MAY 2017 - ISSUE 91
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EXCLUSIVE
Airlines
VISIT: LEBANON
14 EXPLORE
ONSITE: MOROCCO
17 Malta 22 Rendezvous 24 Travel Talk
MARKET UPDATE
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Steady Passenger Growth at Dubai International
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Ellen Petty
Maria Sabova CONTRIBUTORS
Panayiotis Karanicholas Anna Spyrou Dominique Christou
Dubai International
SALES & SALES SUPPORT Magda Christou DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
In February, passenger traffic at Dubai International continued its upward trajectory, rising 8.8 percent to 6,948,157 travellers, according to the monthly traffic report issued by Dubai Airports.
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his brings the hub’s total year-to-date figure to 14,985,165 passengers, a jump of 9.3 percent compared to 13,711,181 recorded during the first two months of 2016. In terms of source markets, Eastern Europe was the fastest expanding segment in February, recording a growth of 39.1 percent, followed by Asia and South America, with rises of 23.8 percent and 11.6, correspondingly. India remained the top destination country during the month under review, with a total of 937,962 passengers, while London was the most popular city with 309,768 travellers.
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A Promising Start for Abu Dhabi Hoteliers
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Cover: flydubai business class
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
COUNTRY
2
19.4.2017 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
109.98
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
18.00
Iran (IRR)
Rial
32,438.91
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,161.02
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.31
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,512.04
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.39
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
10.03
Syria (SYP)
Pound
214.35
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.31
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.14
Abu Dhabi
as of
According to Abu Dhabi & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the emirate saw a 5.5 percent year-on-year growth in hotels guests during January and February.
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n the first two months of the year, 749,650 travellers checked into the emirate’s 170 properties, an increase of more than 40,000 guests. January in particular saw strong figures, up eight percent over the corresponding month in 2016, with the top five source markets, the UAE, India, the UK, China and Saudi Arabia, maintaining strong arrivals. H.E Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, commented, “With our yearround programme of events, we plan to gain further growth across the tourism sector and achieve our target of reaching 4.9 million hotel guests throughout the course of this year.”
MAY 2017
MARKET UPDATE
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QAIA Registered Passenger Upsurge in February
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irport International Group (AIG) has released its February statistics, which indicated significant improvements in passenger traffic compared to the same month in 2016. Throughout the month under review, QAIA welcomed 524,286 passengers compared to 501,862 in February 2016, a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase. However, the hub recorded a 6.8 percent
drop in aircraft movements (ACM) in February, while the amount of cargo handled declined 10.6 percent. In the first two months of the year, QAIA served a total of 1,101,198 passengers, marking a 2.9 percent rise over the same period in 2016. Despite this, in January and February, ACM fell four percent, while cargo figures plummeted 8.8 percent.
A Milestone Year for Saudi Investment
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ccording to Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), 2016 was a milestone year for tourism investment in Saudi Arabia, which exceeded SAR151 billion (USD40.26 billion), while tourism spending surpassed SAR168.3 million (USD44.88 million). At the beginning of this year, the number of hotel rooms and hotel apartments stood at 509,800 and are expected to reach 621,600 by the end of 2020. Meanwhile, the number of domestic and inbound tourism trips, reached around 73,800 and is forecast to soar to 90,000 by 2020. Aiming to further increase the size of tourism investment, SCTH has launched various projects after receiving funding from different governmental bodies including infrastructure development, restoration of important monuments and establishment of new organisations promoting the country’s cultural heritage.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
MAY 2016
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NEWS
UNWTO's Focus on Sustainable Tourism
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Al Futtaim Granted First Expo 2020 Contract
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l Futtaim Carillion has been announced as the main contractor for the key development of three themed districts at Expo 2020 Dubai. The developer was awarded the AED2.2 billion (USD598.98 million) contract to construct the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability sites. Designed with elements of traditional Dubai architecture and reflecting the exhibition’s main themes, the venues will host 136 pavilions. The project is the first of AED11 billion (USD2.99 billion) worth of construction deals, which will be concluded this year.
Dubai
n support of The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Convention on Biological Diversity has decided to dedicate the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated annually on May 22, to Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. The World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) themed year aims to emphasise among others, the crucial role of the tourism sector in the preservation of ecosystems whilst raising awareness on the uniqueness of biodiversity. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, stated, “Tourism is one of the best placed sectors to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development and, with the right policies in place, to preserving ecosystems, biodiversity and natural heritage.”
MAY 2017
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EXCLUSIVE AIRLINES
A Home in the
Skies
FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL GROWTH REPORTED BY A NUMBER OF MENA-BASED AIRLINES AMID GLOBAL AIR TRAVEL CHALLENGES, MANY CARRIERS SHOWCASED MODERN ADVANCEMENTS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SERVICES TO REGIONAL TRAVELLERS, MAINTAINING QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON SECURITY MEASURES.
MAY 2017
PANAYIOTIS KARANICHOLAS WRITES
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n line with global passenger growth, International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported exponential results for the Middle East region. Middle East carriers had the strongest year-on-year demand growth in January at 14.4 percent. Capacity climbed 11.4 percent and load factor rose compared to the same period in 2016, for a third consecutive month, up 2.1 percentage points to 79.8 percent. Moreover, the Middle East held 9.6 percent of the world market share regarding international passenger markets in January. BESPOKE TAILORED FLYING When it comes to the passenger, MENA-based carriers prove that the main ingredient in 
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EXCLUSIVE AIRLINES
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flydubai business class
ADAPTING TO THE ONLINE WORLD
Qatar Airways QSuite
attaining reputable figures is customer satisfaction, and this is exactly what they ensure. According to Emirates, the airline promotes itself by not only offering passengers a range of destinations on its global network, but also catering to their demands for new and improved services. Focussing on uniquely tailored services for travellers, EGYPTAIR offers a set of 12 inspirational round the World itineraries grouped under four carefully selected themes, History and Culture, Leisure and Lifestyle, Nature, and Lasting Memories. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways unveiled its premium business class QSuite at ITB Berlin 2017, amongst hundreds of spectators. The customisable suites offers double beds, Italian hand-stitched leather seats with satin rose gold finish, amid adjustable privacy panels and TV monitors with a four-seat configuration in the centre, benefitting business travellers and families alike. Also being innovative, Emirates' Airbus A330 Onboard Lounge, set to debut in July, is among the airlines multi-million dollar upgrade programmes, offering the latest enhancement inspired by private-yacht cabins, such as increased seating space, making journeys more intimate and conductive for passengers. The airline also boasts industry-leading first class private suites and shower spas, luxurious lie-flat business class pods, among multi-award winning onboard entertainment services offering widescreen TVs with an excess of 2,000 channels and Wi-Fi capabilities. Revamped amenities do not stop here. Recently, flydubai announced the newly appointed international transport designers at James Park Associates (JPA Design) as the company of choice to undertake the design and modernisation of the carrier's latest Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts.
