15 AUGUST 2015
ISSUE 301
UAE THEME PARKS SCALING THE GROWTH EMAAR PROPERTIES RECORDED A NET PROFIT OF AED2.21 BILLION (USD600 MILLION) DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR, MARKING A 12 PERCENT YEAR-ON-YEAR BOOST.
08 RJ AND QATAR AIRWAYS ENHANCE TIES
15 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE TECHNOLOGY ACCOMMODATION AIR INTERNATIONAL RENDEZVOUS WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS
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EMAAR PROPERTIES’ PROFIT GROWS 12 PERCENT
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli
STR Global: MEA Suffers in June In June, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) hospitality market witnessed a 8.2 percent year-on-year decrease in occupancy to 56.1 percent, a 4.2 percent growth in average daily rates (ADR) to USD141.93 and a 4.4 percent decline in RevPAR to USD79.59.
SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu
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DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES As of
14/8/2015
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
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COUNTRY
CURRENCY 1USD=
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.39
Qatar (QAR)
Rial
3.64
Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal
3.75
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
104.00
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.82
Iran (IRR)
Rial
29,717.88
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,144.82
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,499.87
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.37
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.73
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.82
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.95
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
Dubai International: On Track for New Records Close to 38.3 million passengers were handled at Dubai International in the first half of the year, marking a 10.4 percent year-on-year surge and bringing the airport closer to achieve its annual target.
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n June alone, over 5.9 million travellers passed through the hub, up 16.7 percent. Regionally, traditional markets such as the Indian subcontinent and the GCC led the improvement, while in terms of percentage growth, Eastern Europe came on top. As Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, pinpointed, results for the first six months are suggesting that Dubai International will reach the forecasted 79 million passengers by year-end.
Dubai International
T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670
Petra, Jordan
HEADQUARTERS
ccording to STR Global, hotels in the region reported mostly negative results in the three key performance metrics, heavily affected by Ramadan. Jordan registered a downturn of more than 30 percent in both occupancy and RevPAR and similarly, Qatar saw occupancy rates shrinking by 21 percent to 59.2 percent and RevPAR by 18.5 percent. Moreover, Dubai’s market recorded a 15.4 percent drop in occupancy to 63.2 percent, an 8.8 percent deceleration in ADR and a 22.9 percent fall in RevPAR.
15 AUGUST 2015
TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS
Travelport Teams Up with MTT
Reseller Deal between Travelport and TTS
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ravelport has come to an agreement with TTS, a global developer of travel technology solutions, to resell and distribute TTS Consolidator, TTS Corporate, and TTS WeBook products in the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific. The multiyear deal will see Travelport extend its product portfolio and provide the three new TTS tools to its clients. Pedro Barata, CEO, TTS, commented, “For us, this agreement represents a great opportunity to further expand the reach of TTS solutions.”
Travelport has acquired Mobile Travel Technologies (MTT), a private company based in Dublin.
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he Irish specialist provides a mobile travel platform and product set that allows airlines, hotels, corporate travel management companies and travel agencies to engage with their customers through sophisticated, tailored mobile services including applications, mobile web and intelligent mobile messaging. MTT’s mobile apps and services are then delivered, under the customer brand, to smartphones, tablets and wearable devices, including the Apple Watch. Gordon Wilson, president, Travelport, commented, “Adding MTT as an expanded capability to our existing travel commerce platform extends our reach further, and at the higher value add end of the service spectrum for our airline, hotel, travel management company and travel agency clients.”
Virgin Australia Restores Sabre Technology Agreement
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irgin Australia Airlines has renewed its technology agreement, hence, has widened the scope of its relationship with Sabre. The deal enables the airline to progressively implement a range of Sabre technologies, including the customer-centric retailing solutions, Customer Data Hub, Customer Experience Manager and Dynamic Retailer. Additionally, the agreement allows the use of SabreSonic Select shopping capabilities, mobile solution and other software to support the airline’s focus on personalisation and travel experience.
15 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS
Kenya: Immense Rise in Emirati Visitors
Abu Dhabi to Add 5,200 Rooms by 2017
Kenya has recorded a 77.4 percent increase in tourism arrivals from the UAE during the first six months (H1) of this year, in comparison to the corresponding timeframe in 2014.
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Kenya
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ccording to figures released by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the African country received 24,462 travellers from the Gulf state compared to 13,782 visitors recorded in H1 2014. The UAE now accounts for seven percent of total arrivals to Kenya, making it the third largest source market for the country, just behind the UK and US. “We expect further growth from this market following our recently-launched marketing campaign dubbed Choose Kenya to woo tourists from the GCC countries," said Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, KTB.
