Travel Trade mena, March 2016, Issue 77 by Travel Trade Publications

MARCH 2016 - ISSUE 77

03 EXPLORE: DUBAI

VISIT

Egypt ONSITE

14 Jeddah DISCOVER: BUDGET TRAVEL

TOUR

16 UK

24 Round Table

MARKET UPDATE

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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR

STRONG PERFORMANCE AT CARLSON REZIDOR

Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group ended 2015 with 120 new signings, with 20,000 rooms, marking the third consecutive year of increased numbers of deals.

he company, which now has close to 1,400 properties in operation and under development, reported system-wide revenues of USD7.3 billion for 2015, signalling a 4.6 percent year-on-year improvement. The Rezidor Hotel Group alone entered into 41 agreements for some 7,900 purely fee-based rooms and launched 24 new properties, further fuelling its longterm strategy of asset-light and sustainable growth in the Middle East and Africa region as well as in Europe with a particular focus on emerging markets and selected key countries.

AIR ARABIA: STURDY FINANCIAL RESULTS

ir Arabia recorded a net profit of AED531 million (USD144.6 million) for 2015, down six percent year-on-year, while turnover rose three percent to AED3.8 billion (USD1.03 billion). Throughout the year, a total of 7.6 million passengers flew with the carrier, an increase of 12 percent, with average load factor standing at 79 percent. As Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, noted, the impact of low oil prices is still a challenge, and while pressure on yields and geo-political uncertainty continued to weigh on the aviation industry, the company once again delivered a strong set of numbers.

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 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 WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

as of COUNTRY

24.2.2016 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

106.57

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.83

Iran (IRR)

Rial

30,189.09

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,107.03

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,514.42

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.38

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

9.85

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.81

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

2.03

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.89

MARCH 2016

EXPLORE DUBAI

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THE RISE OF A GLOBAL

Hub

IN MERELY FIVE YEARS, DUBAI’S VISITOR NUMBERS HAVE SURGED FROM JUST 8.41 MILLION IN 2010 TO 14.26 MILLION IN 2015, MAKING THE EMIRATE ONE OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST-GROWING TOURIST DESTINATIONS AND A GLOBAL HUB CONNECTING EAST AND WEST.

RITA KASZIBA WRITES

DUBAI IN BRIEF

he 7.5 percent visitation Country: UAE growth rate achieved by Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Dubai in 2015 is the double Language: Arabic of the global industry’s three Population: 2.46 million – four percent increase estiCalling code: +971 mated by the World Tourism OrganizaTime Zone: GMT+4:00 tion for the same period. As Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), noted, 14.26 million international arrivals bring Dubai one step closer to realising its tourism vision for 2020, which aims to welcome 20 million travellers per annum by 2020. “Dubai’s location, being at the centre of three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, makes it an ideal hub,” claimed Samir Arora, cluster general manager, Ramada Downtown and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai, further observing that besides its bucket list tourist attractions, with its trading centres and exhibition venues, the emirate is also considered the financial gateway of the Middle East. In other words, the destination has something for everyone, said Shaun Parsons, general manager, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. “Dubai has had a monolithic growth and the credit for this is definitely attributed to the vision of the rulers complemented by the tireless efforts of DTCM in promoting Dubai to key feeder markets and potential emerging markets,” commented Parsons, while also applauding Emirates’ expansion strategy. Speaking of the leadership’s commitment to the industry, Lorne Riley, director of corporate communications, Dubai Airports, pinpointed, “Dubai recognised the importance of the aviation sector as an engine for economic development long before it emerged as a global hub. Thanks to this early awareness, Dubai has over the years evolved a unique aviation model that revolves around an open-skies policy […], a consensus-based approach to investment, and a focus on growth and linking underserved markets with efficient operations.” In fact, besides its strategic location, heavy investments in infrastructure,  MARCH 2016

EXPLORE DUBAI

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its open-skies policy and, nevertheless, a visionary leadership have all contributed to the transformation of Dubai’s image within the spam of just a few decades, with aviation acting as a prime vehicle in this development. According to an Oxford Economic Report, in 2013 for example, Emirates, Dubai Airports and the aviation sector as a whole contributed some USD26.7 billion to Dubai’s economy, accounting for almost 27 percent of the emirate’s GDP, and by 2030, this number is expected to rise to USD88 billion, equivalent to 44.7 percent of GDP. Demonstrating aviation’s significance, for every USD100 of activity in the sector, a further USD72 is added in other segments of the local economy and for every 100 jobs created in the industry, an additional 116 positions are being offered elsewhere in Dubai. Therefore, the emirate’s rise over the past years is even more obvious when delving into the statistics of Dubai International, where traffic has skyrocketed from 47.26 million in 2010 to over 78 million in 2015, establishing it as the world’s busiest airport for international traffic. “Dubai’s favourable location at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, placing Dubai within an eighthour flight of two-thirds of the world’s population only added to the speed with which the city has emerged as the world’s number one international airport,” posited Riley. With the joint efforts of the private and public sectors, the city has been able to utilise its strategic location, where unlike at other transit airports, winter weather

does not affect operations either, thus, it offers a convenient transit point for airlines and travellers from East to West and vice versa. As Tania Mitchell, regional manager, revenue and digital marketing, Middle East, Premier Inn, noted, Dubai itself is a phenomenal success story with the destination making steady progress towards positioning itself as a global hub for international carriers. “This is a major factor which drives visitation numbers every year,” supported Mitchell. As Moussa El Hayek, chief operations officer, Al Bustan Centre & Residence, put it, from the humble beginnings, Dubai has evolved into one of the busiest destinations worldwide and has managed to surpass other prominent air hubs. “The development of high-tech aviation facilities, metro stations, the wellknown Dubai Tram, shopping malls and one-of-a-kind attractions lifted its reputation as [an ideal] stopover for shopping and tourism for people who are onthe-go, yet [would like to enjoy] their travel,” added El Hayek. AIR ABOVE ALL According to Riley, one of the main reasons why millions of passengers from around the globe fly through the emirate’s main entry point is the connectivity the hub offers. “Dubai International is connected to some 240 destinations across six continents through more than 100 airlines,” disclosed Riley.

