T H E B U S I N E S S O F S E L L I N G T R AV E L
JULY 2016
On Location INDIA Successfully enticing wellness fans
Destination LEBANON Focusing on new channels of promotion
Analysis HALAL TOURISM Forecasting the trends of a growing segment
ISSUE 296
Spotlight BALKANS A budding region increases links with MENA
MASTER ARCHITECTS Encompassing an eclectic charm, Central Europe invites MENA travellers to experience its many unique identities
CONTENTS > YOUR GUIDE 04
NEWS
14
FOCUS ON PROMOTIONS
HEAT TO SPARE elcome to our sizzling July issue. Summer is in full force across the
17
northern hemisphere and with it
INTERVIEW
come the dangers of the hot, dry temperatures. Many destinations seek comfort
18 21 22
DESTINATION LEBANON SPOTLIGHT BALKANS UPDATE CENTRAL EUROPE
from 2016’s record-breaking temperatures while others, such as the US, Sardinia and Cyprus recently all battled blazes, which will no doubt affect the tourism product for years
A LETTER FROM...
to come. Other destinations, such as Lebanon have had their tourism product affected by regional instability – read our report on how the destination is working to overcome this.
24
ON LOCATION INDIA
Many travellers are no doubt heading to cooler climates such as Central Europe, the Balkans, or exotic destinations such as India – be sure you
28 30
ANALYSIS HALAL TOURISM PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
read TTG’s features on the destinations. For the region’s high-end travellers, our interview with senior vice president, global member partnerships, Virtuoso Travel Network, David Kolner is a great insight into the luxury sector.
35
SOCIAL HUB
It’s always a privilege to be able to serve the travel industry – we hope you enjoy this issue!
ibar
2 July 2016
ttgmena.com
Panayiotis Markides Media reporter
NEWS EXHIBITION CALENDAR
Dubai-based online travel platform,
CONTEMPORARY CHANGE
tajawal, has released its hotel booking engine along with its flight booking services, making it a full-scale online travel agency offering seamless travel planning experiences.
inor Hotels has an-
AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel will
nounced that it will
be home to two dining concepts,
almost 15,000 destinations around the
be introducing the
meeting rooms, an outdoor pool
world while choosing from an extensive
and a fully equipped gym.
mix of more than 160,000 hotels, rang-
contemporary city style of its AVANI brand to the 216-room
Chief operating officer, Minor
tajawal’s customers can travel to
ing from budget and value hotels to
Mövenpick Hotel Deira in Dubai,
Hotels, Robert Kunkler com-
five-star and luxury properties
as of July 1.
mented: “This key acquisition
and resorts.
Set to operate as the AVANI
to our portfolio allows Minor
Featuring round-the-clock customer
Deira Dubai Hotel, the change
Hotels to take a strategic foot-
service support in English and Arabic,
comes after the hotel’s parent
hold in the Middle East for our
tajawal’s hotel booking service will also
company, Bin Sulayem Invest-
fast expanding AVANI Hotels
offer customers enhanced flexibility,
ments signed a management
& Resorts brand in what is a
with the ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’ sys-
agreement with Minor Hotels.
vitally important market. We are
tems and free cancellation options on
thrilled to continue our excellent
most rooms.
The property is ideally situated just four kilometres from Dubai
relationship with Bin Sulayem
International Airport.
Investments.”
4 July 2016
2016
JULY 28-29 MICE India & Luxury Travel Congress, Mumbai, India www.miltcongress.com SEPTEMBER 5-6 MeetingPlanners Russia 2016, Moscow, Russia www.europecongress.com • SEPTEMBER 7-8 IBTM China, Beijing, China www.cibtm.com • SEPTEMBER 17-19 The Leisure Show, Dubai, the UAE www.theleisureshow.com • SEPTEMBER 21-24 International Russian Travel Market, Moscow, Russia www.tourismexpo.ru/en/ • SEPTEMBER 24-27 World Routes 2016, Chengdu, China www.routesonline.com • •
TTG MENA will be available at these shows
RETURN TO THE KINGDOM
Marking the debut of Starwood Hotels &
the expansion of our Westin and Element
Resorts’ Element brand, and bringing back
brands.”
the Westin brand to the KSA, the company
The Westin Riyadh, boasting 388 rooms
has recently formalised an agreement with
and serviced apartments, will offer its
Saudi Real Estate Company (Al-Akaria) for
guests the brand’s signature amenities
two brand new hotels in Riyadh.
and services, including the Heavenly Bed
The Westin Riyadh and Element Riyadh,
and Heavenly Bath experience. Leisure
expected to open in 2022, will collectively
facilities will include the WestinWORKOUT
offer 632 rooms and will form part of a
fitness studio, a swimming pool and the
mix-use development in the vicinity of the
Heavenly Spa, while guests can avail four
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), in
F&B outlets.
the heart of Riyadh, which will also feature over 4,000m of retail space. 2
President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts,
Meanwhile, Element Riyadh will offer a fresh interpretation of the traditional hotel experience with natural light, a modern
Europe, Africa and Middle East, Michael
design, healthy options and eco-minded
Wale said: “Saudi Arabia remains one of
sensibilities. The hotel will be home to
our strongest growth markets in the re-
244 spacious studios and one- and two-
gion and we are thrilled to be strengthen-
bedroom suites, with fully equipped kitch-
ing our presence in the country with two
ens, the signature Heavenly Bed and spa-
new hotels together with Al-Akaria.
inspired bathrooms.
“As one of the Middle East’s key busi-
The property will also feature an all-day
ness hubs, Riyadh is an increasingly
dining outlet and guests will have
popular destination for regional and inter-
access to all leisure facilities at the
national travellers and a great choice for
Westin Riyadh.
ttgmena.com
NEWS
PERFECT TIMING
NEWS FLASH Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana recently marked 14 years of successful and safe operations. During the past 12 months, the airline reported a record increase in net profits for 2015; launched new
EYES ON CHINA
China National Tourism Administration’s plans to send 150 million travellers to countries along the
services to Georgia, South Korea and
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism
‘One Belt, One Road’ in the next five years.
Currently operating 75 hotels in
respectively), while the latter houses
the UK; signed codeshare agreements
Development Authority
the Middle East, AccorHotels has
200 standard rooms and 25 suites.
with Air France-KLM, Bangkok Airways
(RAK TDA) is eyeing the Chi-
and Hong Kong Airlines; launched
nese market as ‘One Belt, One
announcement of a
Dining facilities include four
recently opened Pullman ZamZam
“Following our
Madinah, a new five-star hotel in the
venues within the property. The
MyUpgrade product and received a
Road’ signals an opportunity
partnership with Ctrip,
Holy City of Madinah in the KSA.
hotel also has a terrace and meeting
series of Skytrax 4 Star Awards for
to welcome Chinese travellers
China’s largest online
room facilities.
the fourth successive year. Over the
and tourism investment.
travel agency, we are
The property, standing within
Managing director and chief
first four months of 2016, Air Astana
second-holiest mosque in Islam,
operating officer, AccorHotels
carried over one million passengers,
hosted a selection of the
tourism investment
combines two towers offering a total
Middle East, Olivier Granet said:
with operational revenue exceeding
UAE’s top destination
and travel destination
of 836 rooms and suites.
“We are proud to introduce our
$170 million.
150m of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the
In light of this, RAK TDA
positioning RAK as a
management companies
of choice, contributing
Pullman brand to Madinah in time
targeting the Chinese market
significantly towards our
ZamZam Madinah can stay at Tower
for the Holy month of Ramadan and
on a two-day immersive tour
goal of attracting one
A or Tower B; the first offers 321
peak Umrah season, which will see
of the emirate.
million visitors by the end
standard rooms and three different
millions of travellers enter Saudi
types of suites (70, 80 and 140 keys
Arabia to visit the two Holy Cities.”
Guests at the new Pullman
LONDON CALLING
BBC and All Souls Church
extensive team of butlers as-
buildings.
sisting with guests’ personal
The project, spearheaded by designers
requests. Managing director, The
The move comes as RAK TDA focuses on leveraging the
of 2018,” said CEO, RAK TDA, Haitham Mattar.
RE-IMAGINING LUXURY
Expected to further el-
Richmond International,
Langham, London, Bob van
evate the hotel’s position
will see the addition of 115
den Oord said: “The Langham,
Total exclusivity has arrived in the Mal-
opening as a tropical haven for those
in the luxury hotel market,
new guest rooms, includ-
London has been adapting its
dives with the addition of Four Seasons
who seek an unprecedented experience
The Langham, London
ing 25 suites. One third
luxury offering in recent years
Private Island Maldives at Voavah,
of private luxury alongside Four Seasons
has revealed the next
of the overall hotel inven-
to cater to a more discerning
Baa Atoll, the first private island in the
legendary service,” said president – Asia
phase of its evolution with
tory will be reconfigured
clientele. These guests are
company’s portfolio and the world’s only
Pacific, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,
the addition of several
to provide a more refined
looking for a more personal-
exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway located in
Mike Crawford.
new suites and residences
and residential style with
ised stay and this refined ac-
a World Biosphere Reserve.
slated to launch in the
the creation of new suites
commodation component, to-
Opening in late 2016, this secluded
summer of 2016.
and five residences fitted
gether with our butler service
five-acre (two-hectare) oasis transcends
explained that visitors can design their
with designer kitchens and
and private kitchen menu in
the private island experience. Boasting
own experiences on the island: “[Guests]
Miele appliances.
partnership with Chez Roux,
exclusivity from the time of booking, the
can treat the island as a space to spend
will ensure that these needs
island’s seven bedrooms, Beach House,
captivating moments with family and
are met.”
