19 MARCH 2016 ISSUE 332
04 GENERAL
09 ALOFT ARRIVES AT DUBAI’S PALM JUMEIRAH
BAHRAIN TARGETS USD1 BILLION IN TOURISM RECEIPTS 08 Niche Tourism
12 QATAR AIRWAYS TOUCHES DOWN IN SYDNEY
19 Who's Moved 21 Agent Corner
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
OVER TWO MILLION PASSENGERS AT ABU DHABI AIRPORT
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis
After a record-breaking 2015, Abu Dhabi International Airport registered a 14.1 percent year-on-year surge in passenger traffic in January, with 2.15 million people travelling through the hub.
DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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ccording to Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, this is mainly due to the ongoing expansion of Etihad Airways’ operations. “[The airline’s] strategic partnerships have also made a significant impact, as highlighted by the recent announcement by Etihad Airways of a 63 percent increase in annual passenger traffic between India and Abu Dhabi with partner Jet Airways,” said Al Haddabi. Moreover, aircraft movements reached 14,514, up 2.7 percent compared to January 2015.
WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
AMADEUS: STRONG 2015 PERFORMANCE
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of
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18.3.2016
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)
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109.92
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
8.88
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,237.14
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,107.18
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,514.75
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.38
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.68
Syria (SYP)
Pound
188.81
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.89
Amadeus recorded an adjusted profit of EUR751.8 million (USD824.7 million) in 2015, marking a 10.4 percent year-on-year rise, supported by a revenue increase of 14.5 percent to EUR3.91 billion (USD4.3 billion). Earnings before interest, taxes, interest, depreciation and amortisation grew 12.2 percent to EUR1.47 billion (USD1.6 billion).
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uis Maroto, president, Amadeus, commented, “Both our distribution and IT solutions businesses delivered increases in revenues. Revenue growth in distribution of 11.5 percent was underpinned by growth in North America and Asia Pacific. In IT solutions, revenue growth was 22.1 percent, driven by the continued migration of large carriers in Asia Pacific, as well as upselling and contribution from new areas such as airport IT and payments.”
19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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BAHRAIN TARGETS USD1 BILLION IN TOURISM
Receipts
WITH AN EXPANDING HOTEL AND TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE, BAHRAIN’S TOURISM SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE USD1 BILLION TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMY BY 2020, ACCORDING TO ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET (ATM) DATA.
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Bahrain
ahrain [ventured into] a much-needed USD1.1 billion airport expansion, and also has plans to expand its current exhibition centre to accommodate large-scale events across all categories,” Nadege Noblet-Segers, exhibition manager, ATM, further enlightened. In addition, a new USD3 billion road and rail crossing is being planned for completion in 2018 in a bid to reduce the congestion on the existing King Fahd causeway to Saudi Arabia.
Ras Al Khaimah: Sharp Increase in Occupancy
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he year is off to a good start for Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector, driven by strong demand from Germany, Russia, the UK, India and Finland. Occupancy levels in January rose 23.7 percent year-on-year to 62.2 percent, while RevPAR was up 10.3 percent. As Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, pinpointed, guest numbers from Russia, for example, jumped 30 percent, leading to a significant growth in room nights and average daily rate. Notably, figures from Germany and Finland skyrocketed 167 percent and 153 percent, respectively.
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Cairo Planning for Growth
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E. Hisham Zaazou, tourism minister, Egypt, unveiled the Cairo Tourism Declaration at a recently-held conference in the capital, which gathered 200 senior industry representatives from 25 countries. The declaration sets out four main themes that will be key to growing Egypt’s tourism sustainability this year and beyond: security, cultural tourism, resorts and telling the country’s story to the world. Zaazou made a commitment to hold the event on an annual basis to also include a progress review of the set-out actions. “This declaration reinforces our commitment to ensure Egypt reclaims its rightful position as one of the most sought-after places to visit in the world,” stated Zaazou.
SCTDA Trains Hotel Department Managers
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harjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched Marhabtain Programme for Innovators to guide department managers in the emirate’s hotel sector. The initiative aims to develop interpersonal skills and enhance the knowledge of industry specialists. Consequently, it will also contribute to improving the quality of services in the sector. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA, said, “The programme will reflect positively on the performance of the hotel facilities and contribute to the development of internal systems and services provided to guests. This will lead to increased occupancy and profit rates.”
