28 NOVEMBER 2015
ISSUE 316
MIDDLE EAST FUELS GLOBAL AIRPORT TRAFFIC QATAR AIRWAYS IS INCREASING CAPACITY ON ITS DUBAI, ABU DHABI AND DAMMAM ROUTES WITH EXTRA WIDE-BODY AIRBUS A330S, BOEING 787S AND BOEING 777S.
03 ROTANA DETERMINED TO GROW PRESENCE IN OMAN
08 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
02
ACCOMMODATION
08
AIR
14
RENDEZVOUS
19
INTERNATIONAL
20
WHO'S MOVED
21
TRAVEL TALK
22
AGENT CORNER
23
TRAVEL CHANNELS
24
PHOTO ALBUM
25
NEWS & EVENTS
26
QATAR AIRWAYS BOOSTS MIDDLE EAST SERVICES
14
MARKET UPDATE
Stellar Performance from Boeing Boeing’s third quarter revenue increased nine percent to USD25.8 billion on record commercial deliveries.
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel 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 DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS
Boeing 777
T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670
C
ore earnings per share improved 18 percent year-onyear to USD2.52, reflecting strong performance across all businesses. As Dennis Muilenburg, CEO, Boeing, noted, by continuing to profitably deliver on its large and diverse backlog, the company is driving significant growth in revenue, earnings and cash flow.
WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES As of
27/11/2015
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
Boeing 777
“Three quarters of solid results and confidence in our continued operating performance enabled us to raise our revenue, earnings per share and operating cash flow guidance for the year. Looking ahead, our teams remain focussed on improving productivity and quality and delivering improved capabilities to meet our customers’ expectations,” added Muilenburg.
2
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
108.16
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
8.03
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,026.99
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,11.120
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,508.01
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.40
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
10.03
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.82
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.06
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.85
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
Middle East Fuels Global Airport Traffic
D
ouble-digit year-on-year gains were posted from Doha as well as Abu Dhabi at 21.4 percent and 18.2 percent respectively, while figures in Dubai rose 8.2 percent. Except Africa, which showed a drop of 1.5 percent in passenger volumes, all regions achieved significant surges, including the Eurozone and the US where the upward trend continues in tandem with the economic recovery.
Ajman Boosts Tourism Efforts
Hamad International Airport
Middle Eastern hubs reported the greatest growth in passenger numbers in September at 15.7 percent, far outpacing the global average of 6.5 percent.
Dubai’s Success Owed to Multiple Factors
A
jman Tourism Development Department penned a deal with Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) to set up and implement effective practices to support the economy of the emirate. The agreement envisages the exchange of information and experiences, including sharing of best practices and practical training during visits to the two departments, comparison of customer service methods to raise the level of satisfaction and more. “The expertise of the economic department in dealing with global investors to support the economic growth of Ajman will be beneficial in achieving our goal of making Ajman the next preferred tourism destination in the UAE,” said Issa Al Nuaimi, director general, Ajman DED.
28 NOVEMBER 2015
Dubai
D
ubai owes its emergence as a global hub to the growth in financial and business services, trade and logistics and tourism activity, according to Knight Frank’s inaugural The Hub Report 2015. “The emirate has established itself as a safe, family-friendly and low tax environment which, combined with its connectivity to other global centres, has been attracting the world’s growing population of highnet-worth individuals,” noted James Lewis, head, Knight Frank Middle East, adding that naturally, demand for luxury residential property is on the rise.
3
WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Summer Attracts More Guests
4
Ras Al Khaimah
T
his year’s Abu Dhabi Summer Season, which ran until September 5, saw a surge in both domestic and international visitors, with 951,979 travellers checking into the emirate’s 169 hotels and hotel apartments during the period, a year-on-year rise of 21 percent. Arrivals from India climbed 29.8 percent to 68,618; the number of those from the Americas grew by 24.4 percent to 45,125; while European visitors surged 18.1 percent to 125,098. “We are moving to become a year-round destination for the whole family and hope to bring even more partners onboard [in 2016] for a bigger and better Abu Dhabi Summer Season,” commented Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, acting executive director, tourism sector, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Record Visitor Volumes in Ras Al Khaimah
N
early 200,000 tourists headed to Ras Al Khaimah in the third quarter of the year, setting a new record for the emirate. Consequently, hotel revenues rose 22 percent to AED36.7 million (USD10 million), average daily rates jumped 19 percent, while occupancy levels improved 51 percent year-on-year. “These figures are extremely encouraging as we work towards our target of one million visitors by the end of 2018,” commented Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to reach out to new segments, while also growing ties with the top five markets: the UAE, Germany, the UK, Russia and India.
