23 JULY 2016 ISSUE 350
08 ACCOMMODATION
09 ACCORHOTELS FIRST INTERCITYHOTEL OPENS OUTSIDE EUROPE
11 QATAR AIRWAYS UPS MUSCAT SERVICE
PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT DWC SURGES 79.8 PERCENT
ACQUIRES THREE MAJOR BRANDS
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
AMADEUS POSTS POSITIVE RESULTS
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALISTS Memnon Arestis Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670
Following an outstanding 2015 that saw a 95 percent year-over-year increase in airline ancillary services sold through Amadeus-connected travel agents, a record number of carriers have either signed up to or gone live with merchandising solutions during the first half this year.
WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel
WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
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madeus Airline Ancillary Services welcomed eight new airlines and 18 new implementations, bringing the total number of carrier signatures for the solution to 110 and that of attainments to 86. Amadeus Airline Fare Families noted nine new airline signatures along with six implementations reaching the totals of 39 and 28, respectively. During the first six months there was an 80 percent increase in airline ancillary services sold through the Amadeus distribution channel.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
REZIDOR CONTINUES TO GROW IN Q2
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
Radisson Blu Hotel Marrakech Carre Eden
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22.7.2016
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The Rezidor Hotel Group signed over 2,500 rooms whilst opening more than 1,400 units during the second quarter (Q2) of this year, regardless of the challenging trading environment in Europe and Middle East and Africa.
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ith over 80,000 keys in the company’s portfolio and with a further 22,000 due to be added, the group has signified many openings in Africa, including Radisson Blu Hotel Marrakech Carre Eden and the flagship Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février in Lomé, Togo. As the tallest building in West Africa, the latter project also contributes in increasing brand awareness with Radisson Blu being hailed as one of Africa’s fastest-growing brands. Inspired by the millennial mindset, art, music and fashion, the first Radisson RED also opened in Brussels in Q2 with a further 15 addresses coming up.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Dubai Tourism Remains Strong The UAE hospitality market registered positive growth in the first half of the year, according to The H Holding Enterprise.
Dubai
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s the country is one of the safest destinations worldwide for tourists, businessmen and foreign investors, we think that the [hospitality] sector will signify further growth in the second half of the year,” said Hafeez Abdullah, chairman, The H Holding Enterprise, as he contemplated on the sector’s fundamental role in UAE’s national economy. According to the Dubai Tourism 2020 vision, revenues of hotels in the emirate are expected to rise to AED40 billion (USD10.9 billion) by 2019 and the number of tourists is set to double by 2020.
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UAE: A Strong Player in Britain’s Tourism
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isitBritain’s latest figures underline a solid growth from several markets including the US, Germany and the UAE, in the first quarter of the year (Q1), underpinning the most successful Q1 for total inbound arrivals. The Office for National Statistics reports that US visits rose nine percent to 542,000, in comparison to the same period in 2015. Furthermore, a notable increase in travellers from the European Union was registered with 5.4 million visits, a 10 percent top-up from Q1 2015, while tourist spend was up seven percent to GBP1.8 billion (EUR2.2 billion). Arrivals from the UAE surged 15 percent to 77,000, with contributions rising to GBP105 million (EUR125 million).
23 JULY 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS
Ras Al Khaimah to Attract More Germans
Madain Saleh Welcomes over 20,000 Visitors
Madain Saleh
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new strategic collaboration between Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA), and TUI Group is expected to empower the emirate’s status as a key vacation destination on the German market. TUI Group, one of the leading organisations for tourism and businesses globally, will facilitate the promotion of Ras Al Khairmah through its media distribution portals. With the region already enjoying strong demand from Germany, Mahpar Azapira, head of partner marketing, TUI, expressed her hope to further boost interest through the partnership. Among Ras Al Khaimah TDA’s core objectives is to attract an annual total of one million visitors by the end of 2018.