19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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Ras Al Khaimah TDA Holds Strategy Gathering
Limo Service for Visitors to Dubai
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n a bid to receive feedback and strengthen relationships, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) hosted a strategy meeting for the emirate’s industry stakeholders, addressing 31 local professionals and government entities during two sessions, one in Arabic and another one in English. The tourism body shared its three-year plans to drive Ras Al Khaimah’s growth and maximise its offering, also focussing on the development of the destination’s heritage and historical sites. Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA, noted, “This [was] the first of many meetings we will be holding to discuss plans, as we believe the best way to make the most of our emirate’s opportunities is through collaboration.”
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iscerning travellers heading to Dubai can now travel with deluxe vehicles following the launch of 24/7 limousine offering by Dubai Taxi Corporation and Roads and Transport Authority. “This service is provided in an excellent environment characterised by luxurious and exclusive services; different from the standard taxi service,” commented Yousef Al Ali, CEO, Dubai Taxi Corporation. A personal welcome is extended to guests upon arrival at Dubai International’s terminals, who can then enjoy the comfort of a VIP lounge before continuing their journey to their selected destination.
DID YOU KNOW... This year, 85 million passengers are expected at Dubai International? Ras Al Khaimah
SCTH Showcased at Heritage Festival
Azerbaijan Eases Visa Rules
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isa requirements have been lifted by Azerbaijan for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and a number of Asian countries. Speaking of the waiver, Abulfas Garayev, culture and tourism minister, Azerbaijan, described the move as a historical milestone in the countries’ relationship. “The distance of two and a half hours’ fight from the GCC region, daily served by Azerbaijan Airlines, flydubai and Qatar Airways, makes Azerbaijan a perfect destination to discover,” added Garayev.
Baku
audi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH)’s pavilion welcomed over 190,000 visitors at the recently concluded National Festival for Heritage and Culture Al Janadriyah 30. The tourism body’s stand, themed Tourism and Heritage Oasis, also received a number of international delegations and public officials. The area featured the latest technologies, including an expansive display screen, playing films on the Kingdom’s heritage and tourism sites and SCTH’s achievements. It also housed small and large display screens with infographics, as well as a special hall showcasing the winning films of Saudi Arabia Colors Award Forum.
19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS NICHE TOURISM
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Middle East Remains Key for Yacht Industry
GCC MICE Tourism in Focus According to a study conducted by Strategy&, business tourists represented one third of all visitors to the GCC in 2015, indicating that the segment is growing rapidly with Dubai alone holding nearly 27 percent of the USD1.3 billion MICE Gmarket.
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n the occasion of MICE Arabia Congress held in the emirate in early March, Mikael Lambotte, assistant manager, guest relations, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München, Munich, commented that there are still challenges to overcome. “We truly think that the easiness of access via direct airline connectivity is key. Time is too important for people and changing flights three times is not acceptable for business travellers,” he analysed, adding that security is also another concern.
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peaking at the 10th Middle East Yachting Conference, Robert van Tol, director of operations, Superyacht Builders Association, reminded that due to the increase in the number of ultra high-net-worth individuals in the Middle East, the area remains very important for the industry. “The 55 percent propensity to buy [...] is the highest of all the regions,” he said. Under the theme Investing for the Future, Defining Future Strategies, the conference brought together global experts industry authorities and boating enthusiasts, to address the latest trends, technologies, plans and regulations affecting the marine leisure sector in Dubai and beyond.
Yasmin Mall
Yasmin Mall Launched in Jeddah
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rabian Centres opened Yasmin Mall the 18th commercial centre in the company’s retail real estate portfolio, on Jeddah’s Al Harameen Road. “With an estimated annual footfall of nine million, Yasmin Mall is a fantastic destination for retailers seeking to build or further expand their brand in the Kingdom,” commented Simon Wilcock, CEO, Arabian Centres. The developer owns 11 other shopping malls currently under development, in the country.
