13 AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 353
10 EMIRATES RELAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO CONAKRY
11 QATAR AIRWAYS PARTNERS WITH MALINDO AIR
PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT DWC SURGES 79.8 PERCENT
05 GENERAL
DUBAI’S EVENT TOURISM REMAINS STRONG
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
EMAAR PROPERTIES GROWS 12 PERCENT
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALISTS
Rendering of Emaar Properties’ Dubai Opera
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 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
Emaar Properties has reported a profit of AED2.48 billion (USD674 million) in the first half of the current year, marking a 12 percent rise over 2015.
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ompared to the first six months of 2015, revenue jumped 11 percent, reaching AED7.281 billion (USD1.98 billion). Property sales in Dubai have hit AED8.85 billion (USD2.41 billion), 45 percent higher than in the same period 2015. Representing 40 percent of total revenue, income from shopping malls and retail combined with hospitality and leisure amounted to AED2.92 billion (USD794 million). Emaar Properties maintained its progress in the second quarter with a net profit of AED1.27 billion (USD346 million), an eight percent year-on-year increase.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL: OVER 285,000 KEYS JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
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Marriott International’s net income totalled USD247 million in the second quarter (Q2) of the year, indicating a USD7 million rise over the same time frame in 2015.
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he three-month period ended with USD0.96 diluted earnings per share, as opposed to 2015’s USD0.87 for the corresponding period. The company’s development channel has increased to more than 285,000 keys globally, with nearly 11,000 rooms added in Q2, including 1,700 units converted from competitor brands, and approximately 3,600 in international markets. The acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is expected to close in the coming weeks. Arne Sorenson, president, Marriott International, commented, “We anticipate to grow our worldwide rooms’ distribution by 6.5 percent, net, [this year] from Marriott’s 19 legacy brands alone.”
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MARKET UPDATE Slight Revenue Increase at Wyndham
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Commercial Deliveries Fuel Boeing Revenue
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oeing reported a second quarter increase in revenue to USD24.8 billion driven by strong commercial deliveries and service expansion. The operating cash flow stood at USD3.2 billion, largely reflecting commercial airplane production rates and a solid operating performance. Some 15.3 million shares were repurchased at a value of at USD2 billion. The company’s backlog remained prosperous at USD472 billion. During the term, Boeing opened the new 777X Composite Wing Center in Everett, and received more than 3,200 orders for the 737 MAX. Dennis Muilenburg, president, Boeing, commented, “Our strong cash generation also supported our ongoing commitment to invest in product innovation and in our people, and return substantial cash to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends."
Boeing’s 777X Composite Wing Center, Everett
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yndham Worldwide announced that its second quarter (Q2) revenue increased one percent. The group reported a Q2 net income of USD156 million, compared to USD159 in the same period in 2015. Depreciation, higher interest expenses and an elevated tax rate counteracted the growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). On a currency neutral basis and excluding acquisitions, EBITDA rose three percent to USD340 million. Domestic RevPAR at the company’s properties rose two percent, with total group RevPAR declining 0.6 percent. In the group’s hotel division EBITDA grew five percent to USD101 million and the number of rooms surged 2.2 percent.
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13 AUGUST 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS
DUBAI’S EVENT TOURISM REMAINS
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s a core pillar of the emirate’s tourism industry, the event sector remains a strong and expanding contributor to the economy. The 2015 analysis revealed that 27 percent of 656 ticketed happenings were for leisure purposes, accounting for 60 percent of the 1.1 million tickets sold. The implementation of the city’s e-Permit platform was finalised in 2015 to unify the sector by enabling organisers to apply for licenses and permits. The service allows consumers to purchase tickets for all registered events, resulting in a boost of between 45 – 69 percent in online sales.
