9 JANUARY 2016 ISSUE 322
06 SPECIAL REPORT
08
SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST CRUISE FORUM
MERAAS HOTELS & RESORTS ESTABLISHED
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02 Market Update 10 Technology
RJ LAUNCHES AMMAN – ANKARA ROUTE
17 Rendezvous 20 Travel Talk
MARKET UPDATE
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UAE SPA REVENUES TO HIT USD2.26 BILLION
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Inna Armeanu
DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
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With MENA being the second fastest-growing market in the world for spas after sub-Saharan Africa, the UAE’s spa industry is forecast to achieve revenues of AED8.3 billion (USD2.26 billion) by 2017, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
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he organisation’s 2014 Global Spa and Wellness Economy Monitor report revealed that the country will top spa growth in the region by 2017, more than doubling the current business volume driven by a 17.9 percent annual improvement since 2012. “Wellness tourism is exceptionally popular, with in excess of nine percent year-onyear growth forecasted for the next two years,” said Nadege Noblet-Segers, exhibition manager, Arabian Travel Market. The show this year is introducing a dedicated lounge for 25 exhibitors representing some of the world’s most recognised health and wellness hospitality destinations.
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JAZEERA AIRWAYS SLICES CAPITAL
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of
2
8.1.2016
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
107.39
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.82
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,158.97
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,107.14
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,524.49
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.39
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.92
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.81
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.04
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
Kuwaiti airline Jazeera Airways finalised its voluntary capital reduction process.
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he move aims to bring down the company’s capital from KWD42 million (USD139 million) to KWD20 million (USD65.9 million) to match the size of its current operations after it exited the aircraft leasing business. As part of the process, the company issued cash payouts, including a share buyback programme for 220 million shares at a nominal price and accumulated profits and other reserves that are required by law to be distributed as part of the reduction.
9 JANUARY 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS
Sharjah to Welcome 80,000 Cruise Passengers The emirate is set to receive 37 calls during the current cruise season, bringing some 80,000 travellers to the destination.
“C
ruise tourists will make a crucial chunk of the visitors to the emirate in coming years as we aim to attract more than 10 million tourists as part of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021,” explained H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The tourism body participated in the recently-held Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in Doha for the third time, where Al Midfa revealed that the majority of the vessels represent TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises with most passengers originating from European countries, such as Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK.
Middle East Fuels Global Growth
Taleb Rifai
UN Dedicates 2017 to Sustainable Tourism
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he United Nations (UN) general assembly approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. “The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued,” said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, World Tourism Organization. The decision follows world leaders’ recognition at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that well-designed and well-managed tourism can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, as well as job creation and trade.
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iddle East is the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel market, with the number of trips taken having surged nine percent during the first eight months of 2015, according to the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report. The study further found that the UAE is one of the region’s most lucrative markets characterised by young travellers, high spending and long trips that last an average of 14 nights. Almost a third of all journeys from the country are made with children, and summer is the preferred time to travel. “The outbound travel market is driven by factors as culture, entertainment, accessibility and the desire to visit cities,” explained Ramzi Maaytah, partner, IPK International Middle East.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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SCTH to Implement Al Qassim Heritage Schemes
O Al Qassim
n the sidelines of the fifth Urban Heritage Forum opening ceremony, a number of cooperation agreements were signed between the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) and its partners in Al Qassim. The deals aim to execute a number of heritage programmes in and around the province. Among the signed initiatives were the Omran Program, Da’am Company for Real Estate Investment, Al Sageer House project and the Hospitality and Tourism. Several other developmental agreements were also initiated for ventures outside of Al Qassim.
Najd Rent-a-Car Expands Dubai Operations
dnata Enters South America
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ollowing a rise in demand for luxury car services, Najd Rent-a-Car invested AED5 million (USD1.36 million) to further penetrate Dubai’s market. The company will purchase over 15 new vehicles to enhance its current fleet to reach 100. The additions will include luxury brands like Mercedes, Audi, Escalade, Range Rover and the latest BMW 740 series. “We have implemented a strategic roadmap towards improving and expanding our operations in Dubai […]. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in providing our customers with world class vehicles and high-quality services,” commented Omar Al Kasem, VIP operations manager, Najd Rent-a-Car.
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nata is to purchase a majority stake in RM Ground Services, marking its foray into the South American region. The Brazilian company, which offers passenger and ramp handling as well as cargo services, has 2,100 employees and serves over 400 flights a day at 24 airports across the country. “This latest acquisition opens the door for dnata to serve one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions, South America. We look forward to building on the excellent foundations that already exist at RM Ground Services,” said Stewart Angus, divisional senior vice president, international airport operations, dnata.
