Travel Trade Weekly, 17 October 2015, Issue 310 by Travel Trade Publications

17 OCTOBER 2015

ISSUE 310

JEJU ISLAND INVITES MUSLIM TRAVELLERS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY EXPERT FOR THE AEROSPACE, TRANSPORT, DEFENCE AND SECURITY MARKETS, THALES HAS SIGNED A CONTRACT TO SUPPLY A NEW SYSTEM FOR AL-NAJAF AL-ASHRAF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

08 UAE HOTEL REVENUES TO DOUBLE BY 2019

09 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

MALLS

AIRPORTS

ACCOMMODATION

AIR

INTERNATIONAL

RENDEZVOUS

WHO'S MOVED

TRAVEL TALK

AGENT CORNER

PHOTO ALBUM

NEWS & EVENTS

THALES SECURES IRAQI AIRPORT DEAL

MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel

Moroccan Airports Break Decade-long Record

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Passenger volumes at Morocco’s airports reached 1,915,301 in August, setting a new record for the country after 10 years.

ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba

CONTRIBUTOR

ased on figures released by the Kingdom’s National Office of Airports, the increase translates into a year-on-year growth of 1.74 percent, and when compared to the same month in 2005, numbers are 6.3 percent higher. Combined traffic for July and August stood at 3.5 million travellers, meaning that in the first eight months of the year, the North African country welcomed some 11.75 million passengers, up 1.43 percent year-on-year.

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

16/10/2015

Mohammed V International Airport

Slow August in the Middle East Hotels in the Middle East and Africa reported negative results in the three key performance metrics for the month of August.

Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY 1USD=

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.39

Qatar (QAR)

Rial

3.64

Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal

3.75

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

104.98

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.93

Iran (IRR)

Rial

29,950.00

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,132.10

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,508.10

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.38

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

9.62

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.79

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.95

Yemen (YER)

Rial

215.15

Doha

ccording to STR Global, compared to 2014, the region witnessed a 1.1 percent decrease in occupancy to 62.9 percent, a 1.6 percent drop in average daily rate (ARR) to USD134.53 and a 2.7 percent decline in RevPAR to USD84.57. Specifically, Kuwait and Oman posted negative figures across the board with the RevPAR drop surpassing 10 percent. City-wise, Amman and Doha’s hotel markets suffered as well, as yearto-date supply – up 2.4 percent – outperformed demand in the Qatari capital as the country continues to march towards its targets for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the National Vision 2030. 17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS

Regional Airports Outperform Global Average Fuelled by robust increases at the three main hubs, passenger volumes in the Middle East skyrocketed 22.3 percent in July.

ased on data released by Airports Council International, figures jumped 29.5 percent at Dubai International, while Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport reported surges of 24.9 percent and 23.3 percent, respectively. Numbers is the Middle East were more than two times higher than in Asia Pacific, where passenger figures climbed 9.9 percent year-on-year with Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport registering the highest improvement at 52.4 percent. Air freight remained flat in Asia Pacific and dropped 0.09 percent in the Middle East, nevertheless Dubai International closed the month with a positive change of 3.4 percent.

Middle East Carriers Fuel Global Air Traffic kno Did you

Big Turnout for Al Ain Reads

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17 OCTOBER 2015

assenger traffic in the Middle East jumped 13.7 percent in August, well above the global average of 7.1 percent. According to the International Air Transport Association, although major economies in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have experienced slowdowns in non-oil sectors, growth rates still remained robust. Capacity nearly kept pace at 13.5 percent while load factor edged up 0.1 percentage points to 83.7 percent. Globally total revenue passenger kilometres rose 7.1 percent, capacity was up 5.9 percent, allowing load factor to climb 0.9 percentage points to 84.7 percent.

Al Ain Reads

Dubai International

he seventh edition of Al Ain Reads has attracted a record 70 exhibitors and has seen a 15 percent increase in exhibition area over the last instalment of the annual event. Running between October 4 – 11 at Al Ain Convention Centre, the exhibition attracted book lovers from all over the UAE as well as Oman. Over the extended eight-day period, more than 60,000 literary, scientific, children’s and educational titles were showcased at the event, which, according to H.E. Juma Al Qubaisi, executive director, national library division, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, has succeeded in attracting quality participation from local publishing houses that are putting greater emphasis on developing the publishing industry.

