9 JULY 2016 ISSUE 348
07 THE WESTIN DUBAI TO ARRIVE IN AUGUST
11 NONSTOP EMIRATES AUCKLAND SERVICE UPGRADED
PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT DWC SURGES 79.8 PERCENT
02 MARKET UPDATE
DUBAI: 10,000 NEW HOTEL ROOMS THIS YEAR
MARKET UPDATE
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DUBAI: 10,000 NEW HOTEL ROOMS
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
This Year
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou PRESS Maria Demetriadou DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
SOME 10,000 NEW HOTEL UNITS ARE EXPECTED TO COME ONLINE THIS YEAR IN DUBAI, WITH A NUMBER OF WORLD-FAMOUS BRANDS ENTERING THE MARKET IN THE COMING MONTHS.
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Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
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ccording to Jones Lang LaSalle’s The Dubai Hotel Market Overview, during the first quarter of the year, 621 keys were launched with 9,400 extra rooms set to be added by year-end. The upcoming projects include Lapita Hotel Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah and Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai. As Gary Williams, event director, dmg events, the organisers of the upcoming The Hotel Show Dubai, noted, besides new hotels, two major theme parks, including MG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts are also gearing up for their debut.
Dubai
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of
2
8.7.2016
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
110.39
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
8.88
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,791.25
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,169.35
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,507.96
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.38
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.80
Syria (SYP)
Pound
216.25
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.20
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.15
MECCA HOTELS THRIVE DURING RAMADAN Accommodation establishments in Mecca reported a 9.9 percent increase in RevPAR during the first two weeks of Ramadan, propelled by a 1.3 percent rise in occupancy and an 8.5 percent surge in average daily date (ADR).
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ccording to STR Global’s data, in Dubai too, occupancy levels rose 2.9 percent between June 06 – 20, ADR, however, dropped nine percent, leading to a 6.4 percent decline in RevPAR. Yet, even with consistent supply growth, Dubai’s ADR remains among the highest for major global markets. On the other hand, the two-week period had a negative impact on Muscat’s hotel sector with RevPAR plummeting 23.4 percent due to an 11.4 percent decrease in occupancy and a 13.8 percent fall in ADR.
9 JULY 2016
WEEKLY NEWS ATTRACTIONS
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Muscat to Welcome Game-changing Waterpark
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he six-strong team, consisting of executives from the country’s financial sector, oil and gas, aviation, telecom and tourism industries, prepared a detailed business plan which highlights profitable returns for potential shareholders. James Wilson, CEO, Omran, said, “Based on extensive market research carried out by the NCP team, it is clear that there is significant interest from the younger generation in Oman and as is the case at other successful waterparks in our neighbouring countries it is a significant driver of family based hotel occupancy.”
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Rendering of the kids’ play area
Oman is poised to receive its first world-class waterpark – a project developed by graduates of the National CEO Programme (NCP) and facilitated by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).
Luxor Tombs Re-emerge
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fter being closed for several years, Egyptian antiquities officials have taken the decision to reopen the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I to the general public by the end of July. Located in the popular touristic destination of Luxor, the historical monuments are hailed to be top attractions among travellers to the country, and are expected to welcome around 100-150 visitors per day.
Tomb of Queen Nefetari
9 JULY 2016
WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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Sabre to Revolutionise the Industry Sabre has given travel consultants and suppliers across the airline, hotel, rail, cruise and car rental industries a sneak peek of its game-changing Sabre Red Workspace.
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he software solution will harness the developments in the industry and provide both retailers and suppliers with a contentrich marketplace, intelligent decision support tools and predictive data insights that enable agents and suppliers to more easily create personalised experiences for travellers. The company will begin upgrading travel agency customers across Europe, Middle East and Africa to the new solution in early 2017, after a pilot test later this year.
Amadeus Supports Air Cairo’s Growth
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ir Cairo successfully completed its cutover to Amadeus’ Altéa Reservation and Inventory and Amadeus e-Commerce modules, whilst also signing up for a full content distribution agreement with the information technology solution provider. The move will enable Amadeus-connected travel agencies to access the airline’s complete range of fares and prices. “Partnering with Amadeus is a major milestone as we transition to become a full service carrier,” said Yasser El Ramly, CEO, Air Cairo, adding that migrating to a modern system will help the carrier effectively codeshare with partner airlines and issue interline tickets, creatings new growth opportunities.