Keeping up with the trends of future generations, and along the lines of social media and smart phone capabilities, MENA-based airlines are responding swiftly to these trends. Etihad Airways has strived to make travel planning, booking, checkin and even in-flight experiences accessible and on-the-move, with the introduction of its award-winning mobile application for well-known platforms on many electronic communication devices. The app gives flyers the opportunity to select their itinerary of choice, make secured scan-based payments and provide passport details for the selected route as well as view a complete cabin layout to aid in seatselection among an incorporated flight and baggage-tracker. Speaking at the Aviation Show MENASA in Dubai, Daniel Kerrison, vice president, inflight product, flydubai, reported, “The launch of [the company's] products such as
Health-Hub, Emirates
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MAY 2017
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EXCLUSIVE AIRLINES
onboard Wi-Fi, live television and the OPEN rewards programme [has] enabled another evolution of flydubai’s passenger offering, demonstrating the airlines’ approach to meeting the travel needs of its customers.” Reflecting the increasingly connected digital lifestyle, Etihad Airways continues to offer in-flight Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity to passengers on all Airbus A380, and select Boeing 777, aircraft. On Emirates' long-haul flights, passengers are offered an interactive amenity kit utilising augmented reality technology to unlock a plethora of content on their personal mobile devices. STEPPING UP TO A CHALLENGING ERA This year seems to have taken-off on a positive up-note, with flight demands at levels not seen since 2011, as concurred by IATA. Despite economic instabilities and safety concerns in 2016, MENA-based airlines have certainly kept the ball rolling. Some regional carriers have introduced laptop and tablet handling ser-
MAY 2017
vices for passengers onboard their routes to the US, enabling travellers to use their personal device until before boarding, whereby the electronic item will then be packed and stowed securely into the aircraft hold for issuance at the US destination. ABOVE AND BEYOND Middle Eastern carriers have left no stones unturned to ensure they keep passenger numbers at an ultimate high, while staying up-to-date with the latest travel trends and maintaining a top first class service. In fact, many carriers have enhanced their itinerary networks, boosted seasonal routes, and introduced upgraded aircraft to their fleet, aiding in advancing flight capabilities along with feeding the revolutionised demand for travel. According to Emirates, the brand stays true to its strategy of organic growth, by leveraging on the geo-centricity of the UAE and Dubai’s dynamic developments in tourism and commerce.
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Vienna for the whole family - On Your Marks … Get Set … Vienna! HOW MANY STEPS LEAD UP TO ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL? WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING DID THE HABSBURGS WEAR? AND ARE THERE REALLY WILD BOARS IN VIENNA? WHAT DO CHILDREN EXPECT FROM A SIGHTSEEING TRIP? PRETTY MUCH THE SAME AS THE GROWNUPS DO: VARIETY AND ENTERTAINMENT. MANY VIENNESE MUSEUMS AND ORGANISERS HAVE THEREFORE CREATED PROGRAMMES THAT ARE FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY WITH THE MOTTO HANDS ON. VIENNA’S SECRETS AWAIT DISCOVERY BY CHILDREN YOUNG AND OLD.
HITS FOR KIDS IN VIENNA The Austrian capital has plenty of space for action. Unlike many other major cities, Vienna boasts huge green areas where children can play to their hearts’ content. But that is by no means all. Maybe a little princess would like to dance a minuet in a hooped skirt and old-fashioned bodice? Become a child artist? Stroke some snakes? No problem. These are just a few of the Hits for Kids. THE ZUCKERLWERKSTATT (Sugar Workshop) In the first district manufactory, creative candies are made by hand to old, traditional recipes. A specialty of the manufactory is the Viennese silk sweets. They are among the most traditional candies in Austria, are filled with chocolate and are shaped like miniature pillows. 1, Herrengasse 6-8/4 CHILDREN’S FARM AT THE WIEN COBENZL ESTATE Children have the chance to come face to face with sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks and all kinds of other animals at the Children’s Farm on the Cobenzl Estate. Highlights include tours of the stables and pony rides. Tip: Visit the Cobenzl woods playground and enjoy a picnic on the Am Himmel meadow with wonderful views of the city. In the nearby Waldseilpark Kahlenberg children can climb, balance and have fun in a safe environment. There is also a gnome course for infants to enjoy! 19, Am Cobenzl 96a HOUSE OF THE SEA Want to get to grips with a shark or get up close and personal with a piranha? Or maybe witness the fearless divers in the shark pool? You and your children can come
face to face with any of the 10,000 creatures that call the House of the Sea home: fish from Austria and faraway countries, tortoises, crocodiles, venomous snakes and constrictors, leaf cutter ants, free-flying birds as well as roving monkeys. Tip: Check out the views over Vienna from the ocean’sky rooftop café … 6, Esterházypark SCHÖNBRUNN MAZE, LABYRINTH & LABYRINTHIKON Once, only the imperial family was permitted to walk here, now the Schoenbrunn Maze is fun for everyone. By looking carefully in all the corners, visitors will discover all twelve zodiac signs. And once visitors have made it through the maze, they can climb a platform and watch others get lost. Directly adjacent to the maze is the Labyrinth – a great place for adventures: climbing poles with sounds, a jumping station, touching shapes, puzzles and water gargoyles ward off boredom. 13, Schönbrunner Schlossstraße SCHÖNBRUNN ZOO Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and has been in existence for 250 years. In recent decades the zoo turned itself into one of the most modern and by general consensus - one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Tip: Guided Tours at Night Observe exotic animals at night! This is possible during a special tour through the zoo with infrared binoculars. 13, Schönbrunner Schlosspark; Eingang über Hietzinger Tor/Hietzinger Hauptstraße GET READY FOR FUN IN THE PRATER Dive into the colourful adventure world of the Prater where 250 different stands and attractions wait for you: from a traditional merry-go-round to the ghost train to ultra-modern highlights such as the Ejection Seat, with which you can reach heights of over 90m.