MARCH 2016

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EXPLORE DUBAI

As Nives Deininger, director of sales, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, also noted, the past years’ developments have helped Dubai become an ideal stopover destination boasting easy access to different locations. As a result, figures from long-haul markets, such as Australia and South America, have been soaring. Likewise, the destination has also established itself as a convenient hub to travel to and from another enormous market as well, reminded Arora. “Africa is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and Dubai has been an ideal transit hub to connect African cities where direct flights are not yet available.” Yet, for the time being, India remains Dubai International’s most significant destination country. Likewise, the UK retained its second position, followed by Saudi Arabia, however, in terms of percentage growth, North America showed the most impressive development with figures jumping 25 percent, fuelled by Emirates’ expansion on the continent. Riley further posited that emerging middle class populations in India and China in particular are forecast to drive the lion’s share of passenger traffic growth over the next decade. To better serve airlines and travellers, Dubai Airports has just opened the USD1.2 billion Concourse D – the final element of the USD7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 – lifting annual passenger capacity to 90 million and enabling the further growth of the emirate and its flagship carrier. With all the developments, Emirates remains the largest contributor of passenger traffic at Dubai International and speaking about the airline’s pivotal  MARCH 2016

EXPLORE DUBAI

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role in opening up the destination to the world, Daniel Mathew, general manager, Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai, said, “The growth of Dubai over the years has been anchored by Emirates which has grown by leaps and bounds […]. The airline has played a big part in the increase of tourism to Dubai, and this has been backed up by the vision of the ruler, who has created a destination within the destination. This has helped Emirates create the largest stopover destination between East and West […].” Indeed, in the financial year 2014/2015, the airline alone carried some 49.3 mil-

lion travellers, thanks to its wide array of nonstop itineraries as well as its convenient connections to practically every part of the world. Over the same timeframe for example, the carrier offered European passengers 199 routes that were unique one-stop flights via Dubai, greatly boosting traffic at the emirate’s main hub. Today, Emirates is the world’s biggest operator of wide-bodied jets, underscoring the company’s strategy, which, besides organic growth, also relies on strategic partnerships. Such alliances, like the one with Australia’s Qantas Airways, have enabled the airline to expand its coverage through codeshare agreements and broaden its customer base by offering well-timed onward connections via its base. As a result, in 2014/2015, east Asia and Australasia accounted for 28.4 percent of the company’s revenue, positioning the region right after Europe, while the Americas made up 12.7 percent of the total with a whopping year-on-year surge of 20.2 percent. To encourage travellers to take advantage of a layover, Emirates presents its own stopover packages with a wide range of hotels to choose from and a myriad of perks. LAYOVER “Dubai’s success as an international hub has enticed transit guests to stop and explore the destination’s popular tourist sites,” supported Deininger. This development is indeed a powerful engine in the emirate’s growth as it continues to steadily march towards the goals of its vision for 2020. However, if Dubai is to hit its 20 million visitors per year target in the next five years, the industry needs to deliver a seven – eight percent annual growth 

MARCH 2016

EXPLORE DUBAI

rate consistently. “To that end, we have created a number of suggested itineraries suited to stays ranging from 24 hours to weekend getaways and longer […]. In addition, in markets across Australasia and the Americas, where we offer convenient direct flight access, we work closely with airline partners, the travel trade and the hotel sector to create compelling transit programmes,” explained Kazim, adding that while DTCM is committed to encouraging more transit passengers to exit the airport and experience the city, Dubai is not merely a stopover spot, but rather a compelling destination in its own right. “Together with our partners, Emirates and flydubai, which are regularly launching new routes and adding capacity to existing ones, we are synergising our marketing and promotional efforts, and leveraging each other’s investments to yield optimal returns for Dubai,” elaborated Kazim. In order to meet targets, Dubai has relaxed visa regulations, allowing citizens of several markets to attain visa on arrival, reminded Mitchell, claiming that this development has had a major impact on encouraging short-stay visits. The improvement of accessibility is an ongoing focus for the local industry, reiterated Kazim, saying that DTCM works closely with other government departments at federal level to push this agenda. “Along with GCC citizens, who do not require a visa to enter the UAE, citizens from a total of 46 countries [...] can now obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai [...]. This has made visiting Dubai simple, fast and cost effective; reflected in an increase in the number of visitors from these markets,” shared details Kazim, disclosing that the multi-entry UAE visit visa for cruise visitors allows cruise tourists to enter all UAE ports by using a single visa. This has had a big impact on our key source markets such as India, China, Russia, CIS states, South Africa and Brazil. STEP OUT To leverage Dubai’s status as a transit hub, industry stakeholders are working hand-

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in-hand. As Mitchell revealed, Premier Inn Middle East for example teamed up with destination management companies (DMC), airline stopover programmes as well as airport counters in a bid to capture transit demand. “Additional offerings like 24-hour checkin and short stay or day use rates help attract [these] people,” explained Mitchell. Likewise, Mathew revealed that Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai’s management joined forces with some of the biggest names, including dnata, Emirates Holidays and Arabian Adventures to boost stopover business. According to Abdulla Al Shammar, managing director, Central Hotels, there is a lot of opportunity to convert travellers from long connecting flights into overnight guests by promoting exclusive bundled offers, enticing them with half-day rates and tailor-made packages that best suit their schedule. As Dubai continues to enhance and diversify its tourism product, further developments are expected on this front, indicated Deininger, saying that the emirate’s expanding budget accommodation options and public transport system are set to give a major boost to this trend. To achieve this, El Hayek called for even closer and more sufficient collaboration among airports, the aviation sector in general, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators. “A special permission intended for stopovers should then be intensively implemented to create a relaxing, enjoyable and fun experience,” supported El Hayek. Arora concurred, saying that suitable services and programmes, and, nevertheless, flexibility from both airlines as well as immigration authorities, are paramount in attracting this high-potential segment. As Arora further noted, Dubai’s promotion as a stopover destination helps raise awareness, especially among first-time visitors who have previously not travelled to the region. “It breaks the stereotypes about the Middle East when they see the modern airport and get a glimpse of the skyline,” concluded Arora. “This helps attract return visitors because people who have not had initial plans to visit Dubai will be enticed to come back to fully experience the emirate.” 

MARCH 2016

VISIT EGYPT

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TESTED TO THE

LIMIT

DESPITE RECENT MISFORTUNES AND THE FACT THAT EGYPT’S TOURISM IS AT A FIVE-YEAR LOW, LOCAL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE TAKING STRIDES TO HELP THE COUNTRY STAND BACK ON ITS FEET.