Ras Al Khaimah
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adain Saleh, the Saudi archeological gem registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, was visited by over 20,000 people during the recent Eid Al Fitr break. The site is witnessing an increased interest with both citizens and expatriates coming from different parts of the Kingdom, especially after the completion of a development project that included a visitor centre, the Hijaz Railway Museum, the Islamic Castle and other facilities. Usually the volume of tourists rises during weekends, seasonal holidays and national and religious occasions.
Egypt Meets Major Chinese Companies
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alia Khorshid, investment minister, Egypt has led a delegation to Beijing accompanied by Tarek Qabil, trade and industry minister, Egypt. The visit included participation in the Joint Ministerial Committee and a meeting with Liu He, vice chairman, National Development and Reform Commission, within the framework of the G20 Summit that will take place in China on September 04 - 05. The delegation met with over 15 Chinese companies that hold shares in the Egyptian market, and discussed several capacity-building projects in the transportation, sanitation, housing and construction sectors while also exploring potential collaborations in order to expand trade networks.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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roomsXML Works on Securing Bookings The EUR700 million (USD774 million) travel company Low Cost Holidays went into bankruptcy in London on July 15, whilst some 27,000 clients were on holidays booked through the company.
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he closure is likely to affect travellers and as the wholesale arm is one of roomsXML’s suppliers, Prakash Bang, managing director, roomsXML, stated “We have 24-hour rotating shifts continuously working to secure all the bookings by paying hotels directly and switching to other suppliers.”
Mobile Platform for Business Travellers
Travelport Teams Up with OYO
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ravelport and OYO, India’s largest network of hotels, have announced a new agreement whereby 6,000 hotel properties offered by OYO will be made available through Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform to travel agency users both in India and around the world. Niklas Andreen, senior vice president, hospitality, Travelport, said, “Our industry-leading connectivity enables us to directly acquire specific hotel content, as well as requested local hotel chains and individual properties, and we are looking forward to continuing to expand our offering in this area throughout the year.” According to Andreen, the partnership is in line with the company’s ongoing strategy of extend its hotel offering.
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Niklas Andreen
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abre Corporation is developing an integrated product platform to power itinerary management, mid-trip policy compliant booking and payment and expense management, all on the traveller’s mobile device. The new solution will simplify the process and enhance business customer satisfaction while improving corporate travel programme compliance and reducing costs for corporations. Clinton Anderson, senior vice president, strategy and traveller experience, Sabre, said, “Travel is a significant corporate investment. Companies need to maximise the value of that investment by using technology that will make business travel easier for the travellers and smarter for the corporation.”
23 JULY 2016
WEEKLY NEWS ATTRACTIONS
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Major Maintenance for Eye of The Emirates
Sleeping on the Slopes in Dubai
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23 JULY 2016
In a bid to continue providing quality experiences under safe and secure settings, the management team at Al Qasba will temporarily close the Eye of the Emirates Wheel in Sharjah for maintenance.
Eye of The Emirates Wheel
ajid Al Futtaim is to introduce Ski Dubai Camp Outs, as of July 29. The destination’s newest attraction offers thrill-seekers a unique overnight stay experience, in a cool -4 Celsius climate. Campers spending the night on the slopes will receive afterhours access to the ski resort and all snow park facilities. To round off their stay guests will also be treated to a breakfast in the St Moritz Café on site. On arrival, visitors will be provided with a set of waterproof gloves, jackets and beanie hats. They will then be shown to their pre-erected two-person tent, which will be set up with sleeping bags and a thermal mattress for extra comfort.
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he iconic Ferris wheel will be dismantled for service and restoration and is expected to reopen in October. Mohammed Shattaf, manger, Al Qasba, commented, “Only a limited section which surrounds the Ferris wheel at Al Qasba will be closed temporarily, while all our restaurants, cafés, art centres, the Kids’ Fun Zone, entertainment activities and other facilities will continue to operate normally.”
