29 OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE 364
03 DUBAI TO WELCOME NEW HOTEL AND MALL
09 ACCOMMODATION
MÖVENPICK EXPANDS PRESENCE IN MOROCCO
06 RAS AL KHAIMAH POSTS JUMP IN ARRIVALS
08 Technology
16 Rendezvous 19 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
DUBAI MEDICAL TOURISM ON THE RISE
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALISTS Ellen Petty Natalie James 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
By 2021, more than 1.3 million travellers per annum are expected to travel to Dubai for medical treatments, according to Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
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ased on statistics released by DHA, in 2015, some 630,830 visitors headed to the emirate for the same reason, and over the next five years, this number is set to show a 13 percent annual growth rate. “Medical tourism has been growing in the region over the past few years. We are pleased with the support provided by the government, and willing to promote Dubai as a top health tourism destination,” said Human Fatemi, medical director, IVI Fertility Clinics, which, following the successful launch of operations in Abu Dhabi in May 2015, has recently unveiled its new facility in Dubai.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
ALDAR PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENTS ON TRACK
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
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27.10.2016
COUNTRY
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250.10
Al Hadeel
as of
Aldar Properties’ diverse portfolio of projects is progressing as expected.
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he construction of Ansam on Yas Island is well underway, with the internal block work finished across all of the Andalusian style apartment building. The community offerings at West Yas are going ahead as per schedule and will be completed by the end of this year, while a contractor for Aldar Properties’ Yas Acres project will be appointed in 2017. Meanwhile, the 10-storey structure of Al Hadeel is visable and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain is due to be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2018. The developer’s other projects on Nareel Islan, Al Meief and Reem Island are also progressing in line with expectations.
29 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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Project rendering
Dubai to Welcome New Hotel and Mall
A new shopping mall and hotel are set to open in Dubai’s Motor City in early 2017 as part of an investment worth AED500 million (USD136 million) that is expected to drive development in one of the emirate’s most sought-after suburban quarters.
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irst Avenue will boast 70 high-street retail outlets and 15 casual dining restaurants. As part of the new destination, the four-star Park Inn by Radisson-branded property will feature 150 rooms, an all-day restaurant, lobby, meetings and events space, gym, spa and a swimming pool. Guests will also benefit from direct access to the shopping centre.
Dubai Revamps Sports Venues
DAMAC Properties Takes on Dubai South
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H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Sports Council, has allocated AED120 million (USD32.7 million) for the development and maintenance of the sporting facilities operating under Dubai Sport Council. The amount, which is being used for the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons, aims to improve the emirate’s sport environment, and provide a comfortable atmosphere and a great experience for players, audience, and workers at Dubai Sport Council’s clubs.
DAMAC Maison de Ville Tenora
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AMAC Properties has announced the handover of DAMAC Maison de Ville Tenora hotel apartments, hailed as the first-ever project to be completed in Dubai South. Offering yet another alternative at the heart of the emirate’s fast-growing new district, the developer’s DAMAC Maison de Ville Celestia is also in an advanced stage of construction. Ziad El Chaar, managing director, DAMAC Properties, said, “With Dubai’s strategic plan to create a key new hub for business and investment, and complemented by world-class facilities, there will naturally be a need for hotel accommodation in the centre of this vital area of the city. Tenora units are completed and handed over while Celestia will be delivered in 2018 […].”
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WEEKLY NEWS
Omran Targets Chinese Partners
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Egypt Eyes North American Markets
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enior executives of Omran participated in Juwai China Agent Summit in Beijing, to network with Chinese property buyers and investors in order to discuss the connection between Oman’s new real estate developments and investor interest from the Asian country. Commenting on the event, James Wilson, CEO, Omran, said, “Oman is already a country linked to China by its Twenty-First Century Maritime Silk Road which underlines […] the synergy between Oman’s offering as a unique destination and Chinese interest in investing to develop the latest property projects in up and coming markets.” Omran’s presence at the summit offered Chinese investors an insight into the Sultanate’s tourism and real estate offering, as well as creating the first steps to increasing visitor numbers.
n a bid to generate demand from the lucrative North American segment, Egypt participated in the recently-held International Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal. As one of the most significant events for tourism promotion in Canada and North America in general, the programme provided Egypt with a platform on which to establish new connections and further strengthen existing partnerships. “Egypt is seeking to actively take part in all international and tourist forums to preserve its tourism share and to convey a message that the country is safe and stable,” commented Amal Salama, consul general to Canada, Egypt.