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Nile Air Deepens Amadeus Partnership
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gypt’s private scheduled airline Nile Air, became the first in the Middle East to use Amadeus’ complete Airline IT portfolio by extending and expanding its contract with the technology provider. Apart from Amadeus’ complete Altéa Suite and the Amadeus Digital Solutions, the carrier has now gained access to four new key features: Altéa Segment Revenue Management, Amadeus Revenue Accounting, Amadeus Loyalty Management and Amadeus Mobile Web. “Successful airlines need to be top-of-mind for passengers and travel agents at the time of booking. With the Amadeus Airline IT portfolio, we are able to improve our operational efficiency and offer a differentiated experience to all of our customers,” said Ahmed Aly, CEO, Nile Air.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Dubai Maintains Occupancy but Drops Rates
Costa Cruises Sails to Sir Bani Yas Island Costa Cruises is further enhancing Costa neoRiviera’s seven-night winter cruises from Dubai with an addition call at Sir Bani Yas Island.
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Sir Bani Yas Island
assengers will also have the chance to enjoy two nights in Dubai, one in Muscat and a call in Abu Dhabi. Following the arrival at one of the finest islands in the Arabian Gulf, guests will have a whole day to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the area and recharge at the special VIP sections of the beach. From a jeep safari to a visit to the wildlife park and from kayaking to snorkelling, Sir Bani Yas Island awaits holiday-makers with a variety of programmes. Costa neoRiviera is part of the cruise line’s neoCollection, featuring slow-cruising and extended time in ports.
Dollar Rent A Car Teams Up With du
Savoir Vivre Secures Top Butlers for UAE Clients
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ollar Rent A Car signed a partnership agreement with telecommunications service provider du, to offer special discounts on car rentals to travellers to the UAE. Upon the purchase of a Tourist SIM card from du, visitors can choose a vehicle from Dollar Rent A Car’s fleet and receive special prices. Marwan Al Mulla, general manager, UAE and Oman, Dollar Rent A Car, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with an innovative service provider such as du to offer fantastic deals to travellers looking for great savings during their visit to the UAE. Whether you are here for business or leisure, you can start your journey with us through our wide range of vehicles that are great for individual or group travel.”
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n a bid to better cater to the staffing needs of VIP households, royal palaces, yachts and private jet owners as well as key hospitality figures across the UAE, recruitment firm Savoir Vivre has joined forces with International Butler Academy. “The butlers we will now be able to offer to UAE clients are the most specialised when it comes to housekeeping, serving and servicing. When it comes to manners and etiquette, these staff will be able to provide the ultimate high-end service,” said Katarina Janev, communications director, Savoir Vivre.
9 JULY 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
The Westin Dubai to Arrive in August
Ramadan Boosts Saudi Hotel Occupancy
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9 JULY 2016
Following the June opening of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and the 2015 launch of The St. Regis Dubai, the emirate’s hotel collection at Al Habtoor City is poised to receive its final property in August, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City.
Al Habtoor City
ith more than five million Umrah pilgrims having already entered Saudi Arabia this year, hospitality experts and local travel operators are witnessing a notable surge in demand for Mecca and Medina, with a particular increase having been recorded towards the end of Ramadan. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah anticipates the total number of Umrah pilgrims for this year to reach seven million, with over 1.2 million of those coming from Egypt. The five percent rise in the figure for Umrah visitors is in line with the 30 percent growth that is expected by 2020. “The [...] volume of Umrah pilgrims rushing to book visits to the Kingdom has continued to swell over the past months,” commented Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO, Elaf Group.
“T
he three hotels within the Collection complement each other, and provide endless choices to business and leisure travellers as well as to residents of Dubai. Al Habtoor City is a leisure destination unlike any other,” noted Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Habtoor Group.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Kempinski Palm Jumeirah Launches Exclusive Membership
Swiss International Debuts in Bahrain
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Swiss International Palace
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wiss International Palace has welcomed its first guests, marking the hotelier’s entry into Bahrain. Formerly run by Ramada Hotels & Resorts, the property offers 84 rooms and suites, a selection of restaurants, event spaces to accommodate up to 2,000 people, a gym and a spa. According to Henri Kennedie, chairman, Swiss International, the new address is a prime example of an upscale hotel, representing the Swiss values, which the company is famous for. The European hotelier is already present in Saudi Arabia with nine hotels and is looking to further expand in the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The rebranding is expected to be completed by September 01.