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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ACCORHOTELS ACQUIRES THREE MORE
Brands
FOLLOWING THE DECISION TAKEN AT THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING ON JULY 12, ACCORHOTELS ANNOUNCED THE ACQUISITION OF FRHI HOTELS & RESORTS AND ITS THREE LUXURY HOTEL BRANDS; FAIRMONT, RAFFLES AND SWISSÔTEL.
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he addition instantly positions AccorHotels as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market, increases longterm growth potential and profitability, and significantly expands the company’s footprint in North America. With this acquisition, AccorHotels will have 150 hotels in operation and under management in the Middle East region, presenting more than 45,000 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. Commenting on the deal, Sébastien Bazin, CEO, AccorHotels said “It will open up amazing growth prospects, lift our international presence to unprecedented heights, and build value over the long term.”
Kempinski Hotels Reaches Al Khobar
Kempinski Al Othman Hotel Al Khobar
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empinski Hotels has made its debut appearance in the Saudi city of Al Khobar, with Kempinski Al Othman Hotel. Located at the crossroads of Dhahran and Dammam on King Saud Road, the two-tower establishment – with each consisting of 20 floors – offers 218 rooms and a range of luxurious facilities. With more than 75 five-star hotels in 30 countries, Kempinski Hotels maintains the balance between the company’s signature elegant style and the cultural traditions of each property’s location. “This hotel will be the benchmark for personalised service in Al Khobar offering luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and apartments, a selection of the finest restaurants, a world class spa, and modern meetings facilities,” noted Steven Pieters, hotel manager, Kempinski Al Othman Hotel Al Khobar.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Café 302 Opens in Abu Dhabi
C Café 302
afé 302 has opened at Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, offering a one stop place to enjoy a meal, have a cup of coffee or taste some of the world’s finest olive oils, organic fruits and more. Echoing a unique charm with earthy col-
ours, the new address offers alfresco meals through the day. A modern venture in the heart of the capital, Café 302 is ideal for those on the go and is set to become a fresh experience in Abu Dhabi.
First InterCityHotel Opens outside Europe
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teigenberger Hotels has opened InterCityHotel Salalah, hailed as the first international mid-market hotel in the Omani city. Built in a central location in conjunction with owning company Al Sedra Real Estate, a subsidiary of Golden Group of Companies, the hotel features 70 rooms over eight stories. The property also offers a restaurant, a modern gym and a roof-top swimming pool. The German hotelier opened Steigenberger Dubai in 2015 and the launch of the new IntercityHotel-branded project is a continuation of its programme of expansion in the Middle East, which, according to Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, Seigenberger Hotels, represents an important milestone for the company.
InterCityHotel Salalah
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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A Unique Residence Comes to Dubai
Robinson Club Unveils Soma Bay Resort
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obinson Club has reopened its exclusive resort at Egypt’s Soma Bay. Following an extensive six-month renovation period, the property now offers holiday-makers 348 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a range of facilities and services catering to guests in need of excitement, relaxation and culturally-inspired performances. Robinson Club Soma Bay Resort is located 45km from Hurghada International Airport, in an area famous for its unique blend of arabesque architecture, sandy beaches, desert mountains and blue skies. Dubai Hills Estate Master Plan
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maar Properties launched an exclusive collection of elegantly designed homes in Dubai Hills Estate. A green city within the city, Dubai Hills Estate is set to welcome its first residents later this year. The newly introduced homes offer customers the opportunity to be part of a distinctive community highlighted by a central park, a championship golf course, a world-class mall, two lifestyle hotels, a bustling boulevard with modern cafes and restaurants, and over 45 km of trekking trails. Only 147 residences, comprising 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, are now offered for sale at the new tower in the Acacia at Dubai Hills Estate with each one of them offering panoramic views of the central park or the boulevard.