29 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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Riverland Dubai Unveils Event Venues
Expo to Unite Franchisors and Investors
29 OCTOBER 2016
Riverland Dubai
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ocal and international brands, products and services of over 100 companies were showcased at the recentlyheld Middle East Franchise Expo. The two-day event, which took place at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, also offered various workshops as well as networking opportunities, attracting some 5,000 visitors and delegates. Organised by Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association, the programme covered relevant and timely topics such as trends and opportunities in franchising, choosing the right franchise, ABC of success in the field, legal and regulatory requirements, best practices for national and international expansion, eCommerce and social media as well as shopping mall developments.
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iverland Dubai has introduced four unique spaces for events within the dining, retail and entertainment destination at Dubai Parks and Resorts, ahead of the project’s launch on October 31. The largest of the four facilities is Riviera Plaza, a 2,400m2 lush green area overlooking the river. The centrally located The Boardwalk Plaza is a 1950s American themed space with bright colours and neon lights, while the third outdoor setting, The Island Plaza offers views of Dubai Parks and Resorts. Finally, The Encore, an indoor multi-purpose venue, is a black box ready to be customised to each function held there.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Dubai Property Focusses on German Tourism
Ras Al Khaimah Welcomes Jump in Arrivals
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team from Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dubai returned from a recent trip to Germany during which the property’s representatives met with key tour operators in a bid to boost demand from the European country. With German guests being one of the top source markets for the hotel, the trip aimed to strengthen ties with existing partners who were recognised for their continuous promotion of the address as well as Dubai in general. Mohammad Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, enthused, “We have plenty of opportunities to attract the German market and Dubai is still a popular long-haul destination so we should take advantage of this.”
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Ras Al Khaimah
as Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has reported a 10.4 percent year-on-year boost in visitor volumes for the first nine months of the year, driven by exceptional growth during the traditionally low summer months. Between June – August, hotels across the emirate recorded a 15.9 percent rise in occupancy compared to the same period in 2015, while guest nights soared 22.3 percent, leading to a 14 percent improvement in RevPAR. As for the nine-month period, occupancy averaged at 70.5 percent, up 13.6 percentage points, translating into a 8.5 percent jump in RevPAR and a 12.3 percent boost in room revenue. Increases from international key markets were also revealed, with notable growth from Germany, the UK and Poland, jumping 53 percent, 28.6 percent and 157 percent, respectively.
Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dubai
ATDD Tours Germany to Attract Tourists
Ajman
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jman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) delegates visited six German cities over four days to promote the emirate with the overall aim of increasing the number of visitors by 20 percent in 2017. Representatives from ATDD met with local tour operators, including FTI Group, to discuss special deals, strengthen partnerships and showcase the destination’s unique selling points and rich offerings. With around 40 percent of Ajman’s 70,000 European visitors in the first half of the year hailing from Germany, the country represents an important market which ATDD hopes to gain a bigger share of.
29 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS
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Youth Employment Opportunities at Saudization Forum Young people were invited to attend Saudization Forum, a two-day event showcasing over 200 jobs in the tourist accommodation sector.
Yas Acres Moves Forward
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ldar Properties has awarded the early works package of Yas Acres to Bauer Geotechnical Specialized Foundation, a deal worth AED155 million (USD42.2 million). Commenting on the announcement, Talal Al Dhiyebi, chief development officer, Aldar Properties, underscored the property developer’s commitment and compliance with Abu Dhabi’s new real estate law which came into effect earlier this year. Within this framework, Aldar Properties granted the contract within six months of the project’s announcement at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. Moreover, sales and purchase agreements for the AED6 billion (USD1.6 billion) development have been hailed as the first to have been registered with Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, demonstrating the positive impact of the implementation of the regulations.
