World Travel Awards Supplement - Travel Weekly WTM 2009 Day 1

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November 9 2009 | Connecting today’s travel industry | www.travelweekly.co.uk

The Official World Travel Market Daily

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World Winners 2009

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About Us

The World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organisations that have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel industry. It also recognises those brands that are driving the industry to greater heights and innovation in travel.

Now celebrating its 16th anniversary, the awards has grown into a truly global search for the very best travel and tourism brands, with winners from seven regional ceremonies then progressing to the World Travel Awards Grand Final.

This year, 183,000 travel professionals registered to vote and participate in the prestigious World Travel Awards programme – a phenomenal 10% rise in registrations this year compared to last year.

This record number is conclusive evidence that World Travel Awards has become the “Oscars” of the global travel industry.

Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President, World Travel Awards, said: “World Travel Awards is a unique

benchmark for industry quality and business excellence in every region and sector.”

“The increase in registered voters, despite a global recession, demonstrates the vital role of performance delivery in a challenging and highly competitive marketplace,” he added.

This level of accountability makes the World Travel Awards one of the highest accolades in the travel business and is why the award ceremony is broadcast

by BBC World News and other networks to over 254 million households worldwide and attended by the industry’s global decision makers.

For the tourism trade, winning a World Travel Award is more than an award – it is an endorsement from the

thousands of professionals from around the globe, as well as gold seal to the consumer of travel excellence guaranteed.

The World Travel Awards has continuously evolved, expanding the number of awards as the industry has grown. There are now over 1,000 different categories – an understandable number seeing how the industry has diversified and given the fact that there were over 3,600 different nominees this year.

And as confidence returns to the global economy, the World Travel Awards will be there to reward those travel and tourism players that spearhead the recovery.

“Oscars of the Travel Industry Wall Street Journal

Visit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

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Grand Final 2009 After a year-long search covering seven continents, 166 countries, and over 3,600 travel organisations, the winners of the 2009 World Travel Awards Grand Final emerged victorious in London last night.

Picture caption of we need one

The glittering gala ceremony took place in Mayfair’s Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Hotel and featured the very cream of the global travel and tourism industry.

Over 183,000 travel professionals across the world registered their votes, with their entries whittled down to last night’s elite few brands, which included Abu Dhabi Tourism, American Express Travel, Etihad, Europcar, Royal Jet, Tui Travel and Virgin Atlantic.

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab won “World’s Leading Hotel”, whilst the rapidly-expanding Etihad collected two blue riband awards – “World’s Leading Airline” as well as “World’s Leading First Class”.

Also in the airline category, easyJet scooped “World’s Leading Budget Airline”; oneworld picked up “World’s

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Leading Airline Alliance”; and Virgin Atlantic won “World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline”, as well as collecting “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” for its eye-catching 25 Years Still Red Hot campaign Australia’s Bondi picked up “World’s Leading Beach”, and Dominican Republic luxury resort Casa de Campo won “World’s Leading Golf Resort”.

Attendees included the winners from each of the World Travel Awards 2009 regional events – the Middle East Ceremony at The Monarch Dubai on 5 May, the Africa Ceremony at the ICC Durban on 12 May, the North & Central America Gala Ceremony at the Hacienda Tres Ríos in Mexico on 21 September, and the Europe Ceremony at the Praia D'El Rey Marriott

Golf & Beach Resort in Portugal on 17 October.

Winners from Saturday night’s regional ceremonies – featuring the South America Ceremony, the Caribbean Ceremony, as well as the Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony – were also out in force, eager to become a world winner.

Since bursting on to the international travel and tourism scene 16 years ago, the World Travel Awards has been making steady and significant, long-term impact on the industry and encouraging it to raise the bar of excellence.

It has taken a global lead on one of the most important aspects of travel and tourism – the quality customer experience.

Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The Winners James Hogan, Chief Executive, Etihad Airways,

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director, Europcar

World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Airline First Class

World’s Leading Tourist Board

World’s Leading Car Hire Company, World’s Leading Leisure Car Rental Company

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Three years ago Etihad set itself one clear and simple goal – to be the best airline in the world. I am proud of the way Etihad people all over the world have embraced that vision, backing our investment in state of the art product with the highest levels of service.

We regard this award as a great honour, and a testament to the commitment of our staff.