WEEKLY NEWS MALLS

Mall of Qatar Partners with Alshaya

Mall of Qatar

Mall of Qatar has signed a leasing agreement with retail franchise operator, Alshaya to open over 30 stores and restaurants within the complex.

he new brands will occupy 18,000m2 and will collectively offer shoppers international fashion and footwear, food, health and beauty, pharmacy, optics and home furnishing products. John Hadden, senior vice president, retail property, Alshaya, commented, “With more than 70 leading international brands in Alshaya’s portfolio we look forward to bringing traditional favourites, exciting new brands and outstanding new-look stores to this significant new addition to Qatar’s retail scene.”

360 MALL Commences Massive Expansion

uwait’s top shopping destination, 360 MALL has embarked on an extensive development project by launching the state-of-the-art Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sahab International Tennis Complex. The upgraded destination with the sports facility, which is set to firmly establish the country’s presence on the global professional tennis map, is expected to be unveiled to the public by 2019. The expansion will build on the success and identity of the existing 360 MALL with an added offering which includes sports, entertainment, a hotel as well as additional shopping outlets. The extension is set to increase footfall by at least 30 percent to over 18 million visitors.

17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS XX

Global technology expert for the aerospace, transport, defence and security markets, Thales has signed a contract to supply one instrument landing system (ILS/DME) and all related services for Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Iraq.

he agreement forms part of the country’s continuing efforts to modernise current navigation and surveillance capabilities, ensuring a significant improvement in safety and efficiency. As an important religious destination, Najaf plays host to millions of pilgrims each year. The airport has therefore been experiencing significant traffic growth in recent years, with many international airlines running regular services.

BAC Joins World Routes Event

QAIA Reaches New Heights

ahrain Airport Company (BAC) was once again present at the recently concluded 21st edition of the World Routes Development Forum and Exhibition in Durban, South Africa. The delegation used the three-day event to explore potential partnerships and showcase the competitive advantages of Bahrain International Airport (BIA) and the Kingdom in order to attract interest from international airlines. “As we move steadily ahead with our airport expansion plans, World Routes provides an essential platform to showcase BIA’s competitiveness as a regional aviation hub and share our vision with the international aviation community,” commented Waleed Fakhro, marketing manager, aviation, BAC.

Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport

THALES SECURES IRAQI AIRPORT DEAL

ueen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed 830,001 passengers in August, signalling a 5.6 percent yearon-year increase and the best-ever results for the month. Airport International Group (AIG), the company responsible for the operation of the airport, posited that in the month under review 7,168 aircraft movements were registered, down one percent. Over the same period, a total of 8,445 tonnes of cargo were handled, indicating a rise of 10.72 percent. Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG, enthused, “We are delighted to have achieved a new milestone with QAIA registering the highest August [passenger] statistics in the airport’s history. This unprecedented success was mainly led by the expansion of QAIA’s network, as well as an increase in passenger traffic to and from the Gulf, Turkish, Libyan, Iraqi and European countries markets.”

17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS Islamic Tourism to Grow 11 Percent by 2020

he number of Muslim travellers is set to reach 150 million by 2020, translating into an expenditure of USD200 billion, according to Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Based on MasterCard’s data, in 2010, the global Islamic travel market was estimated to be worth USD145 billion, while the volume of Muslim visitors stood at 108 million. The above-average population growth and healthy economic development are however set to spur the segment’s dominance, meaning that Halal meal options, familyfriendly environments, gender-related nuances and other specific amenities are likely to be taken into consideration in more and more destinations.

Jeju Island Invites Muslim Travellers

eju Tourism Association, in collaboration with online travel platform HalalTrip.com compiled a new visitor guide to attract Muslim tourists to the South Korean destination. The document, titled Experience Jeju Island, A Traveller’s Haven, showcases a range of landscapes, culture and enthralling activities, and focusses on meeting the needs of Muslim travellers. The 12-page guide, which is offered in English, is being distributed among travel agents and partners and is also available online. Fazal Bahardeen, CEO, HalalTrip, said, “With the increased propensity of Muslims to travel and experience culture, Jeju Island is a perfect place to see natural beauty and idyllic landscapes.”

Tourism to Boost Saudi Non-oil GDP

ith Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sectors forecasted to maintain robust growth this year and contribute as much as 5.7 percent to the non-oil GDP by 2020, SEDCO Holding Group deems that religious tourism stands as a haven to investors and young Saudis. Anees Moumina, CEO, SEDCO Holding Group, articulated, “Our multiple infrastructure projects and the growing business and leisure tourism, as well as the increasing inflow of religious tourists, the expansion of Al-Haram and the government supporting growth by way of building transportation and properties infrastructures are all healthy indicators.” By 2025, some 30 million visitors are expected to travel to Mecca and Medina.