In the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud
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Giant Ferries wheel in the Prater park @ WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud
Tip: Guided adventure tours through the Prater grant visitors a look behind the scenes at some great attractions. 2, Prater MUSEUMS FOR FAMILIES Many of the 150 and more museums in Vienna are also a lot of fun for children. HOUSE OF MUSIC Little visitors can experiment with their own compositions on the computer and record their creations on a CD to take home – there is even a chance to make animals dance, clap and jump in a multimedia theatre. Kids’ tours and children’s concerts are also on the bill. Tip: A stroll around the Stadtpark, let off steam in the play area and get a souvenir. 1, Seilerstätte 30 MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Encounter gigantic dinosaur skeletons and priceless objects dating back to the earliest days of civilisation in the Museum of Natural History. On Sundays a special guided tour up to the rooftop is offered, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking view over Vienna’s first district. Visit the Special children’s guided tour. 1, Maria-Theresien-Platz SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL The ballet of the white horses fascinates children as well. The Lipizzaners of the Spanish Riding School and their riders perform unbelievable dressage tricks in the Baroque Imperial Palace. 1, Michaelerplatz 1 Special Tip: Ship ahoy on the Danube and Danube Canal DDSG Blue Danube offers a number of themed cruses for children – including Easter Bunny and St. Nicholas trips. Departs from Schwedenplatz, Reichsbrücke and Marina Wien www.ddsg-blue-danube.at
For more information please visit
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Riding through the old town in a traditional horse-drawn carriage ©WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud
VISIT LEBANON
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Something for
Everyone LEBANON’S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS CONFIDENTLY POISED AND ANTICIPATING THE FLOCKING OF TRAVELLERS SEEKING TO DISCOVER ITS MYRIAD OF TOURISM SEGMENTS, INCLUDING A WIDE ARRAY OF NICHE AND SPECIALISED SECTORS.
ELLEN PETTY WRITES
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espite challenges in recent years, Lebanon’s economy has continued to heavily rely on tourism. Yasmine Eid Maalouf, general manager, Ramada Downtown Beirut, elaborated that tourism, along with alternative tourism industries, has been historically important to the local economy, and remains to this day, a major source of revenue. The value of the industry is immediately apparent when considering that, in 2016, 6.9 percent of total employment was directly supported by tourism, as revealed by World Travel & Tourism Council. In terms of market value, the direct contribution of the travel industry accounted for seven percent of the national GDP, worth USD3.3 billion in 2016. The overwhelming observations of industry professionals across the country is an overall improvement in the first few months of the year compared to the ongoing challenges experienced in 2016. As exemplified by Rita Saad, director, marketing and public relations, Le Gray, “Comparing this year to 2016, we can say it is much better. We are already at 65 percent occupancy year-to-date, compared to 50 percent in 2016.” Even with this optimistic start to the year, it is not without its sacrifices, as hoteliers pull out all the stops to attract guests. Maalouf explained, “[...] We have seen a decrease of average room rate due to the severe competition and five-star [properties] lowering their rates.” EVER MORE STABLE
LEBANON IN BRIEF Capital: Beirut
While the travel and tourism industry in Lebanon is yet to fully get back on its feet, it is certainly taking steps in the right direction, primarily due to increased political stability on the back of the recent political events. Mohamad Zein, director, sales and marketing, Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun, summarised, “I believe this year will be better than 2016, especially after the presidential elections and stability in security [...].” Demonstrating how vital the political situation is in regaining potential visitor’s trust, Caroline Chemaly Wakim, general manager, The Bayview Hotel, expounded, “After the elections, [...] we have noticed an increase in the reservations from GCC countries.” Corroborating the view of his peers, Ziad Kaade, hotel manager, Portemilio Hotel & Resort, underscored just how important security is. The overwhelming unison among hoteliers is that financial and geopolitical stability is fundamental to a successful year, and future. Kaade illustrated, “[The] tourism sector is influenced by the political situation in Lebanon.” He added that as long as it remains stable, the country will witness a promising season with remarkable growth. However, looking to the positive that has arisen from the pior taxing years, Micheline Azoury, director, sales, Grand Hills, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Broumana, explained that such demanding times have led to the development of a plethora of emerging segments, which now enables Lebanon to serve the most alternative of traveller.
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) Language: Arabic Population: 6.24 million Calling Code: +961 Time Zone: GMT +2:00
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FINDING ITS NICHE As a destination boasting diverse patchwork of mountains and coastline intertwined with a rich history, straddling both the Mediterranean
MAY 2017
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VISIT LEBANON
and the Arab world, it could be argued that Lebanon is distinctively remarkable in its offering. Encompassing mountainous ski slopes, ancient archaeological sites, diverse religious landmarks along with booming medical and eco-tourism demand, the country boasts a multitude of resilient niche tourism segments, yet has the ability to appeal to each and every traveller. While underlining the importance of alternative segments, Azoury enthused, “The beauty of Lebanon is that it is always available to offer any needed type of tourism, this is what makes it a unique country, its diversity on all levels.” Azoury continued to mention that the country does not stop at one type of tourist, but spreads its wings wide, while the property in particular is tailor made to appeal to niche tourists. Elie Nammour, marketing director, Belair Travel & Tourism, confirmed the value of these specialist markets and illustrated that they flourish organically, without the benefit of incentive or planning from either public or privates partnerships. All in all, he pinpointed, “These niche sectors are of absolute importance in terms of generating genuine interest and [adding to the] authentic appeal of the destination.” Nicknamed The Paris of the Middle East, the country also boasts a widespread cultural scene. As a regional hub of fashion and the arts it is a true fusion of east and west. Unlike its more conservative neighbours, Rami Sayess, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, highlighted that Beirut in particular is renowned for being a cosmopolitan city, famous for its nightlight as well as world-class dining. So much so that Sayess also noted that the capital had also been named Best International City for Food for the second consecutive year by Travel + Leisure.
