10 OCTOBER 2015
ISSUE 309
ROTANA ENTERS TURKEY THOMSON CRUISES THOMSON CELEBRATION WILL BE OPERATING FROM DUBAI FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING THE 2016-17 WINTER SEASON.
10 ACCORHOTELS TAKES OVER MARJAN ISLAND RESORT
14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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AIRPORTS
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MALLS
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ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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INTERNATIONAL
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RENDEZVOUS
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AGENT
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WHO'S MOVED
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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THOMSON CELEBRATION TO HOME PORT IN DUBAI
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli
Abu Dhabi Ports is handling more cargo than ever before, with container volumes having increased 41 percent year-on-year in the first seven months of the year.
SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou 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
Abu Dhabi Ports: Cargo Volumes up 41 Percent
9/10/2015
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olstered by rapid growth in polymer exports and transhipment activity across the Gulf, over 772,000 containers were dealt with at the terminals. “Our ability to handle record loads across the cargo and transportation market has been facilitated by our commitment to implementing operational efficiencies and adopting next-generation technologies,” explained Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, noting that over the past months, the company has invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure, implementing new technologies and in buying new equipment.
Abu Dhabi Port
UAE Theme Park Revenues to Rise 78 Percent by 2019 Income from UAE’s theme parks are expected to soar from USD470 million this year to USD837 million by 2019, according to a Euromonitor International report published for The Leisure Show.
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
105.83
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.83
Iran (IRR)
Rial
29,953.28
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,129.06
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,508.13
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.37
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.67
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.78
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.95
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.85
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he country has five projects under development at present, three of which will form part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts venture, including motiongate, Bollywood and LEGOLAND Dubai, while Abu Dhabi is to welcome IMG Worlds of Adventure and Warner Bros. According to Philip Shepherd, leader, hospitality and leisure, Middle East, PwC, although globally theme parks in Europe, the Far East and the US dominate the market, the UAE has the potential to see over 18 million visits by 2021.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
10 OCTOBER 2015
TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY NEWS Sabre Develops Flight Tracker Software
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abre has enhanced the capabilities to its Sabre AirCentre Flight Explorer solution. Airlines have already begun using the new features in the latest release, which
provides real-time data to enable accurate decision-making in flight operations. The flagship characteristic, Fleet Monitor builds on existing airport and flight monitoring capabilities to provide carri-
ers a comprehensive dashboard view of their entire fleet. The tool also gives companies the ability to set up customised monitoring and alerting based on userdefined thresholds.
Onity DirectKey to Transform Hotel Security Onity officially introduced DirectKey, its cost-effective and secure mobile-key solution for the hospitality industry at the recent The Hotel Show in Dubai.
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he innovative system uses cloudbased key credentialing and Bluetooth technology, allowing guests to download the key to their smartphone through the hotel’s loyalty application for easy access to their assigned room and other areas of the properties. Even without a network connection, travellers will be able to benefit from the solution during their entire stay. “With DirectKey, we know that hotel staff and guests will receive the kind of innovative technology and advanced security products they need with the ease of use they desire,” commented Borja Ibarrondo, managing director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Onity. 10 OCTOBER 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
Medina’s Airport Recognised Internationally
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina was selected as the world’s best project in the category of airport construction at Engineering News-Record’s Global Construction Summit in New York.
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umhur Kaur, deputy general manager, Saudi Arabia and Africa, TAV Construction, the company in charge of the development, commented that the honour is a result of fulfilling significant criteria such as international team work, occupational health and safety, design functionality and quality, innovation and contribution to the sector. After winning the operating rights of the airfield in 2012, the company started construction immediately and completed the venture 31 months before the official date, with the 153,000m2 terminal having started operations on July 2.
KFIA: Passenger Volumes on the Rise
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n the first half of the year, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) registered a strong performance with total traveller figures growing 15 percent year-on-year to exceed 4.8 million. According to the airfield’s statistical report, this can be attributed to the surge in demand for travel between Dammam and South Asia, as well as the UAE. Aircraft movements also increased by 10 percent over the same period, reaching a total of 42,453 flights.
10 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS XX
Ajman Team Visits Expo Milano
Expo Milano 2015
A delegation from Ajman government headed to Expo Milano 2015 to witness the best methods in organising an international exhibition and meet with various institutions.
Sharjah Entices CIS Travellers
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he visit is expected to support the emirate’s development in terms of infrastructure, tourism and economy and highlight investment opportunities in line with the UAE’s vision for Dubai’s Expo 2020. In addition to the meetings, the team also joined the UAE government pavilion to receive feedback from staff members who were interacting with thousands of visitors during the show.
