01 OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE 360
02 MARKET UPDATE
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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES STARWOOD
JEDDAH WELCOMES THIRD MÖVENPICK ADDRESS
11 DOHA: PASSENGER TRAFFIC UP 20 PERCENT
07 Attractions
16 Rendezvous 18 Travel Channels
MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
www.traveltradeweekly.travel
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES
Starwood
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST 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
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S ATTAINMENT OF STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE HAS BEEN COMPLETED, MERGING A PORTFOLIO OF 30 BRANDS AND CREATING WHAT IS HAILED AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST HOTEL COMPANY.
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 Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
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ombining Starwood’s brands with ours better enables Marriott to reach our goal of having the right brand in the right place to serve our loyal guests and welcome new ones,” explained Arne Sorenson, CEO, Marriott International. “We can now provide a better range of choices for our guests, more opportunities for our associates, and greater financial benefits for our owners, franchisees and shareholders.” One-time transaction costs for the merger are expected to total approximately USD140 million and Marriott International remains confident the company can achieve USD250 million in annual cost synergies. Additionally, members of the brands’ loyalty guest reward schemes will benefit from the unification, with the matching of member status and the ability to transfer points between loyalty programmes.
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HIGH ENERGY CONSUMED IN DUBAI HOTELS Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) unveiled the findings of a firstof-its-kind report on Energy and Water Benchmarking for UAE Hotels.
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ccording to the document, UAE hotels have unequal energy and water performance with high potential for significant savings though the utilisation of affordable technologies. This correlates with a recent report stating that Dubai’s five-star hotels consume up to 225 percent more energy compared to their European counterparts. As Saeed Al Abbar, chairman, EmiratesGBC, noted, investing in energy and water efficiency makes business sense in the long-term with an increasing number of travellers being highly discerning about the sustainability standards of hotels.
01 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS Qatar Launches Four-day Transit Visa
Elaf Group to Promote Saudi Tourism Overseas
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In line with Saudi Vision 2030, Elaf Group will embark on a strategic marketing tour in October to promote tour packages and the wide variety of cultural offerings available in the Kingdom, with a focus on religious tourism.
Saudi Arabia
n an effort to promote Qatar as a top stopover destination, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Interior have collaborated to revise the country’s transit visa scheme, allowing passengers to stay for up to 96 hours without the need to apply for an entry visa. Now, travellers of all nationalities flying into Hamad International Airport with a minimum transit time of five hours will be able to obtain a free transit visa upon proof of onward travel and completion of the passport control process. The announcement follows recent developments in regards to facilitating entry into Qatar, including new procedures for cruise arrivals and the improvement of the state’s tourist visa application system.
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he travel, tourism and hospitality service provider will visit Istanbul, Cairo, Casablanca and Jakarta to showcase the destination’s hospitality credentials, in support of government initiatives. Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism sector with the aim of increasing the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to 20 million by 2030 while the industry’s contribution to the GDP is forecasted to grow to 5.7 percent by 2020.
01 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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Ras Al Khaimah Promoted in Moscow
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n a bid to showcase the emirate’s range of family, leisure and entertainment offerings, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) took part in the OTDYKH Leisure international travel trade fair, in Moscow. Noting that Russia is a key source market for the destination and is one of the top five countries for inbound visitors to Sharjah, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA added, “The first half of this year has witnessed a growth of 39 percent in guest nights from the Russian market against the same period in 2015.” Participation in the event was seen as a key aspect of SCTDA’s marketing strategy, which targets new cities in existing generating regions. Additionally a programme of inbound familiarisation tours for Russian industry and media professionals has been implemented.