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purred by a 20 percent rise in hotel guest numbers in the first quarter of the year, Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector continues to develop with 5,200 rooms expected to come online by 2017. Based on a new report published by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) for this year’s The Hotel Show, of these units 2,300 are set to enter the market by the end of this year. All in all, within the next two years, the UAE capital’s room stock is expected to grow from 20,700 to 26,000 keys. As Chiheb Ben Mahmoud, head of hotels and hospitality group, Middle East and Africa, JLL, noted, more than 70 percent of room supply in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in the four- and five-star category; the proportion, however, is higher in the capital.
15 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS XX Saudi Arabia Cashes In on Events Sector
Mecca
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conomists have estimated that the size of the tourism event sector in Saudi Arabia exceeds over SAR100 million (USD26.7 million) annually, with more than 130 organisations being currently engaged in the business. Abdullah bin Abdul Malik Al Morshid, acting director general, programmes and products, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, commented, “Tourism events enjoy high demand because of their great benefits to the local communities in light of their direct impact on provincial economies and local populations and their important role in promoting local tourism and raising demand for the services provided to tourists.” According to Al Morshid, the tourism authority is also working towards a comprehensive programme for the development of tourism events in the Kingdom in a bid to meet a significant increase in visitation.
Families Flock to Dubai
New Terminal at Jebel Ali Port
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n increasing number of families are choosing Dubai as their holiday destination and according to luxury hotel and resort marketing specialist, SweetBeam the trend is likely to continue in the coming years at an accelerated pace. Based on research, business and leisure guest nights represent a roughly equal ratio and of those travelling for pleasure, 31 percent come from the family segment, making up around 50 – 60 percent of the total non-room revenues. In terms of family visitors, March, April and December are the most popular months in Dubai and according to Troy Simoni, CEO, SweetBeam, with a number of family attractions in the pipeline, the segment is set to further increase its significance as Dubai marches towards its goal to lure in 20 million visitors by 2020.
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P World has started construction work on a brand new container terminal at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port. The first phase of the project will add extra capacity of 3.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) by 2018, taking the facility’s total capacity to 22.1 million TEU. According to H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman, DP World, the erection of Terminal 4 is dictated by the strong economic outlook, both domestically and regionally, including the lead up to Dubai Expo 2020. “The new capacity is a response to feedback from customers expressing the need for more capacity at Jebel Ali due to an expected increase in trade in the run up to Expo 2020. Shipping lines will be able to bring more of the world’s largest vessels to our terminals,” he added.
15 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS UAE Theme Parks Scaling the Growth
Abdul Rahman Falaknaz
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heme parks in the UAE and the GCC region have an edge over their counterparts across the globe, according to Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman, International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure (DEAL) Show 2016. Such developments are expected to rake in more than AED5 billion (USD1.4 billion). Commenting on the sector’s potential, Lennard Otto, general manager, IMG Worlds of Adventure, added, “One third of the world’s population is within four hours flying time [from Dubai], and two thirds within eight hours. The theme park industry is the next piece of the puzzle for delivering an all-round experience.”
Zayed Port Welcomes New Terminal Operating System
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bu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and industrial zones in the emirate, has successfully implemented the Jade Software operating system at the main terminal of Zayed Port. The facility is the first of seven locations scheduled to have their legacy systems upgraded. Gary Lemke, executive vice president, ports, Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “The implementation of the new technology at Zayed Port is a significant milestone for us as the system generates real-time data and insight that can better serve customers.” According to Lemke, by driving greater efficiencies in cargo handling, and shaping and driving investment plans, Abu Dhabi Ports is to achieve its goal of becoming the leading general cargo port operator in the region.
Abu Dhabi Leads in Digital Marketing
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) received a senior delegation of marketing experts from the Croatian National Tourism Board (CNTB) in a bid to identify areas of best practise in digital content brand development and marketing. The meeting was coordinated by Google’s MENA regional office in cooperation with the Croatian counterpart, and as Mouza Al Shamsi, acting executive director, marketing and communications, TCA Abu Dhabi, said, it was a testament to the emirate’s position as a leader of innovative brand development in the region. “This visit is in recognition of our collaborative approach to strengthen our online brand positioning,” she added.
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15 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi to Host Chinese Outbound Conference
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eet China, a key event for travel industry professionals looking to capture more business from the Asian country, is returning to Abu Dhabi for the fourth year in a row. Formerly known as Chinese Visitor Summer, the programme will bring together representatives from hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines as well as leisure and entertainment venues from MENA, and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority expects the attendance of some 65 top-tier travel buyers from China and Taiwan. The business-to-business event will take place between August 31 – September 1.
