31 OCTOBER 2015
ISSUE 312
GCC TOURIST SPENDING TO TOP USD70 BILLION DUBAI BIOTECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH PARK AND THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARK NOW OPERATE UNDER A JOINT UMBRELLA KNOWN AS DUBAI SCIENCE PARK.
02 NEW PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE IN ABU DHABI
09 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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AIRPORTS
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AGENTS
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ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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INTERNATIONAL
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RENDEZVOUS
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WHO'S MOVED
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AGENT CORNER
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TRAVEL TALK
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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TECOM ESTABLISHES DUBAI SCIENCE PARK
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
GCC Tourist Spending to Top USD70 Billion Hospitality and retail revenues are set to continue to grow at an accelerated rate in the Middle East with tourists from the GCC expected to spend USD73 billion by 2019, according to Dinar Standard.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis
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DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
ropelled by the rising demand for upcoming mega events, the two sectors are anticipated to adopt audiovisual technology solutions, such as digital signage, guest room control as well as way finding. As a result, the Middle East and Africa’s audiovisual market for hospitality and retail combined is forecast to reach USD782 million by 2016, up 62 percent from 2012, a report from InfoComm International suggests. In light of these, it came as no surprise that InfoComm MEA 2015 attracted more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers from 30 countries.
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
30/10/2015
Middle East Airports Continue to Lead Passenger traffic growth in the Middle East continues to outpace the average, data compiled by Airports Council International (ACI) confirms.
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
106.80
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
8.03
Iran (IRR)
Rial
29,960.00
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,187.50
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,506.50
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.36
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.85
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.82
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.99
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
2
Dubai International
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
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riven by a 22 percent rise in Doha, as well as17.4 percent and 9.5 percent rises in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, the Middle East recorded a 15 percent improvement in August, while Asia Pacific closed the month with an 8.3 percent surge. Air freight remained weak as it continued to be impacted by slowdown across Asian export markets and oil producing economies. The Middle East, however, still managed to post a 0.9 percent growth. 31 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
ADNEC Backs Alternative Dietary Scheme Ecocity World Summit hosted UAE’s first-ever Meat Free Monday in collaboration with Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC).
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he global campaign aims to raise awareness of the detrimental environmental impact of eating meat, encouraging people to help slow climate change, preserve precious natural resources and improve their health by having at least one meat-free day each week. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO, ADNEC, noted, “Our collaboration with Ecocity World Summit articulates ADNEC’s commitment to the environmental vision of Abu Dhabi through supporting various initiatives and programmes that address important ecological challenges confronting the world today.”
UAE Centres Join AccessAbilities Expo 2016
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ccessAbilities Expo 2016 will welcome special needs centres from across the UAE, committed to supporting the My Community initiative by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince, Dubai, which envisions the emirate as a fully-inclusive and disabled city by 2020. The event, taking place between February 8 – 10, 2016 in Dubai, will cater to the needs of over 750 million people with disabilities worldwide, as well as their carers, service providers and others. Isphana Al Khatib, director, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, stated, “The expo will bring focus and attention to the need to generate appropriate actions that are necessary to bring the requisite change in perceptions, enhance organisation, structure and resources.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
VIP Treatment at Abu Dhabi Airports
USD441 Billion Poured into Airport Projects
New vehicles at Abu Dhabi International Airport
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s Daniel Cappell, acting chief commercial officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, noted, since its launch earlier this year, the VIP Terminal has become a haven of luxury and exclusivity, and the addition of the new vehicles is emblematic of the very highest standards of amenities offered to VIP travellers.
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Airport Show 2015
A limited edition Rolls Royce Phantom and five BMW 7 Series sedans have been delivered to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s VIP Terminal, to chauffer passengers between the facility and their aircraft. ome USD441 billion was invested in airport constructions globally in the first half of the year, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. From the 2,520 projects under development worldwide, 100 are in the Middle East. As H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, noted, the region’s massive expansion in the field is having a positive economic impact by creating thousands of jobs and providing an engine for future growth. These developments will come under the spotlight at the 16th edition of Airport Show, to be held between May 9 – 11, 2016, in Dubai.
