27 MAY 2017 ISSUE 394
03 EMAAR PROPERTIES DECLARED SUCCESSFUL Q1
10 ACCOMMODATION
MSHEIREB TO CONSTRUCT QATARI WELLNESS RESORT
08 RAS AL KHAIMAH INAUGURATES SAILING CLUB
02 Market Update 05 Technology
16 Rendezvous
MARKET UPDATE
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Aldar Properties Achieved Robust Growth
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel SENIOR JOURNALIST Ellen Petty JOURNALIST Maria Sabova CONTRIBUTORS Panayiotis Karanicholas Anna Spyrou Dominique Christou 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
The Bridges rendering
Aldar Properties revealed a 39 percent year-on-year jump in gross profit in the first quarter of the year, reaching the value of AED753 million (USD205 million).
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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 company saw successful projects and performances across its operational portfolio, which contributed to the significant growth. This included total development sales reaching AED1 billion (USD272.24 million), led by land and plot purchases in West Yas and Al Nareel. Furthermore, it achieved 95 percent trading occupancy of Yas Mall’s units and 84 percent hotel portfolio occupancy during the reviewed period. Looking ahead, the developer also announced a AED3 billion (USD816.73 million) investment programme to grow recurring revenues, including The Bridges, a six tower mid-market development with 1,272 units already sold-out, demonstrating a continuous strong demand.
Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735, kuka@rmamedia.com
Jazeera Airways Shareholders Agree Dividend
Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456, david@simpson-media.com
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Jazeera Airways 15th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
At the 15th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, Jazeera Airways approved a KWD7 million (USD22.98 million) cash dividend for 2016, equivalent to 35 percent of the share’s nominal value.
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n 2016, the carrier registered a net profit of KWD10.8 million (USD35.46 million), an operating revenue of KWD52.8 million (USD173.34 million) as well as a 0.3 percent increase in passengers. Marzouq Jassim Boodai, board member, Jazeera Airways, said, “Looking forward, we believe that with the product differentiation initiatives we launched in the second half of 2016, along with our new terminal that is due to start welcoming travellers by early 2018, we will continue to strengthen our product offering and gradually help counter the market pressure on our yields.”
27 MAY 2017
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MARKET UPDATE Emaar Properties Declared Successful Q1
563 Hotels Contracted in Middle East
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TR’s April 2017 Pipeline Report revealed that there are some 156,445 keys in 563 hotels under contract in the Middle East, of which, 83,980 rooms across 272 properties are currently in construction. The data shows a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase in rooms in the under contract stage, while there are 3.8 percent more rooms in construction compared to April 2016. In terms of units, Mecca is leading the way with 22,455 rooms in 18 projects, followed by Dubai, which has 20,557 keys across 72 developments. Moreover, in Doha there are 7,343 rooms in 31 hotels and in Riyadh 5,972 keys in 29 properties currently in construction.
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Mecca
n the first quarter of this year (Q1), Emaar Properties revealed a net profit AED1.38 billion (USD376.8 million), up 15 percent year-onyear. The company’s total Q1 revenue stood at AED4.07 billion (USD1.1 billion), a growth of 15 percent compared to the same period in 2016. Some 39 percent of total revenue was generated by the developer’s malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure portfolio, which reached AED1.59 billion (USD433.4 million). Furthermore, its international operations, which accounted for 20 percent of Q1 revenues, reached AED806 million (USD 219.4 million), a 62 percent jump over 2016.
Nakheel’s Profitability Reflects Forecasts
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akheel reported a net profit of AED1.48 billion (USD402.91 million) for the first quarter of this year and confirmed its retail, hospitality and residential leasing business has performed solidly. Between January and March, the company handed over 412 land and built form units to its clients and awarded construction contracts worth AED5 billion (USD1.36 billion). The period under review also saw signed agreements with two renowned Thai hotel operators, the opening of the fifth retail pavilion and announcing an investment of AED150 million (USD40.84 million) to create cycle routes across Dubai. The developer plans to continue delivering new projects, including another AED4 billion (USD1.09 billion) worth of contracts set to be concluded in the second quarter.