Abu Dhabi Takes Centre Stage in Moscow
Nakheel to Fuel Dubai’s Development
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mirati culture and the UAE capital’s main attractions stole the spotlight in Moscow’s Hermitage Garden during the Abu Dhabi Fest, the first large-scale outdoor experiential promotional activity initiated by the Russian and CIS offices of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). Visitors participated in cultural workshops as well as mini Formula 1 competitions, experienced an authentic Arabian bazaar and food market, and also had the opportunity to try falconry and camel riding. As Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi, revealed, the festival might become an annual programme in the authority’s agenda.
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n line with its endeavour to position the emirate as a leading family and cultural tourism destination, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) joined the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities for a five-day promotional tour in the CIS markets. More than 75 representatives from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors gathered in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to hear about SCTDA’s latest initiatives that are set to bring the emirate closer to its goal of attracting 10 million tourists by 2021. CIS countries accounted for 100,000 guests to Sharjah in the first half of the year.
akheel, the retail and hospitality partner of the recently-concluded The Hotel Show, plans to launch 10 hotels in Dubai over the next five years. In addition, the company will also bring many new retail projects to the destination, which, according to Sanjay Manchanda, CEO, Nakheel, has grown into an international city on the world stage in just 25 years. “As a Dubai-based master developer behind some of the largest, best-known developments in the world, we are uniquely positioned to bring a range of unique, innovative new concepts that will further enhance Dubai’s hospitality offering,” said Manchanda, noting that the sector currently accounts for 7.1 percent of the emirate’s GDP.
10 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS MALLS
DCA Welcomed at Red Sea Mall Red Sea Mall in Jeddah hosted a number of children from the Disabled Children Association (DCA) – King Abdullah Center who lived a safari experience as part of Jeddah Ghair Festival.
DCA’s children at Red Sea Mall
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ver 10 kids and their families along with specialists from the association enjoyed the event and received gifts and memorabilia. Mohammed Alawi, CEO, Red Sea Markets, owning company of Red Sea Mall, thanked H.R.H. Prince Sultan Bin Salman Al Saud, chairman, DCA, for being at the forefront of positive change for people with special needs in Saudi Arabia. Alawi further noted that the shopping centre has placed emphasis on facilities for the handicapped, including 42 parking spots allocated near the 21 gates.
Footfall Grows at Muscat Grand Mall
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uscat Grand Mall reported improved visitor figures for the first nine months of the year with the numbers of shoppers reaching over 800,000, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent. This was largely attributed to educational and other events as well as contests held throughout the year and especially during Ramadan and Eid al Fitr. Boasting more than 142 stores, a three-screen cinema, high-end residences and office space, in addition to hosting one of the largest food courts in Oman, Muscat Grand Mall is home to over 140 leading global brands, many of which are represented only at the specific shopping centre.
10 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
THOMSON CELEBRATION TO HOME PORT IN DUBAI Thomson Cruises’ Thomson Celebration will be operating from Dubai for the first time during the 2016-17 winter season.
Thomson Celebration
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he ship will sail two seven-night itineraries under the themes Arabian Nights and Cities of Gold. Passengers will be able to enjoy an overnight stay in Dubai and visit six other destinations, including Khasab, Muscat, Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Khor Fakkan and participate in various excursions in the cities. As Helen Caron, managing director, Thomson Cruises, pinpointed, destinations are one of the key deciding factors for holiday-makers. “With the average Brit visiting more than 14 foreign countries in their lifetime, we cannot wait for everyone to discover Arabia, from the glamour and opulence of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the ancient heritage sites in Oman,” added Caron.
Expo 2020 Dubai: Swift Development
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he Higher Preparatory Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai met ahead of a series of key events this autumn, to discuss updates on the good progress being made on the exhibition’s delivery. A presentation was made pertaining to the steps being taken in preparation for the formal registration of the event, which will take place at the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris, in November. The update included a discussion on the latest enhancements to the Expo site master plan which has been designed to facilitate innovation and foster collaboration and partnerships, as well as form the basis of an enduring legacy that fully reflects the expo’s theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.
Some 2.65 Million Tourists in the West Bank in H1
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he Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics revealed that in the first half (H1) of the year, around 2.65 million visits were made to West Bank tourist sites. These included one million international travellers, a figure which declined 32 percent compared to the same period in 2014. Moreover, a 32 percent year-on-year decrease was also witnessed in the number of hotel guests, with the total reaching 242,484 tourists who spent 709,764 nights in accommodation establishments in the area. Statistics indicated that as of June there were 110 hotels in the West Bank comprising 6,826 available rooms with 15,211 beds.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
UAE-based Rotana has officially opened Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana in Istanbul, marking the company’s foray into Turkey.