Bahrain Boasts New Bus Network
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iming to modernise and upgrade the national public transport service, Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has started the implementation of a new network. The development will see 141 buses operating on 32 routes, with a number of new destinations, including Bahrain University, Mina Salman and Amwaj Islands, as well as new express links serving Manama and Muharraq, a new itinerary for travellers at Bahrain International Airport, and more frequent lines between key residential areas. According to the ministry, the new network achieves over 77 percent coverage catering to approximately 50,000 passengers on a daily basis.
15 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Meydan One Coming to Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, launched Meydan One, a 3.67 million square metre residential and hospitality development.
Meydan One
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ith its first phase scheduled for completion before 2020, the project will become home to the 711m-tall Dubai One tower, Meydan One Mall, a civic plaza with dancing water features, a 100-berth marina, as well as leisure facilities such as the world’s longest indoor ski slope at 1.2km, a 25,000m2 indoor multi-purpose sport facility, over 5.3km bicycle and jogging trails, and a 300m-long beach, among others. Hailed as the world’s tallest residential structure, Dubai One will incorporate 885 apartments, a five-star 350-key hotel, a conference centre, a 360-degree observation deck at 655m high, a sky restaurant, as well as Meydan One Marina Yacht Club.
Riyadh Hotel Market Remains Steady in Q2
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ones Lang LaSalle (JLL) released a report indicating that in the second quarter (Q2) of the year, Riyadh maintained relatively stable occupancy and room rates, driving RevPAR up by three percent. Jamil Ghaznawi, country head, Saudi Arabia, JLL, confirmed, “Continued growth in performance will be tempered by the large potential increase in supply, with the current room supply increasing 50 percent over the next 18 months if all proposed projects complete on schedule. Fortunately, many of these projects are unlikely to materialise in this timeframe, as construction delays remain a major feature of the Riyadh market.”
Rotana Adds New Luxury Property in Dubai
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otana has announced a new five-star hotel and serviced apartment project in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. The development will be the company’s 16th property in the emirate and 35th in the UAE, adding a total of 598 keys to the group’s existing 13,678-strong room count across the region. Nasser Al Nowais, chairman, Rotana, said, “We are very proud to have been chosen to manage this new jewel in Dubai, which will no doubt be a leading property not only in Dubai but in the UAE.” He added that this will be a premium hotel in the city, providing a new level of luxury and comfort to guests with the convenience associated with Rotana.
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15 AUGUST 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
Four Seasons Riyadh Launches Arabic Website
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
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n a bid to enhance the guest experience, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has introduced a new webpage in Arabic. The offering retains the same styling and intuitive interface as the original platform, while the information relating to the hotel’s product has been expertly translated and adapted to appeal to the everyday needs of Arabic-speaking guests. As websites generally function as the first point of contact, the move will allow Middle Eastern guests to more effectively discover and explore the Four Seasons offerings within Riyadh, as Tarek Bekhiet, regional director, marketing, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, said. “It will also encourage guests to fully comprehend the defining philosophies of the Four Seasons brand,” he added.
High Demand at Armed Forces Officers Hotel
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rmed Forces Officers Club & Hotel in Abu Dhabi recorded a year-on-year increase of around 15 percent in occupancy rates in the first half of the year, pushing the metric up to 80 percent. As Peter Freeman, deputy director general, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, noted, figures surpassed expectations and are to remain high until the end of the year thanks to the various events that are scheduled to take place in the emirate in the near future. He added, “We have also devised an ambitious plan to intensify our promotion activities abroad, mainly in China, the CIS, Latin America and our traditional markets in the Gulf and Europe.”
Jannah Burj Al Sarab Opens in Abu Dhabi
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annah Hotels & Resorts celebrated the launch of Jannah Burj Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi. Located on the capital’s Mina Road, the 18-level property features 224 king suites, 66 deluxe suites, two penthouse suites along with 22 one-bedroom suites and four royal suites. Other facilities include three large conference rooms, party halls, restaurants, cafes, gym and a spa. “The hotel is a qualitative addition to the hospitality sector in Abu Dhabi given its luxury and high-level services and facilities that suit the needs of all customers, guests and visitors,” enthused Nehme Imad Darwiche, CEO, Jannah Hotels & Resorts.
