22 AUGUST 2015
ISSUE 302
360-DEGREE VIEW OF DUBAI AT NIGHT SINCE OPENING IN JUNE 2014 AND UP UNTIL MAY, HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HIA) HAS SERVED A TOTAL OF 28 MILLION PASSENGERS.
05 STARWOOD TO ADD FOUR DUBAI PROPERTIES
11 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE AIRPORTS ACCOMMODATION AIR INTERNATIONAL RENDEZVOUS WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS
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HIA CATERS TO 28 MILLION PASSENGERS IN FIRST YEAR
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli
Jazeera Airways: Profit up 27 Percent Jazeera Airways Group registered a net profit of KWD6.2 million (USD20.5 million) for the first half of the year, an increase of 27.1 percent over the corresponding period in 2014.
SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu
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DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou
he results were driven by a notable growth in demand and higher load factors, which rose 4.1 percent year-onyear. “Our continued double-digit growth despite all the challenges proves that we have the right strategy in place for our market with the right product for our customers, to whom we are very thankful for making Jazeera Airways one of the most successful airlines in the Middle East,” commented Marwan Boodai, chairman, Jazeera Airways Group.
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES As of
ADIA: Two Million Passengers in One Month In July, Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) has passed the two million passenger mark within a single month for the first time in its history.
21/8/2015
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o celebrate the record, Abu Dhabi Airports’ management greeted the two millionth passenger, Saeed Ali Al Suraidi, who arrived from Cairo on an Etihad Airways flight. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “More and more travellers are choosing Abu Dhabi as a final destination or transit point, and this is supported by the increased flight connectivity available at the capital’s airport. We are investing considerable effort and resource in ensuring that the passenger experience […] is always of the highest quality by increasing capacity and offering a broader range of services.”
Abu Dhabi Airports’ management with Saeed Ali Al Suraidi (second from right)
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
22 AUGUST 2015
MARKET UPDATE
Wyndham: Revenues up 20.4 Percent
Ramada Dammam Hotel and Suites
Wyndham Hotel Group closed the first half of the year with net revenues of USD626 million, up from USD520 million on the corresponding period in 2014.
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he positive results were supported by strong figures in the second quarter (Q2) with revenues rising 18 percent to USD334 million, reflecting the highest RevPAR in the US and notable worldwide room growth. “We delivered strong results in Q2,” said Stephen Holmes, CEO, Wyndham Worldwide, referring to the company-wide results which showed four percent rise in revenues to USD1.4 billion. “We are well positioned to benefit from improving economic and emerging trends in leisure travel,” added Holmes.
Marriott International’s Q2 Income Surges Marriott International’s second quarter (Q2) 2015 results highlight a net revenue of USD240 million, representing a 25 percent increase over the same period in 2014.
Arne Sorenson
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rne Sorenson, president, Marriott International, said, “We were pleased with our results in the quarter. Our worldwide RevPAR grew over five percent and rooms growth increased more than six percent. With many hotels reporting peak occupancy rates, room rates continue to move higher.” The company added 101 new properties with over 20,000 rooms to its global portfolio, while its worldwide development pipeline increased to more than 250,000 units, including approximately 35,000 rooms approved.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
HIA CATERS TO 28 MILLION PASSENGERS IN FIRST YEAR
QAIA Welcomes Over Three Million Passengers
Since opening in June 2014 and up until May, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has served a total of 28 million passengers, signalling a 23.6 percent year-on-year increase compared to figures seen at Doha International Airport.
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HIA
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oreover, in the second quarter of the year, 7.28 million passengers arrived, departed or transferred through HIA. With the airport now accommodating 36 carriers, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer, HIA, said, “We have now geared up to manage a much larger and more mature business, creating the capability to integrate several diverse service propositions in a manner which will lead to efficiency and an overall experience for our airport stakeholders and our passengers alike.”
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or the first half of the year, cargo figures at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) rose 8.3 percent year-on-year to reach 48,973 tonnes, while passenger traffic declined 9.2 percent with over 3.25 million travellers. The plunge in passenger numbers was affected by route cancellations driven by regional circumstances, as Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG, commented. He added, “Our outlook remains positive for the remainder of [the year], stemming in part from cargo traffic’s ongoing increase [...], as well as the recent addition of Ukraine International Airlines and the low-cost carrier, Air Arabia Jordan, to QAIA’s airline network.”