19 MARCH 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Aloft Arrives at Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
Aloft Dubai, The Palm
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will open a 192-room Aloft on Palm Jumeirah.
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cheduled to launch in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand’s first resort in the region, complete with beach access. “The UAE remains our strongest growth market in the Middle East, and this deal reinforces the demand for midmarket hotel development in the region,” said Michael Wale, president, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Featuring an urban-influenced design, the property will comprise 192 rooms, including 10 suites, with platform beds, walk-in showers and many complimentary amenities.
19 MARCH 2016
Meliá to Debut in Iran
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eliá Hotels International is to enter the Iranian market with a five-star property in Salman Shahr, a popular holiday destination on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The 319-unit Gran Meliá Ghoo Hotel will be part of Ghoo, Middle East Diamond, a large mixed residential, commercial and hospitality complex which will also feature two residential towers, a sports centre and a mall, which is already open to the public. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO, Meliá Hotels International, stated, “We have always been pioneers in the development of new markets in the travel and tourism industry […]. We firmly believe in Iran’s tourism potential.”
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Radisson RED to Enter Dubai
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Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis rendering
arlson Rezidor Hotel Group plans to bring its lifestyle select brand Radisson RED to Dubai in the third quarter of 2018 with the 171-room Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis. The property will boast a number of restaurants, an outdoor terrace and a number of reading rooms. Given its convenient location at the centre of Silicon Park in the city’s Silicon Oasis, guests will enjoy easy access to a promenade dotted with various dining outlets along with a business centre and dedicated meeting facilities connected to the hotel.
Riyadh’s Marriott Properties Break Ground
Action Hotels Debuts in Brisbane
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U Brisbane
nder the patronage of H.R.H. Faisal bin Bandar, prince, Riyadh, Dur Hospitality laid the foundation stone of the upcoming Marriott hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments at the city’s Diplomatic Quarter. Both properties are expected to open in 2018, adding to Marriott International’s existing offering in the Saudi capital. The project incorporates an 80-room five-star hotel and 140 luxury apartments, high-end restaurants, meeting space and a business centre that extends over an approximate area of 25,000m2.
AE-based Action Hotels formally opened ibis Styles Elizabeth Street in Brisbane, Australia. The 368-room new-built property is located in the city’s central business district, benefiting from exposure to both tourist and corporate areas. The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and meeting space with an outdoor terrace. Mat Finch, general manager, ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street, noted, “ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street is set to be a flagship ibis hotel for the region. It is striking, vibrant and playful design really sets a new benchmark for premium economy hotels and our team is excited to begin delivering unique and memorable experiences for each and every guest.”
19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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F
ollowing the launch of additional rooms, leisure and MICE facilities at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, the property highlighted its upgraded offerings to European travel professionals at the recently-concluded ITB Berlin exhibition. The 341-room hotel is hailed as a contemporary MICE and leisure destination, ideal for overseas and local corporate and private events of various scale. “Conveniently located just five minutes’ drive away from Dubai International and downtown, the hotel has top-notch MICE facilities suitable for meetings and corporate events, as well as extensive leisure amenities for the ultimate comfort of our leisure guests,” commented Hossam Nabil, director of sales and marketing, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai.
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Millennium Airport Dubai Showcased in Berlin
City Centre Rotana Doha Enhances Dining Offering
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ity Centre Rotana Doha unveiled Boston’s restaurant and lounge, featuring American and English cuisine and live music. Guests can also watch various sporting events while enjoying their meal. Lana Jwainat, cluster director, marketing and communications, City Centre Rotana and Oryx Rotana, commented, “Here, patrons will find their favourite beverages and delicious food in a welcoming, lively atmosphere, theme nights, happy hour prices, ladies nights and the very latest in music hits selected by the in-house DJ. Moreover, this restaurant will offer the highest level of services characterising the Rotana brand.”
Boston’s
19 MARCH 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Touches Down in Sydney
Qatar Airways commenced daily services between Doha and Sydney, the airline’s third gateway into Australia after Melbourne and Perth.
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he carrier deploys a Boeing 777-300 aircraft on the route which was deemed an important milestone by Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways. The new service, which will also provide 84 tonnes of cargo capacity per week, is expected to generate an estimated 3,000 jobs in New South Wales and contribute more than AUD240 million (USD175.5 million) to the local economy.
