19 DECEMBER 2015
ISSUE 319
The team of Travel Trade Publicationsjoin in saying thank you and wish you a happy holiday and a prosperous new year.
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.
19 DECEMBER 2015
ISSUE 319
NEW EVENTS VENUE AT BURJ KHALIFA ETIHAD AIRWAYS CELEBRATED THE ARRIVAL OF ITS INAUGURAL AIRBUS A380 SERVICE AT NEW YORK’S JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
04 REVAMPED SEALINE BEACH RESORT EXPECTED IN A YEAR
09 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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CRUISE
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TECHNOLOGY
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ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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RENDEZVOUS
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WHO'S MOVED
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TRAVEL TALK
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AGENT CORNER
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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ETIHAD A380 LANDS IN NEW YORK
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
Double-digit Passenger Growth at Air Arabia Some 5.7 million travellers flew with Air Arabia in the first nine months of the year, a year-on-year surge of 11 percent, leading to an average load factor of 79 percent.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba
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CONTRIBUTOR
he strong demand helped the company maintain healthy financial results with net profit standing at AED472 million (USD128.5 million), five percent lower than in the corresponding period in 2014, while turnover reached AED2.87 billion (USD781.4 million), up two percent. As Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, explained, the figures come in face of increased pressure on yield margins, spare capacity in the market and protracted political uncertainty within the region.
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
DAMAC Profit Reaches USD1 Billion DAMAC Properties posted a net profit of AED3.67 billion (USD1 billion) for the first nine months of the year, corresponding to a year-on-year growth of 43 percent.
18/12/2015
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
107.21
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.82
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,120.55
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,107.12
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,506.82
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.37
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.91
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.81
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.03
Yemen (YER)
Rial
215.81
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DAMAC Maison The Vogue
Currencies shown in blue are fixed against the US Dollar
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evenues reached AED6.77 billion (USD1.84 billion), while gross profit margin stood at 60.7 percent. According to Hussain Sajwani, chairman, DAMAC Properties, the company’s luxury living experiences and hospitality projects offer sound investment opportunities to the international market. “We believe Dubai is well set for continued growth, and we expect the city will consistently outperform more established metropolitan centres around the world,” added Sajwani. 19 DECEMBER 2015
CRUISING WEEKLY NEWS
Sir Bani Yas Island Welcomes Cruise Liners Two luxury cruise vessels made their maiden calls at Sir Bani Yas Island in mid-November as part of their international itinerary.
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is or ts bi P e Sir a h D h Abu loping t cruise d e n v a e l d Is ened i Yas to be op ? n a B 016 over stop n late 2 i
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ailed as one of the finest small ships in the world, Island Sky was the first vessel to visit the Arabian Gulf’s first cruise beach stopover with 114 tourists, while the 450-passenger capacity Seabourn Sojourn docked for a daytime holiday. “We are introducing this new beach stopover to cruise liners as part of our ongoing efforts to reinforce the emirate’s appeal as a leading cruise tourism destination in the region. This beautiful beach destination will definitely enrich the itinerary of the visiting cruise ships,” said Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Seabourn Sojourn
Sharjah Welcomes Noble Caledonia Calls
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urther consolidating Sharjah’s status as a major international cruise tourism destination, Noble Caledonia’s MS Island Sky vessel called on two key ports of the emirate within just a few days. The ship, carrying passengers mainly from the UK, first visited Khalid Port and proceeded to Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi before returning to Khorfakkan Port on Sharjah’s east coast. As H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, noted, with its strategic location and world-class facilities, the emirate has emerged as an ideal destination for international cruise liners. In the 2014/2015 season, 35 international cruise calls were registered, bringing around 80,000 visitors to Sharjah.
19 DECEMBER 2015
Norwegian Unveils Latest Vessel
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orwegian Cruise Line has created a Norwegian Escape infographic to celebrate the launch of the newest ship in its fleet. The 164,600 gross tonne ship will be carrying 4,200 passengers from Miami to tropical destinations including St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The infographic highlights the experiences guests will benefit from, including 236 dishes in the specialty restaurants, 810 minutes of complimentary Broadway entertainment per seven-night cruise and 50 spa treatments.
Norwegian Escape
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WEEKLY NEWS
New Events Venue at Burj Khalifa
The Annex, Burj Khalifa, Level 11
Emaar Properties unveiled The Annex, Burj Khalifa, Level 11, hailed as Dubai’s most prestigious events venue.
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panning 2,500m2, the avantgarde facility can be customised to suit any theme and concept, from art exhibitions to fashion events and high-profile get-togethers. Located in Dubai Downtown, the venue offers sweeping views of The Dubai Fountain and some of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Abu Dhabi Targets Luxury European Market
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eading Abu Dhabi hotels and resorts joined Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) at the annual International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, France to highlight the emirate’s credentials in attracting five-star focussed visitors. The delegation, however, was not eyeing only French travellers, who surged four percent year-on-year in the first nine months of the year. “We are not just targeting the French market [...] as Europe is a hugely important source market to us for those visitors looking for five-star luxury breaks. We have a stunning array of properties to meet these demands,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.