THE DUBAI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND COMMERCE MARKETING HAS RELEASED ITS FIRST TICKETED EVENTS IN DUBAI REPORT, COMMISSIONED TO FACILITATE THE GROWTH OF EXISTING PROGRAMMES AND LAUNCH NEW ONES.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Strong
New Italy Visa Centre in Amman
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Fontana Di Trevi, Rome
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esidents of Jordan can now apply for an Italian visa and register for biometrics at a new application centre in Amman. The relocated facility, now in Al Barakeh Mall, is in close proximity to the main business district offering convenience and enhanced accessibility. The service is operated by VFS Global, which currently caters to 11 govenments in the Kingdom. With some 6,000 Jordanian visa applications every year, Giovanni Brauzzi, ambassador, Italy, spoke of the positive impact on the development of trade and investments between the two countries. Brauzzi also added, “I am confident that our efforts will increase the efficiency and the satisfaction of Jordanian travellers and the business community.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
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NTP Adopts 13 SCTH Initiatives in Saudi Arabia
Medina
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ational Transformation Program (NTP) has taken on 13 proposals, valued at more than SAR26 billion (USD6.93 billion), as part of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH)’s goal to create an integrated tourism and heritage industry. H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, SCTH, welcomed the implementation of the initiatives following SCTH’s early completion of all the requirements of its organisational structure, which has helped built a strong economic sector. The scheme includes the allocation of financial support for progressing components of cultural heritage, the development of key tourist destinations and the implementation of the Saudi Arabia: Destination of All Muslims programme.
First class on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380
Rapid Growth of First and Business Class
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etween 2014 – 2015, the number of first and business class seats on Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways soared 67 and 47 percent, respectively, on the top 10 origins and routes between Europe and Asia Pacific, reported Amadeus IT Group. Passenger traffic through Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai also increased eight percent on flights between Europe and the Asia Pacific. Amadeus IT Group has already renewed its distribution agreements with Emirates and Etihad Airways, while the Qatari airline has had a contract in place since 2014. The group has the rights to sell tickets to passengers worldwide through travel agents using its technology. The company enables carriers utilising analytics to improve profitability and gain insight into performance and market dynamics.
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Emirates Joins Travelport Merchandising Platform
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ravelport and Emirates have renewed their IT and global full content agreements. The multi-year deal will see the airline offering Travelport-connected agencies access to its fares and inventory through the Travel Commerce Platform, while on the IT side, the technology expert will continue to provide the carrier with innovative pricing, shopping and ticket rebooking solutions. Emirates will also begin the initial rollout of Travelport’s airline merchandising solutions, which allows the Dubai-based airline to directly promote its fare brands, ancillaries and associated upsell options – for the first time – to the global travel agent community.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
Sabre Announces Integrated Business Application Sabre is developing a new mobile platform which aims to lower costs for corporate travellers, allowing users to manage itineraries, control policy compliant, mid-trip bookings and finances.
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he technology intends to simplify travel management processes through its ability of integrating with any expense system, enabling coportations to import data to existing programmes. Global Business Travel Association and Sabre conducted a survey which revealed that business travellers use technology to ease travel, but are constrained to multiple mobile applications. Sabre aspires to enhance customer satisfaction by offering a seamless resource where users can manage multiple trips.
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WEEKLY NEWS ATTRACTIONS
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Biggest Entertainment Park Opens in Turkey
The Land of Legends Theme Park
A joint venture of Rixos Hotels, Emaar Properties and Dragone Productions, The Land of Legends Theme Park was unveiled in Turkey.
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he leisure park’s highlights include a 43m high water coaster that reaches speeds of 86km/h, a 5D cinema as well as surf and wave pools. Visitors can experience light and water performances within the water world. A variety of sea animals can also be observed on an underwater safari and boat trips. Situated in Belek, the complex boasts the country’s first hotel designed for children, Kingdom, featuring fairy tale influenced rooms and suites equipped with double-screen TVs and games consoles.