MAY 2017
Furthermore, in support of bolstering cultural tourism as well as the international and local arts, Saad explained that Le Gray is the official partner for three major events across the capital, BEIRUT ART FAIR, Beirut International Film Festivals and Photomed Liban. Along with its reputation as a contemporary cultural destination, the country has a history dating back thousands of years and encompassed a broad range of cultures, making it an exciting archaeological focal point. While enthusing that it is one of the richest countries in the region in terms of archaeology, Rania Choukai, director, sales and marketing, Le Commodore Hotel Beirut, depicted, “From stone age settlements to Phoenician city states like Byblos city, [and] from Roman temples to Ottoman Hammams, the country’s historical sites are displayed all across [Lebanon].” With a landscape that is punctuated with countless shrines and places of worship, Sayess also underscored the important role that religious tourism plays, another specialist segment that is readily available. BUSINESS AS USUAL Meanwhile, thanks to its very well-respected medical services, outstanding facilities and expert doctors, medical tourism has soared throughout the destination, with the Iraqi market accounting for a large proportion of such arrivals. However, Cynthia Flouty, director, sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Beirut, added, “They are very important, but they are not enough to cover the demand of the market [...].”
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In addition to Iraqi patients, more and more international arrivals are visiting Lebanon to undergo cosmetic procedures, in fact, according to Kaade, the country ranks as the second most popular destination worldwide for plastic surgery. In the face of the volatility of leisure holidaymakers, a segment highly influenced by regional circumstances, medical tourism is a burgeoning niche that is becoming increasingly valuable across the board. Not alone in this regard, Zein also highlighted that Lebanon is also leading in the MICE business segment, another demonstration of a more diversified offering less susceptible to regional incidents. According to Sayess, the thriving MICE sector is primarily a result of the country’s convenient geographical position which he describes as the ideal meeting place for global delegates. Sayess elucidated, “Its location between east and west makes it the perfect gateway [for] emerging markets across the Middle East and Europe.” Furthermore, Sayess added that the well connected Beirut Rafic Hairi International Airport along with more than 500 hotels with flexible business facilities enhance the appeal for meeting and event organisers. Understanding the potential of the MICE market, hotels are quickly adapting their product to further entice such travellers. Le Gray is just one of many addresses hoping to enlarge its MICE offering. Saad outlined, “[...] The hotel is in the final stages of an exciting extension project to include business and events facilities, a new lobby and lobby lounge, an exhibition venue and 16 new guestrooms.” ABUNDANCE OF NATURE Along with its expansive heritage and leading professional services, Lebanon is distinguished for its unique natural environment. From the apex of Mount Lebanon to the vast stretch of coastline, the destination also benefits from four distinct seasons. Holidays in Lebanon are characterised by seasons, with the colder months drawing in hoards of winter sports enthusiasts. With 300km of piste across six ski resorts, the country has a well established reputation as a top regional ski destination. Sayess noted that slopes are fully equipped and in close proximity to Beirut, making them ideal for travellers wishing to combine skiing with other activities. While underscoring that Lebanon stands out in the region for its ski offering, Choukai also said, eco-tourism continues to flourish. She added, “In the past 10 years, eco-tourism proved to be a very sustainable industry that allows nature lovers to further enjoy and explore this lovely country.” In line with the global trend of sustainable travel and recognising how valuable such sectors are, Nammour said, “[...] We are promoting segments that enhance the environment and the natural aspects, with layers of spirituality and hedonism.”
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HOMEWARD BOUND Perhaps the most notable shift observed by travel professionals in recent times is the change in source markets, not surprising when considering the travel advice of some overseas governments. With this, there has been a boom in Lebanese tourists, both domestic holidaymakers and Lebanese diaspora returning to their homeland. “We have also seen, during the last couple of years, the growth of a new kind of tourism – the local tourism, where Lebanese tend to discover their own country with different generations,” explained Maalouf. She further added that while the GCC is the hotel’s main source market, it is in fact expatriates living in the region that Ramada Downtown – Beirut is targeting, alongside emerging markets such as Iran and North Africa. In spite of sanctions imposed by GCC officials, the market continues to represent a significant proportion of arrivals. Saad noted that 45 percent of all guests hail from this region, a clear indication of the role they play, followed by European arrivals, representing around 38 percent of the market. Yet, it is undeniable that the uplift of the ban, which hoteliers unanimously hope will be implemented ahead of the summer season, will revitalise the tourism industry, providing a much needed boost. Flouty expounded that the success of this year will be secured if GCC traveller are given the green light before the country’s peak months. OPTIMISM ALL ROUND “Alternative tourism is picking up in Lebanon and is promising,” concluded Rima El Husseini, director, Hotel Palmyra. Nevertheless, El Husseini added that this is a result of initiatives of private enterprises, not those of the government. While there is much to be done to reinvigorate Lebanon’s tourism industry, the future is certainly hopeful, especially with the recent political changes. As well as mentioning that the Ministry of Tourism is working with Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, Chemaly Wakim added that thanks to the new government that is seriously working to empower the sector, The Bayview Hotel is expecting a 50 percent increase in reservations in the coming months. Even with this, hoteliers are going above and beyond to reinstate confidence and lure in travellers from across the world. Ihab Kanawati, general manager, Staybridge Suites Beirut, explained, “Direct one-to-one sales visits to the international stated market are being organised in order to increase awareness of the country and strengthen [relationships] accordingly.” Indeed, while the trials are not yet over, this year has the potential to be the beginning of a new era, with alternative segments the ones to look out for, primarily because, as Saad summarised, “Niche travellers are very well served [...].”
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MAY 2017
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The Country that Travels
Within You FULLY ACKNOWLEDGED AS AN ANCIENT BREEDING GROUND FOR SCHOLARS AND ARTISANS, IMAMS AND GOURMANDS, MOROCCO IS A SUPREMELY SELF-CONFIDENT COUNTRY WITH A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL LINEAGE THAT BEGUILES VISITORS.