27 MAY 2017
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WEEKLY NEWS AGENTS
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AfBAA Signs Two Major Agreements The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has strengthened its commitment to educating the African business aviation sector by signing two memorandum of understandings with leading international aviation training organisations.
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he first agreement was signed with Association of African Aviation Training Organizations, while the second consists of a collaboration with Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation. These partnerships will aid AfBAA in identifying, designing and developing training offerings, delivered through the organisations at various levels. Revenues generated will be used to establish a training fund to further support the associations members as well as workshops during AfBAA events.
TripAdvisor Puts Meals on Wheels with Grubhub
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ripAdvisor has announced an agreement to integrate Grubhub, an online and mobile takeout food-ordering company, into TripAdvisor’s desktop website, mobile web and mobile application platforms. Consumers browsing the travel site’s restaurant listings in the US will now have the option to order food from Grubhub’s extensive network of restaurant partners in 1,100 cities, via an order online button, which takes consumers to the food-ordering service’s platform to place an order effortlessly. "With more than 4.2 million restaurant listings currently on TripAdvisor, we have evolved into a global leader in helping travellers and locals find or reserve a table at the perfect restaurant," said Bertrand Jelensperger, senior vice president, restaurants, TripAdvisor.
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TUI to Expand Chinese Footprint
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UI Group is strengthening its presence in China, following Fritz Joussen’s, CEO, TUI Group, visit to the country, where the joint venture with Chinese CTS Group was extended by 15 years, until 2033. For a long time, the focus for the outbound Chinese market was on city breaks, culture and shopping. However, new travel trends have been recently observed, particularly among young Chinese tourists who are discovering Western-style sun and beach holidays, sports, wellness and relaxation, highlighted Joussen. He further confirmed the group is well prepared for this second wave of Chinese outbound tourism and by 2022, the tourism group is aiming to tap new growth markets and further expand its business in south east Asia.
TMT Conference Held in Boston
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teve Kaufer, CEO, TripAdvisor, presented at the 45th Annual J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) Conference held on May 22, in Boston. The invitation-only event offered the opportunity to hear from established industry leaders as well as emerging growth companies. More than 4,000 participants were in attendance, while some 200 organisations have hosted informal conversations as well as well as one-to-one meetings. The travel site consists of travel community reaching 390 million average unique monthly visitors across 49 markets worldwide.
27 MAY 2017
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Travelport and Citybookers.com Join Forces
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ravelport and Kuwaiti online travel company CityBookers have renewed their long-term agreement. The partnership will allow the travel agency to grow its online presence in the Middle East and globally, as well as access branded fares ancillaries through Universal API. Benefitting from the technology’s assistance in creating tailor-made travel solutions, the company will also be able to optimise the booking, searching and pricing functions. Ahmed Refai, managing director, CityBookers, commented, “[…] We are confident that Travelport’s travel commerce platform is the ideal technology partner for us to help us bring our online presence to an unprecedented level and meet the bespoke needs of our customers.”
27 MAY 2017
WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
Sabre Sees Revenue Surge in Q1 In the first quarter (Q1) of this year, Sabre reported a 6.5 percent year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue to USD915.4 million.
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uring the period under review, revenue from airline and hospitality solutions reached USD258 million, a growth of 8.2 percent. This was supported by a 7.1 percent boost in passengers boarded as well as a strong rise in hotel transactions. Furthermore, travel network revenue soared to USD663.5 million, up 6.1 percent over Q1 2016. While noting that the company has enhanced investment in its technology infrastructure to nearly USD1 billion, Sean Menke, CEO, Sabre, said, “The macro global travel environment was supportive of growth in travel, and helped drive strong bookings, passengers boarded and hotel transaction growth across our businesses in the quarter.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
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Abu Dhabi to Grow Retail Scene On the back of the continuous demand for shopping in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is set to add 46.7ha of new retail premises by 2018, while Dubai is expected to build 71.7ha over the same period.
