19 NOVEMBER 2016 ISSUE 367
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06 ACCOMMODATION
ROTANA: 16 HOTELS IN 2017
UNWTO: 956 MILLION TRAVELLERS IN NINE MONTHS
08 EGYPT WELCOMES EIGHTH DEUTSCHE HOSPITALITY HOTEL
10 Air
14 International 16 Rendezvous
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
UNWTO: 956 MILLION TRAVELLERS IN NINE MONTHS
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALISTS Ellen Petty Natalie James CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou
Dubai International
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
Some 956 million international tourists travelled the world between January and September, revealed the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) latest World Tourism Barometer.
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WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
he figure is 34 million higher than in the same period in 2015, equal to a four percent year-onyear surge. Available data for the Middle East points to a six percent decrease in arrivals, though results vary greatly. Statistics started to gradually improve in the second half of the year in both North Africa and the Middle East. As Taleb Rifai, director general, UNWTO, noted, no destination is immune to risks, thus, industry stakeholders need to increase cooperation in addressing global threats.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com
SABRE: REVENUE INCREASE IN Q3
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of
2
18.11.2016
COUNTRY
CURRENCY 1USD=
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.39
Qatar (QAR)
Rial
3.64
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
110.86
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
16.01
Iran (IRR)
Rial
32,037.15
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,169.15
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,508.10
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.41
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
10.05
Syria (SYP)
Pound
213.30
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.29
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.05
Global technology company Sabre reported positive results for the third quarter (Q3), leading to a year-on-year revenue boost of 6.9 percent.
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irline and hospitality solutions revenue improved 19.8 percent, and the company’s travel network also managed to grow its global share and achieve increased bookings in all regions. Commenting on the figures, Tom Klein, CEO, Sabre, said, “With new agency conversions and some improvement in the macro-environment at travel network and continued momentum in airline and hospitality solutions, we have the pieces in place to expect strong consolidated revenue and earnings growth in the fourth quarter, setting us up well as we look toward 2017.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
SCTDA Targets European Visitors
Sharjah
In line with its efforts to achieve a 16 percent increase in arrivals from Europe, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) attended World Travel Market (WTM) London to showcase its offerings.
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CTDA also launched a MICE publication to assist with planning as well as a dedicated destination toolkit to strengthen its commitment to attracting 10 million travellers by 2021. Participating for the 14th year, delegates highlighted the emirate’s calendar of events, while Sharjah Investment and Development Authority exhibited the Mleiha archaeological project and promoted Sharjah as a family and cultural destination.
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Significant Changes for the Industry
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he rise of an emerging middle class will define and transform the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East and North Africa over the next decade, according to Visa. Speaking at the Visa Travel & Payment Trends Seminar in Dubai, Richard Lung, senior director, Visa, identified three key global trends that will shape the industry between now and 2025; a new travelling class, increased digital connectivity and an ageing population. By 2025, annual spending on global crossborder travel will reach USD1.5 trillion, from the current USD1.1 trillion, driven by a rising volume of middle income families. Visa estimates that the MENA region will see the number of annual outbound trips rise from 42 million during this year to 65 million by 2025. This may, in turn, lead to regional outbound travel spend increasing annually by 3.6 percent, from USD77 billion to USD110 billion by 2025.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Natural Causes Cost USD60 Billion
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ad weather, natural disasters and strike actions cost the travel industry up to an estimated USD60 billion annually, equating to some eight percent of global industry revenues, according to a new report on flight disruption. Shaping the Future of Airline Disruption Management, written by airline IT consultancy, T2RL, and commissioned by Amadeus, also finds that disruption spreads virally throughout the travel ecosystem; the knock-on impact of planes and crews not arriving as intended means highly optimised networks see further cancellations and delays often from a relatively minor initial problem. “Disruption management is one of the most significant operational challenges our airline customers face,” stressed Julia Sattel, global head, airline IT, Amadeus.
