6 AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 352
05 GENERAL
02 Tourist Development MIDDLE EAST: 11 PERCENT PASSENGER GROWTH
09 QATAR AIRWAYS INCREASES STAKE IN IAG
PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT DWC SURGES 79.8 PERCENT
Council Approved for Mecca
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
MIDDLE EAST: 11 PERCENT PASSENGER GROWTH
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
The Middle East delivered a strong passenger traffic increase in May with a surge of 11.4 percent, according to Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific.
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WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
ithin the region, Doha maintained the leading position with Hamad International Airport posting a 23.8 percent improvement, followed by Dubai International, which registered a 7.2 percent year-on-year rise, and Abu Dhabi International Airport where figures climbed 5.6 percent. A moderate growth of 3.3 percent was evident in the Middle East’s air freight market, with Dubai continuing its stable development at 4.9 percent while the Qatari capital showcased its freight expansion with a boost of 18.3 percent. On the whole, the picture in the region was mixed, with most airports witnessing a decline in air freight volumes.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
EMAAR MALLS: 17 PERCENT PROFIT GROWTH
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
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5.8.2016
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
109.77
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
8.88
Iran (IRR)
Rial
30,991.50
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,182.00
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,506.27
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.38
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
9.79
Syria (SYP)
Pound
215.18
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.21
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.10
The Dubai Mall
as of
Emaar Malls recorded a net profit of AED987 million (USD269 million) in the first half of the year, a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2015.
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evenues reached AED1.618 billion (USD441 million), up 11 percent over 2015’s figure. The second quarter delivered a net profit of AED458 million (USD125 million) and a revenue of AED785 million (USD 214 million), up 11 and 9 percent, respectively. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Malls, commented, “The robust growth of Emaar Malls during the first half of the year highlights Dubai’s premier position as a global hub for luxury retail and world-class leisure attractions.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Middle East Hoteliers Face Challenges
Dubai Maintains Occupancy but Drops Rates
Hotels in the Middle East witnessed a weaker performance in the second quarter of the year (Q2), as compared to the same timeframe in 2015, according to STR’s report.
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n terms of the three key performance indicators, the region recorded a 62.9 percent occupancy rate, dipping from 2015’s 68.4 percent, while average daily rate (ADR) stood at USD169.99, pushing RevPAR down to USD107.01. In Africa, occupancy averaged at 52.1 percent, marking a 8.5 percent decrease from Q2 2015, ADR, however, rose 8.3 percent to USD101.61, leadind to a RevPAR of USD52.92. On a different note, Saudi Arabia reported a boost in both ADR, up 14.2 percent, as well as RevPAR, up 13.6 percent to SAR528.86 (USD141.03). In June, ADR skyrocketed 40.7 percent, resulting in a RevPAR improvement of 44.4 percent, signifying the highest levels on record for Q2 in the Kingdom. In Cairo, while occupancy remained flat, ADR jumped 24.9 percent, leading to a 25.2 percent rise in RevPAR. In fact, April was the first time on record in the Egyptian capital that ADR eclipsed EGP1,000 (USD112.61) and May marked the first time since November 2010 when occupancy soar above 70 percent. Nevertheless, June once again proved to be a challenging month for Cairo’s hotel sector. Similarly, Casablanca recorded a 33.3 percent drop in occupancy to 42.4 percent in June. All in all, the threemonth period delivered a 11.4 percent decline in the same metric and although ADR showed a positive change, RevPAR was still down 3.9 percent year-on-year.
6 AUGUST 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL APPROVED FOR
Mecca Mecca
H.R.H. PRINCE KHALID AL FAISAL, GOVERNOR, MECCA, HAS AUTHORISED THE FORMATION OF A TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERS TO CONSIST OF PUBLIC DEPARTMENT, PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES.
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he committee is expected to support the development of tourist accommodation in Mecca, and contribute to heritage, antiquity and museum events and programmes. The organisation will align the efforts of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage and its partners, to support projects related to the preservation and identification of Islamic historical sites. There are currently 17 councils in Saudi Arabia that implement tourism development plans, thereby encouraging business investment in the regions.