MOROCCO IN BRIEF Capital: Rabat Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) Language: Arabic Population: 33.83 million Calling Code: +212 Capital Time Zone: GMT +1:00
ANNA SPYROU WRITES
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uring recent years, tourism authorities have launched several engaging programmes and restoration projects with the aim to further promote and protect the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. At the same time, positive development and refining of its wellness offer has put the country amongst the top destinations in the MENA region. By 2020, Morocco aims to stand within the 20 largest global destinations and emerge as a reference on sustainable development in the Mediterranean periphery. On the occasion of the Moroccan Day of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism, held on March 20 in Marrakech, the government committed to join the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an official partner of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. The success of the Vision 2020 plan, although not yet completed, is based on strengthening the country’s four core values, namely authenticity, diversity, quality and sustainability. Aiming to attract the interest of a new segment, including young entrepreneurs looking to enrich their cultural experiences, tourism stakeholders are focussed on promoting the country’s cultural aspects, particularly by establishing thematic tours, restoring monuments and improving the country’s urban environment. Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development has played a crucial role in achieving these goals. In 2015 the authority has signed a framework partnership agreement with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Housing Urban Policy, the Ministry of Handicrafts and the Ministry of Tourism in order to restore and develop 31 medinas in the country between 2016 – 2025. In addition, Morocco was one of the first countries in Africa to fully embrace the latest trend of experiential dimension of travel, through its Travel by Experience campaign, launched by the Ministry of Tourism as part of its Vision 2020. On the ground, the campaign, apart from increasing tourism offerings including meals and beds, provides an opportunity for developing more value adding activities all over the nation while getting more of its population involved.
Palais Namaskar
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MAY 2017
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A SHINING STAR ON UNESCO’S LIST Since 1981, Morocco has been home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, an impressive showing when considering the country’s size. These include Fez Medina, the world’s largest car-free urban area with a unique architectural heritage, Marrakech Medina, a stunning example of a living historic Medina town, the city of Meknes founded by the Almoravids, the Medina of Tetouan, which blends Andalousian influence to its urban fabric, El Jadida, Medina of Essaouira as well as Rabat. Selected on the basis of their unique cultural, historical and architectural significance, the above mentioned sites are legally protected by international treaties. Inscribed in 2008 by the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Committee, Moussem of Tan Tan, an annual gathering of nomadic people of the Sahara, joined UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Fez Medina
Moussem of Tan Tan
ACCESSIBLE PAMPERING As one of the most significant niche tourism sectors in the MENA region, wellness tourism has grown rapidly during the recent years. Wellness is part of the Moroccan lifestyle, by culture and by tradition. The country’s enchanting land presents a multitude of experiences, among which are its flourishing health and wellness offerings. The country has indeed seen developments in its tourism industry lately, and the local spas have particularly cultivated a significant market share. In addition, the availability of affordable flights made it more accessible, thus increasing the influx of visitors. Highlighting the broad spectrum of travellers seeking wellness and pampering, Christophe Prieu, director, sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakesh, noted, “We welcome guests from all regions, including Europe, the US and Asia. Clients from the Middle East are also very common, especially from Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Our large ground facilities allow us to satisfy the most discerning clientele, providing a high-end service for tourists and families spending their holidays in Marrakech and a second to none offer for business and congress travellers.” Located in Paleraie area, an oasis of wellbeing between desert and majestic mountains, Palais Namaskar offers a wide range of personalised fitness coaching and sensual spa therapies that help visitors to dissolve stress and transform their moods. As Majid El Ghzal, general manager, Palais Namaskar, explained, the rising popularity of wellness-oriented travel is due to the global evolution of lifestyles. In addition, El Ghzal highlighted the fact that many positive developments have been made during the recent years allowing Morocco to compete with most countries in the region and on the continent. Along parallel lines, Tarik Kerdoudi, director, sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca, echoed, “Although the segment is not as well developed as its Eastern European and Asian neighbours, it benefits from a combination of advantages, such as its proximity to Western Europe, a pleasant climate and the availability of lowcost flights.” Morocco conjures up images of mystery and exoticism, as well as a vivid range of sights and colours, which make the country a captivating destination for a wide scope of travellers. The ongoing dance between old and new as well as its warm hospitality and abundant wellness offerings reflects the country’s many faces.
Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech
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MAY 2017
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EXPLORE MALTA
Destination with Added
Family Value MALTA HAS AN ESTABLISHED A REPUTATION AS A FAMILY HOLIDAY HAVEN, STANDING-OUT AMONG OTHER MEDITERRANEAN DESTINATIONS WITH ITS EXCEPTIONALLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT, WELCOMING HOSPITALITY AND WIDELY SPOKEN ENGLISH. REGARDLESS OF THE ALREADY-EARNED STATUS, THE TOURISM INDUSTRY CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO BOOST OFFERINGS AND IMPROVE THE COUNTRY’S APPEAL TO HOLIDAYMAKING FAMILIES.
Malta 5D Show Photo from Malta Tourism Authority
MARIA SABOVA WRITES
MAY 2017
T
he Mediterranean archipelago, with the main islands Malta, Gozo and Comino, is promoted as a pleasant family holiday destination offering a range of activities and rich culture, with affordability considered as an attractive factor for travelling families. In 2016, Malta saw yet another record year with the number of tourist arrivals reaching almost two million. Commenting on the strongest points which differentiate Malta from other Mediterranean family holiday destinations, Carlo Micallef, chief marketing officer, Malta Tourism Authority, elucidated that the Maltese islands boast multiple natural, historical and modern attractions, which, along with family-friendly accommodation, a myriad of restaurants and bespoke relaxing atmosphere, create a destination with an extra value to standard family holidays. He enthused, ”[Malta] is not just a sun, sand, sea and water sports location, but the destination offering the added value in a variety of options for all to enjoy.”