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SPECIAL REPORT SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST
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RIDING THE
Waves TOURISM BEING AT THE HEART OF THE REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS’ ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY, AND REPORTS SUGGESTING THAT CRUISE PASSENGERS WILL MAKE OVER ONE MILLION VISITS TO THE GCC DURING THE CURRENT SEASON, CRUISING IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING A KEY VEHICLE OF GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
RITA KASZIBA WRITES
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ore than a million visits are expected at Gulf shores during the current cruise season according to Cruise Lines International Association, thus, the recent staging of the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in Qatar came at an opportune time as the region consolidates its place among the world’s top three destinations for winter cruising. Hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and strongly supported by Qatar’s leadership, the two-day summit, which took place at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, gathered global executives from 12 international cruise lines and regional stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges. As Chris Hayman, chairman, Seatrade, noted, over the past years, the region has experienced a remarkable growth in terms of tourism and seatrade activities, and the prestigious event allowed those involved in the industry’s development from both within the Middle East as well as internationally to
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look at recent achievements and examine future growth opportunities Applauding Qatar’s investment into the sector, Hayman added, “One of the great things about tourism is that it offers the opportunity to join forces and work together towards success.” Thanks to the region’s commitment to turn cruise travel into a key pillar of their tourism development strategy, the Middle East has become one of the most significant winter cruise destinations, reaffirmed Hayman, saying that the region is now successfully competing with well-established locations, such as Asia, Australasia, South America and other areas regularly visited by large vessels. Tourism is in fact an engine for development, underlined H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, economy and commerce minister, Qatar, stressing that investing into the industry is in line with the state’s ambitions, outlined in the national strategy for 2030.
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SPECIAL REPORT SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST
Referring to its comprehensive characteristics, Al Thani noted how tourism helps boost revenues even in times of intense geopolitical or economic difficulties. “Tourism is one of the most flexible industries, which has remained on the rise amid the recent challenges,” stressed Al Thani, revealing that Qatar is investing some USD40 – 45 billion into the development of tourism products in a bid to further increase the industry’s contribution to the national GDP. As Qatar continues to consolidate its position on the global tourism map, room occupancy levels remain on an upward trajectory, having soared from 65 percent to 73 percent in 2015, and as the state continues to explore various areas, including business, healthcare, education, sports as well as cruise travel, the industry is set to establish itself as an increasingly important force behind its growth, suggested Al Thani. “Cruise tourism can contribute a great value to this development,” he continued, praising the results of the Cruise Arabia alliance. UNITING FORCES In fact, since its establishment, Cruise Arabia has become the main engine behind the regional cruise tourism industry’s growth, further strengthening the Middle East’s position as an attractive destination for cruise lines and their passengers. Spurred by billion dollar investments in infrastructure and related services, Gulf countries continue to see increased numbers of calls and passengers year after year. In the 2016/2017 season, Qatar alone is set to welcome 30 vessels bringing in some 50,000 visitors, according to H.E. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, transport minister, Qatar. As one of the most essential pillars of development, transport positively impacts the country’s growth, hence Qatar’s ambitions to further improve infrastructure through mega projects, such as the New Doha Port. The ministry, as Al Sulaiti explained, is working tirelessly with QTA to exploit the cruise industry’s full potential by utilising the country’s strategic location and world-class facilities and services. As Hassam Al-Ibrahim, chief tourism development officer, QTA, noted, the conference came at an important time as Qatar gears up to welcome the first vessels at the early operational stage of the QAR27 billion (USD7.41 billion) New Doha Port. With all operations shifting to the new location, the old port will undergo an extensive redevelopment. In the meantime, as more stages of the new harbour become operational, the aim will be to ensure the utmost experience of visitors from the moment of their arrival up until their departure. Currently, some 15,000 workers are employed onsite at the new port, which, as Abdulla Al-Khanji, CEO, Qatar Ports, revealed, will welcome the first cruise ships in October. As Al-Khanji explained, initially, the emphasis will be on attracting small and medium-sized vessels, however, Hamad Port is being designed to accommodate the world’s largest ships, bringing Qatar closer to its goal to lure 130,000 cruise passengers per annum, giving a major boost to the industry. The ultimate goal with the 28.5km2 New Doha Port is to offer an integrated destination for the maritime industry. All these endeavours, as Hayman said, underline Qatar and the region’s commitment to exploit the cruise sector’s large potential. Elsewhere in the region, figures continue to rise at a similar pace. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port, and its recently inaugurated cruise terminal is expected to welcome 111 calls with some 210,000 passengers during the current season, representing a five-fold increase in visitor numbers since the emirate’s first cruise term in 2006/2007. Likewise, Dubai witnessed staggering growth with some 550,000 passengers set to reach its shores these months thanks to the its ability to handle six ships simultaneously. Home to two ports, Sharjah is determined to turn cruising into a major sector with 37 calls scheduled for the season, carrying around 80,000 holiday-makers.