Emaar’s New Tower Proves Structural Strength
6 AUGUST 2016
Rendering of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour
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fter advanced wind tunnel tests, seismic examinations and local climate studies, Emaar Properties have declared that The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour is structurally strong and durable. The developer commissioned a comprehensive set of wind tunnel trials that had never been carried out before, due to the project design involving anchoring cables. Tests were completed on a full scaled model in addition to different sections of the building. With wind being considered a significant challenge at high altitudes, the 12 analysis and testing methods ensure the quality and safety of the tower. Featuring luxury accommodation, retail attractions and an observation deck, the high-rise development, designed by Santiago Calatrava, will also include damper and shock absorption systems.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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AirPlus and Enterprise Ease Business Travel
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irPlus and Enterprise Holdings established a new collaboration, providing the former’s users with access to 41 countries that are part of the car rental company’s network, with more to follow. The expanded partnership with the business travel payment and data management firm enhances Enterprise Holdings’ payment options and highlights the extent to which car rental has been integrated into international business travel. AirPlus facilitates better reporting on car rentals that is VATcompliant, whilst ensuring consistent management regardless of the transaction location and the client’s place of residence. Rob Ingram, director of business rental, Europe, Enterprise Holdings, stated, “As we continue to grow and evolve our global operations, we are constantly seeking to implement new programmes that better serve [business travellers] customers.”
DMCA Forms RASEINA
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he Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has revealed the formation of RASEINA Maritime Domestic & Leisure Working Group, a first of its kind in the UAE, which aims to promote Dubai’s marine and leisure sector activities. The group has been created in a bid to support the maritime sector strategy and further strengthen the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most important maritime centers. According to Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, the decree paves the way for a new era of excellence in terms of promoting the competitive advantages of Dubai and its marine leisure and recreational activities.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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Royal Caribbean Reinvents Corporate Online Resource
Travelport Signs Deal with Roibek Travel
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6 AUGUST 2016
Royal Caribbean International has launched a new website for corporate meetings, incentives and event planners.
Radiance of the Seas
oibek Travel has invested in Travelport’s services to develop its online presence in order to meet customer needs in Saudi Arabia, hailed as the largest travelling nation in the Middle East. The exclusive agreement will give the Riyadh-based agency access to the technology company’s Universal API technology which controls Internet booking engines and collates travel content, thereby aiding the user’s online commercial success. Furthermore, the point of sale solution, Smartpoint will help to maximise revenue and increase productivity whilst improving the customer experience. Roibek Travel will now have real-time access to 650,000 hotels, 36,000 car rental locations and 400 airlines’ fares in addition to other products.
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ith a new look, the digital hub now offers a fully integrated process with enhanced search functionality, exclusive planning tools and customisable options that allow organisers to quickly find a destination and all details that meet their needs. Professionals can use a range of devices to gather information and request proposal forms based on their group criteria. Royal Caribbean International offers dedicated conference facilities on board 25 ships, along with the assistance of an event planning team, a variety of function spaces and high-speed Internet.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Louvre Hotels Partners with Regional Airlines
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he aim is to advance brand visibility and facilitate the development of a loyal clientele. The hotelier has strategically chosen to team up with airlines that fly to destinations where the company has a strong presence in order to further increase value for customers. According to Françoise Houdebine, vice president, marketing and sales, Louvre Hotels Group, this gives the brand a real point of positioning and differentiation, presenting a whole new hotel experience for business travellers.
Golden Tulip Galleria Beirut
Further enhancing the benefits offered through its loyalty programme Connections, Louvre Hotels Group has signed deals with Gulf Air, Tunisair and Ethiopian Airlines, Frequent flyers of the hotel group’s 14 partner airlines can accumulate miles when staying in threestar Tulip Inn, four-star Golden Tulip and five-star Royal Tulip luxury properties.
Saudi Hotel Sector Faces Challenges
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Riyadh
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audi Arabia’s hotel market is experiencing a slowdown in business, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)’s report . As Jamil Ghaznawi, country head, Saudi Arabia, JLL, explained, reduced corporate demand and government spending, both of which are the outcome of the recent fluctuation in oil prices, have jeopardised the hospitality sector’s performance in Jeddah and Riyadh. Over the past 18 months, Jeddah has witnessed a notable growth in room supply, with the majority of entrants representing the five-star category. Therefore, as Ghaznawi noted, product differentiation remains a crucial success factor. In the capital, more than 8,000 new keys are expected to be added to the room inventory by the end of 2018, however, substantial delays in delivery are anticipated to soften the impact of new addresses thereby decreasing the pressure on occupancy and daily rates.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Increases Stake in IAG Qatar Airways has announced that it now holds a 20.01 percent share in International Airlines Group (IAG).