AE residents who wish to take advantage of the recreational facilities of Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, are now able to sign up for exclusive membership. The luxurious Dubai hotel boasts an expansive range of leisure activities and those joining the scheme can also benefit from complimentary access to the Kids’ Club. The membership also includes unlimited access to the private beach, the outdoor pool, gym and an additional 30 minutes for all rental activities when one-hour rental is purchased, along with other perks.
Villas at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
Aloft Readies for Riyadh and Dhahran Launches
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Aloft concept
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loft Hotels is preparing for its Saudi debut with the 281-room Aloft Riyadh and 262-key Aloft Dhahran scheduled to open in July and August, respectively. Both properties will feature loft-inspired guestrooms, as well as an all-day dining restaurant, a 24-hour grab-and-go outlet for light meals, the brand’s signature w xyz lounge, a rooftop terrace pool and café, and a well-equipped gym. Guests will also be able to make requests via the hotels’ SPG Letschat text messaging service, and use SPG Keyless entry system to unlock their rooms via their smartphones or Apple watches.
9 JULY 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Amwaj Rotana Adds New Spa
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uests and residents living in the area can now take advantage of the offering of the newly-launched Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club of Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Spa-goers will also enjoy complimentary use of the Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and shower facilities. As Jacques Reynders, director, recreation, Amwaj Rotan, Jumeirah Beach Residence, noted, spa services were previously reserved to guests of the five-star property, however, following continuous requests, particularly from residents of Dubai, the management decided to further enhance the offering and launch to the general public.
Abu Dhabi Welcomes Jannah Place
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partment seekers in Abu Dhabi can now also opt for Jannah Place Abu Dhabi, which offers tranquil living in the heart of the fast-paced emirate. The property provides signature personal services along with housekeeping, engineering and Wi-Fi Internet. The hotel comprises 15 floors, each housing four twobedroom apartments with contemporary interiors, including the signature Jannah Spa beds. Costa Coffee is located on the ground floor, and the Italian restaurant, Pizzaro, is just a few steps away from the building. Nehme Imad Darwiche, CEO, Jannah Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We have seen a high demand for five-star service apartments in the city for residents looking for comfort and hasslefree stay.�
Jannah Place Abu Dhabi
9 JULY 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
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MTB Works Underway
Midfield Terminal Building
Abu Dhabi Airports have announced the completion of the final de-propping of the last arch in the roof of the new Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), meaning that the structure is now completely self-supporting.
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ulaiman Al Siksek, chief programmes officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “The construction team has started clearing the 50 support towers under the roof, which will take them another four to five weeks. Meantime, the work can now start on the exterior enveloping of the front façade and on the preparation necessary for the interior work on the central processor.” During the next few months, Abu Dhabi Airports will begin building the stand-alone retails units in the duty free area of the building.
Abu Dhabi Airport Welcomes More Arrivals
Increased Traffic at Kuwait Airport
Abu Dhabi
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bu Dhabi International Airport handled some 1.98 million passengers in May, indicating a 5.6 percent increase over the same month in 2015. A number of destinations witnessed noteworthy year-on-year growth, including the UK with an 18.4 percent surge and Egypt with a 24.3 percent rise. A total of 355,457 passengers chose Abu Dhabi as their final destination, up 4.6 percent. Moreover, arrival and departure transfers both showed increases of 7.5 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively, compared to May 2015.
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uwait International Airport welcomed around one million travellers in May, up seven percent compared to May 2015. Yousef Sulaiman Al Fouzan, director general, civil aviation, Kuwait International Airport, explained that the total number of visitors arriving to Kuwait in May reached 487,220 compared to the 449,250 during the same month in 2015, while the volume of departing travellers rose to 516,250 this year compared to 487,820. Furthermore, total incoming and outbound flights through Kuwait International Airport stood at 8,832, signaling a slight rise compared to May 2015.
9 JULY 2016
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Turkish Airlines Spreads Wings to Hanoi
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urkish Airlines has added another Far East service to its global network with the launch of the Istanbul – Hanoi route, bringing the total number of destinations it serves in that region to 35. The two cities are connected with roundtrip flights five times per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Nonstop Emirates Auckland Service Upgraded Effective from October 30, Emirates will operate its daily nonstop flights between Dubai and Auckland with an Airbus A380 aircraft.
