20 FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE 328
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06 EMIRATES: WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE AIRLINE BRAND
09 SOHAR WELCOMES NEW RADISSON BLU
AIRPORTS
DUBAI: WORLD’S BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL HUB
03 Hotel
Performance
16 International 17 Rendezvous 23 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MARRIOTT: EXCEPTIONAL YEAR OF HOTEL SIGNINGS
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
The year 2015 was outstanding for Marriott International with a record number of hotel owners selecting it to manage or franchise new properties across its global portfolio of 19 bands, with contracts inked for 104,000 rooms.
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ccording to Arne Sorenson, president, Marriott International, signed contracts in 2015 encompass over USD15 billion of investment by owners. During the year, the hotelier opened 300 accommodation establishments with nearly 52,000 units, registering more than 4,400 properties with nearly 760,000 rooms by year-end. Tony Capuano, chief development officer, Marriott International, noted, “Marriott’s success reflects preference for the company’s brands, including new brands […], as well as our leading revenue producing platforms, significant RevPAR index premiums and a highly energised inmarket global development team.”
Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
RESILIENT GROWTH AT MAJID AL FUTTAIM
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
as of
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Mall of the Emirates
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
19.2.2016
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
106.30
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.83
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,146.40
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,107.11
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.29
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,508.29
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.36
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.77
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.81
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.01
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
Driven by the continued investment in core businesses across Dubai and increased development activity in Egypt and Oman, Majid Al Futtaim saw revenue grow eight percent to AED27.3 billion (USD7.4 billion) in 2015.
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s Alain Bejjani, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim, pinpointed, the company completed a number of retail and leisure projects in Dubai during the year, including the 36,000m2 expansion of Mall of the Emirates. “With several large-scale developments currently in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Africa, we are well positioned to fully leverage the significant growth potential of the Middle East and the North and East Africa region,” added Bejjani.
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WEEKLY NEWS HOTEL PERFORMANCE
While the traditionally strong markets in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia experienced declines in room rates and occupancy, the surprise came from Beirut’s hospitality sector with average room rates (ARR) improving more than 15 percent. This is according to the HotStats report analysing November 2015’s performance across the MENA region.
Weak Demand in Doha and Jeddah
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he continued low oil prices had an impact on Doha’s hotel market as demand fell with occupancy figures dropping 5.5 percentage points to 75.1 percent. The decline in interest impacted all remaining performance indicators, with ARR and RevPAR declining 12.8 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively. Higher food and beverage demand, however, offset the softer room revenue. Jeddah properties witnessed a 3.8 percentage point reduction in occupancy to 70.7 percent. Hoteliers were unable to cancel out the falling demand as ARR plunged 3.8 percent to USD245.05. The shrink in occupancy levels had a negative effect on performance with RevPAR and total RevPAR sliding 8.8 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.
Beirut Reverses Regional Trend
Performance Plunges in Dubai and Sharm El Sheikh
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ive- and four-star hotels in Dubai continued to experience weakening ARR in November 2015, with the figure falling 6.9 percent to USD315.03, while occupancy levels remained strong at 84.9 percent, albeit being marginally lower than in the same period in 2014. The 8.1 percent decrease in RevPAR was compounded by significantly weaker food and beverage revenues which fell 12 percent, driving total RevPAR down 10.9 percent to USD449.80. Similarly, travel bans and cancellation of flights to the North African region from Russia and various other European countries severely impacted performance in Sharm El Sheikh, with occupancy levels plunging in the Rea Sea destination. The metric registered a downfall of 25.9 percentage points to 36.2 percent, resulting in a 42 percent drop in RevPAR to USD17.94. However, fixed payroll expenses stabilised the fall in top line revenues, pushing profit margins to their breaking point with gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) plummeting to USD1.24.
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Beirut
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lthough accommodation facilities in Beirut recorded a 3.7 percentage point reduction in occupancy levels to 58.2 percent, hoteliers were able to yield significantly higher ARR which rose 15.8 percent to USD142.29. The growth in ARR had a positive impact on all performance indicators with RevPAR and total RevPAR climbing 8.9 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively. However, higher operational expenses limited the growth in profits with GOPPAR increasing 3.3 percent to USD23.20.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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TOP MARKETS
Travellers Flock to Dubai in 2015
India: Saudi Arabia: UK: Oman:
1.6 million visitors 1.54 million visitors 1.2 million visitors over 1 million visitors
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E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, reminded that if the emirate is to hit its 20 million visitors per year target in the next five years, it must deliver a threshold seven to eight percent annual growth consistently, through strong sector-wide collaborations. With India, Saudi Arabia and the UK being the top source markets, Almarri explained, “Building on our core multisource visitation strategy, we have been able to prudently balance our risk exposure to specific geographies, shift our investment to frontier growth markets for Dubai, and be much more targeted on penetrating niche segments within our stronghold markets.�
Dubai
Dubai attracted more than 14.2 million overnight visitors in 2015, recording a strong 7.5 percent increase over 2014, making the destination the fourth most visited city in the world.