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Al Khobar
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ore than 16 organisations from the Eastern Province took part in the initiative held at Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel in Al Khobar. Ibrahim bin Aamir Al Greni, acting director, National Center for Tourism Human Resources Development, highlighted the importance of such meetings, noting that young Saudis are now more aware of the prospects of a career in the industry. Abdul Lateef bin Mohammad Al Bonyand, Eastern branch, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, added, “The rapid growth in tourism and national heritage sectors in the region has created thousands of job opportunities for the youth.”
RAK Villa Project to be Unveiled
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he second phase of Flamingo Villas will be handed over two months ahead of schedule, revealed RAK Properties. The additional 68 villas bring the total number of units at the family waterfront community to 192. Moreover, the eco-friendly development also features swimming pools, two play areas, a gym as well as green lawns and outdoor spaces. The mixed-use project is set within Mina Al Arab, an AED10 billion (USD2.7 billion) residential and hospitality location that highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty and rich heritage. The early delivery follows on from the three month premature completion of the first phase in 2015.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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Dubai Tourism Adopts Innovative Technology Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has presented an updated mobile application, DUBAI360 Virtual Reality and a paperless inspection system at GITEX Technology Week.
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he reinvented Dubai Calendar app, which is now integrated with Google Maps and push notifications, enables tourists and locals alike to explore the city’s year-round event listings and directly purchase tickets. In a three minute experience, DUBAI360 Virtual Reality transports users to a variety of the destination’s top landmarks, showcasing the best of the emirate. The organisation’s smart inspection system speeds up the assessment process while maintaining quality. The system ensures that location of establishments, access to information, collection of evidence and seamless reporting is made easier.
Travelport Pens Deal with Egypt Travel Group
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ravelport has signed a new multi-year agreement with East West Travel Group which has now also become the sole representative of BCD Travel in Egypt. In terms of the deal, the companies will now benefit from the technology provider’s travel content and innovative solutions. Bassem Wahba, vice president, East West Travel Group/BCD Travel, commented, “This new agreement with Travelport gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow our business and offer our partners a unique experience when it comes to booking travel. We are excited to be working with BCD Travel in Egypt and our new partnership, backed by Travelport’s technology sets us up to offer an effective and efficient service to business travellers.”
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Sabre Makes Travel More Efficient
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abre has introduced its new Traveler Experience platform, whereby tourists and businessmen alike can self-manage intransit booking, payments, expense reporting, safety and security matters. While the majority of corporate travellers want to make trip arrangements by using technology, today they must rely on several different mobile apps to navigate the whole journey. To address the lack of a sufficient offering, Sabre’s new platform brings together the critical aspects of travel management into a single mobile application that can maximise efficiency and streamline expenses for corporations while improving customer satisfaction with corporate travel programmes.
29 OCTOBER 2016
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
MÖVENPICK EXPANDS PRESENCE
in Morocco
MÖVENPICK HOTEL MANSOUR EDDAHBI MARRAKECH HAS OPENED ITS DOORS TO GUESTS, MARKING THE SWISS HOTELIER’S THIRD MOROCCAN ADDRESS. Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech
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ollowing a USD100 million redevelopment project, the expanded fivestar property boasts 503 rooms and suites, five restaurants, a roof-top lounge as well as a two-storey spa and wellness centre, Ô de Rose, and four swimming pools. Moreover, business visitors can take advantage of direct access to Palais des Congrès, hailed as the North African country’s largest congress centre which is also managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, in addition to a plethora of event and function spaces within the hotel, including an exhibition floor, two auditoriums, a Royal Ballroom and outdoor areas.
Dubai Holiday Homes
Dubai Holiday Homes Grow
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ased on new figures released by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), more than 1,800 units are now in operation in the city’s holiday home sector. The segment’s development is the result of government regulations designed to increase competitiveness, transparency, safety and standardisation. Khalid Bin Touq, executive director, tourism activities and classification sector, DTCM, said, “To maintain standards, Dubai Tourism regularly inspects registered homes, which are […] spread across the city, with the highest concentrations currently in Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach and Downtown Dubai.” Dubai’s holiday home initiatives are part of the emirate’s objectives to further diversify and increase its hospitality offering in line with the destination’s Tourism Vision 2020.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Kids Taste New Menu at Nikki Beach
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ikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai welcomed a group of women and children from Pink Ladies Dubai to try out the new kids menu and offer feedback ahead of the resort’s impending inauguration. The youngsters were sat on personalised VIP chairs each labelled with a quirky food title and were encouraged to critique the menu at Café Nikki by voting on whether or not they enjoyed the culinary creations. Furthermore, the children were educated on the importance of nutritional value and a healthy diet. The property deemed the event a great success with the young foodies providing invaluable feedback on the future menu.