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Hanoi
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he airline has been flying the route since March 01, complementing the three daily Airbus A380 voyages from the New Zealand destination to the emirate and beyond via Australia, and a daily Boeing 777-300ER service from Christchurch. Hailed as the largest A380 operator in the world, Emirates now has 80 planes of this kind in its fleet, and has also recently placed a new order for an additional two new aircraft, to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Mahan Air Reaches the French Capital
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flydubai Flies Daily to Prague
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ranian carrier Mahan Air has commenced flights to Paris, adding its 10th destination in Europe. The inaugural service touched down at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on June 20, marking the start of a direct thrice weekly service to and from the French capital, to be operated on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays.
Prague
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lydubai began daily operations to Prague, bringing the airline’s frequencies from Dubai to 11 points in Central and Eastern Europe to 49 flights per week. Commenting the three additional services, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, said, “Prague remains a popular destination for our passengers in the GCC. We also look forward to providing those in Europe with more choice and more opportunities to visit Dubai and beyond on our network. Our strategic base in Dubai allows passengers to benefit from flydubai's interline agreements with other carriers, providing opportunities for onward travel to more than 200 destinations.”
Tunisair Reaches Montreal
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unisair has launched its first flight across the Atlantic Ocean by inaugurating its new route to the Canadian city of Montreal. The airline will operate the Tunis – Montreal route twice per week utilising an Airbus A330200 aircraft with a capacity of 24 seats in business and 236 spaces in economy class.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Etihad Covers Brazil with New Codeshare Deal
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tihad Airways entered into a new codeshare partnership with Avianca Brasil, which will incorporate the UAE flag carrier’s Abu Dhabi – São Paulo route and the Latin American airline’s domestic flights. “Avianca is an important strategic partner for Etihad Airways in South America,” said Martin Drew, senior vice president, Americas, Etihad Airways. “In addition to the codeshare agreement recently signed with Avianca Colombia, we are further strengthening our presence in Brazil by offering our guests more convenience and connections with a single combined ticket.”
Emirates Increases Senegal Capacity
9 JULY 2016
Senegal
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s of September 02, Emirates will enhance its Dubai – Dakar route by replacing the currently used Airbus A340-300 aircraft with a Boeing 777-300ER. The plane boasts a three-class configuration with eight private suites in first class, 42 lie flat seats in business and 310 spaces in economy class, as well as an updated digital widescreen with more than 2,500 channels of on-demand audio and visual entertainment. The move will increase passenger capacity on the route by 372 seats per week, while total cargo capacity will grow by 80 tonnes.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Munich
Saudia Lands in Munich
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audia launched its all-new five-times-per-week service from Riyadh to Munich. As a direct response to the increasing demand for flights between the Saudi and German cities, it was decided to replace the aircraft initially assigned for the route with a widebody Airbus A330.
Muscat Welcomes AirAsia X
Bangkok
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hai AirAsia X has begun serving Bangkok from Muscat with three weekly flights. Commenting on the importance of the itinerary, Skh Samer bin Ahmed Al-Nabhani, acting general manager, Muscat International Airport, said, “The new route will contribute to increasing the flow of tourism between the two countries in addition to attracting investors from Thailand to discover investment opportunities in Oman.� Furthermore, Al-Nabhani noted that the route will result in many benefits, including the promotion of Oman as one of the most attractive tourism destinations in the region.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Etihad Teams Up with Financial Expert
Emirates: 33 Aircraft Makeovers in 12 Months
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tihad Airways has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), becoming the official airline partner of the international financial centre. The partnership establishes in-depth cooperation in commercial development and destination marketing that will drive business for both organisations, and provide ADGM members with privileged access to the network of the UAE carrier and its partner airlines. As Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, disclosed, Hala Travel Management and Hala Abu Dhabi will also be key players in the partnership, providing professional travel management services to ADGM’s growing business community and promoting the emirate and all it has to offer.
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he Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre, hailed as the world’s largest painting facility of its kind, completely stripped and repainted 33 airliners in 2015, equal to 13 percent of the carrier’s fleet. Among others, three Airbus A380s and 22 Boeing 777s received a fresh coat of paint, and the centre also installed decals on 72 aircraft and executed a total of over 105,000 paining projects, including cabin touch-ups across what is said to be the world’s largest fleet of wide-body aircraft, in 2015.