Dive Centre, Oceans of Consciousness Spa
friends; a place to play to the extreme
and 18.9m yacht extend the delights of the
and explore to their heart’s content; a
Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
secluded sanctuary to retreat and spa; the
to up to 22 guests on an exclusive basis.
most exclusive VIP venue to celebrate and
The new rooms are located in the main building facing Portland Place, with views of the iconic
All suites and residences will be attended by an
6 July 2016
“Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah will redefine exclusive luxury,
ttgmena.com
Regional vice president and general manager, Four Seasons Resort Maldives
party; or an inspiring landscape to meet and motivate.”
NEWS
HOTEL CHECK LE MÉRIDIEN DUBAI HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUBAIÇ By Chris Christou
BEACHFRONT ADDRESS IN MOROCCO
with private terrace and Jacuzzi. Guests can make the most of a number of facilities, including a 1,259m2 SoSPA, which features authentic hammam rituals, a sauna,
orocco has recently opened
own private balcony offering
unique hydrotherapy, beauty and
its arms to the five-star
sweeping views over the
detox treatments, and a relaxation
Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach
property’s lush Mediterranean
area. Guests can additionally make
gardens, pool and beach.
use of the latest So FIT exercise
& Spa, which stands in an enviable
Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach
beachfront location. The new hotel, which boasts a
& Spa comprises of a Royal
machines and a heated swimming pool.
modern, artistic and chic design,
Suite, five junior suites, three
houses 82 light-filled and luxurious
So Spa Suites, five signature
F&B outlets, a conference centre and
guest rooms, each of which has its
villas and eight beach suites
colourful meeting rooms, plus more.
Other facilities include various
After a hectic day, I landed in Dubai at 01:00 – needless to say I was well and truly exhausted! But, as I picked up my bag and walked out of the arrivals gate, I was met by the wonderful representative for Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, whose genuine smile instantly made me feel better. I was quickly escorted to a very luxurious limousine and post haste arrived at the hotel.
Lazy travel agents are generous. They give away their customers to OTA.
Check-in was quick and efficient, and again I found myself greeted with friendly and genuine
Why so?
smiles of welcome. While being escorted to my room, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the almost casual elegance of my surroundings. Dark woods, rich purples and the subtleties of gold and glass all efficiently laid out with an open and airy feel to it all. True luxury should never try too hard – it simply is, and Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre truly is! My room (Royal Club Rooms) was just as impressive: open, spacious and elegant. One can hardly ask more from a hotel than a large comfortable bed, work area and walk in closet, so when I walked into the spacious bathroom with its
The accommodation specialist. Exclusively for the travel trade.
Jacuzzi bathtub and separate shower area, the only thought I had was that my one night would not be enough. TTG staff and correspondents assess services used by them. We report the results, which are based on a one-time experience only and view services from a customer perspective.
July 2016
ttgmena.com
7
NEWS
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABILITY
n a mission to promote sustainable tourism policies in cultural tourism, UNWTO and Petra National Trust (PNT) have inked a
NEW DESTINATION IN DUBAI
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This freshly signed MoU is anticipated to bring forth the development of capacity building and knowledge sharing as well as educational actions. The agreement was signed in Beijing at the recent First World Conference on Tourism for Development by Secretary-General, UNWTO, Taleb Rifai and president of the board, PNT, HRH Princess Dana Firas. Based in Jordan, PNT is a non-profit governmental organisation for the preservation of national cultural heritage with a focus on the World Heritage site of Petra. Rifai commented: “The work developed by civil society organisations on the protection of heritage is a fundamental part of the tourism sector, and essential
RECORD ARRIVAL GROWTH
for the design and implementation of sustainable
Dubai Holding recently
very first purpose-built
tourism initiatives involving and benefiting local
revealed news of Marasi
yachting destination with
communities. This agreement builds upon this principle.”
Business Bay, a new
floating restaurants and
waterfront destination
cafes, as well as onshore
and the company’s largest
boutique shopping and a
setting tourism records
corded the highest volume
development along the
wide variety of leisure and
for the past decade. The
with 347,000 visits in 2015,
creek within the Business
entertainment facilities.
GCC is one of the fastest
up 34 per cent on 2014.
Bay area.
Chairman, Dubai Holding, HE Mohammad Abdulla
growing markets in terms
Saudi Arabia followed with
The development, to be
According to the International Passenger Survey
of visitor numbers and
147,000 visitors, a two per
located on the Dubai Water
AlGergawi commented
(IPS) data provided by the Office for National Sta-
spend, and Britain is firmly
cent increase on 2014, Ku-
Canal Project, will comprise
on the development: “The
tistics, GCC visitor numbers to Britain hit an all time
placed among the top three
wait with 104,000 visitors,
of the longest promenade
new project will strengthen
high throughout 2015, with 723,773 visiting from the
European destinations for
up three per cent on 2014
(12km) in the UAE, water
the historic relationship
region and a total spend of $2.29 billion.
tourism.’’
and Qatar with 76,000 visi-
homes, floating restaurants,
between Dubai and its
tors, a 25 per cent increase
retail options, residential
creek through the addition
on 2014.
units and five palm tree-
of a new dimension to the
lined marinas.
residential, tourism and
Director – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, VisitBritain, Sumathi Ramanathan said: “Britain has been
Out of all visits to Britain from the GCC, the UAE re-
Marasi Business Bay will
MILESTONE FOR CYPRUS AVIATION
be home to the region’s
leisure offerings along the Dubai Creek."
BAHRAIN EXPANSION Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with United Tower Real Estate to open DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bahrain Dilmunia Island, which will be located at the Dilmunia Island project, currently under development off the coast of Bahrain. Vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa, Carlos Khneisser said: “With more than 70 per cent of our Middle East pipeline currently under construction, Hilton’s presence is growing rapidly across the region. The
Marking the start of a new era for
number to four Airbus A320s
regional hub, focusing on transfer
project at Dilmunia Island will be an outstanding addition
Cyprus’ aviation industry, new low-cost
and A321s.
traffic as well as promoting Cyprus as a
to the Hilton portfolio in the Middle East, and will further
destination.
enhance Bahrain as a hugely popular destination for
carrier, Cobalt, recently had its official
Looking ahead, Cobalt has plans in
“We have all witnessed the surge in
inauguration ceremony at Larnaca
the pipeline to expand its network with
International Airport.
more aircraft joining later on in the
economic and business activity that
year and in 2017.
has coalesced around other successful
by Hilton Bahrain Dilmunia Island will offer a mix of studio,
hubs. The benefits from developing
one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Cobalt’s very first scheduled flight from Larnaca to Athens took
The airline forecasts that in July
off marking the official launch of
it will be offering services to Athens,
Larnaca as a true regional hub will flow
operations. Additionally, flights to the
Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania,
to every city, town and village across
UK and other European destinations
London, Manchester, Dublin and Paris,
this island. This is why today, as well
are also imminently scheduled to
with more destinations to follow.
as holding great spiritual and social
commence, with the airline planning
CEO, Cobalt, Andrew Pyne declared:
significance, also marks an important
on incorporating three further aircraft
“We, Cobalt, are focused on developing
milestone in Cyprus’ economic
to its fleet. This will boost the total
our home base at Larnaca as a key
renaissance.”
8 July 2016
ttgmena.com
travellers to the region.” Featuring 237 serviced apartments, DoubleTree Suites
NEWS
INSPIRING VISION
HEAVY INVESTMENT
Majid Al Futtaim will develop 10 new state-of-the-art shopping malls under its City Centre brand. This will include a new landmark regional mall in Dubai, as
he MENA region’s shopping mall, retail and
part of a 740,000m2 mixed-use residen-
leisure pioneer, Majid Al Futtaim, has unveiled
tial, retail, hospitality, commercial and
a strategic development plan that will see the
leisure community. It will also include
company increase its total investment in the UAE by
the company’s first super-regional mall
$9 billion by 2026, taking its total investment in the
in Sharjah, which will be adjacent to its
country to $14 billion.
existing Al Zahia master-planned com-
As part of its new investment plan for the UAE,
munity. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim will take its integrated retail-tainment model
A grand addition to Dubai’s luxury
entered into a strategic relationship,
to Abu Dhabi for the first time, starting
landscape will be the new Corinthia at
with Corinthia engaged to support the
with the development of a community
Meydan Beach, following the signing
design development and operate the
mall in Masdar City.
of an agreement between Corinthia
resort property being built on the site
Hotels and UAE-based Meydan Group.
of the former Meydan Beach Club.