31 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 Abu Dhabi Stakes a Claim for Share of Halal Travel Sector
Abu Dhabi pavilion at the World Halal Travel Summit
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he UAE capital is poised to become a regional hub for Halal travel, thus, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)’s strong presence at the recently held World Halal Travel Summit. “Halal travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of global tourism and one that is already worth USD135 billion and is set to double within the next five years,” pinpointed H.E. Jasem Al Darmaki, acting director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, saying that the emirate is determined to place itself at the heart of this market. Organised with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, the event included an exhibition with over 200 participants as well as a 1,000-delegate conference.
SCTH Hosts Rehabilitation Programme
Participants in the programme
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he Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), in collaboration with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), concluded a training programme on tourism development, destination management and marketing in the municipality of Taif. The three-day workshop gathered investors, tourism service providers, public department officials and representatives of the travel and hospitality sectors from the city. The event also included field visits to key tourism and heritage landmarks in the area to better present Taif’s tourism potential to participants and help attendees understand the programme’s goals.
Dubai Chamber Celebrates Sustainability Week
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ubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business introduced sustainability week, a new initiative aimed at empowering stakeholders to lead the corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision of the UAE. Held under the theme Together – Our World, Our Responsibility, the first-of-its-kind programme ran between October 18 – 23, bringing together people from all parts of the society to engage in sustainability endeavours. The organisation has also recently launched a report, titled CSR Measurement and Impact: A Baseline for UAE Businesses, which not only offers a summary of stakeholders’ expectations and perceptions, but also provides guidelines for formulating CSR strategies that are aligned with business ambitions.
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31 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AGENTS
dnata Adds Muslim-friendly Offerings
dnata has introduced new customised tour packages catering to Muslim customers.
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olidays Tailored for You enables holiday-makers to personalise their next trip in a way that allows them to practice their faith. Travellers can opt for accommodation establishments that offer Halal food, prayer rooms, alcohol-free minibars and Ramadanfocussed catering options. Other aspects of the journey, including excursions operated by Muslim staff, are also looked after. The new service will focus on customers in the world’s 57 Muslim countries, with a large portion of bookings expected from the GCC.
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Musafir Partners with Vienna Tourism Board
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AE-based travel website, Musafir. com has teamed up with Vienna Tourism Board to launch a joint initiative promoting the Austrian capital as a key cultural destination for holiday-makers. The collaboration, which will be supported by an integrated online campaign, seeks to build awareness and boost tourism to the city. “We have been advertising Vienna in the Arabian market for some time now, but this is our first partnership with a local online travel agency on a large scale. Working with Musafir.com will help us show Arab travellers that Vienna offers everything for a perfect holiday, all wrapped up in an attractive package deal,” commented Julia Jakoubek, team manager, digital marketing, Vienna Tourist Board.
31 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS New Passenger Ferry Service in Abu Dhabi
Event Highlights Abu Dhabi’s Heritage
Passenger ferry service in Abu Dhabi
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) joined hands with academics, heritage researchers from Gulf universities, history institutions and a number of specialists in sociology and history to hold the second Gulf Heritage and Oral History Conference. The event emphasised the importance of narrated history in documenting and conserving the heritage of the region and aimed to foster the exchange of experiences and celebrate the achievements at national, Gulf and Arab world levels, as well as their significance to humanity to promote the values of belonging and loyalty, Nasser Al Humairi, director of intangible heritage department, TCA Abu Dhabi explained.
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ourists and residents can now avail of a new multidestination passenger ferry service in Abu Dhabi, hailed as the first of its kind in the UAE capital. Home-grown company, Jalboot Marine Network links major attractions and landmarks in the city with scheduled daily sailings to four stops; Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Marina and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, with plans for more locations. “It is an exciting alternative to getting around Abu Dhabi’s spectacular coastal area in a service unique in the emirate,” explained Thomas Rebollini, head of finance, sales and marketing, Jalboot Marine Network, saying that the new transportation option also contributes to Abu Dhabi’s vision for 2030.
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harjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) highlighted the emirate’s latest developments and activities as it celebrated World Tourism Day with its key partners. Held under the theme All Things New in Sharjah, the event underlined the goals of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 which aims to attract 10 million visitors by 2021. As H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA, noted, the target can only be achieved through active partnerships. He also referred to the importance of the Marhabtain initiative which supports the efficiencies of workers in tourism and related sectors.
31 OCTOBER 2015
Participants of the event
All Things New in Sharjah
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
TECOM ESTABLISHES DUBAI SCIENCE PARK As part of TECOM Group’s commitment to driving innovation in science, the company’s Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park and the Energy and Environment Park now operate under a joint umbrella known as Dubai Science Park (DSP).