28 NOVEMBER 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 Etihad Hosts Swiss Industry Leaders
New Charter Flights to Ras Al Khaimah kno u o y d Di
w.
the y is st n a Germnd large of seco market h? a ce o s ur l Khaim A s Ra
M
Ras Al Khaimah
ore than 200 travel professionals from Switzerland headed to Abu Dhabi for the annual general assembly of the Swiss Travel Association. The event, co-hosted by Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and organised by Hala Abu Dhabi, enabled attendees to explore the UAE capital and learn about its business and leisure capabilities. “Switzerland has been a significant travel market for Etihad Airways since its inception in 2004, alongside being an important trading partner with the UAE,” pinpointed Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways.
R
as Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has signed agreements with leading tour operators in Germany and Poland to welcome charter services from the countries. In terms of the deals, Kurban Tourism now offers one weekly flight from Katowice for an initial period of six months, while FTI Group, in partnership with Meeting Point Emirates, will bring seven weekly frequencies to the emirate from Germany. As Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA, explained, the tourism body is focussed on markets that offer high growth potential, with Poland and Germany being two of the main targets.
Royal Jet Partners with UAE Armed Forces
R
oyal Jet signed a contract with the UAE’s General Headquarters of Armed Forces to provide technical and operational training to air force staff. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman, Royal Jet, deemed the agreement a milestone in the company’s business, while Patrick Gordon, interim CEO, Royal Jet, added, “This is an honour for Royal Jet, to be able to provide this specialised training to the next generation of personnel of the air force. It reflects the trust in Royal Jet’s capabilities and the spirit of cooperation between business and the military.”
6
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Rotana Determined to Grow Presence in Oman
The signing of the deal
Rotana has allied with Golden Group of Companies and Taameer Investment to build one of Oman’s largest hotel chains with properties in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah.
8
T
he new hotels will bring approximately 1,500 rooms online over the next five years across various star categories. “Signing the agreement with Rotana coincides with the operation of Salalah International Airport and completing the main stages in the expansion of Muscat International Airport, which shall create a qualitative leap in the number of flights coming to the Sultanate,” underlined Suleiman bin Masood Al Harthi, CEO, Taameer Investment.
Ramada to Launch on Amwaj Island
R
amada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Island, due to open in late December, will offer 162 units ranging from superior rooms to three-bedroom suites. Within walking distance from Amwaj Marina and Amwaj Lagoon, the property features an all-day-dining restaurant and lobby café, as well as the city’s first Moroccan fine dining outlet. Moreover, flexible meeting space at the hotel can accommodate up to 200 people, while leisure facilities include a gym; four treatment rooms for Swedish, Ayurvedic and Thai massage; a ladies salon; a swimming pool; indoor Jacuzzi with sauna; and steam rooms.
28 NOVEMBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS Seven Tides Presents DUKES Dubai at WTM
Grand Hyatt Kuwait to Open in 2020
28 NOVEMBER 2015
Grand Hyatt Kuwait
T
his year’s edition of World Travel Market (WTM) saw the debut of Dubai-based luxury hospitality developer, Seven Tides International, as the company prepares to launch a new DUKES-branded hotel in Dubai in early 2016. The 500-room property will join the already operating DUKES London, and will be located on Palm Jumeirah. “The second DUKES property will add a new and distinctly unique flavour of traditional British hospitality to the emirate’s current five-star mix,” said Debrah Dhugga, managing director, DUKES.
ARH Showcases Portfolio in Europe
A
Hyatt affiliate has entered into a contract with Tamdeen Group to develop a 261room Grand Hyatt property in Kuwait. Slated for a 2020 launch, the new-built hotel, which will be an integral part of 360 MALL, will become the fifth project flying the brand’s flag in the GCC, after the opening of Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi in 2016. Guests will be able to enjoy four food and beverage outlets as well as extensive meeting and events facilities.