Jannah Burj Al Sarab
15 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
EMAAR PROPERTIES’ PROFIT GROWS 12 PERCENT Emaar Properties recorded a net profit of AED2.21 billion (USD600 million) during the first six months (H1) of the year, marking a 12 percent year-on-year boost.
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imilarly, revenue rose to AED6.5 billion (USD1.77 billion), up 13 percent over H1 2014. The hospitality and leisure business of the group registered a revenue of AED884 million (USD241 million), while average occupancy at the Address Hotels + Resorts properties remained stable at 87 percent. According to Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, the positive performance reflects the success of the company’s strategic approach of building value by monetising core performing businesses and international operations as well as strengthening its successful subsidiaries.
Emaar Properties’ Dubai Downtown
Turkey Welcomes Four Points by Sheraton
Radisson Blu Martinez Safehotels Certified
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts has continued its fastpaced growth in Turkey with the launch of Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Dudullu. Located in the heart of the city’s largest industrial zone, the first hotel to fly the Four Points by Sheraton flag in the country is on the Asian side and features 182 rooms, a restaurant, 224m2 of meeting space and a fitness centre. As Michael Wale, president, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, pinpointed, Turkey is now home to seven of the company’s 10 brands. Selen Ersü, chairman, Ever Group, the owner of the property, added, “Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Dudullu will be a great meeting point for sports enthusiasts as well as business travellers, ideally situated in the buzzing industrial zone of Dudullu.”
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adisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut has officially received premium certification from Safehotels, a globally recognised security consultancy, becoming the first property in Lebanon to obtain such a credit. According to Kosta Kourotsidis, general manager, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut, the accreditation underscores the hotel’s focus on key elements of guest security relating to personal property and the right response to any potential incident or emergency situation. From this January, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s selected properties across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region have begun the formal Safehotels certification process. In line with this, a number of criteria are being covered, including security equipment, staff awareness and training, fire security and first aid.
15 AUGUST 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Etihad Dreamliner Flies Daily to Singapore
Singapore
Setting a new benchmark for travel on the UAE – Singapore route, Etihad Airways introduced a daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service offering First Suites, Business Studios and Economy Smart seats.
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ames Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, commented, “Never before has the airline had such a compelling proposition nor been as strong a competitor in the Singapore travel market. “With evening departures in both directions, we offer our guests in the UAE and Singapore more convenient travel times and improved connectivity to 35 destinations in the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe.” The aircraft can accommodate 235 guests; eight in first, 28 in business and 199 in economy class.
Emirates Adds New A380 Madrid Service
Oman Air Unveils Revamped Lounges
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mirates has marked the fifth anniversary of its operations to Spain with the introduction of a new Airbus A380 flight to Madrid. The Dubai-based airline has become the first carrier to offer a scheduled A380 service to the Spanish capital, expanding the company’s A380 network to 35 destinations. The flight will add 2,900 seats per week on the route, bringing the total number of weekly seats to and from the European country to over 22,000. “In the last five years we have progressively built up our services to Spain, responding to strong demand by bringing our flagship A380 to not one but now two Spanish cities, Barcelona and Madrid,” commented Fernando Suarez de Gongora, country manager, Spain, Emirates.
15 AUGUST 2015
Launch ceremony of Oman Air's refurbished lounges
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man Air has debuted its refurbished first and business class lounges at Muscat International Airport. The upgrade was undertaken to guarantee that the facilities remain in pristine condition, and to make sure that they can be enjoyed by a larger number of guests. With the ability to now accommodate 100 travellers, the renewed lounges also feature a modern family room, and additional spa area separate prayer and wash rooms for men and women, a business centre, as well as enhanced dining outlets.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR flydubai Boosts Customer Service Infrastructure
Fourth Emirates A380 to Bangkok
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mirates is adding a fourth daily Airbus A380 service on the Dubai – Bangkok route, effective from December 1. The upgauge from the current Boeing 777-300ER aircraft means a capacity increase of 255 seats per flight and 3,570 seats per week to and from the Thai capital. “The Dubai – Bangkok route is a popular choice and this additional A380 service will be instrumental in helping us meet growing passenger demand, as well as deliver substantial economic benefits through travel connections and inbound seats,” commented Barry Brown, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, East, Emirates.
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lydubai has announced a new agreement with Radixx International, a provider of cloud-based reservation and distribution systems for airlines, that will allow the Dubai-based carrier to further strengthen its customer service operations. The deal includes a licence for flydubai to access and modify the Radixx Air Passenger Services System source code and ongoing customer service system, offering flydubai control over its core software solutions. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, stated, “Through this USD50 million investment, we aim to create a customised and easily scalable platform both in terms of functionality and volumes which support our deeply tailored, flexible customer offering that meets the evolving needs of the business.”