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New Doha Port
“Cruise tourists will make a crucial chunk of the visitors to the emirate in coming years as we aim to attract more than 10 million tourists as part of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, explained H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Drawing conclusion of the discussions and presentations, Hayman said, “Over the two days of the forum, we have repeatedly heard from tourism and ports authorities across the region that the cruise industry has been identified as a crucial area for growth in the coming years and that many see this sector as an engine for sustainable development of their economies, and as an important pillar that supports efforts to limit dependence on natural energy resources as a driver of GDP.”
Bahrain Joins Cruise Arabia
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ollowing notable success over the past two years, Bahrain became the latest country to confirm its commitment to the Cruise Arabia alliance. The now six-member association, that also includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Qatar and Oman, is determined to take the Middle East’s cruise sector to the next level by sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and ensuring a region-wide level of service and standards for both cruise lines as well as passengers. During the current season, the Kingdom expects to welcome 32 calls and some 68,000 visitors. The alliance was launched in late 2013 by Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Meraas Hotels & Resorts Launched
Bvlgari Resort & Residences, Dubai, a Meraas Holding project
Dubai-based Meraas Holding set up Meraas Hotels & Resorts that will introduce, operate and manage different brands of properties.
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he new entity, that falls under the umbrella of Meraas Hospitality, will integrate with businesses and destinations developed by the holding company and manage hotels of independent developers or owners seeking a partner in the sector. “In establishing Meraas Hotels & Resorts, we aim to capitalise on our strong portfolio of projects and the positive market trends projected for the tourism sector to establish new benchmarks in the hospitality industry,” commented H.E. Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman, Meraas Holding.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Reemerges
Radisson Blu and Park Inn sales delegation
Radisson Blu and Park Inn UAE Target India
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There are over 280 Radisson Blu hotels in 62 countries in the world?
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M Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
DID YOU KNOW...
elegations of Radisson Blu and Park Inn branded properties from across the UAE recently concluded a five-day sales mission which included visits to Mumbai and Bangalore. The professionals took the opportunity to meet wholesalers, tour operators and MICE companies to introduce their addresses as viable choices for Indian outbound business to the UAE. “India is already a huge market for the UAE, and the visit to the two cities was to promote our individual properties specifically to the MICE business originating from there and to capitalise on it,” observed Kamal Rijhwani, executive assistant manager, sales and marketing, Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah.
ajid Al Futtaim unveiled the refurbished Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates following an AED368 million (USD100.2 million) renovation project. Aiming to cement the property’s position as a leading luxury destination for fine dining and leisure in the UAE, the transformation kicked off in January 2012 and resulted in new vibrant concepts. The scheme saw the refurbishment of all 373 rooms, new conference and catering facilities, three further restaurants and lounges, as well as the relaunch of the hotel’s luxury lounge, and the enhancement of the main lobby. The final phase of the renovation programme will include 20 redesigned luxury Aspen Chalets.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Royal Rose Targets China
Atana Hotels Launches Arabic Website
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9 JANUARY 2016
A Atana Khasab Hotel
n a bid to attract more visitors from China, Royal Rose Hotel, Abu Dhabi rolled out a number of dedicated services to the lucrative market. Customised spa offers, welltrained Chinese staff handling guest communication, Asian food buffet, special payment methods and more await visitors at the five-star property. The aim, as George Demitry, group general manager, City Seasons Hotels, explained, is to encourage Chinese guests to spend more time in the UAE capital. “The long-term prospects of Chinese tourists are good for the country’s tourism industry and the turnout of Chinese tourists in the UAE is expected to increase [...],” added Demitry.
tana Hotels, managed by Dhiaffa, unveiled new Arabic content on its webpage. Now available in both English and Arabic, the website is streamlined in appearance and information, focussing on images, clear and concise details of both the hotel and the destination, and featuring a user-friendly booking facility. Leon Salinel, corporate director, sales and marketing, Dhiaffa, commented, “To have an online presence is vital when talking to the international market […]. More than half our guests are Arabic speakers, and to provide content in their native tongue is essential.”
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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Technology Holds the Key to Guest Loyalty While most travellers swear no allegiance to a particular hotel brand, hoteliers can change that by offering a more personalised guest experience, according to a study commissioned by Sabre Hospitality Solutions and conducted by Forrester Consulting.
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he findings demonstrate that hospitality stakeholders who rely on data and technology to power personalisation and an outstanding customer experience have a competitive edge. The relationships that accommodation establishments have with guests are the greatest source of competitiveness, yet, many are not maximising this. The study unearthed that collecting and applying customer data to deliver cross-channel experiences are vital to meeting visitors’ expectations, improving their experience and fostering loyalty that leads to future bookings.