17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS UAE Hotel Revenues to Double by 2019

nnual revenues generated by the UAE’s hotel sector is set to reach USD10.9 billion by 2019, almost doubling the USD5.9 billion figure recorded in 2013. According to Euromonitor International’s report, which was published for The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show Dubai, visitor attraction revenues will likely also double and soar to USD1.2 billion within the next four years. As Christine Davidson, group event director, hospitality portfolio, dmg events, pinpointed, the UAE continues to lead in MENA in terms of hotel room revenues with over three times the amount registered and forecast for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition, the UAE also tops the region with regards to hotel construction.

Industry Commits to Sustainable Development Goals

eaders of the major global travel and tourism associations have welcomed the adoption of the sustainable development goals (SDG). As the entity representing public and private bodies, the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC) attested the importance of SDGs. “As one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world, travel and tourism is well-positioned to foster economic growth and create jobs throughout the world to meet goal number one [and] end poverty in all its forms everywhere,” commented David Scowsill, president, World Travel & Tourism Council, noting that tourism has been also included in goals pertaining sustainable economic growth, consumption and production and the responsible use of oceans.

The upcoming ME by Meliá Dubai

Louvre Abu Dhabi Closer to Completion

Construction site at Louvre Abu Dhabi

17 OCTOBER 2015

fter more than 30 million man hours on site, the final outer cladding piece of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome has been put into place. The item forms part of the dome’s pattern, which is made up of eight layers of covering with the structure in between. In total, the outer cladding consists of 4,481 stars which is now completed and installed. Construction works will start in a few months on the stone flooring, installation of the display cases and the completion of the admin building. Once completed, Louvre Abu Dhabi will feature permanent galleries, a temporary gallery, a children’s museum and an auditorium.

WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Soma Bay Triumphs at Cityscape

Representatives of the four contributing entities

Yas Marina Circuit Promotes Health Standards

bu Soma Development Company, the lead developer behind Egypt’s Soma Bay resort has been awarded the community, culture and tourism project accolade at the recently held Cityscape Egypt exhibition. The renowned location finished ahead of 23 other major destinations, earning the honour with its wide variety of ongoing projects that include new hotels and real estate opportunities. In addition, the resort will also soon launch its new marina and bay side development, further enhancing its appeal to visitors.

he partnership between Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, National Health Insurance Company Daman and Yas Marina Circuit introduced a new government health and fitness initiative. StartYAS runs every Sunday evening at the UAE capital’s Yas Marina Circuit and is open to everyone. According to Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO, Yas Marina Circuit, the programme further cements the facility’s position as a true community space which helps improve the wellbeing of UAE residents. “With already more than 250,000 visits to the circuit for health and fitness purposes alone, we have developed into a space that offers a wide range of opportunities to get active and stay fit,” added Al Ameri.

Ras Al Khaimah Hosts Hotel Concierge Union

as Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) sponsored the fifth annual general meeting of Les Clefs d'Or’s UAE chapter. Held under the theme The future will start from today, the event was attended by more than 300 members of the hotel concierge union from across the UAE and the GCC, along with key stakeholders from the hospitality industry. “Les Clefs d'Or brings a level of excellence in service and hospitality that is very much in line with what we look to provide for visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, ensuring an unparalleled experience,” commented Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA.

17 OCTOBER 2015

ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech Now Open Set among 20ha of landscaped gardens, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has officially launched marking the Asian hotelier’s foray into Morocco.

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ark Bradford, general manager, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, enthused that the property, which offers 54 private villas, is expected to become the region’s most sought-after and exclusive resort, featuring stylish accommodation and a range of facilities, all of which are underpinned by Mandarin Oriental’s signature service. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars as well as a spa with suites, private terraces and gardens, two luxurious Hammams, an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre and a yoga studio.

Fairmont The Palm Earns Green Key Certificate

airmont The Palm was recognised, as the first hotel on Dubai’s man-made marvel, with the Green Key Certification for its exceptional sustainability results. By monitoring operations and energy consumption patterns since preopening and implementing energy-saving practices over the past two years, the property achieved to cut back its energy usage by 30 percent and achieve a 10 percent improvement in waste reduction. Upon receiving the label from Emirates Green Building Council, Mark Sawkins, general manager, Fairmont The Palm, said, “With the continuous implementation of sustainability initiatives and greening our operations, where colleagues and guests are committed to engage in such programmes, Fairmont The Palm is a model for sustainable performance in the city.”

