4 MARCH 2017 ISSUE 382
06 MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT REACHES 20 PERCENT COMPLETION
08 MALLS
MAJID AL FUTTAIM TO INAUGURATE MALL OF EGYPT
12 EMAAR PROPERTIES REVEALS 28 PERCENT GROWTH IN PROFIT
10 Technology 14 Air
19 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Challenging January for Abu Dhabi Addresses
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALIST Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS Panayiotis Karanicholas Maria Sabova Anna Spyrou Dominique Christou SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu
Abu Dhabi
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
STR’s preliminary data for January has revealed that hotels in Abu Dhabi experienced a 1.4 percent year-on-year decline in occupancy to 74.2 percent, a 10 percent fall in average daily rate (ADR) to AED465.80 (USD126.82) and an 11.2 percent plummet in RevPAR to AED345.68 (USD94.12).
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hile demand had risen 2.4 percent during the respective month, supply was also up 3.9 percent when compared to January 2016, which had a significant impact on ADR. Thanks to Global Space Congress, on January 31 there was 23.6 percent boost in RevPAR over the same day in 2016, while occupancy on January 30 and January 31 reached 90.2 percent and 89.8 percent, correspondingly.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735, kuka@rmamedia.com
Marriott International Records Growth in Q4, 2016
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456, david@simpson-media.com
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
as of
2
3.3.2017
COUNTRY
CURRENCY USD1=
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
110.62
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
16.20
Iran (IRR)
Rial
32,410.54
Iraq (IQD)
Dinar
1,177.13
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.30
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,506.66
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.40
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
10.13
Syria (SYP)
Pound
214.40
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
2.30
Yemen (YER)
Rial
250.15
Marriott International has posted its 2016 fourth quarter (Q4) results, which has shown net income to have totalled USD244 million, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent, with Q4 adjusted net income reaching USD344 million, a 15 percent rise over Q4 2015 combined results.
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djusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation grew to USD756 million in Q4, an 11 percent jump over the same period in 2015. During 2016, the group added more than 68,000 keys to its portfolio, with a worldwide development pipeline increased to 420,000 rooms, 34,000 of which are approved but not yet subject to signed contracts. Furthermore, in the respective year, the company repurchased eight million shares of its common stock for USD573million, including 4.3 million shares for USD348 million in Q4.
4 MARCH 2017
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WEEKLY NEWS HOTEL PERFORMANCE
Hotstats’ MENA Chain Hotels Market Review December 2016 has revealed how properties in Doha, Dubai and Kuwait attempted to overcome a challenging period.
Hotels in Dubai Finish 2016 with Profit Rise
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lthough hoteliers in Dubai reported an overall 6.8 percent decline in profit in 2016, by the fourth quarter, properties achieved a 0.7 percent increase in profit per room, even with a 4.4 percent decrease in RevPAR during the three month period. Due to the addition of supply in the emirate and a shift in demand to three-star addresses due to a dip in oil prices, in the first half of 2016, profit per room plummeted 13.2 percent, driven by a 11.3 percent drop in RevPAR. However, costs reductions were observed, saving 1.7 percent in labour and 2.8 percent in overheads.
Plummeting Profit in Kuwait
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n 2016, profit per room at hotels in Doha dropped 23.3 percent compared to 2015, marking the second consecutive year of significant decline, in spite of reducing both labour and overheads, down 1.9 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively. Overall, 2016 proved challenging for properties in Qatar’s capital, with a 18.2 percent plummet in RevPAR, along with declines in food and beverage, which fell 11.2 percent and conference and banqueting, down 14.6 percent. Combined, these measures contributed to total RevPAR falling to USD297.41, a decline of 13.5 percent. Hoteliers attempted to overcome this by slashing undistributed operating expenses, such as administration and general, sales and marketing as well as property and maintenance, reduced 15.9 percent, 11.7 percent and 18.2 percent, correspondingly, compared to 2015.
4 MARCH 2017
Kuwait City
Doha Addresses Struggle to Overcome Profit Loss
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n 2016, profit per room at Kuwait properties fell 18.7 percent when compared to 2016. While addresses managed to maintain achieved average room rate, this was at the expense of a 3.7 percentage point year-on-year decrease in occupancy during the first half of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, the strategic rate reduction enabled hoteliers to recover loss and report a 3.2 percentage point rise in occupancy, which reached 47.4 percent. In particular, the commercial segment suffered during 2016, with residential conference declining 15.5 percent yearon-year, along with an 11.9 percent plummet in the corporate segment. Furthermore, ancillary revenues also decreased, comprising just 46.1 percent of total revenue, compared to 54.1 percent in 2015.