MARIA KAZELI WRITES

“O

EGYPT IN BRIEF

n the macro scale, Capital: Cairo yes, indeed the reCurrency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) cent events have Language: Arabic negatively impactPopulation: 88 million ed the flow of tourCalling Code: +20 ists to Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula in Capital Time Zone: GMT +2:00 specific is terribly challenged by travel bans and airlift cuts,” explained Jens Freise, vice president, marketing and sales, Orascom Hotel Management, elaborating on the effect the latest circumstances had on the country’s hospitality field. Travel warnings against Egypt from Russia and the UK not only affected the Sinai, but also Hurghada’s hotels have suffered from the lack of arrivals, Freise added, noting that while properties in El Gouna primarily welcome customers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the company saw a decline from the UK market as well, though it did not dramatically harm the overall performance. Tarek Mousa, chairman, Egypt & Beyond Travel, confirmed that upon the Russian airplane incident as well as due to Russia and the UK halting flights to Egypt, striking consequences have been felt across the industry. “Both the Russian and the UK markets have dropped significantly; in Sharm El Sheikh many hotels have closed down and some are running at around 15 – 20 percent occupancy, which is not sustainable to run a business,” he commented. The popular resort destination has seen some volatility over the previous years, while occupancy levels in 2015 falling eight percent compared to 2014, according to data revealed by Colliers International. Attesting to this, Mohamed Kamel, director of sales, Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort, said that unfortunate happenings at the beginning of the winter season caused a negative climate affecting business and causing foreign guest numbers to decline – a trend being witnessed to this day. Much like the Sharm El Sheikh market, Hurghada has been hurt by the multiple travel bans and restrictions imposed by the European Union. However,  MARCH 2016

VISIT EGYPT

Colliers International’s Egypt Full Year 2015 Review suggested that the location remains popular amongst local tourists who now acount for the majority of hotel bookings. MAKING UP Indeed, Ibrahim Mohamed, managing director, Perfect Tours, disclosed that in order to lure back tourists, the agency is focussing on domestic travellers, offering lower rates for Egyptians heading to Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor and Aswan. The local as well as the Arab segments are very important at this crucial time for

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Egypt, nonetheless, they are perceived as a temporary solution, with Mousa commenting that the two markets are seasonal and do not have the potential to make up for the lower all-year-round international visitor figures. Tarek ElSherif, director of business development, Conrad Cairo, agreed that these two types of business are very seasonal, with each exhibiting different behaviours. “The domestic/local business works well during vacations and long weekends [...], while the Arab business has specific time during both Eids and partially in the summer vacation [time] and they mostly prefer Cairo,” he added. Mousa further analysed the profile of regional and Egyptian tourists saying, “Arabs will go out more to experience local restaurants and cafés, but most of them will not participate in tour activities; the majority of the domestic travellers will require three-star hotels, [and only] some of them will participate in tour activities.” Even though there is still a long way to recovery, Moustafa Abaza, director of sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo – Media City, sees the bright side to having a seasonal clientele coming from the Middle East,. “Indeed, they are important due to numerous factors, such as the high room rate. They usually come as individuals rather than groups which results in longer stay durations, they use all the hotels services [and] they have different 

MARCH 2016

VISIT EGYPT

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cording to ElSherif, the country needs to launch an extensive public relations campaign in major languages using international media. “This needs to be done for a period of time [putting out a] consistent message and lots of testimonials from those tourists who are still coming to Egypt and show how safe it is. In the meantime, there have to be strict measures for security and reflecting political stability. Media and communication is the key to help the country,” he claimed. In fact, at the beginning of the year, as part of the regular assessment of security at tourist resorts, Hisham Zaazou, tourism minister, Egypt, announced a series of measures for which the state would commit EGP250 million (USD32 million) in order to enhance safety at popular spots. Mousa commented, “The government should concentrate more on the security at airports and all areas in Egypt, [and] should communicate with foreign governments who are sending tourists to Egypt to at least reduce the travel warnings against Egypt.” He also emphasised that a big budget should be spent on efforts aimed at improving the country’s image overseas through international campaigns, advertisements and especially social media. Similarly, Freise said, “Actually, the government officials have placed so much effort on that end. You can see and feel the improved security measures. Media has to play its role as well, showcasing what Egypt has, not only on the cultural level, but also on the leisure side.” GOING AHEAD requirements from the international markets.” Aside from the local and regional markets, Abaza turned the attention towards corporate and MICE guests who support business at the capital’s properties. ElSherif corroborated that in contrast to seaside resorts, Cairo is doing fairly well in terms of occupancy due to meetings and corporate clients. “The key segment that has tremendous potential is the MICE business. With the growing role of Egypt in the Middle Eastern economy and politics, there are more and more meetings and conferences taking place in Egypt, and this would be a great segment to grow, which will in a way drive volume not only for business, but also combined leisure [visits],” he supported. TAKING CONTROL However, the only way out for the North African destination is to reinstate travellers’ confidence in order for tourist figures to reach the pre-2011 levels, and ac-

Hoteliers do not give up easily and remain committed to continue building and maintaining guest loyalty in today’s dynamic consumer markets, Sameh Sobhy, general manager, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, underlined. “This of course is supported by a strong focus on training and building a service culture to the benefit of our colleagues and guests. We will continue to deliver a global, local and personalised InterContinental brand experience through our strong presence in local and international markets,” he continued. ElSherif agreed that the only way forward is to develop and improve the quality of services to exceed guest expectations. Endurance seems to have brought results, as Sobhy concluded, “With the recent recovery of stability in the country, our occupancy levels have improved gradually. [This year] has started off strong. January has signalled a very positive trend, so let us hope that this trend continues with the return of more stability.” 

MARCH 2016

ONSITE JEDDAH

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MAJOR

Openings BEING SAUDI ARABIA’S SECOND LARGEST CITY, JEDDAH IS A KEY LOCATION FOR RELIGIOUS TOURISTS, DRIVING HIGH HOTEL OCCUPANCY LEVELS THAT SURPASS THE REGION’S AVERAGE. AS A RESULT, THE DESTINATION IS GAINING POPULARITY AMONG HOTELIERS AS WELL AS MAJOR INDUSTRY PLAYERS.