Robinson Club Soma Bay Resort
New Homes at AKOU Oxygen
Artist’s Depiction of The Beach at Navitas Hotel & Residences
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AMAC Properties has announced the introduction of The Beach at Navitas Hotel & Residences, a new five-tower complex consisting of three-bedroom apartments. The establishment will be located within the 510ha AKOU Oxygen development in Dubai, providing residents with access to golf courts, pools and artificial sandy beaches among others, specifically catering to millennials and young families seeking a vacation home or a permanent residence. According to Ziad El Chaar, managing director, DAMAC Properties, “The units will also provide investors with the opportunity to participate in the emirate’s flourishing hospitality sector.” As of March 31, DAMAC Properties has delivered over 15,800 homes, including 2,000 hotel units.
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Qatar Airways Ups Muscat Service
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s of August 01, Qatar Airways will add an extra flight to its existing route between Doha and Muscat, increasing the number of daily flights to five. Ehab Amin, senior vice president, commercial, GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Africa and Indian sub-continent, Qatar Airways, said, “The additional flight is a response to increased demand on this popular route, and offers our passengers more convenience thereby empowering travellers with the ability to choose flights that are best suited to their unique requirements.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Emirates A380 Test Flight to Chicago On July 19, for the first time in the airport’s history, Emirates flew one of its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
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hicago has welcomed us from the day Emirates commenced daily flights from Dubai in 2014, and we are honoured to work alongside the city, airport, and the department of aviation, to bring the A380 for a test flight to this exciting and progressive city,” said Rob Gurney, senior vice president, Americas, Emirates. The airline was invited by the management of O’Hare International Airport, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the city to examine the gate, operations and significant infrastructure improvements that have been implemented to accommodate the Airbus A380 service.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Enrique Cueto, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group (left) with Akbar Al Baker
Qatar Airways Acquires 10 Percent in LATAM
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subscription agreement by oneworld alliance members LATAM Airlines Group and Qatar Airways was announced at the Farnborough International Air Show in England entitling the latter enterprise to acquire up to 10 percent of the Chile-based airline’s total shares in connection with a capital increase. “[...] This investment provides potential opportunities for Qatar Airways’ global network, alongside our successful investment in International Airlines Group,” commented Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways. The completion of the transaction is expected to occur towards the end of the year.
Jet Airways Enhances Dubai Service
Emirates Honoured for Network Strategy
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Mumbai
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et Airways is set to deploy its largest capacity aircraft the Boeing 777300ER between Mumbai and Dubai, to meet the growing demand, as of August 06. Shakir Kantawala, vice president, Gulf, Middle East and North Africa, Jet Airways, said, “Deploying the 777-300ER aircraft will give our guests flying on the Mumbai – Dubai route the opportunity to sample our signature First Class hospitality for the first time, while also delivering a far more comfortable and pleasant flying experience for guests in all classes.” Kantawala also added that it will double seat capacity at a period of increased demand, mainly due to the boom of trade and investment between India and the UAE.
mirates has been awarded the inaugural network strategy trophy, at The Airline Strategy Awards. Now in its 15th year, The Airline Strategy Awards is a widely recognised and respected measure of industry leaders and players who are raising the bar in boardroom leadership, strategic thinking or innovation. The inaugural network strategy accolade recognises the management team that has demonstrated leadership in the design and implementation of leading-edge concepts and systems in the area of network planning and revenue management in an airline context. Network planning and revenue management are at the heart of airlines’ marketplace offering and profitability.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR Emirates Inks Contract with Unison
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mirates has signed a 10-year after market services agreement with Unison Industries in support of the largest GE90 and GP7200 engine fleets in the world. The deal extends through 2025 and covers external Unison new parts and component repairs for GE Aviation and Engine Alliance engine families in the Emirates fleet. “This agreement solidifies Unison’s key relationship with the world’s largest operator of [Airbus] A380 and [Boeing] 777 aircraft. Unison is now primed to provide unparalleled support to Emirates operations,” said Giovanni Spitale, president, Unison Industries. Emirates will leverage Unison’s strength in the areas of exchange programmes, upgrades and repairs with mutual goals of the highest quality support and smoothest operations for the airline.