Luxury Car Service at Etihad Cargo
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tihad Cargo has introduced a new offer for guests who wish to travel with their luxury cars over the summer period. Apart from benefitting from special rates in first and business class, the cargo section of Etihad Airways also helps to arrange hotel accommodation and delivers the vehicle straight to the driver’s doorstep. Those travelling from Abu Dhabi can take advantage of the service at a number of destinations, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris as well as Zürich. The number of cars transported has been steadily rising over the last few years and Etihad Cargo carried hundreds of automobiles in 2015 alone.
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
KARIM NAHAS GENERAL MANAGER, TOWERS ROTANA DUBAI
WORKING IN DUBAI’S HOSPITALITY SCENE IS A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE AND HERE KARIM NAHAS, GENERAL MANAGER, TOWERS ROTANA DUBAI, REVEALS SOME EXCITING PLANS FOR THE PROPERTY.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Towers Rotana Dubai recently unveiled 40 new luxury apartments. Please tell us about this offering. KARIM NAHAS: Everyone knows that the hotel industry has become highly competitive, and in light of this fact [...], the decision of completing comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of 40 new luxurious apartments was carefully taken to increase our business mix to provide long-term guests with a new residential address in the heart of the financial centre. A new trend was recognised where guests choose to stay longer in Dubai, and therefore, the project now accommodates this desire with our exhilarating and chic furnished hotel apartments [boasting] all the advantages of hotel living.
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The advantages of hotel living extend to all guests staying over a onemonth period in the new hotel apartments and include daily housekeeping services, complimentary access to the vast facilities of the hotel that include a Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club. The hotel also provides guests with access to a 24-hour in-room dining service and four dining outlets […]. The highly sought-after trend of hotel living coupled with its advantages allowed us to generously proportion the apartments in various configurations from 53m2 to 180m2, including studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom premium, two-bedroom and threebedroom apartments. The various configurations also allow larger families to stay together, providing contemporary relaxed furniture, en-suite bathrooms and spacious wardrobes in each room. Guests staying in the new hotel apartments will also benefit from the hotel’s contemporary business facilities that include eight meeting rooms, a business centre and a Club Rotana lounge positioned on the 24th floor, providing lavish personalised hospitality, harmony and all the extras that make a stay memorable. In line with Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020 to welcome 20 million visitors per year by 2020, Towers Rotana follows Dubai’s feeder markets and in parallel, we have happily welcomed the growth in visitors from the UK and the US, followed by visitors from Germany, Egypt and travellers from Saudi Arabia. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How are the current market conditions, in terms of supply and demand in Dubai, affecting the hotel’s business plans? KARIM NAHAS: Being located in a prime location in the heart of the financial centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, Towers Rotana is no stranger to the pressure of having to constantly find ways to innovate and market itself. We are proud to say that despite the introduction of new hotels in the vicinity, we were still able to successfully launch our 40 new luxury hotel apartments and perform very well. The hotel is also home to three of the area’s most popular outlets, including the multi-award-winning fusion fine dining restaurant, Teatro, the all-day dining restaurant Flavours on Two and the longest bar in the Middle East, Long’s Bar all of which are also nominated for vari-
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ous industry awards every year. Loyalty is another way we [promote] ourselves with the award-winning loyalty programme Rotana Rewards, where members enjoy countless benefits and privileges […]. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Which recent achievements is the management most proud of? KARIM NAHAS: The latest achievements we have celebrated are the newly-launched luxury hotel apartments and their performance along with the positive guest satisfaction in response to them by our new resident guests. The positive guest satisfaction has also led Towers Rotana to be rewarded once again with the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor […]. Aside from this, a quality assurance assessment on operations was recently completed at Towers Rotana which is being conducted annually by a mystery guest. The colleagues tested above expectations on their interactions with guests [...]. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Which are your priorities for the remainder of the year? KARIM NAHAS: Our plans will see the hotel, built in 2001, upgraded to meet the requirements of today’s modern travellers. The refurbishment, scheduled to begin in the summer months, will see minor enhancements to the existing range of dining and entertainment outlets […]. The fusion fine dining restaurant, Teatro, will see a full renovation of its Eastern and Western kitchens [...]. Plans to enhance Long’s Bar also include an uplift to the existing outdoor side entrance with a fresh new look, an enhancement to the hardwood floors, an upholstering of all the existing furniture, and the full renovation of the male and female bathrooms. The all-day dining restaurant Flavours on Two will also unveil a new look from the moment guests enter its existing entrance on the second floor. The uplifting will include replacing its existing floors, new window coverings, brand new seating, and the full renovation of the male and female bathrooms. Parts of the leisure facilities at Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club will also be renovated, including the steam and sauna rooms, male and female changing rooms and restrooms. 9 JULY 2016
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
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F&B to Boost Tourist Spending in Malaysia
A Unique Seafood PJ23 outlet
s part of a networking session, a group of 30 Malaysian tourism stakeholders were hosted for dinner by Unique Seafood PJ23, a growing seafood restaurant franchise. Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director general, Tourism Malaysia, stressed that cuisine is a way for Malaysia
to boost tourist spending and the sector’s contribution to the local economy, and that food and beverage is among the top three areas travellers spend the most money on in the country, alongside shopping and accommodation. He further noted that the tourism body is always on the lookout to promote new and interesting restaurants to visitors.
