October 2017 by TTG MENA

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

Destination DUBAI A tourism powerhouse with a conscience

On Location ASIA Options abound on this continent

PEARL OF THE GCC A precious GCC tourism player, Bahrain is focusing on further capitalising on its strengths

OCTOBER 2017

ISSUE 311

Update KUWAIT An eye firmly on the prize

Interview CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Haitham Mattar

CONTENTS > YOUR GUIDE 04

NEWS

INTERVIEW

HELLO OCTOBER! s it just me or is time flying? I cannot believe that we are already in October and

DESTINATION DUBAI

rapidly approaching a whole new year. You know what they say, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’, and this is almost too true!

This issue was an extremely fun one to

UPDATE KUWAIT

put together. We have a great double-page interview with the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Haitham

ON LOCATION ASIA

Mattar, which is an absolute must read, as well as informative reports on Dubai, Kuwait, Asia and Bahrain!

AWARENESS BAHRAIN

A LETTER FROM... Have a great October!

Also, I would just like to remind you that our special print November issue is coming up next month, which features our extremely popular Regional Round Up section. If you

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

happen to have any newsworthy updates, please drop me an email at ttsierkezou@ ttgmena.com, and we’ll talk!

Tatiana Tsierkezou

TTG MENA Editor

SOCIAL HUB

ENJOYING SHARJAH’S BEAUTY

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism

historical, natural and cultural gains.

Development Authority (SCTDA) has

The desert is a vital integrated

begun issuing permits for vehicles of

system which embraces many

tour operators and travel and hospitality

forms of wildlife and requires quick

companies wishing to enter the desert and

intervention. Thus, it is important

natural habitat areas.

that there is an organised flow of

This move will allow tourism entities to

movement of 4x4 vehicles entering

provide their clients with a well-rounded

the inner areas, which have been

experience of Sharjah, which is renowned

rapidly expanding as a favourite

for its charming natural heritage and

adventure destination.

wildlife parks. Chairman, SCTDA, HE Khalid Jasim Al

“This move ensures the proper care of all life forms in the desert

Midfa commented on the initiative: “The

and maintenance of the natural

granting of licenses brings in numerous

sights there that draw a lot of

benefits, including environmental,

visitors,” Al Midfa concluded.

October2017

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NEWS

Exhibition EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT

Calendar

hose travelling

in-flight entertainment

between Abu Dhabi

system, providing endless

and Amsterdam

entertainment.

can now make the most of

BROADENING HORIZONS Emaar Hospitality Group has shed light on its first foray into South Asia, with a property scheduled to open on Ethere Madivaru Private Island in the Maldives in 2020. The highly luxurious Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will be a picture-perfect beachfront resort in the Indian Ocean. It will be a mere 20 minutes flight by seaplane from Male International Airport. The property, Address Hotels + Resorts’ inaugural island hotel project, will span 75,000m and will boast 80 2

beach and over-water villas, as well as selected units for sale. Facilities will comprise a dedicated Spa Island and Water Sports Island, floating restaurants and lounges, over-water fitness facilities, swimming pools and children’s play areas.

CEO, Etihad Airways,

Etihad Airways’ spacious

Peter Baumgartner

OCTOBER 4-6 The Hotelier Summit Africa, Morocco • www.hospitalityseries.com

Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which

enthused on the upgrade:

was recently deployed to

“The decision to upgrade

serve daily flights between

our daily Amsterdam

OCTOBER 25-27 ITB Asia, Singapore www.itb-asia.com

the two cities.

service to the 787

We received great customer feedback when we first flew the aircraft to the Dutch capital.

NOVEMBER 6-8 World Travel Market London, UK • www. london.wtm.com NOVEMBER 7-9 AccessAbilities Expo, Dubai, UAE www.accessabilitiesexpo.com NOVEMBER 21-23 2nd Annual Cultural Tourism Middle East, Dubai, UAE www.culturaltourismme.iqpc.ae NOVEMBER 26 Middle East Hozpitality Excellence Awards, Dubai, UAE www.hozpitalityexcellenceawards.com •

TTG MENA will be available at these shows

The aircraft features

Dreamliner aircraft reflects

the airline’s state-of-

the importance of the

the-art business and

Netherlands market. We

economy class cabins,

received great customer

with 28 business studios

feedback when we first flew

and 271 economy smart

the aircraft to the Dutch

seats, as well as the latest

capital last summer.”

BLOSSOMING DESTINATION PORTFOLIO Qatar Airways recently

will have the ideal opportunity to

celebrated the introduction of

explore all that Qatar has to offer.

flights to Kyiv in the Ukraine,

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways’ extra

while also boosting the

daily flight to Nepal’s capital has

frequency of its services to

pushed the frequency of flights to

Kathmandu in Nepal.

Kathmandu to four per day. The

The new Kyiv route

extra flight aims to cater to demand

will allow Qatar Airways

during Nepal’s festival season,

passengers to seamlessly

which takes place annually in

transfer through Hamad

September and October.

CELEBRATING HIGH OCCUPANCY

International Airport in

the new visa waiver for more

more opportunity to experience

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi

in the GCC region mainly in Saudi and Bah-

than 80 countries, travellers

Kathmandu.”

celebrated healthy numbers over

rain, as well as our kids’ programme.”

the summer season and witnessed

Dhabi Summer Season attracted an im-

rates.

pressive number of visitors, with special

General manager, Emirates

Group, HE Akbar Al Baker

destinations worldwide.

commented: “This additional daily

Adding to this, following

events such as Namaste Abu Dhabi round-

Palace, Holger Schroth declared:

ing up over 1,300 people at the high-end

“Coming from a quite high occu-

hotel.

pancy rate in 2016, Emirates Pal-

Doha to more than 150

Schroth further explained that Abu

a 20 per cent jump in occupancy

Forecasting further success this season,

ace steadily increased its figures

he concluded: “The last quarter of the year

for the month of June and July of

is traditionally the busiest time of the year

2017. Several aspects helped us

for Emirates Palace. Our guests can expect

reach this peak, particularly our

major events, which we will be partaking in,

well-formed summer packages,

as well as exceptional staycation packages

the enforced sales activity we had

for the months to come.”

4 October 2017

Chief executive, Qatar Airways

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flight will allow our passengers even

NEWS

HOTEL CHECK

and making sure the breakfast experience was one to remember.

ST. RAPHAEL RESORT, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

By Vasilis Eracleous

During the stifling heat in Cyprus, it was a relief to have non-stop pool and beach access, and I spent most of my stay at the property lounging on the sunbeds and enjoying refreshing dips. It is certainly worth mentioning that the hotel’s facilities and rooms were exceptionally clean, always

Dubai-based Al Bustan

ready to accommodate guests

Centre & Residence re-

group was introduced to

and emanating a home-away-

cently hosted a familiarisa-

a number of experiences,

from-home atmosphere.

tion trip for a group of tour

including special celebra-

The hotel is also very

operators from Krasnodar

tions for Eid Al Adha.

recently had the pleasure of staying at the well-known St. Raphael Resort in Limassol, Cyprus, during one of my short visits to the city.

conveniently situated along

I was greeted upon my arrival by friendly and punctual staff, followed by

RUSSIAN MARKET FOCUS

and Rostov in Russia.

the Limassol coastline, thus

The tour operator

Chief operating officer,

Organised in collabora-

Al Bustan Centre & Resi-

a quick and hassle-free check-in. I stayed in a standard room which featured

providing seamless and easy

tion with Anex Tours, the

dence, Moussa El Hayek

an exceptional view of the glistening sea, a true sight for sore eyes, especially

access to the city centre,

trip aimed to promote the

declared: “The Russian

during the beautiful hours of sundown.

perfect for travellers wishing

emirate as a number one

market is an important

to explore all the bustling city

destination for travellers

tourism market for the

was indulging in the continental breakfast each morning, comprising a plethora

By far the most enjoyable part of staying at the St. Raphael Resort in Limassol

has to offer. I would especially

from the two cities and Al

UAE so, by hosting famil-

of savoury options, delicious beverages, fruit assortments and more. I especially

recommend this hotel to

Bustan Centre & Residence

iarisation trips, we sup-

enjoyed the freshly baked croissants with delicious hot coffee. The staff in

families wishing to experience

as the ideal choice of ac-

port the government in

charge of the breakfast room was very attentive, catering to my every inquiry

the beautiful city of Limassol.

commodation for both busi-

its efforts to promote the

ness and leisure guests.

country to this market.”