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Bawadi Mall
n Abu Dhabi, residents’ spending power, tourism growth and an affluent expatriate community were listed among the factors behind the boom in retail, with the capital’s malls visited at least once a week by 70 percent of the locals, according to Brunswick Insight. “With the growth in population, [and therefore, retail space,] malls and other retail centres have started to make an effort to reposition their facilities to become more attractive to both tenants and retailers,” concluded Bassam Saleh, marketing manager, Bawadi Mall.
Sky Bridge Lifted in Dubai
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ubai is now home to what is believed to be a new architectural landmark, Sky Bridge, a three-storey structure designed and constructed by Emaar Properties, which links the two towers of The Address Residences Sky View, a hotel, residence and serviced apartment complex. Poised at a height of over 220m, the 85m long, 4,500 tonne steel structure, will feature eight duplexes, a 70m infinity pool, amongst other amenities. Set to be a new tourist attraction, the bridge is part of a project overlooked by a team of global experts from five different entities and constructed by over 300 professionals and skilled workers.
Sky Bridge
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Egypt to Enhance Religious Tourism
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s a part of the efforts to elevate Egypt’s tourism and attract a diverse selection of religious visitors, Yehia Rashed, tourism minister, Egypt, has unveiled plans to retrace the route of the holy family and inspire faithful travellers to visit the destination. With the support of Vatican City, the initiative aims to map the itinerary taken by Joseph, Mary and Jesus as they sought refuge in Egypt. The story and their paths have been documented by scholars, which are the foundation for Rashed’s vision to create a tailor-made, unforgettable experience for guests by visiting churches, monasteries, caves and other related sites.
Holy family map, Egypt Tourism
Jeddah Tower to be World’s Tallest
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R.H. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, chairman of the board, Jeddah Economic Company, visited the Jeddah Economic City site, which is also home to Jeddah Tower, a development set to become what is said to be the highest building in the world. Coinciding with a board meeting, the visit was in support of the tower, which has reached the 54th floor, and was followed by a press conference on the 28th storey. Prince Alwaleed stated that the goals of the project are in total congruence with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, including socio-economical and environmental aspects as well as supporting the growth of the local economy.
Prince Alwaleed’s visit to the Jeddah Tower site
27 MAY 2017
WEEKLY NEWS
TCA Abu Dhabi Promotes Emirati Cuisine
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Ras Al Khaimah Inaugurates Sailing Club
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n a bid to showcase authentic Emirati cuisine, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is set to roll-out the Emirati Cuisine & Hospitality Capacity Building Programme, where all four- and five-star hospitality institutions across the emirate will promote local culture through food. The initiative will establish a framework of regular training, monitoring and reviewing by TCA Abu Dhabi, in order to ensure that Emirati culinary items are featured in food and beverage outlets, while ensuring employees have the fundamental skills required to prepare regionally aspired dining with reference to its rich heritage. TCA Abu Dhabi will also conduct year-round competitions for Best Emirati Culinary Promotion Programme and Best Chef for Emirati Cuisine.
he Sailing Club of Ras Al Khaimah has been officially launched by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, during the grand opening at Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club. Located within Al Hamra Village, the club is set to boost the emirate’s credentials as a destination for watersports and enable it to host internationally acclaimed events, such as The Asian Youth Sailing Cup Final, the first high profile competition recently held at the club. “[…] We now have the opportunity to play a vital role in helping to nurture and train rising talent in the region while providing a modern base for local residents to pursue their passion for watersports,” said Benoy Kurien, general manager, Al Hamra Real Estate Development.