Majid Al Futtaim will also undertake six expansions to its existing malls, in-
The Corinthia at Meydan Beach
cluding major extensions to City Centre
technical services and manage the
will comprise 300 bedrooms and 60
Ajman and City Centre Me’aisem, which
luxury beachfront resort, scheduled
high-end serviced apartments. It will
will turn them into regional malls.
for 2019.
offer extensive indoor and outdoor
Corinthia Hotels is set to provide
The luxury hotel and residences is
leisure and dining facilities, a luxury
the latest in a series of mega develop-
spa, a club and banqueting amenities.
ments being undertaken by Meydan
A 55-storey tower comprising residen-
Group, which include large scale
tial apartments, bedrooms, suites and
mixed-use urban and leisure develop-
entertainment zones will sit atop one
ments across various prime locations
side of the podium, commanding views
Rezidor has announced the Park Inn
Younes added: “The hotel will be our first serviced apartments
in Dubai.
of some of the most spectacular sights
Apartment Hotel Istanbul Esenyurt,
product in Turkey – an exciting market segment with growing
in Dubai, including the Palm Island.
a 484-key property expected to
demand.”
Corinthia and Meydan Group have
EXCITING ADDITION welcome its first guests in late 2017, early 2018. The property will be Rezidor’s largest hotel in Turkey. “Turkey is a focus country for us.
Travel agency, Travelstart Egypt, has launched Flapp, a mobile app for travel bookings available for iOS and Android platforms. Flapp enables Egyptians to book and pay for flights from any airline to any airport, locally and abroad. The app is available for download free-of-charge via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
mixed-use 135,000m2 real estate development including two include an all-day-dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a pool bar
potential. The addition of a true Park
and grill, a conference centre, a 1,335m2 spa and much more.
Inn flagship will further strengthen our position in the market and facilitate the future development of Park Inn,” said CEO, Rezidor, Wolfgang Neumann. Executive vice president and chief
receive a highly personalised experi-
and boasting expansive views of the
mitment to providing unparalleled
ence and intuitive service.
airport, the new facility is open roundthe-clock for the exclusive use of
officially opened its new flagship First
gartner said: “Our new First Class
guests of The Residence, Etihad First
Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi In-
Lounge & Spa is the jewel in the crown
Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad
ternational Airport’s Terminal 3.
of our new lounge offerings worldwide
Guest Platinum members (plus one
The lounge features 16 unique zones
and represents the best of our home
guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP)
designed to ensure that guests can re-
city of Abu Dhabi. It is a showcase of
airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invita-
lax, re-energise and be entertained in
intelligent product design, innovation,
tion only’ members (plus two guests)
complete luxury before boarding their
and superlative hospitality and ser-
and EAP equivalent Platinum members
flight. An à la carte restaurant, show-
vice. This is not just a lounge but the
(plus one guest).
case bar, fitness room, cigar lounge,
ultimate airline hospitality experience
Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers,
and one which perfectly mirrors Etihad
marketing, Etihad Airways, Shane
nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation
Airways’ evolution into the best airline
O’Hare said: “We have placed special
room, prayer room and children’s play
in the world.”
emphasis on creating an aspirational
Measuring just under 1,700m²,
Furthermore, the hotel will be part of ‘Wish Istanbul’, a towers with over 40 floors. The apartment hotel tower will
Showcasing Etihad Airways’ com-
room also ensure that all guests
construction boom of residential and retail complexes.
bulence, but believe in its long-term
NEW LEVEL OF HOSPITALITY CEO, Etihad Airways, Peter Baum-
located in the Esenyurt district, an upcomig area reporting a
We carefully monitor the current tur-
development officer, Rezidor, Elie
hospitality experiences, the airline has
The Park Inn Apartment Hotel Istanbul Esenyurt will be
Meanwhile, senior vice president
luxury lifestyle space.”
10 July 2016
ttgmena.com
The hotel will be our first serviced apartments product in Turkey.
NEWS
NEWS FLASH
DEBUT FOR LUXURY BRAND Making its mark in the Kingdom of
a separate living area, a dining
Saudi Arabia is the opening of the
space with a kitchen, access to
438-room Conrad Makkah, a first
a private butler service, and di-
for Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
rect views of Al Haram and the
The property, set in the heart of
Holy Kaabah.
the Holy City and overlooking the
The property also offers
Sacred Mosque, Al Masjid al Haram,
guests a wide array of on-site
and the Holy Kaabah, is designed
dining options, from steak res-
for today’s smart luxury traveller.
taurant, Prime, which features
Area president, Middle East and
an engaging open kitchen and
n a bid to bring a new hotel apartment project under
Africa, Hilton Worldwide, Rudi
views of Al Haram, to all-day
the DusitPrincess brand to Dubai, Dusit Hotels and
Jagersbacher said: "The arrival of
dining at the Al Mearaj restau-
Resorts has signed a technical design agreement
Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Makkah
rant, which features everything
marks the addition of our second
from local favourites to inter-
brand in the city and our 11 hotel
national classics.
with ACES Property Development. The agreement was formalised at a signing
th
Furthermore, the brand
ceremony recently held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok,
into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
presided over by executives from both companies,
With another 28 Hilton Worldwide
new Conrad Makkah offers an
including group CEO, Dusit Hotels and Resorts,
properties in development, we are
on-site Masjid for up to 1,000
Suphajee Suthumpun and founding director, ACES,
extremely proud to offer incredible
guests with audio connection
Kashif Shahzad.
variety and choice for travellers to
to Al-Haram. The hotel addi-
the region.”
tionally comprises of 12 eleva-
The DusitPrincess ACES Dubai will be located in the Jumeirah Village Circle, in close proximity to the new
tors that directly connect to Al
Conrad Makkah’s 438 elegant
Al Makhtoum International Airport, the Palm Jumeirah
rooms include 62 suites in two tow-
Haram, thus providing quick
and other shopping and entertainment venues.
ers. The suites - ranging from 56m
direct access during peak
to 247m for the Royal Suite - have
prayer times.
2
2
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
MAKING TRAVEL EASIER
We are extremely proud to offer incredible variety for travellers.
PIVOTAL STEPS
Omeir Travel Agency
gateway, which is the
CEO, Omeir Bin
has invested $2 mil-
first of its kind, dedi-
Youssef Group, Ab-
hotel in the Middle East with Qatar-based
lion to upgrade its call
cated to providing
dulla Bin Omeir said:
Al Alfia Holding to develop a Dream Hotel
centre in Abu Dhabi
expertise in helping
“We have invested
in Doha.
and Al Ain.
this segment grow.
in upgrading our
The new secure pay-
system keeping the
open in late 2019, will feature nine dining
centre in Abu Dhabi
ment gateway has
future in mind, which
and nightlife venues. It is considered a
has 40 multilingual
been developed with
is reflected in our up-
pivotal step in the expansion strategy of
staff that operates 24
the needs of the cus-
graded call centre.
the luxury lifestyle brand.
hours a day with the
tomer in mind. With
"Our Al Ain call
Honing in on Dream Hotel Group’s
aim of serving cus-
this email based in-
centre will be fully
expansion plans, it also announced $1.5
The upgraded call
Dream Hotel Group has signed its first
The 325-room property expected to
Emirates Airline has
vice president and chief
tomers as an outlet,
voicing system, there
operational right after
billion in new hotel developments, includ-
signed a Memorandum
commercial officer, Thierry
extending support to
is no need to share
Eid al-Fitr, and there
ing Doha and five other locations, all with
of Understanding (MoU)
Antinori and director, JTB
all the services and
credit card details and
will be further expan-
independent hotel development partners.
with the Jordan Tourism
and the Jordanian Tourism
guaranteeing easy
a secure online link
sions in the future to
Future US locations include Nashville, Dal-
Board (JTB), with a view to
Attaché in the UAE, Yazan
accessibility.
can be used to do the
elevate our reach and
las, Palm Springs, and two additional New
utilising the airline’s global
Al Khudairi.
The agency has
payment. This can be
meet our customers'
York properties in Times Square and Long
also introduced the
done via mobile or a
needs from all over
Island City.
new secure payment
desktop.
the world."
network to further boost
Antinori enthused
inbound tourist arrivals to
on the development:
Jordan.
“The MoU signed today
commented: "We are thrilled that the
CEO, Dream Hotel Group, Jay Stein
underscores Emirates
Dream brand of hospitality, marked by
Airline together with
Airline’s confidence in the
vibrant nightlife and dining opportunities,
JTB will put into effect a
potential and attractiveness
has resonated so widely. These six new
range of joint marketing
of Jordan as a world-class
developments double the footprint of our
activities, including tourism
destination, and we are
founding brand and give our loyal guests
promotions, participation
committed to promoting
many more options to explore the other
in conferences and
tourism from key target
side of themselves."
exhibitions, among other
regions including the Far
initiatives.