22 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
360-Degree View of Dubai at Night Dubai’s famous skyline can now be enjoyed at night from anywhere in the world thanks to Dubai 360’s new feature.
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Dubai Marina at night
hot over the course of 30 nights, the new addition to the interactive city tour site includes a number of the destination’s landmarks with clickable hotspots. As Ismaeil Al Hasmi, project director, Dubai 360, noted, the emirate truly comes alive at night with a stunning skyline that renders a completely different appeal once the sun goes down. “This update features over 140 panoramas taking the total number of images on Dubai 360 to over 2,200,” added Al Hasmi.
Khareef Season Boosts Salalah Arrivals
UAE’s Medical Travel Industry Needs a Boost
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e s on E ha est A U The he high n of of t tratio at a s en conc surgeon tio? a c i r t s pla 8, 000 1:1
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Salalah
ith many Asian destinations deemed cheaper and a large number of its nationals travelling abroad to countries such as the UK, US, Thailand and Germany for healthcare reasons, UAE’s medical tourism is facing a serious challenge. This was uncovered by a Colliers International’s report which will be further discussed at the upcoming International Medical Travel Exhibition & Conference organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions. In 2012, Dubai alone received 107,000 medical tourists for various treatments, but retaining even more patients who seek medical care abroad can lead to increased profitability, according to Mansoor Ahmed, director of healthcare, education and public private partnership, MENA, Colliers International.
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alalah welcomed 238,675 visitors between June 21 and August 1 as travellers from both within the Sultanate and from across the region flocked to Dhofar to witness the annual Khareef season. Based on data compiled by the National Centre for Statistics & Information, GCC residents represented 99 percent of the total with Omanis accounting for 67 percent of the visits, while arrivals from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwat and Qatar also soared.
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WEEKLY NEWS XX
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iming to further drive the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and set out the destination’s strategic plans, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority held a meeting attended by leading government representatives. The move follows the entity’s recent announcement of an aggressive growth strategy, targeting 20 new hotels expected to add 10,000 rooms to the emirate by 2022. “[In 2014] Ras Al Khaimah saw 730,000 visitors in the emirate and our target is to attract one million by the end of 2018, setting ambitious targets to position Ras Al Khaimah as an authentic destination for both business and leisure travellers,” commented Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
Participants in the meeting
Ras Al Khaimah: Tourism Strategy Defined
Shift Car Rental Grows
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hift Car Rental, part of AW Rostamani Group is determined to further expand its business over the next five years with the investment of some AED400 million (USD109 million). The funds will be allocated for doubling the company’s fleet and launching new locations in the UAE. In addition, the firm also plans to relocate to an all-new state-of-the-art facility at Al Quoz which will be managed by Arabian Automobiles. “We constantly evaluate our customers’ needs to make targeted investments. Our vision for the year 2020 is to be the number one car rental company in the UAE in terms of quality and service,” commented Ashish Nanda, senior general manager, Shift Car Rental.
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22 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Halal Travel Glossary Launched
Dubai’s Retail Sector Showcased at Congress
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rescentRating has published a new guide, providing access to a wealth of terminology used in Halal travel. More than 150 terms and expressions are explained in the publication, which is already available as an e-book with plans to turn it into an easy-to-navigate online resource in the near future. Considering that by 2020, the Halal travel segment is set to be worth USD200 billion, correct interpretation of these words is imperative for all travel-related businesses, according to Fazal Bahardeen, CEO, CrescentRating. “With an increasing number of destinations and services looking to attract Muslim travellers, there is a need to better understand the terms used to describe the market needs and practices related to this segment,” added Bahardeen.
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n light of Dubai’s status as a leading global retail destination, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be taking a delegation consisting of business leaders from the retail sector to the ninth World Retail Congress in Rome, from September 8 – 10. The chamber sees this as a fantastic opportunity for the emirate to showcase what it has to offer to leading global retail leaders, businesses and leisure tourists. The latest edition of the congress, themed Retail Transformation today, tomorrow and beyond, will be attended by hundreds of leading global retail executives, who will share new thinking, latest innovations and debate the challenges and opportunities facing the future of the retail industry.