Fairmont The Palm’s team with the certification

17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Lebanon Welcomes New Lancaster Hotel

Marriott to Employ Arab Youth

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Lancaster Tamar Hotel

ancaster Tamar Hotel is the latest addition to Lancaster Hotels & Suites’ portfolio of projects in Lebanon’s Raouche area. Conveniently located at the outskirts of Beirut, the 151-unit property welcomes leisure and business travellers alike with a fitness centre with sauna and steam room, an outdoor swimming pool, various food and beverage outlets and practical banqueting facilities. Situated in close proximity to the Lebanese capital’s international hub, the four-star superior hotel also provides airport shuttle services every other hour.

arriott International has partnered with INJAZ AlArab, the MENA office of Junior Achievement Worldwide, to launch the organisation’s youth empowerment campaign. Expand Your Horizon is focussed on showcasing internship and employment opportunities from the region’s key growth industries. “This initiative allows Marriott the opportunity to create a paradigm shift in the perception of hospitality among MENA nationals, and showcase careers in hospitality to the next generation of hoteliers, benefiting both the Arab youth as well as our industry,” commented David Leman, chief human resources officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. So far, the company has received over 1,400 applications and the hotelier is looking to appoint 55 young interns across Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

TIME Praised for CSR Initiatives

Mohamed Awadalla (right) receives the label

n recognition of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive, TIME Hotels Management has been honoured with the CSR Label Award by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. As a seal of approval, the accolade allows the company to benchmark its endeavours against those of other forward-thinking entities in the emirate, explained Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels Management. Launched in 2010, the label is presented based on performance scores across seven criteria. This year, TIME Hotels Management was the sole hospitality industry company to receive it.

17 OCTOBER 2015

AIR WEEKLY NEWS

Qatar Airways Expands Presence in Australia Qatar Airways has announced its daily direct services from Doha to Sydney, adding the third Australian city to its network.

E Sydney

ffective from March 1, 2016, the itinerary will be operated by Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, noted, “The expansion of our Australia services will undoubtedly boost and strengthen the trade and commercial links that exist between Qatar and Australia, setting the stage for even more robust partnership opportunities in the near future.”

Gulf Air Partners with ACP Rail International

ulf Air has teamed up with ACP Rail International to allow passengers to book and purchase their rail seats in advance from the comfort of their homes via a dedicated website. Specifically catering to customers of the airline, the rail pass and train ticket distributor offers a wide array of options for those arriving in Europe. “As we add further benefits [...] we are working to change the concept of travel, making it a more convenient and attractive proposition while simultaneously broadening the scope of Gulf Air’s reach across the globe,” commented Ahmed Janahi, acting chief commercial officer, Gulf Air.

Emirates Enhances Boston Route

mirates has launched a second daily service from Dubai International to Boston Logan International Airport. The extra frequency supplements the existing flight between the cities and will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, West, Emirates, commented, “The additional service to Boston not only doubles our capacity to meet demand, but will also provide passengers with the option to fly to new destinations [...]. The new flight will also create improved connections for passengers travelling from Dhaka, Kolkata, and many destinations throughout Africa, the GCC and Middle East [....].”

17 OCTOBER 2015

WEEKLY NEWS AIR Halal-friendly Airline Seeks Gulf Investors

K-based start-up international fullservice carrier, Firnas Airways has launched a funding campaign in the Gulf region in a bid to raise USD50 million that it requires for expansion. Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, founder, Firnas Airways, is confident that GCC investors will be keen to capitalise on an airline’s concept and business model that is unique in its scope and ambition. The carrier aims to establish links between the UK and Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia and will provide dedicated Halal-friendly services for the large British Muslim community travelling to the Middle East and Asia. According to the management, the proposed amount would support operations for the first three years from launch including the cost of leasing three Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

flydubai Expands Russian Network

lydubai inaugurated services to Nizhny Novgorod and Novosibirsk, bringing its footprint in the country to 10 cities. The low-cost carrier now offers three weekly flights to Novosibirsk, while Nizhny Novgorod is being served two times per week. “Since the start of our flights to Russia five years ago, we have seen strong demand for affordable, reliable and direct services to Dubai. We are committed to growing our network in the market,” reiterated Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai.

flynas to Operate to Bahrain

ollowing the UAE and Kuwait, flynas is to launch scheduled flights to its third GCC destination, Bahrain. Starting December 1, the Saudi airline will offer three weekly services between both Jeddah and Bahrain as well as Riyadh and Bahrain. In order to establish a stronger presence in the market, the carrier signed a passenger sales agent agreement with Sanad Travel and Tourism. Commenting on the airline’s growth, Bander Al Mohanna, CEO, NAS Holding, reiterated the group’s commitment to providing economic prices, suitable options and effective and efficient travel services.