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.

HIGHLIGHTING THE KANSAI TWO NEW SAUDI HOTELS REGION’S BEAUTY

and travel industry leader events. Strategic project office, Osaka Prefectural

Last month, Swiss International officially inaugurated two

In an effort to encourage more

Government, Yoichi Mi-

new hotels in Saudi Arabia: Swiss International Boutique Saif

visitors from the UAE and GCC

nami said: "Osaka City is

– Al Rass and Swiss International Tabuk Hotel.

to the Kansai region of Japan, a

a sister city of Dubai and

total of five tourism boards from

Emirates Airline’s direct

which represents the first international property in the city,

the Japanese districts of Osaka,

flight to Kansai has been

houses 62 rooms and suites, the revolving Grill Room restau-

Mie, Nara, Wakayama and the city

of great value.

rant, a women’s-only café, a lobby café, a spacious banquet

of Kobe recently embarked on a

hall, three meeting rooms and male and female spa facilities.

roadshow to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and

Kansai even more ac-

Sharjah.

cessible and inviting to

The new-build Swiss International Boutique Saif – Al Rass,

Meanwhile, the brand new Swiss International Tabuk Hotel, which is a three-minute drive from Prince Fahad Bin Sultan

During the roadshow, the partic-

“We hope to make

travellers from the UAE

Hospital and seven kilometres from Prince Sultan Bin Abdul

ipating tourism boards conducted

and Gulf countries,” he

Aziz Regional Airport in Tabuk, boasts 82 upscale rooms and

a series of travel agent workshops

concluded.

suites, two meeting rooms, a large banquet hall, a fine dining restaurant, a café, a fitness centre, an indoor pool and a spa. President and CEO, Swiss International Hotels & Resorts, Henri Kennedie commented: “The two openings solidify the chain’s position as one of the fastest growing hotel developers in the Middle East.”

BRIDGE BETWEEN ABU DHABI AND RIGA

Latvian airline, airBaltic, will be launching a direct service between the country’s capital, Riga, and Abu Dhabi on October 29, 2017. The new service, which falls under the airline’s codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, will operate four times weekly. Passengers travelling from the UAE and GCC region

The two openings solidify the chain’s position as one of the fastest growing hotel developers in the Middle East. October2017

can enjoy enhanced connectivity to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, as well as the Northern European destinations of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Russia. CEO, airBaltic, Martin Gauss spoke of the exciting news: “We are delighted to link Latvia and the UAE with our brand-new Bombardier aircraft. Riga is a notable business and leisure hub in Northern Europe, attracting millions of passengers every year." ttgmena.com

INTERVIEW

CLIMBING THE RANKS Ras Al Khaimah is strengthening its offering to become a leading touristic destination in the UAE. CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Haitham Mattar reveals to Aleksandra Wood the highlights of the emirate’s successful H2 of 2017 and sheds light on the very latest attraction to be introduced at Jebel Jais : What has the past year been like for the tourism industry in Ras Al Khaimah? Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed a very strong start to the year, with visitor numbers recording double-digit year-on-year growth. As part of our efforts to attract one million visitors to the emirate by the end of 2018 and to extend length of stay, RAKTDA has launched a number of initiatives and promotional activities, and the results to date clearly show that this has been a success. Average hotel occupancy between January and June this year rose to 72.7 per cent – an increase of 4.7 per cent on the corresponding six-month period in 2016. Additionally, visitors are staying in Ras Al Khaimah longer, with the average length of stay now at 3.9 days, an increase of 10.5 per cent on the 3.5 days recorded during the first six months of last year. Total guest nights have also risen by 17.7 per cent, with room revenue being 13.3 per cent higher than in 2016. As the destination’s diverse tourism offering continues to mature, the last 18 months have seen a series of significant developments, including the opening of Jebel Jais Via Ferrata and the hosting of a number of international sporting events and conferences. Collectively, our achievements stimulated increased visitor numbers from both established source markets and emerging ones. : Did you introduce any special campaigns, promotions or packages to entice more visitors during the summer season? The Authority’s ‘Feel Free this Summer’ campaign stimulated visitor numbers to the emirate, providing visitors additional value for money and an experience rich in culture and heritage. The campaign was strategically designed to keep the whole family entertained during the summer, offering extra reasons to escape on a staycation to Ras Al Khaimah. Throughout June and the warmer months, leading hotels and resorts across the emirate offered ‘kids stay, eat and play for free’ when accompanied by two paying adults. From kids’ clubs, waterparks and adventure sports to foot golf, the packages ensured that youngsters burned off their energy and adrenaline while parents relaxed in beachfront infinity pools

INTERVIEW and luxury spas, desert camps and on the fairways and greens of a

seamlessly as possible into the mountain façade.

championship golf course. Attraction and transport providers also supported the campaign,

: You recently extended your marketing

including the Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp, the stunning Al Hamra

agreement with Thomas Cook. How has this

Golf Club, the Sea Wings aqua plane tours, the RAK Track go-kart

partnership helped to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s

centre and the Iceland Water Park.

image as a touristic location? Are there any more partnerships in the pipeline?

: The Jebel Jais Observation Deck is scheduled to launch this month. Talk to me about how the idea for the project came

International visitors represent almost two

about and what has the development process entailed?

thirds of the overall tourism to Ras Al Khaimah, with the UK and Germany being among the

Jebel Jais is a key attraction in Ras Al Khaimah, providing an

top three source markets. Our partnership

ideal landscape for active adventurers and visitors looking for

with Thomas Cook is important for these

unparalleled views from the highest peak in the UAE. The inception

markets, but also in the promotion of Ras Al

of the Observation Deck was devised to provide additional reason

Khaimah within a number of emerging markets

to visit the mountain range. The multi-purpose deck will boast a

that we are looking to harness in the coming

series of viewing platforms to experience the awe-inspiring vistas,

years. This partnership will continue to attract

bird life, flora and fauna at 1,227m above sea level, and serve

holidaymakers from Europe who seek great

as a base camp for hikers and bikers looking to test themselves

value beach holidays and authentic adventure

on the emirate’s Al Hajar Mountain range. The Jebel Jais

and culture based experiences.

Observation Deck will also include a versatile events arena and a

The addition of the brand’s first property in

permanent area for food trucks serving members of the public and

the UAE will further support this partnership

international guests who want to experience the fresh mountain

and provide added value to visitors looking to

air in temperatures that are traditionally around 10 degrees lower

visit Ras Al Khaimah.

than the UAE average.

There are a number of projects and

The Jebel Jais Observation Deck builds on the emirate’s

partnerships in the pipeline at various stages,

growing sustainable outdoor product portfolio and adventure

each of which will bring added appeal to the

tourism credentials. It will be lit by solar energy and built with

emirate and visitors. It is important through

natural, locally-sourced materials – we want the deck to blend as

these agreements that we continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah with sustainability at the core. We are very conscious in our efforts and those we work with to ensure that we are not only adding value to visitors, but also to residents,

It is important that we continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah with sustainability at the core.