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otel ew h ts n e Th r tmen y apa ned b f o ow are api, one g n i Y d Dap ey's lea ps? Turk ess grou busin Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana
Rotana Enters Turkey
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ituated on the Asian side of the city, the properties add a combined inventory of 319 units to the group’s existing 13,679 rooms. “Turkey is a market you cannot afford not to be present in,” commented Omer Kaddouri, president, Rotana, saying that with 37 million international tourists passing through the country annually, Turkey is positioned among the world’s most visited destinations. Rotana will also launch Dalga Residences by year-end, while Vazo Residences is slated for opening in the first quarter of 2016.
Omran: USD78 Million Deal for Crowne Plaza
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man Tourism Development Company (Omran) joined hands with Bank Sohar as the chief financial partner of the Crowne Plaza hotel within the upcoming Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) precinct. Valued at OMR30.6 million (USD78 million), the agreement was formalised in a signing ceremony in the presence of Said Al Qasmi, chief project officer, OCEC, and Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting CEO, Bank Sohar. The new Crowne Plaza adds valuable capacity to the hospitality offering in Muscat, allowing the company to welcome greater numbers of business visitors to the Sultanate, commented Ali Ali Rasbi, acting CEO, Omran. He added, “We are currently looking at a similar model of funding for JW Marriott Hotel also under development at the OCEC […] scheduled for completion in 2017.”
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Meliá Magaluf Hotels Win Big in August
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eliá Hotels International reported a 17 percent increase in RevPAR from Spain’s Magaluf area, where it operates over 3,500 rooms. Revenues rose 14 percent yearon-year, while average rates jumped six percent as occupancy soared to 88 percent, with two hotels witnessing a completely full house for the month. All of the company’s properties in the area are in the four-star or luxury category and since 2011, revenues have risen 64 percent, with growth of 45 percent in average room rates and 48 percent in RevPAR.
ME Mallorca
10 OCTOBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS Swiss-Belhotel Takes Over Turkish Property
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unes by Al Nahda, the new property set in the sands of Wadi Al Abiyad, Oman has soft-launched this month. Dotted with villas and suites, Dunes by Al Nahda features 50 ultra-luxury tents each with individual bathrooms, separate seating area and controlled air-conditioning. “Our resort promises an exhilarating experience that our guests are bound to keep reminiscing about. We have ensured that our restaurants, in-house facilities as well as guided outdoor activities are up to international Preferred [Hotels & Resorts] LVX standards,” commented Niti Ajit Karsandas Hamlai, managing director, Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts, the property’s parent company. Abra Water Hopping Service
Dunes by Al Nahda
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wiss-Belhotel International has assumed management of an iconic five-star hotel and spa in Bursa, marking the company’s debut in the Turkish market. Çelik Palace was constructed as an extension of the Atatürk Palace and was privatised in 2007. Hailed as the first five-star hotel in the city, Grand Swiss-Belhotel Çelik Palas comprises 164 units, of which 23 suites are in the premises of the palace itself. Guests also have the choice of six food and beverage outlets, seven indoor function rooms, an outdoor poolside area and a wellness centre with thermal pool, Turkish bath, massage rooms and a swimming pool.
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Dunes by Al Nahda Opens
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah: 100 Percent Occupancy
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Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
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oral Beach Resort Sharjah was packed to capacity during the three days of Eid Al Adha. With occupancy levels reaching 100 percent, average daily rate and RevPAR also soared to record heights, helping the property, as Haytham Aziz, hotel manager, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, claimed, outperform all its competitors in the emirate. Aziz expects occupancy levels to remain strong in the final quarter too. “It is a peak period of demand for us […]. Our aim is to boost every aspect of the business. The bulk of our bookings comes from the leisure segment, however, we are equally keen to grow our corporate business given the extensive events and meeting facilities at the hotel,” added Aziz.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION New Events Concept at Park Inn Hotels in Oman
Saraya Bandar Jissah Inks Finance Agreement
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new hospitality concept was launched in the two Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Oman, offering consistent connection, choice and community for modern business gatherings. Smart Meetings & Events is designed to deliver the right type of food, drinks, event spaces and technology to support customers’ life and work styles. “Our main focus is to provide a well improved connection and choice to our valued guests to satisfy their meeting requirements and to be responsible business in our community,” commented Rabih Zein, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm.
araya Bandar Jissah, the company developing Oman’s luxurious integrated tourism complex in Muscat, has partnered with Bank Muscat and BankDhofar to finance the development of the project. Valued at USD275 million, the deal secures funding for the first phase of Saraya Bandar Jissah, which comprises two beachfront Jumeirah Group hotels, three exclusive residential zones and comprehensive recreational facilities. Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan al Hosani, CEO, Saraya Bandar Jissah, commented that the agreement provides an ironclad guarantee to customers that their properties will be delivered within the stipulated deadline irrespective of the market dynamics. “Our partnership with the local banking community will help potential buyers envision their dream home, and help make it a reality,” he added.