MALTA IN BRIEF Capital: Valletta Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Maltese Population: 434,403 Calling code: +356 Capital Time Zone: GMT +1:00
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PLETHORA OF LODGING OPTIONS According to Euromonitor International (EI), the destination’s rising potential can also be explained by lodging operators responding to the demand for individualisation thus elevating the flexibility of accommodation, appreciated mainly by larger families. Apart from numerous family-friendly hotels of all ranges and an expansion of boutique hotels seen in 2015, the islands boast a long tradition of short-term rentals with many holiday homes and self-catering apartments available along with the popular trend of local residents offering their homes for holiday rentals though web sites, such as Airbnb. With the accommodation representing an important item in the budget of a travelling family, Malta offers economically and practically convenient options for any taste. As an example of family facilities available in the hotel segment, Grech mentioned that Seashells Resort at Suncrest in Qawra, where the majority of guests in 2016 were families, features many appropriate amenities and services, such as an animation team, pools with waterslides, kids meal packages, conveniently sized family rooms and further tailored offers. As a part of the property’s preparation for the new season, she further elaborated, “Just a few months ago we opened a wellequipped kids club, boosted our animation team and increased activities for all the family.”
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QUALITY AND QUANTITY AT HAND Another considerable advantage of the destination is that being a small country, it boasts a high density of attractions in close proximity, conveniently accessible in the space of few hours, thus enabling all family members, regardless the age, to enjoy a full spectrum of various leisure and entertainment treats. Micallef, explained, “Whether visiting a natural attraction, a mysterious temple, a medieval city, one of many cultural events or an educational experience centre, among other attractions and venues, parents can have their mind at rest that their children will have all the entertainment they can wish for. [...] And all of this within very short distances, therefore making the most of the holiday time and ensuring a great value return for time and savings.” Bajada also highlighted the easy accessibility to many places of interest in Gozo, representing a great benefit for families wishing to indulge in active holidays. Apart from outdoor activities and a rich cultural calendar, she exemplified interesting sightseeing locations, highlighting recently restored Citadel and UNESCO Ġgantija Temples, both with interactive visitor centres for an enhanced experience. Bajada further confirmed that Ministry for Gozo is now engaged in restoring and developing the portfolio of interesting sites to visit. Elaborating on the rich offer of family attractions and enthusing that the destination is in a complete feast during the summer, Gianfranco Selvaggi, general manager, Marineland, Mediterraneo Marine Park, confirmed that the park’s Swim with the Dolphin programme is a highly sought-after experience for the whole family. He concluded, “New venues and activities are becoming a norm here [in Malta], every year there are new sites to visit and experience.”
Popeye Village Malta Photo from Malta Tourism Authority
Differentiating itself from the other Maltese islands, Gozo, which alone welcomed 190,000 visitors in 2016, has created an image of a tranquil gem attracting visitors and families with outdoor adventures in its unspoilt nature and away from the tourist masses typical for the region, as Esther Bajada, director, tourism and economic developments, Ministry for Gozo, described. She also revealed, “The Ministry for Gozo promotes the island as the most rewarding extra mile, where Simplicity is Luxury.” In other words, the destination provides all the comforts and conditions for unique family holidays in typical Mediterranean surroundings which are still authentic and which create an ideal base for niche tourism, such as diving, outdoor sports and music festivals, concluded Bajada. Julia Grech, group marketing manager, AX Hotels, summedup, “Malta caters for all kinds of tourists [...], however, [it] is a great option as a family-friendly destination because of the weather, various heritage sites and museums and many activities for children.”
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Malta National Aquarium Photo from Malta Tourism Authority
EXPLORE MALTA
MAY 2017
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EXPLORE MALTA
Agreeing on the expansion of the amusement and edutainment locations, Micaleff pinpointed the interactive, educational yet entertaining science centre Esplora as the latest addition to the bucket of attractions, complementing other not-to-be-missed family hotspots, such as Popeye Village, Malta National Aquarium, Malta Falconry Centre and Malta 5D show, among others. He also predicted, “Many other events and activities are being planned in the run-up to the Valletta 2018, since 2018 our capital city will be the European Capital of Culture.” A PEACE OF MIND Except for the availability of many family-focussed amenities and attractions in a destination, safety may represent an important criterion in deciding where the next family holiday will occur. In this term, Malta fulfils such requirement, as both Micallef and Grech emphasised, the destination’s safety is a key incentive for families to travel to Malta. On top of this, Micallef also mentioned the country’s excellent health system and an easy multi-lingual communication, contributes to parents’ peace of mind. With the rise of inbound arrivals by six percent in 2015, EI also highlighted the safety as Malta’s differentiating factor, reporting that many travellers perceive the country as a safer alternative during periods of security concerns in other Mediterranean markets. REACHING THE MENA REGION With the main feeder markets being the UK, Italy, Germany and France, the destination is yet to be fully discovered by the travellers from the MENA region,
MAY 2017
The Gozo Ferry at Mgarr Harbour - Photo by Joseph Caruana
including the family segment. Discussing the promotional initiatives of Malta Tourism Authority, Micallef explained that these are targeted more towards the regions with direct air connectivity with Malta, which plays an important role especially for families travelling with young children. Although being currently limited to direct flights from Dubai and Tunisia only, the organisation is reviewing the strategy and aims at giving more attention to the MENA region, which generated estimated 10 percent of total tourist arrivals in 2016. Ministry for Gozo shares similar mindset of exploring the opportunities in MENA region, as Bajada, revealed, “[...] We do believe Gozo has a potential to attract visitors from other source markets such as the MENA region and we are aware of tourism operators who are working in this direction.” With the local travel and tourism stakeholders exploring the options of enhancing attractive facilities in the destination and with the ever expanding global transportation services, Malta has the potential to present its profile beyond Europe and to reach out to the markets where the family holiday planners are ready to discover its rich offerings.
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Messi Promoted Medical Tourism in Egypt
Souk Okaz under SCTH Patronage Souk Okaz festival
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audi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) recently held a discussion on the strategic plans for Souk Okaz, to further build on the past 10 years achievements. While pointing-out the SCTH’s role in taking over the project’s supervision, H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, SCTH, explained that Souk Okaz is one of the major projects under the programme Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for the Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage Care. Members of the preparatory committee reviewed future plans, and evaluated the outcome of six workshops held with the local community, which have resulted in 300 proposals and new ideas.
Messi
D
uring his recent visit to Egypt, Argentinian football player Lionel Messi promoted Egypt as a medical tourism destination for hepatitis C patients, as the new ambassador of Tour n’ Cure. Tour n’ Cure is Egypt’s latest initiative in medical tourism that offers the opportunity to treat those with the disease from all over the world, with an effective and advanced package. In addition, guests can then take in the beauty of Egypt and visit historic landmarks during the days of the healing programme, while enjoying a relaxing stay in some of Egypt’s luxury hotels. Messi was also welcomed by renowned Egyptologists and visited the Great Pyramid of Giza shortly after landing in Cairo.