Saadiyat Lagoons District rendering
Next Step for Saadiyat Lagoons District
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ourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi, awarded the enabling works contract for phase one of the Saadiyat Lagoons District to Western Bainoona Group for General Contracting. The six-month deal will cover ground improvements and site clearance for the development that is expected to become home to 29,000 residents across more than 4,300 units. The first phase of the Saadiyat Lagoons District includes 820 townhouses set in a gated community. The properties will offer two- and three- bedroom units featuring a contemporary design. Homeowners will also have access to a range of community facilities, including pools and children playgrounds, a dedicated convenience store as well as a neighbourhood lagoon.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Jannah Hotels & Resorts Taps into Halal Segment
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ith Halal travel being considered as one of the fastest-growing segments in the hospitality sector, Jannah Hotels & Resorts lays great emphasis on meeting the specific needs of Muslim
guests. As Martin Persson, chief operating officer, Jannah Hotels & Resorts, noted, from Halal food to prayer rugs and Qiblah direction in all rooms
and suites, the company’s properties are well equipped to cater to these visitors. “At the moment, about 50 percent of our guests, both local and international, make up [this] sector,” disclosed Persson, adding that as dry hotels, properties flying the Jannah flag are particularly appealing to those following their faith even while on the go.
HMH: Bigger Impression on Visitors This Year
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ospitality Management Holdings (HMH) recorded a 12 percent year-to-date increase in favourable guest reviews at the various properties managed by the group. Averaging between 75 and 95 percent in positive feedback, most of the company’s addresses, including The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah and Coral Dubai Deira Hotel scored high in popularity index charts of leading online travel agencies as well as on visitor review sites such as TripAdvisor. Laurent Voivenel, CEO, HMH, expressed, “[Customers’] feedback is extremely precious for us as we are committed to exceed their expectations.”
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Dubai Maintains Occupancy but Drops Rates
Emirates Relaunches Flights to Conakry
Emirates will recommence its four four-weekly Dubai – Conakry – Dakar – Dubai service on October 30.
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Conakry
Boeing 777-300ER was introduced on the Dubai – Dakar route on August 02 to provide additional capacity ahead of the return of flights to the Guinean capital. Flight EK797 will depart Dubai on Tuesdays, while EK795 will be operated every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Alongside passenger operations, the carrier will offer 20 tonnes of freight capacity on every service. The airline suspended operations to Conakry in 2014, after first launching it in October 2013. Emirates has a global network of over 150 destinations, and once Conakry re-joins, the airline will reach 28 airports in Africa.
Etihad Brings Dreamliner to Shanghai
Qatar Airways Reaches Pisa
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa
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hanghai has become the seventh destination to be served by Etihad Airways’ Boeing 7879 Dreamliner, representing a 14 percent capacity increase on the route. With China being hailed as the largest global business market, the new aircraft will further consolidate the airline’s reputation in the Asian country. To celebrate the inaugural flight, guests received commemorative certificates featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower. The carrier has an additional 62 Boeing 787 Dreamliners scheduled to be delivered in the upcoming years.
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atar Airways has further extended its European network with the introduction of four-weekly services between Doha and Pisa. The destination is the fourth city in Italy to be served by the airline. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “Pisa is an important addition to our route map, strengthening our ties with the people of Italy […]. We are equally delighted to be giving our loyal passengers from around the globe the chance to visit the beautiful city of Pisa and the surrounding region of Tuscany.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Partners with Malindo Air
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atar Airways has teamed up with Malaysian airline Malindo Air to offer passengers seamless travel and greater connectivity when flying between southeast Asia and the more than 100 destinations in the Gulf carriers’ repertoire. The enhanced offer is coupled with the convenience of a single reservation across both airlines’ networks, thanks to a new bilateral interline agreement that took effect on July 08. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “By partnering with carriers such as Malindo Air, Qatar Airways is able to expand its regional footprint and continue to drive passenger growth on our Malaysia route and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.”