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22 AUGUST 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Dubai Parks and Resorts on Track to Reach Targets Musafir.com’s delegation with DTCM representatives
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ravel website, Musafir.com has partnered with Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to promote the emirate to Indian travellers. The collaboration will build awareness and boost inbound tourism from the subcontinent by highlighting cultural, leisure and entertainment options in Dubai. As Issam Kazim, CEO, DTCM, noted, India is consistently ranking among the destination’s top five feeder markets with approximately 10 percent of the emirate’s total number of international overnight visitors coming from the Asian country in 2014.
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ubai Parks and Resorts has completed 57 percent of project infrastructure and 80 percent of procurement by the end of the second quarter. As Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai Parks and Resorts, explained, in a little over 12 months, the company will deliver a world-class attraction. “As the first multi-themed family entertainment destination in the region, Dubai Parks and Resorts is uniquely positioned to benefit from Dubai’s growing popularity [...]. We continue to track well against our plans and it is pleasing to see the project coming to life [...],” added Al Nuaimi, suggesting the projected revenue in the first full year of operation is estimated at AED2.4 billion (USD653 million) with over 5,000 jobs created across the sector.
Raaj Mahal Theatre
22 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS
Al Ula
SCTNH Supports New Hotels, Inns and Camps
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audi investors are increasingly engaged in the establishment of hotels, inns and desert camps, according to Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTNH). The commission further stressed that the accommodation sector is seen as one of the promising economic sectors, especially after the approval of tourism and hospitality projects loan programme. Several such projects include Al Melfi Heritage Inn in the suburb of Onaiza city, a roadside inn by Fahad Abdullah Faji in Medina and Madakheel Tourism Camp in Al Ula.
Muscat International Airport
New Developments at Muscat International Airport
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n order to enhance the existing infrastructure at Muscat International Airport, Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) launched a new luggage belt as well as an extension in front of the departures area. Sheikh Ayman Ahmed Al Hosnei, acting CEO, OAMC, stressed the company’s commitment to work alongside strategic partners in order to meet passengers’ needs, mainly by focussing on projects that enhance travel experience. By the end of April, traveller numbers at Muscat International Airport reached a total of 3,227,912, increasing 9.1 percent when compared to 2,957,770 passengers during the same period in 2014.
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22 AUGUST 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
Starwood to Add Four Dubai Properties Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and real estate developer Dubai Properties have signed an agreement to launch four new projects in Dubai under the hotelier’s Aloft and Element brands.
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ls & Hote ide d o wo ldw Star r ts Wor ruple o a s u e q d stern R s to a plan iddle E lio by M o f s t t r i t po Alof 2019?
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he partnership further strengthens the company’s mid-range portfolio with 11 announced deals year to date, representing nearly 50 percent of the group’s Middle East pipeline. Scheduled to open in 2018, the four properties will add a total of 816 rooms to Dubai’s inventory. The 227-key Aloft Dubai Dubiotech will be located in the world’s first free zone area dedicated to the life science industry; the 200-unit Aloft Dubai Studio City will form part of Dubai Media City; Aloft Dubai IMPZ will introduce 221 rooms to International Media Production Zone (IMPZ); while with 168 studios, Element Dubai IMPZ will target today’s eco-conscious and active traveller.
Armed Forces Officers Hotel Boasts New Webpage
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rmed Forces Officers Club & Hotel in Abu Dhabi launched a new website which allows direct bookings while offering an upgraded interface for easier browsing. Peter Freeman, deputy director general, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, commented, “Guests and visitors worldwide can now book through this website. They no longer need to contact the hotel for booking.” The property celebrated the launch of the new website by offering special prices for online reservations during a limited period.
Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
22 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Emirates and Bangkok Airways Codeshare Emirates concluded a new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways which is set to open up new destinations for both airlines’ passengers from Europe, Australasia and Southeast Asia.
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he deal will see Emirates add a total of 14 new destinations to its global network, and passengers travelling to Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will also be able to take advantage of the Thai airline’s codeshare routes. Bangkok Airways flights will easily connect with Emirates services from Dubai and beyond, and will also provide increased connectivity for passengers from Australia and New Zealand.