Sabre Inaugurates Insight Driven Tool
Travelport and MEA Accredit Tourism Professionals
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abre launched an online community site to share prototypes and some of its latest innovations with the travel industry. Sabre Innovation Hub highlights models and gives customers, developers and other tourism stakeholders a forum to provide feedback on the concepts presented. To make these ideas available to the public in realtime, the feature showcases some of the solutions the technology provider is exploring to improve travel through advanced support and the latest technologies. The creation of the hub is part of the company’s increased focus on providing insight into how technology is evolving.
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ver 120 of Lebanon’s travel industry leaders gathered at an awards ceremony hosted by Travelport and Middle East Airlines (MEA). The event was the first of its kind in the country, where a travel commerce platform and a national airline joined forces to recognise industry players. The winners were announced at Four Seasons Hotel Beirut. Rabih Saab, president, Europe, Africa, Middle East and South Asia, Travelport, commented, “We are honoured to recognise our travel agency partners who are at cutting edge of their industry, leveraging the most innovative products and solutions to meet the unmet needs of the travel industry.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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RJ Launches Amman – Ankara Route
Inauguration ceremony
Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) commenced regular services to Ankara, further strengthening its presence in Turkey.
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he carrier now operates three times a week to the Turkish capital, bringing the number of weekly links between the countries to between 12 and 17, depending on seasonal demand. Amjad Adayleh, ambassador to Turkey, Jordan, stressed the significance of the itinerary between the cities after 10 years of suspension due to commercial reasons. He said that the flights would boost relations between the destinations and serve the Jordanian and Arab communities living in Ankara and Anatolia in general.
flynas Links Saudi Arabia to Bahrain
The Residence by Etihad
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tihad Airways teamed up with ondemand private jet charter company, Victor to complement and promote its exclusive The Residence by Etihad and First Apartment cabins, both of which are available on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. The partnership allows customers to enjoy end-to-end luxury experiences by benefitting from private aircraft connections to or from their international A380 flights. Victor is hailed as the first jet charter company to disclose aircraft and crew specifics, and side-by-side comparisons of more than 7,000 jets at 40,000 airports worldwide.
Welcoming ceremony at Bahrain International Airport
Etihad Partners with Jet Charter Operator
f DID YOU KNOW...
In 2014 alone, six million Saudis visited Bahrain, up 19.3 percent year-on-year?
lynas launched new thrice-weekly services from both Riyadh and Jeddah to Bahrain. The Kingdom is the third destination to be added to the carrier’s GCC network after Dubai and Kuwait. According to Bander Al Mohanna, group CEO, Nas Holding, this key location is a major step forward in the company’s commitment to offer greater connectivity, affordability and convenience to its growing consumer base. “Moreover, with the addition of Bahrain, we look forward to continue expanding into other regional cities in the future as part of our long-term expansion plans,” he concluded.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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ACI Calls for Relaxed Airport Regulatory Regime
Emirates: Third Daily Flight to Riyadh
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Angela Gittens
irports Council International (ACI)’s Investing in Airports – Economic Oversight and Regulation Conference featured remarks by Fang Liu, secretary general, International Civil Aviation Organisation and Angela Gittens, director general, ACI World. A modern, liberalised aviation system is maturing worldwide according to Gittens, who stressed that many airports are still subject to haphazard and heavy-handed regulation which is administratively burdensome and costly. “Empowering public and private airports to be more commercially oriented is the next step in building a successful industry,” she supported. Liu focussed on the challenges of financing investment of airport infrastructure.
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ith a move that increased the total number of its weekly frequencies to Riyadh to 21, Emirates added a third daily flight to the Saudi capital. With over 450,000 passengers having travelled on the Dubai – Riyadh service in 2015, Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, centre, Emirates, explained that the clear traffic flow between the cities triggered the capacity increase. The third flight will be served by Airbus A330-200 aircraft. All cabins are equipped with the airline’s entertainment system with over 700 channels to choose from.
Etihad Committed to Alternative Sustainable Fuels
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uring the company’s UAE Innovation Week activities, Etihad Airways presented its efforts in supporting the development of alternative sustainable aviation fuels. Linden Coppell, head of sustainability, Etihad Airways, commented on the actions of the Masdar Institute-led group, Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium, which the airline is a member of. “The integrated system utilising fish waste to feed the plants that can be turned into fuel is truly innovative. It enhances food production by supporting fish farming in a sustainable way and all without the need for freshwater, which is so scarce in our region,” Coppell said.
James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways (third from left) at Etihad Airways Innovation Centre
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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New UK Airline to Serve the Middle East
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tart-up carrier, Firnas Airways confirmed its ambition to establish air links to the Middle East. As Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, CEO, Firnas Airways, explained, the airline aims to offer world-class premium service at economy prices particularly on unserved or underserved routes to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and West Africa from the US, Canada and Europe via a UK hub. Negotiations are already underway in London, Manchester and Birmingham to establish the airline’s base, while the management is working on raising some USD50 million to buy or lease Boeing 767 or Airbus 330 variants and commence operations.