Oman Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines Codeshare
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man Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement covering services between Muscat and four Saudi cities. From the Omani capital, the Sultanate’s carrier operates twicedaily flights to Riyadh and Jeddah, with up to two departures a day to Damman and daily services to Medina. Meanwhile Saudi Arabian Airlines offers regular routes from Riyadh, Jeddeh and Medina. The arrangement is part of Oman Air’s strategy to enhance connectivity, and one of the many codeshare partnerships the company has signed. Khalid Albassam, vice president, network and revenue management, Saudi Arabian Airlines, commented, “There is a natural synergy between the national carriers of our respective countries and customers are sure to appreciate the increased choice and convenience that this codeshare offers.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Ryanair Announces Liverpool – Marrakech Route
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yanair has enhanced its winter schedule with its new twice-weekly flights from Liverpool to Marrakech set to commence on October 31. Following the recent addition of a route to Sofia, the airline predicts that its Liverpool winter agenda – comprising of 25 routes and 95 weekly take offs – will provide 1,400 onsite jobs at the UK airport and carry 1.9 million customers every year. Robin Tudor, head of public relations, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said, “This growth reaffirms the airport’s commitment to expanding international connections for the region, providing more choice to the travelling public.”
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Cebu Pacific Air Affiliates with UAE Exchange
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hen booking seats on Cebu Pacific Air’s website, UAE-based clients can now pay in cash via UAE Exchange, one of the leading global remittances, foreign exchange and payment solutions brand. The new partnership offers tourists, business travellers and Filipino expatriates an alternative payment method, especially convenient for those without a credit card. Alex Reyes, general manager, long-haul division, Cebu Pacific Air, explained, “With our frequent online seat sales and multiple branches of UAE Exchange across the UAE, this partnership can only make [our] trademark low fares more accessible for everyone.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Shajah Airport: Rise in Passenger Numbers
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Sharjah International Airport
harjah Airport Authority has reported that in the first half of the year, Sharjah International Airport saw the number of passengers increase 11.55 percent. The airfield, based in the UAE’s third most populous city, handled 5.35 million travellers from January to June, compared to 4.79 million in the same period in 2015. Aircraft movements have escalated 5.74 percent, rising from 34,270 to 36,237. In addition to the growth in tourist numbers, the volume of cargo processed reached 92,000 tonnes.
Rising Traffic in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport
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assenger numbers at Abu Dhabi International Airport reached 11.85 million in the first half (H1) of the year, leading to a 6.6 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2015. The most significant surge was recorded in Terminal 1 with over 4.7 million travellers, up 22 percent. Mumbai proved to be the most popular destination in June, recording a rise of 26 percent compared to the equivalent month in 2015, while traffic from both Jeddah and Doha jumped 12 percent. Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, acting CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, referred to January and March as the busiest months in H1, with passenger movements reaching two million on both occasions.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Increased Number of Travellers at QAIA
QAIA
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ueen Alia International Airport (QAIA) witnessed notable improvements in traffic in the first half of the year. According to statistics revealed by Airport International Group (AIG), Amman’s hub received 3.42 million passengers, recording a 5.4 percent boost over 2015. Aircraft movements (ACM) and cargo volumes also rose 5.7 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively. Conversely, the airport recorded weaker operational statistics in June, due to the month largely coinciding with Ramadan. As a result, ACM dropped 1.9 percent, while passenge numbers were down seven percent. Commenting on the airport’s six-month figures, Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG, expressed confidence and suggested that traffic is set to boom in months to come.
Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu
ICAO Stresses Importance of Air Cargo Security
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lumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, president, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasised the need to effectively apply air cargo security measures, in line with ICAO and World Customs Organization (WCO)’s focus on best practices in operations and their commitment to providing assistance to member states. At ICAO-WCO’s third joint conference on enhancing air cargo security and facilitation, Aliu highlighted the significant progress the organisations have made in conceiving and aligning policies and tools as well as in raising awareness amongst stakeholders. Aliu explained that ICAO and WCO must concentrate on the prevention of severe delays, disruptions and financial losses, all consequences of air cargo security failures.