East and Australasia, West
ties in the coming months, continuing to
Asia and Central and South
solidify our burgeoning portfolio," Stein
America.”
concluded.
Under the MoU, Emirates
The MoU was signed by Emirates Airline, executive
12 July 2016
"We'll be announcing additional proper-
ttgmena.com
SUMMER PROMOTIONS
With summer now in full swing, TTG uncovers the most tempting seasonal promotions within the region and beyond.
O T E P A C ES I, K I D I K L HA GREECE
INDIAN OCEAN LUXURY Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced that guests booking by September 5 for stays until December 2016 can save up to 15 per cent on rates and benefit from free WiFi. Visitors to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can make the most of two palm-fringed tropical islands, as
UPSCALE EID GETAWAY Villa Kennedy, a beautiful five-star Rocco Forte hotel in Frankfurt,
ishing to r those w fo n o five-star ti p ing o lture, the u c t n A charm ra ib ed reece’s v announc absorb G idiki has lk a g H in it in is sort ose v Sani Re nt for th u o e of 12 c g is a d e t cen under th d il h a 30 per c e n ni, with o tay. Porto Sa entary s m li p m o c nline a d offere making o ts s e u g l receive , e il more wil r Meanwh o ts h of five nig fers. bookings ort trans is valid tary airp n e families, m r li p fo l a e com id r, 16, and ue offe to 30, 20 This uniq 15 r e b via the from Octo y July 30 b e for stays d a m must be bookings ite. droom ort webs three-be w e Sani Res n f o il te-of-the ill ava d new sta Guests w n ra b a oga ites and utdoor y family su with an o e s include tr n ie e it c il c s cing fa ti art fitnes n e s. r e cademie while oth bs and a lu c terrace, ’ s id K d Sani’s a spa an
Germany, has shed light on Eid specials for Arabic travellers. This summer the upscale property is promoting a Middle Eastern family package, which offers 50 per cent off a similar interconnecting or adjacent room for two children; a delectable daily breakfast and complimentary meals for children under the age of three; and a 50 per cent discount on meals and beverages for children aged four to 12. Meanwhile, the property’s Villa Garden is providing an ideal retreat for Arabic guests to relax in with various flavours of shisha on offer, a selection of delicious halal dishes, refreshing Arabic lemonade and soothing fresh mint tea.
SHORT-TERM OR LONG-STAY DEALS IN DUBA I
Dubai’s First Ce ntral Hotel Apar tments, conveniently locat ed in the TECOM area, has announced a tem pting summer pr om otion, perfect for all resid ents and visitors to the city. Special rates, at a more than afford able price per night an d per month, are being promoted to thos e wishing to stay at the hotel on a short-t erm or long-stay ba sis. The special summ er offer is inclusive of a complimentary bu ffet breakfast for two, use of the hotel’s recr eational facilities , free WiFi connectivity and a free daily shuttle to the beach. The summer prom otion is subject to availability and is valid until September 30, 20 16.
well as a separate Spa Retreat. The resort is linked by a 500m footbridge and offers three differing luxury experiences: thatch-roofed water villas perched on stilts over the shallow waters; beautifully furnished beach villas; or luxurious retreat water villas, each of which boasts its own treatment room and Jacuzzi. Meanwhile, set five metres underwater, the Maldives’ first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, serves up fabulous cuisine, complemented by views of the surrounding coral gardens.
14
STAYCAT REMEMB ION TO ER IN HO NG KONG
Landmark Mandarin Oriental Staycatio Hong Ko n package ng has la ; an ideal The stayc unched a w a y to explore n exclusiv ation com the city. e Porsche prises of driving ex a one-nig x Landma perience h t rk in s tay in L60 one of th selection 0 deluxe e three la of insider ro te o s m t driving ro Porsche s type or m chef, Rich utes; as w ports cars ore; a thre ard Ekkeb ell as an A (including e-hour us. mber picn The stayc th e 9 11 Carrera ic ation add h a m p S) and a e r curated itionally o Porsche g by two M ffers a ne ift and late ic w h e in lin star -room ba check-ou th experie t, plus mo nce; spa a re. nd dining credit; a s pecial
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INTERVIEW TTG: Is the MENA market important
TTG: How is Virtuoso capitalising
to Virtuoso? Are there plans to
on these trends?
augment your position in the region? Virtuoso tracks global trends and Virtuoso’s global growth strategy – a key
we offer training opportunities that
focus for the company – has resulted in
keep our agency members and their
the addition of dozens of member travel
advisors at the forefront of these
agencies over the past 18 months. In
trends. Sometimes we partner with
addition to strengthening the network’s
our preferred suppliers to offer
existing strong presence in North and
additional product or destination
Latin America as well as Australia and
training. Other resources include
New Zealand, we’ve expanded into
the Virtuoso Travel Academy, which
new regions, including Europe, Asia,
offers hundreds of webinars each
the Middle East and Africa. Last year
year as well as exclusive Study Tours
we added our first agency in the MENA
that allow advisors to gain valuable
market – dnata in Dubai.
first-hand knowledge. Through on-
Virtuoso is actively pursuing new
going education, Virtuoso advisors
growth opportunities in the Middle East
are able to stay ahead of the curve
and Africa, and recognises this region’s
when it comes to trends and deliver
strategic importance.
new and exciting experiences to
LUXURY LEADER Senior vice president, global member partnerships,Virtuoso, David Kolner speaks with Panayiotis Markides about the latest trends and updates in the luxury travel sector
their clients.
TTG: What trends in consumer travel have emerged and why?
Virtuoso’s product mix also continues to expand to meet the growing demands of luxury travellers.
Multigenerational travel continues to be
Knowing that no single advisor can
a strong trend and what’s interesting
be an expert in everything, our goal
is that several years ago it even
is to facilitate relationships between
began eclipsing travel with immediate
our advisors and preferred suppliers
family. Much of what’s driving it can
that ultimately result in better travel
be attributed to older generations and
experiences for their clients. One
retirees. This group has saved wisely
such way is through our portfolio of
and they now find themselves with
in-country destination management
both means and free time. And while
companies we call On-Sites.
travel has always been a retirement goal, we’re seeing that travelling with
TTG: Can you describe how the
their family is of key importance. In
luxury travel sector has been
fact, we’ve termed it Journey to Global
performing in 2016?
Citizenship – this notion of grandparents wanting their children and grandchildren
Using the Virtuoso network as an
to have a better understanding of the
indicator, I’d say the luxury sector is
world and to be better prepared in life
seeing steady and continued growth
having experienced other countries and
in 2016. Our network sales are $15.5
cultures.
billion annually, up from $14 billion,
Active and adventure travel is another
and our first quarter year-on-year
area where we’re seeing a good deal
sales are outpacing last year. We’re
of interest from our clients. Places like
also seeing hiring growth within
New Zealand, which offer a wide array
our member agencies in response
of activities for people of all ages and
to increased consumer demand. In
abilities, continue to be very popular.
2015, our network advisor count grew
Other favourite destinations include
by 26 per cent to 11,429 total travel
Southeast Asia, which has a distinct
advisors, and 57 per cent of that
culture and cuisine, yet still appeals to a
growth occurred with our existing
more active traveller.
member agencies.
Another trend we’re seeing is something we call Return on Life, where
TTG: Please share Virtuoso’s top 5
travellers are seeking experiences
destinations for travellers in 2016?
that draw them closer to their friends or family. Ultimately, they’re looking
Every year we survey our members
for deeper personal connections, the
and publish the findings in our annual
opportunity to decamp and just spend
Virtuoso Luxe Report. This year, Italy
time all together, away from hectic
was named the top global, family
schedules and technology. Whether it’s
travel and honeymoon destination;
renting a villa in Tuscany or enjoying a
the top emerging destination is
beachside resort, the end goal is always
Cuba, followed by Iceland. Adventure
the same: to build memories that last a
seekers are flocking to South Africa,
lifetime with the people they love most.
followed closely by Costa Rica.
CLICK TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
17
DESTINATION LEBANON
COLOURFUL OUTLOOK Despite regional travel bans, Lebanon’s tourism entities continue to band together in order to encourage visitors to its shores. Natalie Hami reports
ebanon is a destination that can easily lay claim to world famous cuisine, the trendiest capital city of the Middle East (Beirut) and an array of top notch beaches to choose from; the list is infinite. However, it cannot be denied that due to turmoil on its very doorstep, this unique Mediterranean nation has taken a hit, and with that, so has its tourism industry. Recent blows came in the form of travel bans from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Despite the hit to the destination’s tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism, Lebanon along with the industry’s tourism stakeholders continue not only to adjust their strategy according to changing circumstances but also remain resourceful in their approach to attract visitors. As part of the destination’s efforts to boost tourism, around two years ago the Ministry launched ‘Live, Love, Lebanon’, a marketing campaign showcasing the destination’s many wonders. The recent addition to this long-running campaign is the commissioning of the impressive
18
DESTINATION LEBANON
WINNING DIVERSITY
video, ‘Rise Above Lebanon’. Offering a bird’s eye view of some of Lebanon’s most breath
Corporate sales and marketing director, Le Royal Beirut, Joyce Mouawad speaks to TTG about how the luxury property continues to attract both regional and international visitors
taking landscapes, the video was created by French Lebanese photographer, Christian Ghammachi, and was shot over a period of five months using drones. However, these endeavours, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, are part of a much larger nationwide effort to entice visitors
Markets like Russia, China and Iran are very promising.
back to its shores. TTG spoke to a number of the destination’s key stakeholders, in a bid to discover how they are working towards this imminent goal.