A
l Rayyan Hospitality (ARH) has put on display its local and international resorts at the World Travel Market in London. The Doha-based hospitality development group runs nine Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in the Qatari capital, Adria Hotel in London and the luxury Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. To enhance its portfolio of properties, ARH is on the lookout for acquiring new touristic and hospitality venues, locally or internationally. The company aspires to set new milestones for luxury destinations in the region to attract travellers from far and wide to experience luxury tourism in Qatar.
9
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION UAE Hotel Nights to Reach 51.5 Million
O
vernight stays in accommodation establishments across the UAE are set to top 51.5 million by year-end, up 5.7 percent year-on-year. According to a Business Monitor International report, the trend is expected to continue over the next three years with an average growth rate of four to 5.5 percent, making the hospitality sector, as Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, DAMAC Properties, believes, one of the most promising pillars of the country’s economic development. “DAMAC’s hotels and hotel apartment projects offer a practical and comfortable solution for busy travellers or families visiting Dubai for vacation or business,” said McLoughlin. “Our five completed projects […] are all located in the most popular area of Dubai.”
10
Nakheel and RIU a Step Closer to Dubai Resort
A
new 750-key hospitality concept, hailed as Dubai’s first four-star all-inclusive resort, developed by Nakheel and RIU Hotels & Resorts, has moved closer to reality following meetings between the two partners. Located on Deira Islands, Nakheel’s new 15.3km2 waterfront city, the property is envisioned to become one of Dubai’s biggest resorts in terms of rooms. Nakheel is planning 10 new hotels across the emirate as part of its expansion into the hospitality and leisure sector. Five will be at Deira Islands, one on Palm Jumeirah, two at Dragon City and two at Ibn Battuta Mall.
Golden Tulip Sharjah Expects High Occupancy
A
verage occupancy level is set to reach 80 – 85 percent at Golden Tulip Sharjah these months, as the management continues to actively promote the property in key markets. As Alex Cherfan, operations manager, Golden Tulip Sharjah, explained, the focus remains on Germany, Italy, China, Eastern Europe and the Far East, however, the hotel will also have presence at road shows in CIS countries, India and Iran, alongside Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority and Air Arabia. “Guests, agents and tour operators can look forward to a real value for their money in terms of pricing and services,” added Cherfan.
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
SCTH Launches Hotel Price Index
ONYXEnters PoisedVietnam for Middle ONYX withEast NewGrowth Deal
O Riyadh
NYX Hospitality Group is determined to further cement its presence in the Middle East through its select service brand, OZO, and its boutique serviced apartments, Shama. “The appeal of serviced apartments has grown considerably in recent years, but it is still an under- represented segment,” asserted Peter Henley, CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group, adding that the Thai company is now looking to expand the Shama brand into the Middle East. “ONYX offers a number of hotel brands appealing to the traveller looking for Halal compliant accommodations, including Shama, OZO and Amari,” added Henley. “With a strong Muslim population in southern Thailand, our hotels are also very aware of the needs and desires of the Muslim traveller.”
Amari Residences Bangkok
H.
R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), recently inaugurated the demo website of Hotel Price Index. The consumer service is part of the series launched by the authority in the framework of e-services provided to the tourism sector through its designated websites. It offers a price index of hotel room rates as entered by the establishments themselves under categories which allow the guest to consider average prices prior to booking. The tool also provides a number of indicators relating to operation, which are viewed exclusively by SCTH officials to identify markers for follow-up and coordination.
Ascott and QIA Finance Hotel Expansion
T
he Ascott Limited’s serviced residence global fund with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has acquired two properties in Paris and Tokyo for USD104 million. The fund, which was set up in July as a 50:50 venture, will invest another USD33 million to convert an office building in the French capital into the 70-unit Citadines Suites Champs-Élysées Paris, slated to open in 2018. In addition, a 50-key serviced residence, that has been operating as Somerset Shinagawa Tokyo since acquisition, will undergo asset enhancement, due to be completed by late 2016.
Tokyo
12
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Emirates to Fly to Second Istanbul Gateway
QATAR AIRWAYS BOOSTS MIDDLE EAST SERVICES Qatar Airways is increasing capacity on its Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Dammam routes with extra wide-body Airbus A330s, Boeing 787s and Boeing 777s.