19 DECEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS XX Saudi and Serbian Relations Enhanced
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ollowing a visit to Serbia by H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH), the authority expects the development of strong cooperation between the two countries. Bin Abdul Aziz commented that the Kingdom is preparing to receive a joint delegation from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time, to discuss appropriate ways to develop economic cooperation in the areas of heritage and tourism. “Saudi Arabia considers the Balkan states important due to their significant and strategic location, and we consider Serbia as a crucial state in the Balkan region and Europe,” he added.
H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz
Dubai Parks and Resorts Gearing Up to Open October 2016
W Riverland Dubai
ith 85 percent of procurement, 71 percent of projects structure works and 50 percent of resort-wide infrastructure completed, Dubai Parks and Resorts remains on track to launch in late 2016. Announcing the company’s third quarter results, Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai Parks and Resorts, said, “Cumulative spend reached AED4.8 billion (USD1.3 billion) at the end of this quarter and we look forward to opening the gates to the public in just under 12 months’ time.” He added that over 11,000 workers are on site and 34 contractors are working to bring the region’s largest theme park destination to life.
Czech Visa Centre Launched in Kuwait
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FS Global opened a new visa application office for the Czech Republic in Kuwait, where travellers can submit their documentation and enrol for biometrics in a centrally-located environment in the country’s
capital. Martin Vítek, ambassador to Kuwait, Czech Republic, commented that historically, the European state has been a tempting destination for Kuwaiti visitors. “Specifically, medical and spa facilities in the Czech Republic have been treating Kuwaiti clients to high quality standards over many years. We are pleased to register an increasing demand from Kuwaiti citizens,” he elucidated.
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Launch of the new office
19 DECEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS Egyptian Red Sea Coast to Welcome Golf Course
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homson Perrett & Lobb won the right to design a resort-style golf course on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The 18-hole facility is envisioned as the centrepiece of a new hotel and residential community at Soma Bay Resort. “The Soma Bay peninsula is a stunning location, surrounded on all sides by the Red Sea, and our goal is to create a golf course that focusses on strategic and fun play, has family-friendly options and is accessible to all,” commented Tim Lobb, principal, Thomson Perrett & Lobb.
New Baggage Handling System in Abu Dhabi
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iemens is adding new baggage conveyor lines and a fully automated hold baggage screening system, along with explosives trace detection equipment in Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 1. The new setup, which will be operational by early 2016, replaces the current manual screening in the lobby of Terminal 1 and Terminal 1A, opening up space for departing passengers as well as new retail facilities. Meanwhile, in Terminal 3, upgrades include doubling of check-in capacity and expansion of baggage sorting areas. “The upgrade to the baggage handling system is another key initiative being completed to ensure efficient flight operations and convenient passenger experience,” explained Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports.
19 DECEMBER 2015
Soma Bay rendering
tion truc rse s n o u c The e golf co n in i h g of t t to be is se 2016?
City Sightseeing Sharjah Expands Services
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ity Sightseeing Sharjah joined forces with City Sightseeing Dubai to add more value to tickets purchased through the company. Travellers who hold a 48-hour validity pass purchased in Dubai or Sharjah have been able to access any of the City Sightseeing tours in the two destinations since January. In addition, passengers can now also make use of the free shuttle service running between the emirates. In response to strong demand, seven daily departures are now scheduled from Sharjah and eight from Dubai.
City Sightseeing Sharjah
SCTH Conducts Tourism Bylaw Workshop
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audi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage’s (SCTH) Al Baha branch recently conducted a workshop on the new regulations for tourism, antiquities, museums and urban heritage. Among the topics reviewed and discussed at the event were the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Caring of Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage
and the Tourism and Heritage Comprehensive Development Program. Furthermore, Faisal Al Fadil, director general, legal affairs, SCTH, offered a presentation on tourism regulation, highlighting in detail the new provisions and discussing some of those which are associated in relation to partners.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
Sabre Shares Future Technology Trends Sabre unveiled the top technology trends shaping the future of travel in Oman and Egypt at industry events held in Muscat and Cairo for local travel professionals.
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nline, mobile, personalisation and big data are among the areas driving the transformation of travel and traveller experience. The company’s experts elaborated on how these factors could be integrated into current agency systems in both countries. Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO, Middle East, Sabre Travel Network, noted that consumer behaviour is changing rapidly and industry players should embrace technology to meet the increasing demand of these tech-savvy travellers.
flydubai to Enhance Reservation Methods
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lydubai and technology expert Indra signed a strategic partnership agreement for development services to further improve the capabilities of the airline’s reservations system. For three years, Indra has been working with the low-cost carrier on evolving its booking engine, and over the next three years, the two companies will focus on the transformation of the reservations platform in order to enhance the travel experience. Indra will support flydubai’s strategy of managing its own passenger service system, which will provide the airline with greater flexibility and efficiency for its information technology solutions.