NEW FOCUS
With Lebanon losing several of its more
TTG: Tell us about the
ing a lot of attention, while
types of initiatives you are
there is a growing trend for
boasts 153 rooms and suites along with an array of
launching to encourage
more outdoor events, parties
leisure facilities such as a private beach, pools, water
visitors to Lebanon.
and outdoor dining.
sports facilities, a tennis court and much more.
Le Royal is constantly
traditional and regional feeder markets of
creating packages for
TTG: What new feeder mar-
late, the country’s stakeholders have begun
travellers who seek culture
kets will you be enticing?
and leisure, exploiting our
Since 2008 we’ve been
competitive advantages
working on a new market,
re-focusing their energy on new markets.
CHANNELS OF SUCCESS
Royal Tulip Achrafieh’s general manager, Nicolas Anghelopoulos described shifting to
Enticing guests with its seaside location, Radisson
such as having the largest
which is the Lebanese expa-
new and emerging markets as ‘indispensable’.
Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut is opting for a similar
aqua park (Watergate) in
triate [market]. There are
“Markets like Russia, China and Iran are very
strategy. The property’s general manager, Francois
the region.
more than 12 million expats
promising and could compensate in the lag of
Galoisy will be increasing its market share from
tourists from the Gulf region.”
existing markets as well as upping the ante on a
summer festivals are going
visit their mother country as
number of other source markets.
full swing, including the
they miss the convivial spirit,
General manager, Amin Kawar and Sons
This year Lebanon’s
abroad who would love to
return of the Baalbek Fes-
kind people and hospitality
travel situation to TTG: “Despite what a
Constant sales visits to markets like Dubai, Egypt,
tival, among others. The
that Lebanon offers. This
tourism company may do, tourism in Lebanon
Jordan and Turkey, participating in numerous travel
music scene is also grow-
market is less sensitive to
does not have any markets to sell to in the
exhibitions and offering attractive promotions during
ing with many local and in-
the infrastructure needs of
western world. The US is warning its citizens
certain periods of the year. All this combined is
ternational bands attract-
more demanding tourists
not to come to Lebanon and Europe as well.
giving a good reason to encourage people to visit
Also the Gulf States have warned their citizens
Lebanon.”
Travel, Mounir Nakad explained the current
not to come to Lebanon.” He elaborated that as a result, the travel
“We are reaching out through various channels.
The upscale Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel however is not the only property reaching out to
and is more likely to come
NEWS
and visit.
in brief
agency has begun approaching the Jordanian,
prospective and repeat guests through various
Iraqi and Egyptian markets, as well as the
channels. Assistant director of sales/revenue and
Linking Stockholm and Beirut, GERMANIA AIRLINE has
Lebanese diaspora, more specifically in
reservations manager, The Smallville Hotel, Salam
commenced twice-weekly flights from Stockholm Arlanda
Armenia. In terms of outgoing tourism, Amin
Chaya explained the lifestyle property’s endeavours
Airport to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Kawar and Sons Travel is also promoting
to entice guests.
Armenia as a new destination for Lebanese travellers.
CEO, Germania Airline, Karsten Balke said: “We are very
“The Smallville Hotel is creating special packages
pleased by the strong demand out of Stockholm and are
for visitors including rooms and dining. The Smallville
proud to add a direct link between the two cities. Our flights
brings an extended level of style and design, as it
to Beirut are aimed at both leisure and business travellers, as
destination for the Lebanese and Lebanese
is the first urban lifestyle design hotel in Beirut,
well as those visiting friends and relatives in Lebanon. In the
Armenian travellers because it is a new
whether visitors are joining us for a short or long
last years we have also seen a quickly growing demand for
country undiscovered by the Lebanese.”
stay, we wish to deliver an emotional and memorable
Beirut as a destination.”
“We are focusing on Armenia as a
According to general manager, Ramada Downtown Beirut, Yasmine Eid Maalouf, the
experience.” Chaya also highlighted that the property is offering
property will be going down a similar path.
online promotions in order to encourage guests to
She exclusively told TTG: “For the moment
experience ‘Live, Love, Lebanon’ and The Smallville
there are no new feeder markets, although we
Hotel for themselves.
had high hopes for Iran. However, we keep on
Boasting a summer opening date, the upscale
pampering markets such as Turkey, Egypt and
Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort will
Iraq from where the bulk [of visitors] are
be running a promotion called the Summerland
still coming.”
Splash, according to Bourachi. “[It] is a special offer
Meanwhile, director of sales and marketing
Looking to enhance its customer offering, RADISSON BLU MARTINEZ HOTEL has announced that it will be renovating its hotel rooms, one floor at a time. This project will start in Q4 of 2016. The upscale property has also recently scooped a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
bookable either on our website or directly with the
at the soon-to-open Kempinski Summerland
hotel for a period of one month. This promotion is
RAMADA DOWNTOWN BEIRUT has begun renovations on
Hotel and Resort, Beirut, Maha Bourachi,
open to all travellers and represents a very special
the entire hotel, which includes 99 rooms, one restaurant
also pointed out that the property will be
discount on rooms and F&B during the
and a lounge bar, in addition to the lobby. According to the
embracing visitors from the Lebanese
guest’s stay.”
property’s general manager, Yasmine Eid Maalouf, the new concept is to provide guests with a relaxing stay while en-
diaspora, as well as developing certain key European markets still visiting Lebanon. A new addition to Beirut’s luxury portfolio, Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort
With its eyes set firmly on the target, Lebanon remains as always resilient in the face of turmoil and adaptable in its tourism approach. July 2016
ttgmena.com
joying the vibrant city of Beirut. “We hope by the end of this year as well to add to our features with an outside terrace," Maalouf said.
19
SPOTLIGHT BALKANS
news
IN FULL
BLOOM
The Balkan region offers travellers an eclectic range of destinations, proving to be a fitting alternative to traditional Europe. Panayiotis Markides brings you the latest updates from this evolving region
SPREADING ITS WINGS
FULFILLING AMBITIONS The long-held ambition
international airport.
of leading global
The hotel is further highlighted by wellness
hospitality management
facilities showcased at Maya Spa which
company Swiss-Belhotel
includes a 12m indoor pool, five treatment
International to expand into
rooms, a hydrology zone with sauna and ice
Europe has been realised
therapies, a salt room to relax and de-stress,
following the rebranding of
a gym and a series of mud and salt therapies,
the Grand Hotel Dimyat in
unique to the Black Sea area.
Bulgaria to Swiss-Belhotel Varna. The 74-room four-star
"Our entry into the highly competitive European market marks another exciting chapter in the Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel Varna is
story," said chairman and president, Swiss-
located in the heart of the
Belhotel International, Gavin Faull.
Black Sea coastal city next
"We need to be recognised as the best hotel
to the Sea Garden public
in town. This is our goal and I am confident
park, 500m from the beach,
that we are on the right track to achieving
and 20 minutes from the
this," said Faull.
VITAL MARKETS newly-painted Airbus A330
Air Serbia has celebrated
After landing in Belgrade,
the arrival of its first wide-
the aircraft was greeted by
land at its new home in
peaking exclusively with TTG about
body aircraft at Nikola
a traditional water cannon
Belgrade for the very first
Montenegro’s newest luxury offering,
Tesla Airport.
salute and a delegation
time was a proud moment
PR manager, Porto Montenegro,
of airline representatives.
for us all, showing that
Danilo Kalezic highlighted that the destination
be used on Air Serbia’s
Onboard the flight was a
Air Serbia is continuing to
is vying to attract the MENA market.
Belgrade-New York route,
group of VIP stakeholders
invest in the future of the
which launched recently,
led by chairman, Air Serbia
airline and Serbia itself.”
reconnecting Serbia and
and the Mayor of Belgrade,
Product and service
the US with a direct air
Siniša Mali and CEO, Air
service for the first time
Serbia, Dane Kondi.
The Airbus A330 will
in 24 years. The plane is
Mali said: “This is a
“The MENA market is vitally important for
new flight routes to Tivat via Belgrade as well as the lack
our destination, especially considering the
of visa requirements for UAE,
fact that the Investment Corporation of Dubai
Kuwaiti and Qatari nationals
highlights of the A330
(ICD) recently acquired Porto Montenegro
visiting Montenegro.”
aircraft include lie-flat
and there has been much high-level GCC-led
seats in business class
investment activity in the Balkan region.”