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Grand Egyptian Museum Expected in 2018
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urrently under development, Grand Egyptian Museum, set on an area of 480ha in Giza, is due to be partially unveiled in May 2018. To further strengthen the destination’s cultural credentials, Sherif Ismail, prime minister, Egypt, announced the decision to establish a Grand Egyptian Museum general authority, which will be affiliated with the state’s antiquities ministry. The complex will further support the development of tourism in the region, with the aim of attracting more visitors seeking to learn about the country’s rich history. Just 2km from the pyramids, the offering will complement the local UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites in its proximity.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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ROTANA: 16 HOTELS
in 2017 AS PART OF ITS AMBITIOUS PLAN TO OPERATE 100 HOTELS BY 2020 AND CONTINUING ITS STRATEGIC GROWTH MOMENTUM, ROTANA IS EXPECTING TO OPEN 16 NEW ADDRESSES IN 2017.
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The Cove Rotana Resort
he projects, including five offerings in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia and the group’s debut in Muscat, will see a further 3,756 keys added to the company’s repertoire. By the end of 2017, the total number of properties in the Rotana portfolio is set to reach 75, amounting to 19,450 rooms. Additionally, 2017 will also see the extension of The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. After being highlighted as a key growth market, the company also has a number of hotels under development across Africa, demonstrating its emphasis on building a continent-wide presence.
Arabian Courtyard Opens Chinese Restaurant
easyHotel to Expand in Middle East
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Chinese Dynasty Restaurant
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ocated in the heart of the ancient cultural district and diplomatic enclosure of Dubai, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa has launched its new Chinese Dynasty Restaurant. With its traditional reminiscent of the historical bund area on Shanghai Riverside, the outlet features three private dining rooms overlooking Dubai Museum and Dubai Creek. The restaurant offers a variety of Szechuan and Cantonese dishes created by the hotel’s chefs.
he owner, developer, operator and franchisor of branded hotels, easyHotel, has partnered with MAN Investments, a UAE-owned commercial and investment group, to develop easyHotel properties in the Middle East. The partnership comes amid an increased focus on budget accommodation establishments in the region and particularly in Dubai. “We expect the partnership to drive rapid growth for the easyHotel brand in the Middle East that should deliver further shareholder value,” commented Guy Parsons, CEO, easyHotel. “The partnership will greatly improve brand awareness in the Middle East, giving us a platform to consider further opportunities in the region.” MAN Investments has already secured land and properties which will accommodate the 2017 openings. The first hotel will be a 300-key development in Bur Dubai.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Egypt Welcomes Eighth Deutsche Hospitality Hotel
70 Years of Accomplishments
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eutsche Hospitality has inaugurated Steigenberger Coraya Beach in Marsa Alam, continuing the group’s international growth and further consolidating its presence in the North African country. Set on a private beach, the five-star property boasts 354 rooms and suites set within extensive gardens. Sports-oriented guests can enjoy a range of activities, including tennis, squash, beach volleyball and fitness training. Moreover, a Hammam, steam bath and sauna are also available as well as three pools. The resort features a range of food and beverage outlets as well as a theatre offering evening entertainment. The latest addition brings the total number of properties operated by the German group in Egypt to eight, complemented by three Nile river vessels.
Steigenberger Coraya Beach in Marsa Alam
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est Western Hotels & Resorts held its annual convention and recapped various accomplishments from the past seven decades. Joined by approximately 2,600 colleagues, David Kong, CEO, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, led the celebration and discussed the company’s development. “We are challenging ourselves to soar to new heights, reach new destinations and achieve things that were once considered to be impossible,” said Kong. The company is already 50 percent complete in its reimagined brand identity to help define its offerings and broaden the appeal with a contemporary, energetic and relevant look.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Muscat Welcomes British Airways
Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) celebrated the arrival of British Airways’ inaugural London – Muscat flight.
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Muscat
he addition of the new direct route is a significant step towards OAMC’s strategic goal of placing the Sultanate’s airports amongst the top 20 airfields in the world by 2020. Aiman bin Ahmed Al-Hosni, CEO, OAMC, confirmed that the UK is attracting a large number of business people, investors and young Omanis completing their studies in the European country, all of whom frequently travel between Muscat and London. The addition of direct services to the UK capital is of great benefit to travellers from both countries.