17 OCTOBER 2015

INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS Aloft Strengthens US Presence

BEST WESTERN Papilio Hotel

tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is to introduce its fast-growing Aloft brand to Indiana state. Slated to open in January, Aloft South Bend will mark the hotel company’s debut in the market. Occupying the former Magnuson Grand Hotel, the property will offer 183 loft-style rooms, 350m2 of flexible meeting space and live music performances. According to Brian McGuinness, senior vice president, specialty select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the hotel will inject new energy into the city’s downtown and attract early adopters with its tech-forward mind-set, leading-edge design and buzzing social scene.

Best Western Enters Surabaya

Shangri-La’s Hotel Jen to Debut in Borneo

Genting Eyes Shipbuilding Expansion Scheme

17 OCTOBER 2015

S PacifiCity

Lloyd Werft shipyard

rystal Cruises’ parent company Genting Hong Kong has entered into an agreement to acquire Lloyd Werft in a deal that will see the company invest USD19.9 million for 70 percent of the new shipbuilding business and a 50 percent ownership of the German shipyard’s land. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, CEO, Genting Hong Kong, stated, “Lloyd Werft has built and lengthened six of the ships owned by an affiliate of the company and has the expertise to build a series of world class cruise ships for the company, which will include the Exclusive Class vessels for Crystal Cruises […]. Ownership in Lloyd Werft will enable Genting Hong Kong to leverage on the shipyard’s technical expertise and their well-established and long track-record in the shipbuilding industry.”

est Western International (BWI) has unveiled BEST WESTERN Papilio Hotel, the company’s first project in Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya. Located 20 minutes from the international airport and in close proximity to popular attractions, the modern midscale hotel is set in a glass and steel building, which houses over 200 units, an outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, a restaurant and flexible function spaces. According to Olivier Berriyin, managing director, international operations, BWI, the property’s vast array of amenities exceeds its midscale status, offering guests an elevated experience at a reasonable price point.

hangri-La International Hotel Management and Pacific Sanctuary Holdings teamed up to launch the first Hotel Jen in Borneo. Scheduled to open in 2018, Hotel Jen Kota Kinabalu will be situated in PacifiCity, an integrated shopping, entertainment and lifestyle hub in Malaysia’s Kota Kinabalu, and will comprise two twin towers. Resort style recreational and fitness facilities, shared with PacifiCity Club, will elevate the guest experience to new levels. As Greg Dogan, CEO, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, explained, the Hotel Jen brand serves those who demand quality, comfort and value, together with honest, authentic service; and want privacy and efficiency without unnecessary fuss or intrusion.

WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Fiji Airways Boosts Frequency on Hong Kong Route

Solomon Islands Gains Popularity

F Hong Kong

Solomon Islands

olomon Islands continues to attract an increasing number of visitors with arrivals to the South Pacific destination having risen 14.9 percent in May alone. During the month under review, 1,681 holiday-makers flocked to the islands, with Australians dominating the statistics, accounting for close to 47 percent of all visitation followed by Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the US and New Zealand. As Josefa Tuamoto, CEO, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, noted, following a challenging year in 2014, marked by the Honiara floods and the prolonged Fiji – Solomon Islands air impasse, the destination managed to better identify its goals and establish a platform on which it can build for the future.

iji Airways is to add an extra frequency to its Hong Kong operations. Effective October 25, the airline will offer four weekly services from the island to the Asian hub. “This increase in frequency further strengthens our offering from Hong Kong and beyond, especially in allowing greater travel options most days of the week from mainland China,” said David Bowden, acting CEO, Fiji Airways, adding that the route is an integral part of the company’s network and thanks to codeshare partner Cathay Pacific Airways, customers can benefit from extensive connectivity options beyond Hong Kong.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Reemerges

ocated 45 floors up in Midtown Tower, hailed as Tokyo’s tallest building, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo has completed its multiphase transformative renovation. Drawing inspiration from the skyline views of the city, which can be seen from the rooms and suites, the luxury hotel’s units have been contemporised in dark shades of grey, purple, and red to reflect Japanese aesthetic, while furnishings pay homage to exquisite local patterns. The club lounge embodies a luxurious residence, featuring four distinctly unique spaces. The property’s renovation began with the reopening of its signature restaurant, Hinokizaka in December 2014, along with the unveiling of The Lobby Lounge & Bar. 17 OCTOBER 2015

TRAVEL CHANNELS Saudi Arabia and Peru Join Together

audi Arabia has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Peru to deepen ties between the two countries in the areas of cultural heritage, antiquities and museums, handicraft, cultural events as well as economic and technical development. The agreement covers various aspects of cooperation and exchange of expertise, and will include joint scientific research, restoration projects, special events as well as educational and awareness campaigns. The MoC follows the visit of H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, in the South American destination, where he held several meetings with leading figures of the country.