Gulf Air Boosts Saudi Operations
Emirates Enhances Southeast Asia Network
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Riyadh
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mirates is gearing up to launch a daily service from Dubai to Yangon, Myanmar, and Hanoi, Vietnam, effective from August 03. Utilising a Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration, the new route is expected to strengthen the airline’s network of destinations in Southeast Asia. Adnan Kazim, divisional senior vice president, strategic planning, revenue optimisation and aeropolitical affairs, Emirates, commented, “Emirates’ first air service to Myanmar supports the country’s Tourism Master Plan to target 7.5 million tourists arrivals by 2020, and for Hanoi, the service will provide additional options for Vietnamese to travel to Dubai and on Emirates’ global network of destinations.”
Hanoi
ulf Air increased its Riyadh service with the addition of four afternoon flights per week, supplementing the carrier’s recent upgauge of its Jeddah operations. “The enhanced Gulf Air service gives travellers an additional afternoon flight, supplementing our existing, multiple daily schedule,” said Ahmed Janahi, acting chief commercial officer, Gulf Air. “This not only helps us further satisfy passenger need, but also creates improved connections for those passengers connecting to and from Gulf Air’s network of onwards destinations across the globe.”
19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS AIR Gulf Air Displayed in Saudi Arabia
Emirates Joins Forces with Russian Partner
Press briefing in Moscow
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19 MARCH 2016
mirates has enhanced its partnership with S7 Airlines to improve connectivity and services by codesharing on Russian routes. The two carriers have been in an interline agreement since 2003, which was further expanded in 2008. The new deal sees Emirates‘ code added to more than 30 itineraries operated by its partner across Russia, as well as on the twice-weekly flight between Dubai and Novosibirsk. It also allows the Russian company to reciprocally put its code on the Dubai – Moscow route operated by the UAE carrier.
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ulf Air participated in the recentlyconcluded Saudi Aramco Travel Fair, in Dhahran, promoting some of its key products and services alongside 50 other travel and hospitality exhibitors. Ahmed Janahi, acting chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, commented, “Events such as these allow us to further consolidate our position in the [Saudi] market. We are delighted to provide superior travel solutions that cater to the travel needs of our Saudi passengers and showcase our tailored offering to meet their requirement.”
Gulf Air representatives at Saudi Aramco Travel Fair
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Partners with KidZania Singapore
Etihad Cargo Fleet Enlarged
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Boeing 777 freighter
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DID YOU KNOW... Etihad Airways operates a number of freighter-only destinations including Bogota, Guangzhou, Dakar, Hanoi, Houston, Sharjah and Tbilisi?
tihad Airways received a new Boeing 777 freighter, the 11th aircraft in Etihad Cargo’s collection. Part of a USD67 billion fleet order, it is the first of two cargo planes signed at 2015’s Dubai Air Show, with the second expected to be delivered this month. “In [2015], we have been expanding into South America, Africa and Asia and the new aircraft will enhance capacity and enable us to increase frequency across our scheduled network, but importantly, also increase our charter opportunities to growth areas of the world,” said Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Airways.
atar Airways was officially unveiled as KidZania Singapore’s latest industry partner during a special preview of the KidZania Singapore establishment on Sentosa Island. The airline will create a branded airport terminal, complete with check-in desks and personnel dressed in Qatar Airways uniforms. Kids will also be able to experience flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380 via state-of-the-art flight simulators. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “Through KidZania Singapore, we hope to introduce today’s budding aviation enthusiasts to the airline environment, helping them on their journeys into an aviation-related career when they grow up.”
Qatar Airways cabin crew with KidZania mascots
Gulf Air Holds Industry Meeting in Bangkok
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ulf Air recently conducted a seminar for frontline and sales staff representing 30 travel agencies in Thailand. The event helped participants familiarise with the airline’s latest developments, enhanced schedule and modified connections to various European destinations, promotional fares as well as future plans with regards to its fleet. Yahya Ali Buali, senior manager, sales, Gulf Air, commented, “We are committed to facilitating travel for Thai passengers across Gulf Air’s extensive network and partnering with travel agents to realise this.”