Dubai among Most Visited Locations
Dubai
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ubai was the 12th most popular city in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2014, having witnessed an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase, according to Euromonitor International’s annual Top 100 City Destinations Ranking. Hong Kong came first, followed by London, Singapore, Bangkok, Paris and Istanbul. The study further found that in 2014, international figures were heavily affected by geopolitical tensions, successful marketing campaigns, however, proved to be an effective tool in boosting visits. Despite the ups and downs, arrivals continued to grow in global urban centres, illustrating the ongoing economic importance of tourism to the cities.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Saudi Accommodation Facilities Jump to 5,000
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Emirates: World’s Most Valuable Airline Brand
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he Saudi accommodation sector has witnessed a major development over the past 10 years, with the number of hotels and furnished condominiums skyrocketing to 5,868 in 2015, from 2,139 in 2004. Moreover, roomstock rose from 104,380 to 281,563, and at the same time, the number of furnished apartments increased from 51,768 to 165,040 units. Ever since Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage took over the sector, as many as 25 global hotel companies have entered the local market, while the total figure of employees in the industry has also doubled by the end of 2015 to reach 113,48; 28 percent of these being Saudi nationals.
Al Jawaher Hosts 570 Events in Three Years
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mirates stole the spotlight in the 2016 Brand Finance Global 500 report as the world’s most valuable airline name. In 2015, the Dubai-based carrier’s brand value grew 17 percent year-onyear to reach USD7.7 billion. For the fifth consecutive year, Emirates has steadily risen up in the global ranking to be placed at the 171st position, 47 spots above the next closest name in the sector. Since 2009, the company’s brand value has more than doubled. According to David Haigh, CEO, Brand Finance, by 2020, Emirates could become the first Middle Eastern brand to enter the top 100 of the list.
DID YOU KNOW... Emirates has a combined following of 11 million across its social media channels?
USD352 Billion Railway Projects Underway
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ince its establishment less than three years ago, Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) has staged 570 functions. The venue has proved especially popular for nuptials and this May, it plans to host its first wedding exhibition. As Hanan Al Mahmoud, director, JRCC, noted, since 2013, the team has shaped a venue that is of real benefit to Sharjah’s community. “During our relatively short time in operation, we have gathered more than 260,000 guests and visitors to the venue and provided A to Z event management solutions for several corporate events,” commented Al Mahmoud.
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ith plans to establish a strong passenger and freight transport network, 16 projects, worth USD352 billion, are currently underway in the MENA region, according to Terrapinn Middle East, organiser of Middle East Rail. As Jamie Hosie, project director, Middle East Rail, noted, governments are increasingly diversifying their resources, putting more emphasis on projects that are not oil-related, and transport and logistics will play a paramount role in the regional economies’ future growth. Middle East Rail will take place between March 08 – 09 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Hungary Visa Application Centre Opens in Kuwait
Ras Al Khaimah Eyes India
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esidents of Kuwait can now easily apply for visas to Hungary at the embassy’s newly-inaugurated contact point. Travellers only need to visit the VFS Global centre to submit their documents and enroll for biometrics. Kuwait is the second country in the Middle East, after the UAE, to offer a dedicated location for visa application to the European country. In the coming months, similar centres are expected to launch in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
ndia continues to grow as a key source market for Ras Al Khaimah, significantly contributing to its goal of achieving one million visitors by the end of 2018, according to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA). Haitham Mattar, CEO, RAK TDA, attended two travel trade events in the country to introduce the emirate to the local market and bolster relationships with key industry representatives. The destination benefits from India’s outbound tourism, primarily within the wedding sector and through short-stay tourists. Given this trend, RAK TDA aims to also encourage longer stays. The setup of representation offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and developing more promotional materials with Indian travellers in mind are also being considered.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Meliá Extends Presence in Qatar
Meliá Hotels International made further progress in its growth and positioning strategy in the Middle East with the announcement of a new hotel in Doha, its third in the city, which will be operated under the Innside by Meliáábrand.
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nnside Doha is slated to open in 2017 and will feature 192 rooms, a restaurant, lobby lounge, business and fitness centre with spa as well as a rooftop terrace with a pool deck area. It will be located in a prime area immediately adjacent to the new Qatar National Museum, a Doha Metro station as well as government and commercial offices, boasting views of the West Bay skyline and easy access to the city’s Hamad international Airport.
Oryx Rotana: High Occupancy Continues
Simaisma, a Murwab Hotel Opens Its Doors
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ryx Rotana achieved occupancy rates of 94 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, in comparison to 91 percent during the same period in 2014. The improvement is the result of the five-star hotel’s good reputation, which was also was reflected by guest opinions, especially on social network sites, as Mark Timbrell, general manager, Oryx Rotana, explained. “We enjoyed a relatively high occupancy rate that can be attributed to the hotel guests comprising locals, expatriates as well as visitors to Qatar, especially from the GCC and Europe. In fact, we attracted all segments of the community which visited our hotel and offered them an opportunity to enjoy various outlets and diverse services,” he added.