Emirates A380
Yarra River, Melbourne
Etihad Adds Second Daily Melbourne Service
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tihad Airways has further consolidated its presence in Australia with the introduction of a second daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne. The extra service, which is being operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, will put the Gulf carrier in its strongest-ever position in the Melbourne market as James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, noted. “Becoming the only airline to offer double daily nonstop flights between Melbourne and the UAE clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Victoria and exponentially increases the attractiveness of our customer proposition,” added Hogan. Etihad Airways now operates 39 nonstop weekly return flights to and from Australian gateways. 15 AUGUST 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS RJ and Qatar Airways Enhance Ties
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oyal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and oneworld partner Qatar Airways have further strengthened their relationship by launching a new codeshare agreement. The deal will allow passengers travelling between Amman and Doha on both RJ and the Qatari airline to benefit from the same code and a streamlined level of services. The cooperation is set to pave the way for additional codeshare expansions in the new future between the companies across destinations in the US and Asia. According to Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, becoming a member of oneworld has enabled the airline to strengthen its competitive offering, while expanding travel options to passengers.
Emirates Touches Down in Birmingham
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mirates commenced its third daily service to Birmingham, bringing its total number of nonstop weekly flights from Dubai to the UK to 119. This additional frequency means that passengers have access to more than 1,200 seats daily from the English city to the emirate, as Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham Airport, said. “We have seen the route grow from strength to strength over the last one and a half decades due to the enormous demand in the Midlands for long-haul connectivity, so I thank the Emirates team for their commitment to Birmingham and wish them a happy 15th anniversary for later this year,” he added. Emirates started flying to Birmingham in December 2000 when it launched the route with a daily nonstop service.
Birmingham
Gulf Air Strengthens Pakistan Presence
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ulf Air launched four new sales offices in the northern Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Sialkot. Conveniently situated in prime locations, the new branches boast dedicated departments and personnel to manager passengers’ ticketing and sales requirements and respond to any general enquiries. Bahrain’s national carrier currently operates 23 weekly services between the Kingdom and five destinations in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Sialkot.
15 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
flydubai to Operate from DWC
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oinciding with the commencement of its winter schedule, as of October 25, flydubai will launch new passenger services from Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC). Flights for both business and economy travellers to Amman, Beirut, Chittagong, Doha, Kathmandu, Kuwait and Muscat will become available from the emirate’s newest hub while the destinations will continue to be offered from Dubai International. “We know from listening to the feedback from our passengers that they value the convenience and flexibility of Terminal 2 at Dubai International. We believe that our new operations at DWC will offer the same enhanced travel experience to our passengers and will enable us to cover more of Dubai,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai.
Air Arabia Maintains Financial Position
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ir Arabia reported strong financial results for the first half of the year as the airline continues to make strategic investments to support its long-term vision. The company’s turnover for the period under review reached AED1.75 billion (USD476 million), in line with the corresponding period in 2014, while net profit stood at AED237 million (USD64.5 million), marking a drop of four percent, mainly driven by pressures yield margins due to market conditions as well as a number of investments which will begin to fully deliver value in the near future. As Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, pinpointed, the first half of the year saw the company taking major steps in investing in its growth.
15 AUGUST 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS
Panzhihua City to Welcome New Resort
Dusit Princess Resort Panzhihua, Sichuan
BEST WESTERN PREMIER Solo Baru
Dusit Fudu Hotels & Resorts is to manage the 150room Dusit Princess Resort in Panzhihua City, Sichuan province, which, upon opening in late 2016, will become the Chinese city’s first international resort.
Solo Unveils Tallest Hotel
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est Western International (BWI) has unveiled a new hotel in Solo, Central Java, which is literally taking accommodation in the city to new heights. Rising 82m, the new BEST WESTERN PREMIER Solo Baru has become the Indonesian city’s tallest hotel. It boasts a spa, swimming pool and the Sky Fitness Center located on the 22nd floor. Additionally, guests can choose from a variety of food and beverage options and business and event spaces. Olivier Berrivin, managing director, international operating, Asia, BWI, said, “I am confident that the hotel will [...] reshape how people think about Best Western hotels.”
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he property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge and three function rooms. For recreation, guests can choose from a range of facilities including a gym, dance studio, kids’ club and activity room, while the medical centre will offer therapeutic Chinese medicine services. The development is located within a sprawling complex which also comprises Dusit Thani Panzhihua Resort, hot springs facilities, sports venues, a golf course, luxury residential blocks, a hospital, school and a theme park.