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WEEKLY NEWS
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The UAE Launches Mars 2117 Project H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler, Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince, Abu Dhabi unveiled the UAE’s Mars 2117 Project, which aims to establish the first inhabitable human settlement on the Mars by 2117.
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Mars
he first phase will concentrate on education, with the hope of nurturing a group of specialists to develop a breakthrough to facilitate the arrival of humans. Faster means of transportation to and from the red planet will also be a focus, along with understanding how life will be. Al Maktoum noted, “The new project is a seed that we plant today, and we expect future generations to reap the benefits, driven by its passion to learn to unveil a new knowledge.”
Boost in German Bookings to Egypt
Saudi Arabia Invests in Domestic Tourism
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gypt’s State Information Service has unveiled that the country ranked as the number one choice for German tourists on February 13, with the most number of bookings recorded by Check 24, a German comparison website. Along with being the most popular destination on the aforementioned date, the number of travellers who have booked trips to Egypt in the first six weeks of the year has skyrocketed 84 percent when compared to the same period in 2016. This achievement follows the lifting of restrictions, the reinstatement of flights along with Egyptian Tourism Office’s efforts to attract visitors during a recent meeting in Berlin.
Simon Press
Egypt
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ased on a survey conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute more than 81 billion to the country’s GDP by 2026. Domestic tourism is a major source of income for the country. In 2016, more than 47.5 million local tourists trips were recorded, signalling a 2.3 percent rise compared to 2015. Based on Vision 2030, the government is planning to invest in cultural projects and entertainment activities inside the country. These plans will be presented at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which will take place in Dubai from April 23 – 27. Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM 2017, stated, “Vision 2030 also seeks to double the number of UNESCO heritage sites to encourage more domestic tourism, while both Holy Mosques have large expansion plans […] that would assist with travel to and within these religious sites.”
4 MARCH 2017
WEEKLY NEWS TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS
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Mamsha Al Saadiyat Reaches 20 Percent Completion
Rendering of Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has unveiled that the construction of Mamsha Al Saadiyat is well underway, with 21.9 percent of the development works now complete.
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ue to be finished during the second half of 2018, the AED1.25 billion (USD340 million) project is being developed in a joint venture between SANJOSE Contracting and Pivot Engineering & General Contracting. Set within Saadiyat Cultural District, the beachfront mixed-use offering will feature nine low-rise residential buildings with 461 units, ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments and nine five-bedroom penthouses. Additionally, it will boast a selection of leisure and retail outlets and a 1.4km promenade with walking and cycling paths and children’s playgrounds.
AKOYA by DAMAC Becomes DAMAC Hills
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Nakheel Moves Forward with Madinat Al Arab
AMAC Properties has unveiled DAMAC Hills, previously known as AKOYA by DAMAC, a premiere golf master community, featuring Trump International Golf Club
Dubai. The 390ha site will also boast golf-facing villas and low-ride apartments offering panoramic views of the fairways amongst a residential, retail, hospitality and leisure community. Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, DAMAC Properties, said, “The launch of DAMAC Hills marks our evolution into becoming a successful master developer. The complexity and size of such a large-scale project is testament to our ability to deliver from start to finish a fully-integrated community and for this reason we are pleased to put our name to it.”
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DAMAC Hills
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akheel has appointed Dar Al-Handasah for infrastructure design, engineering and site supervision services at Madinat Al Arab, 522ha site with 266 mixed-use plots. Situated at Waterfront in Jebel Ali, the infrastructure design for four of the five zones is reaching completion, while the construction tender is due to be released in the second quarter of this year. Strategically located within reach of the Expo 2020 site, Al Maktoum International Airport and recently-opened attractions, theme parks and Abu Dhabi, the project reinforces Nakheel’s commitment to the area and its investors.
4 MARCH 2017
WEEKLY NEWS
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Emirates Wildlife Society Creates Partnerships
4 MARCH 2017
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
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he Emirates Wildlife Society in association with World Wildlife Fund has unveiled Give2UAE strategy, launching environmental programmes for public and private sectors to actively contribute to national sustainability goals. Responding to the UAE’s 2017 vision of the Year of Giving, the strategy involves partnership programmes based on corporate social responsibility, volunteering and serving the nation. Various stakeholders are encouraged to join corporate membership natural conservation agendas, a wide range of volunteering programmes and climate change educational activities.