Simaisma, a Murwab Resort
Oryx Rotana
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imaisma, a Murwab Resort is the newest destination for local guests and global travellers visiting Qatar. Owned by Simaisma Resort Company and managed by Murwab Hotel Group, the coastal property, located north of Doha, features 52 villas with luxurious comforts and amenities, including fully-fitted kitchens. Hamad Al-Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality, commented, “Leveraging our 45 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, our name is synonymous with the development and operation of immaculate properties that surpass international standards in service and aesthetic, with Simaisma being no exception.”
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Sohar Welcomes New Radisson Blu
Four Seasons Casablanca Now Open
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adisson Blu Hotel, Sohar, The Rezidor Hotel Group’s fifth property in operation in Oman, is now open. Hailed as the only beach front address in the northern province of the Sultanate, the 179-unit hotel entices corporate travellers and event planners with modern meeting facilities for up to 80 delegates as well as a sizeable ballroom that can accommodate 700 guests and that can also be converted into an exhibition hall with direct access from the car park. As Mark Willis, area vice president, Middle East and Turkey, The Rezidor Hotel Group, pinpointed, Sohar enjoys a strategic location halfway between the Omani and the UAE capital, and is also an ideal stopover for leisure travellers.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar
arking the second property for the company in Morocco, Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca was officially inaugurated. Just minutes away from the downtown, the 186-room hotel offers facilities for both business and leisure travellers, including three food and beverage options, a pool oasis, event spaces and what is hailed as one of the city’s finest spas. “Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca has the dual advantage of being not only a city hotel with top-of-the-line facilities but also an urban escape for leisure travellers featuring unparalleled amenities,” commented Olivier Thomas, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Jumeirah to Run Marina Gate
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umeirah Group signed an agreement with Select Group to manage 508 properties within Marina Gate, the gateway to Dubai Marina. The company will bring its luxury hospitality experience to the third and final tower within the development under its Jumeirah Living brand. The design-led luxurious living destination will include 104 serviced apartments, 389 branded residences and 15 villas and will also offer an exclusive range of facilities and amenities, including a temperature-controlled infinity pool, a dual-level gym, lounge and a business centre. Residents will benefit from efficient transportation network links, being within walking distance to the tram, metro and water taxis.
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mericInn, one of the largest midscale hotel brands in central US, is expanding overseas, with the plans including at least 20 new hotels across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent over the next five years. In partnership with Dubai-based Eaglewing Estates and Hotels, the company eyes locations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha, as well as Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. The properties will target domestic and international business and leisure travellers with short and extended stay accommodation options.
Danat Hotels & Resorts Eyes New Markets
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Mazagan Resort Wraps Up 2015 with Success
Danat Hotels & Resorts team
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M DID YOU KNOW... Danat Hotels & Resorts offfers a selection of luxury city and resort properties in the UAE?
azagan Beach & Golf Resort ended 2015 on a positive note, having presented a series of dedicated events and packages for guests from the region, leading to an increased footfall from Gulf countries. During the year, the property sponsored MICE Arabia Congress 2015, teamed up with Fernandez Golf Academy to develop the new Nike Golf Academy, continued Mazagan Nights Festival, featured many famous artists and honoured some of its most valued travel and tourism partners. “Mazagan adopts a strategy to impress tourists. For example, we create well thought out offers to increase tourists to Morocco in every season,” added Stephan Killinger, president, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
anat Hotels & Resorts, a division of National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels, continues to explore new areas and exploit further avenues of development. In order to expand its reach, the company revealed a new operational plan, which, according to Manoj Kanwal, director of operations, Danat Hotels & Resorts, addresses the challenges posed by current market conditions and the drop in the price of oil. “Danat Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio includes some very unique properties and we will continue to explore new markets, developing new revenue streams and maintain our focus of delivering exceptional service to each guest and stay ahead of the game,” said Kanwal.
Jumeirah and Select Group sign Marina Gate agreement
Big US Name to Enter the Middle East
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Atbahrain Ties Up with Marhaba
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tbahrain, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding, signed an agreement with Marhaba Services to further improve visitors’ experience in Bahrain. Aiming to offer seamless services to travellers throughout their trip, the new deal will enable Atbahrain to utilise its partner’s experience in providing meet and greet services and operating four lounges in arrival and departure areas at Bahrain International Airport. The partnership will also see the development of a new stopover programme for travellers who are transiting through the country, thus, attracting more visitors and enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a travel and tourism destination.