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19 MARCH 2016
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Four Points Expands in Seattle
World’s Largest Water Park to Be Built in Hungary
Radisson Hotel Cheyenne Boasts Refreshed Look
Montreal Awaits William Gray Hotel
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ld Montreal will welcome a new gem this summer with the opening of a new luxury hotel, William Gray. Inspired by modern-day Montreal, the 127-key property is spread across eight floors and encompasses two historic buildings atop of which sits a new glass tower. Located close to the Old Port and Place Jacques-Cartier, it offers 930m2 of event space, a 180-seat restaurant, rooftop terrace, a spa with an outdoor pool, shopping outlet and a café. All of its guestrooms feature local art, rich wood and floorto-ceiling windows, among other perks.
Old Port in Montreal
O Radisson Hotel Cheyenne
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ollowing a multimillion-dollar renovation of rooms and public spaces, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group re-opened Radisson Hotel Cheyenne in Wyoming, US. The 249-room property features over 1,672m2 of meeting and event space, an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant featuring a range of traditional American cuisine, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a business unit. “As one of our first openings for the brand [this year], Radisson Hotel Cheyenne represents our continued dedication to further expand throughout the Americas,” noted Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
ungary is to compete with the largest destinations on the global tourism scene with the development of what is hailed as the world’s biggest indoor water park. The EUR5 billion (USD5.5 billion) project, to be built on a 110ha land on the shores of Lake Balaton, will include an underwater luxury hotel, cave bath, waterfalls, surfing, kayaking and scuba diving facilities, a mega-aquarium, various swimming pools and thermal baths, among others. Open 24 hours a day, AQUA Regnum Hungary is set to become a year-round attraction.
Aqua Regnum Hungary
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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide launched Four Points Seattle Airport South, marking the brand’s second hotel in greater Seattle, Washington, US. The newly-constructed property boasts 225 rooms, including two-storey loft suites, 557m2 of meeting space, an outdoor swimming pool and patio, restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre as well as a business area. “The debut of Four Points Seattle Airport South gives us a second convenient location within greater Seattle, in close proximity to [Seattle-Tacoma International Airport], leading businesses and top attractions,” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president, specialty select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
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19 MARCH 2016
RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
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ELAINE NETTLETON AREA PUBLIC RELATIONS, DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP
TRAVELLERS ARE INCREASINGLY RELYING ON ONLINE REVIEWS AND TIPS AND ELAINE NETTLETON, AREA PUBLIC RELATIONS, DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP, ENSURES THE COMPANY MAKES THE MOST OF THESE NEW AGE CHANNELS.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How is social media transforming the ways we communicate and engage with others? ELAINE NETTLETON: Social media and online communication are continuously evolving and changing, providing consumers around the world a plethora of meaningful ways to engage with people, brands and events that matter to them. Today, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How does the group utilise social media? 19 MARCH 2016
ELAINE NETTLETON: Social media is becoming an increasingly important way for guests to find out information about our hotels. More than ever before, consumers are looking up brands online before making a purchase, potential guests are reading reviews from peers and experts on hotels and brands, and guests are writing reviews and sharing moments of their stays on various social media networks. As such, it is crucial we utilise and have a strong presence on the relevant social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and that we build strong and lasting relationships with bloggers and online influencers. At Rezidor, we are making a significant push to improve our digital and so-
in the marketplace.
cial media capabilities and presence to enable us to tell our story and engage online.