Abu Dhabi Welcomes 55&5th The Grill
New Restaurant at Millennium Airport Hotel
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he St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi has unveiled 55&5th The Grill, a dining concept inspired by the original The St. Regis New York. Foodies will enjoy fine dining offerings created by Manual Olveira, who has experience in running Michelin star kitchens. The modern European style cuisine will use seasonal, locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients. Hailing from South Africa, the property’s resident band, The Jade Trio, will perform classic and original swing and jazz numbers to add to the ambience. Loumi
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illennium Airport Hotel Dubai has opened Loumi restaurant, which will serve a variety of international cuisines with Arabic and Levantine flavours. The outlet’s lavish menu offers exotic dishes selected from the platters of continental to Arabic and from English to Indian and Far Eastern kitchens. Adry Morcy, executive assistant manager, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “Loumi has been conceived to offer diners a distinctive experience in a relaxing atmosphere. The live cooking stations, in-house baked bread, butcher shop style meat selection and private dining rooms are only some of many features that make it the perfect option for both business and leisure meals.”
29 OCTOBER 2016
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Oman Air Flies Daily to Paris
In response to the growing demand, Oman Air is increasing operations on its Muscat – Paris route with the addition of two extra weekly flights.
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ffective from October 30, the Middle Eastern carrier will offer daily nonstop service between the capitals. As Abdulrahman Al Busaidy, deputy CEO, Oman Air, explained, since launching operations to the French city in 2009, bookings have been on the rise. “To develop the European market and particularly grow our presence in Paris we have focussed very much on our premium product offering, developing very close relationships with a core corporate customer base,” added Al Busaidy.
Gulf Air Increases Riyadh Operations
Riyadh
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o meet the high interest for air services between Bahrain and Riyadh, Gulf Air is introducing three more weekly flights on the route. Starting October 30, the national carrier will operate 35 weekly frequencies between Manama and the Saudi capital. “We are always looking to cater to and satisfy the high demand on our five destinations in Saudi Arabia, in light of the strong relationship between the two Kingdoms and their people,” stated Maher Salman Al Musallam, CEO, Gulf Air. Passengers will now be able to benefit from five daily flights between the cities.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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bu Dhabi International Airport welcomed 2.1 million passengers in September, marking a five percent increase over the corresponding month in 2015. Since the beginning of the year, traffic at the hub has grown six percent as compared to the same period in 2015, with 18,528,723 travellers on record up until the end of September. Passenger figures on routes to India jumped 10 percent, maintaining the market’s position as the top destination from the UAE capital. Demand for services to Qatar soared 18.4 percent, traffic to and from Saudi Arabia improved 19 percent, while statistics examining Egyptian itineraries delivered a 37.9 percent boost.
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rom December 01, Etihad Airways passengers flying between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport will enjoy the luxury and comfort of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Commenting on the upgrade from the currently used Airbus A340 aircraft, Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “The B787 Dreamliner is an exceptional aircraft from an operational and guest experience perspective. Its unique design and our innovative and stylish cabins offer a guest experience that is superior in terms of luxury and comfort.”
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Qatar Airways Enhances Seychelles Services
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s of December 12, Qatar Airways will provide travellers with greater access to the Seychelles with daily flights between Doha and Mahé. “In recent years, Qatar Airways has seen significant growth, expanding its worldwide footprint to provide more opportunities for global leisure travellers to premium destinations such as the Seychelles,” commented Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways. As Alain St. Ange, tourism and culture minister, Seychelles, noted, the Gulf carrier has already established itself on the market, and the past years’ cooperation has significantly boosted tourism business to the shores of the Indian Ocean island.