We are delighted, also, that our continued attention to the needs of our premium travellers has been rewarded with the top award for first class for the second consecutive year.

As we move into 2010, we have no intention of resting on our laurels. We will continue to reinvent premium air travel as we cement our place as the world’s best airline, opening up new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, investing in new products in the air and on the ground, and rolling out an exciting range of online initiatives.

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The World Travel Award is most valued by the authority as it comes from peers within the industry we serve, manage and promote. It is also very timely as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the award, if you like, represents our ‘coming of age.’

We plan to significantly build upon it and to live up to the confidence our valued trade partners have placed in us by voting for us.

This year has been one of numerous milestones for the authority. We have implemented an accommodation classification system which is acknowledged as world-class. We have also rolled out our first generation stakeholder programme to form a more unified approach to destination development and promotion.

Abu Dhabi has pushed the boundaries – with the opening of many significant resorts, the Qasr Al Sarab desert retreat and seven hotels on Yas Island. The staging of the 2009 Etihad Airways’ Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was obviously a high point.

In the coming year we will welcome additional attractions to Abu Dhabi including the planned Ferrari World indoor theme park on Yas Island. We are also targeting 10% additional hotel guest arrivals during 2010.

I would like to thank those among the 187,000 travel professionals who voted for Europcar. It is an honour for us to win this prestigious award once again.

At Europcar, our priority is to offer business and leisure customers a consistently good experience and a broad range of services spanning five continents.

In keeping with that, we have progressed in three main areas: our geographic reach, innovations to benefit customers, and partnerships with other leading travel industry players.

We are established in all European markets, but have also continued to pursue our strategy of expanding around the world, especially in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

We are deploying our “click4Wheels” B2B site. We have also recently launched a new mobile phone service for consumers (http://mobile.europcar.com).

We have renewed agreements with easyJet and TUI, launched a new service in the context of our relationship with Accor, and have renewed our partnership agreement with Swiss.

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James Hogan

Jehan de Thé

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The Winners Charlie Dang, Area Managing Director, Northern China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and GM, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Hanlie Kotze, Acting Executive Manager, The Blue Train Lounge World’s Leading Luxury Train

World’s Leading Financial District Hotel

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It is indeed a great honour to receive an award that recognizes us not only in China but globally. The World Travel Award is one of the most esteemed accolades one can receive in the global travel and tourism industry and we thank it for its continuous support.

What separates us from the competition is our unwavering commitment to excellence and the willingness to always seek ways in which to improve ourselves.

In 2010 and beyond, we promise to continue this commitment in providing outstanding service and quality to all our guests.

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Charlie Dang

The Blue Train

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Everyone would like to be associated with winning! Winning in whatever form, always brings with it a sense of gratification. But when you get chosen as a winner by your peers – in this case over 180,000 learned professionals, in the travel and tourism, now that is very special!

Winning this accolade is the embodiment of all the hard work and initiatives that have gone into making our brand accessible and “a brand of choice”, especially in the past 18 months.

Oh, it will be displayed especially at our Pre-departure Lounges for all to see! After all what good is a “diamond” that nobody can see?!

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Hanlie Kotze

Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai International Airport

Randy Powell, President & CEO, Rocky Mountaineer

World’s Leading Airport

World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train

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This award recognizes Dubai International’s consistent delivery of quality customer service over the years.

Service excellence is the single most important priority for any airport after safety and security and this award acknowledges our customer – centric approach.

The opening of Dubai International’s Terminal 3 was acknowledged the world over as the most successful launch of a terminal its size and has definitely made us stand out from competition. The expansion and refurbishment of Terminal 2 has not only doubled operational capacity but has helped in considerably enhancing the customer service experience at the Airport.

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Our organization is delighted to be the recipient of this distinguished award for the fourth time. For 20 years we have been providing the most spectacular travel experiences in the world and it is truly an honour to be recognized amongst so many internationally renowned and iconic trains.

The Rocky Mountaineer

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Paul Griffiths

Visit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The Winners Tareq Abdullatif Taha, Chief Executive Officer, Regency Travel and Tours

Pamela C. Conover, President & CEO, The Yachts of Seabourn

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic

World’s Leading Travel Agency

World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line

World’s Leading Travel Commercial

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“We are still red

Winning a world travel award is a great achievement and an appreciation for the excellence of service provided. And that makes our responsibility bigger in maintaining being the world’s leading travel agency.