Representatives of the companies
HNA Aviation Signs Deal with Mubadala
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R Technics announced that sole shareholder Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi investment and development company, has agreed to sell an 80 percent stake in the company to HNA Aviation, a global enterprise group based in Haikou, China. SR Technics will remain a standalone business within HNA Aviation’s portfolio of aviation business. SR Technics will continue to focus on delivering high-quality integrated maintenance, repair and operations solutions for aircraft, components and engines, while building long-term partnerships with a diversified global customer base. Homaid Al Shimmari, CEO, aerospace and engineering services, Mubadala, said, “We remain fully convinced of the long-term potential of SR Technics, and will remain actively involved through our stake and our representation on the board.”
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL First International Hotel Brand in Puerto Princesa
Outrigger Resorts Awarded Best Hotel Group
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New York
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hanghai Municipal Tourism Administration (SMTA) and NYC & Company announced a first-ever city-tocity partnership to boost tourism between the two
cities. The new two-year alliance includes a reciprocal outdoor media advertising exchange in Shanghai and New York, the sharing of best practices in tourism marketing between the destinations, and other initiatives designed to stimulate travel between the cities. “China is a crucially important market for New York City tourism. With our new city-to-city partnership with Shanghai, we will be well positioned during the US – China tourism year and beyond to capitalise on more visitation from China’s largest city,” said Fred Dixon, president, NYC & Company.
Kanaloa at Kona by Outrigger, Hawaii
utrigger Resorts has been hailed as the best hotel/resort Group in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents National Tourism Industry Awards for Excellence, which took place in Sydney earlier this month. More than 500 travel industry representatives attended the Australian hospitality industry’s night out at Darling Harbour in Sydney to recognise and celebrate excellence across a range of categories. The Hawai-based Outrigger Enterprises Group is a privately held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality company operating in the Asia Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. The group runs a multi-branded portfolio of hotels, beachfront resorts, condominiums and vacation resort properties located in Hawaii, Guam, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius and the Maldives.
New InterContinental Hotel in Houston by 2018
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new luxurious resort in Houston, Texas has been announced by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The 21-storey hotel will be adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, providing walking access, among others, to 21 notable hospitals, 14 support organisations and 18 academic and research institutions. Due to be unveiled by the end of 2018, the establishment will include 353 rooms, 37 suites, and facilities to accommodate various necessities, ranging from dining and fitness to conferencing. The property will be owned by Medistar Corporation, considered as one of the leading real estate and development companies, and managed by IHG which owns 182 hotels in more than 60 countries.
Artist Depiction of InterContinental Hotel in Houston
Shanghai and New York Work Together
O Puerto Princesa
he brand-new Best Western Plus The IvyWall Hotel, hailed as the first international hotel in the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, has officially opened. The landmark occasion was attended by many distinguished guests, including high-level officials, dignitaries and VIPs. The property houses 120 rooms and suites, all boasting a contemporary Filipino design. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s spa, outdoor pool with a bar, as well as the property’s restaurant serving international cuisine. For the corporate and events market, the new address features a business centre, three meeting rooms and a 300m² ballroom, plus a VIP dining area which is being served by a private butler and can host intimate dinners.
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23 JULY 2016
WHO’S MOVED
NAJLA AL GHAMMAI has joined Dubai Airports’ team as director of category management in corporate services. Al Ghammai moves to the company from another major Dubai-based entity, namely Emirates Group. Prior to accepting the new role, she served as regional manager for procurement and logistics airlines at Emirates Group, gaining valuable experience in various segments of the field.
PETR DUBSKY
Al Ghammai joins Dubai Airports from Emirates Group
23 JULY 2016
MONA AL ABDOLI
NAJLA AL GHAMMAI
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MONA AL ABDOLI is the new vice president of legal issues at Dubai Airports. Al Abdoli takes on her new role and increased responsibilities after successfully serving as director of the organisation’s legal department. She is one of the latest Emirati nationals to receive a promotion at the company, which lays great emphasis on continuously identifying and developing UAE national candidates for senior positions.