01 OCTOBER 2016
RAKTDA representatives in Moscow
SCTDA to Increase Share of Russian market
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as Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) organised four days of media and trade activities at OTDYKH Leisure in Moscow, in an effort to propel demand from Russia. Already the emirate’s third largest international source market, the country showed a 4.2 year-on-year rise in arrivals to the destination between January and August. During the show, industry professionals discussed the evolution of Russia’s outbound segment and highlighted ways of adapting to the clientele’s needs. Haitham Mattar, CEO, RAKTDA, commented, “[…] The importance of Russian visitors can be clearly seen by their average length of stay at 8.6 days, and room revenue which, at a growth of 10 percent over same period in 2015, surpasses that of all other nationalities.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Sabre Utilises TripCase
Dubai Rolls Out Sustainability Initiative
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n a bid to become one of the leading sustainable tourism destinations, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has partnered with local environmental organisations to launch Dubai Sustainable Tourism Initiative. The first step of the scheme involved the signing of individual memorandum of understandings with Etihad ESCO, Dubai Carbon, Emirates Environmental Group and Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF to increase collaboration and benefit the community and hospitality trade through the reinforcement of environmentally responsible practices. Each partner entity will impart their specialised expertise with the provision of training workshops to educate tourism industry stakeholders on improved ecomanagement methods by sharing best practices.
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abre customers, including airlines, hotels and travel management companies, are sending more than one billion targeted messages to travellers this year through TripCase. By accessing the open messaging platform, travel agencies and suppliers can build brand loyalty with on-the-go customers, merchandise their offerings and provide better service beyond the booking. “The TripCase platform will allow us to develop robust report capabilities, providing agents and suppliers with valuable insight into their customers’ behavior and integrate important functionalities, such as check-in, loyalty programme features or booking into TripCase,” said John Samuel, senior vice president, Sabre Design.
Local Demand Fuels Saudi Cultural Travel
Saudi Arabia
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uring 2015, domestic cultural tourism within Saudi Arabia rose to 3.9 million trips, marking approximately 8.5 percent of total journeys, according to the Kingdom’s Tourism Information and Research Center. Further details reveal that the purpose of 39.7 percent of the total holidays within this segment was for attending festivals or events, while heritage sites recorded a 20 percent increase in domestic visitors. Around 5.1 million local holiday-makers spent an average of SAR135 (USD35.94) per day, contributing SAR4.2 billion (USD1.1 billion) to the national economy. Tourists stayed an average of eight nights, with 51 percent preferring residential accommodation, followed by 24 percent who opted for hotels, while the remainder stayed in private homes.
01 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS ATTRACTIONS
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Visitors Flock to Omani Cave
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halid Mirza, director, projects development, Omran, said, “We have transformed the offering at Al Hoota Cave, making it a completely new experience for visitors. The number of visitors over Eid was staggering, and just goes to show how excited people are about Oman’s natural wonders and finding out what is new at the cave. The feedback from visitors was fantastic, and we are extremely pleased to have exceeded peoples’ expectations.”
Mleiha Archaeological Centre Wins at Cityscape
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harjah’s famed Mleiha Archaeological Centre has won Best Community, Culture & Tourism Project Award in the Middle East at the recently-held Cityscape Global 2016. The facility is the first structure built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) as part of its comprehensive archaeological and eco-tourism venture. Mahmoud Rashid Deemas, project manager, Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, Shurooq, explained that the unique design was inspired by the tiniest details of the area’s history, such as the use of copper on the walls, reflecting evidence of ancient copper workshops. The visitor centre, which debuted in January, offers opportunities to explore the story of Mleiha, locally discovered artifacts as well as Umm Al Nar Tomb.
01 OCTOBER 2016
Al Hoota Cave
Over 12,700 travellers headed to Al Hamra’s Al Hoota Cave over the Eid Al Adha holiday to enjoy the monument’s recently reopened and enhanced facilities.