Al Hamra Marina Sailing Club
Khalifa Stadium in Shape for World Cup
Khalifa International Stadium project
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atar Football Association has confirmed that Khalifa International Stadium has been proposed as the first host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. With the construction works completed, the stadium is ready to host the world matches up to the quarter-finals at Qatar 2022. The remodelled premises are in full compliance with FIFA requirements boasting additional seating capacity, innovative cooling technology and a sport museum. “The completion of our first stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is an important milestone for Qatar and reflects our commitment to delivering all of the proposed venues well in advance of the tournament,” said H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
27 MAY 2017
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Eaton Place Project Runs Smoothly
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llington Properties has announced the rapid progression of its Eaton Place project in Jumeirah Village Circle, in line with the scheduled completion in 2018. Designed for community living, the complex offers studios along with one- and twobedroom residences overlooking a resort style pool courtyard. Residents can socialise in a landscaped central court and also take advantage of a gym and outdoor pool. Robert Booth, managing director, Ellington Properties, said, “Dubai’s property sector continues to record robust growth in the run up to Expo 2020 Dubai […]. As a design-conscious property developer, Ellington Properties offers a wide assortment of bespoke properties for discerning customers. […] Commencing the construction of Eaton Place marks our focus on hand-over as per schedule.”
27 MAY 2017
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Steigenberger El Tahrir Impressed Asian Delegates
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teigenberger Hotel El Tahrir in Cairo hosted a meeting and a lunch for a group of Asian ambassadors, organised under the patronage of the Embassy of Brunei. The delegation, hosted by H.E. Abd Kahar Hussin, ambassador to Brunei, Cairo, enjoyed a lunch at the property’s opal ballroom which offers views of the city and the Egyptian Museum. The officials expressed a high satisfaction with the services and hospitality of the property. Targeting the business segment, the address boasts six separate meeting rooms and a multi-purpose hall with flexible set-ups to provide groups with quality settings and amenities for a variety of events.
Kuwait to Welcome Four Seasons
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xpected to open its doors on September 01, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is set to enhance Kuwait City’s luxury offering. Featuring 284 guestrooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges, well-equipped event spaces and multiple leisure facilities, the new address will be part of the new Burj Alshaya mixed-used development. Didier Jardin, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, stated,“ It is an exciting time as we prepare to introduce Four Seasons signature luxury and personalised service to Kuwait for the first time. Whether in town to do business or enjoy an urban getaway, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait is set to become the focal point for both the city’s elite and our international guests.”
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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Rotana and RSG to Add Dubai Address
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otana and RSG International have formalised their second collaboration by signing a management agreement for a four-star Dubai property, reflecting the increasing demand ahead of Dubai Expo 2020. The new 40-storey addition on Sheikh Zayed road will boast 180 rooms, 10 suites and 300 hotel apartments. Guests will be able to enjoy exclusive dining and amenities including three meeting rooms, an executive lounge, and a wellness club. While emphasising the need to build an additional 45,000 hotel rooms across the emirate prior to 2020, Omer Kaddouri, CEO, Rotana, assured that the company is ready to cater to the demand with a diverse mix of hospitality projects.
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Nakheel and Centara Hotels Signed Joint Venture
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akheel and Centara Hotels & Resorts have announced a joint venture agreement to develop a water park beachfront resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands, scheduled for soft opening in 2019. Following its previous investment projects at the location, the 550-key resort will be part of Nakheel’s new 15.3km² mixedused hub. The Thai hotelier’s debut in the UAE will feature a water park, dining and business facilities, as well as a spa and fitness centre. Ali Rashid Lootah, chairman, Nakheel, commented, “Our joint venture with Centara cements our commitment to partnering with successful, reputable international hotel brands to bring new tourism concepts to Dubai in line with the government of Dubai’s tourism vision.”
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Msheireb to Construct Qatari Wellness Resort
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sheireb Properties has announced its plans to develop Zulal Wellness Resort, a new well-being destination in Qatar. The developer has recently revealed details of the project, highlighting that the mega resort will combine health and wisdom philosophies from across the world together with traditional Arabic wellness principles. The brand’s concept aims to deliver global luxury standards while preserving traditional family values to ensure that every visitor’s needs are addressed. Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, CEO, Msheireb Properties, explained that the resort is set to be the country’s largest spa and wellness centre and the Middle East’s first wellness destination resort.