Etihad and TCA Abu Dhabi Promote Reading
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I
n order to promote reading culture and further stimulate knowledge amongst the next generation of leaders within the UAE, Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) have organised a series of educational seminars. Some 24 female primary school students attended a session at Etihad Airways Academy for Let’s Read with the Captain, hosted by Etihad Airways pilots. The pupils also experienced a flight simulator where they learnt about take off and landing, flight regulations and safety. Hareb Mubarak Al Muhairy, senior vice president, corporate and international affairs, EAG, commented, “This first-ofits-kind initiative comes at a perfect time as the UAE marks National Reading Month, in line with the vision of the UAE’s leaders.”
MAY 2017
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Kalba: Future Eco-Tourism Haven
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alba Eco-Tourism Project, one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the UAE, now aims to create a sustainable platform for tourism development while prioritising environmental conservation. The governmental strategic plan is focussed on commercial and leisure infrastructure development in the area surrounding the man-made Kalba Lagoon, which will boast gardens, parks, retail spaces and public facilities, such as Kalba Waterfront Mall scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2019. Outside of the protected area, a variety of hospitality projects are planned, including a five-star hotel, luxury tented resorts and tourist camping sites. Developments are limited within the conservation zone, ensuring the protection of the ecosystem whilst offering visitors an opportunity for observation.
MAY 2017
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Etihad Joined Boeing to Harvest Biofuel
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eter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, executive vice president, commercial, Etihad Airways joined Scott Fancher, senior vice president, Boeing, at the integrated seawater and agriculture system facility within Masdar City to check on the biofuel project’s progress. The facility is said to be a world first, demonstrating the use of seawater and natural fertiliser from aquaculture to grow plant biomass which then can be converted into aviation fuel, the flagship project of Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium led by the Masdar Institute. The biomass will be harvested in June and the oil will be extracted from the seeds. Afterwards, it will be refined to become jet fuel and used on an Etihad Airways flight.
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
IFTIKHAR HAMDANI CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA HOTELS & SUITES AJMAN, RAMADA BEACH HOTEL AJMAN
AJMAN’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EXEMPLIFIES ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY PRACTICES WHICH CONTRIBUTE IN THE EMIRATE’S GOAL TO ELEVATE GREEN ECONOMY UNDER AJMAN VISION 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN. IFTIKHAR HAMDANI, CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA HOTELS & SUITES AJMAN, RAMADA BEACH HOTEL AJMAN, SHEDS LIGHT ONTO THE CHAIN’S GREEN INITIATIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: UNWTO declared 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and green economy is also a strong pillar upon which Ajman aims to build its future. How do your hotels adhere to the vision and what importance does tourism play in achieving sustainable development?
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IFTIKHAR HAMDANI: The tourism and hospitality industries generate a huge carbon footprint plus a sizeable amount of waste and energy consumption daily. Therefore, it is crucial for our industries to lead green revolution. Ramada Ajman has been a pioneer in green tourism in the northern emirates and boasts different eco-initiatives including the zero landfill project, urban farm, own reverse osmosis water treatment plant, newly established waste station along with taking part in different initiatives like Soap for Hope [and so on]. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Do you cooperate with Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) in pursuing common ecological initiatives? IFTIKHAR HAMDANI: We have been actively participating in various activities of ATDD including, but not limited to, the collection of recyclable materials like aluminium cans, as well as working closely and sharing our campaigns and activities with them. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What practices and procedures have been applied at your properties to enhance sustainable business conduct and raise awareness in the areas of environmental protection and resource efficiency? IFTIKHAR HAMDANI: Our zero landfill project reduces landfill submission by 90 percent through recycling and converting the biodegradable waste into fertilisers. We have also recently installed a
waste station with macerator and dewaterer machine which elevate waste management efficiency. We also built our own urban farm, converted from a parking lot, now growing seasonal crops. In terms of raising awareness, we have been diligently taking part and speaking in various forums and conferences to share our initiatives and inspire not just fellow hoteliers but other organisations towards sustainability. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How do you educate your staff and guests about environmental protection and resource efficiency? IFTIKHAR HAMDANI: We have formed a green committee within the hotels, to ensure that all green initiatives are well implemented. The committee also leads and organises various activities such as the Earth Hour, Earth Day and World Environment Day in which we encourage our guests to participate too. TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman has been recognised for its green initiatives. Would you tell us more about the awards? IFTIKHAR HAMDANI: We are already one of the leaders [in sustainable practices]. The property has recently bagged the Waste Management Award at the Gulf Sustainability and CSR Awards, beating strong names like Emaar Properties, Farnek Services and Dubai Duty Free. We are also the first hotel in the emirate to earn the Green Globe certification for two consecutive years.
Ramada Hotels & Suites Ajman Waste Management Award
MAY 2017
MAY 2017
H.E. FAISAL AL NUAIMI
GENERAL MANAGER, AJMAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (ATDD)
ATDD is striving to attract more potential tourists
“Receiving the award for Rising Star Destination acknowledges the progress we have made and is testament to our status as an emirate with a thriving tourism sector in the UAE. [...] As part of its strategy, ATDD is striving to attract more potential tourists and encourage more visitors to come to the emirate where they will receive excellent tourist services; there is something available for everyone and families from all social classes.”
SPECIAL AMBASSADOR, INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT 2017
H.E. SHAIKHA MAI BINT MOHAMMED AL-KHALIFA
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[...] Tourism and culture have a vital role to play in promoting peace [...] “[...] I believe that now more than ever tourism and culture have a vital role to play in promoting peace and understanding and in encouraging a dialogue between civilisations, not walls between nations. Coming from the Arab region, [...] traditionally known for its hospitality and acceptance of the other, I believe that cultural tourism can be an effective tool for sustainable development. Tourism adds an economic value to the historical value of all cultural sites [...].”