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AirAsia Slashes Cost of Agency Bookings
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irAsia signed an agreement with eNett International to enable agents to purchase flights through the online payment provider’s Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) at significantly lower prices. The solution, to be rolled out in Australia in early 2016, will see travel professionals using VANs forego current surcharges applied to traditional credit card payments. It will initially work for AirAsia X flights, before extending to other brands and markets globally. Rayner Teo Kheng Hock, group head, sales, AirAsia, noted, “Reducing the cost of booking means agents can use these savings to offer the lowest prices to their customers. It also means we can reduce the cost of processing payments and incentivise agents to book with us [...].”
19 DECEMBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
Revamped Sealine Beach Resort Expected in a Year
Sealine Beach Resort
Sealine Beach Resort, hailed as Qatar’s first leisure destination, continues its complete transformation that includes renovations, expansion and service enhancements.
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he three-phased project, that began this August, will consist of upgrading the existing resort rooms and developing an entirely new wing with 20 villas. Upon completion towards the end of 2016, the luxury property, owned by Katara Hospitality, will feature a total of 97 rooms, suites and villas. Throughout the facelift, the resort will remain fully operational. Once completed, the establishment will be renamed Sealine, a Murwab Resort, managed by Murwab Hotel Group.
Grand Hills A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Broumana
Grand Hills to Unveil New Spa
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rand Hills, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Broumana is gearing up for the launch of its renewed spa section. As Rudolh Karam, director of sales, Grand Hills, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Broumana, revealed, the spa is expected to start operating under the Evian brand in the first quarter of 2016. “This will help us position the hotel on the tourism map and on the luxury travel [scene],” added Karam. Following extensive renovations that lasted over a year, the property reopened its doors this July as part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s prestigious collection.
19 DECEMBER 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION Moroccan Bath Concept at Novotel Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La to Debut in Saudi Arabia
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Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate
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hangri-La International Hotel Management and Assila Investments signed a contract for a new 236-room hotel and serviced residences project in Jeddah. Slated to open in early 2018, Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah will be the first for the brand in Saudi Arabia and will be housed in a 65-storey development facing the Red Sea. It will feature four restaurants, function areas totalling 2,118m2, luxury spa and fitness areas, a swimming pool, children’s club and several lounges. “By partnering with such a respected investor as Assila, who clearly supports our growth strategy, we are taking a significant step in strengthening our brand in the Middle East region,” said Greg Dogan, president, Shangri-La International Hotel Management, describing Jeddah as an important commercial hub.
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o promote a healthy lifestyle and treatments, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate launched a new concept of Moroccan Bath at its spa, InBalance Wellness by Novotel. The hotel now provides four recreational models surrounding the latest offering: traditional Moroccan Bath, special Moroccan Bath, royal Moroccan Bath, and the InBalance signature Moroccan Bath. Nicola Hochgruber, general manager, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, noted that the new treatments add to the property’s facilities and seeks to overlap luxury with business at the hotel.
Banana Island Resort Receives HACCP Certification
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anana Island Resort Doha by Anantara was awarded the HACCP certification, reaffirming the property’s commitment to operating in line with the top health and hygiene regulations for hospitality services. Thomas Fehlbier, general manager, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, commented, “Food safety and hygiene is of paramount importance to us and we have continuously strived to deliver as per our guests’ expectations and more. Our food and beverage department worked incredibly hard to ensure everyone was familiar with their duties regarding HACCP, both in its adoption and implementation.”
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19 DECEMBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS SCTH’s Ethlib Desert Camp Underway
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umeirah Group held its GCC road show alongside Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Hotel group officials met with regional travel trade partners, sharing updates from properties and revealing future plans. The event also brought the group’s Stay Different brand promise to life and highlighted its 23 luxury hotels, resorts and residences across 12 destinations. Mana Al Suwaidi, regional director, Middle East and subcontinent, DTCM, noted, “We are very pleased to launch this road show, which gives us the opportunity to meet our partners and other officials in the local tourism sector in the Gulf countries.” Abra Water Hopping Service
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai
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nder the patronage of H.R.H Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) and H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Slaman bin Abdul Aziz, governor, Al Madina, the foundation stone of Ethlib Desert Camp was laid in the Al Ula municipality. An investment contract for the development was simultaneously signed between SCTH and a local national tourism company to oversee the project. The development, set for completion within the next three years, is spread across five hectares and will boast 50 villas designed for families, in addition to a two-story separate building comprising 60 residential rooms for tourist groups and individuals.