Saraya Bandar Jissah
STR Global: MEA Busy Building
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ccording to the latest STR Global Construction Pipeline Report, there were 688 hotels with 175,574 rooms signed in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in August. The latter figure represents a 19.1 percent increase in rooms under contract compared with August 2014, and a 38.5 percent year-on-year surge in units under construction. Overall, the region reported a total of 97,553 keys in 378 hotels in the pipeline for the month. Among the countries in the area, Saudi Arabia appears to be the busiest market registering 28,745 units in the making across 68 properties. The UAE and Qatar followed with 23,821 and 7,315 rooms, respectively.
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10 OCTOBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS ADIB Partners with Rotana for Hospitality Benefits
Elaf Hotels Offer Better Services to Hajj Pilgrims
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bu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and Rotana have joined forces to launch the ADIB Rotana Rewards Exclusive Card, which gives hotel guests points and privileges every time they spend using the card. The initiative is hailed as the first cobranded hospitality card in the wider central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region developed by a local issuer. It works in conjunction with the existing Rotana Rewards Exclusive programme and can be used for hotel benefits including free stays and dining offers in any of the hotelier’s 50 branded properties and over 250 restaurants across the region.
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his year, like every year during the Hajj season, Elaf Group boosted its efforts to facilitate smooth service for Hajj performers through its agents in the GCC, Arab countries, Europe and the Americas. “Following a successful Umrah season which recorded a high occupancy rate at our hotels in Mecca and Medina, we have drafted an effective action plan in consultation with our agents in all countries,” confirmed Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, president, Elaf Group. He added that the company expects an increase in its profits for the season as some 30,000 pilgrims were served by Elaf companies. “We are steadfast in our commitment to always present our customers with the finest services,” he concluded.
ADIB Rotana Rewards Exclusive Card
InterContinental Cairo Engages in IHG Cause
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Semiramis InterContinental Cairo
a IHG nent onti use the em C r e st Int esor ts e Sy s & R n Engag a hotel’ e s e k r l c G tra enta that vironm e and en manc s way or perf mends it? m reco improve to
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emiramis InterContinental Cairo joined InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) colleagues from all over the world to take part in IHG Race around the World, an event that aims to raise awareness and funds for the global hotel company’s disaster relief programme, IHG Shelter in a Storm. This year, the group has encouraged people to participate in as many activities as possible during the week-long event and 1,200 employees of the Cairo property responded with activities such as a morning run, a table tennis tournament, cake baking and a blood donation. Sameh Sobhy, general manager, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, commented, “Our pledge to donate blood, run, compete and bake cakes was not only great fun; it also motivated and engaged our people, and raised money for a fantastic cause.”
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Marjan Island Resort & Spa – managed by AccorHotels
AccorHotels Takes Over Marjan Island Resort
ccorHotels signed a management agreement with Manazil Group for the existing Marjan Island Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the company’s debut in the emirate. Christophe Landais, chief operating officer, AccorHotels Middle East, described the renamed Marjan Island Resort & Spa – managed by AccorHotels, as an important addition to the company’s growing regional portfolio. “The hotel’s identity and solid foundation established by its owner, Manazil Group, will be preserved. By combining its existing legacy with our global and regional management expertise, we intend to create the ultimate resort experience focussed on wellness and relaxation,” commented on the 299-key property’s takeover Landais.
Grand Millennium Dubai Eyes UK
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rand Millennium Dubai will once again be on show under Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing’s stand at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, between November 2 – 5. Shadi Karameh, director of sales and marketing, Grand Millennium Dubai, said that the property will be targeting both business and leisure traffic from the market, focussing on the hotel’s position adjacent to retail, beach and sporting attractions as well as its strategic location within close proximity to corporate and business venues. “British visitors […] are seeking quality accommodation at a value price, and we are delighted that Grand Millennium [Dubai] is frequently a top choice – a position we are determined to cement with our presence at this year’s WTM,” Karameh expressed.
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AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Private Jets Remain Popular With Bombardier Business Aircraft forecasting that the Gulf’s fleet of business jets could grow from the current 395 to 745 by 2023, and 1,405 by 2033, the region seems to favour private air transport.