E
Abu Dhabi
mirates will soon begin operations to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the airline’s second entrance in Istanbul. Effective from December 15, the additional service will offer an early morning arrival to Dubai. The carrier will deploy an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route, configured in three classes. “By operating into two airports, we are enabling greater flexibility for our passengers, allowing them to fly into one airport and out of the other,” said Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial, west, Emirates.
T
ravellers can already take advantage of the upgraded offering between Doha and the UAE capital, while the changes to Dubai and Dammam services will take effect on December 1. “As business and leisure travel to, within, and throughout the Middle East region increases, more and more travellers expect premium product and services, and with our latest aircraft and our premium offering, Qatar Airways is perfectly equipped to cater for that demand,” explained Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
Turkish Airlines Adds Mozambique Route
T
urkish Airlines has further expanded its global network by launching flights to Maputo, Mozambique. The carrier operates three weekly services on the IstanbulJohannesburg-Maputo-Johannesburg itinerary on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Mozambique’s largest city and capital marks the fast-growing airline’s 45th destination in Africa and further strengthens its presence on the continent.
14
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Oman Air Boosts Sales Force
Etihad to Operate A380 to Mumbai
A
series of transfers and promotions is set to further strengthen Oman Air’s international sales operations. The five new appointments cover the Qatar, Philippines, Africa, Pakistan and Oman markets and mark a major step in the airline’s Omanisation policy as each of the changes sees an Omani citizen take up a senior managerial role. “By the end of 2014, Oman Air’s international appointments comprised approximately 60 percent Omani citizens. By the end of [this year], we anticipate that that percentage will have increased significantly,” commented Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy, chief operating officer, Oman Air.
Airbus A380
S
tarting May 1, 2016, Etihad Airways will deploy its Airbus A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Mumbai route. The 496-seat aircraft will enable passengers to enjoy the benefits of The Residence by Etihad, hailed as the only three-room suite in commercial aviation. The double-decker jet will operate daily between the cities, allowing seamless connections to the airline’s A380 New York route. The carrier’s thrice-daily frequencies to the Indian destination, in addition to Jet Airways’ double-daily service, offers guests access to more than 2,000 weekly connections across 57 markets.
flydubai Introduces Business Boarding Gate
I
n a bid to offer a more comfortable and faster transition for business class passengers, flydubai has launched a business boarding gate at Dubai International’s Terminal 2. Combined with priority check-in, a shorter time through security on departure and access to the business lounge, the new access point provides a more convenient customer experience. The low-cost carrier launched its business class offering in 2013 and based on its latest onboard survey of 200,000 travellers, 43 percent of those taking advantage of the upgrade are under the age of 34, while 27 percent fall into the 35 – 44 age group.
16
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
A
ir Canada has inaugurated threetimes weekly nonstop services between Toronto and Dubai, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner configured with three classes. As Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines, Air Canada, noted, the launch of the route comes at a time when air travel between Canada and the Middle East is on the rise. “[The service] also underscores Air Canada’s commitment to its international expansion strategy, with its focus on transforming its Toronto Pearson hub into a convenient global connecting point for travel throughout the airline’s extensive and expanding international, transborder and domestic networks,” added Smith.
BAC to Move to New Headquarters
Signing ceremony between BAC and Al Yusuf Décor for the new offices
Air Canada Flies Nonstop to Dubai
B
ahrain Airports Company (BAC), the managing body of Bahrain International Airport is to relocate into new head offices in the first quarter of 2016. The new location is nestled in the aviation compound opposite the airport, also home to Gulf Air’s management. “BAC’s relocation into brand new offices is in line with the company’s strategic objectives which aim to enhance the work environment and make BAC a great place to work [in], boosting business and performance improvement as a result,” explained Mohamed Yousif Albinfalah, CEO, BAC, adding that the new location has been designed to foster employee engagement and communication.
Boeing to Set Up Dubai South HQ
B
oeing signed a memorandum of agreement with Dubai South, outlining the company’s intention to establish its Middle Eastern headquarters (HQ) in the emirate’s aviation district. As H.H. Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, noted, Dubai South embodies the destination’s aerospace vision and the new address is expected to deliver a solid advantage to Boeing as it seeks to expand its footprint in the region. The American company’s operations at Dubai South will include new head offices, a spare parts warehouse, a distribution facility and a maintenance training building. The aim is to commence operations by the end of 2017.