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Jumeirah Road Show Targets the GCC
The Ajman Palace Hotel
Ajman Place Accommodates UAE Football Groups
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he Ajman Palace Hotel recently hosted three of the UAE’s top football teams; Sharjah Football Club and Emirates Football Club in November for the second time, and Baniyas Sports and Cultural Club in December for the fourth time. Ferghal Purcell, general manager, The Ajman Palace Hotel, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the country’s most famous and successful football players. Our outstanding location in close proximity to Ajman Football Club, world-class facilities, alcohol-free, safe and relaxing environment and distinguished hospitality are some of the factors that make us a preferred address for these prestigious clubs. We will do our utmost to make their stay truly comfortable and enjoyable.” 19 DECEMBER 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR ACCOMMODATION
Etihad A380 Lands in New York
Etihad Airways delegation
Etihad Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural Airbus A380 service at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
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he revolutionary products found onboard Etihad Airways’ fleet of A380s completely reimagine commercial aviation standards and we are proud to bring them to our guests travelling between the US and Abu Dhabi,” commented James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways. Passengers flying on the carrier’s first A380 route to the US can take advantage of The Residence by Etihad service, hailed as the only commercially available three-room suite in the sky.
Oman Air Hosts Global Conference
Turkish Airlines Commences Durban Flights
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ore than 50 airport managers from around the world attended Oman Air’s Airport Service Managers Conference, held in Muscat under the theme To Become the Best. The three-day event offered team-building workshops and presentations by various departments and strategic business units from the Sultanate and from within Oman Air’s wider global network. Saleem Amanulla, general manager, airport operations, Oman Air, commented that a highlight was the awards presented to participants. “Not only did they reward the outstanding work undertaken by the recipients, but they also provided additional motivation amongst the participating airport managers and the airports represented by them to become the best,” he enthused.
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Durban
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urban has become Turkish Airlines’ 46th destination in Africa. The South African city is being served four times a week from Istanbul via the capital city, Johannesburg, further consolidating the carrier’s presence on the continent and expanding its global reach to over 280 key tourist and business domestic and worldwide locations.
19 DECEMBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Crystal Luxury Air Takes to the Skies
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rystal Cruises has purchased a Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR, offering an array of global itineraries through its expanded brand extension, Crystal Luxury Air. The aircraft will be redesigned to accommodate 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats and an appointed lounge and bar. From 2017, it will offer 14- and 28-day around-theworld services. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman, Crystal Cruises, noted, “Our mission is to make Crystal the core of what will become the world’s premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand collection, not only for the immediate future, but for years to come.”
Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR
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he Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Al Bateen Executive Airport welcoming race teams and fans from around the world, with Abu Dhabi Airports estimating a 20 percent year-onyear increase in aircraft movements during the week leading up to the competition. Ahmed Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “Al Bateen Executive Airport understands the specific needs of executive jet passengers […]. Following the recent upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure, we are confident we [have exceeded] expectations of new and returning passengers, providing them with the highest possible levels of comfort and service.” Al Bateen Executive Airport
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n its 24th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell Aerospace forecasts up to 9,200 new business jet deliveries, worth USD270 billion, between 2015 – 2025, with a three to five percent reduction over the value noted in the 2014 prediction. The report further found that 2016 deliveries are projected to be slightly lower reflecting weaker emerging market demand, and of the total new business jet purchase plans, 19 percent are intended to occur by the end of 2016. Additionally, operators will continue to focus on larger-cabin aircraft classes, ranging from super mid-size through ultra longrange and business liner, which are expected to account for more than 80 percent of all expenditures on new business jets in the short term.
Al Bateen Airport Embraces Racing Season
PJC Brokers Aircraft Management Deal
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rivate Jet Charter (PJC) sealed a joint venture deal with Jet Connections at the recent Dubai Airshow. The agreement will offer aircraft management services to the Middle East’s fleet of 395 business jets, and will later also expand to parts of Europe and Africa. Through its regional headquarters in Dubai, the two companies will team up to cover all aspects of aircraft management, including maintenance, catering, staffing, clearance at airports, as well as purchases, trading and selling of aircraft.
Dubai Airshow
Honeywell Expects Strong Business Jet Growth
19 DECEMBER 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What makes ibis Styles the perfect fit for the UAE? MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAIDER: The ibis Styles brand has a character that is simple yet warm, stylish, youthful and relaxed. In addition, ibis Styles hotels are in accessible locations, which are within or in close proximity to the city centres. The presence of ibis Styles in the UAE provides customers, both residents and tourists, with a budget-friendly accommodation without worrying about the quality and comfort.