International Property Show Unveiled by DLD
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ubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that the 13th edition of International Property Show will be held on April 02 – 04. Around 100 exhibitors from 40 countries, along with 16,000 visitors, are expected to attend the event which will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show is hailed as the only of its kind that allows direct real estate deals with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency’s authorisation. Majid Saqer Al Marri, senior director, real estate investment management and promotion centre, DLD, said, “This show provides the perfect environment for developers to operate and grow. Our support also gives greater credibility to the special offers and helps reassure clients.”
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WEEKLY NEWS MALLS
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Majid Al Futtaim to Inaugurate
Mall of Egypt OPERATOR OF MULTIPLE OUTLETS’ MAJID AL FUTTAIM HAS ANNOUNCED THE OPENING OF THE LONG-AWAITED MALL OF EGYPT, SET TO WELCOME THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MARCH 02.
Mall of Egypt rendering
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he two-level venue boasts what is said to be a hallmark of the company’s presence across the region, featuring VOX Cinemas, Ski Egypt, Carrefour, Little Explorers and Magic Planet entertainment. The mall spans a gross leasable area of 165,000m² and will provide 6,500 parking spaces. With EGP6.3 billion (USD386.5 million) of investments, the super-regional mall promises to introduce new concepts to the Egyptian market, ranging from creative architecture to exceptional customer experiences, unparalleled dining, retail and entertainment options.
Yas Mall’s Philanthropic Initiatives
Yas Mall
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ldar Properties through its flagship Yas Mall has commited to the vision of Abu Dhabi’ s declared Year of Giving by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a non-profit organisation Make-A-Wish UAE to support meaningful causes. Make-A-Wish UAE was established to grant wishes to children in the UAE who are living with lifethreatening illnesses. Under the partnership, the mall will support the organisation by engaging with its retailers and facilitating the fundraising activities that will be announced in due course. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, CEO, Aldar Properties, commented, “[…] The Year of Giving is an opportunity for us all to identify more ways in which we can contribute to our communities and our company is proud to demonstrate its commitment to the initiative through this partnership.”
4 MARCH 2017
WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
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Travelport Hotelzon Upgrades Booking App
Travelport Hotelzon app
Travelport Hotelzon, a business-to-business hotel distribution technology provider, has redesigned its booking application, with additional content and new features to meet the increasing demands of the ever-connected corporate traveller.
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he new version allows users to search, book, amend and cancel hotel stays within their corporate travel policy, while ensuring they secure the best available rates, including companies’ negotiated deals. Daniel Guillou, managing director, Hotelzon, commented, “The Travelport Hotelzon app provides the convenience and hotel choice travellers seek, whilst keeping hotel bookings within policy and providing better clarity on spending to the company.”
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abre will be the first technology provider to introduce FlightGlobal’s live data feeds into its global distribution system and travel booking platforms, offering a real-time air shopping experience and smarter connectivity. FlightGlobal, the industry’s database of airline schedules from over 900 carriers worldwide, will enable more than 425,000 of Sabre’s travel agents to have a live access to flight changes and up-to-the-millisecond flight schedules. All data will update dynamically at the time the members shop for flights. “As the first to integrate FlightGlobal’s data with a core travel agency reservation system in the industry, Sabre provides the highest level of schedule reliability to our global agency network for virtually every passenger flight around the world,” said, Wade Jones, interim president, Sabre Travel Network.
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SAP to Deliver Platforms for Expo 2020 Dubai
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xpo 2020 Dubai has announced its first international premier partner, a global software solutions provider SAP, that will co-innovate on real-time technology platforms to facilitate the event’ s cutting-edge technology experience. SAP is expected to run more than 20 real-time solutions with a potential to enable organisers and exhibitors to identify visitors’ trends and preferences and to help participants with smart navigation to their preferred pavilions. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, higher committee, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We are building a tremendous base of technology enablers that collectively provide thoughtful, connected experiences. SAP has a long track record of providing trusted, best-in-class enterprise solutions that are essential to the planning and operations of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, right, and SAP representative
Sabre First to Enable Real-Time Data Access
4 MARCH 2017
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
Travelport and Trailfinders Announce Collaboration
Avis Budget Group and Travelport Extend Partnership
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railfinders and Travelport have signed a new longterm agreement, building on a 25 year relationship between the two companies. As part of the partnership, Trailfinders expert consultants will have access to Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform, with branded fares and ancillaries from more than 400 airlines and 650,000 hotels to ensure customers can book tailormade itineraries. Paul Broughton, regional managing director, the UK and Ireland, Travelport, noted, “To maintain their leadership in their field, Trailfinders needs access to both extensive global travel choice as well as the very best travel booking technology and this has remained our focus and an area in which we have continued to invest and lead.”