Johannesburg Greets Etihad Dreamliner
Qatar Airways Deploys A350 to London
Johannesburg
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tihad Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down in Johannesburg after its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi. As Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, explained, the decision to upgrade to the popular aircraft on the South African route was to meet the needs of growing numbers of business and leisure passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and the African destination. “Today’s modern traveller is constantly searching for comfort, innovation and convenience, and we aim to provide the highest standard of hospitality and technological advancements to make any journey a memorable one,” noted Baumgartner.
atar Airways’ first daily regularly-scheduled Airbus A350 service landed at London’s Heathrow Airport at the end of October. To mark the occasion, the Middle Eastern airline’s followers on social media were able to view a live tour of the interior cabin of the Airbus A350 while on the ground in the UK capital. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “The Qatar Airways Airbus A350 is one of the most advanced aircraft in our fleet […]. It is only right that such an aircraft serves one of our six daily scheduled flights from Doha to London, a route further strengthened by our continued partnership with British Airways.”
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Gulf Air Boasts Sialkot Operations
Qatar Airways Partners with Air Botswana
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ulf Air is set to increase its direct Sialkot service from two to four weekly frequencies, effective from December 01. Catering to over 3.5 million Pakistani nationals residing in the GCC, the Bahraini carrier has been providing direct air services between Pakistan and the Kingdom since 1960. In 2015, the airline introduced direct flights to the cities of Multan and Faisalabad, bringing its country-wide network to seven locations. Commenting on the upcoming upgrade, Ahmed Janahi, chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, said, “We are always looking to satisfy the high demand to and from Pakistan and cater to passenger needs across the Gulf Air network.”
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codeshare partnership offering Qatar-based travellers enhanced access to three key destinations in Botswana has been realised between the flag carriers of the two countries. In terms of the deal, Qatar Airways customers will benefit from doubledaily connections to the cities of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun via the airline’s South African gateway in Johannesburg. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “Our new codeshare agreement with Air Botswana will offer even greater opportunities for passengers from across our global network […] to take advantage of exclusive leisure experiences.”
Turkish Airlines Launches Seychelles Services
Monarch Halts Sharm El Sheikh Flights
Turkish Airlines launches Seychelles services
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ith the airline’s inaugural flight landing at Mahé International Airport, Turkish Airlines has added a tourist favourite, Seychelles, to its global route
map. Ahmet Olmuştur, chief marketing officer, Turkish Airlines, said, “Like Turkish Airlines, Seychelles goes out of its way to put a stamp on quality in everything that it provides as a destination. It is [a great addition] to our network, which currently has the biggest number of destinations [...].”
onarch has indefinitely cancelled all services and holiday bookings to Sharm El Sheikh, from the UK. In light of the government’s travel ban to the Egyptian airport, the carrier has terminated its winter schedules and will not include the destination in its summer 2017 programme. As Andrew Swaffield, group CEO, Monarch, explained, if the airfield reopens to UK flights in the future, the airline will assess whether to initiate new routes to the destination. In previous years, some 700,000 Britons visited the resort town annually.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Emirates Aviation University Collaborates with UK
RJ and IHG Join Forces
Emirates Aviation University
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oyal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Jordan reached a partnership agreement whereby the airline’s frequent flyers, Royal Plus members, get the chance to obtain free miles against the money they spend at IHG properties. In terms of the deal, guests staying at InterContinental Resort Aqaba, Crowne Plaza Hotel Amman, Crowne Plaza Resort Dead Sea, Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea and Holiday Inn Amman will now benefit from a range of perks. To get the free miles, RJ’s frequent flyers only need to use their Royal Plus cards at the reception counter upon checking in at the hotel, ordering at restaurants and cafés or taking advantage of the properties’ spas, gyms and other facilities.
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mirates Aviation University has announced the introduction of a new executive masters programme in aviation management in collaboration with Coventry University in the UK. Launching in January 2017, the curriculum was designed for students who plan to pursue a career in aviation management or want to transition from an operational role into a general management position. Professionals enrolled in the programme will benefit from the dynamic structure as the course is set to be delivered in both Dubai and the UK.
Sindbad: Half a Million Members
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man Air welcomed the 500,000th loyal customer to its frequent flyer programme. The airline greeted the renowned actress Fakhria Khamis Al Ajami at its head office, where the new member received a complimentary gold tier membership of Sindbad, which allows her to enjoy a bouquet of exclusive benefits such as extra baggage allowance, business class lounge access, in-flight duty free discount, priority check in, bonus Sindbad miles and more. Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO, Oman Air, commented, “We are delighted to have reached 500,000 members. Celebrating this milestone is a great achievement for us and is a reflection of the airline’s commitment to service to rewarding and forming genuine connections with our customers.”