October2017

investors and existing stakeholders. : How do you forecast the rest of the year will go? What do you hope to achieve? Ras Al Khaimah is targeting 900,000 visitor arrivals during 2017. During the first six months of this year, the emirate recorded guest arrivals of 390,499, an increase of 6.5 per cent on the same period last year. With the Authority’s investment and expansion of the Jebel Jais adventure and wellness portfolio, and given that the emirate witnesses significant visitor numbers during the last quarter of the year, RAKTDA is in line to realise its Vision 2019 tourism strategy, to meet one million visitors by the end of 2018 and 2.9 million by 2025. : Finally, please tell our readers about any exciting projects that are scheduled for the end of the year. RAKTDA has outlined plans to enhance its sporting events portfolio and tourism products to leverage the emirate’s natural attributes. The Authority, for the second year in a row, will host the Ras Al Khaimah 2017 Golf Challenge – part of the European Challenge Tour. Other product developments include the observation deck, the second season of the Via Ferrata, which is currently being enhanced, and the launch of official cycling and hiking routes across the emirate, with a focus on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain peak.

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DESTINATION DUBAI

live and kicking 24/7, Dubai is a fascinating city. With its ever-changing portfolio and its neverending list of attractions, it is a tourist’s paradise. In this city of towering skyscrapers, there is quite literally something for everyone, ranging from traditional adventures to modern escapades.

TOURISM PRESTIGE Ranked among the top four of the world’s most visited cities, Dubai is a powerhouse for tourism of all types, with its portfolio being in a constant state of evolution. Tatiana Tsierkezou writes 8 October 2017

With business travellers originally making up the majority of visitor numbers in years gone by, due to the city’s impeccable MICE offering, Dubai has managed to transform itself into an extraordinary leisure hub, with its immense shopping malls, exciting excursions and experiences to be had, unsurpassed glitz and glam, and of course, its brandnew portfolio of thrilling theme parks. Commenting on this was senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, Laurent Voivenel: “Dubai is among the top four most visited cities in the world and the best performer in the MENA region. There are multiple reasons that make Dubai a rising giant in the global hospitality industry. The opening of attractions such as the Dubai Opera, City Walk, IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region’s largest integrated theme park resort, have all further added to Dubai’s appeal as well as contributed to the steep rise in leisure tourism.”

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DESTINATION DUBAI And as a jack of all trades and master of all, the city’s tour-

“We have earned the certification of ISO1401 for envi-

ism movers and shakers are doing all they can to promote its

ronmental management and this November we are due

vast offering, ranging from roadshows in key markets, partici-

for re-certification. Our company has all the hotels in our

pating in vital travel trade shows, renovations and revitalising

group measure our consumption monthly, so we can moni-

projects, and adopting brand-new initiatives to boost visitor

tor and measure our use of not only power and water, but

numbers.

also fuel, LPG and other consumables. This we do in com-

One extremely important entity, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), recently introduced a new online training tool, 'Dubai Expert', for travel agents in 12 languages and 40 countries. Explaining this new concept was CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Issam Kazim: “Dubai Expert was developed to assist the international travel trade in keeping up-to-date with all the destination updates in Dubai and ensure that all travel agents and tour operators have a sound knowledge of the emirate that they are trying to promote.”

There are multiple reasons that make Dubai a rising giant in the global hospitality industry.

Kazim explained that Dubai Expert also represents part of

parison of our occupancy and F&B covers. Without measurement, you cannot see the gains you make in reducing your environmental impact.” Other initiatives Copthorne Hotel Dubai has adopted include LED bulbs; aerators on taps; recycling segregation points for room attendants; and the sourcing of reputable companies whenever there are expired assets to be disposed of. Meanwhile, marking a first in the Middle East and North Africa, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is the very first five-star LEED Certified hotel in the region and the inaugural Kempinski hotel in the world to be Green Globe

DCTCM’s continued investment in new technology and facili-

certified.

ties that could assist with boosting tourist arrivals in line with

Taking TTG through the hotel’s eco-conscious initia-

Dubai’s strategic goal of welcoming 20 million visitors a year

tives was general manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the

by 2020.

Emirates, Slim Zaiane: “A sustainable business is one that

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE!

culture and heritage, while also revitalising the tourism

is profitable and good for the community, with minimum

experience around Dubai Creek, one of the UAE’s most

impact on the environment. We’ve implemented numer-

famous and best-loved locations,” he exclusively told TTG.

ous measures to reduce energy consumption, such as the

The Dubai Creek Marsa Al Seef project is anticipated to

installation of Building Management Systems and Room

It comes as no surprise that investors are eager to focus their

dramatically boost demand for the Dubai Creek area, and

Management Systems that help us monitor and control

efforts on Dubai, as it holds immense potential. So what new

according to Khan, as an established and well-known hotel

energy expenditure, and the use of motion sensor lights,

and exciting additions has this magnificent city got to look

in the vicinity, the project will help Arabian Courtyard

timer lights and 90 per cent LED lighting across the hotel.

forward to?

Hotel & Spa prosper further.

In 2016, we recycled 98 per cent more waste than in 2015.”

Granting TTG some insight on this exact question was

Also remarking on the changes to some of Dubai’s

Zaiane explained that the property’s water consump-

Voivenel: “We have more landmark projects coming up such

lesser known areas was general manager, Copthorne

tion has reduced to 318 litres per guest night through the

as Dubai Safari Park, the Dubai Eye and the 1.8 million metre

Hotel Dubai, Glenn Nobbs: “The Dubai Government is

implementation of aerators in all rooms, which have cut

square Dubai Harbour project.”

revamping the Dubai Creek area, Al Shindagha and Bur

water consumption through taps and showerheads by half.

Catering to the leisure segment, Dubai Safari will be the

Dubai, and eventually the area closer to the hotel to make

“We have also developed a steam recovery programme

perfect option for those wishing to feast their eyes on and

it more ‘heritage’ orientated, which I believe is the right

to recycle used water in laundry operations and we use

get up close to beautiful wildlife. It will further reinforce the

move. This will add value to the Deira area and give tour-

sprinkler systems for landscaping to ensure the minimum

emirate’s appeal as a family hotspot.

ists more of a reason to stay in this end of the city instead

amount of water is used,” he concluded.

General manager, Desert Palm Dubai, James Reeves de-

of in ‘new Dubai’. Deira already has so much to offer and

clared: “We have witnessed the growth of entertainment in

is so close to many attractions. The upgrades will certainly

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Dubai, the Mid-

the city with the opening of IMG World of Adventure, Dubai

enhance its appeal.”

dle Eastern tourism genius, will continue to prosper and

Parks and Resorts and the imminent opening of Dubai Safari, which is located directly opposite the hotel. Following Dubai

entice travellers with its irresistible charm, while also

EMIRATE WITH A CONSCIENCE

Safari’s opening, the area itself will be greatly impacted by in-

gaining further respect for its eco-friendly approach to hospitality.

creased footfall and better awareness of the surrounding location of the hotel. We particularly look forward to welcoming

With all of these game-changing developments in the

more families into the area and we are on track to increase

pipeline, one cannot help but think about the strain this

our inventory to accommodate more guests.”

will put on the surrounding environment, as well as the

Meanwhile, developed by Meraas Holding, the Dubai Har-

gargantuan water and fuel consumption. But it seems that

bour project will comprise of a 1,400-berth marina, a cruise

Dubai does indeed have a ‘green’ conscience, and tourism

ship port and terminal equipped to welcome 6,000 passen-

players are pulling out all the stops to lessen their carbon

gers, a shopping mall, an events arena, luxurious residential

footprint.

buildings, hotels, offices, retail stores, public services, res-

According to chief operating officer, Al Bustan Centre

taurants and cafes, and the ‘Dubai Lighthouse’. The project

& Residence, Moussa El Hayek, the property has been

will be located in Mina Seyahi, between Jumeirah Beach

strongly focusing on its energy conservation projects and

Residence and Palm Jumeirah, off King Salman bin Abdulaziz

water-saving initiatives.