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GENERAL MANAGER, VILLA ROTANA
We work hand-inhand with our government here “As Al Habtoor Group, we are growing with the UAE and we are working parallel to our government because us, as the owners of the group, and any investors or businessmen cannot do what we do without our government. We work hand-in-hand with our government here. And the government needs us, they need us to work together. Without us and without them, we cannot achieve anything. We have to put our hands together and work to deliver the fruit, the results of our hard work and our planning.”
GENERAL MANAGER, FAIRMONT AJMAN
[...] small steps [...] can make a big difference together “We believed that by taking little steps like turning off lights and increasing the chiller temperature by two degrees will have a huge positive result. [...] The small steps each of us takes can make a big difference together. We will remain devoted and committed in pursuing initiatives that alleviate the effects of climate change, not only through Earth Hour but also through other environmental corporate social responsibility activities like tree planting, green project implementation and use of recycled products.”
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
FRANCIS DESJARDINS
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H.E. AKBAR AL BAKER
CAMILLE SAADE
CHAIRMAN, AL HABTOOR GROUP
KHALAF AHMAD AL HABTOOR
TRAVEL TALK
It is extremely vital […] to recognise the importance of […] mother earth
“It is extremely vital that hotels in Ajman recognise the importance of our commitment to mother earth and pursue progress without compromising the fundamental needs of our future generations. [...] The beauty of Ajman is that, being the smallest emirate in the UAE, it is easier to impact and come together as a community towards an active environmental movement.”
We take immense pride in driving our airline to be the best “We are deeply honoured to have been recognised by the readers of Air Transport News as the 2017 Airline of the Year. We take immense pride in driving our airline to be the best in the industry and to deliver our passengers an unprecedented onboard experience. To receive acknowledgement from loyal passengers […] is the highest honour for us to achieve and pushes us to work even harder to provide them with the level of commitment, service and attention to detail that they deserve every time they travel.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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MAY 2017
MAY 2017
WHO’S MOVED
KHALED SHAFIK has been named as director of sales and marketing for Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park as well as the upcoming Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park. In his new role, Shafik will be responsible for both properties, including business development and partnership activities, sales execution, marketing and communications, as well as media strategies with focus on bottom line performance. Shafik has 22 years of experience in key account management, revenue management and marketing communications. Most recently, Shafik was the complex director of sales and marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group Cairo Citystars.
ALI OZBAY
KHALED SHAFIK
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ALI OZBAY has been named as the new cluster director for marketing and communications for Rixos Hotels in the UAE. With more than 17 years of experience in hospitality, media and marketing industries, Ozbay will oversee the marketing operations for Rixos The Palm Dubai, Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Rixos Premium Dubai, where he will be responsible for strategic development, brand activation as well as public relations and advertising. Between 2009 – 2014, Ozbay worked for Rixos Hotels in the marketing and communications department and has also held senior roles at a marketing consultancy company and digital agencies across the Middle East.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Dubai recently welcomed one of its largest ever incentive groups, with more than 12,000 visitors from over 100 countries for the Forever Living Product’s Global Rally
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Qatar Airways unveiled its new amenity kit
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Kempsinki Hotel Ajman celebrated the brand’s 120th anniversary in April
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Emirates and some of AC Milan’s top players surprised travellers at Milan Malpensa International Airport with the unveiling of the special AC Milan livery on an Airbus A380
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The St. Regis Abu Dhabi unveiled spectacular creations for its Easter Chocolate Week event
Actor Will Smith visited the Pyramids of Giza on his holiday to Egypt
MAY 2017
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Isabel Moya Guzman is Etihad Airways’ 2,000th graduating flying nanny
PHOTO ALBUM
Emirate won five awards at TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards for Airlines, including Best Airline in the World
Al Manshar Rotana Fahaheel, participated in Plant a Tree in my Country, an initiative organised by Al-Tijaria
Qatar Airways named Dana Al Fardan, globally renowned composer and artist, as the official composer for Qatar Airways Group
MAY 2017
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NEWS & EVENTS
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EVENTS
Jeddah Food Festival Begins a Promising Mission
Frankfurt, Germany May 16 – 18 www.imex-frankfurt.com A one-stop shop for meetings, events and incentive travel programmes where more than 3,500 exhibitors are expected to showcase their offerings
Spanning 3ha, the first Jeddah Food Festival was recently held, welcoming more than 114 companies and restaurants, offering a range of Asian and traditional Arabic cuisine, as well as 35 different entertainment activities for families and children.
IMEX
T
he 10-day event was held under the patronage of Jeddah Government Prince Mishaal bin Majed and hospitality committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), with the cooperation of the Renad exhibition company. Adil A. Munief Mohammed Makki, chairman, hospitality committee, JCCI, explained that Jeddah Food Festival is expected to become an annual event, with a mission to promote the Saudi hospitality industry, attract foreign and local investments and support domestic tourism.
Second Edition of Sharjah Bridal Fair INTERCARE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM EXHIBITION Milan, Italy May 25 – 27 www.inter-care.it An opportunity for international medical and tourism operators to forge new working relationships.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOURISM TECHNOLOGY
From May 03 – 06, Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre will host the second edition of Sharjah Bridal Fair (SBF), a signature wedding exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to couples to browse, shop and compare over 100 exhibitors’ offerings under one roof.
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he fair will include workshops, fashion shows, make-up classes, fashion and beauty sessions, bridal hair-up styling classes, engagement and wedding planning, wedding budgeting checklist, pre-wedding health and fitness tips, on-the-spot makeovers and other services delivered by beauty and lifestyle experts. SBF will also feature other interactive workshops on the best destinations for honeymoons, as well as sessions on how to choose the wedding venue and other touches that can be added to the wedding.
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 Hong Kong June 15 – 18 www.itehk.com The 31st edition of the international travel expo will be combined with the 12th version of its MICE oriented counterpart.
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The Big 5 Saudi Concluded in Jeddah The Big 5 Saudi, said to be one of the largest building and construction shows in Saudi Arabia, attracted more than 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries, as well as thousands of professionals.
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he four-day event, held for the seventh year, was inaugurated by Zeyad Bin Bassam Mohammed Al Bassam, vice chairman, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce in the Saudi city. Further boosting business and networking opportunities, the event showcased over 600 brands, providing access to the latest and most innovative solutions for the construction industry. Furthermore, some of the region’s most prominent experts delivered 48 continuous professional development certified workshops.
MAY 2017