4 MARCH 2017
vis Budget Group and Travelport, have announced the signing of a new, multi-year partnership contract. Through the agreement, Avis Budget Group will have continued access to Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform enabling the company to continue to showcase its available vehicle inventory and suite of ancillary products and services for its portfolio of brands, including Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, Payless Car Rental, Apex Car Rentals and Maggiore. Travel agencies, including those online, travel management companies and corporate customers will continue to be able to reserve a rental vehicle easily and conveniently.
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Emaar Properties Reveals 28 Percent Growth in Profit In 2016, Emaar Properties achieved a net profit of AED5.23 billion (USD1.43 billion), a year-on-year jump of 28 percent.
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evenue increased 14 percent compared to 2015, reaching a total of AED15.54 billion (USD4.23 billion), with recurring revenue from shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure business accounting for 38 percent of total revenue, at AED5.98 billion (USD1.63 billion). Moreover, 2016 saw the unveiling of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour as well as the opening of Dubai Opera and two Rove Hotels addresses. Commenting on the year ahead, Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said, “As the nation sets new milestones in futuristic developments, Emaar will continue to invest in next-generation technology to deliver modern lifestyles that meet the lifestyle aspirations of our youth and future generations.”
Deutsche Hospitality Marks 100th Property
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort Unveils Chalets
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s part of Danat Hotels and Resorts’ expansion and aim of attracting more European, CIS and GCC guests, 24 newlybuilt beachfront chalets have been inaugurated at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort. In the past few years, the Abu Dhabi-based resort has focussed on the corporate segment, but now intends to broaden its customer base with increased leisure guests. Commenting on the addition to the property, Kevin Lawless, hotel manager, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, said, “The new chalets with elegant contemporary details that blend the comfort of life with coastal charm will also cater to the next generation of travellers and families who want to combine work and relaxation as well as demand style and substance.”
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Eight Percent Rise in Profit for Aldar Properties
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n 2016, Aldar Properties achieved a net profit of AED2.8 billion (USD762 million), a year-on-year increase of eight percent. Highlights of the financial year include total development sales value of AED3.5 billion (USD953 million), led by Yas Acres, Mayan and West Yas, while Yas Island continued to build momentum. In terms of the company’s asset management, 2016 saw the recurring revenue net operating income of AED1.6 billion (USD436 million), Yas Mall maintained occupancy, with 94 percent of units trading. Meanwhile, as of December 31, 2016, Aldar Properties residential, office and hotel portfolios recorded occupancy of 92 percent, 95 percent and 77 percent, correspondingly.
Radisson Blu Debuts in Dhahran
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The Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
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eutsche Hospitality continued on its path of expansion having launched its 100th hotel to operate under the Deutsche Hospitality brand, namely, The Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir. The expansion is in line with the company's aim of tapping into new markets and strengthening its brand presence at existing locations. In accordance with this strategy, the company has signed 14 contracts for new hotels on three continents over the past year. Located in the Egyptian metropolis of Cairo, the new property offers guests 300 furnished rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with the latest in technology. Furthermore, the hotel boasts five conference rooms, a large banqueting hall, a spa as well as a health and beauty centre and gym with swimming pool. The address extends the brands presence to 11 hotels and three Nile river ships.
he Rezidor Hotel Group has inaugurated the first Radisson Blu Residence in Dhahran, to be followed by opening of another property in 2019. Targeting corporate and leisure guests, the 92-key residence located in the Aramco business district, features guest rooms as well as two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with a fitness centre and a restaurant offering selection of international cuisine. “We are delighted to open our first residences in Dhahran [...] and we are confident that the combination of high quality serviced apartments and the globally recognised Radisson Blu brand will prove to be a compelling proposition, popular in demand,” said, Mark Willis, area vice president, Middle East and Turkey, The Rezidor Hotel Group.