Al Saud Street. The glittering city will also be embracing the 1.8km Dubai

“We have installed motion sensors to control the light circuit, which reduces CO2 emissions, while another initia-

Creek Marsa Al Seef project, which has been designed as a

tive taken up is using LED replacements for the entire

culturally rich, yet modern and vibrant retail, hospitality and

hotel premises. This will help to reduce our overall carbon

entertainment attraction along Dubai Creek.

footprint and will make our property more sustainable in

“[The project will embrace and celebrate] the UAE’s proud maritime traditions,” explained general manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Habib Khan. “Marsa Al Seef will realise new memories of Dubai, embracing the past through experiences deeply rooted in Emirati

the long run,” he told TTG. Also passionate about preserving the environment, Nobbs of Copthorne Hotel Dubai explained that care of the environment is of vital importance to the property and its team.

October2017

ttgmena.com

DESTINATION DUBAI

BROADENING HORIZONS

Desert Palm re-introduced

in house guests, to

Dubai’s avant garde

online channels of

luxury villa experience,

booking experiences

the three bedroom,

from reserving dinner

845m Villa LAYALI.

at RARE and booking

The presidential villa is a

a LIME Spa treatment.

walled sanctuary centred

There are elements

around an inner courtyard

of a guest experience

with a private swimming

in a boutique concept

pool and spacious

which provides

balcony overlooking the

intimacy and room

championship polo field.

for bold innovation,

Sharing all with TTG, general manager, Desert Palm Dubai, James Reeve shed light on the resort’s very latest news

The retreat also launched

and in a world full of

the newly refurbished and

trends, it is important

restyled dining concept,

to remain a classic.

RARE, an Oak Wood Fire

TIMELY UPGRADES

For example, we

Grill inspired by the South

extend innovation

American concept of an

into our F&B offering

Asado, overlooking the

with the concept of

Dubai skyline.

less 'breakfast-lunch-

Arabian Courtyard Hotel

polishing and upgrading the upholstery.”

We continue to focus

dinner' routine and

& Spa is eager to maintain

on the improvement of

more 'as you want,

its competitive edge,

Khan also highlighted

services, ranging from the

when you want, how

and thus, has recently

that the project included

ease of technology for

you want'.

undergone renovation

the remodelling of

works.

bathrooms, which now

Speaking to TTG

comprise of modern

NEW HOSPITALITY ENTITY

exclusively about this

accessories and sanitary

was general manager,

wares.

& Spa, Habib Khan: “We

experience to our guests

The First Group recently soft opened the

have recently renovated

in the future as we always

upper midscale TRYP by Wyndham Dubai

our rooms at the hotel,

strive to provide the best

in Barsha Heights.

and the project included

services and amenities,” he

replacing the wallpaper,

concluded.

Perfectly situated for business and

Arabian Courtyard Hotel

“It will provide a better

leisure travellers alike, many creative SMEs, local businesses and residential

DEVELOPMENTS ABOUND

developments are within arm’s reach of the property, as well as The First Group’s global headquarters. Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Emaar Business Park are also conveniently close, as well as popular leisure, retail and

Wyndham Rewards members, multi-purpose meeting and event

ubai’s Amwaj Rotana will be launching a

entertainment destinations such as Mall of

spaces, and two F&B outlets.

brand-new, 100-seat restaurant this quarter,

the Emirates, The Beach and The Walk at Jumeirah Beach. Facilities at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai

Co-founder, The First Group, Danny Lubert commented: “As the world’s largest hotel operator, Wyndham’s management expertise is

elevating its F&B portfolio further. Commenting on the development was general

unsurpassed. With the opening of TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, we are

manager, Amwaj Rotana, Mark Deere: “After the

include a swimming pool, a gym, an

proud to expand our partnership with the company and look toward

successful launch of JB’s Gastropub over a year

innovative pop-up shop concept, ‘VYP’

the future with confidence as we develop new properties in key

ago, we’re pleased to be embarking on another

Lounge for VIP guests and Premium

precincts across Dubai.”

endeavour that is based on the interests of our guests. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to meet market demands.”

ENTERING THE UAE

Deere also shared with TTG that the property is forever seeking ways to enhance the guest experience and exceed expectations. “We recently introduced upgraded

Marking MENA Hotels’ entry into

complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel and

the UAE, MENA Plaza Albarsha Dubai

installed SMART TVs in all our rooms. Furthermore,

recently opened its doors for business in

our new network infrastructure is now eco-friendly

the city of skyscrapers. CEO and co-founder, MENA Hotels, Sami Al Hokair enthused on the news: “We are delighted to debut MENA Hotels,

and consumes less power. We also upgraded expand our presence in the

generate superb financial returns for

several rooms to accommodate guests with special

region.

the company,” he added.

needs and ensured our team is highly trained with

“Our strategy is to invest in

Equipped to cater for visitors of all

a family-oriented, affordable lifestyle

high-growth markets such as

kinds, MENA Plaza Albarsha Dubai

brand, in the UAE. MENA Plaza Albarsha

Dubai. We believe this latest

is home to 90 spacious rooms and

Dubai is an exciting addition to our

property will prove to be a

suites, two dining outlets, a spa and a

portfolio of hotels as we continue to

valuable asset for us and will

state-of-the-art gym.

10 October 2017

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skills to better cater to the needs of these guests,” he told TTG exclusively. Amwaj Rotana also recently built a kids’ club, which offers various fun recreational activities.

UPDATE KUWAIT Bukhamseen group goes back over three decades, and together we have established a strong presence for IHG in Kuwait, with three operational hotels and one under construction. With this signing, we look forward to increasing the momentum of our growth in the country.”

MEETING CUSTOMER DEMANDS

Although Kuwait has almost exclusively been driven by the business tourism market in the past, the destination started to open up to new sectors over the last decade,

SIGNIFICANT PLAYER

position as one of the most

luxurious properties in Kuwait,”

commented Meftah. “The hotel

has also launched a wide range

of partnerships with various airline Kuwait has big plans for the future and the companies to increase its share of business and raise awareness on its Gulf state’s tourism industry is reflecting products and services. For 2018, the main these ambitions with major investment, goal will be to work on more partnerships, whether locally or regionally, as they play construction and development set to a major role in driving more business and continue over the next decade. revenue to the hotel.” And this fast pace of investment is set to Emily Millett reports continue, with a number of hotel chain giants

broadening its tourism horizons to embrace new customer demands. “The quest for longevity and healthier lifestyles will be the new drivers of travel demand and Kuwait has the potential to compete in this growing market as the general interest in outdoor and working holidays is growing fast,” resident manager, INN and Go Kuwait Plaza Hotel, Michael Nielsen told TTG. “Knowing our clientele, determining their needs and always focusing to provide the maximum level of efficient customer service will always keep our edge in the market and our development efforts will maximise the returns.” Having launched the new brand in August 2016, INN and Go Kuwait Plaza Hotel is now also focusing on positioning itself in the

currently expanding their portfolios into

Kuwait market, as Nielsen explained: “This

Kuwait. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts opened

year, a decent number of hotel competitors

a new five-star property in Burj Alshaya in

are opening in Kuwait, hence our approach

uwait is no stranger to tourism investment and development, with the

August this year, and plans are in place for the

for the last quarter and for 2018 is for

past year having seen competition heat up as new hotels and facilities

launch of the new Mercure Kuwait around the

continuous product and service development.

enter the market.

end of 2017. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is further

The installation of additional high-

cementing its presence with the scheduled

quality CCTV cameras and the continued

2017’ report, the industry was expected to attract capital investment of $374.7

opening of Hilton Olympia Kuwait in 2019 and

improvement of guest rooms, public areas,

million in 2016, with this figure predicted to rise by 3.7 per cent in 2017, and then

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is due to open a

meeting and banquet halls are all in the

1.5 per cent per annum over the next 10 years to $449.7 million in 2027.