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ourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has begun handing over the luxury residences that comprise the third phase of the Saadiyat Beach Villas to homeowners. The handover has been taking place in phases and all 77 addresses are expected to be filled by the end of the month. According to Sufian Hasan Al Marzooqi, CEO, TDIC, the fact that this is the company’s third addition to the project shows how desirable the residential communities on the island are due to their location, various facilities and high standard of finishes.
Dubai
Saadiyat Beach Villas
Residents Enter New Saadiyat Beach Villas
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he move is a reflection of the group’s overall strategy to operate and develop innovative communities, aimed at enabling business success in the emirate and to respond to the evolving needs of the industry. DSP will continue to support both small and medium size enterprises and global firms looking for a regional base for their Middle East operations.
Abu Dhabi Ports Earns Marine Pilot Recognition
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halifa Port and Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi became the first commercial ports in the Middle East to achieve prestigious certifications for marine pilots. Abu Dhabi Ports was awarded the International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations (IPSO)’s recognition for its marine pilotage service and for pilots working at the two bases. The ISPO system is a tool for continuously improving quality and port safety. “Along with many other recent achievements, this testimony also supports our vision of being the preferred provider of world-class integrated ports services,” commented Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports.
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31 OCTOBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
Mazagan Spa a Hit with GCC Visitors Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort’s spa has experienced exponential level of demand from travellers from the Gulf countries.
kno u o y d Di
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h Beac agan esor t z a M olf R sts & G es gue le m o ho welc an 18- ? e h s wit lf cour go
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s Stephan Killinger, president, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, explained, the destination aims to provide guests with a relaxing and stress relieving experience. “Traditional Hammam, Moroccan and other body massages, body wraps and sculpting massages, scrubs, face, hand, foot and hair care, and bath experiences are available at Mazagan Spa. In addition there is a beauty salon and a fitness centre equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines [and] supervised by caring trainers,” concluded Killinger.
Mazagan Spa
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Backs Educators
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awthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai extended its support to Dubai Centre for Special Needs (DCSN) during the observance of World Teachers’ Day by attending its celebration and providing refreshments for the teachers and staff. In addition, the property pledged to continue its fundraising campaign for DCSN and hand over the amount collected by the end of the year. Wael El Behi, general manager, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, noted, “Our yearlong partnership with DCSN has created a special bond and we aim to reach out further to help nurture all the children supported by the organisation.”
31 OCTOBER 2015
Hilton Garden Inn Debuts in Tabuk
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ilton Worlwide has unveiled Hilton Garden Inn Tabuk, adding to the brand’s growing portfolio of nearly 640 hotels and marking its entry into the Saudi city. The 104-room property is located 15 minutes from Tabuk’s airport and close to key government offices, local attractions, shopping malls and main transport hubs. It offers value-enhancing amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24hour business hub, stateof-the-art fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, three meeting rooms and one multi-function ballroom offering more than 200m2 of flexible function space.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION One&Only Bahrain to Welcome Hakkasan
One&Only Bahrain
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erzner International and Sevens Holding have partnered with Hakkasan Group to open a restaurant bearing the Hakkasan logo at the new One&Only-branded resort in Seef. “Hakkasan is the perfect fit for appealing to the desires of our discerning global guests who expect a variety of only the best dining experiences,” commented Mark DeCocinis, president, One&Only Resorts. Set on the property’s private beachfront, Hakkasan at One&Only Bahrain, the brand’s 12th location, will offer a world-class experience with a menu that takes a modern approach to authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Al Safir Hotel & Tower
Al Safir Hotel & Tower Continues to Lure All Segments
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l Safir Hotel & Tower, the 200-unit property in Manama’s vibrant entertainment district, has established itself as a preferred address for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel, which offers deluxe rooms, suites and apartments, awaits guests with a cosmopolitan selection of restaurants and entertainment options. Well-equipped business facilities are also available, making it ideal not only for holidaymakers but also for business travellers. The management remains committed to offering a unique experience by combining the establishment’s heritage with modern day amenities, thereby surpassing its deluxe four-star status.
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31 OCTOBER 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Royal Jet Achieves Safety Accreditation Royal Jet has been recognised for its safety management and risk processes and operating practices by Wyvern Consulting.