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
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Tourism Film Festival Brings People Together
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The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
he Sun Siyam Iru Fushi recently concluded the first-ever International Tourism Film Festival in the Maldives, which aimed to bring people of different ages, interests and backgrounds together, in one place and unite them through their common love of arts, tourism and sports.
Running over three days, the festival showcased clips from across the globe with breath-taking content related to tourism and nature. The grand finale included the screening of the top nominees, followed by the awards ceremony. The event hosted a number of celebrities as well as journalists from the international scene.
New Zealand to Welcome Two Hotels
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nterContinental Hotels Group is set to inaugurate its first Holiday Inn hotel in Queenstown later this year, following the conversion of the former Goldridge Resort. The company’s othe project is a newly-built Holiday Inn Express hotel in Christchurch city centre, which is due to open in 2018. The rebranding of the Goldridge Resort to Holiday Inn Queenstown will officially take place in December following a USD3.5 million refurbishment. A 50-key extension to the property is also planned in the near future. The new Holiday Inn Express Christchurch will boast 120 units, and will be within reach of The Frame, a large green space featuring cafÊs, restaurants, cycle paths and walkways.
Queenstown
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
YASMINE MAALOUF GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA DOWNTOWN BEIRUT
BESIDES THE EVER-EVOLVING PREFERENCES OF GUESTS, CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS AND TALENT ACQUISITIONS ARE ALSO ON THE AGENDA OF TOP HOTELIERS LIKE YASMINE MAALOUF, GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA DOWNTOWN BEIRUT.
Ramada Downtown Beirut
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Please tell us about this development. Which areas of the property have been renewed? YASMINE MAALOUF: Indeed, we have just completed the renovation of the entire Ramada Downtown Beirut – which we are very proud of. The outlets as well as the lobby have been completely renovated. The 99 rooms have been also partially renovated with new colours and new bathrooms. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: In order to counterbalance the decrease in GCC visitors, in recent months, Lebanese hoteliers have been particularly active in European and African markets. How have your strategy changed in order to better adapt to current market conditions? Which markets are on your radar?
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: The past months have posed various challenges to the Lebanese tourism industry. How has business been at the hotel? What achievements are you most proud of?
YASMINE MAALOUF: Certainly, we have focussed on the European markets, however, we have been also targeting Egypt, Iraq as well as the Lebanese diaspora. We have been listening to our clientele and accounts, and consequently adopted a new strategy according to their needs.
YASMINE MAALOUF: We have achieved the [anticipated] figures in terms of occupancy for the first and second quarters of the year. Of course, we have faced a big challenge in terms of average daily rate, however, the volume of business [helped to secure] the balance. In addition, we faced the challenge of an entire renovation while still operating the hotel. This project posed the biggest challenge; however, we are now very proud of our new [offerings].
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: The Lebanese tourism industry has long been famed for its genuine services and hospitable people. How big of a challenge is it today to attract the best talent and keep these employees en-
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Ramada Downtown Beirut
gaged in the long run? YASMINE MAALOUF: The company offers benefits to their employees, such as insurance, additional annual leave, activities as well as internal departmental trainings. In addition, at Ramada Downtown Beirut, we have introduced a special programme for mothers, allowing them to create a healthy balance between their career and personal life. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: As the general manager of Ramada Downtown Beirut, what are your priorities for the coming months? YASMINE MAALOUF: In the coming months, we will be focussing on meeting our budget goals, while also preparing ourselves for and [working on] yearend activities. We are also in the process of launching our theme nights, with [programmes] such as Ladies Nights every Fridays, as of September. 13 AUGUST 2016
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? […] At the age of 16 I started at AA Travel in Leicester Square. After three months I moved [to] Cosmopolitan Holidays […]. I was sent to be the holiday representative in Elounda. After a year […] I transferred to Sunmed Holidays. On my return to London [five years later], in 1985, Rendezvous Travel was founded. In 2015, […] I brought [the company] to Fira in Santorini, where I also opened […] Santo Dreams Travel, specialising in tours […], VIP transfers and weddings.