27 MAY 2017
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Etihad Increases Frequency to Kerala Coinciding with 10 years of services to Kerala, Etihad Airways has launched a fourth daily nonstop schedule from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Calicut International Airport, bringing the total number of weekly schedules to the state to 63.
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Kerala
he extra itinerary makes Kerala one of the carrier’s most frequent Indian destinations, where it flies to the gateways of Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, more than 30 percent of all its Indian frequencies. Neerja Bhatia, vice president, Indian subcontinent, Etihad Airways, commented, “[...] Etihad Airways has demonstrated a commitment to this vibrant state by offering convenient global access and boosting the domestic tourism industry.”
Gulf Air to Engage in Holiday Services
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ulf Air is expanding into the holiday provision segment by launching Gulf Air Holidays this summer, with online travel booking company Ezeego One Travel and Tours announced as its back-end service provider. Through the partnership, the new division will offer holiday packages and customised travel solutions to destinations across the carrier’s network and beyond. Ahmed Janahi, chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, said, “[…] We anticipate greater capabilities to reach a broader market segment – specifically those travellers looking for the ease of pre-purchased holiday packages that include air tickets, hotel bookings, transfers and more [...].”
From left: Janahi and Noel Swain, chief operating officer, Ezeego One Travel and Tours
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SAUDIA Presents Tailored Packages via EAN
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audia Airlines (SAUDIA) is entering into an agreement with Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) to launch Saudia Holidays, an online service offering tailored travel packages for the airline’s passengers. Saudia Holidays will provide travellers with more than 260,000 quality hotel accommodations in over 29,000 destinations, through access to EAN’s full range of preferential rates, creating competitive pricing for customers who wish to purchase the newly announced deals. H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, director general, Saudia Airlines, enthused that this travel solution provides hospitality, lodging and air travel all in a convenient one-stop online solution.
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Oman Air Cargo Presented Secure Vault
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t Air Cargo Europe 2017, held in Munich, Oman Air Cargo showcased its special valuable cargo product Secure Vault. The secure solution offers a custom-built storage area, incorporating the latest state-of-the-art security technology, and personnel to escort all valuables to and from the aircraft, with security as the leading feature for handling valuable consignments to ensure their safety in transit. Describing the product, Mohammed Al Musafir, senior vice president, commercial cargo, Oman Air Cargo, noted, “Our clients can rest assured that their consignments will be transported and delivered with the utmost attention to security.”
Qatar Airways Adds Ninth Saudi Hub
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atar Airways has recently launched its service to Yanbu, thus increasing the number of weekly flights to Saudi Arabia to 154. Currently served three times weekly with an Airbus A320, an additional frequency to Yanbu will commence on June 23. H.E. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, stated, “[...] Yanbu will bring additional flexibility for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Passengers departing from Yanbu will now be able to travel seamlessly through our state-of-theart Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, to more than 150 destinations [...].”
From left: Musaed bin Yahya Al-Saleem, governor, Yanbu, Ehab Amin, chief commercial officer, Qatar Airways and Suliman Al-Rawaf, director, Western Airports.
27 MAY 2017
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL IHG Launches H4 Design
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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the opening of the new-build 153-key Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bellingham in Washington. The property features the brand’s new H4 design, which was developed in collaboration between the hotel owners and frequent guests, to ensure the changing needs of modern travellers are met. Ragan Humphrey, general manager, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bellingham, exclaimed, “With wonderfully designed rooms, spacious public areas and state-of-the-art conference facilities, we have everything covered whatever the reason travellers stay.”