Seychelles
Etihad Upgrades Tokyo Narita Route
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi Airport Witnesses Growth
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Etihad Airways Teams Up with NATS
Emirates Unveils Upgraded Business Lounge in Dubai
29 OCTOBER 2016
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remium Emirates passengers travelling through Dubai International can now take advantage of the newly-completed business class lounge. Set on Concourse B, the facility can accommodate more than 1,500 customers, meaning a 40 percent boost in capacity, and it boasts a café as well as a water health hub. The USD11 million renovation project also included the doubling in size of the children’s play area and refurbishment of Timeless Spa. Lounge guests can refresh with a shower, unwind at designated quiet areas, stay up to date with the latest news and live sports and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Emirates Business Class Lounge
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tihad Airways is working with air traffic management specialists, NATS, to help deliver operational enhancements across its network, and improve the way the airline works with air traffic control providers and airport operators on airfield management procedures. NATS is assisting the airline by sharing its experience in the management of low visibility procedures in the UK, the flow of airplanes on the airfield, and improving the way the company manages its processes around aircraft handling. Ben Kiff, director, NATS Middle East, said, “The industry recognises the need for increased collaboration, and air traffic management – which is seen as the glue that connects airport and airline operations – can offer a unique perspective. It is great to see Etihad Airways taking such a leadership position in this regard.”
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL ONYX to Manage Melbourne Property
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Carnival Cruise and Urban Commons Team Up
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C Long Beach cruise terminal
Aurora Melbourne Central
scendas Hospitality Trust has selected ONYX Hospitality Group to manage a serviced apartment complex under its Shama brand. Shama Luxa Aurora Melbourne Central is set to be a 252-unit property located on floors 10 to 32 of Aurora Melbourne Central, a 92-storey mixed-used development, scheduled for completion in 2019. The management company’s first venture in Australia will have a dedicated street level entrance, a restaurant, executive lounge, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Anantara Grows Sri Lankan Presence
arnival Cruise Line has signed an agreement with landlord Urban Commons and the city of Long Beach, California, to expand the Long Beach Cruise Terminal facility to accommodate larger ships in the future and enhance terminal operations. The development will nearly triple the size of the cruise line’s current terminal facility, with construction slated to be completed in late 2017. Plans also include the expansion of portside cold-ironing features. In addition, Carnival Cruise Line is working with Urban Commons on enhancements to the area surrounding the dome and adjacent attractions.
Queensland Welcomes Swiss-Belhotel
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Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
Anantara Kalutara Resort
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nantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has unveiled its second resort in Sri Lanka. Located along the island’s southwest coast, Anantara Kalutara Resort features 141 rooms and a range of facilities, such as a fitness zone, water sports, swimming pools, as well as three dining options, a spa and a library, to name a few. The new address will also soon offer an ideal setting for meetings and events. Expected to open in March 2017, the conference centre will boast a capacity of 500 delegates or 300 for banquets. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor International, commented, “We are confident that Anantara Kalutara will become one of the must stay luxury properties for discerning travellers visiting the island […].”
wiss-Belhotel Brisbane has opened to the public, marking Swiss-Belhotel International’s debut in Queensland. Looking right down the Brisbane River and located in close proximity to hospitals and convention centres, the property boasts a large corporate lounge, two meeting rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool and an in-house gym. Dinah-Louise Marrs has been selected to lead the team as general manager, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in Australia and Thailand.
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I started my career with Transavia in 1987. Delta Air Lines started scheduled flights from Amsterdam in 1990 and I was one of 20 people hired to set up this airline from scratch. After seven years [...], I [helped] China Southern Airlines and [...] met my current business partner. [...] We founded a new concept to represent and promote local destination management company’s worldwide. [...] After 16 years, we are still very successful [...].
NAME:
Sigrid Scheffer
POSITION: Managing partner COMPANY: TravelMarketing LOCATION: Amsterdam, Netherlands WEBSITE: www.travelmarketing.nl
What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? Knowledge about destinations gives you power in the travel industry [...]. I truly believe this is the nicest industry you can imagine by meeting so many people from different cultures in a professional manner. I still consider this a privilege. What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Most of the questions [...] are actually very personal, they want to know my experience, my expertise and how I anticipate challenges in order for them to make a decision upon what to do. [...] What are the must-visits and mustdos in the Netherlands that nobody should miss? [...] Amsterdam is a city that everyone needs to see at least once in their life. [...] Come in April or May when the flowers are blooming and the air smells lovely. Which destination is on your bucket-list? Can I have more than one? I still need to discover Australia and New Zealand, but I reckon you need more than a couple of weeks to explore this amazing continent. 29 OCTOBER 2016
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with
million annual visitors, how do you see Dubai’s future?