Q & A with
Muhammad Mujtaba Haider HOTEL MANAGER, IBIS STYLES JUMEIRAH, DUBAI
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are ibis Styles Jumeirah’s unique selling points that will ensure healthy performance levels in the long run? MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAIDER: The brand is distinct for its all-inclusive package, which is comprised of the room, buffet breakfast, high speed Wi-Fi connection and a host of little extras. In addition, we feature a self-help hospitality corner for in-house guests, interactive terminal in the lobby, kids’ corner in the restaurant, sweet bed concept and different leisure amenities including an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. There are meeting rooms and banquet facilities for small-sized meetings, gatherings and special occasions. The different artwork in the rooms and corridors, and the doors of the rooms showcasing photographs of the various landmarks of Dubai, add flare and personality to the overall hotel ambience. Another major selling point is the hotel’s location, along the intersection of 2nd December Street and Al Mina Road in Jumeirah. Its central location provides easy access to top tourist spots like Downtown Dubai with Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach, and the heritage districts with The Dubai Museum, The Gold Souk and Deira Creek. It is also close to the business districts including World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre. On top of all these features and the location is the unparalleled service delivered by our friendly and dedicated staff, who will guarantee to make the stay in ibis Styles memorable. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How would you describe the typical ibis Styles guest? What are these travellers’ priorities and preferences? What markets will you be focussing on? 19 DECEMBER 2015
MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAIDER: ibis Styles caters to all types of travellers, from families and solo tourists to corporate and leisure travellers, who are looking for a cost-effective hotel. For the source markets, we will focus on Europe – particularly Eastern Europe – the GCC, Latin America, Iran, China, India and the CIS countries. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: With a plethora of developments coming up in the emirate, including a number of theme parks, Dubai is becoming a
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WE INVITE EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE THE IBIS STYLES HOSPITALITY
bucket-list destination for many. In your opinion, what are the key points and strategies that hoteliers like yourself need to keep in mind and apply in order to successfully compete in the market?
THE RECENT LAUNCH OF IBIS STYLES JUMEIRAH MARKED THE BRAND’S DEBUT IN THE UAE, AND ACCORDING TO MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAIDER, HOTEL MANAGER, IBIS STYLES JUMEIRAH, THE CONCEPT WILL BE RAPIDLY EMBRACED BY VISITORS.
MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAIDER: Diversification is very important to keep any business alive. In ibis Styles, our team is ready to adapt and cater to the changing preference of the guests. To be in line with the market trends, we will merge our room rates with the customised packages like free drop-off and pick-up from theme parks, discounted lunch boxes, discounted rates for theme parks, etc. We invite everyone to experience the ibis Styles hospitality.
ibis Styles Jumeirah, Dubai
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Four Points Announces 2016 Singapore Debut
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yatt House New Orleans/Downtown opened its doors on November 17, celebrating the brand’s debut in the city. Owned by Hyatt affiliate Waypoint NOLA, the 194-key hotel is located near the central business, arts, sports and entertainment districts and the new BioDistrict, and is connected to Hyatt Regency New Orleans via a second-floor sky bridge. Jane Tebbe Shute, general manager, Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown, enthused, “With spaces that fit the needs of our guests and the hotel’s prime location, we are poised for success and are excited to contribute to the ongoing economic success of New Orleans.”
Riverview Hotel
Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown
Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown Launches
Southeast Asia to Welcome New Retail Outlet
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Kuala Lumpur
Johannesburg
Four Seasons Johannesburg Unveils New Guide
our Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg has launched thisisjoburg.com, a visual interactive guide that unlocks a wealth of experiences the city has to offer – from the hippest galleries to the exhilarating urban renaissance and hot air ballooning. Extensively illustrated and easy-to-use, the guide outlines all essential information for 18 must-do experiences of the destination. It also shows the convenient distance and travel time of each of these from the hotel. “As South Africa’s biggest and buzz-iest business hub, Johannesburg is not just all work and no play,” noted Sebastien Carre, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg.
ingapore will welcome its first Four Pointsbranded hotel by the end of 2016 with the opening of Four Points Singapore, Riverview. Located by the Singapore River, the property will launch after the strategic conversion of the city’s former Riverview Hotel. Following a SGD25 million (USD17.8 million) renovation and redesign, it will feature 476 guest rooms, several food and beverage options, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and 876m2 of meeting and ballroom space. “The signing of Four Points Singapore, Riverview underscores Starwood’s multibrand growth strategy in the country,” emphasised Rajit Sukumaran, senior vice president, acquisition and development, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
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alaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Mitsui Fudosan penned a deal for the development of Mitsui Outlet Park Kuala Lumpur International Airport under their joint venture company, MFMA. Given the re-evaluation of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial market potential in regards to the increase in population, income level and tourist numbers, the firm has expanded the scale of the first phase of the project as the initial plan consisted of approximately 140 shops spanning 2.5ha, with an opening date scheduled for early this year. However, the final master plan for the first stage and details of the following leg have yet to be announced, though 260 shops are expected over 4.63ha.
19 DECEMBER 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What is Kurdistan Tour Guide, and what is its main purpose? DOUGLAS LAYTON: Prior to the [regional turmoil], Kurdistan was beginning to take its place as a top adventure tour destination. In 2011, [it] was named by [several newspapers] amongst the top 20 tour destinations in the world. [After] June 2014, tourism became almost non-existent in the area even though Kurdistan itself remains a safe destination. People do not distinguish Kurdistan from the rest of Iraq […]. We published the guide at this time to be used as a tool to educate the general public and decision-makers in particular, and make the call for assistance easier. The guide will, of course, serve as a valuable tool for those wishing to visit the region now or later. It is the first and currently the only comprehensive guide to the region. In 2016, we will publish [it] in a half dozen other languages.