Gulf Air fire and safety drill
Gulf Air: Fire and Safety Measures up to Par
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n order to ensure that its staff is equipped to handle any emergency situation in a timely, safe and responsible manner, Gulf Air successfully conducted a company-wide fire and safety drill at its headquarters, in line with Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Interior requirements. The drill, which was performed in coordination with Bahrain’s Civil Defence Department, aimed to assess the adequacy of plans and procedures in the event of an emergency. The successful completion provided the airline’s staff with a valuable opportunity to learn and improve their emergency preparedness.
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22 AUGUST 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS Qatar Airways Cargo Welcomes New Boeing Freighter
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atar Airways Cargo welcomed its first Boeing B747 freighter, which recently completed its maiden flight from Doha to Hong Kong. Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer, cargo, Qatar Airways, commented, “Qatar Airways Cargo continues to grow: we have achieved our status as the world’s fifth largest cargo carrier by adopting a market-responsive strategy that is strengthened by our global network and expanding fleet. The addition of the B747 freighter will enable further flexibility by supplementing our existing scheduled services as and when required.” The airline will welcome a Boeing B747-400F in October, replacing the existing aircraft to better cater to oversized cargo transportation demands.
All-Round A380 Service to London with Emirates
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mirates’ eight daily flights to London will all be served by Airbus A380 aircraft from January 1, 2016, cementing the airline’s status as the largest international A380 operator into the British capital. Combined with the carrier’s double-daily A380 services to Manchester, it will offer 70 A380 flights per week into the UK, more than any other country on its network. The third A380 into London’s Gatwick Airport will replace Emirates flights EK011/EK012, providing customers with a consistent experience.
Emirates A380 lands at London’s Gatwick Airport
22 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR Etihad Unveils Refurbished Lounge in Abu Dhabi
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Etihad Airways lounge
tihad Airways has reopened its first- and business-class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 1. Spanning 1,044m2, the upgraded facility offers a seating area for 134 guests and boasts stylish design elements inspired by the airline’s new branding and image. Open 24 hours a day, it comprises a range of facilities and food and beverage services, as well as a Six Senses Spa. “Our guests travelling from and transiting through Abu Dhabi Terminal 3, and now Terminal 1, will start their journey with a superior lounge experience in a stylish and well equipped environment where they can relax and recharge,” commented Shane O’Hare, senior vice president, marketing, Etihad Airways.
Air Arabia Jordan to Fly to Dammam
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ammam will become Air Arabia Jordan’s fifth destination, effective from September 1. The low-cost carrier will operate twice-weekly services between Amman and its second Saudi destination on Wednesdays and Sundays. The largest city in the Eastern Province is considered the entry point to the area for more than four million people and a major centre of industry and oil production in the Middle East. Dammam is also home to King Abdul Aziz Sea Port, one of the busiest commercial ports in the Kingdom. 22 AUGUST 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Oman Air Backs Tourism Festival
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man Air has extended its support to Salalah Tourism Festival as the official airline of the annual event. As part of its participation in the programme, the carrier has set up a stall where experienced staff members were on hand to help visitors discover more about the company’s new products and services, and even make bookings. Between June and September, the national airline is to operate 284 return flights between Muscat and Salalah, representing a 11 percent increase over 2014 and meaning that as many as 352,738 passengers have the opportunity to travel between the capital and the Dhofar region.
Emirates: Six Daily A380 Flights to Australia
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mirates is further strengthening its presence in Australia with the introduction of new Airbus A380 services on two of its daily frequencies, effective from March 1, 2016. This will provide more travel options as well as additional seat capacity. Thus, Melbourne will be served twice daily with an A380; Singapore will also receive two flights per day with the airliner; and Australia will become the third largest A380 destination for the carrier globally. “Emirates’ daily service between Dubai and Melbourne, through Singapore has proven a popular choice amongst travellers and we are pleased to be able to provide additional capacity on this route,” said Barry Brown, divisional senior vice president, commercial, East, Emirates.