Al Abdoli will oversee the legal department as vice president
PETR DUBSKY has been selected as executive assistant manager at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Bahrain. Dubsky studied Hospitality Management and has extensive experience in a career spanning nearly 10 years, having started his journey at The Rezidor Hotel Group in 2008 before being appointed restaurant manager at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin. He gained pre-opening expertise with Radisson Blu-branded hotels in Poland and Nigeria and was then part of the opening team of Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi, Georgia as food and beverage manager. After two years, Dubsky moved to Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Tblisi, Georgia. Prior to this appointment, he served as director of food and beverage, a position that he will continue to hold alongside his new role.
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
CHADI NICOLAS GENERAL MANAGER, HALA ARJAAN BY ROTANA, ABU DHABI
HOTEL APARTMENTS CONTINUE TO GAIN POPULARITY ACROSS THE REGION AND AS CHADI NICOLAS, GENEGAL MANAGER, HALA ARJAAN BY ROTANA, ABU DHABI, SAYS, THE SEGMENT HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD.
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Hala Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
location, facilities, good service and of course, the price; especially recently amid the current economic situation. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How have the fluctuation of real estate prices and the diversification of the regional hospitality scene affected your business? CHADI NICOLAS: Real estate has a direct impact on hotel apartments and currently in some markets, such as Abu Dhabi, the increase in real estate prices has positively affected our business. It became nearly more affordable to stay in a hotel apartment than in non-serviced apartments, [when one] takes into consideration all the related utility expenses and additional services that you get in a hotel apartment in addition to the dedicated parking space and more. However, this may not be the same in other markets. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: With an increased emphasis on midmarket projects, the region is expected to welcome thousands of hotel rooms in the coming years. How do you think will this affect demand for hotel apartments? CHADI NICOLAS: In the last few years,
we have witnessed a positive trend and an increased demand for hotel apartments. This is mainly due to the need of the market based on the new developments and projects, especially here in the UAE. We expect that this demand will continue to grow at least for the next few years for the same reasons. Midmarket hotels are in great demand, however, they cannot offer the same convenience and facilities that hotel apartments offer to guests who require long-term accommodation along with big rooms, storage space, personalised service and of course, cooking facilities. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you see the hotel apartment segment’s future in the region? What are your predictions for the coming years? CHADI NICOLAS: This segment will continue to grow in the region [‌]. We have many big projects and events coming up in the region and this will continue generating need for this type of accommodation. Many, if not the majority, of the guests staying in hotel apartments have a length of stay of less than a year, hence, it is more practical and feasible for them to stay in a hotel apartment rather than signing a yearly lease agreement.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the main characteristics of those looking for hotel apartments for shorter or longer periods? CHADI NICOLAS: There are many factors that affect and impact the clientele, including both regional and local economic factors, the opening of new properties and of course, the impact of real estate developments. However, of additional importance are the expectations of the guests and their requirements which have [altered] a lot in recent years when it comes to technological requirements, Internet speed, location and space. All these play an important role in the change of the clientele. The most important factors for guests looking for hotel apartments include
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Hala Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
23 JULY 2016
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
WILD WADI WATERPARK PROMOTES SWIMMING
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ild Wadi Waterpark recently hosted the world’s largest swimming lesson for the seventh consecutive year to highlight the importance of swimming and teach potentially life-saving skills. Commenting on the event, Chris Swartz, manager, Wild Wadi Waterpark, said, “This event is held at water parks, community pools
and other facilities around the world each year and since its inception, more than 155,000 children and adults have participated. Wild Wadi Waterpark has been always a supporter of corporate social responsibility and we are very proud to be part of this great initiative once again.” The programme attracted more than 100 children and adults who learnt basic techniques from professional swimmers.