Grand Hyatt in 2020.

pipeline.”

According to WTTC’s ‘Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Kuwait

Speaking to TTG about this continued growth in investment and the

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recently

Meanwhile, responding to the ever-evolving

subsequent shift in balance between supply and demand was cluster director of

signed an exclusive agreement with its long-

needs of the current travel market visiting

marketing communications, Kuwait Marriott Hotels, Khadija Meftah: “2017 was

term business partner, Bukhamseen Group,

the destination, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait is

a bit tough for the hospitality industry in Kuwait, especially with the oversupply

for further hotel development in Kuwait, as

currently working on improving its wedding

in the market with all the new hotels that are opening and the huge drops in oil

chief operating officer, IMEA, IHG, Pascal

offering, after witnessing increased demand

prices. However, the JW Marriott Kuwait has managed to get its fair share of

Gauvin told TTG: “Our relationship with the

for the niche service.

business due to the innovative and creative initiatives and packages that the

“One of our focus segments is weddings,”

hotel offers.”

assistant marketing manager, Radisson Blu

According to Meftah, Marriott’s award-winning hotel loyalty programme,

Hotel, Kuwait, Tomas Cermak explained to

Marriott Rewards, has played a key role in helping to keep the property in

TTG. “We appointed an experienced wedding

demand.

specialist who follows the newest trends

“Marriott Rewards has the largest base of active frequent business travellers

worldwide and in the region, and combines

of any lodging industry loyalty programme, providing a cost-effective, revenuebuilding mechanism to reach the most profitable customers. This has definitely helped to make JW Marriott Kuwait the preferred destination for all Marriott Rewards members when they travel to Kuwait,” she said. And existing hotels like JW Marriott Kuwait aren’t solely relying on loyal clientele to keep them afloat, with the property having conducted major renovations during 2017, including a full room refurbishment and ballroom renovation, to give the product a fresh and more modern look. “This has helped to generate more business and sustain the hotel’s

them with the traditions in Kuwait.

The quest for longevity and healthier lifestyles will be the new drivers of travel demand.

12 October 2017

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“We are also buying new equipment following the latest trends in the country. Guests are very important to us and that's why we implemented a lot of new procedures to make them feel more welcome and make their stay hassle-free, adding new additional services and enhancing our leisure facilities,” Cermak added.

ibar

UPDATE KUWAIT and online engagement with guests.

WORK AND PLAY

“The mobile app enables guests to avail of the extensive range of services on offer at the

With corporate travel still a major player

hotel, from booking their stay, requesting airport

in Kuwait’s tourism scene, the industry is

transfers, early check-ins, booking meeting rooms,

also exploring ways to evolve this sector in

spa treatments, a table in one of our restaurants

tune with the needs of today’s travellers.

or learning more about the leisure facilities on

Commenting on the rise in business

offer. Coupled with our exemplary customer

guests looking to enhance their trip with

service, the app enables us to be there for the

leisure pursuits, Nielsen told TTG: “The

guest every step of the way,” Schuler told TTG.

future buzzwords for travel in Kuwait could

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait is also focusing

be ‘Bleisure’ and ‘Daycation’, as business

on its online channels, not only through website

travellers increasingly look to explore the

development, but also through online travel

area and gain new cultural experiences,

agents and social media channels, which,

in addition to fulfilling their work-related

according to Cermak, play an important role not

matters in the country that they visit.”

only in GCC countries but also worldwide.

Meanwhile, at Symphony Style Hotel-

“As the younger generations are starting to

Kuwait, business guests are increasingly

travel more and more, they bring a lot of new

using online solutions to book their hotel

trends into the industry. They are living in the

experience, as the property’s general

online world; online reservations, check-ins, orders

manager, Peter Schuler said: “Digitisation

of room service. They want things that are as

is both shaping and influencing the travel

easy to use as possible and hassle-free,” Cermak

sector. More travellers are booking their

concluded.

vacations, business trips and staycations online and on the go.”

Keeping a firm focus on the mainstay business

The hotel has identified this as a crucial

tourism sector, Kuwait is pouring investment

way of reaching out to guests, and the

into further developing its travel industry,

Quorvus Collection’s new website and

expanding into new areas and attracting

mobile applications allows for better reach

new markets.

News

NEW ERA OF PERSONALISATION

NEW BRAND IDENTITY UNVEILED

azeera Airways

our position regionally

journey with our customers

recently revealed its

and venture into more

as many exciting launches are

renewed corporate

international markets with

ahead of us.”

logo and website.

new routes, we reiterate

The new corporate identity

our commitment to our

is seasoned to present a

signifies an important

customers. To this end, we are

fresh new look with top

milestone as the company

launching a new website to

e-commerce features that will

reaches its 13 year of

act as a gateway to providing

accommodate a personalised

operations in the Middle East.

ease and comfort from the

online experience backed by

very first click. We are geared

enhanced browsing and

Rohit Ramachandran

with renewed efficiency and

online check-in services, and

commented: “As we solidify

vitality to embark on a new

much more.

CEO, Jazeera Airways,

The five-star Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

Kuwait at Burj Alshaya already

at Burj Alshaya recently opened its doors

has many business meetings

for business.

and social events scheduled,

Located within the new two-tower Burj Alshaya development, the property is

including 21 weddings so far.

The new-generation website

EFFORTS AWARDED IN STYLE

Commenting on the new

ideally situated for business and leisure

property and its dramatic

Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait has

travellers alike, as well as for local guests

spiral staircase was general

scooped a plethora of industry awards and

the evolving hotel industry in the state, Symphony

wishing to dine, be entertained and relax.

manager, Four Seasons Hotel

certifications this year.

Style Hotel Kuwait was also recently recognised at

The property offers 217 guestrooms and

Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, Didier

67 suites, as well as five dining venues, a

Jardin: “Our own ‘stairway to

two-level spa complex, a state-of-the-art

heaven’ is quickly becoming the

fitness centre and two swimming pools.

Firstly, the hotel was awarded the pres-

Meanwhile, with F&B proving an integral part of

this year’s Luxury Restaurant Awards 2017.

tigious Safe Hotels Premium certificate.

General manager, Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait,

Having also strengthened its commit-

Peter Schuler said: “Our Luna restaurant was hon-

symbol of Four Seasons Hotel

ment to sustainability, the hotel acquired

oured as the Regional Winner in the Italian Cuisine

Events and meetings can be catered for in

Kuwait, and indeed it reflects

the Green Key programme certification for

category, Country Winner in the Fine Dining Cuisine

the 2,912m² event space, which can host

the optimism one feels in this

the implementation of tested methods to

category and named Best Ambiance/Romantic At-

up to 1,200 guests. Four Seasons Hotel

dynamic city.”

preserve the world’s natural resources.

mosphere in Kuwait.”