dict that these tools will form the central part of social media campaigns this year as the appetite for visual content grows. Content on social media that contains video is proven to be more engaging, but what will be key this year is personalisation of these videos. Consumers want a real insight into brands and those who lead organisations. We will see the continued rise of visually dominated platforms such as YouTube, but we will also see a greater number of videos on Facebook.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How can a hotelier make the most of social media and effectively manage negative comments? ELAINE NETTLETON: In the hospitality industry, we are blessed with the fact that we have a rich resource of material on hand that is perfect for social media. From the people behind the scenes of the hotel and the events we host, to the dishes that our chefs produce – there are many opportunities for us to share what we do in an intimate way that helps us connect with our fans. On the other hand, digital media has significantly influenced the pace at which crises evolve, and so, digital crisis preparedness is paramount to protecting a company’s reputation and its ability to compete
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How will social media trends change in the near future? ELAINE NETTLETON: The social media world of the current year will look a lot like that of 2015, but with a greater acceleration in some areas. User-generated content is not a new phenomenon, but in 2017 it will take on an even greater significance as organisations adapt their strategies to include a lot more curated content from key influencers and interesting posts. In 2015, we saw the launch of live streaming tools such as Periscope and Facebook’s Livestream, and experts pre-
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Katamama, Bali to Open in April
Hard Rock Enriches Dominican Portfolio
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ard Rock International revealed plans for a second hotel and casino in the Dominican Republic with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo, slated to open in 2017. Located in the heart of the capital city, the full-service hotel will feature 400 rooms and suites, a 2,137m2 casino outlet, screening room, nightclub, 2,137m2 of meeting space, a swimming pool and a myriad of dining and bar options, including a cigar lounge and a celebrity-chef specialty restaurant, among others.
Minor Expands In Bali
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inor Hotel Group (MHG) announced Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, scheduled to open in 2019. The new-build property will offer 70 suits and villas, a collection of 30 Anantara-branded residences, several restaurants, a bar and a pool lounge, meeting facilities, a gym and a spa. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, MHG, commented, “We are confident in the longevity of the island as a hugely popular tourism destination and the addition of Anantara Ubud will perfectly complement our existing resorts.”
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort rendering
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Minor Expands Bali Footprint
Top level executives from IHG, Proud Real Estate and MontAzure, together with Suwat Liptapanlop, (second right) former deputy prime minister, Thailand
IHG Lands in Phuket with InterContinental Resort
nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is to debut on Thailand’s largest island, having penned a deal with Proud Resort Phuket to develop InterContinental Phuket Resort. The property, which will feature a mix of villas and hotel rooms, is to open in 2019. It will be located on Kamala Beach, and is planned to include extensive leisure facilities, food and beverage outlets and more. Khun Pasu Liptapanlop, executive director, Proud Real Estate, elucidated, “The resort itself will be within the exclusive development of MontAzure and will include a sophisticated beach club, luxurious private residences and lifestyle mall surrounded by a protected forest reserve.“
Santo Domingo
Katamama
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new 58-suite boutique property, located on one of the last parcels of land in Seminyak, Bali’s most prestigious oceanfront district, is launching in April. Katamama aims to offer guests a taste of real luxury and Indonesian culture through inviting architecture, modern artisanal design and international brand collaborations for design, fashion, music, art, mixology and the culinary arts. All suites boast outdoor spaces, be it balconies, secluded gardens or individual pools, and are complete with ocean views, a spa bath and rain shower, and so are dining and lounge areas.
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19 MARCH 2016
WHO’S MOVED
ROLAND DEBS is the new general manager of Cristal Erbil Hotel. A maven hotelier with 20 years of experience across three continents, Debs spent a big part of his career with InterContinental Hotels Group in Europe and the Middle East. His expertise spans all aspects of the industry, from hotel openings to revamping and rebranding, mounting hospitality divisions as well as consulting. In Iraq, he aims to establish Cristal Erbil Hotel as a preferred address for both business and leisure.
SHERIFA ISSA
Debs has worked in three continents
SEEMA PANDE
ROLAND DEBS
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SEEMA PANDE has been appointed in a consultancy capacity as director of sales at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Pande most recently worked as group director of sales and marketing for Emaar Hospitality Group, overseeing The Address Hotels + Resorts, Armani Hotels and Resorts and Vida Hotels. Earlier in her career, she served at Southern Sun Hotels and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Pande will now spearhead the hotel’s sales efforts and commercial strategy for a threemonth period, while the hotel completes the recruitment for a full-time director.
Pande will spearhead the hotel’s sales effort for three months
SHERIFA ISSA has been promoted to senior director of sales and marketing at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Egypt. Issa’s career with the company spans 17 years and includes progressive roles, such as director of sales in 2006, followed by the position of director of sales and marketing in the same year. In 2011, she took on the responsibility of leading the sales and marketing functions for Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano. In her new capacity, in addition to the aforementioned properties, Issa will also be in charge of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.