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL Harbin to Welcome Shangri-La Hotel
Pattaya Beach Welcomes AVANI Property
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AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa
A Songbei Shangri-La, Harbin
et to unveil its second property in the Chinese city, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is gearing up for the December launch of Songbei Shangri-La, Harbin. Designed with the needs of modern travellers in mind, the property will feature 33 executive serviced apartments, food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities, a spa, indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. “Our intentions are to deliver rich and unique experiences that not only embrace the vibrancy of the fabled city of ice, but also the hospitality of the Shangri-La brand from the arrival experience through to service details, culinary inspiration and our luxurious living spaces,” said Tyson Wang, general manager, Songbei Shangri-La, Harbin.
IHG Grows Japanese Footprint
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Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) celebrated the inauguration of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba. Located in the heart of the city, the brand’s fifth address in Japan features 314 rooms. Hans Heijligers, head of Japan, IHG, said, “With a tourism boom in Japan, and especially in Osaka, over the last few years, we have also seen a shift in the travelling patterns of international travellers who are now more interested in local experiences than just visiting world famous places or shopping. Travellers can find a variety of local experiences, such as sampling local delicacies and exploring the back streets that are unique to Japan, right here in Osaka.”
VANI Pattaya Resort & Spa launched in one of Thailand’s popular beach resort destinations, Pattaya Beach. The 298-room property offers meeting rooms, a bar, café restaurant, plus the The Pantry, a dedicated zone where guests are able to eat, grab a quick bite or stock up their mini bars. Another features of the resort include a spa, a 650m2 pool, Jacuzzi and a fitness centre. Daily exercise classes include yoga, Pilates and Muay Thai boxing.
Silicon Valley to Welcome Choice Project
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hoice Hotels International has signed an agreement with franchise partner Villa Developers & Investments to develop a new Cambria hotel & suites in San Jose, California. The 11-storey, 173-room hotel is expected to open in 2018, and will boast 1,800m2 of meeting space, and indoor pool, fitness centre, and a roof-top restaurant and lounge. Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels International, said, “San Jose is known for being in the heart of the booming tech industry in California, making it an ideal match for Cambria hotels & suites and our guests in the Bay Area.”
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WHO’S MOVED
DORIS GREIF has been appointed senior vice president of operations in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at Jumeirah Group. With more than three decades of experience, Greif has held a number of senior positions at the company since joining it in 1999. Her previous role was regional vice president of Europe and general manager of Jumeirah Frankfurt. From 2008, Greif was the chief operating officer of city operations at DIFC Investments before returning to Jumeirah Group in 2010, where she successfully led operation of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers as general manager.
STEVE ALLEN
DORIS GREIF
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19 NOVEMBER 2016
SAYED TAYOUN is the new area director of sales and marketing of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)’s properties in Dubai Festival City. With 15 years of hotelier experience and an extensive commercial background, Tayoun originally started his career in Beirut and has held several leadership roles with IHG in the region. Previously, Tayoun was heading the sales and marketing activities for the IHG portfolio in Abu Dhabi, based at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. In recent years, Tayoun has received various recognitions and awards, most recently IHG’s commercial leader of the year in India, Middle East and Africa. In his capacity, he will focus on leading the Dubai Festival City properties in their marketing and sales business strategies.
ANNIE TURNELL
SAYED TAYOUN
Greif initially joined Jumeirah Group in 1999
STEVE ALLEN has been named divisional senior vice president of UAE airport operations at dnata. After 15 years of experience at British Airways, Allen joined the Dubai-based company in 2008 as vice president of operations, where he was instrumental in the successful development of the One dnata Strategy. In 2011, he decided to move to performance management as senior vice president; a position which saw him lead several major change programmes for the group, including the ongoing design of phase two of Dubai World Central. In addition to being part of the Emirates Group Innovation Board, Allen currently serves as a board member at Transguard and Plafond.
ANNIE TURNELL has been chosen as public relations and communications manager at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Turnell joins the property from Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, where she handled communications during the property’s opening stage. Prior to that, she was responsible for a number of hospitality clients as a senior account manager at Toh Public Relations. With a focus on the luxury segment, Turnells key accounts included JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai and Alila Jabal Akhdar. In her new role, Turnell will lead the hotel’s strategic public relations, marketing and digital communications.