MARIA KAZELI WRITES

onsidered as the gateway to the Mecca region, Jeddah is an important hub given that pilgrims must pass through it in order to reach the Muslim world’s holiest destination, and many travellers choose to spend a few extra days in the city before heading back to their own country, as Bassam Abu Laban, hotel manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah, informed. “Religious tourism is an important focus for [the property] and it has been a priority for Saudi Arabia’s government over the past years, resulting in considerable investment and interest from developers and operators alike. The Holy City of Mecca is visited by more than 15 million people per year; with the annual Hajj being the world’s largest pilgrimage,” he remarked. Philippe Harb, chief operating officer, One to One Hotels and Resorts, posited that Hajj visitor numbers are expected to continue to grow to 5.2 million by 2025 from two million in 2013, and therefore the company is engaged in ongoing negotiations to manage four additional hotels in Saudi Arabia. “The sheer density of developments around Masjid al-Haram is pushing larger developments outwards [from Mecca],” Harb explained, suggesting that Jeddah is a strong commercial and leisure location with year-to-date average occupancies exceeding that of other Saudi cities. Kevin Brett, general manager, Jeddah Hilton, referred to the Kingdom as one of the top countries in the world for hotel developments in regards to religious tourism, adding that for this reason the property was built, to serve and further support the segment – being located just 20 minutes from the bustling downtown area. FACILITATING FLOW

JEDDAH IN BRIEF Country: Saudi Arabia Currency: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) Language: Arabic Population: 3.46 million Calling Code: +966 Time Zone: GMT +3:00

Major works are underway to expand the Kingdom’s two Holy Mosques, while authorities have announced plans to carry out developments to improve travel between Mecca and Medina, and to the airport in Jeddah, where the majority of pilgrims arrive, highlighted Christine Davidson, group event director, dmg events Middle East & Asia, one of the organisers of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia. With passenger movements in the country on the rise, Jeddah has witnessed double-digit increases in the past few years, according to Harb, and the city’s King Abdulaziz International

MARCH 2016

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Airport is currently undergoing an expansion aimed at boosting its capacity to 30 million passengers per annum upon launch this year and to 80 million by 2035. “King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), airport upgrades and rail development will tremendously help tourism business in Jeddah. […] Major expansions of airports in Jeddah and the rail plans are fuelling activity in infrastructure projects,” corroborated Zubair Mustafa, senior sales and marketing manager, Holiday Inn Jeddah Al Salam. Covering 181 million square metres of land, KAEC is being developed into a fully integrated city consisting of King Abdullah Port, an industrial valley, coastal communities and Hijaz Downtown – a business, retail and residential district built around the Al Haramain rail station. The new railway connecting Jeddah, Medina and Mecca is an extremely positive development, commented Yasser Sameh, director of sales and marketing, Pullman Al Hamra Jeddah Hotel. The 15-year rail programme, one of the world’s largest infrastructure projects with an estimated budget of USD97 billion until 2040, foresees up to 15,000km of track laid, combining freight with broad-gauge highspeed passenger and urban metro lines, according to Oxford Business Group estimates. Moreover, Saudi Railways Organization disclosed that the station in Jeddah will boast arrival and departure concourses, a mosque with a capacity of 600 worshipers, helipad and VIP lounges, among more. “Without a doubt the new airport along with the rail expansion will boost the number of people coming to Jeddah as the capacity of the airport will increase fivefold in terms of the number of visitors while the rail links will shorten distances making visits much easier,” Abu Laban enthused.

ONSITE JEDDAH city for hotel services in Saudi Arabia,” confirmed Saad Alharthi, president, Saad Alharthi Hospitality Group, which recently partnered with The Rezidor Hotel Group to open Radisson RED Makarunah and Park Inn by Radisson Madinah Road in Jeddah, in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is also strengthening its presence in the city with the 300-key Mövenpick Hotel Heraa Jeddah scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019. Located five minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport, the property aims to be the first point of call for travellers stopping in Jeddah en route to the two Holy Cities, as Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer, Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, commented. With Ramada Jeddah Corniche having recently opened, Daniel Ruff, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, explained that the ethos of the Ramada brand, which blends local hospitality with international standards, is perfectly placed to respond to religious tourism demand. Ruff concluded that Jeddah’s role as a major gateway to Mecca means religious tourism is indeed very important to hotels in the city, especially since during the Hajj season in 2014 the city welcomed two million visitors, creating a huge surge in demand for quality and reasonably priced accommodation. 

CREATING THE ADVANTAGE Expectedly, such developments are to have a substantial impact on the hospitality industry. “Over the past years, we have seen more interest from international brands to enter the market, find partners and distributors, and gain essential insight into doing business there,” commented Davidson. The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia is coming up in Jeddah in May, and with the country expected to remain the most visited destination in the Middle East for the next five years, the event is set to be more successful than ever, due to a wider range of global brands and international hotel chains expanding in the Saudi market, suggested Davidson. “Jeddah is the second most in-demand

MARCH 2016

TOUR UK

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PARTNERING FOR THE

Future

HAILED AS THE MOST POPULAR WESTERN EUROPEAN DESTINATION FOR MIDDLE EASTERN TRAVELLERS, THE UK REPORTS A SLIGHT SLOWDOWN IN ARRIVALS FROM THE MENA REGION, YET, THE LOCAL TOURISM INDUSTRY REMAINS UNDETERRED AND IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH THIS BOUNTIFUL MARKET.

ANA MLADENOVIC WRITES

raveller numbers from the GCC to the UK decreased in 2015, according to VisitBritain’s Inbound Tourism Trends Quarterly Report. While arrivals from Qatar and Oman remained flat compared to 2014, those from other countries in the region were significantly down; Saudi Arabia for example dropped five percent. This, however, does not seem to worry local tourism stakeholders as they confirm their commitment to the Arab clientele and reveal an optimistic outlook. “Total room nights derived from Middle Eastern guests in 2015 was 10,159. It is expected that this figure will remain strong [this year] and we anticipate achieving 10,249 total room nights,” reported Magdy Rustum, director of sales, Middle East, The Landmark London, further revealing that he expects to attend a large number of trade shows relevant to this market in a bid to promote the property’s Muslim-friendly facilities. UK IN BRIEF Culturally sensitive services were also highlighted by The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, which effectively communicates these to the MENA market through FRHI Hotels & Resorts’ global sales offices in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, as well as through various sales trips Capital: London across the region. Currency: British Pound (GBP) “Every year we see continued growth coming from the Middle East […],” said Clive Language: English Doble, director of sales, The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel. “We expect to see this Population: 63.7 million growth continue [this year] and beyond, especially from the traveller who is looking for a Calling Code: +44 more exclusive and private luxury hotel experience.” Capital Time Zone: GMT +0:00