Tent Village Piloted for Football Fans
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head of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has begun the construction of Arabian tents in a pilot stage, close to the site of Doha’s Al Wakrah Stadium. Set on an area of 300,000m2, the 350 temporary and 300 permanent accommodations will host 2,000 guests. SC is investigating five separate locations for the final projects which will showcase the country’s heritage. During the tournament each offering will include health centres, retail outlets as well as entertainment spaces offering large screens. As Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, technical manager, SC, noted, the villages are being developed sustainably, with pre- and posttournament usage planned.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Jeddah Welcomes Third Mövenpick Address
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he 228-room Mövenpick Hotel City Star Jeddah caters to business and leisure travellers alike, offering eight fully-equipped meeting rooms, a Palladian-style ballroom, Al Maha Health Club & Spa as well as three dining outlets. The Swiss hotel company was chosen to manage the property by Al Tayyar Travel Group due to its strong track record of running successful hotels thoughout Saudi Arabia, explained Abdullah Al Dawood, group CEO, Al Tayyar Travel Group. Commenting on the establishment’s European-style hotel concept, Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer, Middle East and South Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, described the design as classical and timelessly elegant matched with the latest technology.
Mövenpick Hotel City Star Jeddah
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has inaugurated its 11th Saudi property in one of the Kingdom’s fastest growing cities.
AVANI Inaugurates New Meeting Facilities
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AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel
ollowing extensive renovations, AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel has opened its larger, more flexible and modern meeting spaces catering to the requirements of both business as well as social gatherings. The property now boasts seven adaptable venues that can be partitioned or joined to accommodate up to 320 participants. The versatile spaces each have natural light and are fully equipped with the latest audiovisual technology. Additionally, the hotel also features an open foyer and outdoor terrace to suit the needs to a variety of events. Entertainment and catering options can be provided for all functions.
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01 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Saudi Hotels Support Artisan Handicrafts
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ccommodation establishments across Saudi Arabia are participating in Bari, the Kingdom’s national handicraft programme focussed on displaying local crafts in properties in a bid to preserve values and promote culture and heritage. According to local hoteliers, decorating premises will play an important role in supporting the national economy, creating jobs as well as in educating guests about national products and ensuring that the industry continues to thrive well into the future. Jasir Al Harbash, general supervisor, Bari, commented, “Bari has entered into agreements with 11 hotels to utilise [the products] of more than 500 Saudi artisans, both men and women. Four of these agreements have cost about SAR3.5 million [USD933,000] in the first stage of the agreement.”
Steigenberger Airport Hotel Istanbul
Steigenberger Opens Istanbul Airport Hotel
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teigenberger Hotels has unveiled its second hotel in Turkey. Conveniently located near Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Steigenberger Airport Hotel Istanbul boasts 209 guest rooms, a health and beauty spa, gym, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and an indoor swimming pool. For conferences or meetings, the hotel offers an 860m2 grand ballroom and three additional meeting venues. Guests can also choose from a variety of food and beverage outlets serving Turkish as well as international cuisines. “Our guests will enjoy Turkish hospitality meeting German standards in one of the most pulsating cities of the world,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, Steigenberger Hotels.
01 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Dubai Science Park to Welcome IHG
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Dubai Science Park
nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is set to further expand its UAE footprint with the addition of Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park. Scheduled to open in 2019, the hotel will operate under a management agreement with an affiliate of Rolaco Group. Located in Dubai Science Park, the property will feature 402 rooms and suites, five meeting rooms, a conference hall for up to 600 guests, four food and beverage outlets, outdoor swimming pool and a gym. As Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, noted, with 19 hotels open and another 11 projects in the pipeline, the UAE is home to the company’s secondlargest portfolio of properties in the Middle East.
Al Habtoor Group Invests in Hungary
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bu Dhabi-based Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel (AFOC&H) has received the honour of Best Luxury Hotel at Lux 2016 – Hotel and Spa Awards. The accolades celebrate the highest standards of service and world-class amenities across the world and are considered a pinnacle of achievement in the high-end sector. The five-star property features a broad selection of stateof-the-art sports and entertainment facilities and offers Arabic-inspired architecture and hospitality. Dulce Otega, director of sales and marketing, AFOC&H noted, “The recognition for AFOC&H is a true testament to our commitment to providing a quality guest experience and wellness offering.”