FADEEL WEHBE GENERAL MANAGER, PULLMAN DUBAI JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS, DUBAI
BY 2020, 20 MILLION TRAVELLERS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT DUBAI. FADEEL WEHBE, GENERAL MANAGER, PULLMAN DUBAI JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS, DISCUSSES THE DESTINATION’S FUTURE POTENTIAL.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has this year been at the hotel? FADEEL WEHBE: This is our second year of operation; obviously we have seen a great improvement in our business both in terms of occupancy and revenues. The hotel has become much more well known. We are catering to the Jumierah Lakes Towers market and of course the Jebel Ali Free Zone area, Media City, Internet City and Al Barsha Heights. Overall, we have definitely seen a great improvement in occupancy levels and well as in footfall at our outlets. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: With preparations underway to cater to some 20
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FADEEL WEHBE: Dubai already caters to around 10 million visitors a year and the current infrastructure that is in place and what is being planned and undertaken will prepare Dubai to handle 20 million, or even more, visitors by 2020. What hoteliers like me can do is to make sure that we are ready, we have the right team in place and we have the right tools in place to offer guests visiting Dubai the best experience possible. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Dubai has long been famed for its high-end offerings and one of kind tourism products. What are the main issues that need to be addressed in order to avoid sacrificing quality for quantity? FADEEL WEHBE: It is always important to focus on quality and not quantity. However, Dubai has also focussed on the fact that we need to have enough three and four-star properties to cater for those guests who would like to come and stay in economy and midscale hotels. We have seen in the past few years – and will continue to see in the coming years – a surge in three and fourstar hotels being built and managed by internationally reputed chains. Obviously, it is not that Dubai is going cheap or is offering now economy stays but that there are varied types of clients and they would like to have the choice to stay in five, four or threestar hotels. The most important thing is that we as hoteliers do not compromise on our service or our standards whether it is a three or four-star establishment. We need to ensure that guests feel that they are getting value for their money. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Dubai’s tourism vision has set ambitions goals for the next few years. Could the achievement of these targets mean that Dubai will reach its full potential by 2020? FADEEL WEHBE: Dubai continues to grow and it will grow beyond 2020. The good thing about Dubai is the forward thinking and the execution which is always done professionally in a timely manner. I think Dubai already
Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers
has plans of 2030 and 2020 is only a stop along the way. So yes, there is room for growth and there is a great potential for a city like Dubai. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What issues will you be focussing on in the coming months? FADEEL WEHBE: As far as we are concerned, we will continue to work with our team members to ensure that we deliver the service promised, to ensure that our team members are well trained and embrace the service culture so that our guests feel the difference during their stay at a Pullman hotel. We have started the year well in terms of occupancy and revenues and we aim to close on a high note, too. 29 OCTOBER 2016
29 OCTOBER 2016
WHO’S MOVED
JOSEPH COUBAT has been named by Rotana as area vice president for Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait, Turkey, Congo and Syria, and as general manager of Gefinor Rotana Beirut. Previously area vice president for Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon and Kuwait, Coubat’s role has been expanded following the realignment of organisational structure triggered by the inauguration of City Centre Rotana Doha, which Coubat oversaw as the property’s general manager. While being responsible for a combined 2,300 keys, Coubat will be more involved in operational strategy, development and in managing the company’s expansion drive in the region.