WEEKLY NEWS AGENTS Gate To Wellness Announces Plans
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oha-based specialised medical tourism company, Gate To Wellness revealed this year’s packages in a bid to cater to the demands of local clients who seek health and wellness treatments abroad. “We are currently working on the preparations for our second women’s trip that is scheduled this year to Ananda Spa in the Himalayas, known to be among the best health centres in India, as well as across the world for detox and weight loss,” elaborated Reem Al Daghma, general manager, Gate To Wellness. She added that future plans include creating a database of preferred doctors, clinics, health- and wellness-related services in Qatar, as well as attracting patients to the country.
Alpha to Launch Dubai Gourmet Bus
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n a bid to attract more visitors to the UAE and Dubai, Alpha Destination Management is determined to have a strong presence at 44 exhibitions and road shows in the coming months, and to introduce a special culinary experience to the emirate. As Samir Hamadeh, general manager, Alpha Destination Management, explained, the Dubai-based company has enlarged the scope of its marketing and promotional activities and is venturing into new markets to achieve a projected 15 percent growth in business volumes this year. As Hamadeh revealed, the destination expert is also awaiting approval from Dubai Municipality for the launch of Gourmet Bus which, according to him, would enhance the appeal of the emirate among tourists and residents alike.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
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Dubai Remains World’s
Busiest Hub
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riven by Emirates’ and flydubai’s expansion and the launch of 12 new destinations, average monthly traffic for the year stood at a record high of 6.5 million visitors. As Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, revealed, the team is already busy testing the readiness of the newest facility, the USD1.2 billion Concourse D, which is scheduled to become operational this quarter and will serve 70 plus airlines.
Dubai International
WITH JUST OVER 78 MILLION TRAVELLERS ON RECORD IN 2015, UP 10.7 PERCENT YEARON-YEAR, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL RETAINED ITS POSITION AS THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE AIRPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS.
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ith more than 23 million passengers passing through its gates, Abu Dhabi International Airport achieved a new all-time high in 2015. For the first time in its history, the hub also crossed the two million monthly mark, contributing to a 17.2 percent overall year-on-year rise in traveller volumes. As Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, noted, the UAE capital continues to witness double-digit traffic growth. A large portion of the improvement is attributed to Etihad Airways, which now serves 116 passenger and cargo destinations around the world, and which had carried 17.4 million passengers in 2015, accounting for 74 percent of total figures in Abu Dhabi.
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Abu Dhabi International Airport
Record Passenger Traffic in Abu Dhabi
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Lands in Ras Al Khaimah
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mirates will start its first nonstop service from Dubai to Auckland on March 01, bringing its 38 European destinations within just one-stop range of New Zealand through direct connections in Dubai. The itinerary will mark the airline’s fifth daily flight to the country. “Having just one stop on the long haul to New Zealand will make the journey quicker and more comfortable. This will be a boon to many business people, tourists, expatriate New Zealanders and other travellers in Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East,” commented H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Emirates.
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Officials welcomed the inaugural flight
Emirates Brings New Zealand Closer
Qatar Airways started four-weekly nonstop operations between Doha and Ras Al Khaimah, marking its fifth destination in the UAE.
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he airline now offers up to 200 flights per week from the Qatari capital to the nearby country; 105 services to Dubai International, 28 to Al Maktoum International Airport, 42 to Abu Dhabi and 21 to Sharjah, in addition to the new itinerary. Ras Al Khaimah is known as a gateway to many of the UAE’s natural treasures, popular for weekend getaways for GCC travellers, and a resort destination for longer stays for Chinese, European and Indian tourists. “Qatar Airways’ network expansion will undoubtedly increase the flexibility and choice for our passengers to travel to and from different emirates in the UAE,” commented Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Emirates A380 Touches Down in Washington, D.C.
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mirates upgraded its Dubai – Washington, D.C. service with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 on the route, with the recent inaugural flight carrying travellers from 20 countries across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America. Replacing the currently used Boeing 777-300ER on the itinerary, the A380 comes in response to strong customer demand and brings the total number of global destinations served by the airline’s A380s to 37. The move will also secure customers travelling to the US city a seamless experience to many connecting destinations on the carrier’s international network.
Airbus A330F aircraft deployed on the new cargo routes
Qatar Airways Cargo Expands in Europe and Asia
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s of March, Qatar Airways Cargo will fly from Doha to three new hubs: Budapest, Prague and Ho Chi Minh. Both the Doha – Vietnam and the Doha – Budapest – Prague services will be operated by Airbus A330F aircraft, offering 120 tonnes of cargo capacity per week. “We have identified a definite gap in the market in these regions and we look forward to supporting local businesses in the areas with a more robust service connecting them to our wider global network,” Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer, cargo, Qatar Airways.