Turnell will head all communications endeavous
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RENDEZVOUS
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leadership teams’ planning and carefully executed strategies, we have been able to maintain and retain business despite falling room rates, demand and increased competition. [...]
Q & A with
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is it for Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi to showcase local culture and heritage?
LISBETH BENESKI DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI
WITH A NUMBER OF UPCOMING DEVELOPMENTS ON SAADIYAT ISLAND, INCLUDING THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LOUVRE ABU DHABI, IT IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR THE EMIRATE’S CULTURAL SCENE. LISBETH BENESKI, DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI DISCUSSES HOW BOTH THE PROPERTY AND ABU DHABI STRIVE TO SHOWCASE LOCAL HERITAGE AND CULTURAL CREDENTIALS.
LISBETH BENESKI: Cultural tourism continues to grow, and our research has shown that guests are hungry for more authentic and real experiences. As one of the iconic hotels in Abu Dhabi, and the flagship of the hometown hotel company, Rotana, we take our cultural heritage seriously. We look for small and meaningful ways to inject the traditional Arabic hospitality into everyday things, including our guest arrival experience, informative books and historical photo displays, coffee and tea menus, Arabic spices and flavours infused in our food and beverage offerings and even experiential packages with local heritage opportunities. In 2017, we will continue to expand our offerings and [improve] the guest experience with educational and informative guides during their pre-arrival periods in order to enhance their experience. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What does Abu Dhabi offer over other destinations in the region? LISBETH BENESKI: [...] From the charm of Qasr Al Hosn to the modernity of the new skyline, there is so much culturally for visitors to see and experience. A trip to the Heritage Village is a great starting point, as is the cultural foundation at Qasr Al Hosn. The Grand Mosque is of course the crown jewel, but I also guide guests towards the Mother of Our Nation Park, a boat trip or kayak among the mangroves, and if possible, a city tour from a Seawings plane. [...] The addition of the Louvre – [which
will be extraordinary] – and coming museum attractions will shift the cultural tourism spotlight to Abu Dhabi. I have seen the arts scene grow yearly; and the new arts district, Warehour421 is outstanding. The annual Abu Dhabi Art event is a must-do. The yearly Abu Dhabi Festival brings global art and music, [while] Abu Dhabi Classics brings performances from the world’s brightest and most talented musicians. One is truly spoilt for choice. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has been wonderful in supporting, encouraging and growing festivals such as those, and assuredly more will come as the Louvre and Saadiyat Island Cultural District open. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How can Abu Dhabi continue to develop as a cultural hotspot? LISBETH BENESKI: I am honoured to be a part of this growing, dynamic smart city. Abu Dhabi is taking a close look at every touchpoint and opportunity to ensure that its visitors have a memorable experience. Awareness of all that makes Abu Dhabi so unique will indeed drive more visitors, and the plethora of outstanding events is a major attraction. Abu Dhabi is a sophisticated destination with natural charm and its strengths grow year over year. Smart, eco-friendly transportation and easy access will be important, as will ensuring that unique and bespoke opportunities and experiences remain a focus. Saadiyat Island is a win-win for the emirate and the country; it will forever change our landscape. I believe the Masdar City development will continue to gain interest, and certainly Yas Island is a destination on its own. Abu Dhabi, in less time than people think, will be a top global city destination [...]. This city has the elegance, intelligence, tourism product, and all the opportunity in the world; it will just take some time. I am dedicated to seeing it become as I foresee it.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has business been in the past months? LISBETH BENESKI: This year has proven a challenging and engaging year. The global economic market, as well as its impact on our local market meant that our team needed to be proactive and resilient. Because of the commercial and
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Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
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AGENT CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I started working in the tourism industry in 1984, after being a student of the faculty of foreign languages at the university. At that time I was a part-time English speaking guide at Intourist in Khabarovsk. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? The knowledge of tourist products, quality of service as well as the ability to listen and understand clients’ wishes and expectations.
NAME:
Natalia Ezerskaya
POSITION: Director COMPANY: Mandarin Travel Company LOCATION: Khabarovsk, Russia WEBSITE: www.mandarin-travel.com
What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Where to go for a holiday? What are the must-visits and mustdos in Russia that nobody should miss? I think it is good to visit St Petersburg, a historical city, and Russian Far East with its beautiful nature. Which destinations are on your bucket-list? Georgia and Portugal.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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THE NEED TO KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY
ETIHAD LAUNCHES ANDROID APP
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tihad Airways has further enhanced its digital offering with the introduction of a new mobile application for Android smartphones, enabling passengers to manage their journeys with even greater ease. The user-friendly app provides comprehensive trip management capabilities and gives customers the information they need in a way that suits them. Users can now organise their journeys directly on their phones, and manage bookings, check in, secure their boarding pass, stay up-to-date on their flight’s status and view their Etihad Guest miles balance, among other functions.