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ccording to the same source, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are taking delivery of the largest number of business aircraft in the Middle East, accounting for more than 70 percent of the industry’s overall fleet in the region. In addition, one of the sector’s experts, Private Jet Charter revealed that Nice was the most popular destination for Gulf private jets users in the first half of the year, with a total of 328 trips, followed by London and Paris with 290 and 260 outings, respectively.
Etihad Improves Guest Experience
10 OCTOBER 2015
Etihad Airways’ Al Ain call centre
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indtree, a digital transformation and technology services company, announced a strategic partnership with flydubai to shape the full digital experience of connected travellers. The tech firm will focus on transforming the airline’s information technology to support passenger sales and service systems, including facilities such as electronic ticketing and real-time baggage tracking. The agreement will also extend to other strategic business areas like revenue management, target monitoring, ancillary revenue and operational optimisation.
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
flydubai Opts for Mindtree
Bombardier’s CRJ1000 NextGen
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tihad Airways signed a five-year, multimillion dollar deal with British Telecom to virtualise its global contact centres. The partnership aims to enhance the airline’s guest experience by reducing call waiting times, introducing new servicing capabilities and providing assistance in 15 languages. BT Cloud Contact Cisco enables Etihad Airways to seamlessly route calls from 40 countries to any one of 450 multilingual agents available across its three contact centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Manchester. “This agreement aligns perfectly with our technology and innovation strategy of delivering a world-class digital guest experience by creating services that seamlessly integrate, and personalise all guest interactions with the airline,” commented Robert Webb, chief information and technology officer, Etihad Airways.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR Etihad and Chapman Freeborn to Create Unique Private Jet Experience
Emirates A380 Lands in Brussels
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Brussels
n order to commemorate the first anniversary of Emirates’ operations to Belgium, the airline performed a one-off service with its flagship doubledecker Airbus A380 aircraft to Brussels Airport. As Jean-Pierre Martin, country manager, Belgium and Luxembourg, Emirates, noted, since September 2014, the Boeing 777-300 ER – normally deployed on the route – transported over 230,000 passengers. “As the only airline to offer a first-class product to the Middle East, we pride ourselves on offering our business and leisure passengers in Belgium a highquality onboard and on ground experience,” added Martin.
tihad Airways entered into a partnership with Chapman Freeborn, to complement its exclusive The Residence and First Apartment cabins, both available on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. In terms of the agreement, the global aircraft charter specialist will promote and market the luxurious living spaces to its top-tier clientele, giving them the opportunity to receive the levels of luxury they expect on a private jet. Guests travelling in The Residence and First Apartments will also be able to charter private jets through Chapman Freeborn for travelling onwards from the airline’s A380 gateways.
Vistara Opens Sales Office in Dubai
Sharaf Travels and Vistara officials celebrate their collaboration
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ndian carrier Vistara, a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, established its presence in the Gulf region with the inauguration of a sales branch in Dubai, and the appointment of Sharaf Travels as its general sales agent. Opening the airline’s first overseas office in the UAE underlines the importance of the region to the company, commented Giam Ming Toh, chief commercial officer, Vistara. He added that Sharaf Travel’s strong presence in the Gulf will ensure that Vistara’s travel agent partners and customers in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are equally well served.
10 OCTOBER 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS Marriott Expands Presence in South Africa
Renaissance Enters North India
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arriott International teamed up with The Amdec Group to launch two new properties in South Africa. Scheduled for opening by February 2018, the 150-room Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and the 200-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will be located in the city’s Melrose Arch precinct and will be the first Marriott-branded projects under development in the country. As Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, noted, due to its rapid economic development, growing middle class and young population, as well as the expansion of international air links to the continents, Africa remains an important market for the company.
Enhancements for Louvre Hotels
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enaissance Hotels has announced the opening of its first property in North India. With a central location that provides easy access to business hubs as well as popular leisure destinations, Renaissance Lucknow Hotel, the brand’s second venture in the country, boasts 16 floors and 112 rooms, and is hailed as the tallest hotel in the city. It also features a variety of dining options, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, a rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi.
ouvre Hotels Group (LHG), which was recently acquired by Shanghai-based Jin Jiang International Holdings, is ready to shift gears with strong expansion plans. As a state-run company, the owning group has a strategy based on China’s five-year plan that identifies tourism as a core growth engine thus a priority for investments and LHG is to benefit from this roadmap. Aside from strengthening its presence in Thailand, Indonesia and southeast Asia, LHG will launch economy properties in China, with the first opening scheduled in Shanghai at the end of the year, and 500 hotels to follow in the next five years.