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Best Western Debuts in Manado
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est Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its first property in Manado, Best Western The Lagoon Hotel, hailed as a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise on the northern tip of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Boasting 187-keys, the property overlooks the Bay of Manado and island of Manado Tua, and features extensive conference and banqueting space, including a large ballroom. “[...] Manado is a regional hub for trade and commerce, while its stunning marine environment has made it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking an idyllic and exotic dive spot,” said Olivier Berrivin, managing director, international operations, Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
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Park Inn by Radisson Arrives in Nairobi
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ark Inn by Radisson announced the opening of the first Park Inn by Radisson in Nairobi’s Westlands. The Rezidor Hotel Group now has three hotels operating in East Africa, with an additional two opening within the next quarter. The 140-key property features five meeting rooms as well as an event terrace, designed with facilities purposefully built to suit the needs of modern travellers. “This next generation, mid-scale hotel will bring to Nairobi an uncomplicated approach in a contemporary and vibrant atmosphere,” said Carsten Wappler, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Nairobi Westlands.
27 MAY 2017
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Al Habtoor Hosts Greek Tourism Minister
Takamul Promotes Urban Heritage
From left: Kountoura and Al Habtoor
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n April 24, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman, Al Habtoor Group, held a meeting with Elena Kountoura, tourism minister, Greece, to discuss the future of the Greek economy while also focussing on the development of the tourism sector in Greece. Moreover, they talked about potential investment projects in Greece as well are a number of large-scale projects currently underway that are expected to boost the Greek economy. Al Habtoor highlighted that the group is always looking to invest abroad and he concluded, “If a good opportunity presents itself, we will conduct the necessary feasibility studies to ensure its success.”
Riyadh
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he National Centre for Tourism Human Resources Development (Takamul) and National Urban Heritage Centre concluded a joint training programme titled How to preserve urban heritage, which took place in Riyadh’s Awdat Sudair municipality. During the course, trainees identified the latest applications in the area of physical heritage restoration, structural restoration of archaeological buildings, management of urban heritage and the importance in the field of conservation of urban heritage. The initiative concluded with a visit to the Awdat Sudair Heritage Village to identify heritage architectural patterns.
EAG Kick Starts Autism Awareness Parade
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tihad Aviation Group (EAG) organised a motorbike parade across the UAE in support of autism awareness, in partnership with Emirates Autism Society. With over 200 participants, including 40 EAG staff, the group departed Etihad Airways’ head office in Abu Dhabi on April 28, and rode to the northern emirate of Ajman, where they were welcomed at the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare by H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, ruler, Ajman. Led by Harley Owners Group and Abu Dhabi Chapter, the team distributed autism awareness flyers disclosing information on the disorder at each of the stops along the route.
Etihad Supported Pilgrims
27 MAY 2017
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tihad Aviation Group has taken part in a philanthropic collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, to support a group of 15 travellers in experiencing the holy pilgrimage of Umrah. As a part of its commitment to the UAEwide declared Year of Giving, the company offered flights and accommodation for pilgrims from less privileged backgrounds to experience Umrah and visit other tourist sites during a four-day trip. Khaled Al Mehairbi, chairman, sports and social committee, Etihad Airways, said, “Supporting this group for Umrah is just one of Etihad Airways’ opportunities to make a greater contribution to communities in the region [...]. Over the years, we have supported many worthy causes, which will continue this year.”