Q & A with
Douglas Layton FOUNDER, KURDISTAN IRAQ TOURS
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KURDISTAN [...] IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS, AND READY TO RECEIVE GUESTS
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What inspired you to engage in such a project? DOUGLAS LAYTON: In 1991, I founded a relief organisation in Nashville to assist Kurdish refugees resettling in the city. […] At the same time, my brother was named deputy director of Operation Provide Comfort in Kurdistan. He invited me to visit for two weeks. I arrived on January 4, 1992, for two weeks, and 25 years later I am still working there. As a historian, the land fascinated me as the cradle of civilisation and a nation with more historical and archaeological sites than any other in the world. Having a background in relief work with experience in dozens of countries, the region [...] challenged me. Most importantly, the incredible people captured my heart. In 1992, I wrote a brief ancient history of the region as part of a book I titled Searching For Democracy. That work became the foundation for this guide. From that time, it was my desire to produce a comprehensive guide for the region, sharing this incredible land with the world. [The Kurdistan Tour Guide] is more than a guide, but a history and expose on an incredible land that has consumed much of my adult life. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How was 19 DECEMBER 2015
that there is a war going on in Kurdistan and that it is like the rest of the tumultuous Iraq. That is far from the truth. About 10 years ago I conceived a public relation campaign titled Kurdistan: The Other Iraq. Kurdistan is not like the rest of Iraq in terms of security and beauty and that is still the message today. The guide is meant to portray that Kurdistan [...] is open for business, and ready to receive guests from around the world, as always. I feel much safer in the capital of Kurdistan, Erbil, than I do in any major city in the world. Mi-
ami, near my home, is far too dangerous to walk around at night. New York? Detroit? London? Paris? […] So all in all, Kurdistan is far safer than most of the rest of the world. […] The problem for Kurdistan is one of perception, not fact, and the guide is meant to address that issue.
HAVING DEVOTED A GREAT PART OF HIS LIFE TO PROMOTING KURDISTAN TO THE REST OF THE WORLD, DOUGLAS LAYTON, FOUNDER AND CO-OWNER, KURDISTAN IRAQ TOURS, NOW PROUDLY UNVEILS KURDISTAN TOUR GUIDE, MORE DETERMINED THAN EVER TO FIGHT THE MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THE REGION.
Kurdistan Tour Guide received by your audiences?
sia, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Brazil, to name a few.
DOUGLAS LAYTON: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The book has received 100 percent fivestar reviews on Amazon and has been purchased by people in diverse countries throughout the world, including the US, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Malay-
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How challenging is it to promote Kurdistan as a destination in light of the ongoing circumstances in Iraq? DOUGLAS LAYTON: The greatest obstacle we face is the mistaken idea
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are your hopes for Kurdistan as a destination, and what are your expectations for the next couple of years? DOUGLAS LAYTON: It is our hope that the current crisis will quickly pass and Kurdistan can resume its path to [become] one of the most exciting adventure travel destinations in the world. […] With 25 years of experience in the region, we have seen a lot of crises come and go and this one will as well. We are in this for the long term and will weather the current storm. Things are already looking up as people begin to realise that most of what they see on [TV] is happening outside of the region and that Kurdistan is as safe a destination as any in the Middle East, and far more so than some. We expect this trend to continue. The region is too fascinating and full of exciting destinations to be ignored by the explorers of the world.
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WHO'S MOVED
RODDY GORDON
Roddy Gordon continues as TIME Hotels Management’s new vice president of sales and marketing. Having worked on three continents, Gordon has almost three decades of experience in sales and marketing. He is a recognised specialist in strategic revenue activation with a track record of successful sales leadership in changing global markets. He also has extensive experience in hotel pre-openings. Gordon’s professional career has taken him around the world with Hyatt, and to the UAE with Atlantis The Palm, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Tamani Hotels & Resorts.
RASHED AL SHARJI
Gordon has extensive experience in hotel pre-openings
DUSHAN GUNARATHNA
Al Sharji moves to Cairo from South Korea
Dushan Gunarathna has joined TIME Hotels Management as director of revenue. Gunarathna brings strong ecommerce expertise and a solid reservation background to the role, as well as in-depth knowledge of the region. He joins the company from another UAE-based brand, Rotana, where he fast-tracked his career path, progressing from reservations agent to area edistribution manager in just five years.
STEPHEN SHURROCK Gunarathna has in-depth knowledge of the region
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Rashed Al Sharji has been appointed to the role of assistant airport manager for Etihad Airways in Cairo. Al Sharji has been part of Etihad Airways’ team since 2009, when he joined the company as a ground services agent looking after VIPs as well as Hajj and Umrah operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. He was then assigned as airport duty manager in Incheon in South Korea, before moving to Cairo and being appointed to his new post.