4 MARCH 2017
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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Qatar Airways Expands to Skopje Qatar Airways confirmed the start date of its long-awaited direct service to Skopje Alexander the Great Airport, with four-weekly flights from Hamad International Airport beginning July 17.
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he itinerary connecting Doha with the Macedonian capital will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, onboard Airbus A320 aircraft featuring a two-class cabin configuration with 12 seats in business and 132 seats in economy class. H.E. Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, commented on the inauguration, “Our new service to Skopje is a much anticipated addition to our global route map, connecting leisure and business passengers to and from the Republic of Macedonia. Those travelling on Qatar Airways from this destination onwards to our global network will be able to connect seamlessly to destinations such as our recently launched gateways of Auckland, Sydney, Krabi and Windhoek.”
Turkish and Pakistan Airlines Expand Codeshare
Travelport and Emirates Launch Advanced Paid Seating
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urkish Airlines and Pakistan International Airlines strengthened their codeshare cooperation and from February 01, new routes have enabled both airlines to enter additional global markets for the first time. Pakistan International Airlines in now able to sell Turkish Airlines’ services to Atlanta, Johannesburg, Atina, Amsterdam, Tashkent, Moscow, Miami, Boston, Houston, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago while Turkish Airlines markets Pakistani carrier’s operating flights from Karachi and Islamabad to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat and from Lahore to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Bernd Hildenbrand, CEO, Pakistan International Airlines, commented, “Pakistan and Turkey are brotherly countries and have close cultural and business cooperation in various areas including aviation. Our airline values its commercial relations with Turkish Airlines and the expansion of this codeshare adds more value to our commercial ties and is equally beneficial for our customers.”
Representatives of the airlines
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or the first time, users of Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform will be able to select and pay for Emirates seats in advance according to the Emirates Fare Brand chosen, following an enhanced partnership agreement. Previously only available through the airline’s website, the advanced paid seating option supports Emirate’s ongoing investment in improving inflight customer experience. Commenting on the announcement, Derek Sharp, senior vice president, air commerce, Travelport, noted, “[Emirates’] decision to launch advanced paid seating through Travelport – in an industry – first move - is a testament to how we are able to help Emirates market their unique offerings to the global travel trade and end travellers. “
4 MARCH 2017
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
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EgyptAir Received its First B737-800NGs
Royal Jordanian and Turkish TechnicTeam Up
4 MARCH 2017
B737-800NGs
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ccording to a recent agreement between Royal Jordanian and Turkish Airlines, the former carrier is expected to receive Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) components by Turkish Technic, the maintenance, repair and overhaul centre of Turkish Airlines. The services and spares that will be provided within the framework of the agreement will take place in Turkish Technic’s Istanbul base and supply stations throughout the world. The contract is expected to strengthen business relationships between the two parties and will expand Turkish Technic’s network in the Middle East region. Ahmet Karaman, CEO, Turkish Technic, enthused, “We are glad to be reaping the fruits of our labour with this win-win cooperation model. Turkish Technic has reached a fleet size of about 800 aircraft in the component pool market with the signing of this agreement.”
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n February 11, 2016, EgyptAir launched its first B737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The inaugural delivery took place at the Boeing delivery centre in Seattle after an agreement signed between Egypt’s national carrier and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise leasing company. According to the agreement, seven more B737-800NGs are expected to be delivered this year.
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
Super 8 – offering both our investors and guests an unrivalled variety. Wyndham Rewards, our industry-leading guest loyalty programme, offers more than 48 million members around the world the opportunity to earn and redeem points at thousands of hotels, helping to drive brand loyalty and repeat business for hotels.