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he carrier, that previously owned a 15.67 percent share, increased its stake within allowed limits. Non-European Union (EU) shareholders are subject to a cap on ownership to ensure that EU airlines are majority owned by EU shareholders. Qatar Airways states that its interest in IAG is solely financial, with its enhanced shareholding is demonstrative of the commercial and strategic ties between companies. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “We continue to be highly supportive of IAG’s strategy and management team and we do not intend to increase our percentage shareholding further unless there are material changes to the current situation.”
Jazeera Lounge Unveiled in Kuwait
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Jazeera Lounge
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azeera Aiways has inaugurated its business lounge at Kuwait International Airport. The facility, that overlooks the runway, is conveniently located near to the low-cost carrier’s gates, and provides free Wi-Fi and a business corner with iPads. In addition to these perks, a healthy buffet is also available to travellers, as well as a seating plan that offers privacy. Speaking of the airline’s ongoing commitment to serve premium customers, Mohamed Barakat, vice president, marketing and product, Jazeera Airways, remarked, “We are always keen to exert our utmost efforts in meeting our passengers’ needs as well as our strategic plans to elevate the travel experience in Kuwait.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Etihad Augments New York Service
I John F. Kennedy International Airport
n response to increased passenger demand, Etihad Airways announced its plans to introduce an additional Airbus A380 service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Starting June 01, 2017, the new service will join the ongoing daily A380 flight, and will replace the existing Boeing 777-
300ER aircraft between the destinations. Reaffirming the airline’s commitment to its guests, Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, stated, “[...] The highest levels of comfort, luxury and world-class hospitality [are delivered] at every point in their travel journey – on the ground and in the air – across all classes of service.”
Millions of Kilometers Served by Emirates
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mirates aircraft have travelled over 432 million kilometres since January, equivalent to traversing the globe more than 10,700 times. A typical week sees the airline operating more than 3,600 flights, with over 96,000 services having been carried out in the first half of the year. Interestingly, over 50 million passengers have flown on Emirates Airbus A380s since the aircraft joined the fleet in 2008. Emirates also operates the largest family of Boeing 777s, with 157 of these popular wide-body aircarft connecting Dubai to 109 destinations around the world.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Emirates Partners with Boeing for Pilot Training
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Artist’s depiction of Emirates Flight Training Academy
Boeing: 1.5 Million Pilots and Technicians by 2035
ome 1.5 million pilots and technicians will be required in the global aviation industry by 2035, according to Boeing’s 2016 Pilot and Technician Outlook. More specifically, 617,000 pilots will be needed, along with 679,000 new commercial aircraft technicians and 814,000 cabin crew members. This year’s outlook pinpoints a 10.5 percent growth over 2015 in pilot demand and an 11.3 percent boost in acquiring more maintenance technicians. In the Middle East, 58,000 pilots, 66,000 technicians and 92,000 new cabin crew members are expected to join the aviation sector.
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n response to the increased need for pilots in the industry, Emirates Flight Training Academy signed an agreement with Boeing under which the organisations will collaborate on a comprehensive training curriculum and software infrastructure to support learning operations. Due to open in October at Dubai World Central, the airline’s dedicated facility will combine best practices in education with the latest learning technologies and cutting-edge training aircraft. According to the Boeing agreement, the academy will also receive an integrated software system. An order for 27 Boeing aircraft has been placed by Emirates to allow ab-initio pilots to complete their training in the UAE, following the launch of the facility.
Etihad Airways Enhances Jordan Operations
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Salalah
Amman
n a bid to offer travellers greater comfort in the sky, Etihad Airways has upgraded its regular service between Abu Dhabi and Amman. Since the beginning of the month, passengers flying between the two popular Middle Eastern destinations can enjoy the many benefits of a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which is now being deployed on a daytime return flight. Also known as Dreamliner, the widebody airliner boasts a two-class configuration and a total capacity of 235 customers.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Oman Air Receives Boeing 737-800
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ubai Aerospace Enterprise, a globally recognised aerospace company headquartered in Dubai, has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with Oman Air for two Boeing 737800s. As part of the airline’s fleet expansion, aircraft deliveries began in July and another airliner is set to arrive this month.