Kalezic informed TTG: “The marina currently has 450
configured with 18 seats in
massive milestone for
and inflight entertainment
business class and 236 in
Air Serbia and for our
systems as well as
who will now benefit from the recent Etihad
apartments, as well as 55 units
economy class.
nation. Watching our
redesigned menus.
investment in Air Serbia that opened up
of ground floor retail.”
July 2016
He added: ‘We are attracting GCC travellers,
ttgmena.com
berths, 188 sold-out luxury
21
UPDATE CENTRAL EUROPE
MASTER ARCHITECTS With a plethora of one-of-a-kind experiences to entice visitors, Central Europe has its eyes set on the MENA market. Panayiotis Markides discovers how the region is targeting this unique market ear-on-year, travellers descend
market have been bolstered with the recent three-times
upon the heart of Europe eager to
weekly Turkish Airlines flights between its Eastern city of
make use of the plethora of wellness
Košice and Istanbul.
BOOSTING WELLNESS OFFERING While Central Europe’s wellness offering may be
The sentiment for attracting the MENA traveller
firmly established, it still continues to enhance its
natural beauty that comes with a visit to its
was echoed across the board as director of sales and
product with the addition of new properties from
various destinations.
marketing, Eden Group, Markéta Azemovicová noted: “Our
major hospitality player, Carlson Rezidor. The
main market is the CIS market and we are working on
company recently announced the upper-upscale
Grandhotel Lienz, Johannes Westreicher
attracting the MENA market to our destination. It is a new
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Szklarska Poreba, set
explained to TTG that the five-star property
market for us.”
to open in late 2018, in south west Poland. The
options, the milder climate and the
Honing in on Austria, general manager,
knows just how to accommodate its clientele. “Since sport and health are very important,
Westreicher commented that Grandhotel Lienz’s main markets are Austria, Germany, the UAE and the US. He
property will be a ski and summer resort featuring 180 rooms. The hotel group also announced the 166-key mid-
our bicycle tracks have been expanded to
enthused: “It would be great to build up the MENA market
300km along the River Isel, which is the only
since what we offer is unique and we have a lot of repeat
scale Park Inn by Radisson Poznán, also in Poland,
natural glacier river still in Austria.”
guests due to our personalised service, as we are a family
expected to open in Q2 of 2017.
Meanwhile in Vienna, according to Vienna Tourism Board’s tourism strategy released in 2015, the city aims to increase the number
operation and attend to every request from our guests personally.” Director of sales and marketing, The Ritz-Carlton,
Meanwhile in Hungary, luxury options are in no short supply as The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest recently opened its doors to visitors in the city’s cultural and
of overnight stays by five million, the room
Vienna, Stefan Ludwig told TTG: “We recognise an
shopping district. The hotel boasts 170 rooms and
revenue is to be stepped up by $454 million,
increase of five per cent in demand year-on-year from GCC
30 suites.
and direct flights to Vienna are to be offered by
countries, especially Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the
another 20 cities worldwide.
UAE.” He noted that the property’s main feeder markets
With no shortage of experience in catering to
are the US, the UK and Germany, while Asia and the Middle
the most discerning of travellers visiting Central
East are the hotel’s main emerging markets.
Europe, stakeholders are actively seeking to
With developments across the region, TTG spoke with various stakeholders to discover how Central Europe is planning to up its visitor figures.
Regional director, Vienna House Czech Republic, Klaus Pilz remarked to TTG that the MENA market is a target for the company: “We definitely need to attract the MENA
EYE ON THE PRIZE
market as well. We have local sales representatives there followed by our own sales managers
Being well-established within continental
because we know how crucial personal contact
Europe, Central Europe’s tourism entities are
is in those countries.”
looking further afield to augment their market share, with the strategy having paid off. Market manager – China, Japan, South Korea,
STAYING RELEVANT
Arab countries, Vienna Tourism, Elisabeth Sissi
In an industry forever in flux, a multitude of
Woschnagg informed TTG: “Our main feeder
trends affect what travellers seek in any
markets in 2015 were Germany, Austria and the
destination they may visit.
US.” Combining visitor statistics from all the
Azemovicová remarked that
Arab nations to Vienna, Woschnagg told TTG
in Carlsbad there is a constant
that the region provided 411,000 overnights
and growing demand on health
from 184,000 arrivals, making the region
improvement. “Therefore among
Vienna’s eighth ranked source market after
other things we focus on health food
Switzerland and ahead of Russia.
and we came up with a new concept
She revealed that with positive numbers such
of meals in the Carlsbad Plaza.”
as this, the destination is promoting itself within
She also informed TTG about
the MENA region in the UAE, Saudi Arabia,
what the Czech hospitality group is
Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, the destination
doing to keep its tourism product
also hosts an Arabic website to promote itself to
updated: “We are offering a new
the market.
concept of treatment in our
“Tourists from this region have become
Medical Spa Suites. These are
particularly important during the summer
treatment rooms, which provide
months. With 131,581 overnights during the
an entire new view on relaxation
month of August in 2015, all Arab markets
during medical treatments. We
rank third just after our major source markets,
are the only hotel in the Czech
Germany and Austria.”
Republic, which offers these
In Slovakia, connections with the MENA
22
types of facilities and services.”
attract MENA travellers.
ON LOCATION INDIA blaze with colourful festivals, monumental architecture and a smorgasbord of culinary delights varying from one region to the next of this vast land, India manages to woo the most discerning of travellers. However, one very large and integral part of this fascinating country’s tourism offering is that of the wellness segment; a segment which has become a global phenomenon in itself. In fact, according to president, Medical Tourism Association, Renee-Maria Stephano, JD, the medical tourism industry in India is worth an estimated $310 million, with the number being predicted to reach $6 billion by 2018. It seems only natural that India would excel at this segment given its wellness history encompassing yoga, Ayurveda, meditation and much more. A very recent development set to massively bolster its medical tourism sector is the easing of its medical visa rules, if implemented. This, combined with its stellar infrastructure and affordable prices makes it the perfect candidate for medical tourists, and especially those coming from the MENA region. Executive assistant manager – sales and marketing, Novotel Pune, Rohit Chopra explained India’s appeal as a choice for medical tourism candidates to TTG: “Some major advantages are reduced costs, the availability of the latest medical technologies and a growing compliance on international quality standards, as well as the fact
SOOTHING SPIRIT India’s medical tourism industry continues to mature, attracting wellness enthusiasts the world over, especially from the MENA region, as Natalie Hami discovers
that foreigners are less likely to face a language barrier in India.” Chopra added that the more “The Middle East is a market of growing
popular treatments include alternative medicine,
to its director of sales and marketing,
of India’s ever-growing medical tourism
bone-marrow transplant, cardiac bypass, eye
Debanjan Kundu, the hotel provides an
sector, whilst also reaching out to the
significance for us as more guests visiting
surgery and hip replacements.
in-house yogi who conducts early morning
MENA market. Head of operations – India,
for medical purposes choose to stay at our
General manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru,
yoga sessions on the lawn for all guests,
Hilton Worldwide, Andre Gomez explained
hotels in Bangalore that are well suited to
Parul Thakur added: “The Indian medical network
as well as offering a dedicated studio for
to TTG that the company currently
cater to the needs of long-stay guests, as
is also connected to many other countries;
groups of personal yoga sessions.
operates 15 hotels and resorts across 11
well as our hotels in Gurgaon, located near
cities in India.
leading medical facilities. Additionally, our
hence receiving treatment on referrals and
“Within the spa we have introduced
hotel in Mumbai is popular with travellers
recommendations is not difficult. These factors have
various Ayurveda inspired treatments, and
contributed heavily to the popularity of India as a
this can be availed by both residents and
three hotels in Delhi NCR are particularly
who enjoy the Indian monsoon; a getaway
medical destination.”
non-resident guests,” said Kundu.
popular with guests visiting for medical
from intense heat in the region.”
purposes. Our two hotels in Gurgaon,
Thakur of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
further by promoting its Ayurveda
Delhi NCR – DoubleTree by Hilton and
agreed, noting that the property receives
Taj Exotica, Goa is taking it a step
IDEAL WELLNESS HUB
“Our two hotels in Bangalore and
Spa, where guests can book a seven to
Hilton Garden Inn – are minutes from
many guests from the Middle East. “We
Meanwhile, TTG spoke to India’s tourism
fourteen day package, which includes a
leading medical facilities at Medanta –
have tied up with agents dealing in MEA
stakeholders spanning this vast destination, in a bid
consultation with an Ayurveda doctor.
The Medicity, Artimis Hospital and Fortis
segments as well as a number of hospitals
Hospital. Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/
in the city.”
to discover how they are boosting India’s wellness
Wellness enthusiasts can also benefit
Ramesh also highlighted the links that
sector, as well as exploring the growing link between
from a range of therapies at the five-star
Saket, located in the heart of South Delhi,
the Middle East and India.