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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: In your opinion, what are the main pillars of Qatar’s tourism strategy that have enabled the country to attract more visitors? ANDREAS WISSDORF: Doha is an exciting destination and holds many assets to attract tourists, such as water activities and water sports, desert safaris to the inland sea and city tours that let you discover the numerous landmarks and points of interest in Qatar. There is a lot on offer to have an exciting trip in Qatar. Some of the tourism sites which have opened include Katara [Village], The Pearl Qatar, new museums and world-class marinas. Qatar is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure such as the metro system and the new airport. It is focussing on becoming a cultural and educational hub with Qatar Foundation, Educational City, and investments in art and new museum openings. [...] Furthermore, Doha is home to world-class hotel products, service levels and industry talent, and has seen a new injection of inventory in the past couple of years.
Q & A with
Andreas Wissdorf GENERAL MANAGER, MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Despite the stiff competition, hotel performance levels remain positive. What do you think are the main reasons behind this? ANDREAS WISSDORF: Our occupancies have exceeded expectations to date and a large part of this can be attributed to meetings and events as well as the strength of our brands and our distribution channels. The MICE sector will therefore remain a key element of our growth strategy. Qatar is playing in the big league and competing with major cities for global events. The state is perceived as a professional meeting destination, capable of hosting large citywide events in state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centres. [...] Qatar has many unique selling propositions, however, its world-class meetings and events facilities along with the continued infrastructure investment position Qatar on the global event stage, and will continue to drive growth for the hospitality sector. The majority of travellers into Qatar are coming from within the GCC, however, we have also seen significant
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THANKS TO ITS STEADFAST DEVELOPMENT, QATAR IS NOW PLAYING IN THE BIG LEAGUE AND ACCORDING TO ANDREAS WISSDORF, GENERAL MANAGER, MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL, WITH THE RIGHT STRATEGY, THE DESTINATION’S GLOBAL APPEAL WILL ONLY IMPROVE. business from the UK, US and European markets. Qatar Airways’ continued expansion and the introduction of nonstop air access have opened up Qatar to many new markets. They ensure that Qatar is easily accessible and their nonstop flights are preferred by many travellers. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What do you think is next for Qatar’s tourism industry?
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THE CHALLENGE IS TO SUCCEED IN DRAWING ATTENTION TO [...] QATAR
ANDREAS WISSDORF: Qatar has a lot to offer on the tourism level, and the challenge is to succeed in drawing attention to and in promoting Qatar’s significant tourism offering. From traditional souqs, awe-inspiring museums, and sand dunes overlooking pristine beaches, to world-class sports venues, luxury retail outlets, and outstanding exhibitions and conferences’ facilities, Qatar indeed is a destination like no other. In fact, while many equate tourism to leisure and entertainment alone, tourism is a much broader sector, as it includes business, cultural, health and wellness, sports, ecotourism, and educational tourism as well. These are areas in which Qatar has the needed foundations to excel in, with the country already recognised as an award-winning business destination. Moreover, in addition to the various tourism-related product development plans that Qatar Tourism Authority will be implementing in the next few years, with the help of various other entities in the country, whether related to culture or entertainment, among others, Qatar is set to host a series of major international events that will elevate the quality of the country’s tourism offering and add to its appeal as a destination of choice. With focus on the right segments, the future seems very promising. These could include the likes of leisure, upmarket transit points, business, and of course, sport. This could see significant growth in the sector. Qatar’s focus has conventionally targeted the luxury destination area with a concentrated focus on quality, as opposed to large numbers. This will in turn boost potential revenue generation opportunities via income through the tourists that filter in from the state’s Gulf neighbours, as well as travellers from across the globe. With the constant expansion in terms of sheer numbers of luxury hotel brands setting up shop, especially in Doha, the appeal can only increase. Then, of course, there is the run up to the FIFA World Cup in 2022. An event of such magnitude can only hope to strengthen Qatar’s profile as a host for sporting events in the long run, thereby guaranteeing a constant stream of visitors.
10 OCTOBER 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight Andrew Moreka
NAME:
POSITION:
Director
COMPANY:
Game Viewers Adventures
LOCATION:
Kenya
WEBSITE:
www.game-viewers.com
dnata Expands Italian Presence
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? Game Viewers Adventures started operations in the year 2005. We got involved in the tourism sector since both directors previously worked in the industry with one of the leading international companies, Abercrombie & Kent. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Knowledge of key holiday destinations, interest in travel, [being] sensitive to clients’ needs, excellent interpersonal, customer service and organisational skills. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? “When is the best time to go to Kenya?” What are the must-visits and must-dos in Kenya that no one should miss? Game drives in the parks, village visits to learn about culture, the Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara National Reserve for the great migration, Amboseli National Park nicknamed as Land of the Giants to see the African elephant, Lake Nakuru National Park and Mombasa. Which destination is on your bucket list? Locally Maasai Mara National Reserve, outbound it would be China. 10 OCTOBER 2015
d
nata has reached an agreement to acquire 30 percent share in Milan-based Airport Handling. The Dubai-headquartered company will also have majority representation in the board through which it will control day-to-day operations and the call option allows it to take over a further 40 percent share. dnata’s investment in Airport Handling underscores its broader vision and commitment to the Italian market, where it already operates catering facilities at 22 airports. “We continue to grow dnata’s international operations where we find the right opportunities and the right partners,” explained Stewart Angus, divisional senior vice president, international airport operations, dnata, saying that acquisitions and partnerships need to add value to the business, customers, as well as shareholders.