Boeing team with Dubai officials
18
28 NOVEMBER 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has the emirate’s tourism industry performed in the past months? HAITHAM MATTAR: Our latest statistics show that visitor numbers to Ras Al Khaimah witnessed an eight percent increase in the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2014, with domestic travellers constituting a major proportion of the demand, followed by Germany, Russia and the UK. The top five source markets for Ras Al Khaimah include the UAE, Germany, Russia, India and the UK. We have also spotted an increase from the wider GCC region and China, which represent a growth of 125 percent. During Eid Al Adha [in October], we recorded 12,709 visitors over the three-day period, which was extremely promising. We have ambitious targets to grow the emirate’s tourism industry and welcome one million visitors by the end of 2018, and these positive numbers show we are on the right track to achieve our goal. Our strategy continues to be focussed on our existing source markets, whilst nurturing the emerging markets which provide significant growth potential. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Over the years, Ras Al Khaimah TDA has launched a range of initiatives and programmes to attract both visitors and investors. What are the authority’s priorities for the upcoming months? HAITHAM MATTAR: Ras Al Khaimah TDA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and the overall experience of its visitors. Since my arrival, we have initiated several research projects with leading global firms such as TNS [marketing company] to identify our current source markets and global travel and tourism trends in an effort to diversify our product offering. It is our priority to enhance the destination and demonstrate its diverse natural assets to a global audience, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a worldclass destination of choice for authentic Arabian culture and experiences. As mentioned, Ras Al Khaimah TDA aims to attract one million visitors by the end of 2018. To achieve this, we will continue to develop existing assets, such as Al Marjan Island and significant28 NOVEMBER 2015
Q & A with
Haitham Mattar
CEO, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Which new markets will TDA be targeting? HAITHAM MATTAR: Ras Al Khaimah TDA is currently working with TNS and other globally renowned statistics consultants on various research elements for a destination strategy which will look at repositioning and rebranding Ras Al Khaimah as a destination on the world tourism map. We are working towards an exciting new value proposition that highlights the key drivers in terms of tourism and a destination strategy that focusses on bold new segments such as MICE, events, cruise, adventure and leisure. In terms of source markets, we are continuing to focus on existing top source markets as well as new feeder markets. We are fortunate to attract visitors from a wide range of markets and this is something to keep in mind when broadening our tourism offering.
“
WE HAVE AMBITIOUS TARGETS TO GROW THE EMIRATE’S TOURISM INDUSTRY
BY 2018, RAS AL KHAIMAH IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT ONE MILLION VISITORS AND ACCORDING TO HAITHAM MATTAR, CEO, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TDA), THE NEXT MONTHS WILL SEE THE COMPLETE REBRANDING OF THE DESTINATION.
ly increase hotel capacity. We also aim to add a further 3,600 rooms by 2019. With white sandy beaches, terracotta dunes, rich cultural and historical sites, wildlife and Jebal Al Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, the destination offers a distinct sense of tranquility and escapism from the fast-paced metropolitan of the other emirates. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What other steps and initiatives are needed in order to achieve the authority’s goals?
“
WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS AN EXCITING NEW VALUE PROPOSITION
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are your most important plans for the coming years? HAITHAM MATTAR: Ras Al Khaimah is quickly becoming a destination of choice for both business and leisure visitors. We are planning to use every opportunity to demonstrate that our emirate is rich in culture, heritage and traditions. This is the core of our value proposition and something that runs throughout our strategy from advising on the style of new properties being developed in the emirate to how we activate historical sites. We are currently working on a fullscale rebranding which aims to reposition the emirate in an effort to drive dynamic and sustainable investment opportunities as well as economic growth.
19
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Best Western Introduces Vīb
B
est Western Hotels & Resorts is preparing to launch its new boutique lifestyle brand, Vīb in Myanmar, with the launch of the new-build Vīb Yangon set for 2018. All of the hotel’s 110 rooms will feature urban design, boasting complimentary Wi-Fi, work spaces with conveniently placed universal power outlets and USB ports and flat-screen TVs. “At Best Western, we understand that today’s independently-minded guests demand a high degree of convenience and connectivity. That is why we developed Vīb – an ultra-modern hotel concept that focusses on the needs of millennial travellers,” explained Olivier Berrivin, managing director, internationals operations, Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
20
Los Cabos Welcomes JW Marriott
J
W Marriott Hotels & Resorts has launched JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa which offers 299 ocean view rooms and suites, modern architecture inspired by local Mexican traditions and the spirit of the desert. Guests have at their disposal six swimming pools, including sea water and infinity pools, a spa, sweat lodge, seven restaurants and bars, banquet and meeting facilities, as well as retail shops. They also have access to Puerto Los Cabos’ private marina and golf courses. The establishment is decked out with a multimillion dollar art collection including works by Jaume Plensa, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Angel Otero and others.