Etihad Opens World-class LA Lounge
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tihad Airways has launched its new lounge at Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal. The facility allows first and business class passengers to relax, re-energise and be entertained in a tranquil environment and enjoy high-quality culinary experiences and hospitality services. Along with Washington, D.C. and New York City, the airport is the third US location to welcome a dedicated Etihad Airways lounge. Martin Drew, senior vice president, Americas, Etihad Airways, expressed, “Our new first and business class lounge in Los Angeles demonstrates our unwavering commitment to travellers on the US West Coast, and in the US as a whole.”
Etihad Airways lounge
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
AHMED MOURAD MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, THE REGENCY HOTEL, KUWAIT
KUWAIT HAS LONG ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE REGION’S LEADING BUSINESS DESTINATIONS, FREQUENTED BY BUSINESSMEN AND CORPORATE TRAVELLERS, MANY OF WHOM ARE USED TO HIGH-END SERVICES. HERE AHMED MOURAD, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, THE REGENCY HOTEL, KUWAIT, TALKS ABOUT THE COUNTRY’S LUXURY SCENE.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is the luxury travel segment to The Regency Hotel, Kuwait? AHMED MOURAD: Luxury travellers [represent] a very important segment to our hotel. As one of the leading business destinations in the region, Kuwait often receives a large number of business travellers who attend seminars, conferences
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The Regency Hotel, Kuwait
and/or are just seeking new business opportunities. Those business and corporate people are travelling the world with high expectations and [a high] attention to detail, [thus], our hotel comes as their first choice when visiting Kuwait. We have enough experience to fulfil their needs and match their expectations. However, luxury travellers at our hotel are not only business or corporate travellers. In addition, most of GCC guests are luxury travellers as they are used to high standards with excellent services, and according to this, a big percentage of our guests represent this segment. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How is the hotel responding to the everevolving needs and preferences of luxury travellers? AHMED MOURAD: The Regency Hotel, Kuwait has positioned itself amongst the most luxurious hotels in Kuwait. As the leading luxury hotel, it has been awarded in the past few years [with various titles, such as] the leading luxury hotel in Kuwait, by providing excellent and international services and standards to all of our guests. The newly refurbished hotel has upto-date technologies that should serve the ever-evolving needs and preferences of luxury travellers, and with the assistance of our experienced team, we provide our guests with above-expectation solutions to their inquiries. Nevertheless, we keep developing our facilities in order to maintain [our position as] the first choice for luxury travellers. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: In your opinion, what makes Kuwait a must-visit destination for high-end travellers? AHMED MOURAD: It is not strange for
Kuwait to have its own share from the travel market and attract luxury travellers who appreciate the finer things in life. Kuwait has many attractions to visit, such as the historical car museum, where travellers can see and feel the history by looking at various very famous cars which once belonged to past kings or were shown in famous Hollywood movies. In addition, Kuwait has some of the most luxurious and biggest shopping malls in the GCC that include the finest and the most luxurious brands from all over the world. It also has many different cultural entertainment gateways, which present different kinds of art to those who are interested [in these]. Moreover, of course, Kuwait is a hub for food lovers, where they can find all kinds of cuisine, with many different styles from around the world. There are always development plans for Kuwait with solid steps [being taken] to move forward and keep up with the fast changes of the world. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Could Kuwait become the next Middle Eastern hotspot for discerning travellers? AHMED MOURAD: Luxury travellers already exist in Kuwait, however, I see it is a growing segment. The reason behind that is the efforts that have been made by the Kuwaiti government, which has also started to participate in many international road shows all over the world to grab a fair share of the international travel market by introducing Kuwait to the world in a different way with the help of local businessmen – since they have got all the technologies and the finest brands and concepts – so that [the country] can stand on the top of the list of the GCC’s must-visit countries, while at the same time keeping the real identity of the old Kuwait that is conservative and generous. 6 AUGUST 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Partners with UnionPay
dusitD2 Khao Yai Unveiled
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referred Hotels & Resorts has entered into a global partnership with UnionPay International as part of its continuous campaign to court the booming Chinese outbound market by making it easier for travellers to enjoy an independent hotel experience. Effective through 2019, the agreement is designed to benefit both the hundreds of hotels and resorts within the brand’s global portfolio and the millions of UnionPay cardholders worldwide through a variety of components, including advertising campaigns and special promotions. As part of the agreement, UnionPay International will provide Preferred Hotels & Resorts with valuable exposure through banner advertising and statement inserts at affiliate banks across China.