17 OCTOBER 2015

SCTH to Introduce Ecotourism Camps

he Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), represented in the National Project for Tourism Human Resources Development (Takamul), held a workshop on ecotourism camps. The initiative aimed to introduce investors and people who wish to get involved in the industry to the required conditions and controls for licensing, establishing and operating ecotourism camps in accordance with international standards. “We were very keen to meet investment concerned people in the field of ecotourism camps […], to inform them on the most important procedures that have been taken thereof, and providing them with adequate dose of information to help take the first step in their projects,” explained Hamad Al Semaeel, assistant vice president, SCTH.

Oryx Rotana Doha Deepens Societal Bond

s part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, a delegation from Oryx Rotana Doha visited Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care to raise awareness of the importance of giving back to the community. The care home residents were treated to a lunch specially prepared by the hotel. Lana Jwainat, cluster director, marketing and communications, Oryx Rotana Doha, commented, “This visit has been symbolic of enhancing and strengthening our relationship with all segments of the society. [...] It is also our duty to be able to give back to this category of society in recognition of their past contributions, and because we believe in their rights as part of our society.“

RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: In your opinion, what are those key elements of Qatar’s tourism strategy that have enabled the country to attract an increasing number of travellers? PHILIPPE ANRIC: At The Airport Hotel, we focus on serving the needs of our guests, most of whom stay with us for one night or even just a few hours, as part of their journey. We have seen a growing interest from our clientele to learn more about the history of Qatar, to discover the country in depth, but we know we have a narrow window into this question.

Q & A with

Philippe Anric

GENERAL MANAGER, THE AIRPORT HOTEL, DOHA

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has the profile of your guests changed since opening?

“

WE ARE PREPARED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND

PHILIPPE ANRIC: With the significant investments that the Qatari government has made to develop the country’s tourism infrastructure, and with upcoming international events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the hotel industry in Doha still has huge potential for growth. The opening of Hamad International Airport and The Airport Hotel in 2014 will support this growth in tourism and are part of the country’s long-term strategy to become a major tourist hub. […] We are prepared to meet the growing demand, and to welcome all visitors to our country.

PHILIPPE ANRIC: The profile of our guests at The Airport Hotel at Hamad

“

THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN DOHA STILL HAS HUGE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH

International Airport is unique, as most passengers staying with us are in transit rather than visiting Doha itself. Therefore the profile has not really changed since we opened in 2014. On an annual basis we see just as many customers travelling for leisure as for business.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Despite the increasing competition in the capital, hotel performance levels remain stable. What are your expectations for the future?

AS QATAR GEARS UP TO BREAK RECORDS AND WELCOME THREE MILLION VISITORS BY YEAR-END, PHILIPPE ANRIC, GENERAL MANAGER, THE AIRPORT HOTEL, DOHA, TALKS ABOUT THE COUNTRY’S CHANGING PROFILE AND THE PROPERTY’S KEY SELLING POINTS.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What can guests and travel agents expect from the hotel in the coming months? PHILIPPE ANRIC: The Airport Hotel currently operates 100 rooms in the South Wing Node of Hamad International Airport. In the future, the second hotel facility with 100 rooms at the airport will be opened in the North Wing Node.

The Airport Hotel, Doha

17 OCTOBER 2015

WHO'S MOVED

HAITHAM AL SUBAIHI

HAREB AL MUHAIRY

17 OCTOBER 2015

Haitham Al Subaihi has been promoted to vice president of UAE sales at Etihad Airways. Al Subaihi began his career with the Abu Dhabi-based airline in 2007 as a graduate management trainee. In 2009, he served as business development manager for North America, based in New York, before returning to the UAE to take up the role of manager of sales for the government sector. He then went on to be vice president of sales in central US, based in the airline’s Washington, D.C. office. Al Subaihi holds a bachelor degree in mass communication from Richmond American International University in London.

MOHAMMED AL BULOOKI

Mohammed Al Bulooki has returned to Etihad Airways as vice president of UAE commercial. Al Bulooki will be responsible for UAE sales, Hala Travel Management, Hala Abu Dhabi, the airline’s retail operations, Etihad Holidays as well as the carrier’s tourism research and partnerships function. He moves to Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi Airports where he served as chief commercial officer, a position he held since 2011. He joined the airport company in 2008 from Etihad Airways after working in sales roles in both the UAE and the UK. During his career, he held a number of key Abu Dhabi Airports posts.