MARCH 2016

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AN EMERGING GATEWAY A positive outlook for arrivals from MENA is also highlighted in Birmingham, which is becoming ever more connected to the region. “Birmingham’s profile is growing considerably on the global stage, with record international tourist numbers in 2014, including a 70 percent increase in visits from MENA over the past four years. […] There were nearly 5,000 visits from UAE in 2014, while Saudi Arabians made 87 percent more trips to the city than in 2010,” said Emma Gray, director of marketing communications, Visit Birmingham. With the city’s luxury shopping offer as well as heritage and family attractions all proving popular with visitors from the MENA market, the authority expects further surges from the region, Gray added. Opening up new avenues for cooperation Qatar Airways is preparing to launch eight-times-weekly flights to the city from Doha on March 30. “This additional route [the fourth in the UK for Qatar Airways] strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to the regions across the UK [...],” enthused Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways. This month will also see an increase in capacity on the Birmingham – Dubai flight by Emirates, which will replace the currently used Boeing 777 aircraft with an Airbus A380 on March 27. “The launch of the new service, combined with our ongoing investment into the region represents the huge significance we place on Birmingham […],” confirmed Laurie Berryman, vice president, UK, Emirates. Furthermore, effective from May 30, Turkish Airlines will also step up its frequency to the city from Istanbul from 12 flights per week to double-daily, offering more than 600 additional seats on the itinerary.

TOUR UK

professionals and media. “The campaign showcases the very best of what the two countries have to offer in order to encourage visitors to explore the beautiful landscapes and the amazing places tourists can find on their travels from countryside, culture and heritage,” explained Sumathi Ramanathan, regional director, Asia Pacific and Middle East, VisitBritain. 

ESSENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS The Turkish carrier’s increased commitment to the UK also extends to Manchester, Edinburgh and London. In a bid to boost traffic on these routes, Turkish Airlines recently formed a global marketing collaboration with VisitBritain to roll out a year-long international campaign, with the initial focus being on India and the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia. “This partnership will also allow us to target our marketing to inspire more international visitors to come and explore all the nations and regions of Britain, so we can continue to create jobs and deliver our ambitious plans for growth,” enthused Sally Balcombe, CEO, VisitBritain. At a later stage, the partnership may further evolve to include more promotional activities in Turkey itself, including familiarisation trips to the UK for trade

MARCH 2016

DISCOVER BUDGET TRAVEL

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THE ERA OF SMART

Travel

WITH ECONOMIC PRESSURES PERSISTING AND MORE TRAVELLERS BECOMING COSTCONSCIOUS, BUDGET TOURISM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM. OPENING A FLOOD OF OPPORTUNITIES, REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS MUST ENSURE, IN A COMPLEMENTARY MANNER, TO FILL THE GAP WHILST OFFERING QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

PAULINE SHAHABIAN WRITES

udget travellers, whether on business or leisure, are in search of a centrally located hotel that offers good value for money without compromising on service standards or facilities expected from a midmarket hotel, explained Tania Mitchell, regional manager, revenue and digital marketing, Middle East, Premier Inn. “One of the core propositions of Premier Inn is offering our guests quality accommodation and outstanding service at affordable prices. This makes the brand well-received across a variety of demographics and regions,” stated Mitchell, attributing the appeal of midmarket and budget options to the growing economic pressure in the region brought on by the plunge in oil prices and the increase in inbound tourism from emerging markets, such as India. Similarly, Rauf Mohamed, director of sales and marketing, ibis Muscat, commented that the silver lining in the oil debacle is that the previously overlooked budget segment has started to gain importance and budget hotels are becoming an absolute requirement for a well-rounded tourism growth within any destination. “The challenges to economies across the world and in the region have influenced the travel industry to explore alternative opportunities,” highlighted Paul Byrne, CEO, flynas.

MARCH 2016

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DISCOVER BUDGET TRAVEL

Mitchell also posited that there is a higher demand for midmarket hotels in locations, such as Dubai, where the room supply is heavily upscale and luxury driven, and was quick to mention that the acceptance of budget accommodation also relies on hotel operators to offer guests value for money without compromising on quality. BUSINESS LEADS THE WAY Karim Zaki, general manager, Novotel, ibis and Adagio Fujairah, specifically pointed towards youngsters and students looking for basic comforts and facilities as the biggest market at the hotels as well as for the overall budget segment. However, as evident from the all-round growth across the Middle East, budget alternatives attract travellers of all kinds, especially those visiting for business purposes. According to Mitchell, there are two core types of budget customers; those travelling on business who are price conscious due to travel policies within their respective organisations, and those who choose destinations for leisure and are sensitive towards the disposal of their personal income. “Typically, a budget traveller is [...] predominantly a business traveller with high frequency of visits with an allocated travel budget,” pinpointed Jaya Bhushan Patnaik, general manager, La Villa Hospitality, who identified Africa, South America, China and the Far East, excluding Oceania, as the company’s main markets for its properties in Doha and Dubai. Accordingly, some hotels, including ibis Muscat, specifically target corporate guests. “Since inauguration, we have focussed on business travel from a global platform,” highlighted Mohamed, though he noted that the property markets towards the leisure segment as well. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT “Low-cost carriers and budget hospitality go hand-in-hand, as they complement each other favourably,” stated Mohamed. As Patnaik further noted, these airlines have created a benchmark and 

MARCH 2016

DISCOVER BUDGET TRAVEL

supported the growth of this segment of the hotel scene considerably. “Low-cost carriers certainly assist in making a destination more accessible,” highlighted Mitchell, who enthused over the number of budget airlines operating into the UAE from an array of destinations. Indeed, being another requirement of discerning cost-conscious visitors, budget carriers have wasted no time to establish themselves as legitimate contenders within the region’s aviation industry, consistently growing and introducing new offerings and upgrades. “Low-cost carriers have opened up the Middle East to more than one kind of traveller. In fact, it has redefined the popular perception of this region as being one of the preferences for traditional airline travellers with demand for luxury travel only. As tourist traffic to the Middle East keeps on growing, there has been a firm increase in the development of budget hospitality with major international players widening their presence in the budget hotel segment,” explained Byrne. flynas, which operates over 1,000 weekly flights on 26 routes in Saudi Arabia as well as internationally, has been consistently adding new markets and increasing capacity on busier itineraries, hence, providing passengers with ample options. “Our facilities and our commitment to a smart, hassle-free and economical travel experience with the best aircraft and guest services which makes us the ideal choice for travelling on a budget,” enthused Byrne. In a bid to foster demand for budget travel, low-cost carriers have gone above and beyond to enhance their offering. In 2015, Jazeera Airways successfully exited the aircraft leasing business to focus on airline commerce. In doing so, the Kuwaiti company recently unveiled The Next Big Thing, a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at boosting the carrier’s offering and reinforcing its brand’s strength over the coming years. Such endeavours include remote check-in, a new business lounge and plans for a dedicate