Cocoon at dusitD2 Khao Yai
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eveloped by Vilailux Development, Dusit International’s latest venture, dusitD2 Khao Yai opened in Thailand. Situated on the outskirts of Khao Yai National Park, the hotel boasts 79 guest rooms, each with plug and play facilities. The property has been designed to appeal to international travellers, who seek high-tech connectivity and efficacious modern convenience. One of the new address’ unique features is Cocoon, a treetop private dining pod which offers a bird’s eye view of the premises and the nearby mountain range. Guests are also invited to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, an international restaurant, as well as both indoor and open-air function spaces.
Crowne Plaza Yerevan to Open in 2018
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Yerevan
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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announnced Crowne Plaza Yerevan, to be operated under a management agreement with Hotel SR. Due to open in 2018, the Armenian property will feature two suites, 12 club rooms and 84 standard units, as well as a lobby bar and a restaurant. For corporate meetings and events, IHG’s latest addition to the region will also feature 120m2 of conference space and an 18m2 board room. Stanislav Hambartsumyan, director, Hotel SR, commented, “Yerevan’s popularity among domestic and international travellers is on the rise, attracting both guests who come for business and for leisure. With business activity in the city gaining momentum, we could not imagine a better time to introduce Crowne Plaza to Yerevan.”
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[…] The importance of Abu Dhabi as a global hub grows
“As Etihad Airways expands its US operations, and the importance of Abu Dhabi as a global hub grows, so will our impact on the US economy, and in particular the employment landscape with the huge number of jobs supported across the country, both directly and indirectly. The figures […] clearly show the catalytic incremental effect that the Etihad Aviation Group will have in the job market and on the US economy in the years to come.”
CEO, OMAN AIR
Dubai represents everything that W Hotels [is] passionate about
“It has been a long-time coming, but the first W Hotel in the UAE opened its doors [this June]. As a leading lifestyle hotel, it is fitting that W Dubai opens within a unique and first-of-its-kind urban resort like Al Habtoor City – Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East. As a city, Dubai represents everything that W Hotels [is] passionate about; fashion, music, design, and fuel.”
DIRECTOR, ASIA PACIFIC, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, VISITBRITAIN
PAUL GREGOROWITSCH
GENERAL MANAGER, W DUBAI – AL HABTOOR CITY
PETER KATUSAK-HUZSVAR
PRESIDENT, ETIHAD AVIATION GROUP
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We aim to make air travel an exciting and enjoyable experience
SUMATHI RAMANATHAN
JAMES HOGAN
TRAVEL TALK
We are welcoming visitors from the GCC
“At Oman Air, we aim to make air travel an exciting and enjoyable experience for every customer. So we are particularly pleased to be unveiling our Junior Sindbad Flyer Passports for our young customers. Every Junior Sindbad Flyer will receive their own Oman Air passport which will be stamped and signed by the captain on every flight they take. Once they have collected 10 stamps and signatures, they will be able to claim a free flight to any destination within our network – what better opportunity to discover the world?”