IGNACE BAUWENS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP
WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP HAS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON EXPANDING ACROSS THE MENA REGION, IGNACE BAUWENS, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP, EXPLAINS THE REASONS BEHIND THE STRATEGIC GROWTH.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What differentiates Wyndham Hotel Group from other international hotel brands in the region? IGNACE BAUWENS: A hotel giant with an unmatched global presence of nearly 8,000 hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group is a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider. Our global portfolio consists of [...] approximately 689,800 rooms in 76 countries, with brands including Ramada, Wyndham Grand, Wyndham Garden, TRYP by Wyndham, Hawthorn and
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Which are your most popular brands within the region? IGNACE BAUWENS: Ramada has been our most popular brand in the region for some time, but Wyndham Grand, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Wyndham Garden are all brands we are seeing rapidly growing in the area. Having said that, our extensive portfolio of brands means there are no limits. Each one caters to a specific customer need, with all of our iconic brands united by the richest and simplest rewards programme in the business, Wyndham Rewards. [...] With a strong and growing footprint around the world, including many hotels conveniently located near major airports, Wyndham Garden brings a carefree convenience and peace of mind to both business and leisure travellers. Now that the market has matured in this region, we are able to successfully introduce more of our fastest growing brands, such as Wyndham Garden. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Why is there a focus on development in the Middle East and North Africa region? IGNACE BAUWENS: Despite all the challenges of the last few years, political as well as economic, the MENA region has proven its resilience in many ways. The region remains dynamic with many opportunities for growth. Dubai has certainly taken the lead in the hospitality industry within the MENA region, however there are many other countries and cities with vast opportunities. History has proven the importance of tourism – and therefore hospitality - in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia to name just a few, and they will all bounce back at some point. The lower oil prices in GCC countries over the past year have also presented many opportunities. Owners and developers have seen the value and prospects of upper and midscale hotels as well as those at the budget end of the scale. The evolving budgets of both lei-
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sure and business guests, together with an improved midscale and budget hotel offering, have created a lot of opportunity in the region. For owners and investors the financial returns of these hotel investments are also more attractive compared to the luxury offering. The increased number of people travelling to the MENA region – due to cheaper airfares and the growing connectivity of budget airlines to this region – means that, although we are still seeing healthy growth within the luxury market, the real opportunity lies in midscale and budget developments. Therefore the introduction of the Wyndham Garden, TRYP by Wyndham, Super 8 and Days Inn brands to the MENA market are aimed specifically at this growing market. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the upcoming developments for the group in the region? IGNACE BAUWENS: 2016 was a busy year in the region, and this year is set to be even bigger. We have a number of new hotels set to open across MENA, including TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, Wyndham Grand Manama, as well as three new openings in Saudi Arabia. Looking further ahead, we are opening an additional 15 properties between 2018 and 2020, and are, of course, always working closely with local teams to identify more opportunities to bring our iconic brands to both emerging and established destinations. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you forecast the coming year to be? IGNACE BAUWENS: We are certainly optimistic about the opportunities in the region this year. We are working hand in hand with the tourism boards and authorities in the various countries to promote their destination to different types of travellers, to help boost visitors to the region as a whole. By developing calendars of the major events in the cities we can attract guests from all backgrounds, all of whom will be looking for different types of accommodation which our portfolio is best placed to provide. We are also expecting to see an increase in visitors to the region as a direct result of our regional marketing campaigns around our Wyndham Hotel Group branded hotels and their destinations. 4 MARCH 2017
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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
WBAF at Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
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he second edition of World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) took place at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, between February 13 – 14. This year’s forum focused on the different ways corporations can foster open innovation and deliver more value through partnerships with angel investors. The event also introduced new collaborations between Subject Matter Experts, entrepreneurs and public organisations to address equity gap challenges and solutions. Hailed as a global organisation, WBAF is brought key players of the market together to debate the benefits and challenges for the angel investment community and to discuss what more can be done to connect the early-stage market ecosystem.
The First Hard Rock Hotel in China to Open
4 MARCH 2017
Hard Rock Hotels International
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ard Rock Hotels International has revealed its expansion plans to China by opening the first Hard Rock Hotel in Shenzhen. By blending pop culture and first-class hospitality, the new property promises to offer an alternative accommodation experience to the modern traveller. Guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of dining and entertainment options while listening to their favourite music. Featuring 258 rooms, a fitness centre and a rock shop, the new hotel will be located 45 minutes from Shenzhen’s International Airport. Peter Wynne, vice president, operations, Asia Pacific Hotels, Hard Rock Hotels, commented, “While Hard Rock Hotel Shenzhen will offer a one-of-a-kind luxury experience [...] as our brand has proven over the years, nothing is more universal than a love of music and having a great time”.
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NEWS & EVENTS
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Viajes El Corte Inglés Commits to Ethical Tourism
Tour n’ Cure Signed Lionel Messi as Ambassador Lionel Messi
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ionel Messi, footballer of Barcelona FC, has signed on to become the ambassador of Tour n' Cure, an initiative by Egyptian companies Pharco and Prime Pharma. The football icon is set to arrive this year to promote the campaign, which offers worldwide hepatitis C victims a customised treatment plan by utilising, whats is said to be, the most advanced therapies. Serving as part of medical tourism, inspired by Egypt's mission to completely eradicate the disease, the package entails one week treatments in international, multi-award winning hospitals in addition to five-star hotel relaxation completed with visits to the region’s historic sites.