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Q & A with
RENDEZVOUS
ESTHER BAJADA DIRECTOR, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS, MINISTRY FOR GOZO
STANDING OUT AMONG MALTESE ISLANDS AS A PEACEFUL OASIS, GOZO ATTRACTS VISITORS WITH ITS OFF-THE-BEATEN TRACK CHARACTER CATERING FOR DIVERSE NICHE TOURISM, COMBINED WITH HOSPITABLE COMFORT. ESTHER BAJADA, DIRECTOR, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MINISTRY FOR GOZO, INVITES HOLIDAYMAKING FAMILIES TO EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND’S RICH OFFERINGS, WHERE SIMPLICITY IS LUXURY. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What does Gozo offer families opting to spend their vacations on the island? ESTHER BAJADA: Gozo is a tranquil destination that offers all the comforts for
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The Citadel Gozo at Night - photo by Daniel Cilia
the discerning traveller, in typical Mediterranean surroundings that are still authentic and unspoilt. Things to do for families include adventure activities, walking and rambling, together with a rich cultural calendar offering a wide spectrum of cultural events, all year round. In the adventure segment there are specialised operators with tailor made packages for families who want to enjoy good time together outdoors. Gozo’s tranquility and the proximity of places of interest, beaches and town centres, makes it a very attractive destination for families who would like to experience varied activities on the island. Beaches can be enjoyed all year round. With a mild climate and many days of blissful sunshine, sandy or pebbly beaches offer idyllic settings for relaxation, picnics or bathing between April and November. Gozo has a rich cultural calendar boasting an array of events, including Christmas, carnival and Easter, with activities in different villages for an experience of the authentic, local culture. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How does the Ministry for Gozo promote the uniqueness of the island? ESTHER BAJADA: The Ministry for Gozo promotes Gozo as the most rewarding extra mile, where Simplicity is Luxury. The destination list for travellers out there may be long but how many places can you still go to, where you can connect with yourself because it is peaceful and where the Mediterranean colours connect you with nature, where the coastline is unspoilt and free of the massive tourist resorts? Gozo is strong on niche tourism, including diving, outdoor sports, music festivals and the likes, because the island lends itself per-
fectly for such activity, with local operators being passionate about giving the visitor a unique experience. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What specific attractions available in Gozo would you highlight to visiting families? ESTHER BAJADA: There is the recently restored Citadel with its interactive visitors centre, and the Ġgantija temples, a UNESCO world heritage site, with a visitor centre, which really adds value to the interpretation of the site. Gozo is a unique gem, and despite its small size each locality has a lot to offer in terms of small museums, such as the Toy Museum in Xaghra or the Maritime Museum in Nadur, and cultural heritage places such as the unique baroque churches which can be found in villages. Moreover, when in Gozo, families can engage in fun activities such as diving, kayaking, abseiling, or simply strolling around the island’s magnificent countryside. Presently, the Ministry for Gozo is looking into restoring and developing further sites which should expand the portfolio of such facilities. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How was 2016’s season in regards to tourist arrivals? ESTHER BAJADA: Tourists to Gozo, meaning people staying for one night or more on the island in 2016, increased by 14.3 percent over 2015, to nearly 190,000 visitors. Presently the main source markets are the UK, Germany, Italy and France. However, we do believe in Gozo’s potential to attract visitors from other source markets such as the MENA region and we are aware of tourism operators who are working in this direction. 27 MAY 2017
27 MAY 2017
WHO’S MOVED
GAVIN HALLIDAY has assumed the position of managing director of Hala Group, the destination management and global loyalty unit of Etihad Aviation Group. Set to begin the role in September, Halliday has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including a number of senior commercial positions at British Airways, Iberia and International Airlines Group. For the past three years, he served as CEO of Avios. Halliday will lead the group’s destination and conference management organisations, seen as critical elements in the company’s plans to boost both leisure and business travel to Abu Dhabi.
PRANAV VOHRA
GAVIN HALLIDAY
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PRANAV VOHRA has been appointed as the new director of sales and marketing for Fairmont Dubai. Vohra has gained more than 13 years of expertise in the UAE’s hospitality industry and joins the property from Hyatt Regency Dubai, where he also served as director of sales and marketing. Having worked in many departments from front office and housekeeping to food and beverage, Vohra has a broad range of experience and understanding of the industry. In his new role, Vohra will oversee the hotel’s reactive and proactive sales efforts and develop marketing communication activities, in line with the overall brand strategy.
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NEWS & EVENTS Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Announces Film Festival
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BTEA to Celebrate Ramadan
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he Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort in the Maldives will host the second edition of the International Tourism Film Festival Maldives, on November 16 – 18. Based on the theme Following the Equator, filmmakers with a passion for travel are being invited to submit their entries by the deadline on July 21, with the results to be announced on September 18. Entry categories include tourism and cultural destinations. “With the success of the first edition, we hope to have a much bigger event this year, showcasing new, as well as world-renowned filmmakers,” explained, Evgenia Boyankova, group director, business development, Sun Siyam Group.