14 October 2017

ttgmena.com

Airline Merchandising:

Advertorial

The new retail model aviation players are adopting

he Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing travel regions in the world. Outbound travel has quadrupled in the last 20 years. Over the past 12 months in particular, the Middle East has continued to solidify its position as a global hub for tourism and leisure, both for inbound and outbound travellers. Despite the impact of the socio-political unrest in certain areas of the region, the roughly $227bn contribution of travel and tourism to the region’s GDP last year was remarkable, and the prospects for the sector remain positive. Nonetheless, the reality is that the airlines industry is in a time of transformation. With high fuel and labour costs as well as intense competition and diminishing yields, industry profit margins remain weak at 1-2%, despite huge growth in the number of travellers carried. In this environment, even the larger airlines are learning a lesson from the budget carrier model: strip away everything that isn’t absolutely needed and then build your offering

Graham Nichols, Managing Director Amadeus Gulf LLC from the ground up. Today’s travellers are savvy to the huge transformation global carriers have started to follow. This transformation is not limited to the quality of the services or having the latest aircraft models within the fleet, but also providing extra frills and the opportunity to personalise each passenger’s experience. The resulting market for “merchandising”— selling a wide range of products or services to generate new revenue and give travellers more

choices during the life of a trip — is forecast to exceed $130bn in business opportunity by 2020. While the market for merchandising is being propelled forward around the world, in the Middle East, travel businesses will need to address two key considerations in order to capitalise on this business opportunity. First, they need to make everything they do relevant to the individual consumer. Beyond this, they must market their offerings in a targeted, straight-forward manner that makes them easily available to customers. Add-ons such as chauffeur service, in-air WiFi, additional baggage allowance and so on should be positioned to consumers in such a way that they are easily understandable as accessible nice-to-haves, which can be purchased as a simple means to upgrade and personalise the travel experience. To find out what works – and conversely, what doesn’t work – when it comes to offering airline merchandising to customers, providers need to do considerable research. After all, if customers aren’t happy, they won’t come back! For the second consideration, airlines and travel agencies must adopt a true retail mind set. With thousands of new operations

October2017

ttgmena.com

and services tied to airline merchandising each month, bookings can get complicated very quickly. As a result, airline merchandising has essentially meant that airlines are now shifting from service providers to retailers as part of a higher-volume, end-to-end business strategy. Yet, there are still challenges facing the aviation industry to truly implement an effective end-to-end merchandising strategy. The most common obstacle is developing a comprehensive understanding of how different customer sets around the world value these merchandising options, and then tailoring a bundle personalised to those values at the right place and at the right time. Like retailers, airlines are now being pushed to analyse their customers’ wider buying habits and adjust their product and service inventory to target the most relevant, lucrative segments. As more of the travel industry moves towards offering airline merchandising, we must ultimately remember that it’s not just about providing the cheapest air fare; it’s all about value and being able to personalise travel offerings for individual consumers. Travel agents and airlines have already begun reaping the rewards of new merchandising opportunities, and evolving technology solutions will help put them at the forefront of providing a more traveller-centric industry.

ON LOCATION ASIA n vibrant Asia ancient traditions rub shoulders with busy 21st century lifestyles, business is found right alongside pleasure, layers of cultural history are juxtaposed with world-class shopping and dining, and dynamic cities contrast with breathtaking tropical beaches. With these features forming a fundamental part of the rich and varied tapestry that is Asia, there is plenty to offer travellers from the MENA region for

VIBRANT CONTINENT

both work and play. According to the 2016 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Annual Report

on Asia Tourism Trends, Asia is one of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world, with leisure being the main reason for people to visit. Visitor numbers have grown almost three-fold since 2000, and by 2030, according to UNWTO Tourism Towards

2030 report, this figure will reach 535 million. While the entire region is opening its arms

From the ‘stans’ in the west to Japan in the east, and Mongolia in the north to Indonesia in the south, Asia is one of the richest and most fascinating continents on earth. Lucie Robson writes

to visitors and facilitating a memorable visitor experience, China is at the centre of current growth, with its ‘can do’ attitude expected to fuel an expansion in the sector in coming years. “Shanghai is not only a global financial centre and transport hub, but also a tourism city. We have been seeing a positive and stable increase for our business year by year,” director of sales and marketing, Swissôtel Grand Shanghai, Cherry Wang

even more of our MENA guests’ requirements. We are

incredible natural treasures were being promoted by the

told TTG. “To provide a home-away-from-home to

now looking at translating all our menus into Arabic,

tourist authorities, especially stakeholders in the capital.

guests, Swissôtel Grand Shanghai is always focusing

as well as hiring fully fluent Arabic speakers that could

on enhancing its services. Our latest initiative is the

totally engage with our MENA guests and allow them to

mountain tourism, thanks to its rich natural environment and

‘Heartist Journey’.”

feel at home, even before they land.”

the height and proximity of the mountains close to the city.

A play on the words Heart and Artist, Wang

A professional butler is available 24/7, and the hotel

“Almaty has huge potential in terms of developing

This helps make Almaty an attractive destination for visitors

explains that the phrase epitomises mastering the

provides a dedicated concierge service as well as a

fine art of welcoming through attentive service. “The

personal tour guide to Sanya’s tourism spots. “Because

Heartist Journey is about looking deeper, beyond

our MENA guests are so well versed and familiar

of natural beauty which are part of the programme include

traditional service, at the small feelings and details.”

with the Ritz-Carlton brand, they know they can find

Dzungarian Alatau and Kolsay Koldery national parks, and

This attention to detail is also evident in Beijing,

the same level of personalised service and attention

the Kara Dala hot spring resort.

where there has been a dramatic increase in

wherever they go,” said Vetry.

travellers from the MENA region. Director of marketing, Nuo Hotel, Cindy Zhu told

TTG that the rise in guests from the region exceeds

from around the world,” she said. Part of a regional tourism development drive, other areas

Making travel to this beautiful country simple is also of prime concern for the authorities, Koukshinova said. “This year a Concept for the Development of Tourism through

WESTERN ASIA

2023 was adopted, which covers a whole range of issues

that of domestic and American visitors, and the hotel

But while there is fierce activity in China’s tourism

including visas, developing infrastructure, involving business

has been quick to react.

sector, it is not just this big player influencing the

and providing state support for the sector.”

She elaborated: “The hotel has employed a chef

exciting mix of experiences on offer in Asia. Neighbour

Kazakhstan is already a comfortable place for MENA

from the Middle East to provide a Halal menu in

Azerbaijan, which is already a key hub for visitors from

visitors owing to similarities in cultural, religious and moral

hotel restaurants as well as specially-designed,

the MENA region, is developing its tourist product to

values. Despite this common ground, MENA visitors still

culture-sensitive hotel actions, such as the removal

attract more visitors, and its efforts are paying off.

come to the country expecting something different – and

of alcoholic beverages from rooms.” As if China does not offer enough riches for

“In the last year, the number of visitors to our country increased by 25 per cent,” head of incoming

they find it. “Here, they have the opportunity to ski on real snow and

visitors, it also boasts a hidden gem tropical

department, Millenium Tourism, Punhan Ismayilzada

enjoy other mountain sports. Playing golf at top quality

paradise; Yalong Bay, overlooking the South China

told TTG.

courses, hunting and enjoying the local cuisine are just some

Sea. “Reminiscent of the great developments that can

Opening new hotels, entertainment centres and tourism agencies has boosted visitor numbers, while

of the vast range of activities tourists come to enjoy.” There is no escaping how impressive China is in the

be witnessed in the MENA region, Sanya has known

prestigious competitions such as Eurovision, the Islamic

tranche of tourism either. China’s drive to develop specialist

unprecedented growth for the last 10 years,” multi-

Games, the European games and Formula 1 have all

tourism is taking in the entire country, introducing formerly

property vice president, The Ritz-Carlton Sanya,

helped increase Azerbaijan’s profile as an attractive

little-known areas that boast stunning natural beauty to

Yalong Bay, Hoss Vetry told TTG.

tourist destination.

visitors.