British Airways to Operate Dreamliner to Jeddah
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ritish Airways’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with a new first-class cabin, will start flying to Jeddah from July. As of the same month, a Dreamliner will also be deployed on the Dubai route. Paolo De Renzis, head of sales, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, British Airways, commented, “We launched our first 787-9 Dreamliner to the Middle East on the Abu Dhabi and Muscat routes [in November 2015] and already we are receiving great feedback from our customers. The new first generation cabin is particularly popular with our customers who are looking for that bit of extra luxury when flying, which is complemented by our quintessentially British service.”
Emirates SkyCargo Ups Operations in Istanbul
Royal Jet Celebrates Fleet Milestone
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
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mirates SkyCargo expanded its presence in Turkey with a daily nonstop service to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, increasing cargo capacity to and from the country by an additional 168 tonnes per week. Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, cargo, Emirates, commented, “Our cargo customers are increasingly looking for ways to ship their goods across the world at a faster pace. The introduction of service to Sabiha Gökçen not only provides an additional gateway for our customers in Turkey, but it also provides quicker access to shipping lanes for businesses located in eastern Istanbul.”
n a special ceremony, Royal Jet and CFM International commemorated the achievement of 150,000 flight hours with the carrier’s fleet of Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) powered by CFM56-7B engines. Royal Jet took delivery of its first CFM-powered airplane in 2003 and today the company is hailed as the world’s largest BBJ operator with 12 aircraft. “We are an airline that truly prioritises safety and reliability for our clients alongside providing a luxury service and we only work with the best suppliers in the field,” said Patrick Gordon, CEO, Royal Jet.
Celebration ceremony
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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 INTERNATIONAL
Indonesia
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ndonesia launched an interactive visitor guide as part of a larger campaign aimed at positioning the country as a leading destination for Muslim tourists. The 70-page publication, titled Many lands. Timeless culture, Our journey, was created as a dedicated resource to showcase Indonesia to the targeted guests and highlight the rich and diverse culture by referencing the best experiences, shopping, dining and prayer facilities. Arief Yahya, tourism minister, Indonesia, noted, “We want to assure the comfort of these travellers by providing information about various tourism products and services in many destinations in Indonesia which comply with their needs and expectations to enhance their holiday experiences.”
Meliá Revives Landmark Hotel in Rio
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eliá Hotels International (MHI) will reopen Hotel Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, known for hosting the likes of Liza Minnelli, BB King and James Brown. Gran Meliá Nacional Rio will boast 417 rooms and suites, and will house a 12,000m2 convention and events centre with a capacity of over 4,000 guests. Eduardo Paes, mayor, Rio de Janeiro, expressed delight at seeing the property reborn from its ashes in the run-up to the Olympic Games. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO, MHI, enthused, “We are confident that under our Gran Meliá brand, […] [the hotel] will surpass the success and excellence that it enjoyed for decades.”
Gran Meliá Nacional Rio rendering
Indonesia Eyes Muslim Travellers
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Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Arrivals Surge
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n September 2015, international visitor arrivals to Solomon Islands jumped 28 percent year-on-year. A total of 2,211 global travellers visited the destination during the month under review, with huge gains recorded by the Australian, New Zealand and Fiji markets. Australian tourists again topped the list, with 1,029 individuals opting for the islands. Jo Tuamoto, CEO, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, attributed the increase to the ongoing marketing activities the national tourist office has undertaken in partnership with Solomon Airlines in its key source markets.
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
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HALA MASSAAD GENERAL MANAGER, RAOUCHÉ ARJAAN BY ROTANA
THE LEBANESE TOURISM INDUSTRY HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES OVER THE PAST YEARS, YET, AS HALA MASSAAD, GENERAL MANAGER, RAOUCHÉ ARJAAN BY ROTANA, SAYS, INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS ARE DETERMINED TO SHOWCASE THE INCOMPARABLE LEBANESE EXPERIENCE.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has business been at the hotel as compared to previous years? HALA MASSAAD: Despite the overall surrounding situation which did not help at the beginning, we started to see a stronger influx to Lebanon due to the political stability in the country [which] had a positive impact [on our business]. The key to our success has always been our unique location and the types of offers which we carefully planned and communicated to our guests. Overall, we can say that the occupancy for our hotels in Lebanon [in 2015 was] an average of 75 percent for 9 JANUARY 2016
Gefinor Rotana and Raouché Arjaan by Rotana. The first half of [2015 was] very good and [gave] us a positive outlook for the remainder of the year. […] Raouché Arjaan by Rotana [...] is the only hotel with a direct view to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and most importantly to the area’s most exciting landmark, the Pigeon Rocks. More than 70 percent of its studios and suites boast amazing views coupled with distinctive apartment style accommodation. Arjaan is a sub-brand of Rotana which caters to long-term business travellers and families alike. Since its opening, the property […] has become the first choice for business travellers and companies […]. As a company, we are always committed to providing solution stays to our guests’ requirements either though our Rotana Escape packages or our amazing offers. […]
nomic situation in Lebanon and the external business coming for that purpose. Raouché Arjaan by Rotana has been home for small and medium sized meetings and events due to its facilities and meeting spaces. Another [up and coming trend has been] the interest from journalists, bloggers and explorers coming to Lebanon for cultural and ecotourism and other exploration purposes. […] TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed in order to support the Lebanese industry’s growth?