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TRAVEL TALK
Our resort has consistently exceeded […] expectations
THOMAS FEHLBIER General manager, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
“We are delighted to be recognised [with the Hospitality Company of the Year accolade at the Arabian Business Achievement Qatar Awards] for the strides we are taking towards achieving our vision of becoming the number one resort in Qatar and the GCC. Launched just this year, our resort has consistently exceeded the world’s most discerning customers’ expectations with our unmatched levels of attention to detail and the famed Arabian hospitality.”
Over one billion people cross international borders each year
DAVID SCOWSILL President, World Travel & Tourism Council
It is time to step up our action
TALEB RIFAI Secretary general, World Tourism Organization
“Issues such as climate change, effective resource management, poverty reduction and inclusive growth need to be at the centre of tourism development. Now that the [sustainable development goals] have been approved, it is time to step up our action, time to advance policies and business strategies that monitor and minimise the negative effects of tourism development and maximise its positive impacts, namely through the distribution of its benefits among host communities.”
“Travel and tourism is a sector which collectively contributes nearly 10 percent of the world’s GDP and one in 11 of all jobs on the planet. Over one billion people cross international borders each year, a number expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, while at the same time, billions more travel domestically. This is a sector which will play a very significant role in making progress towards the sustainable development goals.”
Our plan is to [...] establish a Jazeera Airways terminal at Kuwait International Airport by 2017
MARTIN AEBERLI Vice president, network and revenue management, Jazeera Airways
“We recently launched four dedicated gates at Kuwait International Airport to provide our customers with an easier and faster airport experience. The gates are part of our investment in ground facilities to capitalise on Kuwait’s growing domestic travelling population. Going forward, our plan is to expand on these four gates to establish a Jazeera Airways terminal at the airport by 2017, giving us more control over the services we offer our customers[...].”
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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10 OCTOBER 2015
WHO'S MOVED
MURLIDHAR RAO
KONSTANTIN ZEUKE
Murlidhar Rao is the newest member of Aiana Hotels & Resorts as senior vice president of operations. A seasoned hospitality professional with three decades of experience, Rao will be based at the Indian company’s regional headquarters in Doha. His experience includes preopening luxury resorts in the Maldives and Caribbean, leading operations across southeast Asia, and setting brand standards for a repositioning from midmarket to the premier segment across leading luxury hotel brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Alila Hotels and Resorts.
HASSAN DANA
Hassan Dana has joined Grand Millennium Dubai as director of revenue. Dana will be monitoring demand patterns, booking pace and market trends, which will be translated into total hotel revenue management strategies. Hilton Worldwide was the first stop for Dana in 1993, where he later joined the company’s reservations team in Dubai and manager of Hilton Reservations Worldwide for the Middle East and Africa. He then worked as revenue manager as well as global contact centre manager for Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, while most recently he was director of sales operations for the Middle East at Hospitality Marketing Concepts.
Konstantin Zeuke has moved to Oman to work as the general manager of Kempinski Hotel The Wave Muscat. Zeuke, who most recently held the same position at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, has 25 years of experience in the industry, the last 18 of which have been with Kempinski. He began his career in Germany working for international brands before joining Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich in 1998. Since then, he worked in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and has gained extensive experience in opening and operating hotels in Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE. Kempinski Hotel The Wave Muscat is due to be launched towards the end of 2016.
Zeuke moves to Oman from Dubai
10 OCTOBER 2015
21
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Hawthorn Suites Stands Up for Yemen Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai has joined Emirates Red Crescent’s Yemen: We Care campaign, which supports Yemenis affected by the current situation in their country.
W
ith the motto Don’t Delay, Give Today, the hotel has placed donation boxes at its reception and restaurant to encourage guests and associates to contribute to the cause and the management is also raising awareness on social media. “Any help can go a long way in providing [Yemenis] with food and medical supplies during these trying times, and we are keen to do our part through this fundraising effort,” stressed Wael El Behi, general manager, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai.