Budapest
Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel
AFOC&H Named Best Luxury Hotel
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l Habtoor Group has confirmed the acquisition of several key properties in Hungary. Following the purchase of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest and InterContinental Budapest, the UAE-based company has now added Rumbach Centre, an office building located in the historic part of Budapest’s financial, commercial and administrative centre near Deák Square, and a high quality prestigious office complex in the capital’s renowned Dorottya Udvar to its portfolio. As Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Habtoor Group, pinpointed, over the past few years, the company has completed major acquisitions in Hungary, Austria, London and the US. “Hungary has a vibrant economy with a rapidly growing office market. I am happy to build on our other successful ventures in the country,” added Al Habtoor.
01 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRPORTS
Doha: Passenger Traffic Up 20 Percent
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onsequently, the volume of aircraft movements rose 17 percent to 118,069 take offs and landings, mainly due to the launch of eight new destination by national carrier, Qatar Airways. In regards to passenger numbers, the most popular routes from the airport proved to be Dubai, London, Bangkok, Bahrain and Colombo, collectively generating 20.3 percent of the total traffic. The UAE topped all countries in terms of demand, followed by India, Saudi Arabia, US and the UK. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer, HIA, said, “We expect HIA to continue demonstrating a healthy and steady growth in passenger numbers for the rest of the year, supporting Qatar’s vision for HIA to be a leader among global aviation hubs.”
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport (HIA) welcomed 17.6 million travellers during the first half of the year, registering a growth of more than 20 percent over the same period in 2015 and setting a new record for Doha’s hub.
BAC Approves Bahrain – Calicut Direct Route
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ahrain Airport Company (BAC) has agreed to Air India Express’s request to introduce direct flights from Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to Calicut International Airport. The updated Kochi – Calicut – Bahrain itinerary, which eliminates the previous stopover in Doha, will now operate daily, offering passengers transit-free journeys to the Indian destination. BAC’s endorsement of the new schedule comes in line with its commitment to offering an enhanced travel experience through the airport and its pursuit of supporting increased direct connections to the Kingdom for all airlines operating at BIA. BAC aims to elevate the airfield’s operations, infrastructure and services to cater to the growing number of travellers.
01 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Emirates: 30 Years in Jordan
Emirates Airbus A380 lands in Amman
Commemorating the 30th anniversary of Emirates’ flights to Jordan, the airline operated a one-off service by its Airbus A380 between Dubai and Queen Alia International Airport, on September 25.
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he celebratory A380 flight touched down in Amman to a water cannon salute with almost 400 passengers on board. Adel Al Redha, executive vice president, Emirates, who was present on the flight, said, “It is fitting that after 30 years of solid service on the Amman – Dubai route, we have landed our awardwinning Airbus A380 aircraft in Jordan.” As Al Redha noted, the move reinforced the long-standing tourism and business relationship that Emirates and the UAE share with Jordan and its local authorities.
Qatar Airways Upgrades Sydney Route
Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Riyadh
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tihad Airways is to deploy a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on one of its twice-daily scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, effective from October 30. The upgrade from a single-aisle Airbus A321 aircraft will cater to strong demand to and from the Saudi capital, offering guests more seats and higher levels of comfort. Together with the other daily Riyadh service operated by a Boeing 777, more than 8,700 weekly seats will be available on the route. Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Airways, said, “The Boeing 787 is playing a key role in Etihad Airways’ fleet expansion with routes carefully selected on which to deploy this unique aircraft.”
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Riyadh
Sydney
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ydney has become Qatar Airways’ first destination in Australia to be served by the superjumbo Airbus A380, just six months after it joined the carrier’s global network. The aircraft, with 517-seats spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration, increases the airline’s current daily capacity on the route by 44 percent. As Kerrie Mather, CEO, Sydney Airport, pinpointed, the carrier’s Doha – Sydney itinerary already generates an estimated 3,000 jobs and contributes more than USD240 million and it is estimated that the upgauge will deliver an incremental USD78 million in inbound visitor expenditure annually to Australia, supporting the federal government’s target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.