From left, Juan Luis Vassallo Saavedra, director, legal affairs, Viajes El Corte Inglés, and Rifai
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iajes El Corte Inglés has signed the Private Sector Commitment of World Tourism Organization’s (UNTWO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a core element of tourism entities efforts in the field of corporate social responsibility. UNWTO’s code is an important roadmap to guide the increasing responsibility of all stakeholders in the preservation of the environment, culture and local communities. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, commented, “The addition of Viajes El Corte Inglés to the roster of companies committed to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is one of the most significant milestones of 2017, particularly when we are celebrating the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.”
Emergence of Experimental Theatre in UAE Manarat Al Saadiyat
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bu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the French embassy and the French Institute have collaborated with the French National School of Dramatic Arts in the context of an Emirati-French Cultural Programme with a concentrated theatre training TRANCE-
FORMS. The performing arts project, designed to inspire a novel generation of theatrical artists in the UAE, concluded with four shows titled I Am My Language, which took place in the end of February at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. H.E. Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi, commented, ”[…] It is part of our mandate to foster a cultural atmosphere for the growth of local talent and programmes with such profound creative expressions, which would assume the capacity to reflect the flourishing artistic spirit in Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world.”
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PHOTO ALBUM
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From left, Viktor Jordan, senior manager, corporate finance, Etihad Airways; Vasgen Edwards, global head, aviation and transport, National Bank of Abu Dhabi; Fawaz Abusneineh, head, debt capital markets, National Bank of Abu Dhabi; and Souhail Mahjour, director, debt capital markets, HSBC, collected lslamic Deal of the Year Award
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, chairman, MANAFA and Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager, Ajman Tourism Development Department, inaugurated The Ajman Palace Hotel Wedding Fair
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. City Seasons Hotel Muscat received Agoda Golden Circle Award for 2016 in recognition of its outstanding service and maximum use of Agoda’s Yield Control System
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
For the second year running, InterContinental Cairo Semiramis joined InterContinental Hotel Group’s Ten Club, making it one of the top achievers among 270 properties in Asia, the Middle East and Africa
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Ileshaa Nijhawan and Ekta Kapoor were named as Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre’s new groups and events sales managers
The Address Dubai Marina celebrated at the Service Olympian Awards ceremony after winning Best Employee Engagement and Best Customer Experience Delivery
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NEWS & EVENTS
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EVENTS
ITB Promotes Youth Travel
ITB BERLIN
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ailed as the world’s largest tourism trade fair, International Travel Trade Show Berlin (ITB), will take place from March 08 – 12. A special exhibition will be hosted this year in Hall 4.1 aiming to approach young people who are keen to travel. During the event the new generation will have an opportunity to be informed on the latest travel trends and get updated on new language courses abroad, events and festivals. Exhibitors will be presenting digital innovations such as virtual reality headsets (VR goggles). In addition, events will be organised by the travel network, featuring high-ranking figures from politics and business who will inform visitors on the latest trends in the youth travel market.
Berlin, Germany March 08 – 12 www.itb-berlin.de Industry professionals from 187 countries are expected to attend one of the world’s biggest travel trade fairs.
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DSCD at The National Career Exhibition 2017
Moscow, Russia March 14 – 16 www.mitt.ru The 24th edition of one of the leading business-to-business travel events will offer a wealth of opportunities for partnerships within Russia, CIS, and beyond.
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harjah's Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) had announced its participation in the National Career Exhibition 2017, which took place February 15 – 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah. During its participation at the forum, DSCD accepted applications from candidates interested in employment within the department and used the opportunity to answer any questions they had. The Sharjah governmental department said that the interaction enabled prospective Emirati job seekers to start the process of applying for available vacancies at DSCD, considering a match between their academic qualifications and job requirements. Commenting on the participation in the exhibition, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani, chairman, DSCD, pointed out that all of the department’s vacant positions last year were filled by Emiratis who applied for jobs during the National Career Exhibition 2016.
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WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA Cape Town April 19 – 21 www.africa.wtm.com Nearly 5,000 travel industry professionals are expected to attend one of the leading business-to-business exhibitions for the inbound and outbound Africa tourism market.
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