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n celebration of the holy month, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has recently announced the launch of the Ramadan and Eid Shopping Festival which will take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Running throughout Ramadan and during Eid al-Fitr, the festival aims to increase the number of GCC visitors to the country by providing an additional tourist attraction. H.E Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO, BTEA, stated that the festival is expected to contribute USD4 million to the national economy directly through trade transactions and indirectly through the use of hotels, restaurants, transportation and other related services.
International Tourism Film Festival Maldives
Rotana Presented Hospitality Workshop
Malaysia to be ITB Berlin’s Official Partner in 2019
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s part of Rotana Earth, a global corporate sustainability initiative, Centro Capital Centre and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, in partnership with Special Care Centre, hosted a Hospitality Introduction and Sequence of Service workshop. The event was held at the Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, where 15 students participated in the session led by Warren Rego, cluster learning and development officer, Rotana Hotel Management and Sailesh Nagavenkatha, executive housekeeper, Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana. The learning experience was tailored to suit the learning curve of students with special needs, via a practical and personalised approach, offering scenarios of service in the food and beverage department, along with basic housekeeping.
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Malaysia
alaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture and ITB Berlin have recently announced that the southeast Asian nation will be the show's Official Partner Country in 2019. The partnership was solidified during a ceremony at ITB Berlin 2017 and is part of Malaysia’s broader plan to increase awareness of its natural and human assets. David Ruetz, head, ITB Berlin, stated, “Malaysia has had a very serious presence at ITB Berlin for many years, and we have been very impressed by the development of this nation's tourism offering. While negotiations are still under way with several suitors for the 2018 edition, [...] we are happy to work on this longer-term plan with our Malaysian friends.”
27 MAY 2017
PHOTO ALBUM
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The Indian Embassy in Cairo and Semiramis InterContinental Cairo hosted the India by the Nile food fiesta, celebrating the colourful culture and diverse cuisine of India
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. IMG model and star of the inaugural episode of Model Diaries, Georgia Fowler, with Etihad Airways cabin crew at the Etihad Atelier at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney.
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Children of Etihad Aviation Group's employees spread joy on Haq Al Laila by giving passengers special goodie bags
The 14th edition of the International Trade Exhibition for Construction Technology, Building Materials, Equipment and Environmental Technology was inaugurated at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
27 MAY 2017
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NEWS & EVENTS
Sharjah Hosted Wedding Fashion Show
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he second edition of the Sharjah Bridal Fair, held on May 03 – 06 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, showcased the latest wedding fashion trends and created an exchange platform for the high-end event planners. Participants of the event enjoyed a variety of catwalk fashion shows by Emirati and international designers, presenting world-class collections of wedding dresses and garments, fusing western and Emirati style. Facilitated by the event’s beauty sponsor, Royal Beauty House, the fair also displayed matching hair and make-up styles, while offering styling tips for the brides-to-be.
Egypt to Inaugurate New Film Festival
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he founding committee of the El Gouna Film Festival has announced the call for entries for the anticipated week-long event, which will kick-off on September 22 in El Gouna. Under the slogan Cinema for Humanity, the occasion aims to foster cross-cultural exchange while celebrating the history of cinema. As a result of collective efforts between film enthusiasts and private sponsors, the festival’s programme will present a wide selection of regional and international movies, film competitions and will host both established and emerging filmmakers. “From its very first edition, the festival will be a not-to-be-missed annual rendezvous for film professionals and film lovers from Egypt, Arabic countries and indeed from all over the world. […], enthused, Intishal Al Timimi, director, El Gouna Film Festival.
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EVENTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOURISM TECHNOLOGY Kochi, India June 08 – 10 www.icttindia.org Speakers from across the industry will share ideas on how to maximise online business.
ITE & MICE HONG KONG 2017 Hong Kong June 15 – 18 www.itehk.com An event combining the 31st edition of the leisure exhibition and the 12th version of its MICE counterpart.
22ND UNWTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY Chengdu, China September 04 – 09 World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) annual meeting will bring together tourism officials and private sector leaders.
27 MAY 2017