EMIRATES PARK ZOO WELCOMES CAMPERS Emirates Park Zoo
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mirates Park Zoo and Resort is working towards enhancing the intellectual development of children aged between eight and12. In reference to this initiative, the zoo is hosting the Camp Emirates Park 2016, between July 17 – August 28. The main purpose of this summer camp is to develop every child’s intellect and instigate creative thinking in a fun and friendly environment. Campers will be able to interact with exotic animals and learn more about the wildlife, and ocean creatures. “Here at Emirates Park Zoo we encourage children to seek knowledge about the outdoors and the wildlife in an environment filled with fun,” said Aaliyah Hana, CEO, Emirates Park Zoo.
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING, OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
With this key partnership […] the passenger experience will be elevated
“We are enhancing the entire spectrum of Gulf Air's onboard product offering and with this key partnership we are confident that the passenger experience will be elevated - meeting the needs and requirements of travellers moving across the Gulf Air network.”
CHAIRMAN, KINGDOM HOLDING COMPANY (KHC)
We are a very close team with an enormous passion for our wonderful values-led brand
“This [best hotel/resort group award] really is an outstanding acknowledgement of our hard work and commitment in this market. We sincerely thank the industry for getting behind us to make this award possible. We are a very close team with an enormous passion for our wonderful values-led brand.”
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
H.R.H PRINCE ALWALEED BIN TALAL BIN ABDULAZIZ ALSAUD
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AKBAR AL BAKER
CEO, GULF AIR
ANDREW GEE
MAHER SALMAN AL MUSALLAM
TRAVEL TALK
KHC becomes a significant shareholder in one of the largest […] hospitality platforms “Since we acquired our interest in Fairmont Hotels Management Company in 1994, we have built the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel brands from five hotels under management to 114 contracts today and a further 40 in the pipeline. With the combination of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International into AccorHotels, KHC becomes a significant shareholder in one of the largest and most diverse hospitality platforms in the world with over 4,000 hotels and 560,000 rooms under management.”
Our commitment to continued success is unwavering
“It is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways to be named world's best business class, best business class airline lounge and best airline staff service in the Middle East by the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, not only for myself, but for every individual at Qatar Airways [...]. Our commitment to continued success is unwavering and a testament to the dedication of our global teams.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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23 JULY 2016
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PHOTO ALBUM
Gulf Air selected Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system for the airline's 39 new aircraft orders
Emirates sponsored the Stars on Board programme which took place onboard Norwegian's JADE cruise ship
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Aldar Properties unveiled the first mural artwork in Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai (centre) visited Dubai International
23 JULY 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Property developer Deyaar Development held a book fair in support of the UAE’s Year of Reading
InterContinental Hotels Group Egypt received the Egypt's leading hotel group 2016 title from World Travel Awards
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NEWS & EVENTS Jordan Welcomes First Ever Shopping Festival
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ordan's Shopping Festival kicked off on July 15, with more than 500 vendors present. The event, which will conclude on August 15, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with competitive prices. Shops participating in the festival will sell various commodities at malls and other shopping centres across the Kingdom at reasonable prices. With the happening set to attract half a million visitors, Asad Qawasmi, committee rapporteur, Jordan Shopping Festival, stated, "The idea behind the festival is to activate the tourism and trade movement after a period of stagnation.”
dmg events Launches New Event in Johannesburg
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nternational exhibitions company dmg events – Middle East, Asia & Africa will introduce for the first time, The Hotel Show in Africa. The hospitality programme is set to take place between June 25 – 27, 2017 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, and will focus on advancing trends in the hospitality sector ranging from technology, kitchen equipment and cleaning services to interior design. In parallel, the Vision Conference will offer a platform to hundreds of senior industry leaders who will share their opinion regarding market patterns and challenges and identify potential opportunities. The African market is currently advancing with more than 350 hotel projects under development.
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www.traveltradeweekly.travel
EVENTS 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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