It is so important to be recognized as the leader because reaching the top is much easier than staying on the top.

This year we have expanded our operation and our network to 30 branches and implants in the State of Qatar.

In our state-of the-art head office, we have innovated a unique concept – housing airlines, hotel, car rental, banks, courier and cargo services, plus a host of other services all under one roof.

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Seabourn Odyssey is the first new vessel to enter the luxury segment in over six years, and she has brought a new excitement to the market. Along with Seabourn Sojourn next year and a third new sister in 2011, she represents Seabourn's commitment to the smallship, ultra luxury cruising style for guests who prefer sailing with fewer than 500 others.

These new Seabourn yachts provide us with the opportunity to introduce more and more people to the intimate, personalised style that has earned Seabourn this award, and a loyal following among discerning travellers.

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hot after 25 years and we are all over the moon that we have scooped this World Travel Award. Thank you to everyone who’s backed us since 1984.

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Pamela C. Conover

Tareq Abdullatif Taha

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Steve Ridgway

Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The Winners Brian Richardson, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Communications, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Michael Blunt, Vice-President Corporate Communications, OneWorld World’s Leading Airline Alliance

World’s Leading Hotel Brand Website

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Receiving awards and accolades is always a great honour, but to have our brand and so many of our hotels recognised by respected industry professionals is truly an outstanding achievement.

The World Travel Awards is an excellent mark of distinction and serve as another independent testament to Fairmont’s unyielding commitment to quality and service.

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The year ahead promises to be very exciting for oneworld and its member airlines.

Mexicana, voted Mexico and Central America’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards, joins us on 10 November, adding another quality carrier to our lineup and extending our leadership in Latin America.

Next year, we bring on board Russia’s leading domestic airline, S7, expanding our network considerably throughout the CIS. We will continue to focus on delivering quality service to our customers – with the aim of ensuring that the title of World Travel Awards’ “Leading Airline Alliance” stays in the hands of oneworld – a title it has held ever since the award was first presented seven years ago.

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Brian Richardson

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Michael Blunt

Aiming for the Skies

Celebrate the winning spirit of the Commonwealth Games in India.

OCTOBER 3-14, 2010

How to Enter 2010 The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the achievements of the brightest players in the global travel and tourism industry.

If you think your organisation stands in a class of its own then visit worldtravelawards.com for an online entry form.

Self nomination for 2010 opens 11 January.

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World Winners 2009 What does it take to be a world class brand?

London London has secured the World’s Leading Destination in this year’s awards. Visit London has been instrumental in ensuring that despite the tough economic conditions, the capital continued to attract visitors. The tourist board has been running a campaign across the key markets of the UK, Europe and North America, to highlight all the unique places, attractions and experiences that you can only find in London. Its aim has been to keep London front of mind and a must-visit destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

RCCL’s new Oasis of the Sea

Etihad Airways

Tui Travel

Etihad Airways has scooped the World’s Leading Airline Award for a number of reasons. The airline has continued to expand, invest and innovate despite the global recession.

At the start of this year chief executive James Hogan pledged to have a fleet of 50 aircraft by year end – Etihad will have 52 aircraft by December.

The airline also continues to add routes, setting a target of 55 by the end of 2009, which it has already surpassed. This year alone, it launched Chicago, Melbourne, Cape Town and Hyderabad.

The airline also invested heavily in a new premium lounge at its home airport in Abu Dhabi, and continues to open dedicated premium lounges including one at Heathrow’s Terminal 4.

Etihad also won the World’s Leading First Class for its new Diamond Class cabin, which it started rolling out across the fleet in August.

The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, with each seat transforming into a 6ft flat bed, complete with adjustable headrest, footrest, lumbar support, inbuilt massage and 23-inch TV with a choice of more than 600 movies. The seat also turns into a private cabin, with a sliding screen door.

Diamond Class includes a dedicated limousine service, a premium lounge and on-board Food & Beverage Manager.

Tui Travel secured two awards this year, the World’s Leading Tour Operator and the Reponsible Tourism Award.

The group is a consistently high performer in an extremely challenging environment and appeared to shrug off the economic downturn by posting an astonishing 57% increase in profits to £102m in the six months to June this year.