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he company has audited Royal Jet and awarded it two certificates, namely The Wingman Standard and the International Standard for Business Aviation Operations, both of which are part of the globally recognised Wyvern Wingman operator programme. The two distinctions reinforce that safety is a priority for every employee, commented Patrick Gordon, interim president, Royal Jet. “Our aim is to be the benchmark for private charter operators internationally and this global recognition goes a long way in helping us to achieve this,� he added.
Oman Air Enhances Sabre Partnership
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man Air signed an agreement with Sabre to extend its passenger services system, SabreSonic Customer Sales & Service. Under the deal, Sabre will supply additional technology that enhances the shopping experience for customers and creates more meaningful and profitable interactions with passengers throughout their journeys. A SabreSonic customer for the past 13 years, the carrier has embarked on a fleet and network expansion programme to increase its global footprint. To support this growth, the airline has selected two key shopping solutions: Interline Branded Fares and Dynamic Rewards. Together, these tools simplify the retail experience for the customer, driving sales and optimising partnership revenue streams.
31 OCTOBER 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Qatar Airways Partners with SUN-AIR
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atar Airways signed a codeshare agreement with Danish carrier SUN-AIR, a franchise of British Airways. Following the deal, the two airlines have introduced flights to Billund, Aalborg and Aarhus in Denmark, as well as to several other European destinations including Oslo, Brussels, Manchester and Munich. “SUN-AIR’s company values are closely aligned with those of Qatar Airways and we therefore see excellent opportunities with this new codeshare agreement, maintaining and enhancing our competitive offer to customers,” commented Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
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Etihad to Co-Host ABTA Convention
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bu Dhabi and Etihad Airways will jointly stage the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)’s next convention in 2016. The emirate was selected for its touristic appeal and modern infrastructure for the event, which will be held on Yas Island between October 10 – 12, 2016. Mohammad Al Bulooki, vice president, UAE commercial, Etihad Airways, deemed the decision a true recognition of the efforts all stakeholders have placed on developing Abu Dhabi into a progressive world-class hub of tourism, culture and tolerance.
31 OCTOBER 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
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man Air’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner conducted its inaugural flight from Muscat to Salalah. “This is the first chance we have had to demonstrate the exceptional passenger experience that Oman Air’s Dreamliner offers,” commented Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO, Oman Air, noting that the aircraft features the carrier’s newly-designed business and economy class cabins, along with the latest inflight entertainment technology. “The aircraft is set to become the centrepiece of Oman Air’s longhaul fleet and it is thrilling to see the Dreamliner in its glorious Oman Air livery,” concluded Gregorowitsch.
31 OCTOBER 2015
Emirates Group: Enterprise-wide Transformation Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Oman Air Dreamliner Flies to Salalah
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mirates Group is to undertake a company-wide transformation initiative aimed at placing data at the heart of the organisation, reinventing business processes through smart technology and underpinning decisions with big data and realtime analytics. The programme is set to redefine the consumer experience by developing a personal bond with individual customers at a scale which has never been achieved before in the history of the service industry, explained Tim Clark, president, Emirates. As he further noted, the company will be boldly examining new technologies and ideas to identify the opportunities they represent for both incremental improvement and disruptive change in the business model.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL ONYX Enters Vietnam with New Deal
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he Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company was named the world’s most popular luxury hotel brand by London-based consultancy, Luxury Branding. The independent analysis of 2.25 million online consumergenerated reviews on TripAdvisor listed well-known names for both consumer sentiment and consistency across the hotel portfolio. Expressing delight at receiving the distinction, Herve Humler, president, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, said, “We are a customer-centric organisation which has been built on the feedback our guests afford us. We appreciate the external recognition of our efforts and the continued support of The Ritz-Carlton from global travellers.”
O OZO Hoi An rendering
The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
The Ritz-Carlton Tops Luxury Ranking
NYX hospitality Group debuted in Vietnam following a contract with HB Group to manage the 364-key beachfront OZO Hoi An, due to open in late 2016. Located within a major development comprising a retail complex, a dining and entertainment village, residential apartments, villas and recreational facilities, the hotel will offer access to a range of retail and dining outlets, in addition to its own offerings, landscaped grounds and a beach pool and deck. Peter Henley, CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group, said, “With the increasing popularity of Vietnam’s South Central Coast amongst regional and international visitors, we have identified a gap in the market for a select service hotel like OZO.”