Hareb Al Muhairy has assumed the position of senior vice president of corporate and international affairs at Etihad Airways. He moves to the role after serving as vice president of sales in the UAE. Prior to joining the commercial division, he worked as vice president of corporate communications. Al Muhairy has been with the airline since 2004 and he is also a board member of Abu Dhabi Media Company, Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, Abu Dhabi National Hotels and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. He will now be responsible for external and internal corporate communications, international corporate affairs, media relations and corporate social responsibility. He will also take a lead role in strengthening relations with some of the most important governmental and regulatory bodies worldwide.

TRAVEL TALK

Agarwood’s concept reflects Oman’s [..] vision

ALI HAMAD LAKHRAIM ALZAABI President, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East and Africa

MOHAMMED JASSIM AL MARZOUQ Chairman, Tamdeen Group

“Agarwood is a brand that was researched and developed specifically for the region. It has a range of features unique to our portfolio and is entrenched in cultural symbolism through its origins to Oud. It is a hotel concept that we believe will address the needs and expectations of Omani, GCC and international travellers. Combining ecofriendly features and set in the beautiful surroundings of Salalah, [...] Agarwood’s eco-lifestyle concept reflects Oman’s Ministry of Tourism’s vision.”

Qatar [had] a unique opportunity to relish age old recipes

THOMAS FEHLBIER General manager, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

“[Award-winning master chefs, Mohammed Irfan Qureshi and Mohammed Ashfaque Qureshi, who hosted a dinner at the hotel] have a passion for good food and pushing culinary boundaries steeped in rich Indian culinary traditions. Both chefs have pioneered in the art of North Indian cuisine […]. For hundreds of years, their ancestors had been cooking for the great Moghuls and now food lovers in Qatar [had] a unique opportunity to relish age old recipes and exotic dishes created for royalty.”

360 MALL […] will become a landmark in Kuwait

Demand for aviation connectivity remains strong

“[The addition of the Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex to Kuwait’s 360 MALL] will be the first time in the world that retail, sports and entertainment come together under one roof and on this scale. [...] 360 MALL will be further enhanced and together with the tennis complex will become a landmark in Kuwait. […] We believe that the synergy between the glorious game of tennis and 360 MALL, the premium lifestyle mall in Kuwait, creates an unparalleled experience.”

“Airlines are committed to meeting growing demand sustainably. The record high load factor of 84.7 percent [registered in August] is a great indicator of improved efficiency – a 17 percentage point increase over the industry’s performance a decade ago. This is just one indicator of the aviation industry’s determination to achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020. […] Although the global economic outlook is decidedly mixed, demand for aviation connectivity remains strong.”

TONY TYLER Director general, International Air Transport Association

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

17 OCTOBER 2015

AGENT CORNER

Agent’s Insight NAME:

Ayako Kamioka

POSITION:

Assistant manager

COMPANY:

H.I.S. EUROPE

LOCATION:

WEBSITE:

viajapan.co.uk / www.hisgo.co.uk

When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? My interest in tourism began as a student, when I studied about hospitality as part of an English programme that I participated in, in San Diego. Also experiencing an internship at an online travel agent, I started working for H.I.S., my current workplace, in 2005. Three years later I was given the opportunity to work in our overseas office, one of my long time aspirations, which leads me to today. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? I believe the ability to collect and keep radars out for information is very important. A good tour operator would need to be able to grasp what the customer wants from their inquiry, and offer them precise information and advice that they need for their most ideal trip. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Because I work in the inbound section, I correspond with customers arriving from Japan. Customers from Japan tend to ask questions about general information, such as prices of food, security, tourist spots and restaurant recommendations. In such cases, I always strive to answer from the tourist’s point of view. What are the must-visits and must-dos in Japan that no one should miss? Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring, in Kumamoto Prefecture would be my recommendation. The area is well-known and popular in Japan, but at the same time small local Japanese style inns (ryokan) line up in the streets and the place has a great atmosphere. You can also eat seasonal foods of Kumamoto and enjoy various kinds of hot springs. 17 OCTOBER 2015

ourism executives from 220 companies from 10 Russian cities participated in Natalie Tours’ annual gathering at Atlantis The Palm. Now in its 11th edition, the event focussed on promoting and marketing Dubai as a year-round business and leisure destination for Russian travellers. Organised jointly with Alpha Destination Management, the congress was held in cooperation with Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing and highlighted the emirate’s top attractions and its offerings during the winter months. The challenges and difficulties currently facing the market were another key point on the agenda. According to Adnan Aridi, managing director, Alpha Destination Management, the event continues to play an important role in luring visitors from Russia.