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igitally savvy clients want more from their travel agents than just a website or an application, revealed the World Tourism Market (WTM) Global Trends Report, compiled in association with Euromonitor International. The concept of clicks and mortar has now moved on, thus, agents need to think in terms of merging their physical and digital presence to thrive on what is known as the physital economy. Caroline Bremner, head of travel, Euromonitor International, said, “Travel agents who think that having a website or app means they are meeting the needs of today’s travellers are four years behind the times.” Travel agents are advised to consider virtual reality as a way to bridge the gap between the traditional face-to-face experience of visiting a high street agent and the expectations of today’s customers.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN
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madeus, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism of Kenya have signed an agreement to provide youth and women of underprivileged communities with access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in travel and tourism. The pilot programme, to be launched in Kenya before the end of 2017, will include training for locals through Amadeus customers, and the initiative is expected to be replicated in countries around the world. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, said, “Tourism is not only a catalyst for development but also for inclusion. Though in most regions women make up the majority of the tourism workforce, they tend to be concentrated in the lowest paid and lowest status jobs, and perform a large amount of unpaid work in family tourism businesses. We, thus, need to work together to ensure women can access better jobs in tourism.”
F RJ SPONSORS SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUB RJ and Club Deportivo Leganés representatives
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or the remainder of the 2016/2017 La Liga football season that will end on May 21, 2017, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) will be the main sponsor of Club Deportivo
Leganés. The carrier will boost its visibility in the European and international markets with its sponsorship of the Spanish football team. Suleiman Obeidat, CEO, RJ, said, “Our sponsorship will draw the global attention to Jordan and Royal Jordanian that is leading the air transportation in the Levant region. Royal Jordanian has endeavored, at national level, to promote tourism to Jordan.”
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PHOTO ALBUM
Chef AndrÊ Gerrits (centre) won at Etihad Airways’ Taste of Abu Dhabi competition
Danat Al Ain Resort supported the first car show in Al Ain City
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Four Points by Sheraton, Dubai is launching Sky High Tea in partnership with Fujifilm ME
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
UAE Flag Day programmes in Ajman
Ajman Tourism Development Department sponsored the 4th Gulf Business Women Forum
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NEWS & EVENTS Dubai Maritime Week Gets an Upgrade
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he popular Dubai Maritime Week, which was held between October 30 – November 03, has been renamed to UAE Maritime Week. The week-long programme aimed at mainstreaming the successful experience of enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai as one of the most important worldwide maritime destination. Held at the sidelines of the event, the Dubai Maritime Summit revolved around international cooperation in related technology and innovation, the need to reinforce maritime arbitration and investments in human resources for the sector’s further advancement. The third edition of the gathering attracted over 350 exhibitors from international companies and more than 7,000 visitors comprising local, regional and global experts and marine specialists.
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EVENTS 3RD ANNUAL SOUTHERN AFRICA WOMEN IN TOURISM CONFERENCE Johannesburg, South Africa November 28 – 30 The event will see the launch of the Southern Africa Women in Tourism project, which aims to encourage and support women working in the industry.
HOTELIER SUMMIT December 07 – 09 Dubai, UAE www.ide-global.com Hoteliers from across the UAE and Saudi Arabia will share knowledge and ideas.
Omran Hosts Annual ISCA Conference
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his year’s conference of the International Show Caves Association (ISCA) was hosted at Oman’s renowned Al Hoota Cave. More than 40 international delegates were welcomed to the event, with the incentive of promoting proper management to ensure conservation and preservation of the cave as well as for the safety of guests in the enjoyment of show caves. Brad Wuest, president, ISCA, commented, “The Al Hoota Cave is important as it was the first show cave to be opening in the Middle East, and its recent reopening following Omran’s work with the Oman Ministry of Tourism to create a sustainable cave experience supports the aims and objectives of ISCA.”
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ITB BERLIN March 08 – 12, 2017 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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