22 AUGUST 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Westin Hotels & Resorts Enters Jackson, Mississippi
dusitD2 Hot Springs Resort Dabieshan, Anhui
Jackson, Mississippi
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estin Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, will open its first property in Jackson, Mississippi with the introduction of The Westin Jackson. The hotel, slated to open in early 2017, will be located in Jackson’s downtown arts and cultural district. Owned by Capital Hotel Associates and operated by Wischermann Partners, the newly-constructed property will offer nine floors with 205 luxurious rooms and suites, state-of-the-art meeting space, as well as all of the brand’s signature services and amenities. The USD60 million public-private development is expected to boost travel and tourism in downtown Jackson.
Dusit Boasts New Hot Springs Resort in China
Quebec Welcomes First Holiday Inn Express
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Holiday Inn Express and Suites Vaudreuil-Dorion
BEST WESTERN PLUS Wanda Grand Hotel
BWI Adds to Bangkok Portfolio
est Western International (BWI) will launch its first hotel in the up and coming area of North Bangkok in the fourth quarter of the year. BEST WESTERN PLUS Wanda Grand Hotel boasts 183 rooms and suites, including a range of superior and two-bedroom suite options. Other facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre, eight function rooms and a banqueting hall. “We expect that this stylish upscale hotel will become a magnet for corporate travellers, due to its proximity to local businesses, government offices and IMPACT – Thailand’s biggest conference and events facility,” explained Oliver Berrivin, managing director, international operations, Asia, BWI.
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hina’s Anhui Province is due to welcome a new property by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, the 300-key dusitD2 Hot Springs Resort Dabieshan, Anhui, slated for a late 2018 opening. The hotel will feature rooms and villas, with private hot springs and a Devarana Spa, plus a gym, indoor pool, tennis court, ballroom and meeting facilities, and three dining options. Dabieshan mountain range is famous for serene bamboo forests, tea plantations and the Dabieshan National Forest Park. A family adventure park, ski facilities, marina and a commercial hub are also available in the area.
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uebec has welcomed its first Holiday Inn Express hotel with the opening of the new-build 134-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites Vaudreuil-Dorion. The 134-room property features an indoor saltwater pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24hour business centre, among other facilities. Kristopher Wekarchuk, general manager, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Vaudreuil-Dorion, said, “The Vaudreuil-Dorion market is a great fit for the Holiday Inn Express brand due to its convenient location [...]. We look forward to providing our guests with unmatched comfort and convenience at a great value.” 22 AUGUST 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS
Rosewood to Debut in South America in 2018
R Rosewood São Paulo
osewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Groupe Allard to manage a new property in Brazil, marking the company’s debut in South America. Located in the city centre, Rosewood São Paulo will be housed in a landmark building, formerly used as a maternity hospital, and is scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2018. Besides 115 rooms, the property will also comprise 114 owners’ suites; two restaurants; recreational facilities, including a rooftop pool; and 9,300m2 of event and meeting spaces. Guests will also be able to access an adjoining music studio, screening rooms and luxury retail stores, all of which will be part of the development around the hotel.
Carlson Rezidor Pens Deals in Chile and Colombia
Radisson Petra La Dehesa
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arlson Rezidor Hotel Group is expanding into Latin America with three hotels: Radisson Blu Santiago, La Dehesa in Chile, and Radisson Blu San Andrés Resort & Spa and Radisson Blu ar Santa Marta Resort & Spa in Colombia. Radisson Petra La Dehesa Hotel will be transformed into Radisson Blu Santiago, La Dehesa by early 2016, boasting enhanced guest rooms, public areas and food and beverage outlets. Both Colombian hotels will be new-build. The beachfront Radisson Blu San Andrés Resort & Spa, due to open in early 2016, will host 77 suites, each with their own plunge pool. Radisson Blu ar Santa Marta Resort & Spa, slated for a 2017 opening, will boast 190 rooms and almost 1,600m2 of meeting space.
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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How many passengers pass through the airport on a daily basis? AL MAZROUEI: Abu Dhabi International Airport handles on average 50,000 plus passengers and 400 plus flights per day. In 2014, almost 20 million passengers passed through Abu Dhabi International Airport, a record performance, representing an increase of 20.4 percent over 2013. This rate of growth is likely to be sustained, as airlines continue to expand their routes and connect a growing number of new destinations with the airport, meaning that we are likely to see as many as 24 million passengers pass through the airport this year.