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terminal at Kuwait International Airport, in-flight Wi-Fi at affordable rates and the introduction of long-haul destinations, among others. The Kuwaiti carrier recorded a net profit of KWD15.4 million (USD51.4 million) and an operating profit of KWD13.6 million (USD45.4 million) in 2015, registering a two percent increase over 2014. As more destinations take notice of the segment’s growing potential, Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS), a government backed development and investment company, revealed its intention to launch the Sultanate’s first-ever budget carrier. “Oman’s socio-economic interest is central to all our activities and our ambition is to develop this airline as a catalyst for the nation’s vision for development and diversification. It will be a key component of the broader efforts to promote tourism and hospitality across the sector’s value chain,” commented Khalid Al Yahmadi, CEO, ASAAS. “With low-cost airlines accounting for a relatively small percentage of seat capacity in both Muscat and Salalah compared to global averages, and with the redevelopment and expansion of Muscat and Salalah airports and the opening of new regional airports in Duqm and Sohar, there are obvious opportunities for an Omani low-cost carrier,” added Yahmadi. Scheduled to initially serve domestic routes and the GCC prior to expanding further to markets such as Pakistan and Iran, the Omani budget airline aims to facilitate traffic flow to the Sultanate and open up new markets and passenger segments in a bid to foster tourism development in the country. “The overall environment is shifting, not just in terms of reducing costs, but also in the search for cost-effective alternatives that offer great value for money. Thus, low-cost carriers, like flynas, will eventually build and enhance the overall climate of budget travel in the Middle East,” remarked Byrne. “There is a bright future for budget travel in the Middle East [...]. More and more people are becoming susceptible to staying in a budget hotel and spending their money on things to do during their visit,” concluded Mitchell.  MARCH 2016

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EXCLUSIVE WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

TO HAVE AND TO

Hold

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS ARE GAINING MOMENTUM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST AS A VIABLE TOURISM SEGMENT AS MORE AND MORE COUPLES HEAD TO THE REGION TO CELEBRATE. REALISING THE SECTOR’S POTENTIAL, TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS ARE ENSURING IT FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART IN THEIR STRATEGIES.

MARCH 2016

PAULINE SHAHABIAN WRITES

“T

he weddings and honeymoons sector is absolutely important to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry, [it is] an area we see great potential in growing,” stated Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, who identified the GCC and India among the emirate’s key feeder markets. According to Mattar, due to the perceived surge in demand, the UAE destination has gone to great lengths to foster the sector’s development with initiatives such as the construction of a semi-permanent multipurpose venue for large-scale indoor and outdoor weddings on Al Marjan Island. All in all, the tourism body aims to attract couples in search of exclusive and off-thebeaten-track experiences with creative wedding ideas, fully utilising the emirate’s natural surroundings. As a general consensus, the segment has risen through the ranks in several destinations across the region. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, expressed, “[Sharjah] is known for its secure and family-friendly atmosphere as well as for a variety of tourism and hospitality facilities, which make the emirate a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons as well.” Among its promotional initiatives, the destination is making a mark as a provider of world-class tourism facilities and capabilities, something that is considered a key pillar of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 that aims to attract 10 million visitors. “The emirate offers the latest facilities in terms of wedding banquets and world-class hotels and resorts at comparatively costeffective rates,” Al Midfa added, highlighting Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre that has become a year-round venue for weddings. Indirectly sharing the same view with most tourism stakeholders in the region, in regards to their respective destinations, Mattar enthused, “Globally, more and more 

EXCLUSIVE WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

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couples are choosing to have an overseas wedding, and Ras Al Khaimah is definitely getting a slice of this trend.” ACCOMMODATING ALL With its luxurious hotels and resorts, the Middle East remains a high-demand location for destination weddings and honeymoons, as Virginie Dolz, owner, Virginie Wedding Planner, in Dubai, noted. “From small boutique weddings to large luxury celebrations, we have the capability to offer something to suit most needs and budgets,” Mattar continued in agreement. According to Saida El Massmoudi, director of weddings and events, Atlantis, The Palm, in Dubai nuptials and honeymoons is one of the most important segments at the hotel as the emirate has become a darling for hosting these sorts of celebrations for international guests. In 2015, the property, which offers summer and spring wedding packages, enjoyed an increase in bookings with the key markets being the UAE, GCC, India and the UK. “Other than providing special packages to our clients, we do promotions by participating in exhibitions, travelling to other countries such as India and introducing our hotel and our offers, we also use the social media efficiently in order to reach out to our potential markets, [...],” elaborated El Massmoudi, indicating the actions the property takes in order to fuel the segment’s contribution to the overall business. Echoing El Massmoudi’s notion, Rami Serhal, general manager, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, commented that revenue from weddings and honeymoons has risen steadily year after year, and the hotel aims to foster this growth by highlighting itself as a wedding destination.