“We are welcoming visitors from the GCC to Great Britain and we are expecting this summer to see more GCC nationals visiting as we continue our activity to promote Britain as a favourite holiday destination. Our global Home of Amazing Moments marketing campaign will encourage more people to come and visit Britain by showcasing some of Britain’s best captured moments.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? [After living] in Japan for four years, I joined InsideJapan back in 2005 as a travel consultant and tour leader. Inside Japan has evolved to be part of InsideAsia Tours [...] and my role has developed into the public relations and marketing manager. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? It is all about the in-destination experi-
NAME:
James Mundy Public relations and
POSITION: marketing manager COMPANY: InsideAsia Tours LOCATION: Bristol, UK WEBSITE: www.InsideAsiaTours.com
ence, love and knowledge of the country and culture, and believing in the product you sell. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Is Japan expensive? When is the best time of the year to travel? What are the must-see places? Have you been there? What are the must-visits and must-dos in the UK that nobody should miss? Bristol itself is a good city with plenty of free festivals during the summer months. We have Wales on our doorstep [and] the historic town of Bath. A must-do in the UK would be to visit one of the cities free galleries or museums. Which destination is on your bucketlist? I could go back again and again to Japan and Myanmar. I also love diving and would love to visit Pemba Island and Zanzibar. 6 AUGUST 2016
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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GULF HOTELS SUPPORTS DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY LINGUISTIC SUMMER CAMP IN SHARJAH
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osted by Sharjah’s public library and Horouf, part of the Kalimat Publishing Group, the emirates’s Arabic linguistic summer programme utilises smart technology to develop children’s language skills as well as cognitive and physical abilities. The four-week camp will emphasise the importance of books, both for development and pleasure, through entertaining publications and interactive applications. Sayf Bel Arabi, meaning Arabic summer, runs until August 17 and consists of 12 themed workshops which aim to enhance free learning processes. Those who attend will also be able to take part in activities such as art and traditional handicrafts and will have the opportunity to enter competitions.
From left: Mohammed Al Mannai, Adel Fakhro, Aqeel Raees, Rahim Abu Omar
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ahrain’s Down Syndrome Society has received a donation of BHD2,000 (USD5,302) by Gulf Hotels Group, as a gesture of support to their activities. The cheque of the donation was presented by Aqeel Raees, CEO, Gulf Hotels Group, to Adel Fakhro, Bahrain Down Syndrome Society with Rahim Abu Omar, general manager, Gulf Hotels Group and Mohammed Al Mannai, manager, Bahrain Down Syndrome Society.
SCTH ORGANISES STUDENT TRIPS
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audi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH)’s programme targets secondary school and university students, encouraging them to experience and learn about their homeland and national urban heritage. As part of its endeavours, SCTH, represented by Live Saudi Arabia, took 40 Prince Sultan Social Center pupils on a two-day trip to Al Ula, where they attended a range of events, visited historical sites and met with officials and local residents. Meanwhile, 99 learners, who attend the College of Tourism and Antiquities and College of Architecture and Planning, took part in an onsite training of the Urban Heritage Center on the rebuilding and restoration of earthen buildings in Dir’iyah.
MILLENNIUM MUSSANAH AND OMAN SAIL HOST SUMMER CAMP
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rganised by Oman Sail’s corporate and personal development (CPD) department, children aged between eight and 17 attended a one-day programme at Millennium Resort Mussanah, filled with activities such as sailing, kayaking, cooking and team building exercises, all led by qualified instructors. Ahmed al Ma'amari, senior facilitator, CPD, Oman Sail, said, “This programme aims to inspire the youth with the values of teamwork, patience, commitment and leadership that will serve them well beyond our classes and translate into every aspect of their lives.”
Oman Sail summer camp
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PHOTO ALBUM
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Thumbs up for and from Rabih Zein, the new general manager of Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah
Dubai Duty Free revealed the latest millionaire winners
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Summer nights at Le Gray Beirut
Flavours Of Ramadan TV shooting at Kempinski Hotel Ajman
6 AUGUST 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Russian singer Nikolay Rastorguev was hosted at Burj Al Arab in Dubai
A very special superhero at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl in Doha
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NEWS & EVENTS Oman to Host Major Comics Event
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uscat will welcome the internationally renowned IGN Convention between December 09 – 10, at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The programme marks the first-ever comics event to take place in the Sultanate, offering a real treat to the tech-savvy community and popular culture enthusiasts. “With its diverse attractions and activities, IGN Convention is an event not to be missed, expecting to attract thousands of attendees to Oman’s state-of-the art events hub,” confessed Trevor McCartney, general manager, OCEC. Participants will experience two days of games, activities, discussion panels, workshops, concerts and live video game music, while having the opportunity to meet their favourite celebrities.
Date Festival in Ajman
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heikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, crown prince, Ajman, inaugurated the third annual Liwa Date Festival, at Emirates Hospitality Centre. The three-day festivity, an extension of the Abu Dhabi event of the same name, celebrated the best dates and citrus fruits grown by local farmers. The organisers aimed to inform tourists and residents about Emirati heritage, while encouraging them to learn about traditions and customs. Al Nuaimi supported the continuation of the festival in order to present the importance of the palm and act as a forum for farmers.
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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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