Etihad Increases Abu Dhabi – Cairo Flights
Airbus Supports Iran’s Modernisation Efforts
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ffective from March 27, Etihad Airways will boost capacity between Abu Dhabi and Cairo with the introduction of a fourth daily service. Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Airways, said that the addition of the new offering demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to a segment that has shown strong growth in passenger and freight traffic since its launch 12 years ago. “Attracting both commercial and leisure business, the additional flights linking Cairo and Abu Dhabi with connections beyond will help cater for the growing demand on one of our most popular North African and global routes,” he added.
ran Air recently inked a deal for the acquisition of the full range of 118 new Airbus airliners, including pilot and maintenance training and support services to help the new fleet’s entry into service and efficient operations. Signed by Farhad Parvaresh, chairman, Iran Air, the contract includes 21 A320ceo, 24 A320neo, 27 A330ceo, 18 A330neo (-900), 16 A350-1000 and 12 A380 aircraft. At the same time, Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development inked a comprehensive cooperation agreement as part of the modernisation of the country’s civil aviation sector, and to support the development of air navigation services, airport and aircraft operations, regulatory harmonisation, technical and academic training, maintenance, repair and industrial cooperation.
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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 FRHI Launches New Chinese Hotel Brand
Hyatt Place Boasts New Goa Location
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
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shering in a new era of luxury for Minnesota’s capital, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has added InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront to its US portfolio. Owned by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, the renovated historic property features 410 rooms and almost 4,000m2 of meeting space, including two grand ballrooms. Joe Nayquonabe, CEO, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, confirmed the duo’s commitment to the continuous evolution of this venture, saying, “With the extensive renovations complete, we are excited to bring the InterContinental brand of luxury to Minnesota’s capital city.”
A room at Hyatt Place Goa/Candolim
he Hyatt Place brand is expanding in Goa with its fourth Indian property, the 147-key Hyatt Place Goa/ Candolim. Located in the heart of the city, the property is near local beaches and entertainment and nightlife destinations. It offers a range of on-the-go facilities as well as a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool and more. “We know that our guests will appreciate the comfortable and functional amenities offered at Hyatt Place Goa/Candolim,” expressed his confidence Sanjay Patti, general manager, Hyatt Place Goa/Candolim.
Amari Galle Sri Lanka to Open This Year
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mari Galle Sri Lanka is on track to launch late this year, marking the introduction of the brand to the Asian country. Following OZO Colombo and OZO Kandy, ONYX Hospitality Group will introduce the 172room property in Galle, with the city offering a variety of historical and cultural attractions, including the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by Europeans. Peter Henley, president, ONYX Hospitality Group, said, “Tourism in Sri Lanka is thriving, and there is growing interest amongst international travellers to Galle.”
Amari Galle Sri Lanka rendering
IHG Bags Historic Minnesota Property
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atering specifically to Chinese travellers, FRHI Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new brand, Neqta Hotels in a joint venture with China's Jiangsu Golden Land Group. Neqta Hotels’ portfolio consistists of upper midscale properties located in some of the most in-demand destinations across the Asian country. "Guided by extensive research and our own customer insights, we have designed a contemporary hotel brand that will be highly attractive to both property developers and the Chinese consumer, in particular the millennial business traveler in the 22 – 40 age demographic,“ explained Wayne Buckingham, senior vice president, operations, Asia Pacific, FRHI Hotels & Resorts.
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
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HAITHAM MATTAR CEO, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HAVING RECORDED THE HIGHEST REVENUE FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, AND A SIX PERCENT RISE IN ARRIVALS, RAS AL KHAIMAH CONTINUES TO MARCH STEADILY TOWARDS ITS GOALS AS HAITAM MATTAR, CEO, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TDA), EXPLAINS.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: The tourism authority lays great emphasis on attracting airlines to the emirate. What are the latest developments pertaining air connections? HAITHAM MATTAR: We will continue to focus on our core markets of Western Europe, the UAE, India and Russia, and this year we will expand our focus into new and emerging markets such as China, the GCC countries, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Ras Al Khaimah TDA signed agreements with leading tour operators in Ger20 FEBRUARY 2016
many and Poland in October 2015 to welcome eight chartered flights to and from European destinations each week, including seven from Germany and one from Poland. This agreement highlights the increasing demand for additional flights from key source markets to the emirate. Ras Al Khaimah continues to partner with operators with the aim to welcome one million visitors by the end of 2018. The emirate benefits from varied and diverse source markets, with the UAE, UK, Germany, Russia and India continuing to occupy top spots. This year, we plan to further diversify these source markets. Per week, the emirate flies in a total of approximately 7,100 seats via Air Arabia and a total of 425,000 seats per year with all the airlines that fly into Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: To attract one million visitors by the end of 2018 and position the emirate as a worldclass destination of choice for authentic Arabian culture and experiences, the authority teamed up with TNS to better identify Ras Al Khaimah’s source markets and reposition the emirate. What is the Ras Al Khaimah brand about? HAITHAM MATTAR: We have used the TNS results to analyse traveller preferences, offering a better understanding of Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning in various markets. The TNS results have allowed us to identify and tackle any possible challenges which the research reveals. Breaking down these insights by market and traveller type allows us to target stakeholders effectively with strategically planned content through marketing, communications, advertising and trade relations. The TNS results also revealed that overall, UAE visitors responded positively with regards to their most recent visit to Ras Al Khaimah, citing sandy beaches and mountains as two aspects that they were particularly happy with. While these are key elements of the emirate’s offering, we aim to leverage the wider spectrum of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector. The first step to achieving this is a new brand and marketing plan for the destination, which we will be launching [this year] to reposition the destination on the world tourism stage. The revamped brand will take into account