Four Points by Sheraton Enters Indonesia
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta, marking the brand’s debut in Indonesia. Located just minutes away from Kuta Beach, the company’s seventh property in the country features 185 rooms, a restaurant, fitness centre and a kids’ club. As Charlie Dang, regional vice president, southeast Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, pinpointed, the launch of the hotel comes in response to the growing demand for midmarket accommodation especially Bali.
15 AUGUST 2015
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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Please give us a short introduction to the recently-launched Hyatt Regency Makkah. AMR EL EBYARI: Hyatt Regency Makkah is the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Mecca, and the first Hyatt Regencybranded hotel to open in Saudi Arabia. Hyatt Regency Makkah spans over 19 floors, featuring 656 generouslysized guestrooms, including 26 suites. Situated at the heart of the holy city of Mecca, the hotel offers visitors and pilgrims alike a unique hospitality experience, blending comfort and convenience in an elegant atmosphere. The hotel is just a one-minute walk to the Masjid Al-Haram mosque. It is readily accessible by road, with seamless connectivity to and from Jeddah, the region’s urban centre and main port city, as well as King Abdulaziz International Airport. Hyatt Regency Makkah features a wide range of dining experiences, taking guests and local residents through a culinary journey to ensure [we meet] all our guests’ diverse needs and prefer-
Q & A with
Amr El Ebyari
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, HYATT REGENCY MAKKAH
ences. Featuring The Oasis, an all-day dining restaurant; Al Forno, an Italian restaurant; Tea Lounge, the lobby lounge; and Al Tekkeya, a Grab and Go market, we offer guests, especially worshippers, quick and high-quality meals. For added flexibility and convenience, the hotel also provides 24-hour in-room dining service. Hyatt Regency Makkah boasts a number of excellent on-site facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation, including a separate men and women state-ofthe-art fitness centre with cardio and strength-training equipment. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What were the main reasons behind the decision to debut the brand in Mecca? AMR EL EBYARI: We are honoured and delighted to open Hyatt Regency Makkah in the holy city of Mecca and we look forward to introducing other Hyatt brands, such as Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, to Mecca in the coming years, fulfilling our mission to have hotels in places where our guests are travelling. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Which markets do you expect the hotel to cater to? AMR EL EBYARI: Hyatt Regency Makkah will be delighted to host all Muslim visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
Hyatt Regency Makkah
HYATT REGENCY MAKKAH MARKED THE OPENING OF THE FIRST HYATT-BRANDED HOTEL IN THE CITY WITH ANOTHER PROPERTY FLYING THE SAME FLAG EXPECTED IN RIYADH IN 2016. AMR EL EBYARI, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, HYATT REGENCY MAKKAH, SPEAKS ABOUT THE HOTEL AND ITS CLIENTELE.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are your predictions for the country’s tourism future? AMR EL EBYARI: The Kingdom, especially Mecca has a great potential, as soon as the holy Mosque’s expansion will be completed in the near future; the visas for Hajj and Umrah visitors will be increased and [the country will] open for all potential markets.
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WE LOOK FORWARD TO INTRODUCING OTHER HYATT BRANDS Hyatt Regency Makkah
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WHO'S MOVED
ROBERT BARKER
ARCHANA KAWATRA
15 AUGUST 2015
Robert Barker has joined Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, Dubai as general manager. A 30-year veteran of the industry, Barker has worked in 13 different countries around the globe, including Belgium, Venezuela, China and Japan, holding various positions at a selection of distinguished properties. He began his hospitality career with Brussels Hilton International as a food and beverage trainee. His journey then progressed in South America and Asia with four Hilton Worldwide and four Hyatt hotels before accepting his first role in the Middle East. Prior to his appointment at Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, Barker was general manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai for five years.
Archana Kawatra has been named director of sales and marketing at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Kawatra will be responsible for the sales and business development activities of the 282-key property. Her tasks include identifying market trends, determining system improvements and initiating positive developments. She will spearhead the implementation of new initiatives to enhance the account portfolio of the hotel. She brings over 18 years of hospitality experience to the role, having previously served at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi, Rotana’s corporate sales office, Hyatt in Dubai, Taj Group of Hotels, The Ambassador Group of Hotels and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
ABDELLATIF ERRAJI
Abdellatif Erraji has taken the helm at two Jannah Hotels & Resorts properties in Dubai, namely Jannah Place Dubai Marina and Marina Bay Suites by Jannah. Erraji, who now holds the title of mayor of the hotels, graduated from Mohammed V University in hotel management. He has completely devoted his career to the hospitality industry and has a penchant for technology, especially when it comes to developing new ideas to further improve hotel services. Erraji is now looking forward to working with his team to ensure that guests’ needs are met with the highest levels of standards.