Fiji Airways to Fly to Singapore
F
iji Airways is to launch twiceweekly direct services to Singapore, effective from April 5,
2016. Andre Viljoen, CEO, Fiji Airways, described Singapore as one of Asia’s leading hubs. “Fijians will now be able to enjoy the comfort of our Airbus A330 aircraft on this 10-hour flight, departing from Nadi [International Airport] late night and arriving in Singapore fresh in the morning, ready to explore all that this bustling metropolitan citystate has to offer,” added Viljoen. Passengers will be able to benefit from a plethora of onward connections as Singapore Changi Airport is served by some 100 airlines.
28 NOVEMBER 2015
WHO'S MOVED
NASER MOHAMMED
ISABELLE CZINZOLL
Naser Mohammed is the new general manager of Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences, Dubai. Before joining Jumeirah Group’s supply chain and logistics team in 2005, he worked in general import and export and in a furniture business. He became human resources manager for national development, driving the company’s efforts to attract more Emiratis to consider hospitality and Jumeirah Group as a promising career choice. In 2009, Mohammed became housekeeping manager at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam prior to joining the pre-opening team at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, where he was promoted to executive housekeeper.
ANDY NIGHTINGALE
Andy Nightingale is the new resort director of sales at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Nightingale has more than 20 years of experience from the airline and hospitality industries. He has worked with global companies, including InterContinental Hotels Group, Rotana, Virgin Atlantic and other European carriers. He has been in the Gulf region for nine years. After serving in Doha, he moved to Dubai six years ago. Nightingale joins Jumeirah Group from Rotana, where he held the position of corporate director of global sales. He has a broad and diverse range of sales expertise that also includes global sales and on property director of sales and marketing roles.
Isabelle Czinzoll has joined City Seasons Hotels as group spa director. In her previous role, she was spa director at an international five-star chain in Dubai and before that, she ran a successful and awardwinning spa. Czinzoll’s experience in the beauty and skin care field spans 20 years. Over the past two decades, she headed internationally-branded spas in the UK as well as South Africa. At City Seasons Hotels, Czinzoll will oversee the launch of Alba Spa at Royal Rose Hotel Abu Dhabi, and she will also look after the other City Seasons properties’ spas in Dubai and Muscat with a projected facility to open in City Seasons Al Ain in 2016.
Czinzoll has 20 years of experience in the field
28 NOVEMBER 2015
21
TRAVEL TALK
I want to thank all Birdcage associates for their hard work
SAMEH SOBHY General manager, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo
“Being the highest rewarded hotel globally [and winning the Cairo’s Local Favorite 2015 Award from The Culture Trip with our Birdcage Thai restaurant], I want to thank all Birdcage associates for their hard work [and] great efforts during [the year]. This award recognises restaurants around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in hospitality and service quality.”
This win […] is also an inspiration for us
ROCHELLE LOBO Group general manager, HAS Hospitality
“We are thrilled to be recognised once again for our management skills and service excellence [with the Best Hotel Management Company accolade at the World Luxury Hotel Awards]. Creating the best possible experience for our guests is the cornerstone of our service philosophy. This win is not only a well-deserved recognition for our staff; it is also an inspiration for us to continue to raise the bar as the region’s best hotel apartments in the years to come.”
The inflow of tourists has shown an increase
ALOK CHAKRAVARTY Director of sales and marketing, Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi
“Our key feeder markets are the US, UK, France, Japan, China and the Middle East. The inflow of tourists has shown an increase from the US, China and the Middle East over a period of time, as the hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city in close proximity to popular tourist attractions and commercial hubs in Connaught Place and the central government ministries.”