Stephen Shurrock has been named chief commercial officer and executive vice president at Travelport, effective from January 4, 2016. Shurrock joins the company from Telefonica, one of the largest telecommunications companies globally, where he is currently CEO of the consumer division, responsible for both the consumer business and digital divisions worldwide. Earlier in his career, he was the CEO of O2 Ireland and CEO of Telefonica’s new digital business and innovation division. As chief commercial officer, Shurrock will lead Travelport’s teams in air, agency, hospitality and digital media around the world, as well as having global responsibility for customer engagement, product strategy, marketing and market research.
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WHO'S MOVED
MOHAMED FAROOQ
ZEKI OZAL
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Mohamed Farooq has been named assistant director of sales at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, Farooq has extensive knowledge of the UAE market, having moved to the country in 1998. His most recent post was at Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, where he held the position of assistant director of sales from April 2013. During the course of his career, Farooq has been associated with various groups, including Sharjah National Hotels and ABJAR International Hotels Group. In his new role, he will support the director of sales in driving new source markets while developing and strengthening relations with existing partners and key accounts.
Zeki Ozal has been appointed hotel manager at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Ozal has over 25 years of hospitality experience under his belt and has worked in five countries. He began his journey at Sheraton Hotel Istanbul, where he held various operational roles and gained solid expertise in the rooms division. Since then, he has served at a number of luxury properties around the globe, including Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, InterContinental Astana, Jeddah Hilton, Concorde De Luxe Resort Antalya, The Presidential Beijing and Pangu Hotel Beijing. In his new role, Ozal will oversee the operational departments, including food and beverage, rooms division, housekeeping and IT.
MAGDI GAMIL
OMAR AL MEMARI
Magdi Gamil has been promoted to cluster director of sales and marketing at FRHI Hotels & Resorts in Egypt. Gamil’s scope now includes the tri-brand Citystars Sharm El Sheikh complex as well as any new projects in the country, in addition to his current role as director of sales and marketing at Fairmont Nile City. He joined the company in March 2007, and has been serving as Fairmont Nile City’s director of sales and marketing since 2011. Over the past 12 years, Gamil has held several posts with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide before joining FRHI Hotels & Resorts in Egypt. His hard work and dedication was recognised with the Fairmont Brands Award in 2014 as director of sales and marketing of the year.
Omar Al Memari has been selected as Etihad Airways’ airport manager at San Francisco International Airport. Prior to his appointment, Al Memari served as assistant airport manager at the airfield. He joined Etihad Airways in 2010, firstly serving as duty manager in Sydney, Geneva and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. In his new role, Al Memari will be responsible for the airline’s day-to-day operations in San Francisco, ensuring that Etihad Airways guests receive worldclass services from check-in to boarding and arrival.
Al Memari has been with Etihad Airways since 2010
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TRAVEL TALK
The team has worked very hard
PASQUALE BAIGUERA General manager, Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut
HILAL SAADE Director of sales and marketing, Le Gray Beirut
“Despite [the] challenges, the team has worked very hard towards achieving our budget for this year by tapping into different markets and creating packages and promotions tailored to our customers. We are the only resort in Beirut with a private beach which has great facilities to attract MICE and wedding business with a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 people, the Marina Marquis for up to 800 people, outdoor venues in addition to nine meeting rooms, five food and beverage outlets, a renowned spa and health club and a large recreational area.”
Once the region is stable, tourism will flourish
JOYCE MOUAWAD Head of marketing, Le Royal Hotels & Resorts
“Lebanon is a complex country and we have the ability to change it into a heaven […]. Once the region is stable, tourism will flourish, leaving us with too few hotels, apartments and restaurants. […] We in Lebanon are always positive and keep high hopes that the next year is going to be better, knowing deep down that this might not be the case.”
Le Gray Beirut has started its Addition Project
Winning such a prestigious prize […] is an endorsement
“Le Gray Beirut has started its Addition Project to have 18 more rooms, a big lobby and a lobby lounge, conference and banqueting facilities, an exhibition space and a private screening room. This will allow us to increase our market share in the leisure and business sectors and cater to the MICE market as of December 2016.”
“Winning such a prestigious prize [like the best luxury hotel in the Middle East accolade at the World Luxury Hotel Awards] is an endorsement of the distinguished position of TAMANI and its passion to provide best hotel services, pointing out to the role of awards in drawing the attention of world to family tourism industry which is compliant with Islamic Sharia and its values.”