Q & A with
Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei CEO, ABU DHABI AIRPORTS
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Over the years, the airport has become one of the fastest-growing hubs. What can others around the globe learn from you?
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BY 2020, MORE THAN 40 MILLION PASSENGERS EACH YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO USE ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON STAYING AHEAD OF THE INNOVATION CURVE
AL MAZROUEI: We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the innovation curve and delivering the latest solutions to our passengers when it comes to offering them world-class travel experience, safety and security. At Abu Dhabi Airports, we understand that an airport is not just an aerodrome with facilities for commercial aviation flights to take off and land. Travelling is an experience, and we are truly committed to maintaining a high level of service and constantly refining and improving the airport's facilities to meet the growing needs and demand of today’s passenger. As the first and last experience of Abu Dhabi for arriving and departing passengers, Abu Dhabi International Airport plays a significant part in maintaining and promoting Abu Dhabi’s reputation around the world. Its commitment to high-quality service delivered through both hard work
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the emirate-wide strategy to promote growth and economic diversification. The centrepiece of this programme is the new Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), which will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, and duty-free shops and restaurants. When the MTB opens in 2017, it will have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers per year, on top of the existing capacity at Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which are currently capable of managing an annual throughput of more than 20 million passengers per year. Up to 8,500 passengers are expected to use the new airport per hour. Whilst the MTB is under construction, there are several initiatives underway at the existing terminals to create capacity for traffic growth and improve customer experience. Most recently, in March, several new facilities opened at Terminal 1 which significantly improve speed, efficiency
WITH ALMOST 20 MILLION TRAVELLERS, 2014 PROVED TO BE THE BUSIEST YEAR TO DATE FOR THE UAE CAPITAL’S AIRPORT, THAT EXPECTS TO TOUCH THE 24 MILLION MARK THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO MOHAMED MUBARAK AL MAZROUEI, CEO, ABU DHABI AIRPORTS, THE BEST IS YET TO COME. and innovation is representative of the UAE capital’s determination to offer visitors the best of everything they come for, be it business or pleasure. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the next developments to be implemented in order to boost capacity and, at the same time, ensure seamless operations and high levels of safety and security? AL MAZROUEI: By 2020, more than
40 million passengers each year are expected to use Abu Dhabi International Airport as their origin, destination or transit point for international and domestic journeys. Abu Dhabi Airports is tasked with ensuring that the airport is able to provide worldclass services that meet this demand over the coming years. The response has been a multibillion-dollar investment programme to increase capacity and keep pace with passenger numbers and their demands. This is part of
and enjoyment with which passengers move through the airport, as well as enabling more aircraft to depart on schedule and enhancing passenger security. The end of 2014 also saw several major developments at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Firstly, the worldclass airport was enhanced further with the opening of the highly prestigious, highly luxurious VIP terminal, in partnership with National Aviation Services. […] This was swiftly followed by the re-opening of the upgraded southern runway, which is a very significant step in allowing even the largest of commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, to use the airport and in doing so considerably increasing its capacity. We have upgraded a number of security systems at the existing terminals to ensure they meet the best standards. [...] 22 AUGUST 2015
WHO'S MOVED
JINMOON AHN
JAMAL AL AZKI
22 AUGUST 2015
Jinmoon Ahn has been selected as Etihad Airways’ new general manager for Korea. Ahn will lead the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s commercial strategy in South Korea with the main aim of further strengthening the company’s partnerships with travel trade partners and corporate customers. Previously employed at Air France-KLM, Ahn held a number of sales and marketing roles before joining Etihad Airways in 2010 as sales manager in Korea, the year the carrier commenced daily flights between Seoul and Abu Dhabi, bringing with him more than a decade of airline sales experience. Since then, Ahn has made a significant contribution to Etihad Airways’ commercial success in the Asian country.
Jamal Al Azki has been named country manager for Oman at Oman Air. Based in Muscat, Al Azki will be building on the strong relationship that the airline enjoys with the travel industry in the Sultanate. His career in aviation began with Royal Oman Air Force, where he worked in air traffic control before moving on to sales and airport services roles at Qatar Airways. After various positions within the publishing and oil sectors in Oman, Al Azki joined Oman Air in 2009 as district sales manager, based in the capital city. He then served as acting country manager in Oman and assistant country manager in the UK, before assuming the role of country manager for the UK and Ireland in 2013.