Sheraton Chuzhou Hotel
Starwood Strengthens Chinese Presence
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched Sheraton Chuzhou Hotel, marking the company’s debut in the city and the brand’s 70th property in the region. Located in Zhengwu Centre, the 348-key hotel features the brand’s signature amenities along with a wide range of on-property facilities, including a fitness centre, indoor heated pool, luxury spa, two dining venues and nearly 1,600m2 of state-of-the-art conference space. “China continues to be a vital market for Sheraton as it marches toward the brand goal of adding an additional 150 hotels globally by 2020,” commented Dave Marr, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.
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31 OCTOBER 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS Best Western Adds Suburban Boutique Brand
GL么 rendering
Signing of Radisson Medan
Radisson Medan to Open in 2016
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T. Carlson Panorama Hospitality, a joint venture between Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Panorama Group, has penned a management contract for the 219-room Radisson Medan in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The existing hotel will be rebranded and renovated under a USD5 million property improvement plan, before opening in the second half of 2016.
31 OCTOBER 2015
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est Western International has launched its seventh broad-midscale brand, GL么, offering a hip, boutiquestyle experience for savvy travellers. According to Ron Pohl, senior vice president, brand management, Best Western International, with anticipated demand, coupled with the lower barrier to entry costs of secondary and suburban markets, the GL么 development is expected to ramp up very quickly.
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RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: To what do you attribute the rising popularity of golf tourim in the Middle East region? ANTHONY MILEY: At Doha Golf Club, the popularity of golf continues to rise steadily year-on-year. We see this as the number of lessons and rounds played per year increases. From my experience, the amount of readymade golfers outweigh the people we introduce to the game. So, the single biggest factor for us is that there are simply more people in Doha as the population continues to grow. Having said that, I do think that the events we host and the events hosted around the region have a big part to play in the increase of popularity. On a more localised level, I believe the MENA tours are doing a fantastic job for amateurs and professionals in the region. This is certainly a factor in generating interest and popularity
Q & A with
Anthony Miley
MANAGER, GOLF OPERATIONS AND SERVICES, DOHA GOLF CLUB
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What aspects make golf aficionados a valuable clientele for the local tourism sector? ANTHONY MILEY: Speaking from my knowledge of the UK market, golf has never been more accessible or affordable than now. Having said that, golfers are still prepared to pay if they know the product is worth it. If you have a destination that has golf clubs that not only offer a fantastic facility and golf course but also a great customer experience, golfers will spend. I believe that if we contin-
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do these prestigious events help attract positive attention to the region? ANTHONY MILEY: I think it is no secret that marketing was one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. I think that the marketing job that has been done by the various sporting federations, government bodies and event companies around the region to stage some these events is remarkable. As well as golf tournaments and sporting events, we have two Formula 1 races in the region. Formula 1 alone has a global audience of 450 million, and the region has recently hosted the Rolling Stones. These types of events and concerts have a global appeal and cannot fail to raise the profile of the region going forward.
GOLF HAS NEVER BEEN MORE ACCESSIBLE OR AFFORDABLE THAN NOW
within the region. Also a factor is the types of names associated with some of the golf courses and the designers of those courses. These people are not just popular golfers, they are household names across the globe. […]
ue to develop and improve our customer service and experience levels, add additional facilities and continue to deliver world class events, we can build that loyal guest base for the region.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you see the future of the sports tourism sector in the region?
REAL GOLF AFICIONADOS APPRECIATE QUALITY AND ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR IT, SAYS ANTHONY MILEY, MANAGER, GOLF OPERATIONS AND SERVICES, DOHA GOLF CLUB, WHO SHARES HIS INSIGHTS ON THE REGIONAL GOLF TOURISM SECTOR’S PRESENT AND FUTURE.
Doha Golf Club
ANTHONY MILEY: I think one of the benefits in the region for sports tourism is the weather, although in golf we are still seasonal, with summer being very hot. We have three major airlines in the region with Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, meaning that the Middle East has never been easier to get to. This also means we have two major international travel hubs in Qatar and Dubai and we, of course, have a number of top-class golf facilities and hotels to choose from when visiting the region. I think the future is bright for sports tourism. With the weather being ideal for sports for eight months of the year, at the same time as most of Europe enjoys winter, I am sure we will see sports tourism continue to grow. More specifically about golf, I do genuinely feel that we have to be careful and get the balance right between supply and demand. Here in Qatar, we are in need of another golf course. When that happens, I think Doha will become more of a destination for sports tourism with golfers having more choice. 31 OCTOBER 2015
WHO'S MOVED
SAJIDA ISMAIL
GILLES ROCHE
Sajida Ismail continues as Etihad Airways’ vice president of service and hospitality. She will be responsible for designing the airline’s service at all customer touch points and will also be in charge of the development of training standards for all staff working inflight, as well as at airports, lounges and crew training centres. Ismail takes on the position after serving as the carrier’s head of product and service standards. Prior to joining Etihad Airways, she worked for Gulf Air for 20 years in various senior marketing and product-related roles.