Natalie Tours Congress

Natalie Tours Heads to Dubai

NEWS & EVENTS Dubai to Host Region’s Largest Disabilities Expo

ver 750 million individuals with disabilities and special needs worldwide, 50 million of whom reside in the Middle East, are set to get the opportunity to explore the latest solutions as Dubai prepares to host AccessAbilities 2016. In line with the government’s goal to establish Dubai as the most livable city for individuals with special needs, the expo is also aimed at further inspiring authorities and the private sector to integrate these citizens into the society by helping them overcome their daily challenges and ensuring their services are easily accessible to this growing segment of the community, explained H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, patron, AccessAbilities. The first-of-its-kind expo will be held between February 8 – 10, 2016, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Aviation Exhibitions to Raise Abu Dhabi’s Profile

bu Dhabi Airports announced the dates and highlights of its three key events for 2016 that will be held within the Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week. Organised in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Air Expo, Middle East Aviation Career Conference & Exhibition, and Abu Dhabi Heli Expo will take place between March 8 – 10, 2016, while Middle East Aviation Career Conference will run in parallel with Abu Dhabi Air Expo. “With 70 percent of the space already booked, the three events will play a crucial role in driving and supporting this growth by providing a platform for the industry to showcase exciting business and career opportunities,” commented Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.

ibtm africa 2016 on the Horizon

he new edition of ibtm africa will take place between April 4 – 6, 2016 at Cape Town International Conference Centre, the organisers of Reed Travel Exhibitions’ ibtm events confirmed. The targeted show offers an exclusive opportunity for African exhibitors to connect and engage with top level international decision-makers over the course of three days of face-to-face business meetings and networking. Together with the two other co-located shows – International Luxury Travel Market Africa and World Travel Market Africa – more than 30 industry related debates, forums, conferences, seminars and lectures will be delivered during Africa Travel Week.

ibtm africa 2015

Jumeirah and Emirates Join Food Festival

ubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has signed strategic alliances with Emirates Flight Catering and Jumeirah Group that will see the homegrown companies leverage this October’s Speciality Food Festival, SEAFEX and Sweets & Snacks Middle East as key sourcing and procurement platforms. “With more than 600 exhibiting companies from over 60 countries participating in this year’s sectorised trade shows, our trio of niche food events offers the premier platform for regional buyers, retailers and distributors to source thousands of new-to-market products from every corner of the world,” commented Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC. Held between October 27 – 29, more than 15,000 local, regional and international visitors are expected to attend the three co-located events.

17 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...

Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi held its annual staff party

Etihad Airways honoured record number of UAE national graduates from its Future Leaders programme

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection hosted the annual gala dinner for one of its biggest partners, Russian tour operator Natalie Tours

17 OCTOBER 2015

Bollywood actress Aarti Chabria was the guest star at the official opening of Kareemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant at Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel

Fairmont The Palm celebrated the prestigious Green Key Certificate

Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi welcomed American professional wrestler, rapper and actor, John Cena (third from left)

WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS NEWS XX Bulgaria to Emulate Turkey’s Success

ulgaria is determined to take its tourism industry to the next level by taking the Turkish sector’s exponential development as an example. Representatives from both the public and the private sector convened in Pamporovo to discuss ways of further improving the country’s potential based on Turkey’s experience and to increase tourism exchange between the destinations. By pushing to relax visa restrictions and participating in the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT), Bulgaria aims to attract significant interest. “With Bansko and Pamporovo participating separately in the exhibition after the cooperation with Greece and the national pavilion of Bulgaria will increase the tourism volume in the region,” suggested Hacer Aydin, group director, tourism, travel and fashion, ITE Turkey.

ADNEC Showcases Vast Capabilities at ExCeL London

EVENTS 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 in 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.

bu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) participated in this year’s edition of Defence and Security Equipment International, an integrated event for the display of aerospace, land, maritime and security capabilities that was held in September at ADNEC-owned ExCeL London. The company’s participation at the event sought to promote the inaugural Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week and the second Unmanned System Exhibition (UMEX), hailed as the only exhibition of its kind in the region dedicated to unmanned systems and technologies used in air, land and marine operations and the inaugural edition of Simulation Exhibition and Conference held under the umbrella of UMEX.

4TH GLOBAL SUMMIT ON CITY TOURISM Marrakech, Morocco December 14 – 15 www.unwto.org International experts in city tourism, representatives of local authorities, municipalities and international or regional associations will discuss challenges and create a platform for the exchange of ideas.

17 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

05 JULY 2014