01 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Qatar Airways Supports Tourism Investment in India
ICAO Focusses on Safety and Sustainable Development
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atar Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to India’s tourism market through its participation in Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit 2016. The forum provided a platform for a panel of CEOs to discuss how to establish an enabling environment for investment within the sector and how to overcome possible obstacles. Commenting on India’s tremendous potential for business opportunities, Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, explained, “The country continues to show strong economic growth and an increasing demand for air travel to and from all corners of the globe. The aviation industry contributes significantly to India’s prosperous tourism sector and more liberal air service access is required for the tourism industry to develop even further.”
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nternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has underscored the importance of its standards and recommended practices (SARPs) to sustainable and secure growth. Commenting on Qatar’s double-digit rise in air traffic volumes, Fang Liu, secretary general, ICAO, explained, “Ensuring effective implementation of ICAO’s SARPs leads to safer and more secure air transport, which in turn fosters increased connectivity and greater prosperity for the state.” Liu also introduced No Country Left Behind, an initiative to support state execution of SARPs, to H.E. Abdallah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, prime minister, Qatar. To tackle aviation security issued and offer solutions, ICAO has joined forces with International Air Transport Association and Airports Council International to stage the AVSEC World Conference between October 25 – 27 in Kuala Lumpur.
From left: Fang Liu and H.E. Abdallah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani
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From left: Mahesh Sharma, culture and tourism minister, India and Akbar Al Baker
Emirates SkyPharma Officially Launched
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mirates SkyPharma, Emirates SkyCargo’s new purpose-built facility dedicated exclusively to the timely and secure transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, was officially in inaugurated at Dubai International. “As a leader in the global air cargo industry we decided that it was not only important for us to build state-of- the-art cool chain facilities for the transport of pharma products but to also go the extra mile and ensure the compliance of our operations against the highest international standards. Our customers can continue to rest easy knowing that shipping their high-value and temperature-sensitive goods with Emirates SkyCargo is a safe and efficient choice for their business and end customers,” said Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, cargo, Emirates.
01 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Boeing: 6,810 New Aircraft for China
Maldives to Welcome InterContinental Resort
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n its China Current Market Outlook, Boeing projects a demand for 6,810 new airplanes, worth USD1.025 trillion, in the Asian country, over the next two decades. "Because travel and transportation are key services, we expect to see passenger traffic grow 6.4 percent annually in China over the next 20 years,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president, marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. According to the aircraft manufacturer, in order to meet demand, the Asian destination will require 5,110 new single-aisle airplanes through 2035, accounting for 75 percent of the total new deliveries. With the projected growth, China is becoming the first trillion dollar aviation market in Boeing’s forecast.
Royal Savoy Lausanne Returns
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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hotel Properties Limited have further strengthened their partnership with the announcement of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. The property, which will mark the luxury brand’s debut in the country, will feature 83 rooms, a number of food and beverage outlets as well as a pool and spa area. Jan Smits, CEO, Asia, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said, “Tourism in the Maldives has been a major contributor to its economy, contributing more than 40 percent of the country’s GDP [in 2015], and sentiments are positive as the country continues to be one of the world’s most highly sought after travel destinations. It is a great time to be bringing our InterContinental brand into the Maldives.”
Uniworld and Sabre Collaborate
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otel Royal Savoy Lausanne has been unveiled following an extensive remodelling project aimed at reinstating the property‘s historical aesthetic charm. The opening marks the second launch under The Bürgenstock Selection, a portfolio of establishments which fall under the Murwab Hotel Group, a standalone branch of Katara Hospitality. The transformation came in line with the Qatar-based organisation’s mission to preserve the heritage of prestigious iconic hotels around the world. The Swiss address boasts 196 rooms and suites, Michelin-star dining, event spaces and a Sky Terrace, offering guests panoramic views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Alps.