the broad tourism offering including business, events, culture, adventure and beach as well as family. The role of the marketing outreach will be twofold – firstly, to showcase Ras Al Khaimah’s rich varied offering and inspire travellers to consider the destination as a preferred holiday destination and secondly, to expand our operator and stakeholder partnerships. The emirate is also developing a city application and a website in order to offer information to visitors at their fingertips. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are Ras Al Khaimah TDA’s priorities for the coming months? HAITHAM MATTAR: Ras Al Khaimah holds a great promise for the current year, being a travel destination of choice for visitors both for business and pleasure. The rebranding, along with the marketing and advertising plan, will strategically reposition the emirate,
Ras Al Khaimah
placing emphasis on its broad offering for every type of visitor. A key objective for the authority is to diversify its source markets and therefore [it is] one of the focus points for the year. We are also launching new routes from Europe with Qatar Airways, via Doha […]. We plan to further expand our routes and partnerships within the public and private sectors in the coming years. We are proud to announce that [following Qatar Airways’ new flight from Doha, we are now] officially connected to over 170 destinations across the globe. We have big plans for the year, such as hosting the European Golf Challenge Tour and Young Arab Leaders debate. Ras Al Khaimah will also be revealing the extension developments on Jebel Jais mountain and introducing the soon to be operational outdoor cinema.
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KAI SCHUKOWSKI has been promoted to Kempinski Hotel Ajman’s general manager. In his new role, Schukowski will continue overseeing the entire operation in line with the owners’ expectations at the property while upholding and delivering a high level of European luxury standards together with a fresh, innovative approach. He joined Kempinski’s head office in Switzerland in 2009, where he was involved in the strategic planning of the brand. Proving his talent and potential, he then became the regional operations manager in charge of all Kempinski hotels in China. In 2013, at the young age of 26, Schukowski was appointed hotel manager at Kempinski Hotel Ajman and then to acting general manager, his most recent post at the UAE property.
LISA THAPSEM
MICHAEL HIANG-TZIAC CHAN has been appointed executive assistant manager at The Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai. In his new role, he will be responsible for ensuring the property’s standards and providing greater comfort and satisfaction to guests. A graduate of King’s College, University of London and boasting a 30-year career, Chan brings a wealth of experience to the position. His most recent posting was general manager at Hong Kong-based Lanson Place Hospitality Management’s two developments in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier, he had held top positions at a number of hotels and resorts across Asia, including Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Singapore, Sentosa Resort & Spa and Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, Malaysia.
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LISA THAPSEM continues as director of marketing and public relations at Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait, a Quorvus Collection property, part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Thapsem brings along with her more than 12 years of local and regional experience in hospitality marketing and public relations. Most notably, she participated in the successful launch of Oryx Rotana Doha in 2010. In her new role, Thapsem will utilise her expertise and knowledge in order to achieve maximum revenue and exposure as per the plans set at the Kuwait-based hotel.
Thapsem brings along more than 12 years of experience
SHRIKANT SHENOY
KAI SCHUKOWSKI
MICHAEL HIANGTZIAC CHAN
WHO’S MOVED
SHRIKANT SHENOY has been named vice president of corporate strategy at Jumeirah Group. He mores from parent company, Dubai Holding, where he served as director of strategy development and deployment for almost six years. His responsibilities included coordinating annual targets for the group’s real estate and telecommunications subsidiaries, evaluating business plans and investment proposals, among others. Prior to joining Dubai Holding, he worked for McKinsey & Company in Dubai, Banco Santander in Spain and Agilisys in the UK. In his new position, Shenoy will support the implementation of the company’s corporate strategy and its project management framework in collaboration with the executive committee.
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WHO’S MOVED
WOLFGANG MAIER has been appointed general manager of Conrad Cairo. Maier joins the hotel with 40 years of experience within Hilton Worldwide. He started his career at Hilton Mainz in Germany and has since worked at 13 different properties across five continents for the hotelier. His most recent post was that of general manager at Hilton Abu Dhabi, where his successful service was recognised by the company which chose him as Hilton General Manager of the Year for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
WALAA EL SAYED
WOLFGANG MAIER
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El Sayed joins The St. Regis Doha with over 15 years experience
Akharia brings over eight years of experience to the table
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MOHAMED SAAD
TWINKLE AKHARIA
Maier has 40 years of Hilton experience
TWINKLE AKHARIA is the new public relations and marketing manager at Emirates Grand Hotel Apartments. In her position, Akharia will oversee the marketing, advertising, public relations and internal communications of the property, with the aim of increasing revenue and optimising return of profit. She brings with her more than eight years of marketing and communications experience, having previously worked as marketing manager at Royal Ascot Hotel, Dubai and also having held marketing and reservations roles at Ramada Downtown Dubai.