MARCH 2016

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EXCLUSIVE WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

The property, in partnership with 15 other major brands, launched the Wedding On Us campaign, reinforcing its commitment to the sector. Moreover, the hotel also recently hosted its first-ever wedding show. MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME “Oman has emerged as one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the Middle East,” stated Ayat Nimer, director of food and beverage, Salalah Marriott Resort, who explained that the resort, which offers weekend and romance packages, receives ample bookings for honeymoons from both the local and international market as Salalah overall is promoted as a romantic location. Similarly, aside from wedding packages, Atlantis, The Palm provides special suites and several diversified activities appealing to honeymooners, such as joint diving courses, scuba diving experience with dolphins, an aquarium to discover the marine life and couples treatment massage, among more. SHOWCASED TO THE WORLD Highlighting the popularity of the Middle East as a wedding and honeymoon destination, regional counterparts host a plethora of events dedicated to the segment, which possess the power to garner larger international crowds. The events act as the ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase all nuptial products and services under one roof, bringing together wedding gowns and planners, jewellers, honeymoon and wedding venue experts, hair stylists, beauty professionals, decor specialists as well as photographers. The Perfect Wedding Show, in Sharjah, The Ajman Palace Hotel Wedding Fair and Wedding Folies, in Beirut, are just some of the shows that take place across the

MARCH 2016

region. “The Perfect Wedding Show [contributes] to the growth of [Sharjah’s] tourism sector as well as the fast-growing wedding industry in the region,” enthused Al Midfa. Among the highlights on this year’s calendar of fairs is Informa Exhibitions’ latest instalment of BRIDE, a one-stop shop for everything wedding related, which hosted BRIDE Dubai in February, and is gearing up for the upcoming BRIDE Abu Dhabi, set to run from April 13 – 16, featuring over 250 exhibitors with a variety of options for brides-to-be. 

ROUND TABLE

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ROUND TABLE with IN JUST A FEW YEARS, SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BECOME A PART OF OUR EVERYDAY LIFE AND ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND MOST DEBATED TOOLS FOR HOTELIERS.

SIMON CASSON

DAVID HENRY

ELAINE NETTLETON

Regional vice president, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Vice president, sales, marketing and distribution, AccorHotels Middle East

Area manager, public relations, digital communication and social media, The Rezidor Hotel Group

Q: How important is it to have a strong and active presence on social media? CASSON: Social media has completely changed the way we communicate with each other as individuals and how businesses reach out to their customers. Having a presence on social media is no longer optional but a requisite […]. Far before they check in, guests are keen to discover everything they can about us online. In many cases, guests also use these channels to communicate to us any special or urgent requests. […] In the past, we have also invited social media celebrities and influencers to contribute to our social media stories […]. HENRY: […] The proper use of social media is now integral to the process of getting information spread across age groups belonging to Generation X and Millennials. These are important target groups for the hospitality industry as they not only serve as potential new clients but strong influencers as well. We have found that guests tend to trust and value peer insights and recommendations, while traditional forms of advertising – both online and offline – are failing to generate as much traction. One additional use of social media lies in the field of customer feedback and complaint management. In the Middle East, having a comprehensive social media strategy is a powerful tool as social media tends to have a stronger impact here than in other regions. NETTLETON: Social media and online communication are continuously evolving and changing, providing consumers around the world with a plethora of meaningful ways to engage with people, brands and events that matter to them. Today, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives.

Despite the existence of some risks, social media remains a great tool to establish a direct relationship with consumers. This can be done especially well through the use of influencers. However, one of the compromises hoteliers will have to make include having less control over communications and the overall image of the brand, as influencers will often carry the essence of the brand but may not use the exact wording or image that is preferred by the brand. Some companies face difficulties adjusting to this. In the Middle East, as digital engagement is high, a brand’s promise needs to be clear and must be delivered upon. NETTLETON: In the hospitality industry we are blessed with the fact that we have a rich resource of material to hand that is perfect for social media. […] On the other hand, digital media has significantly influenced the pace at which crises evolve, and so digital crisis preparedness is paramount to protecting a company’s reputation and its ability to compete in the marketplace.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Q: Is social media a double-edged sword? What are its perks and risks? CASSON: […] Naturally, opinions can be subjective and a dissatisfied client may at times exaggeratedly misuse the power of social media, but people are now smarter in their approach and tend to evaluate comments more critically than before. Moreover, we look at social media as an opportunity to break down the previously-existing barriers to communication and if applicable, rectify, or respond to feedback almost immediately. HENRY: […] The lack of a strong strategy or focus may lead to a weak editorial line and eventually result in the failure of a company’s social media efforts. […] We must constantly monitor activity and response, and keep the right attitude.

Q: How will social media transform the industry in the coming years?

CASSON: Fundamentally, our business is experiential in nature and thrives on real human-to-human interactions which cannot be replicated in the digital space. However, owing to the range of customer insights it can offer, social media will remain an important tool for us, contributing to the growth of our brand in general and ultimately helping our bottom line. HENRY: In addition to being an efficient communication tool, social media has increasingly become more of a sales channel. In the coming years, we anticipate being able to generate direct business leads on social media. As of today, social media platforms such as LinkedIn are good examples of what a powerful social media tool can do in terms of business referrals and generation of leads and connections. […] NETTLETON: User generated content is not a new phenomenon but this year it will take on an even greater significance as organisations adapt their strategies to include a lot more curated content from key influencers and interesting posts. In 2015, we saw the launch of live streaming tools and experts predict that these will form the central part of social media campaigns as the appetite for visual content grows. Content that contains video is proven to be more engaging but what will be key is personalisation of these videos. Consumers want real insight into brands and those who lead organisations.  MARCH 2016

TRAVEL CHANNELS

UN PRAISES ICAO AVIATION EFFORTS

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CENTRO SHARJAH: FOOD SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

an Ki-moon, secretary general, United Nations (UN), paid a visit to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters in MontrĂŠal to congratulate the agency on its core role in helping to establish global civil aviation standards and policies. Ki-moon commended ICAO and its member states for driving concrete progress on aviation emissions reduction, while praising their part in raising global awareness of the importance of global air transport connectivity for social and economic sustainable development.

Centro Sharjah

ood safety continues to play a pivotal role in Centro Sharjahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations, with team members being trained on various aspects of the proper handling of edible items. As Michael Kasch, general manager, Centro Sharjah, underlined, the brand is focussed on placing the guest experience at the forefront of business objectives, thus, a multitude of steps are taken to keep customers safe and ensure top-notch services. All food items are purchased from approved suppliers and products are being monitored at all times, even in special cases, such as power failures. Equipment cleaning and sanitation as well as safe cooking and labelling are all considered as high priorities.

MARCH 2016

“In their continued push to diversify their economies, GCC governments are stepping up spending in infrastructure projects and this is expected to have a positive impact on sustaining investor appetite. Although demand from traditional source markets has seen a decline, we have been witnessing a steady rise in intraregional travel. This, along with the rising status of cities as prominent MICE destinations, should enable the region’s hospitality industry to maintain its growth pace this year.”