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
22
28 NOVEMBER 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight NAME:
Mohamed Riyaz
POSITION:
Founder
COMPANY:
Lets Go Maldives
LOCATION:
Maldives
WEBSITE:
www.letsgomaldives.com
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I started [working in the] tourism industry in 1999, following a partnership for an inbound travel agency in the Maldives. After six years with this company, I realised that my expertise, knowledge and experience could be better utilised in a new venture, thus, came the new company Lets Go Maldives in 2005. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? The most important thing for any business is trust and efficiency. [As] a travel agency or tour operator, you need to deliver prompt services, reliability and most importantly, good offers. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? What is the best time to come to the Maldives. What are the must-visits and must-dos in the Maldives that no one should miss? Everyone who visits the Maldives should see the beauty of the under water. Which destination is on your bucket list? Monaco. 28 NOVEMBER 2015
23
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Emirates and Jetman Dubai Spread Wings above Dubai Emirates’ Airbus A380 got a serious competition as the Jetman Dubai aerial acrobatics duo challenged the world’s largest passenger aircraft to a race across Dubai’s skies.
“T
his display between man and machine celebrates the magic and beauty of flight, a feat which just over a hundred years ago would have seemed an impossible dream,” commented Adel Al Redha, chief operations officer, Emirates, adding that the carefully choreographed aerial display also showcased how far human vision and ambition has, and can continue to push aviation’s boundaries.
Jetman Dubai and the A380
Saudi Private Museum Owners Visit UAE
Participants in the trip
A
group of private Saudi museum owners visited the UAE in order to explore its heritage museums. According to Hussain Abu Al Hassan, vice president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), “This trip is an extension to SCTH’s efforts to develop the skills of the owners of the private museums under the follow-up and attention of H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, SCTH, who has instructed to allow owners of the private museums to benefit from the expertise of other countries in the management of museum exhibits, as well as improving their performance and achieving safety and security of the museums and their visitors.”
24
28 NOVEMBER 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...
Danat Al Ain Resort held its annual corporate party
Etihad Airways was named winner of the Nationalisation Initiative of the Year award at the Middle East Human Resources Excellence Awards
Oman’s 45th national day celebration at Park Inn Muscat’s The Palm Restaurant
28 NOVEMBER 2015
National day celebrations at Millennium Resort Mussanah
Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi took part in the Paperless Day Campaign
Emirates has launched new toys for young travellers
25
WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS NEWS XX Expo Centre Sharjah Boosts Indian Relations
I
n a bid to strengthen its ties with Indian partners and ensure a strong Indian presence at its Plastivision Arabia and Print Pack Arabia trade shows in February 2016, a delegation from Expo Centre Sharjah visited New Delhi and Mumbai in late October, lead by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah. The team met with senior executives of the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association and Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association. “We are glad that we could find common ground in enhancing our partnerships and as a result, we are expecting a much bigger Indian participation for the upcoming Plastivision Arabia and Print Pack Arabia shows,” said Al Midfa.
EVENTS SAUDI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TECH EXHIBITION Riyadh, Saudi Arabia November 30 – December 02 www.saudihoteltechexpo.com The show brings together hotel equipments, security procedures, interior and exterior providers and information technologists.
INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET (ILTM) Cannes, France November 30 – December 03 www.iltm.com ILTM is luxury travel’s flagship event, where international agents and advisors meet the world’s luxury travel experiences.
Ajman Prepares to Host World Golf Championship
I
n line with the Ajman Vision 2021’s goal to promote sports tourism, the emirate will host the 2016 World Golf Championship which will start in February 2016. The event will gather the world’s top golf players who will be playing in different countries across the Middle East, North Africa and South Africa. The game will commence in Ajman at Al Zorah golf course and will continue in Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Doha and Kuwait. The grand finale is scheduled to take place between December 9 – 11, 2016. “This is a major sporting event and we are confident that it will attract a lot of golf enthusiasts to the event and to the emirate,” said H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager, Ajman Tourism Development Department.
26
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.
3RD ANNUAL AFRICA HOTEL EXPANSION SUMMIT Lagos, Nigeria January 28 – 29, 2016 africa.hotelandresortsummit.com For the third consecutive year, Noppen is organising the Africa Hotel Expansion Summit, bringing together hotel chains, developers and architects with hospitality institutions.
28 NOVEMBER 2015