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ravel consultants in the US and Canada can now offer travellers a worldclass, all-inclusive experience when booking with boutique cruise operator Uniworld via Sabre’s travel marketplace. Sabre-connected agents now have the ability to shop and book the cruise line’s itineraries within a graphics-rich reservation workflow. In addition to displaying commission information as well as negotiated and group rates, the Sabre Cruises interface allows professionals to compare different experiences and ships based on Uniworld’s destinations to Europe, Asia, Egypt and India. “With the addition of Uniworld’s luxurious all-inclusive products to Sabre Cruises we continue to enrich our comprehensive inventory and deliver more choice for travel agents in North America,” said Shelly Terry, vice president, travel product solutions, Sabre Travel Network.
01 OCTOBER 2016
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I was practically born into the industry. My father [...] ran a very successful travel company in Argentina. I first worked [...] in London concentrating on the Caribbean and Far East [and later] [...] developed a South America programme. In 1992, I returned to Argentina to join my father’s company [...]. Today, after 10 years, I own and run ARGENTINA TRAVEL PARTNERS DMC, an independent destination management company specialising in the range of unique travel experiences [in] Argentina and Uruguay.
NAME:
Merina Begg
POSITION: Managing director COMPANY: ARGENTINA TRAVEL PARTNERS DMC
LOCATION: Buenos Aires, Argentina WEBSITE: www.atpdmc.com
What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Listening to the customers and product knowledge. Learn who the client is and what their expectations are. Then impart your knowledge of the destination or product based on the information you have learnt.
Travelport’s Payment Solution in Kenya
What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? When is the best time to travel? [Argentina] is very varied and offers great experiences year round [...] from tropical jungles in the north to Antarctic ice in the south. What are the must-visits and mustdos in Argentina that nobody should miss? From the glaciers of Patagonia to the highest peak in the Americas, from Antarctica to the bustle of Buenos Aires, there is so much to see in this dynamic and incomparable country. Which destination is on your bucket-list? I would love to explore more of Europe, Africa [and the] Far East. Ultimately, my heart is in South America, particularly Argentina. I continue to discover things [...] so I keep on travelling in my own country. 24 SEPTEMBER 2016
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ravelport has announced that its mobile payment solution for travel agencies in Kenya is now live via its point of sale technology, Travelport Smartpoint. The new plug-in development allows professionals working in Kenya to accept payment from travellers via mobile devices instead of cash or credit card. The solution is set to improve work efficiency by allowing agents to issue instant mobile payment requests, and it also saves time as it removes the need to leave the workflow to accept mobile payments, while also reducing the possibility of errors as all mobile transactions are automatically checked for authorisation during the ticketing process. For travellers the method ensures a seamless experience which is secure and less open to fraud.
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
HAKAN PETEK GENERAL MANAGER, JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA, KUWAIT
TOURISM IS INCREASINGLY SEEN IN KUWAIT AS A WAY TO DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY AND PROPEL EMPLOYMENT. HAKAN PETEK, GENERAL MANAGER, JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA, KUWAIT, SHARES HIS VIEWS ON THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE PATH.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the hotel’s main markets? HAKAN PETEK: A large percentage of guests from the domestic market stay at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa. We also welcome guests from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with high occupancies from leisure guests booking on weekends and business guests staying during weekdays. Kuwait is considered a vital business hub in the region, creating significant interest from regional and international companies established here. As a result, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has benefitted from this due to the high
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standards of meeting spaces and level of services offered. The hotel features 14 versatile meeting venues, including Badriah, the largest ballroom in town, ideal for any corporate or event requirements. In addition, the hotel’s array of room options – from the well-appointed deluxe rooms to our five-bedroom villas, each exquisitely decorated and equipped with state-of-the-art technology – offer all the amenities to ensure a relaxing stay, whether for business or pleasure. During the weekends, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has become a popular destination among families – from within Kuwait as well as from neighbouring Saudi Arabia – looking for a different get away from their daily routine. The hotel’s facilities, such as our swimming pools, Talise Spa and kids’ clubs accommodate the needs of families, while providing a luxurious setting with excellent service. We also receive a large number of families from Qatar and the UAE, with brand loyalty playing a part in attracting them to the hotel. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are Kuwait’s main strengths that allow the country to effectively compete with other regional destinations? HAKAN PETEK:The government of Kuwait is keen to improve the country’s tourism growth and infrastructure. This commitment is reflective of its participation at Expo Milano 2015, during which its pavilion won the International Award for Construction Art. One of the main selling tools in Kuwait is its local culture. Unlike in other GCC countries, visitors [here] are in direct contact with the local Kuwaitis and are able to socialise with them in everyday life. Complementing its local heritage and culture, the state’s growth has attracted international brands in both the hospitality and retail sectors, providing familiarity and convenience to travellers who are looking for a home away from home trip. Apart from its rich heritage, traditions reflected almost everywhere and museums spread around the town as well as outdoor pursuits are abundant across Kuwait. And for those visiting outside of the summer season, activities such as a day in the desert, water sports and exploring the charms of the city like Souk Al Mubarakiya, offer a truly unique and authentic experience. […] TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: According to
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Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa
the World Travel & Tourism Council, arrivals to Kuwait are set to increase from 270,000 in 2014 to 440,000 by 2024. In your opinion, which markets will drive this growth? HAKAN PETEK: The regional markets continue to be a key driver for visitors to Kuwait. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa receives a considerable number of guests from our neighboring countries and these numbers are increasing annually at a steady rate. The family market from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia is particularly strong with a significant potential for further growth, especially during holidays and school breaks when families visit their Kuwaiti relatives and enjoy their time together, away from their home countries. There has been encouraging visitor numbers from destinations across Europe, Turkey and the Far East travelling on business, and these are areas in which we are focussing our promotional activities. We have been developing new initiatives aimed at keeping these markets enthusiastic about our products and offerings, as well as ensuring better visibility for the hotel as the preferred and complete destination. […] We will continue to offer new initiatives and promotions to accommodate their needs and demands in our efforts to maintain our position as the leading hotel in Kuwait and to always exceed their expectations by delivering the Jumeirah Stay Different experience at any visit. 01 OCTOBER 2016
TRAVEL TALK
01 OCTOBER 2016
Jumeirah has become one of the world’s most outstanding […] brands
“Jumeirah has become one of the world’s most outstanding international luxury brands since its launch in 1997 [...]. This year we announced the launch of Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah and redefined Dubai’s most recognisable landmark, the Burj Al Arab, by building The Terrace, a one-of-a-kind restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space set over 106,000m2.”
SAEED AL QATAMI
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, JUMEIRAH GROUP
ALISON BROADHEAD
www.traveltradeweekly.travel
CEO, DEYAAR
Family tourism in Dubai is booming
“The new developments [with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels] will provide convenient overnight, short-term and long-term hospitality options for business and leisure travellers to Dubai. We have chosen our locations based on convenient access to the major business and transport nodes, including malls, metro stations and offices. Family tourism in Dubai is booming, with large leisure and entertainment attractions opening this year. Deyaar’s agreement with Millennium & Copthorne [...] positions us well to support this growing tourism sector.”
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
MUBADALA AND ABU DHABI TOUR PROMOTE CYCLING
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WYSETC: VOLUNTEER TRAVEL CONTINUES TO THRIVE
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olunteer travel is flourishing, partly as a result of improved online access to consumer reviews, concluded a panel of experts at the recently-held World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC). Whilst both positive and negative examples were acknowledged within the sector, the consensus was that WYSETC has a duty to ensure that best practice is disseminated and good experiences are shared. Although the press in sending countries report the benefits of intercultural exchange, there is a heavy focus on negative, sensationalist stories. On the other hand, host country media outlets tend to highlight the positive impact on volunteers but ignore the reality of local life. Industry specialists also agreed that volunteering as an intercultural learning experience is both selfish and selfless.