SHERIF ELIBRASHY Director of sales and marketing, TAMANI Marina Hotel and Hotel Apartments
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:
Kapil Goswamy
POSITION:
Managing director / CEO
COMPANY:
Trans India Holidays
LOCATION:
India
WEBSITE:
www.transindiaholidays.com
Amadeus Displays Growth Momentum When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I have been in the tourism industry for almost the last 30 years now. I got into it purely by accident, having joined Oberoi Hotels & Resorts as a management trainee, and from there was transferred to Mercury Travels, where I worked for a few years, before venturing out to starting my own business, Trans India Holidays, in 1990. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? The ability to understand the customers’ needs and keep abreast with the latest technologies and updates on travel and tourism products, so as to be able to give accurate and meaningful advice to clients. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Business-to-business clients of course want to know who else we work with, how are our relationships with hoteliers and other suppliers, and very importantly, everyone seems to want to know how we differ from their existing agent. What are the must-visits and must-dos in India that no one should miss? You cannot visit India without going to Agra and seeing Taj Mahal. Likewise, you cannot visit India and not go to a Tiger Reserve to try and spot a Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild. Also, experiencing Indian food first hand is a must do. Which destination is on your bucket list? I have personally already travelled to almost 70 countries, but my bucket list still includes driving through the Tuscany region in Italy, visiting the Serengeti during the migration time, and closer to home, travelling to Bhutan to see the Paro festival. 19 DECEMBER 2015
A
madeus reported year-onyear financial and operating results for the first nine months of the year, indicating an adjusted profit increase of 9.6 percent to EUR611.9 million (USD656.5 million). The rise was driven by a 14.7 percentage point boost in revenue to EUR2.96 million (USD3.18 million) and a 10.6 percent growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, excluding acquisition costs. Both of the company’s core business lines continued financial and operational improvements, as its distribution segment of total air travel agency booking surged 9.4 percent resulting in 389.7 million bookings, and in the informational technology solutions business, passengers numbers rose 8.2 percent to 562.3 million.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
FBQ Museum Inaugurates New Expo Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum) opened its doors to a conservation-themed exhibition at Shahaniya, the newly furbished temporary gallery, in November.
H.
E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, founder, FBQ Museum, opened the event and toured the exhibits along with diplomatic heads from over 25 countries. Titled Recovered treasures from the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Collection, the show will remain open for visitors until December 31. “The exhibition includes several items from my diverse and special collection and gives all visitors an exclusive opportunity to view rare artefacts that is accounted for their high cultural value,” Al Thani noted.
Inauguration of the exhibition
SCTH Advocates Agrotourism Initiatives
T
he Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) approved 12 new memberships to the Aryaf programme of agricultural and rural tourism projects covering five provinces in the Kingdom, including Mecca, Hail, Tabuk, Najran, Al Qassim and Al Ahsa governorate. With this, the total number of farms that have joined the programme reached 76 across various parts of the country. This initiative offers trips to agricultural and rural areas, during which a tourist visits a farm and enjoys activities and services on the land. Studies have indicated that these projects are economically feasible and bear the risks during operation, besides the relatively high earnings.
GBTA: Chinese MICE a Large Opportunity
U
pon assessing the Chinese MICE market for the first time ever, GBTA Foundation found that in 2014, there were 138.5 million domestic trips made for MICE purposes, with these travellers spending USD110 billion while on the road. MICE-related trips accounted for 42 percent of total domestic business travel volume in the country and 45 percent of total business spending. The majority of trips were to Shanghai (27 percent), Beijing (25 percent), Guangzhou (24 percent), Hong Kong (11 percent) and Macau (six percent). Joseph Bates, vice president, research, GBTA Foundation, enthused, “The MICE segment presents a large opportunity for travel suppliers and we expect it to continue to grow at a rapid pace as China’s economy expands.”
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19 DECEMBER 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...
Al Bustan Centre & Residence bagged the major awards at Inter-Hotel Sports Fun Day at Zabeel Park
Germania celebrated five years of services to Beirut
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai participated in Beat Diabetes Walk
Al Manshar Rotana hosted bookers gathering
19 DECEMBER 2015
Emirates marked the UAE’s national day
Blood donation drive at Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai
Fin the Shark joined the national day celebrations at Atlantis The Palm and Dubai Airport Free Zone
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WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS NEWS XX Exhibition Forum in Dammam
T
he third Saudi Convention and Exhibition Forum took place in Dammam alongside an accompanying expo for event organisers. According to Abdul Rahman Al Etaishan, chairman, Dammam Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce, the programme was an effective economic medium. The exhibition sought to introduce visitors and participants to key convention and exhibition centres and the latest technologies used in registration, website management and smart application programming.
New Records at IMEX America
EVENTS MEETINGS MOROCCO Marrakech, Morocco January 14 – 15, 2016 www.meetings-morocco.com Designed to ensure the promotion of all the country has to offer for professional event organisers, at both local and international levels.
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW Sakhir, Bahrain January 21 – 23, 2016 bahraininternationalairshow.com A focussed global aviation event providing its elite list of aerospace business participants with an opportunity for highlevel networking in exclusive surroundings.
T
his year’s IMEX America has proved to be the biggest in the show’s history, having attracted over 10,730 industry professionals. Overall booth space grew five percent with 3,100 exhibiting companies representing 150 countries. Some 3,030 hosted buyers and more than 2,050 trade attendees visited the three-day programme, while the number of prescheduled one-to-one appointment and booth presentations had risen seven percent to an all-time-high 57,000.
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.
IBTM ARABIA Abu Dhabi, UAE February 09 – 11, 2016 www.ibtmarabia.com With a new format, the event is ideal for meetings, events and incentives industry decision-makers to meet for global business adventures.
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