Gabi Birbeck
POSITION: Director COMPANY: Rendezvous Travel and Santo Dreams Travel
LOCATION: Fira, Santorini, Greece WEBSITE: www.rendezvoustravel.co.uk
www.santodreamstravel.com
What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? […] Honesty, patience and a sense of humour. I have had many clients wanting to go to a particular place, but it was the wrong season and I was honest and told them that they would not get their dream holiday at that particular time. […] The business is about selling dreams not nightmares. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? “Have you been there?” Most of our clients want personal recommendations and we have been lucky enough to have visited so many places. It is easy to sell what you love […]. What are the must-visits and mustdos in Greece that nobody should miss? As the only inhabited caldera in the world, [Santorini is] amazing. In Zakynthos, you will find the tiny loggerhead sea turtles nesting, as well as rock climbing and sponge diving. […] Crete is the most beautiful of them all […]. Everyone should visit Greece, it is gorgeous. Which destination is on your bucketlist? Rio de Janeiro, Columbia and Zanzibar. 13 AUGUST 2016
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“The decision to upgrade to the Boeing 787 reflects the importance of Shanghai and China to the airline. Shanghai is a modern metropolis and a global economic, financial, trading and shipping centre, which underlines its importance within Etihad Airways’ global network and supports the introduction of the new aircraft. The additional capacity will enable more Chinese business and leisure travellers to enjoy seamless onestop connections over the Abu Dhabi hub to over 40 destinations.”
AKBAR AL BAKER
[The upgrading] reflects the importance of […] China to the airline
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, ARMED FORCES OFFICERS CLUB AND HOTEL, ABU DHABI
DULCE ORTEGA
CEO, ETIHAD AIRWAYS
PETER BAUMGARTNER
TRAVEL TALK
It is a great honour to [stand] side by side with [FC Barcelona] ”Three years ago, the joining of FC Barcelona (football club) and Qatar Airways was truly history in the making, as this was the first time we entered into such a landmark sports partnership. We feel very proud of the milestones achieved by the team during the last few years and it is a great honour to have the opportunity to remain standing side by side with the club. [Our] new agreement shows the world how strongly we stand behind FC Barcelona, and we look forward to a great upcoming season together.”
We pride [ourselves] on the extensive safety measures and renovation [...] adopted
“The range is built into the luxurious extension of the prestigious Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel. We pride [ourselves] on the extensive safety measures and renovation that have been adopted to create the shooting range making the place ideal for everyone including families. The club and five-star star hotel is fully open to the public and we invite everyone to visit us and enjoy the variety of our extensive facilities unique in the World all under the same roof!
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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NEWS & EVENTS OCEC to Host OmanPlast 2017
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he Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has signed an agreement to hold the fourth edition of OmanPlast, a plastics and petrochemicals event. Organised by Silver Star Corporation and supported by Riyada, the specialised expo which is scheduled to take place between March 21 – 23, 2017, is anticipated to attract more than 5,000 visitors and over 100 international companies. OmanPlast will showcase the latest plastic and petrochemical products, technology and innovations. Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Trevor McCartney, general manager, OCEC, said, “By bringing together major players in the industry, they spur progress and power development.”
ADNEC Promotes Excellence
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bu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has launched its annual Internal excellence awards as part of its sustained efforts to promote a healthy spirit of competition, elevate departmental excellence and improve overall organisational efficiency. Through the awards, ADNEC aims to highlight its commitment to achieving its vision and delivering notable customer service to stakeholders in the tourism industry. The initiative seeks to raise awareness among employees about the importance of excellence, quality, transparency and accountability to create an enabling work environment.
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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 secondlargest 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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