JIHAD FATTOUH
EDWARD PINCHARD
Jihad Fattouh continues as executive assistant manager at First Central Hotel Apartments, Dubai. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Fattouh will assist in providing day-to-day leadership and direction by maximising financial returns, developing the team and creating and maintaining guest experience. He will play an important role in the decision-making process alongside senior management. Fattouh was already part of the pre-opening team of First Central Hotel in 2011, and has worked as director of sales and marketing for three years. During his tenure, he successfully generated and maintained business revenue and relationships, and was integral to the property’s rebranding process.
Edward Pinchard has been appointed vice president of sales in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Based in the Brussels office, he will be responsible for driving increased market share and implementing strategies to optimise global revenue growth. With Pinchard’s appointment, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group signals its commitment to promoting from within. He joined the group in April 2012 and served as global director of sales for UK and Ireland. Pinchard has spent the last 20 years working in the hospitality industry, starting his career with InterContinental Hotels Group before going on to work at Hilton Worldwide and GHL Hotels in a variety of sales and commercial roles in Europe, Middle East and the US.
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TRAVEL TALK
SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN MOHAMMAD AL THANI Chairman, Air Arabia
CHIHEB BEN MAHMOUD Head of hotels and hospitality group, Middle East and Africa, Jones Lang LaSalle
We are confident that these factors [...] will be mitigated
We also celebrate the successful collaboration between two great airlines
“The economic performance from Russia and the CIS countries and the impact of oil prices on the global economy in addition to regional political instability have all served to put pressure on yield margins across the entire aviation sector. We are confident that these factors are temporary and will be mitigated in the coming quarters when the long-term investments we have made into the business come fully on stream.”
“The popularity of this amazing pavilion [at Expo Milano 2015] has exceeded our expectations, and in welcoming our 100,000th guest in the short period since we unveiled it to the world, we also celebrate the successful collaboration between two great airlines [Etihad Airways and Alitalia] […]. We are delighted that we have been able to design and bring to reality a unique space which serves as a place of entertainment, culture, education and international friendship, and which translates it all in a quintessentially Etihad and Alitalian way.”
PETER BAUMGARTNER Chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways
Dubai is also moving higher up in the luxury hospitality offering
Our aim has been to consistently offer a seamless experience
“More than 70 percent of hotel room supply in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in the four- and fivestar category. The proportion is higher for Abu Dhabi than for Dubai [...]. While there is an orientation in Dubai towards to develop the branded quality midscale segment offering, Dubai is also moving higher up in the luxury hospitality offering with the planned opening of high-profile luxury hotel brands [...] and which could be expected to reconfigure if not redefine the Dubai luxury hospitality market.”
“We are delighted to offer this new service [whereby all Spanish nationals can submit their request in two joint visa application centres managed by VFS Global in Dubai and Abu Dhabi] for the embassy of Spain in Abu Dhabi. Our aim has been to consistently offer a seamless experience for all Spanish nationals who are UAE residents, with the flexibility and convenience of having these services at all our application centres. VFS Global serves the client in 49 countries from 86 visa application centres globally.”
AJIT ALEXANDER Chief operating officer, Middle East and Africa, VFS Global
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:
Yoosuf Riffath
POSITION:
CEO
COMPANY:
Capital Travel & Tours
LOCATION:
Maldives
WEBSITE:
www.capitaltravel.com
Travellers in India Prefer Packages
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I have taken interest in the sector since my childhood and have been in the industry for almost 35 years now. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Responsibility, commitment, dedication and honesty. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Customers ask for the best deal that we have and how long have we been in this industry; also some information about the company. What are the must-visits and must-dos in the Maldives that no one should miss? The Maldives is a destination with crystal clear waters. No one should miss water activities that create a lot of fun; and also diving. Which destination is on your bucket list? Of course the Maldives. 22 AUGUST 2015
T
ravelport released new research that demonstrates the dramatic transformation that the Indian market has undergone in recent years with up to two thirds of travellers in India preferring to book packages when buying their biggest holiday of the year. Indian consumers have become primed to embrace higher value online purchases with packaged travel representing a significant opportunity. The study revealed that of those surveyed, 48 percent said their most significant trip of the past 12 months was a traditional package, while 21 percent commented they had bought a tailor-made trip. Online bookings are expected to grow rapidly through 2016 when India’s online travel penetration is projected to reach 46 percent, up from 35 percent in 2012.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Students Explore Abu Dhabi
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A group of 50 Emirati students enrolled in Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Youth Summer Camp, an annual programme organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, set out to discover the emirate.