The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort and
is minutes from medical facilities at Max
the Kairali Ayurvedic Group is creating
Spa. The property’s general manager,
Healthcare and Saket City Hospital.”
with the Middle East and prospective
Looking to promote India’s more traditional and ancient wellness treatments is Kairali Ayurvedic
Sarat Valsraj told TTG: “A hearty meal at
Group. The Group’s executive director, Abhilash
our all-day restaurant facing the lagoon,
Bangalore is located close to top medical
Ramesh explained to TTG that the Kairali –
a swim in the sun-kissed pool or a dip in
facilities such as Sankara Nethralaya,
Abu Dhabi and have recently started
Ayurvedic Healing Village at Pallakad, Kerala is an
your private plunge pool, or an afternoon
Sakara World Hospital, Manipal Hospital,
promoting our Ayurvedic products in the
Ayurvedic hospital built in a resort environment to
at Maya spa for some authentic Ayurveda
Narayana Hrudayalaya, Jayadeva Hospital
UAE. The number of people coming from
provide holistic Ayurvedic healing. “The Kairali –
therapies, take your pick. Maya Spa offers
and Apollo Hospital.
Middle Eastern markets has been steadily
Ayurvedic Healing Village imbibes Kerala’s history
wellness packages for detox, a weight
In addition, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
With increasing flights between the
of Ayurveda and provides the same in completely
reduction programme offering 7 Night/14
MENA region and India – some of the more
hospitable surroundings.”
Night/21 night packages, and all done in
recent ones being a Sharjah-Mumbai route
consultation with our in-house doctor.”
introduced by Air India Express and the
Kairali offers personalised treatments and a variety of detoxification programmes centred around providing relief for stress, arthritis and migraines, among others. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore has also been promoting this local form of wellness. According
BUILDING BRIDGES
wellness clientele from the region. “We have our healing centre in
increasing. Our travel agent network also has helped us in increasing our footprint in this market.”
Hyderabad-Dammam and Mangaluru-
With India’s medical tourism industry
Sharjah routes by Jet Airways – the
set to soar within the next few years,
destination has also become increasingly
MENA wellness enthusiasts will no
Meanwhile, mammoth hotel company
popular for the Middle Eastern market, as
doubt continue to flock to this gem of a
Hilton Worldwide is taking full advantage
stated by Gomez.
destination.
24 July 2016
ttgmena.com
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ON LOCATION INDIA
WELCOMING ADDITION Sarovar Hotels has
offering modern amenities
announced the launch of
and personalised service.
Seyfert Sarovar Portico,
The hotel also offers state-
Dehradun.
of-the-art business and
NEWS FLASH
conference facilities, in-room
Expected to benefit the large numbers
leisure and business
dining, a fitness centre,
traveller, Seyfert Sarovar
swimming pool and an all-
of Indians travelling from the Gulf region
Portico, Dehradun provides
day-dining multi-cuisine
guests with 68 rooms, each
restaurant.
Catering to both the
Located close to
We hope to ensure a pleasant stay for all our guests.
to Hyderabad and Mangaluru, Jet Airways is to begin operating new daily services from Hyderabad to Dammam
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant
and from Mangaluru to Sharjah from
Airport, bus stand and
August 7, 2016.
railway station, the hotel caters to its guests’ culinary needs with Café Travertine,
MICE WORLD UNCOVERED
Dammam will be the second city in the Gulf region to be connected with
an all-day multi-cuisine
Hyderabad by Jet Airways following the
restaurant with live counters
addition of Abu Dhabi.
and a poolside banquet lawn
Global managing director, Pacific World, Selina Chavry talks about how the company can create the ultimate MICE experience
for social gatherings.
TTG: What are the latest trends in India’s
Executive director, Sarovar Hotels, Ajay Bakaya
meetings industry and how is Pacific World
said: “We hope to ensure
capitalising on these?
a pleasant stay for all our
The MICE sector in India is making a steady
guests travelling to this
comeback with major improvements such as
region.”
developments in infrastructure which have led to the introduction of large convention centres
CULINARY ENHANCEMENTS
REVAMP FOR HIGH-END HOTEL In a bid to enhance its guest offering, Taj Exotica, Goa
in most cities, increases in the number of flight routes available every day, the adoption of visa programmes which are easing the hassle of entering the country, and a vision from the Indian government to advance the MICE industry. As a full-service MICE company, we are prepared
is currently undergoing a renovation, according to area
for the continued growth that is set to take place
director Taj Goa and general manager, Taj Exotica, Ranjit
and can service these new burgeoning areas of the
Phillipose.
MICE market.
“We are presently completing a 44-room renovation of our rooms in the main block of the hotel, which will be
TTG: Tell our readers about the services you offer
ready in time for the season.”
companies that would like to host their meetings
Phillipose enthused that these rooms will be spacious
All Meetings & Events business units of Le Passage
required by the elite traveller.
To India have moved under the global Pacific
“These rooms will also have some of the resort’s most
Looking to the Middle
World brand, as of April 1. The incoming incentive
luxurious suites that can be converted to two and three
business brand ‘Mintcentive’ and the outgoing
bedrooms even,” concluded Phillipose.
business brand ‘TUI- Meetings & Incentives’ have
Meanwhile, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has recently
The Westin Pune
in India.
and will be fitted with all the facilities that could possibly be
been merged to form one entity, ‘Pacific World
revamped the brand’s online and digital assets in order
India’. Pacific World and LPTI clients can now
to strengthen its guest engagement channels. The
benefit from a one-stop shop offering for their
new destination-led website is aimed at engaging and
meetings, events, incentives and congresses, whether they be domestic, outbound or inbound.
Koregaon Park has recently
Eastern market, Braganza
inspiring travel as well as delivering an easier user-friendly
bolstered its F&B offering
explained to TTG how the
experience.
by introducing Italian chef
property caters to this
TTG: What kind of itinerary could you create for
Eraldo Colazzo to cater to
feeder market’s dietary
travellers who want to experience India’s culture?
the varying tastes of the
requirements: “The hotel
For travellers with a keen interest in adventure
property’s clientele.
has a repertoire in multiple
but who also wish to experience India’s culture, we
According to the hotel’s
regional cuisines; including
suggest the Golden Triangle Tour followed by a
director of sales and
Middle Eastern food. More
visit to Ranthambore. The Golden Triangle of Delhi,
marketing, Vivek Braganza,
importantly, each guest’s
Agra and Jaipur is the most popular circuit in India.
the Italian culinary expert
individual food preferences
The tour starts in India’s historic capital, Delhi, and
has experience spanning the
can be met by our chefs who
continues to Agra where the Taj Mahal remains a
destinations of Dubai, the
relish the opportunity to
sight to behold. Completing the Golden Triangle
KSA, India, Thailand, the US
customise their selection to
is Jaipur.
and Europe.
meet guest needs.”
26 July 2016
ttgmena.com
ANALYSIS HALAL TOURISM
INDUSTRY INNOVATORS
TTG: How can a destination evolve to accommodate Halal travellers? The success of a country in attracting and promoting their destination to Muslim travellers depends highly on
It comes as no surprise that Halal Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing travel sectors. Tatiana Tsierkezou caught up with two entities that specialise in this specific industry to find out the latest trends and forecasts
their efforts on creating facilities and services for Muslim travellers. How many hotels offer the option of halal breakfast or if they do not offer it per se, in how many hotels can you pre-order halal breakfast before your arrival? Does the airport offer any prayer facilities or halal food options? All those factors increase the perception of a tourist destination to be Muslim-friendly. And the more Muslimfriendly a destination becomes the more Muslim travellers
prayer room for Muslim travellers. Airports in
it can usually attract. The promotion and creation of those
Japan are also now providing Halal food and prayer
Muslim facilities and services is something which we are
facilities to cater to the growing Malaysian and
working on through the Salam Standard Initiative.
Indonesian Muslim tourists, and travellers in the Middle East are watching. We see a growing trend
TTG: What is Tripfez’s vision?
for travelling to Japan. When hotels, airlines and tourism boards start
We believe in offering Muslim travellers the opportunity of an
catering to the needs of the Muslim traveller and
informed decision. Through Salam Standard we are offering
they start propagating this fact, there will be a
a large pool of Muslim facilities and services in more than
growth in travel to these Muslim-friendly countries.
50 countries around the globe. This includes the availability of prayer facilities or halal food/breakfast. We believe
TTG: What is Irhal doing to better cater to the
that a real halal travel decision arises from the availability
needs of Halal travellers?
of extensive information and basing a travel decision on this information. That is why we are currently focusing on
Irhal caters to the information needs of the Muslim
expanding our availability of information on Muslim facilities
traveller. We provide Arabic/English city guides
to non-majority Muslim countries, after covering mainly
which list Halal restaurants, mosque locations and
Muslim countries in the past.
prayer timings for over 90 cities. We are currently updating this information, and hotels and tourism boards are contacting us from all over the world
CEO and editor-in-chief, Irhal, Irfan Ahmad
to inform us about their latest offerings. The RitzCarlton in Berlin and The Grand Hotel in Vienna have reached out to let our 1.5 million visitors know that they now provide halal food for Muslim guests. Tourism boards are sending us lists of new Halal
TTG: With Halal travel ever-growing, new trends must be arising. What are the Halal travel trends for 2016?
restaurants. Our visitors are sending us requests to add more cities. Actually, in the last two years we have received over 1,000 requests for adding new cities.