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has your scope of focus changed in order to maintain healthy performance and reach potential guests? HALA MASSAAD: Throughout [2015], despite the challenging situation, we were able to maintain our occupancy. The impact was mainly noted in average spending both in the hotel and in the destination in general, thus, we focussed on increasing occupancy levels in order to bridge the gap between the demand and what we can offer as an individual property. We have been very active in sales trips to top markets which have been on the rise, including Jordan and Egypt. We are also collaborating with our sister hotels to present [our products] in feeder markets such as Iraq. Being part of the Rotana hotel chain is a major advantage for us along with the support that we receive from our global sales offices [...]. Nevertheless, the Lebanese diasporas from the GCC countries, in addition to their friends and own communities, have also created a new type of free independent traveller segment which looks for a short-term weekend type of stay, filling up our rooms during weekends [...]. Overall, at Raouché Arjaan by Rotana, we have been working on a direct marketing and sales strategy to provide the required offers that meet the specific needs of our guests. […] Lastly, the MICE segment has always been a good indicator of the local eco-
Raouché Arjaan by Rotana
HALA MASSAAD: Lebanon has always been the centre of life in the Middle East and together we have […] succeeded in maintaining this fun and cultivating experience like no other. Our Ministry of Tourism is always keen on [introducing] new projects, ideas and activities. One initiative that spread fast because of its creativity was the Live Love Lebanon project [which] projected an educating image about Lebanon by showcasing the best activities that can be done across the country. Another fascinating initiative that our minister launched in coordination with the United Nations is an international tourism project entitled The Phoenician Route that connects around 14 million Lebanese in more than 18 countries around the world. […] Reaching out to the Lebanese people in Argentina, US, Brazil and other far away countries is also helping us a lot, and penetrating new markets such as China, is also a positive sign.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
One&Only Ocean Club Unveils Renovations
One&Only Ocean Club
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n an effort to further elevate its status as a luxury property in the Caribbean, One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas revealed its completed enhancements. During the five-month multi-million dollar restoration, guestrooms in the Hartford Wing were expanded and given an entire re-design. Additionally, the resort introduced a beachfront experience with a new infinityedge Ocean Pool and Ocean Pool Grill. John Conway, general manager, One&Only Ocean Club, commented, “Our guests have always been our number one priority, [...] we took our guests’ feedback and committed to exceeding their expectations with a new Ocean Club that will inspire them to come back again and again.”
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ollowing a deal between InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Winbond Group, the Malaysian capital will welcome two new hotels. Expected to launch this year, Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre will feature 383-rooms and will be part of a mixed-use development with offices, restaurants and cafés. Slated for completion in 2018, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kuala Lumpur Ampang will boast 240 rooms and 60 suites, catering to both short- and long-term guests, and will be located close to Petronas Twin Towers and a shopping mall.
Kuala Lumpur
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usit Fudu Hotels and Resorts penned a deal with Jiangsu Huaqiang Real Estate Development Company for the 400-key DusitPrincess Hotel and Residence Jiangyin, Jiangsu, which is expected to welcome its first guests by the end of the year. The hotel will house 150 rooms and 250 apartments, as well as meeting areas, an all-day dining outlet and a heath club. “The DusitPrincess brand is welcoming, efficient and affordable and this hotel has been designed with the well-being of both travellers and long-stay guests in mind,” said Lim Boon Kwee, president, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts.
Two Holiday Inns Penned for Kuala Lumpur
Four Points Broadens Taiwan Presence
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide unveiled Four Points by Sheraton Penghu, hailed as the first internationallybranded hotel in Magong City on Penghu Island, Taiwan. The property, which is the second for the brand in the country, boasts 308 rooms and 23 suites, four food and beverage outlets, a zero edge swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and steam room. For meetings and events, there is an 810m2 pillar-less ballroom and several multifunctional areas. Vincent Ong, senior brand director, brand management, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, said, “The opening of Four Points by Sheraton Penghu underscores the brand’s strong growth in Greater China with 23 operating hotels and more than 30 hotels in the pipeline throughout the country.”
Four Points by Sheraton Penghu
DusitPrincess Hotel and Residence Jiangyin, Jiangsu rendering
DusitPrincess Expands in China
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9 JANUARY 2016
CHARLES SALIBA has taken the helm at Crowne Plaza Sohar as general manager. Saliba, who previously held the position of resident manager at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, has 20 years of experience in the upscale and business travel segments. He started his career in 1994 as a food and beverage service employee and later moved to the front office department. He served Accor for two years prior to joining InterContinental Hotels Group in 2003 as a sales manager in Saudi Arabia. He then continued at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi in the same position and was later promoted to resident manager.