London to Welcome Hard Rock Hotel
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ard Rock International, in collaboration with glh Hotels, has unveiled plans for Hard Rock Hotel London. A conversion of the existing Cumberland Hotel, the upcoming 900-room property is scheduled for completion in summer 2018. The new address will feature a lobby lounge an on-site Hard Rock Cafe and a Rock Shop, a full-service Rock Spa, a signature restaurant and a sophisticated speakeasy. “With Hard Rock’s proven track record of world-class service and hospitality, combined with glh Hotels’ extensive operating skills and expertise in the region as the largest hotel owner-operator in London, we are confident the future Hard Rock Hotel will be a success […],” said Mike DeNoma, CEO, glh Hotels.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Disney Opens Shanghai Resort
Havana Welcomes First Four Points by Sheraton
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ollowing the groundbreaking deals signed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in Cuba earlier this year, the company has debuted Four Points by Sheraton Havana. Located in the city’s bustling business and diplomatic hub of Miramar, the 186-key property boasts extensive meeting facilities, two dining outlets plus a poolside bar, a 24-hour fitness center and a fully equipped spa. Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of specialty select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, commented, “With its uncomplicated comfort and reinvented travel experience, Four Points Havana will be the ideal choice for global travelers as they experience Havana’s colorful history, rich architecture and unparalleled culture.”
JW and EDITION Announced for Singapore
Massive Theme Park Signed for Belek
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R The Land of Legends
Singapore
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ingapore is poised to welcome two new luxurious gems by Mariott International – the 634room JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach and the eight-storey 190-key The Singapore EDITION. The former will emerge in place of The South Beach adjacent to Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, while the latter will be located on Orchard Boulevard and Cuscaden Road. “Singapore is one of the most important business and travel hubs in Asia Pacific and the world. We are very excited to enhance our luxury hotel portfolio and bring more options to this vibrant city,” Craig Smith, president, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.
Four Points Havana
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isney celebrated the launch of Shanghai Disney Resort, the company’s first resort in Mainland China and its sixth address worldwide. A three-day grand opening celebration commemorated the culmination of one of the company’s largest investments to date outside the US. Aside from the theme park, which hosts world-class attractions, guests can enjoy a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district, and they can also unwind at two imaginatively themed accommodation establishments, namely Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel. Shanghai Disney Resort broke ground in 2011 and in April 2014, shareholders had announced an accelerated expansion plan to capitalise on the Chinese tourism sector’s growth – adding more attractions, entertainment and other offerings.
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ixos Hotels has penned a deal with internationally renowned creative company Dragone to create Rixos World Parks & Entertainment and develop The Land of Legends theme park in the city of Belek. The new destination will boast multisensory attractions with original concepts, themes, design and characters, as well as a fivestar hotel and a water park with over 70 rides and slides. Visitors will also have the chance to get familiar with dolphins, penguins and other animals and experience an underwater restaurant and a beach area. For those with a penchant for finer things, a massive shopping avenue, a luxury plaza and a galleria will be available, while kids will be entertained in a mystery castle and a dedicated village park.
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TRAVEL TALK
HOTEL MANAGER, CORAL BEACH RESORT, SHARJAH
HAYTHAM AZIZ
GENERAL MANAGER, ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR
The resort puts travellers in touch with the local culture “Perched 2,000m above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is the highest five-star resort in the Middle East and amongst the highest in the world. […] The resort puts travellers in touch with the local culture, history and landscape with personalised experiences, including mountaintop sunrise yoga and stargazing beneath the blanket of a remote night sky. Other diversions include archery, quad biking and excursions to nearby heritage attractions.”