Vetry explained that Yalong Bay presents all the

Ismayilzada added that Halal tourism is an important

Director of marketing and communications, Waldorf

excitement and exploration of an undiscovered

market sector, owing to the fact that most of the

Astoria, Chengdu, Sally Xie told TTG that agrotourism was

destination, while preserving a homey feel. And

country’s visitors are from the UAE, Oman and Saudi

on the rise. “Natural and cultural tourism is significantly

having lived and worked in Qatar for more than

Arabia.

expanding Chengdu’s international visibility,” she said.

seven years, Vetry is well versed on the preferences and unique requirements of MENA guests. “All our meat and poultry is Halal. As we strengthen this market segment, our goal is to meet

Similar vibrant tourist activity is taking place far over the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. Marketing

Armed with a melting pot of vibrant cultures, incredible

communication manager, The Ritz-Carlton in Almaty,

cuisine and fascinating sights to be seen, Asia’s tourism

Ayuna Koukshinova told TTG that the country’s

industry is stronger than ever before.

16 October 2017

ttgmena.com

ON LOCATION ASIA

JAPAN LUXURY TRAIN

NEW LUXURY HOTELS IN TOKYO arriott International’s

a 13-storey building in the city’s

Marriott's real estate partner

luxury lifestyle brand,

Ginza area with 80 guestrooms.

in Japan, Mori Trust Co., will own

In July of this year, the

between Yokohama and Izu,

Royal Express tourist train

with dining opportunies and live

Tokyo market with two lavish

Edition Toranomon is expected

Marriott oversees Edition

launched in Japan, offering

musical entertainment offered on-

properties.

to open its doors. The hotel will

properties in New York, Miami,

passengers a luxurious ride

board. Equipped to accommodate

be part of a redevelopment of

London and Saniya, China, with

from Yokohama, close to

around 100 people, the train also

begin on the Tokyo Edition

an existing building, which will

others under development in

Tokyo, to the Izu Peninsula

has one of the highest passenger

Ginza, with a view to a March

include a medical centre, offices

Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Bali and

– a location known for its

capacities of any tourist train in

2020 opening. The hotel will be

and residences.

West Hollywood.

hot springs and pretty

Japan.

coastlines.

Passengers can choose from

Edition, is entering the

Next year, construction will

Also in 2020, the Tokyo

both hotels.

JR Yokohama station and

meal included or a selection of

Tokyo Shimoda station

three different ‘cruise plans’,

in Shimoda City at the

each of which includes a return

NEW KOCHI CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL IN 2018

southern tip of the Izu

train journey, meals, overnight

A new cruise ship terminal is being built in the port city of

Peninsula. Passengers are

accommodation and sightseeing

Kochi, Kerala in India with, plans for new routes between

able to enjoy an elegant

activities in Izu. Passengers can

Mumbai, Kochi and the Maldives in place.

experience on their way

also enjoy a private waiting

Scheduled to start operating in late 2018, the port is

room at Yokohama station

expected to welcome new traffic and services, including

before boarding.

new cruise ship holidays from Mumbai to Kochi and

The train runs between

either a one-way ticket with a

onwards to the Maldives. The service will be run by Costa Cruises. Such cruises are aimed at offering a complement to India’s ancient heritage and sacred pilgrimage sites.

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9/11/2560 BE 15:21

ttgmena.com

AWARENESS BAHRAIN

sites scattered all over the country, waiting to be discovered.

PEARL OF THE GCC

KEEP IT MOVING The Kingdom was recently selected as a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council for the period of 2018-2021, as a result of BTEA’s undying efforts towards developing the tourism sector on a local level, as well as the country’s capability to represent the Middle East region with regard to tourism developments.

A jewel among a million stones, the Kingdom of Bahrain stands proud and poised with its abundance of attractions that magnetise travellers from around the world. Aleksandra Wood discovers

This significant development is guaranteed to further bolster Bahrain’s tourism portfolio and strengthen its presence on an international level. The BTEA is keeping the industry in full pace more than ever, having recently introduced its innovative campaigning strategy, ‘Ours. Yours. Bahrain.’, which focuses on developing the tourism sector to represent the

main contributor to the national economy. The strategy

he Kingdom of Bahrain, known as the land of two seas

TRAVERSING THROUGH ATTRACTIONS

is based on four pillars – awareness, attraction, access

and cited for its glistening hidden pearls, is a five-

Embarking on an Arabian adventure has never looked

and accommodation – as well as improvement of overall

thousand-year-old trading and economic hub standing

so appealing, whether the visitor prefers exploring

accessibility to Bahrain and enhancing the quality of

humbly – but no less striking – in the impelling head

the nation’s boundless history or indulging in absolute

services in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

waters of the Arabian Gulf. The country represents a precious gateway between the East and the West, bringing together a world of modern skylines

retail heaven at one of the country’s well-equipped malls.

And as the country’s offering continues to blossom, new trends begin to emerge within the industry. As

The overwhelmingly grand City Centre Bahrain

explained by A.A. Bin Hindi Group’s Shah, the country has

and ancient architectural elegance. Yet, it still remains rather

stands as the largest shopping, leisure and

made a name for itself as a prime location to tie the knot:

undiscovered in the midst of roaring powerhouses that neighbour

entertainment destination in the country, luring

“Bahrain has been rediscovered as the land of exchanging

its borders.

in over 13.5 million visitors annually. The venue

vows. It has been a favourite spot to affluent Indian

What one may be surprised to uncover is that this culturally

comprises more than 158,000m of retail space

families for weddings. Recently the Four Seasons Hotel

rich destination was one of the first areas to adopt the religion of

and features an endless list of acclaimed brands

was completely booked for three consecutive days, for a

Islam and the first Arab country to discover oil in 1931. Its deeply

and dining outlets that will have shopaholics’ hearts

wedding which has put Bahrain in focus among families as

rooted history includes the civilisation of Babylon, Greece, Rome,

racing.

an ideal wedding destination.”

Persia and the Arabs. It is no surprise that this beguiling nation has enticed many a

Meanwhile, a true archeological spectacle and

To build on this development, the industry has set out

a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, the

to diversify its already opulent culinary scene. Director of

traveller for centuries, thus establishing a formidable and driven

Bahrain Fort and Museum is perched atop a 17.5

sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, Karim El

tourism industry, guaranteed to capture the minds and hearts of

hectare artificial hill that has been built over more

Berkchi elaborated: “Bahrain has long been known in the

visitors from all around the globe.

than 4,000 years of continuous occupation. The

region as an exceptional culinary destination. Developers

And what a prosperous year for tourism this country has had,

fascinating museum features five unique exhibition

continue to be very interested in further expanding the

with the Kingdom welcoming 5.6 million visitors during the first

halls surrounding the massive Tell Wall, showcasing

restaurant offerings in Bahrain, offering sustainable

half of 2017, as recently reported by the Bahrain Tourism and

500 artefacts.

and competitive brands. New food service projects

Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), indicating a mighty 14 per cent jump on the corresponding period in 2016.

According to CEO, Farhat International Cruise and

include dedicated restaurant complexes and mixed-use

Tours, Mushtak A. Gafoor, Bahrain is well on its way to

developments with a wide range of leasable spaces devoted to food service.”