Erraji is a technology enthusiast
RENÉE JAMES
Renée James has been elected to Sabre’s board of directors. James accepted the position after gaining experience as the president of Intel Corporation. She is also a member of the board of directors of Vodafone and in 2012, she was appointed by Barack Obama, president, US, to serve as a member of the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. Earlier in her career, James was executive vice president and the general manager of the software and services group; vice president for developer programmes; and director and chief operating officer of Intel Online Services. She was also part of the pioneering team working with independent software vendors to port applications to Intel Architecture, and served as chief of staff.
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TRAVEL TALK
JAMES HOGAN President, Etihad Airways
We do not have passengers, we have guests
Together [...] there could be an enormous boost
“What we bring to the market is competition [...]. We see strong demand in premium and we are very focussed on the business traveller – when you look at our lounges, when you look at the services that we provide – to ensure that the trip is as seamless as it can be. [...] Innovation – one of the greatest things about travel in this era is the consumer can find out so much about your business. In our culture, we do not have passengers, we have guests and that guest experience [...] is fundamental, and treating the guest with respect.”
“There is much that can be improved in [Jordan’s] tourism sector. The first and most important issue is the prices that are high in Jordan. [Prices] can be lowered by either upgrading productivity, focussing on the combination of quantity and quality, lowering airport taxes, upgrading the public transport services or the local produce to hotels. Together with the development of innovative tourism concepts that are jumping on top of the trends in the travel market, there could be an enormous boost to tourism.”
CARMEN AL MASHAILEH -SCHOLTEN General manager, In2Jordan Travel Agency
The aparthotel concept has proven to be a success
KARIM ZAKI General manager, Novotel, ibis and Adagio Fujairah
“The aparthotel concept appeals to families and long-stay guests who enjoy the space, fully equipped kitchen and hotel facilities [...]. On the other side of the spectrum there are the travellers who look for the comfort of home and value for money [offers] which again aparthotels provide with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines and their central location. The aparthotel concept has proven to be a success amongst visitors to Fujairah and we are working to ensure high levels of service and a comfortable stay for every guest.”
Vida properties are vibrant retreats
STEFAN VIARD General manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts
“To receive [the Best Lifestyle Leisure Hotel Group in the World and the Best Hotel Refurbishment Award for Manzil Downtown Dubai at the Leisure Travel Award Ceremony] is testament to the values that we bring to the hospitality industry. It underlines the commitment of our team to provide exceptional service in an inspiring environment that connects with the new generation of travellers. Vida properties are vibrant retreats that combine sophistication, style, comfort and convenience, to make our discerning patrons feel at home.”
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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AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Carmen Al Mashaileh - Scholten
POSITION:
General manager
COMPANY:
In2Jordan Travel Agency
LOCATION:
Jordan
WEBSITE:
www.in2jordan.com
Aviapartner’s cargo handling operations
dnata Acquires Cargo Operations in Amsterdam
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? After finishing my studies in commerce with a specialisation in cross-cultural management and social entrepreneurship, I moved to Jordan. That was four years ago. [...] When the opportunity came by to open a travel agency, I grabbed it with two hands. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? We are always there for the customer. From the moment they are considering a holiday until after they have left the country. We can be contacted 24/7. Some accommodations and activities are hard to organise by yourself. That is where we come in and organise itineraries [...]. What is the most frequently asked question that you receive from customers? “Is it safe to visit Jordan?” As with many countries in the Middle East, the media plays an important role in the image of the safety of a destination. But in fact, there are no negative travel advice from any embassy to visit Jordan. [...] What are the must-visits and must-dos in Jordan that no one should miss? At least a two-day visit to Petra. The area is huge and you will miss out great ancient Nabatean routes if you only visit Petra for a day. [...] We have multiple hot springs, the white Wadi Araba desert, the red Wadi Rum Desert, crusader castles, desert castles, nature reserves, multiple holy sites, churches and mosaics, the Dead Sea, the beautiful Abraham Path walking trail [...]. Which destinations are on your bucket-list? Sudan and Iran. 15 AUGUST 2015
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nata reached an agreement with Aviapartner to purchase its cargo handling operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The facility includes several specialist product lines such as the Schiphol Animal Centre and Temperature Control Centre, as well as its Freighter Ramp Handling operations. “Our strategy is to offer the highest level of service excellence in each market we operate,” said Stewart Angus, divisional senior vice president, international airport operations, dnata, adding that Aviapartner’s facility in the Dutch capital perfectly fits the bill and is to enhance the company’s growing international cargo network.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS Training Course on Heritage Preservation
Etihad Staff Supports Nepali Earthquake Victims Etihad Airways employees raised almost AED270,000 (USD73,600) to help earthquake survivors rebuild their lives and communities in Nepal.