JUMEIRAH EMIRATISATION INITIATIVE PAYS OFF
Abu Dhabi Tour 2015
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ubadala Development Company has partnered with Abu Dhabi Tour to encourage UAE residents to pursue an interest in cycling and active lifestyles though two community cycling competitions and educational initiatives in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. In one-hour sessions, students will have the opportunity to learn about the history and benefits of the sport while also familiarising themselves with the all-important road-safety rules and painting their own helmet. Participants will be invited to the final stage race of Abu Dhabi Tour, a professional cycling competition due to take place between October 20 – 23.
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eTheHost, Jumeirah Group’s Emiratisation initiative has been recognised in two categories at the 13th Annual International Business Awards. The drive secured two Gold Stevie Awards as the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year in the Community Relations – Europe, Middle East and Africa and Travel and Tourism categories. With positive engagement on the company’s Arabic Instagram account, #BeTheHost helped to communicate the diverse range of career opportunities available to Emiratis in the hospitality industry. The campaign also emphasised the growing importance of the tourism and hospitality sector as a leading contributor to the UAE economy and a great source of national pride.
GULF AIR WELCOMES YOUNG AV FANS
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ulf Air welcomed youth participants of the first Bahrain International Airport Summer Programme at the company’s headquarters in Muharraq. The youngsters had the chance to tour the airline’s headquarters and visit an aircraft site while also enjoying an interactive discussion about the national carrier’s history in the country and in the region in general. Bahrain International Airport’s summer programme is set to become an annual event for school students, promoting a series of educational and interactive learning activities amongst an important segment of the society. Gulf Air prides itself on having a special connection with the Bahraini community, and is involved in various corporate social responsibility initiatives with a number of local organisations.
Participants of the Bahrain International Airport Summer Programme
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01 OCTOBER 2016
PHOTO ALBUM
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Qatar Airways was named the Best Middle Eastern African Airline at the 2016 Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards in Hong Kong
Bahraini Fahad Al Hakam (left) emerged victorious in the inaugural Oman Air Open at Royal Golf Club
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Famous pop singer Hamada Helal (left) was welcomed in Cairo by Mahmoud Rizk, general manager, TOLIP El Narges Hotel & Spa
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Emaar celebrated Saudi National Day with a spectacular illumination of Burj Khalifa with national a flag colours
01 OCTOBER 2016
Etihad Airways collaborates with leading fashion and skincare brands in first class
Live Saudi Arabia organised a tour of Riyadh for Al Ahsa school students
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NEWS & EVENTS
Hotelier Summit Concludes
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EVENTS IMEX AMERICA
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he eighth edition of Hotelier Summit, which entered the Middle East for the first time, was held at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Doha at the end of September. The event delivered an exciting business experience to all participants, and attracted over 180 industry experts, including leading hotel owners, operators, developers, architects, interior designers, consultants and service providers, making it a one-stop business-to-business platform for the Middle Eastern hospitality industry. Attendees took part in various seminars, focussing on the potentials and challenges in the regional hospitality sector with prominent industry figures hailing from different parts of the world leading the dialogues.
Abu Dhabi Presents Music Schedule
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.
ITB ASIA Singapore October 19 – 21 www.itb-asia.com Hundreds of companies and organisations will come together for the annual trade show.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET November 07 – 09 London, UK www.wtmlondon.com A global meeting place for the travel trade, providing attendees with quality contacts, content and communities.
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has announced the line-up for its eight-month season of classical and traditional music shows by musicians and orchestras from around the globe. The events will begin on October 06 and for the third consecutive year the programme will include Abu Dhabi Classics hosting musical artists under the theme of One Thousand and One Nights. Additionally, performances by the Emirati Music Series, Bait Al Oud Concert Series and Umsiyat will also be incorporated into the schedule. Highlights will include the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and awarding-winning Catalan composer Jordi Savall, among others. The Emirati Music Series will showcase traditional ayalah dance shows on Abu Dhabi Corniche as well as oud and vocal concerts across the emirate.
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CULTURAL TOURISM MIDDLE EAST November 14 – 15 Dubai, UAE www.culturaltourismme.com High-level officials from the tourism, cultural development and antiquities, heritage and arts, cultural activities and architectural heritage community will convene in Dubai.
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