WALAA EL SAYED joined The St. Regis Doha as executive assistant manager of sales and marketing. El Sayed, who has over 15 years of experience in his field, has previously worked in world-class hotels across the GCC. His experience extends to the areas of sales, business development, finance, marketing, revenue, reservations and room operations. In his current role, he is responsible for driving the overall sales and marketing strategies and supporting the executive team in all of their activities.
MOHAMED SAAD has been named director of sales and marketing at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Boasting more than 15 years of hospitality experience, Saad is tasked with leading the sales and marketing strategies of the hotel, setting new targets and heading the implementation of campaigns aimed at increasing revenues. He will be also be responsible for generating business leads, tapping new source markets and boosting existing ties with the property’s partners. Saad started his career in food and beverage, gaining knowhow from Egyptian five-star properties. In Dubai, he served as cluster assistant director of sales at Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence and Ramada Sharjah.
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CLUSTER DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, ORYX ROTANA AND ROTANA CITY CENTER
“We designed Hamad International Airport (HIA) to be the most advanced, most efficient and most comfortable global aviation gateway, and a facility able to handle up to 50 million of our own passengers every year, as well as the millions of fans that will visit Doha for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. [...] We took a creative approach to partner with the best of the best, and very happily we have created a platinum sponsorship relationship with [...] FC Bayern Munich.”
GENERAL MANAGER, LE MÉRIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT
We have made a quantum leap in the hospitality business “We are delighted to get a rating of 8.4 [for Oryx Rotana] from Booking.com [...]. We have made a quantum leap in the hospitality business in particular and tourism sector in general, because of the best services that we have introduced in the market since the kick-off of our operations five years ago. […] As expected, we achieved outstanding occupancy rates and a continuous growth year after year, since we aimed at providing exceptional hospitality standards from the very beginning.”
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, ARMED FORCES OFFICERS CLUB & HOTEL, ABU DHABI
PATRICK ANTAKI
We took a creative approach […] to partner with the best of the best
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PETER FREEMAN
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
LANA JWAINAT
AKBAR AL BAKER
TRAVEL TALK
Traditional methods do not work with social media
“We are moving away from corporate social media towards connected with guests social media. Traditional methods do not work with social media, they need to be active, engaging and relevant. We try to keep our social media channels engaging and also use this platform to communicate effectively with our guests, responding to their queries in record time.”
We manage one of the […]most luxurious hotels in […] Abu Dhabi
“We manage one of the finest and most luxurious hotels in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, equipped with the finest facilities that are characterised by high quality contained in a picturesque and charming atmosphere, which is considered the most important criteria for guests and visitors who are looking for luxury tourism in Abu Dhabi.”
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 POSITION: General manager COMPANY: Gate To Wellness LOCATION: Qatar WEBSITE:
What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Today, an increasing number of people appreciate the need for a specialised and certified company to assist in searching, planning and organising an all-inclusive healthcare journey. They also seek highly personalised services and recommendations, right from your very first interaction with them. Hence, it is important to be unique and maintain high standards […]. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? We often have clients asking us how we know the quality of the doctors and hospitals […]. They have queries related to medical procedures, expenses, travel within the country, food habits and culture in a particular country, among others. What are the must-visits and mustdos in Qatar that no one should miss? Tourists can explore the natural environment by visiting museums, taking an exciting desert safari, relaxing at the beaches and pools or enjoying their favourite sport […]. Qatar also has the potential to emerge as a health tourism hub in the GCC, once [...] medical facilities are set up Which destination is on your bucket list? Cuba, Korea and Kenya. 20 FEBRUARY 2016
Reem al Daghma
NAME:
www.gatetowellness.com
Travelport Opens Helpdesk in Kenya
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n a bit to better serve Kenyan travel agents, Travelport inaugurated a new helpdesk in Nairobi. According to Rabih Saab, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, the new facility reflects the company’s ongoing investment and expansion strategy in East Africa in line with the region’s growth and strategic location. “Travelport has made continued investment in Kenya in recent years with the setting up of our own office, a multitude of product launches as well as signing key airline deals,” he said. The state-of-the-art helpdesk facility has five experienced full-time employees who can offer technical and operational assistance in both English and Swahili.