DEBORAH GRAY has joined Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates as assistant director of sales, leisure. Her in-depth knowledge of this sector, coupled with her international account management experience, has grown over the past 15 years while working for several leading hotel brands in the Middle East. Gray was most recently with Atana Hotels. Her appointment comes in line with the property’s restructuring process.
Saliba has 20 years of experience in upscale and business travel
Gray has in-depth knowledge of the Middle East
DOMINIC HAGERTY has taken on the role of head of sales and marketing at Dollar Rent A Car, UAE. He joins the company with nine years of automotive and car rental industry experience. In his capacity, he will be responsible for the entire marketing and sales function of Dollar Rent A Car in the UAE. Hagerty’s tasks include planning and preparation of the marketing and sales strategies, programmes and annual budgets. He will also manage the retail rental, corporate rental and leasing divisions of the company.
NAJIB GHOSHEH has assumed the position of general manager at Radisson Blu Resort, Jizan. Ghosheh, who amassed over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, previously worked for RIU Hotels & Resorts in Spain and the Dominican Republic for nine years. His last role was with InterContinental Hotels Group as general manager of InterContinental Bethlehem, Jacir Palace. Prior to that, he was with Holiday Inn Sharjah. In Jizan, Ghosheh will be responsible for the overall operation of the 150-room hotel leading the management team to maximise the property’s operating efficiency and guest satisfaction, while achieving profitability and delivering quality service.
Hagerty is in charge of marketing and sales activities
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DEBORAH GRAY
WHO’S MOVED
NAJIB GHOSHEH
DOMINIC HAGERTY
CHARLES SALIBA
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“Since making our investment, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International has become a leading luxury hotel company with an expanded international presence. [Selling the company to AccorHotels] generates the scale needed to drive the next phase of growth in our real estate and hospitality investments. QIA has confidence in AccorHotels and looks forward to becoming a significant shareholder.”
GENERAL MANAGER, SOUTHERN SUN ABU DHABI
Bahrain is addressing [technology] challenges “The GCC technology sector is expected to grow by 10 percent per annum over the next five years, whilst sector spending in the Middle East [reached] nearly USD200 billion in 2015. However, the region faces a number of challenges around attracting investment in the technology sector, including start-up costs and access to funding; regulatory barriers; and attracting, training and retaining human capital. Bahrain is addressing these challenges and building on its broader strengths to develop a strong ecosystem.”
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DUBAI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM & COMMERCE MARKETING
PIERRE DELFAU
QIA has confidence in AccorHotels
HAMAD BIN MEJREN
CEO, BAHRAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
KHALID AL RUMAIHI
CEO, QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (QIA)
H.E. SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL THANI
TRAVEL TALK
Abu Dhabi enjoys a strong reputation for its thriving sports culture “We are delighted to bring the Blu Sky [Lounge & Grill] experience to Southern Sun Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi enjoys a strong reputation for its thriving sports culture, be it through the city’s large community of ardent fans of sports [...] or residents that regularly socialise [...] during popular sporting events. The venue’s inspiring ambiance together with Southern Sun Abu Dhabi’s established reputation for warm and welcoming hospitality is set to make every outing at Blu Sky truly exciting and memorable.”
Dubai [...] has become the cruise hub of the region
“Dubai has been diligent in its efforts to realise its cruise potential and has become the cruise hub of the region as a result, demonstrated by six cruise lines choosing Dubai as their homeport and over 22 of the world’s leading cruise lines including Dubai as a must-visit port in their cruise itineraries for passenger turnaround and overnight calls. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all of the region’s destinations, the Middle East has become a compelling market for cruising.”
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 When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I have always been fascinated by the tourism industry even when I was a child. I guess, it was because of my father who worked in the tourism industry for many years. So, right after school I joined a resort and started working as a receptionist; that was 15 years ago. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/ tour operator? In my opinion, the most important attributes are efficiency, product knowledge and good customer service. These go a long way since there are so many travel agents and tour operators in the market and countless online options. Therefore, if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to be different.
NAME:
Aminath Nina Nizar
POSITION:
Sales and marketing manager
COMPANY:
Sun Travels & Tours
LOCATION:
Maldives
WEBSITE:
www.sunholidays.com
OTAs Spearheading Online Merchandising
What is the most frequently asked question your company receives from customers? What is the best resort in the Maldives? It is always tough to answer this question because the Maldives has so many exquisite and luxurious resorts, each unique in their own way including the most well-known international names and local brands [‌]. What are the must-visits and mustdos in the Maldives that no one should miss? Maldives is famous for its clear waters and underwater beauty, so if you are a tourist visiting the Maldives you must experience its majestic coral reefs, its vast variety of sea life and the sheer magnificence of the country itself; the white sandy beaches and tropical weather throughout the year. The one-island-one-resort concept of the Maldives is quite unique [...]. Here, the customer is provided with this own private island with all the luxury.