hey enjoyed a factfinding tour to Saadiyat Island, exploring the iconic Manarat Al Saadiyat on the emirate’s fastdeveloping cultural focal point. The group, made up of both boys and girls aged between 18 and 21, visited the impressive facility as part of the three-weeklong programme designed to introduce students to the concept of Abu Dhabi as a tourism and cultural destination, and to encourage them to potentially take up tourism careers in the emirate in the future.
The students board Big Bus Abu Dhabi
Children Rejoice at Armed Forces Officers Club
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he rate of employment growth in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector during the period 2010-2020 is estimated at 10 percent annually, compared to international annual growth rate of 2.5 percent, according to a report by the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage. The employment in the country’s tourism industry is expected to reach 1.7 million jobs by 2020. Until 2014, the sector accounted for 751,000 jobs, with over 27 percent of the total workforce being Saudi citizens. Restaurants and cafés employ 48 percent of the total number of tourism, followed by transportation with 26 percent. The rest is spread between housing, entertainment and travel and tourism sectors.
WTTC Summit Moves to Texas
Children that took part in the summer camp
early 300 children participated in Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel’s summer camp which offered participants aged five to 13 years old various activities. The programme included exercises, sports, swimming, shooting, tennis, bowling and a plethora of other games which, as Peter Freeman, deputy general manager, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, noted, help youngsters develop both physically and mentally. “For this reason, the hotel has become the favourite destination for most families in the UAE and the other GCC countries,” he added. The camp is planned to return for the year-end break in December.
Saudi Tourism Employment Rate on a Surge
Dallas, Texas
W
orld Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will host the 2016 WTTC Global Summit, to take place between April 6 – 7, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. As David Scowsill, president, WTTC, said, the event will bring together top global heads from private companies within the industry to engage with key public sector leaders. He added that with the last summit of this kind having been last held in the US in 2011, this is an opportunity for the country to showcase its progress in travel facilitation policies, both in visa management and entry/exit procedures. WTTC research shows that in 2014, travel and tourism in the US produced eight percent of GDP, generating a total impact of USD1.4 trillion.
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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...
Jazeera Airways invited passengers to meet its adventurous travellers and get a chance to win a ticket
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo marked a historic first with assisted breeding programme for sand tiger sharks
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi celebrated Indonesia's independence day
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi held its Summer Open at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Children’s show Sesame Street visited the animals at Al Ain Zoo
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NEWS & EVENTS FESTITUR Returns at FITUR
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FEMA has renewed its collaboration with the Association of Nightlife Businesses of the Madrid Region to organise a new edition of the FESTITUR leisure programme, intended for exhibitors and visitors at the forthcoming FITUR International Tourism Fair. Building on the success of the first initiative this year, FESTITUR will provide professional participants with an extensive cultural, leisure and culinary schedule during the days of the gathering. Through the programme, FITUR will also be helping to further increase the average spend of those attending the fair. The next installation of FITUR will take place between January 20 – 24, 2016 at FERIA DE MADRID.
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.
IMEX Group Invites Tech Startups to Pitch Ideas
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echnology will deliver the next major innovation in the meetings industry, according to more than half of hosted buyers and exhibitors and over 40 percent of visitors of this years’ IMEX Frankfurt. Startup companies are invited to participate in the IMEXpitch. Shortlisted candidates will have a chance to pitch a panel at IMEX America, competing for a free stand at IMEX America 2016. Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group, explained, “It is no surprise that our event attendees are in overwhelming agreement [...]. We are already seeing this with many start-ups making waves in the market, and we launched IMEXpitch at IMEX America last year to support budding tech companies who develop innovative solutions and services for the meetings industry.”
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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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