Rabih Saab (left) with representatives of Kenya Association of Travel Agents
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? Medical and wellness tourism has become a global trend over the past years. People across the globe are mindful of their wellbeing and seek to improve their health through the best doctors and hospitals in a foreign country. Since there was no company offering such services in Qatar, we started Gate To Wellness [...]. Being locally-based, we understand the requirements of Qatari nationals much better than any overseas company. Gate To Wellness is the only specialised medical tourism company in Doha and is a member of the Medical Tourism Association, US.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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EMIRATES GROUP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT 360 MALL WOWS CUSTOMERS
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mirates Group released its fifth annual environmental report for 20142015, revealing improved operational efficiency both in the air and on the ground. “When it comes to our environmental stewardship, Emirates Group has core areas of focus where we believe we can make the biggest impact,” said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Emirates Group. During the period under review, Emirates continued to add new aircraft to its fleet, retire older planes and prioritise fuel-saving operational techniques, achieving a continued reduction in aircraft noise emissions and a modest improvement in overall fleet fuel efficiency. On the ground, dnata took delivery of 30 new electric tractors to replace dieselpowered vehicles for use at Dubai International.
A shopper won an air ticket
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uwait’s 360 MALL lured in more visitors with a special destination-themed programme, Travel around the World with 360 MALL, which gave shoppers the chance to enjoy activities and largescale displays of four popular global sights, the Leaning Tower of Pisa of Italy, the Pyramids of Egypt, the famous streets of London, and France’s Eiffel Tower. Claudia Lopusinska, marketing manager, 360 MALL, said, “One of our key goals is to engage customers in the attractions of the mall and show them that we are always implementing new ideas to keep them interested and looking forward to their next visit with us.”
SUSTAINABILITY TOPS ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS’ AGENDA
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nterprise Holdings, global car rental service provider with a presence in the Middle East, unveiled its five-year sustainability targets in The Business of Sustainability report, pledging to slash paper use by 40 percent by the fiscal year 2020, significantly reduce greenhouse emissions, water and energy use, continue investing in the workforce and more. “These new goals reflect a fresh look at our priorities based on conversations with our many stakeholders and leadership teams,” said Pam Nicholson, president, Enterprise Holdings. Consequently, this year, the company is rolling out a Supplier Code of Conduct to highlight what it expects from its suppliers, including respect for human and employee rights of their workforce.
UNWTO SHEDS LIGHT ON SHOPPING TOURISM
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hopping tourism is one of the most useful tools for promoting destinations, as well as a relevant component for travellers when choosing their trip, it was highlighted at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Conference on Shopping Tourism, organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) during FITUR. The event shed light on the latest figures, trends and strategies within the sector, showing how it is transforming the endorsement of destinations worldwide. Jörn Gieschen, researcher, Instituto de Empresa and MasterCard Observatory on Premium Markets and Prestige Products, underlined that this emerging segment is intimately related to city travel.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Etihad Airways was awarded International Financing Review's Emerging Europe Middle East and Africa Bond of the Year
Gulf Air recognised staff members for their 25-year service
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi collaborated with Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, for its Golden Hearts campaign to give back to the community
Ramada Downtown Dubai rolled out the Hallmark of Hospitality programme
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Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Golfer, Danny Willet conducted Dubai Duty Free's Finest Surprise draw
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman celebrated the UAE National Environment Day
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NEWS & EVENTS ITE Cements Asian Stronghold
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TE Asia acquired a 70 percent stake in the organiser of Fastener Expo in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Russell Taylor, CEO, ITE Group, commented, ”We are continuing to build businesses in strategically important market sectors and the acquisition of Fasteners Expo increases our presence in China. The fastener industry is a key customer to the surface finishing technology sector [...]. The fasteners industry is also a major supplier to the building sector, where we have significant global coverage.“
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EVENTS ILTM JAPAN Tokyo, Japan February 29 – March 02 www.iltm.com/japan Reflecting on the 35 percent yearon-year boost Japan witnessed in 2015 in luxury visitors, the event opens for the first time in Tokyo, and will be bigger than ever.
ABU DHABI AVIATION AND AEROSPACE WEEK
AIEC to Highlight Smart and Green Initiatives
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mart Cities and Green Innovation is the selected theme for the Ajman 4th International Environment Conference (AIEC), which wll take place between March 02 – 03. Khalid Mueen Al Hosani, head of conference organising committee, AIEC, noted, “We are eager to accelerate the adoption of effective and sustainable ways to control our daily practices and habits. The ultimate aim being to develop smart cities that work with and protect the environment and our natural resources – for both present and future generations.” Al Hosani stressed that the conference strives to contribute towards achieving the objectives of Ajman Vision 2021.
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Abu Dhabi, UAE March 06 – 12 www.adaaw.ae The inaugural event, which aims to become a biennial fixture, will take place across multiple locations in the emirate and will converge six trade, defence, entertainment and sports components under one umbrella.
MIDDLE EAST RAIL Dubai, UAE March 08 – 09 www.terrapinn.com The conference will host a large gathering of rail operators, government entities and contractors to analyse a sector with 16 major projects worth USD352 billion currently underway.
ITB BERLIN Berlin, Germany March 09 – 13 www.itb-berlin.de Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the event aims to attract more than 115,000 trade visitors this year.
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