Issa has been with the company for 17 years
19 MARCH 2016
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RUSSEL STOREY has been named general manager at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay. Storey moves to Egypt from Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa, where he served as general manager. Prior to that, he held the same position at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club in the UK. He relocates to the Red Sea with a broad spectrum of hospitality experience spanning over two decades with different international chains. Storey started his career with Regent Palace and Sheraton, moving on to Westville-, Hilton- and Marriott-branded hotels.
Haddad will be in charge of the Kuwait City hotels
Storey’s hospitality experience spans over two decades
SAM IOANNIDIS will lead the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island as general manager. A Four Seasons veteran, Ioannidis is hailed as one of the most experienced and successful hoteliers of the company, with this being his second assignment as a general manager. He joins the property from Four Seasons Hotel Baku in Azerbaijan. Since he first joined the company in Toronto 18 years ago, he has held Four Seasons positions throughout Canada and the US. Ioannidis will be assisted by a senior executive team which includes a host of industry expects.
RAZA ABBAS has been appointed director of business development at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa – Al Aqah Beach. Abbas, a versatile senior manager and seasoned sales professional, joins the property with 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Previously he worked in Switzerland, the UK, Pakistan and the UAE, where he held various positions, including senior sales manager, sales and marketing manager, assistant front office manager and restaurant manager. He brings extensive international and multicultural knowledge within local market research, competitors analysis, marketing plan, budgeting, pricing strategy, rate structure and overseeing all sales segments.
Ioannidis is a Four Season veteran
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RUSSEL STOREY
ALI HADDAD has been chosen as International Trade Holding Company’s new director of operations for its owned hotels in Kuwait City. Haddad, who has been serving as Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait’s general manager for the past five years, will now be in charge of The Convention Center & Royal Suites and Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait as well. All in all, Haddad has more than 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, strategic planning and operation, as well as financial management.
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RAZA ABBAS
SAM IOANNIDIS
ALI HADDAD
WHO’S MOVED
19 MARCH 2016
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? My love for travelling the world and interacting with different cultures and people was my inspiration to get involved in this industry. So far, it has been a wonderful 25 years of this never-ending journey and I look forward to many more years. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator?
Fazal Baig
NAME:
POSITION: Managing director COMPANY: Tanya Tours LOCATION: Canada WEBSITE:
www.tanyatours.ca
Travelport Caters to Saudi Professionals
Attention to detail is the most important attribute and that is what sets us apart. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Can we do more? Customers love what Canada has to offer and always ask for more. What are the must-visits and mustdos in Canada that no one should miss? Algonquin Park in Ontario is a must-visit and if you are around, do not miss a canoe and kayak camping trip. The park offers many adventurous activities and is surrounded by the nature. Which destination is on your bucket list? It is a long list but Iceland is one destination I am looking forward to explore sometime soon. 19 MARCH 2016
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ravelport rolled out the LIVE Spotlight on Innovation Roadshow across Saudi Arabia. The travel agency-focussed event, which gathered owners, managers and frontline tourism consultants from agencies, airlines, hotels and car rentals, featured a series of interactive sessions which showcased the solutions and technologies redefining the way travel is being searched, shared and booked by the Kingdom’s industry players. Delegates in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam had the opportunity to discuss topics pertaining to air, hospitality, corporate, mobile and customer support, and learn how to take full advantage of Travelport’s booking technology.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Hotel Cafe Royal Entrance
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LONDON’S HOTEL CAFE ROYAL CELEBRATES ARABIC CULTURE TOURISM TO FORGE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
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ourism can play a pivotal role in reducing poverty and securing peace as participants of the First World Conference on Tourism for Development will examine between May 18 – 21, in Beijing. Under the theme Tourism for Peace and Development, the event will aim to kick-start a high-level debate on the industry’s contribution to the sustainable development goals, with a special segment Sustainable Development through Tourism being dedicated to the topic. How to better integrate marginalised and disadvantaged groups, particularly youth and women, into the global tourism value chain will be on the agenda along with the links between tourism and the building blocks of peace.