KJELD BINGER
DARREN DARWIN
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CEO, AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL GROUP
[We have] made it a priority to prevent pollution
“As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve environmental sustainability on all levels, Queen Alia International Airport has made it a priority to prevent pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from airport activities, thereby not only maintaining our commitment toward the local community, but also contributing to the shrinking of Jordan’s overall ecological footprint.”
All our programmes […] have been tailored to stimulate children’s minds
“During school vacations, attending a camp is a great way for children to learn new skills and enjoy fun activities in a safe environment. All our programmes [at Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah] are adequately supervised and have been tailored to stimulate children’s minds while making sure they have a good time. It is also a wonderful opportunity for kids to make new friends and interact with others.”
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FADY ATWAN has been named area director of sales and marketing at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Joining from InterContinental Abu Dhabi where he served as director of sales and marketing, Fady brings with him 14 years of industry experience. He started his career in finance and gradually shifted to sales and marketing. Over the past 10 years, he has gained invaluable expertise in the field. Building on his extensive background in commercial sales and marketing, Atwan will focus on assisting and leading the Abu Dhabi-based properties.
Fady brings 14 years of industry experience
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SHAHZAD BUTT
MOHAMMAD LABBAN has been welcomed by Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh as the new general manager of the 432-unit resort hotel. Immediately after the completion of a bachelor degree in hotel management in March 1998, Labban took on a related career path with Hyatt. His road led him to various positions across the Middle East at a number of properties, such as Hyatt Regency Jeddah, Grand Hyatt Amman, Park Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai. Most recently he served as general manager at Hyatt Regency Pune in India. His main goal at the Egyptian establishment is to create an environment that ensures that guests leave saying that they had a memorable and unique experience in Sharm El Sheikh.
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RAMESH KUMAR SINGH
FADY ATWAN
MOHAMMAD LABBAN
WHO’S MOVED
SHAHZAD BUTT has taken over at Ramada Downtown Dubai as general manager. Butt, who has been in the industry for 25 years, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the property while also strengthening partnerships with key affiliates. Prior to joining the team, Butt served as cluster general manager at Chelsea Tower Hotel Apartments and Chelsea Gardens Hotel Apartments, and as group director of business development for Chelsea Group of Hotel and Hotel Apartments in Dubai. He started his career with Hilton Worldwide, and later worked with Renaissance Hotels and Avari Hotels International, both in Pakistan and the UAE, serving as assistant manager, regional sales manager, as well as sales and marketing manager.
RAMESH KUMAR Singh has been selected as assistant director of sales at Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai. Having worked in various capacities throughout his career, Singh brings more than 17 years of hospitality experience to the team. After successful periods with Carlton Tower, Dubai; Dhow Palace Hotel, Dubai and Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai, he most recently worked at Daman Hotels & Resorts, Abu Dhabi as director of sales. Returning to Dubai, Singh’s main responsibility will be to establish new business relationships by exploring new clients for the property in order to maximise revenue.
Singh will establish new business relationships
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? My name is Sona Kurghinyan. I am an incoming travel consultant at VA & Partners travel company in Armenia. I got involved in the tourism industry in 2005, and [have been] working in this sphere [ever since]. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? The most important attributes of a
Sona Kurghinyan
NAME:
POSITION: Incoming travel consultant COMPANY: VA & Partners travel company LOCATION: Yerevan, Armenia WEBSITE:
www.vapartners.am
good travel agent or tour operator is [correct] marketing, and the balance between quality and price of the provided travel services. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? The most frequently asked question that our company receives is "What is the nearest point to view mount Ararat?" What are the must-visits and mustdos in Armenia that noone should miss? Armenia has a lot of places one must visit, but the most popular are Garni temple, Geghard monastery, Tatev monastery, Echmiadzin Cathedral, Zvartnoc temple, Jermuk, Qarahunj (Zoratc karer), History museum of Armenia, Sevan lake and many others. 9 JULY 2016
Mohamed Atrouz, general manager, Al Basel Group (left) and Basel Al Kasem
Al Basel Consultancy Expands in the Middle East
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orking towards enhancing its operations in the Middle East, Al Basel Consultancy has opened its new office in Saudi Arabia. The move falls in line with the company’s expansion initiative, which strategically aims to offer more premiere services to clients in the region. Located in the heart of Riyadh, the office will be leveraging its real estate, travel and rental services across potential and existing clients in the Kingdom, particularly promoting the company’s rent-a-car business and real estate unit.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
EMIRATES PARK ZOO AND RESORT BACKS CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
I
Collection Brunch for Rice
SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL HELPS THE NEEDY
The charity Iftar event
ETIHAD HOLDS IFTAR FOR 5,000 LABOURERS
n line with its efforts to enhance the intellectual development of children between the ages of eight to 12, Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi will host Camp Emirates Park between July 17 – August 28. Through a variety of fun-filled activities and learning experiences, the programme aims to instigate creative thinking and educate youngsters about animals, wild life and the environment. Campers will also get the chance to interact with exotic animals and participate in drum and dance classes. “Here at Emirates Park Zoo we encourage children to seek knowledge about the outdoors and the wildlife in an environment filled with fun,” commented Aaliyah Hana, CEO, Emirates Park Zoo and Resort.