Yemen: We Care campaign at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai
Aircraft Recycling in Focus at ICAO
T
he International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) held its first-ever Global Aviation Partnerships on Emission Reductions, or E-GAP, seminar. Built around the theme of Multiplying Environmental Action, the event attracted some 250 participants. The two-day initiative started with a donation of objects produced from recycled plane parts by a Canadian consortium and discussions were undertaken with the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association on progressing airliners end-of-life best practices. “Cooperation, partnerships and innovation are key to aviation’s success in limiting its environmental impacts,” stressed Fang Liu, secretary general, ICAO, reminding that the member states have already committed to improving fuel efficiency.
Housekeeping Olympics at Centro Capital Centre
SCTH: More Heritage Initiatives Needed
S
audi Heritage Hospitality Company’s initial project, Samhan Heritage Hotel paves the way to the foundation of a new style of traditional hotel projects across the provinces of the Kingdom. This was confirmed at a meeting of various officials and investors, where H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), said, “Most of the heritage hotels’ internal decoration and furnishing would be made by Saudi hands, and that creative artisans, males and females, would participate in this, besides utilising the services of productive families in the future, through selling Saudi popular foods and allocating special places for selling handicraft products.”
Housekeeping team at Centro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi
C Signing of Samhan Heritage Hotel
22
entro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi launched Housekeeping Olympics, a competition with various disciplines related to hospitality. The initiative is set to help enhance team members’ skills and competencies and encourage them to progress into senior management roles. Participants competed in several categories, including bed making, mop and vacuum race, as well as buffer pad toss. After the first stage, 10 top-performing contestants at each discipline qualified for the finals. As Ayman Ashor, general manager, Centro Capital Centre, noted, the image of the hotel depends not only on how trained colleagues are, but also on how happy they are at the workplace.
10 OCTOBER 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...
For the fifth consecutive year, Ayla Hotel Al Ain organised a Get Together event
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai (centre) received well-wishers who offered Eid greetings
Qatar Duty Free announced its USD1 million prize draw winner
Qatar Duty Free and Giorgio Armani presented an exclusive airport fashion event at Hamad International Airport
10 OCTOBER 2015
Kids enjoyed brunch with Masha and the Bear at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai held a Towel Art Competition whilst celebrating International Housekeeping Week
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WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS NEWS XX HMH Sales Force Takes On Russia
S
enior sales teams from The Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah participated in OTDYKH Leisure, the international fair for leisure travel in Russia and the CIS countries. Laurent Voivenel, CEO, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), described Russia as one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with over 19 million outbound travellers per year, and the top producer for the company’s flagship hotels in the Northern Emirates. “Business from the CIS is once again picking up,” stated Voivenel.
FITUR to Stage Latest INVESTOUR Edition
F
ITUR is renewing its commitment to sustainable development in Africa by launching Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa (INVESTOUR) which will take place on January 21, 2016. The aim being to contribute to the sustainable enhancement of Africa, in accordance with the reality reflected at the last edition held in January, at which José Manuel Soria, industry, energy and tourism minister, Spain, asserted, “Africa is not the future, but the present.”
EVENTS HQ 2015 Doha, Qatar October 13 – 15 www.hqshow.com A global exhibition featuring all aspects of the hotel, restaurant and café industry, addressing hospitality professionals, franchise investors and suppliers.
IMEX AMERICA Las Vegas, US October 13 – 15 www.imexamerica.com Providing an expanded wealth of options and new ideas for buyers and planners, the event boasts many new exhibitors from across various sectors.
ITB Asia Singapore, Singapore October 21 – 23 www.itb-asia.com The show will feature companies from Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also corporate and MICE travel.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET London, UK November 02 – 05 www.wtmlondon.com Now in its 36th year, the event generates more than USD3.9 billion of travel industry contracts.
IBTM WORLD Barcelona, Spain November 17 – 19 www.ibtmworld.com A leading global event for the MICE and business travel industry, which gathers over 15,500 professionals of the sector.
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10 OCTOBER 2015
Travel Trade Luxury is a worldwide luxury travel trade publication. Travel Trade Luxury is brought out monthly. It is published both in digital and printed format. Its digital readership is based on the 150,000 readers which the Travel Trade Publications platform enjoys. Readers include agents specialising in individual luxury travel, group luxury travel, travel counsellors and advisors, luxury travel DMCs and all other luxury products and services. Travel Trade Luxury is also distributed to the major travel trade exhibitions and specialised luxury shows and events. Travel Trade Luxury contains informative current news on luxury destinations and products. It also includes specialised luxury destination reports with in-depth analyses of issues related to the luxury segment.
WEEKLY NEWS XX
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05 JULY 2014