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rom July 07 – August 31, London’s Hotel Cafe Royal will launch an exclusive Middle Eastern lounge, available to suite guests or by invitation only; outside visitors will be welcomed at the discretion of the hotel. Its Pompadour Ballroom, which will be transformed for the occasion, will feature regional drinks and delicacies, Arabic newspapers and magazines and shisha pipes, among other perks. Renowned for its Muslim-friendly service, the hotel offers Halal food, Arabic-speaking staff, female butlers, private praying areas and more. “[Hotel] Cafe Royal is establishing itself as the home away from home for guests coming from the MENA area,” said Rohit Gupta, director of sales, Hotel Cafe Royal.
EMIRATI EXPRESSION AT ARMED FORCES OFFICERS HOTEL
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rmed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi is hosting a painting exhibition by Alia Lootah, which will continue until the end of this month. The show is part of Emirati Expressions, which features the work of 15 other local artists whose projects oscillate naturally between design and fine art. Artwork includes wearable textiles, photography, furniture design, interactive installations, paintings, illusions, large-scale sculptures and more.
OUTDOOR at Galleria Shopping Mall
OUTDOOR CINEMA COMES TO DUBAI
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ajid Al Futtaim Cinemas opened its latest concept, OUTDOOR, the first open-air VOX Cinemas address in the region. Located on the rooftop of Galleria Shopping Mall in Dubai, the new outdoor entertainment facility can host up to 111 film fans. “At VOX Cinemas, we are always looking for new ways to innovate and offer our customers experiences that go beyond their expectations,” commented Cameron Mitchell, CEO, VOX Cinemas.
19 MARCH 2016
PHOTO ALBUM
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VFS Global employees joined Walk for Education in support of child education
Turkish Airlines honoured travel agencies in Dubai for their contribution to passenger growth in 2015
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
City Seasons Suites Dubai won second place in the Arabian feast category at the Gulf Food Exhibition
JA Resorts & Hotels honoured Desert Adventures for their collaboration
19 MARCH 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman opened The Experience Spa, in partnership with the operator Al Shifa Spa International
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Sharjah Investment and Development Authority visited Mleiha Archaeology Centre and signed a memorandum of understanding
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NEWS & EVENTS
First Aviation Week in Abu Dhabi Held
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ix key aviation sector events took place during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Aviation & Aerospace Week. The second Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference and the first Simulation Conference & Exhibition kicked off the programme, which then continued with the Global Aerospace Summit, the fourth Abu Dhabi Air Expo and the Middle East Aviation Career Conference & Exhibition, before finishing it with the Red Bull Air Race. As Mubarak Al Shamisi, director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, noted, the event helped cement the UAE capital’s role as a hub for stakeholders across the regional and global aviation industry.
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EVENTS WTM AFRICA Cape Town, South Africa April 06 – 08 www.wtmafrica.com Through its industry networks, global reach and regional focus, WTM Africa creates personal and business opportunities.
IBTM AFRICA Cape Town, South Africa April 08 www.ibtmafrica.com The show evolved from a table top event to a content-driven education programme which focusses on technology, future trends, procurement and consolidation.
UNWTO Shines Spotlight on Snow and Mountain Tourism RIYADH TRAVEL FAIR
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hallenges and opportunities in snow and mountain tourism were the key topics of the ninth World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism, which was organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Participants at the event also evaluated new business models and the need to incorporate innovative and sustainable practices in this tourism niche. “Snow and mountain tourism constitutes an added value to destinations and an opportunity for the development of local communities; nevertheless, we should never forget the importance of promoting the sustainable management of the natural resources considering that this type of tourism takes place in direct contact with nature,” reminded Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO.
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia April 12 – 15 www.riyadhtravel.net Attracting leading travel and tourism companies from Saudi Arabia and the GCC, the event is a platform for introducing new tourist products and services, and making investments.
ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET Dubai, UAE April 25 – 28 www.arabiantravelmarket.com A major event where global tourism destinations showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, tourism attractions, travel technology and key airline routes.
19 MARCH 2016