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O
n the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Etihad Airways hosted a charity Iftar for 5,000 labourers at the Workers Village in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The airline’s employees contributed generously, purchasing thousands of vouchers for the labourers’ meals, and more than 300 staff volunteered to distribute these. Workers also received water, packets of nuts, socks and eye shades. “Our Sports and Social Committee conducts initiatives throughout the year to support humanitarian and charitable causes,” said Khaled Almehairbi, senior vice president, Abu Dhabi airport operations, Etihad Airways, adding that this fosters an environment of engagement and inclusion among the carrier’s staff, partner airlines and the local community.
SEYCHELLES HONOURS PARTNERS WITH IFTAR
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ver 90 attendees from travel agencies and media companies joined the team of Seychelles Tourism Board’s Dubai office for an Iftar. The informal gathering, that offered an opportune time to network and share ideas, came in line with the organisation’s efforts to further enhance ties with its Middle Eastern partners. “We are truly elated on the response for Seychelles from this region. The growing interest and knowledge of the people from this region for the destination will not be possible without the help of our trade and media partners,” stated Ahmed Fathallah, regional manager, Middle East, Seychelles Tourism Board.
A
s part of its ongoing support for the local community, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel partnered with Feed the Need Bahrain for a month-long campaign, Brunch for Rice. The property donated a total 859 packets, each containing 2kgs of rice. “We are delighted to provide over 1.7 tonnes of rice to the needy this Ramadan. We believe that it is very important to give back to the local community and we always try to find more ideas to help”, said Thomas Flindt, general manager, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Al Manshar Rotana Kuwait in collaboration with WSP l Parsons Brinckerhoff organised a charity campaign for labourers
Eid at Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi
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School holiday in style at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
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Al Bustan Centre & Residences organised its annual donation campaign
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Millennium Corniche Hotel, Abu Dhabi won the Best Newcomer International category at the Investors In People awards
Dubai Duty Free’s team took home the trophy from al Noor-Bank of Sharjah’s football tournament which raised funds for students with special needs
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NEWS & EVENTS ibtm china to Deliver Meeting Tools and Insights
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ustainability, best practices, social media strategy, tools and insights in the delivery of successful events will be in the spotlight at this year’s ibtm china. As Cici Chen, senior project manager, ibtm china, noted, the knowledge programme will form an integral part of the show, providing an essential platform where valuable education can be delivered specifically for the meetings industry. “We have also got a great networking programme lined up for the show,” added Chen. The event will take place between September 07 – 08 at the China National Convention Centre.
World Tourism Day Focusses on Accessibility
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ourism for All has been selected as the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day. Celebrated on September 27 all over the globe, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s initiative throws the spotlight on the right of every individual to enjoy barrier-free travel around the world. The tagline highlights the importance of creating products and services that can be equally suitable for those with disabilities, tourists and locals, families with small children, seniors and everyone else. UNWTO is preparing a range of programmes to mark the occasion and spread the word.
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EVENTS FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW Farnborough, UK July 11 – 15 www.farnborough.com One of the world’s largest aviation events for the global aerospace community.
IBTM LATIN AMERICA Mexico City, Mexico September 07 – 08 www.ibtmlatinamerica.com Leaders, organisers and specialised suppliers for events will convene for business adventures.
SEATRADE CRUISE MED Tenerife, Spain September 21 – 23 www.seatradecruiseevents.com A major biennial event focussed on the world’s second largest cruise destination, the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas.
IMEX AMERICA Las Vegas, US October 18 - 20 www.imexamerica.com The hosted buyer programme qualifies and brings key buyers to the show, with IMEX America covering travel and accommodations.
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