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articipants volunteered and ran a ‘bake and aid’ sale, organised a sport tournament, a raffle competition and other events across the organisation. A donation scheme was also set up in collaboration with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to collect financial contributions. Ray Gammell, chief people and performance officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We are proud that year after year, our people have generously provided their time and resources and donated financially to such important causes.”
Visa to Roll Out New Booking and Reporting Solution
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l Turath heritage foundation in collaboration with Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture has launched a summer training course on the preservation of urban heritage sites, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Osama bin Mohammad Nur Al Johari, secretary general, Al Turath, referred to the significance of the programme and its role in highlighting the importance of preserving values in Islamic heritage areas, as well as analysing and documenting these locations and their historic buildings. The events were attended and addressed by highly recognised international experts and specialists in the field of urban heritage, in which latest technologies and modern educational and training ways are used.
Shurooq Remains Committed to Sustainability
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isa teamed up with Orbitz for Business, the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide, to provide corporate clients with a turn-key, end-to-end travel and expense solution designed to make booking, reconciliation and reporting more efficient through a new platform. Visa Travel Manager will be available to Visa issuers and their clients from October. “Visa Travel Solutions offer convenience, efficiency, transparency and insight throughout the travel lifecycle,” said David Henstock, vice president, global commercial solutions, Visa. “With Visa Travel Manager, we are bringing together two recognized brands to offer a great customer experience, making business travel easier than ever for midmarket companies.”
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he Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has reaffirmed its pledge to employ the highest sustainability and energy reduction standards in all of its current and future projects. Since switching all lighting systems in Al Qasba from the traditional bulbs to LEDs, a 93 percent reduction has been achieved in power consumption and to find solutions for renewable and alternative energy sources, the organisation also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority. “Our goal is to put Sharjah at the forefront of green practices, through attracting investors interested in this area,” confirmed H.E. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq.
Al Qasba, Sharjah
15 AUGUST 2015
PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Fraser Suites Doha wished Happy Birthday to its beloved guest Jala Al Janabi
Kids participated in a pizza making activity at Tilal Liwa Hotel
The team of Azraq Restaurant at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara celebrated the FACT Dining Award for the Best All-day Dining Restaurant in Doha
15 AUGUST 2015
InterContinental Regency Bahrain won The Specific Council For Training and Development Bahrainization Award for its human resources department
Crusty warm sajjs prepared at InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa
Kids enjoy fun activities at Red Sea Mall
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NEWS & EVENTS Summer Events across Saudi Arabia
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everal provinces in Saudi Arabia have organised tourism programmes as part of the monthlong Saudi Summer 2015 initiative which runs until August 15. Held in cooperation with the tourist development councils, Saudi Summer 2015 features events for visitors of all ages, including entertainment, shopping, cultural, heritage, social, sports and desert activities and some exclusively devoted to agricultural products in the provinces.
CITE Presents Tourism Networking Platform
EVENTS ICOMEX Mexico City, Mexico August 25 – 26 www.icomex-mexico.com Part of ibtm events, the show focusses on incentives, congresses and conventions in Latin America.
ONLINE TRAVEL MARKET HURGHADA Hurghada, Egypt September 04 – 05 www.otmhurghada.com A specialised event for travel technology and online travel solutions in Egypt and the Middle East.
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unning between December 3 – 5, the fourth Chengdu International Tourism Expo (CITE) is expected to attract over 200 exhibitors from 40 countries, and more than 3,000 trade professionals and 40,000 visitors. Organised by Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) Singapore and CEMS (Beijing) Conference & Exhibition, the event will host various on-site activities such as business-tobusiness meetings, hosted buyers programme and destination presentations. FOOD & HOSPITALITY OMAN Muscat, Oman September 07 – 09 foodandhospitalityoman.com A business and networking platform to promote the latest products and services in the food and beverage sector.
MICE ASIA PACIFIC EXHIBITION Singapore, Singapore September 10 – 11 www.miceasiaexhibition.com Over two days, the event aims to connect Asia’s leading meetings, conference, exhibition and events organisers and help them network with Asia Pacific venues.
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