Further statistics revealed an increase of 23 per cent in

expand its museum portfolio: “The tourism authorities

passenger numbers travelling through Bahrain International

have renovated many old houses around the country

Airport, equivalent to a total of 616,230 visitors, while Khalifa bin

and converted them to museum and visitor centres.

growing hospitality scene, as confirmed by El Berkchi:

Salman Port recorded a 44 per cent rise in visitors, totalling to

The government has been implementing many

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced that it is set to

43,191 visitors.

projects to bring in new visitors.”

receive 15 new hotels and beachfront resorts by 2020.

Chief marketing officer, A.A. Bin Hindi Group, Mahasum Shah

And what could be better than a true, quintessential

New players are also set to arrive in Bahrain’s ever-

The development will have a collective investment of over

reflected on the country’s most prominent touristic attributes:

Bahraini experience at the serene Dar Islands, famous

$10 billion, and will put Bahrain firmly on the map as a

“The tourism industry is a mix of culture; heritage; water theme

for their pearl diving sites. As exotic as they come,

desirable and competitive holiday destination.”

parks; the causeway; motorsports; excellent venues for shopping,

guests can enjoy the white sands and pristine water,

with several malls at key locations; and a vibrant night life. The

with 30 corals and over 200 species of fish, or marvel

And with all that said, it is crystal clear that the

villages and farms are worth visiting with family as they offer

at the beautiful dolphins that grace the waters at

Kingdom of Bahrain is indeed a glimmering Arabian

fresh local produce, particularly the farmer’s market Budaya. And

sunrise and sunset.

pearl, ever-prevailing and ever-evolving to rise

with a few new malls coming up on the highway and in the capital, Bahrain is all set to welcome even more visitors to the country.”

Bahrain’s spectacular offering doesn’t end there, with plenty of cultural activities and awe-inspiring

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graciously out of its shell and become a leading tourism destination.

AWARENESS BAHRAIN

STRENGTHENING GCC AVIATION RELATIONS BOOSTING TIES WITH RUSSIA

The inaugural GCC flight of Kuwait’s

service: “This inaugural flight is

Wataniya Airways recently touched

the beginning of what we hope will

down at Bahrain International

be a long and fruitful relationship

Airport (BIA), making Bahrain the

between Wataniya Airways and

airline’s very first destination in the

BAC, which will, at the same time,

region since its launch in July.

enhance tourism and trade between

The flight was welcomed by

customers.”

our two countries. We consider the

Vice chairman, Wataniya Airways,

Gulf Air will soon be incorporating more Moscow flights

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the

airline to be a part of the wider BIA

Riyad Al Saeed also remarked on the

into its schedule, jumping from four weekly services to

operator and managing body of the

family and stand ready to provide it

development: “We are delighted about

daily flights in the last week of October.

Bahraini travel hub.

with the support and assistance it

our newly added destination, Bahrain,

requires to offer the best possible

to which Wataniya will fly daily at

passenger experience to its

competitive fares.”

“By adding frequencies and enhancing our product offering we are making Moscow more accessible than

Chief commercial officer, BAC, Ayman Zainal enthused on the new

ever for our customers travelling from across the region, providing them with greater flight selections for both direct and transit travel to and from the Russian capital,” commented chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, Ahmed Janahi. “We believe this positive development will boost our

A RISE IN CARGO TRAFFIC

success: “The fact that we have managed to handle this significant growth in volume in such a short time shows that our airport has the ability

competitive edge in the market and anticipate a positive

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) recently reported a 15.1 per cent growth

to adapt to increasingly larger cargo

passenger response and heightened demand as a result

in cargo traffic at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), with cargo traffic

and logistics operations.”

of our popular Moscow route.”

for the cumulative period from January to July this year rising to 168,636

Gulf Air’s direct Moscow route is further supported by a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) between the airline and Russian carrier, S7 Airlines.

A record 22,597 tonnes of cargo

tonnes, an impressive increase compared to the 146,493 tonnes handled

and mail were processed by BAC in

during the corresponding period in 2016.

July alone, up from the 19,737 tonnes

Chief commercial officer, BAC, Ayman Zainal commented on the

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recorded in the same month last year.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Kuwait has once again embraced Pierre Zayoun as general manager. No stranger to the property, Zayoun previously managed the hotel from 2007 until 2014, leading Al Manshar Rotana Kuwait to achieve numerous accolades. Zayoun brings over 20 years of valuable experience to his role.

Abu Dhabi-based Centro Capital Centre and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana have welcomed Chadi Nicolas as general manager. In his new role, the Lebanese native will spearhead the operations of the two hotels comprising a team of 235 employees. Nicolas will aim to further capitalise on the two propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strategic location near ADNEC.

GENERAL MANAGER

InterContinental Aqaba Resort has announced Firas Irsheidat as the new general manager. He boasts over 15 years of hospitality experience spanning Jordan, the GCC and Africa, and previously held the position of marketing manager at InterContinental Jordan. He most recently, worked as area general manager for IHG Dead Sea Hotels.

TOBIAS AMMON

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, MUSCAT & RADISSON BLU HOTEL, SOHAR

Al Manshar Rotana in

GENERAL MANAGER

INTERCONTINENTAL AQABA RESORT

GENERAL MANAGER

FIRAS IRSHEIDAT

CHADI NICOLAS

CENTRO CAPITAL CENTRE & CAPITAL CENTRE ARJAAN BY ROTANA

AL MANSHAR ROTANA, KUWAIT

PIERRE ZAYOUN

CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER

Tobias Ammon has been named cluster general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat and Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar in Oman. He previously served as the general manager of Dorint Pallas in Wiesbaden, Germany and has spent more than 11 years with Carlson Rezidor, during which he served as the general manager of hotels in Turkey and Lithuania.

WTM LONDON

ISSUE

GET READY FOR OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE

FEATURING: REGIONAL ROUND UP - DESTINATION ABU DHABI - SPOTLIGHT INDIAN OCEAN - FOCUS ON TURKEY - AWARENESS SPAS - ON LOCATION EGYPT

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SOCIAL HUB

Our Team GENERAL MANAGER Chris Christou CChristou@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803003

EDITOR Tatiana Tsierkezou TTsierkezou@ttgmena.com D: +35724803021

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS: CITYSCAPE GLOBAL 2017

An influential and globally recognised real estate event, Cityscape Global 2017 took place in Dubai from September 11-13. The event was deemed a great success, stimulating growth and granting movers and shakers of the real estate world the opportunity to form new alliances and conduct business. Here are some of our favourite Tweets from the event…

MEDIA REPORTER Aleksandra Wood Awood@ttgmena.com D: +35724803022

Dubai Tourism @dubaitourism HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tours #Cityscape Global 2017. @CityscapeMENA

CONTRIBUTORS Emily Millett Lucie Robson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Edward Beales E-COMMERCE EXECUTIVE Marina Drakou Mdrakou@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803077 ACCOUNT MANAGERS Helen Moss Hmoss@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803074

Great first day at #Cityscape Global with day 1 visitor numbers up more than 25%. Visit us until the 13th. @DWTC #Dubai #investment

Dubai Tourism @dubaitourism #Dubai already has the world’s first 3D printed office. What comes next? http://bit.ly/2xNElkC #Cityscape #innovation

Elaine Hockley EHockley@ttgmena.com D: +357 24 803011

Majid Al Futtaim @MajidAlFuttaim Our stand at #Cityscape embodies the role that our communities embrace; liveable environments that encourage you to #CelebrateLife every day

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

Al Marjan Island @almarjanisland His Highness Sheikh Hamdan visits the Al Marjan Island stand at @CityscapeMENA with Managing Director, Abdullah Al Abdooli.

DAMAC Properties @DamacOfficial Here is our VP of International Business discussing international expansion and global opportunities at @ CityscapeMENA #Cityscape

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