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n the first three quarters of 2015, Amadeus saw an 85 percent increase in ancillary sales via travel agents, indicating that online travel agencies (OTAs) are becoming big players in the merchandising market. Nowadays, 15 out of every 100 air bookings by these agents include an additional sale, and that figure rises to 30 or 40 for certain carriers. Furthermore, there were three times more OTAs with integrated airline ancillaries in 2015 compared to 2014. Pedro Espin, associate director, merchandising and personalisation, Amadeus, noted that this change is being fuelled by customer demand and by the significant number of airlines that have made their content available in global distribution systems.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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IHG CAIRO HOTELS REJOICE LATEST GRADUATES RAMADA AJMAN DISPLAYS GREEN MOVEMENT Wyndham Hotel Group executives at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman’s urban farm
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amada Hotel & Suites Ajman received Wyndham Hotel Group executives and general managers of Wyndham-branded properties from across the UAE at its urban farm. Participants toured the 430m2 farmland, which grows seasonal crops and vegetables, and were briefed on the property’s various green activities. Michael Zager, regional vice president, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, commented, “Ramada Ajman has been a pioneer in green initiatives for the hospitality sector and I would like to commend the team for all their efforts, [...].Their contribution in spreading awareness and sharing good practices on sustainability are noteworthy and we look forward to seeing more hotels on board towards the green track.”
IHG Academy 2015 graduates
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nterContinental Cairo Citystars, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars and Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars recently celebrated the graduation of 80 IHG Academy students. The certificates were presented upon the accomplishment of two-month training in different hospitality segments, including food and beverage, front office and kitchen. Simon Stamper, area general manager, InterContinental Cairo Citystars, commented, “The students were very talented, in addition they are characterised by aspiration and enthusiasm which helped a lot to develop their skills and this is what we seek at IHG Academy.”
T TIME HOSTS DUBAI WAITERS RACE
IME Hotels Dubai Waiters Race took place for the first time, featuring 35 participants who raced around a 1.5km set course carrying a loaded tray containing two full glasses and a bottle of water. The waiters were judged on time, water spilled and waiter standards such as posture, grooming and smile. “The [race] really brought the community together, overall it was a great success and we are already receiving entries for [2016’s] event; so we look forward to making it an even bigger, better and more competitive race,” said Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels Management.
Participants of the race
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PHOTO ALBUM
Swiss-Belhotel Seef was named the best four-star hotel in Bahrain during The Food and Travels awards organised by Bahrain's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism
Kuwait Airways welcomed its new Airbus A350 XWB
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman bagged the 2015 Gold Circle Award from Agoda.com
Ambassadors of Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche organised a celebration for the children from Abu Dhabi-based Future Centre for Special Needs
9 JANUARY 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Sir Bani Yas Island won the World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination title at the 2015 World Travel Awards
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman exuded a festive vibe with its gold-themed decor for the holiday season
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NEWS & EVENTS Reed Exhibitions Acquires New Company
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eed Exhibitions purchased Legend Exhibitions, the organisation behind two of Europe’s most popular retail
events. Its portfolio includes Retail Business Technology Expo, Retail Design Expo, Retail Digital Signage Expo as well as three online content platforms; Essential Retail, Retail Design World and Essential Ecommerce. Richard Mortimore, CEO, UK, Reed Exhibitions, commented, “Retail is undergoing an unprecedented level of change principally due to ecommerce and the smartphone, resulting in exceptional innovation and new product development. This is the perfect business environment for Reed Exhibitions to become the leading provider of events that serve this sector.”
Florida to Welcome ibtm america in 2017
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he 2017 edition of ibtm america will take place at Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood,
Florida. Jaime McAuley, event director, ibtm america, commented that exhibitors and buyers prefer an event that moves around to different destinations, instead of one with a permanent home or a resort location. “We are lucky to be able to work with so many great destinations and hosting venues. It also puts major meeting hubs in the spotlight annually and most importantly, it keeps things fresh and interesting,” McAuley added.
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EVENTS MEETINGS MOROCCO Marrakech, Morocco January 14 – 15 www.meetings-morocco.com Designed to ensure the promotion of all the country has to offer to professional event organisers at both local and international levels.
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW Sakhir, Bahrain January 21 – 23 bahraininternationalairshow.com A focussed global aviation event providing its elite list of aerospace business participants with the opportunity for highlevel networking in exclusive surroundings.
3RD ANNUAL AFRICA HOTEL EXPANSION SUMMIT Lagos, Nigeria January 28 – 29 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 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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