CHAIRMAN, AIR ARABIA

GENERAL MANAGER, GATE TO WELLNESS

SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN MOHAMMAD AL THANI

We have been witnessing a steady rise in intra-regional travel

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REEM AL DAGHMA

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ROTANA

GUY HUTCHINSON

TRAVEL TALK

Air Arabia […] remains well positioned for further growth

“2015 was a year of growth and achievement for Air Arabia as our expansion strategy, efficient operations and tight cost controls reinforced our market leading position. The impact of low oil prices continues to have its effect on the wider global economy, while pressure on yields and geopolitical uncertainty continued to weigh on the aviation industry. Despite these challenges, Air Arabia once again delivered a strong set of numbers and remains well positioned for further growth […].”

We help our clients to select and compare hospitals

“We help our clients to select and compare hospitals, clinics and wellness spas worldwide, thereby providing information about travelling abroad for treatment. Since the launch of our operations in Doha, we have been successfully coordinating health-related tours to many countries. These were characterised by discretion and simplicity, due to our relationship with more than 60 global hospitals spread over 13 countries around the world.”

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

MARCH 2016

STEFAN RADSTROM

RÉMY MERCKX continues at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as vice president of marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Merckx brings over 20 years of travel industry experience with extensive knowledge of digital strategy and distribution. He first joined the hotelier in 2013, and served as senior director of e-business development and later became vice president of digital marketing. Merckx will now lead the marketing strategy for his assigned regions encompassing digital marketing, guest engagement and loyalty, customer relationship management as well as e-commerce for the Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED and Park Inn by Radisson brands.

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SAMIR ARORA

RÉMY MERCKX

WHO’S MOVED

STEFAN RADSTROM has taken over as general manager at Grand Hyatt Muscat. Radstrom joined Hyatt in 2007, assisting the opening team at Grand Hyatt Doha and later at Grand Hyatt Goa in 2010, prior to his most recent post. That was with Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy where he was once again involved in the accommodation establishment’s launch. He has accumulated over 25 years of relevant experience in the luxury hospitality industry across Europe as well as in Asia including many years of experience in the Middle East. Radstrom started his career in Ronneby, Sweden where his first job was at Ronneby Brunn Hotell, in 1989.

SAMIR ARORA has been promoted to cluster general manager of R Hotels’ two properties in Dubai; Ramada Downtown Dubai and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai. Prior to his appointment, Arora, a seasoned hotelier with over 25 years of experience, served as general manager of Ramada Downtown Dubai where he lead the team during the refurbishment of the 181-key hotel. In his new role, Arora will oversee the day-to-day operations of both accommodation establishments and ensure the high standards of services rendered to guests through the different departments. He will also assist and direct the entire team towards achieving the yearly targets through a number of sales strategies and marketing campaigns.

MARCH 2016

RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with

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IMAD ELIAS CEO, RODA HOTELS

DESPITE BEING ONE OF THE NEWEST HOTEL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST, RODA HOTELS HAS AMBITIOUS PLANS, INCLUDING THE JEWEL OF THE CREEK MEGA DEVELOPMENT OF WHICH IMAD ELIAS, CEO, RODA HOTELS, REVEALS DETAILS.

Jewel of the Creek

ing amenities, as well as a marina that can accommodate up to 65 yachts. The construction of the current phase has been approximately 75 percent completed. Construction work was completed for all floors, and the opening of the current stage is scheduled for August 2017. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What facilities will the second phase entail? IMAD ELIAS: Our preparations for the next phase are 20 percent complete. This stage will include a four-star hotel with 403 rooms and a three-star property with 405 rooms, debuting Roda’s lifestyle brand. The project will also feature two residential towers with about 389 apartments, a small shopping centre, a non-alcoholic hotel and a multipurpose exhibition space. We expect to complete this stage in 2017. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What brands can guests expect to find at the project? IMAD ELIAS: We have established a company to manage all hotels owned

by Dubai International Real Estate, called Roda Hotels, which currently manages the project in addition to other two properties in Dubai in the Jumeirah area and Jumeirah Beach Residence. In addition to this, other hotels are also under construction and are expected to open in the coming years. As for the leisure facilities and restaurants, there is a plan to attract global brands to manage a number of food and beverage outlets. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Please tell us about the development’s financial background. IMAD ELIAS: The estimated cost of the venture is about AED4 billion (USD1.09 billion) and it is founded by Dubai International Real Estate and other local banks. This project is considered one of the biggest in Dubai and it is called the Jewel of the Creek due to its prime location overlooking Dubai Creek. We would like to revive this historic area through this project and become one of the most unique tourist attractions in the heart of Dubai‘s heritage area. 

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are the main facts we need to know about the Jewel of the Creek development? IMAD ELIAS: The project area is approximately 125,675m2 overlooking the Dubai Creek, between Al Maktoum Bridge and the floating bridge. The development and the infrastructure for the entire project started in 2006 with the addition of approximately 6,000 available underground parking. The development will be completed in several stages and the current phase includes a five-star luxury hotel with 438 rooms, four residential towers with 756 apartments, 20 restaurants, a lagoon complete with a beach and the surroundMARCH 2016

Jewel of the Creek

NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS

ITB Hospitality Day Explores Hospitality Innovation

ITB BERLIN Berlin, Germany March 09 – 13 www.itb-berlin.de Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the event aims to attract more than 115,000 trade visitors this year.

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET Dubai, UAE April 25 – 28 www.arabiantravelmarket.com A major event where global tourism destinations showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, tourism attractions, travel technology and key airline routes.

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Record Visitor Numbers at FITUR

T T

he digitalisation of the travel industry will be the key subject at this year’s installment of ITB Berlin Convention. Accordingly, participants of ITB Hospitality Day will be discussing the topics of robots, hi-tech innovations, online travel agencies, loyalty programmes, digitalised hotels, among more. A key highlight of the think tank will be the presence of Mario, a 57cm robot working at Ghent Marriott Hotel in Belgium, which speaks 19 languages, as his inventor will explain why he was created and his duties at the hotel.

his year’s edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITUR, organised by IFEMA in January in Madrid, achieved the highest figures in its 36-year history. The annual event once again registered a new record in participation, coinciding with the best-ever statistics for the Spanish tourism industry. Over five-days, the trade show received close to 232,000 professionals and potential travellers, with a notable increase in international interest in line with the past two years’ trends. According to IFEMA, the economic repercussion of the gathering exceeds EUR210 million (USD231 million) for the Spanish capital.

MARCH 2016