Ismail is in charge of developing training standards for all staff
CHRISTIAN OSORIO
Christian Osorio has been named by Minor Hotel Group, the management company of Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, as the property’s quality and continuous improvement manager. Osorio previously served as operation analysis manager at Mandarin Oriental Miami and as developer, owners and tenants communication improvement specialist at Reef Islands, Bahrain. She has been in the hospitality and quality management business for 11 years. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental Miami, she worked at five-star properties in Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica with a focus on quality, productivity and process improvement.
Gilles Roche has been chosen as Air France-KLM’s new general manager for the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan. Roche started his career in 1985 with French domestic carrier, Air Littoral. He then joined Air Inter Fret in 1989 and held various positions until 1996, when he accepted Air France’s offer to work as country director for Hungary. In 2000, Roche relocated to Rio de Janeiro to take up the post in charge of the city and north Brazil. In 2003, he returned to France as intercontinental markets director for Air France Cargo and, from 2005 until 2011, as vice president for Air FranceKLM Cargo, covering France, Africa, West Indies, Indian Ocean and Pacific. He was also general manager for Korea before taking up his new role.
Roche joined Air-France-KLM in 1996
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TRAVEL TALK
SHEIKH AHMED BIN HAM Vice president, City Seasons Hotels
This success reflects 10 years of great hospitality
[The football team] helped raise awareness of Oman Air
‘We [at City Seasons Hotels] have started [10 years ago] with a very clear vision of offering comfort and luxury while keeping our rate structure at an affordable place. [...] Our strategy has proven successful and the chain has steadily grown into the five-star scale. This success would not have been complete without the tireless effort of our management and staff; with them embracing the vision of the owners and building the City Seasons reputation on it. Indeed, this success reflects 10 years of great hospitality and will be followed by many years to come.”
“[Winning the Aviation Football Cup] is a fantastic achievement for the Oman Air football team. On behalf of everyone at the airline, I would like to congratulate each and every team member. […] The Oman Air football team’s success in Croatia was particularly impressive, as this was the first year they had entered the Aviation Football Cup. However, their accomplishments go beyond the sporting arena and have helped raise awareness of Oman Air around the world.”
PAUL GREGOROWITSCH CEO, Oman Air
Halal tourism market holds enormous potential
LAURENT VOIVENEL CEO, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH)
“Halal tourism market holds enormous potential for hotel investors and developers. Given the business opportunity and demand, Halal-friendly hotels will continue to claim bigger market share globally. By 2030, Muslims will make up more than a quarter of the global population rising from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion and 30 percent of this population will seek Halal options.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Richard Woss
POSITION:
Managing director
COMPANY:
ATI Travel
LOCATION:
Hong Kong
WEBSITE:
www.atitravel.com.hk
Private Rentals in the US Threaten OTAs
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? In 1983, firstly working as a tour guide in Hong Kong for three years. I was then offered a director of sales position at a reputable destination management company (DMC) in Hong Kong and in 1989 I established my own DMC, ATI Travel. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Decency, honesty and providing the best possible services at the lowest possible rates, hence, ATI Travel’s motto: “Service is our Success”. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? If and how has Hong Kong changed since the handover to China in 1997. What are the must-visits and must-dos in Hong Kong that no one should miss? Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city, harbour cruise within the Victoria harbour on board the Aqua Luna, Soho and Lan Kwai Fond for dining and nightlife. Which destination is on your bucket-list? Egypt, once the situation stabilises. 31 OCTOBER 2015
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he increased popularity of private accommodation presents a potential threat to hotels, but also to online travel agencies (OTAs), according to Douglas Quinby, vice president, research, Phocuswright. As highlighted by Phocuswright's Rentals Rising: The State of Private Accommodation in U.S. Travel, the percentage of US travellers who have rented a home or a space within a home has nearly doubled from 13 percent in 2012 to 25 percent in 2014. The research also showed that the percentage of those who shopped for a hotel on an OTA and also shopped on Airbnb more than doubled between July 2014 and February 2015. With more OTA hotel shoppers also visiting Airbnb, their conversion rate on OTAs declined significantly.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
UNWTO and WTM Address Destination Branding With destination management organisations reevaluating their strategies to adapt to new market trends created by social media and new business models, this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will put a spotlight on destination branding.
