED TO SOAR, ABDULLAH BAKRMAN, CORPORATE MARKETING MANAGER, HOTEL OPERATIONS DIVISION, DUR HOSPITALITY COMPANY, REVEALS THE GROUP’S STRATEGY TO SUPPORT AND MAXIMISE THIS GROWTH.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How many hotels do you have in your portfolio? ABDULLAH BAKRMAN: We currently have eight hotels under the management of Makarem Hotels, five of which are situated in Mecca, encompassing more than 2,000 rooms. Our hotels in Riyadh are Makarem Riyadh Airport Hotel and Riyadh Palace Hotel, in Mecca we have Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, Makarem Umm AlQura Hotel, Makarem Mina Hotel, Makarem Albait Hotel, Makarem Alshorofat Hotel and in Jeddah we have Makarem Annakheel Village. In preparation to host the expected increase in the number of visitors, JUNE 2017
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What is the core philosophy of the group? ABDULLAH BAKRMAN: Makarem hotel is a Saudi-grown brand created and designed by DUR Hospitality Company for delivering authentic Saudi hospitality services with international standards. The award-winning hotel brand is continuously striving to further develop the services provided to enrich guests’ experience in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and across Saudi Arabia. At Makarem, we understand the changing needs and demands of local and international visitors whether they come for Umrah, Hajj, visit, or business. And combining international standards with the local spirit and expertise allows us to deliver innovative services that has surpassed the traditional norm and supported our expansionary plans. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Which markets are you focussing on? ABDULLAH BAKRMAN: The Kingdom’s strategic location serves as a hub connecting three continents and a religious hub hosting the two Islamic holy sites that accommodates an average of up to eight million Umrah visitors annually. Major expansion works are being carried out at the two holy cities of Mecca al-Mukarramah and Al Madina Al Munnawarah, to achieve one of the major goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 to increase their capacity to 30 million Umrah visitors per year. Hence, our strategy is highly focused on the western region, specifically Mecca and Medina. We already have five hotels established in Mecca and we are looking to further expand our portfolio in the region. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Please can you tell us how your website caters
to the needs of global travellers? ABDULLAH BAKRMAN: Based on our objectives to cater to guests from all over the world, we were keen on developing our website in seven languages, Arabic, English, French, German, Turkish, Indonesian and Malay. We also developed a cutting edge mobile application called Makarem that can be easily installed on Android, IOS or Window Systems. It enables users to stay up to date with the latest offers from Makarem hotels and Karam Club loyalty programme, browse through information and photos about the hotels, book their stay at Makarem, in addition to full details about Hajj, Umrah, prayer times and Qiblah directions. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How does the group incorporate sustainability into its operations? ABDULLAH BAKRMAN: Makarem understands the importance of performing business in a sustainable and responsible manner and that is why we initiate and support several initiatives that are aimed at reducing food and material waste, recycling, and helping the needy segment of our society. For instance, we have signed an agreement that revolves around saving food leftovers and distributing the excess to the needy, while complying with the quality and international food safety standards. We have also initiated our own programme called Linens for Livelihood, which is a unique campaign whereby, all hotels donate used linens, towels, bed sheets, pillows, blankets and sheets to charities and animal shelters, and so far, more than 23,000 pieces of textiles were distributed. Moreover, through adhering to green practices such as using recycling papers and encouraging guests to adopt eco-friendly habits, Makarem has nurtured an eco-friendly culture throughout its hotels, and is currently in the process of developing more programmes and initiatives to [extend] it even further. Makarem also believes in the key role played by ladies in the hospitality sector and we are always keen to empower them through continuous recognition and motivation. In this context, Makarem have awarded the top female achievers that work for the company.
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOURISM TECHNOLOGY Kochi, India June 08 – 10 www.icttindia.org Speakers from across the industry will share ideas on how to maximise online business.
ITE AND ITE MICE HONG KONG 2017
ADNEC Gains Rights to Host FIP Congress Abu Dhabi has won the hosting rights for the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress 2019, positioning the UAE as the first country in the GCC and the second in the Middle East to hold this international event.
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mirates Pharmacy Society, a member organisation of FIP, made the announcement on the sidelines of Arab Pharmacist Day held in Dubai. Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on September 22 – 26, the annual conference is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants from across the world, including heads of international and regional associations as well as key decision makers in various disciplines related to pharmaceutical sciences.
Hong Kong June 15 – 18 The 31st edition of the international travel expo will be combined with the 12th version of its MICE oriented counterpart.
THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOURISM AND BUSINESS Lucerne, Switzerland August 31 – September 01 www.hslu.ch The second edition of event will see the presentation of research related to the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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Muscat to Host World Cancer Congress The Oman Cancer Association has announced that Muscat has been selected as the next location for the World Cancer Congress set to take place in 2020, held for the first time in the Arabian Gulf.
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rganised every two years, the international forum is expected to gather up to 4,000 renowned health specialists to share the latest developments related to the treatment of the disease. The country succeeded thanks to a winning application themed Shed Some Light and Make a Difference. Khalid Al Zadjali, director, Oman Convention Bureau, commented, “[…] The World Cancer Congress is a key global forum for knowledge exchange around cancer and hosting it in Muscat will benefit not only Oman but the entire region.”
22ND UNWTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY Chengdu, China September 04 – 09 World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) annual meeting will bring together tourism officials and private sector leaders.
Saudi Tourism and Heritage to Progress During the 105th meeting of the executive council of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on May 11 in Spain, H.R.H. Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), presented a positive outlook on the tourism and national heritage sectors.
D
uring his speech at the event, Bin Abdul Aziz explained that with focussed governmental support actively investing in the sector along with many precedent and planned initiatives, the industry is expected to experience further robust development towards becoming a major contributor to the national economy. Emphasising the pivotal tourism programme adopted by SCTH, he further referred to the important role of the institution in promoting national tourism industry capable of competing on international levels.
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JUNE 2017