BOB BINDER
JOSEPH COUBAT
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BOB BINDER has been appointed president and CEO of Oceania Cruises which he will serve alongside his current position as vice chairman of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Prior to that role, which he began in 2011, Binder has significantly contributed to the development and design of new ships and restaurant concepts as president of Oceania Cruises, the brand he also co-founded. In his capacity, Binder will oversee sales, marketing, passenger services as well as revenue management. Additionally, he will ensure the continued development of itineraries and onboard products.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
CORAL BEACH SUPPORTS BREASTFEEDING
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GULF AIR RAISES CANCER AWARENESS
Representatives from Ramada Hotel & Suites and Al Ihsan Charity Association
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ulf Air held a breast cancer awareness workshop at the airline’s Muharraq headquarters. The programme included a detection screening service for the company’s female workforce, a training session on self-examination and several other health-related activities that were held alongside a charity bake sale, from which funds were donated to the Bahrain Cancer Society. Gulf Air’s health clinic conducted informative medical lectures for staff while Think Pink – Bahrain and Bahrain Cancer Society both collaborated in the day-long event providing attendees with valuable information.
Representatives from Coral Beach Resort Sharjah at the event
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oral Beach Resort Sharjah set up a booth at the 16th annual ceremony and graduation of Breast Feeding Friends (BFF) society’s 10th cycle of breastfeeding peer counsellors to give away a number to gift vouchers. Commenting on the property’s participation, Haytham Aziz, hotel manager, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said, “In keeping with our corporate social responsibility policy, we are delighted to support and take up any such causes that benefit the local community. BFF is a great initiative for raising health awareness on benefits of breastfeeding by providing information and training to mothers.”
IHG RAISES JOB SKILLS
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ntercontinental Hotel Group’s (IHG) InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars and Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars recently celebrated the graduation of 122 IHG Academy students. Participants received their certificates after completing two months of training in different hotel departments. The traineeship programme included practical on-job exercises in front office, food and beverage, kitchen, finance, human resources as well as marketing. IHG Academy is a global programme in which the group’s hotels collaborate with community and educational institutions in their own country to offer real-world hospitality experience.
W RAFTING CHAMPIONSHIP AT WADI ADVENTURE
adi Adventures in Al Ain is set to host World Rafting Championship (WRC), on November 01 – 05, which will see 85 rafting teams from 27 countries compete. During the event, the popular leisure destination will also be featuring kids and sports show zones for participants and spectators to enjoy. Visitors can also experience the world’s longest manmade whitewater channels, the largest surf pool, and an aerial obstacle course featuring a two-story airpark, zip line, climbing wall and giant swing. Aside from placing the UAE on the global rafting map, WRC is set to further boost Al Ain and Wadi Adventures’ appeal among regional and global adventure-seekers.
Wadi Adventures
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PHOTO ALBUM
Jannah Eastern Mangroves Suites, Abu Dhabi celebrated its three year anniversary
Oman Air marked Omani Women's Day
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Etihad Airways has successfully completed the sponsorship of its first six fashion weeks, in partnership with WME IMG
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels aims to enhance awareness about Breast Cancer during the month of October
29 OCTOBER 2016
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Star chef Gordon Ramsay returned to Dubai to celebrate BSK Bar's first anniversary
Oman Air Cargo was recognised with the best cargo airline title at The India Cargo Awards
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NEWS & EVENTS Tackling Future Challenges and Opportunities
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he World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan organised a regional conference on Investing in Tourism for an Inclusive Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Participants at the high-level two-day event, which took place in Petra, discussed how tourism can promote inclusive development in the southern and eastern Mediterranean with a particular focus on human capital, energy efficiency and micro, small and medium sized enterprises. The partnership between UNWTO and the EBRD aims to support inclusive and sustainable tourism.
GCC Heritage Experts Gather in Abu Dhabi
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cademics, researchers and heritage specialists visited the UAE capital for the fourth GCC Heritage and Oral History conference, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Held at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, the two-day event focussed on Technology and Sustainable Gulf Heritage: Archiving Reality and Future Prospects. Delegates discussed the adoption of a unified GCC strategy to conserve intangible heritage elements and explored the use of modern technology in preservation and archiving. Attendees listened to presentations on findings and achievements from earlier conferences and offered recommendations during expert led seminars.
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EVENTS E-TRAVEL MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE November 01 – 02 Dubai, UAE www.etravelmiddleeast.com Leading hotel groups, online travel agencies, airlines, social media platforms and other industry stakeholders will gather in Dubai.
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.
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 the UAE.
ITB BERLIN March 08 – 12 Berlin, Germany www.itb-berlin.de One of the most important annual events where leading industry stakeholders meet, network and conduct business.
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