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he UNWTO/WTM ministers’ summit will focus on what makes a successful destination brand in today’s globalised media landscape, the links between nation branding and destination branding, the role of social media and consumers’ engagement and more. As power moves from governments to citizens and from companies to consumers, this is having a huge impact on the tourism sector, and destinations and companies need to adjust to new challenges, according to Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO.
2014’s UNWTO/WTM ministers’ summit
US Business Travel Growth Softens
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S business travel spending is set to increase 3.1 percent this year and 3.7 percent in 2016, yet a drop in oil prices along with economic weakness in China, Russia and the Middle East dampen the sector’s outlook. As Michael McCormick, chief operating officer, Global Business Travel Association, noted, while the number of trips are up, total spending per journey is down and this can be linked to growing uncertainty and risk associated with the global economy. US companies are becoming far more selective in authorising business travel abroad, therefore, inflation in the sector will be nearly flat this year and modest in 2016.
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Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman Says ‘No’ to Plastic
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amada Hotel & Suites Ajman hosted a series of activities aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, in celebration of Wyndham Worldwide Green Day. Staff and guests were encouraged to avoid using plastic products through the hotel’s Living Plastic Free initiative. The property will also conduct a consumption analysis report on plastic usage and a waste audit, and it has already planted more trees in its urban farm. Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, said, “Our collective efforts on reducing plastic usage can help make a difference and these steps should be carried out not just on special events like this; we all should make this a mindset and a habit.”
Travel Consul Joins UNWTO
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orld Tourism Organization (UNWTO) welcomed Travel Consul to its Affiliate Members Programme during its recent general assembly meeting held in Medellin, Colombia. The company is a fast-growing international marketing communications alliance consisting of advertising, brand strategy, public relations, digital, media and marketing firms spread across the globe, all specialising in travel. Each agency partner is a recognised leader within the industry and has extensive knowledge of trends and their implications. As a result, clients benefit from greater consistency in delivering their messages, financial and operational efficiencies in executing their marketing programmes and preparedness to work across international areas.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Al Habtoor Group received the GCC Best Employer Brand Award 2015 at the Employer Branding Awards
Nomad Brunch at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel won the Time Out Kids Award for Best Family Brunch in Dubai
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara displays the largest pink ribbon in Qatar to raise awareness of breast cancer
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Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts celebrated World Food Day across the globe with special activities
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo welcomed its new German executive chef, Joachim Textor with a culinary night
Marsa Malaz Kempinski introduced Golden High Tea at CafĂŠ Murano
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WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS NEWS XX AHIC Kicks Off Preparations
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rganisers of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) held an advisory board meeting to commence planning for the next edition of the event. As Jennifer Pettinger, managing director, Middle East, Bench Events, explained, the aim is to ensure that AHIC remains a networking platform that is both insightful and relevant to the regional industry. Topics included retaining and training personnel, sustaining arrival figures to the UAE post 2020, Sharia financing and nurturing investments from China. The next AHIC will take place between April 26 – 28, 2016 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
EVENTS 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.
OCEC: Business Events Solutions for European Clients
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ogether with the Sultanate’s Ministry of Tourism, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) ventured on its third annual European road show, targeting clients in Berlin, Brussels, Geneva and Milan. The team had a series of exclusive events presenting the venue and Oman to key decision-makers, thought leaders and professional associations across a variety of industries. Trevor McCartney, general manager, OCEC, commented, “Our aim is to share the remarkable proposition of OCEC and our passion for this oasis of beauty, culture, integrity and business opportunities, the Sultanate of Oman.”
SAUDI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TECH EXHIBITION Riyadh, Saudi Arabia November 30 – December 02 www.saudihoteltechexpo.com A show aimed at bringing together the latest hotel equipments, security procedures, interior and exterior providers and information technologists to empower the advancement of hotel technology.
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 and regional associations will discuss challenges and create a platform for the exchange of ideas.
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
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