Halal travel is finally being recognised by tourism
Unfortunately, since we are a startup with limited
boards, hotels and the hospitality sector in general as
resources, we cannot add new cities fast enough so
a specific, fast-growing segment of the travel industry.
we are asking tourism boards to share our cost and
Over the last five years when the summer travel season and Ramadan began coinciding, the travel
advertise with us so that we can use this money to fast track the addition of a new city.
industry started to sit up and listen. Muslims follow the lunar calendar which is 11 days shorter (354 days), and Ramadan which started on June 17 in 2015 started on June 6 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. They need a very early morning breakfast around 03:30, and at sunset
CEO, Tripfez, Faeez Fadhlillah
they want to celebrate the end of the day’s fast with a traditional meal and prayers. And not surprisingly, the Swiss were the first to recognise this need. Hotels
TTG: Fast forwarding to the future, how do you
in Switzerland started catering to this need four years
expect the Halal travel scene to adapt?
ago. Slowly, the rest of the world has caught on. What we see as a trend now is the fact that the
The Halal travel scene will be an integral part of
global tourism industry is beginning to cater to not
the global travel industry. For many decades it was
just the specific needs of Muslim travellers during
side-lined as a small, unimportant niche market. Fast-
Ramadan but the need to provide Halal food and
forwarding to the future this will change drastically.
family friendly travel facilities throughout the year.
And the Halal travel scene will respond to this. It will
When Emirates Airline started flying to Orlando on
become more technology focused and more diverse in
September 1, 2015, Orlando airport built a special
its product offerings and distribution channels.
28 July 2016
ttgmena.com
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
appointed director of sales and marketing for Crowne Plaza Amman Hotel. Habashneh boasts over 18 years of experience. With strong communication negotiation skills and an education in Business Management from the US, Habashneh will work closely with the hotel’s sales and marketing team.
Tasked with overseeing the operations of Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh, Mohammad Labban has been announced as general manager of the property. He has held positions in Hyatt Regency Jeddah, Grand Hyatt Amman, Park Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai, and most recently served as general manager of Hyatt Regency Pune, India.
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Bringing expertise in the luxury arena to her new post, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai has welcomed Sue Wheatley to the role of director of sales and marketing. Wheatley will oversee the sales and marketing operations of the Palm Jumeirah flagship, including the development of a comprehensive strategy touching every aspect of the resort.
CHRISTOPH STRAHM
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, THE PEARL – DOHA
Alaa Habashneh has been
GENERAL MANAGER
FAIRMONT THE PALM, DUBAI
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
SUE WHEATLEY
MOHAMMAD LABBAN
HYATT REGENCY SHARM EL SHEIKH
CROWNE PLAZA AMMAN HOTEL
ALAA HABASHNEH
HOTEL MANAGER
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha has announced Christoph Strahm as its new hotel manager. He holds an MBA from HEC Lausanne and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the management. He will lead all the hotel operations with general manager, Wissam Suleiman.
If you have recently been promoted or appointed key staff, please visit our website...
Hotels & Resorts is Claudio Roscigno as regional director, Middle East and North Africa, based out of the brand’s new regional headquarters in Dubai. Roscigno has developed front office and F&B operations and experienced new hotel openings across three continents. He has also been responsible for various regional sales office set ups.
Boasting 30 years of hospitality experience, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh has appointed Gerrit Graef as its general manager. He joins The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh from his most recent position as hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. Graef began his career in 1997 at Marriott International, taking on the role of director of F&B at Renaissance Cologne Hotel.
30 July 2016
COUNTRY MANAGER OF JORDAN
Responsible for driving new sales opportunities for the company’s business in Jordan, Sabre Travel Network Middle East (STNME) has welcomed Yassar Al Majali onto the team as country manager of Jordan. In his role, Al Majali will be responsible for strengthening trusted relationships with its corporate and leisure travel agency customers, among other tasks.
ttgmena.com
MAHMOUD HAGGAG
THE AJMAN PALACE
Joining the team at Preferred
GENERAL MANAGER
YASSAR AL MAJALI
SABRE TRAVEL NETWORK MIDDLE EAST
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MENA
GERRIT GRAEF
THE RITZ-CARLTON, RIYADH
PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS
CLAUDIO ROSCIGNO
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER Working his way up the career ladder, Mahmoud Haggag has been announced as The Ajman Palace’s new executive assistant manager. In his new role, Haggag is tasked with assisting the general manager with all hotel operations. An Egyptian national, Haggag’s most recent posting was at Mercure Center Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
PICTURE PERFECT General manager, Centro Sharjah, Michael Kasch is awarded ‘Manager of the Year’ during the Rotana Annual Conference at PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI.
INTERCONTINENTAL JORDAN celebrates a double anniversary, the first as part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ 70th anniversary, and also the property’s 53rd anniversary of the opening of the hotel in 1963.
GULF AIR inaugurates its five-times weekly service to and from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representatives from the airline celebrated the launch with a special event.
In support of World Environment Day, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY together with Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority launch a turtle tagging initiative.
ALITALIA unveils a striking new staff uniform collection at a catwalk show held at the Nazionale Spazio Eventi in Rome.
LOUVRE ABU DHABI achieves a new milestone in its development: the complete attachment of 4,500 tube lights to the dome’s steel structure.
QUEEN MAXIMA of the Netherlands christens Carnival Corporation’s newest ship, the Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam, by triggering a champagne bottle break on the ship’s hull at a dedication ceremony in the Netherlands.
Picture perfect 32 July 2016
A visual tour of recent events in the region ttgmena.com
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SOCIAL HUB
Our Team
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS: RAMADAN 2016 Ramadan 2016 came as quickly as it went. Throughout the month, social media channels were overflowing with messages of love and vibrant images of fabulous Iftar and Suhour spreads. Here are some of our favourites.
GENERAL MANAGER Chris Christou CChristou@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803003
Mall of the Emirates @MallofEmirates This #Ramadan, donate #toys to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most! #Shareapartofyou
EDITOR Natalie Hami NHami@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803022 MEDIA REPORTER Panayiotis Markides PMarkides@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803024 DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR Tatiana Tsierkezou TTsierkezou@ttgmena.com D: +35724803021 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Edward Beales E-COMMERCE MANAGER Panayiotis Philippou PPhilippou@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803008
Al Bustan Residence @AlBustanCentre #1 #Ramadan evening celebrated by all the staff members by having Iftar organised by #management @AlBustanCentre
E-COMMERCE EXECUTIVE Marina Drakou Mdrakou@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803077 ACCOUNT MANAGERS Helen Moss Hmoss@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803074 Marianne Shokry MShokry@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803012 Elaine Hockley EHockley@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803011 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Costas Miaoulis CMiaoulis@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803002 ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Vasilis Eracleous VEracleous@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803026 CREDIT CONTROL Stala Antoniades SAntoniades@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803015 HEADQUARTERS Nietzsche Street, Ria Court 9, 1ST Floor 6028 Larnaca, Cyprus Tel: +357-24 803000 Fax: +357-24 803060 Email: INFO@ttgmena.com Website: www.ttgmena.com THAILAND REPRESENTATIVE Public Major Media Ltd, Janya Limmanee Janya.Limmanee@publicitas.com Tel: 662 651 9273 JAPAN REPRESENTATIVE Pacific Business Inc, Hiroko Kujime Kujime-pbi@gol.com Tel: 81 33661 6138 TTG Worldwide Titles* TTG Middle East & North Africa operates under a licence from TTG Media Limited in the UK
TTG Middle East & North Africa is a member of the TTG network of media alongside: TTG UK and Ireland, TTG Russia and CIS, TTG Nordic, TTG Czech Republic, TTG Italia, TTG Asia, TTG China TTG India * For information on these publications, please contact us at: INFO@ttgmena.com TTG MENA is part of the CADS Group
Swiss-Belhotel Int'l @swissbelhotel We are going to SwissBelhotel Cirebon for all you can eat #Iftar today, would you like to join us?
ART Rotana @ARTRotana Ramadan Mubarak! Book today to enjoy Iftar and Ghabga at Choices or in our #Ramadan Tent.
Sharjah Tourism @sharjahtourism Break your Iftar with 3 dates & laban following the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
FourSeasonsMarrakech @FSMarrakech Live a unique Ftour experience with a delicious buffet offering a thousand Moroccan flavors! #Ramadan2016 #Ftour
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AUGUST ISSUE
• DESTINATION EUROPE • UPDATE CHINA • ON LOCATION FRANCE • SPOTLIGHT THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL • FOCUS ON AFRICA • AWARENESS BAHRAIN • ANALYSIS SPORTS TOURISM July 2016
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