Europe’s largest travel group cited receding fears of swine flu, including a flurry of last-minute bookings to Mexico, contributing to figures that remain on target for the financial year ending 30 September.

The group has also been instrumental in the Tourism 2023 Campaign which pledges the travel industry to a sustainable future, and this year reaffirmed its pledge to create 500 new apprenticeship places for young people in 2010.

Tui has an established Apprenticeship programme, and has trained more than 3,500 apprentices in the last five years.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has been awarded the World’s Leading Cruise Brand. The line has continued to invest through a tough year and will be launching the world’s biggest cruise ship, the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas this month. The world’s second largest cruise line also won for innovation, in particular the success of Azamara, the informal luxury line which goes to off the beaten track destinations. RCCL also launched a family-friendly programme which allows kids to complete meals in the main dining room in 45 minutes and then be escorted back to the Adventure Ocean activity facilities whilst parents finish dinner.

InterContinental Hotel Group InterContinental Hotel Group secured the World’s Leading Hotel Brand. The world’s biggest hotel group counts seven brands – Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites – more than 180m stays per year, 630,000 rooms and more than 4,300 hotels in nearly 100 countries. The group was praised particularly for its generous loyalty scheme, Priority Club Rewards, which has 42m members and is now the world’s largest.

Jumeirah Group Jumeirah Group’s iconic landmark hotel, Burj al Arab has secured the World’s Leading Hotel for consistently pushing the luxury bar higher and higher.

In 2009, the hotel took delivery of four bespoke Rolls Royce Phantoms, with hotel logo embroidered into the upholstered leather seats. The Rolls-Royce chauffeur service is just one of many luxury services, which include in-suite check in, a private reception desk on every floor and highly trained butlers.

Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic was the clear winner of the World’s Leading Travel Commercial for its Virgin – 25 Years Still Red Hot advertisement. The £6m campaign, which launched in January, uses a mixture of 80’s nostalgia and iconic images of huge mobile phones and Rubik’s Cubes, a classic song (Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood) and some extremely glamorous cabin crew to mark the airline’s 25th anniversary of its first flight to Newark on June 22, 1984.

Other winners...

Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority secured the World’s Leading Tourist Board trophy for its key role in securing the Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as a number of other high-profile achievements. This includes the introduction of a hotel and hotel apartments classification system which has led to a number of accommodation upgrades. The authority has also stepped up its training of tourist guides, introduced a number of new events, such as the Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival and expanded its marketing outreach with the opening of overseas offices in Italy and the opening of new visitor centres with additional facilities now being planned for Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi International Airport

The other winners are Sandals Resort International for the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company; American Express for the World’s Leading Business Travel Agency; Adam & Eve for the World’s Leading Design Hotel; India for its Incredible India campaign, which secured the World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign; Holland America for the World’s Leading Green Cruise Line; Tobago Main Ridge Rain Forest for World’s Leading Green Destination; and Adventures by Disney for World’s Leading Luxury Travel Operator.

Virgin Atlantic Airways, 25 Years Still Red Hot campaign

Royal Jet Group Royal Jet Group won World’s Leading Private Jet Charter. The company bucked worldwide trends and reported a 15% increase in VIP charter business during the summer period. It also revamped its VIP Terminal facilities ahead of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix and becoming the only private jet charter which has personal chefs on board.

Visit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

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Mauritius. So much more than perfect beaches.

If you’re looking for more than just miles of beautiful unspoiled, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is for you. Trek in the lush interior with its majestic mountains, pristine forests and breathtaking waterfalls, tee off on one our award winning golf courses or take to the air kite surfing. Explore the colourful markets for designer fashions and exquisite jewellery or simply relax and be pampered in a luxurious spa at one of our world-class hotels. You will be charmed by the warmth of our welcome and delighted by our unrivalled levels of service that brings visitors back year after year.

C ‘e s t u n p l a i s ir

For a brochure or more information call the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on Tel 020 7902 2955, email mtpa@bgb.co.uk or visit www.mauritiustourism.co.uk

Winner's Showcase

Abu Dhabi the world’s leading tourism authority Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority was established in 2004 with the goal of positioning the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as an outstanding, globally recognized, sustainable tourism destination. Just five years on and it has been voted “World’s Leading Tourism Authority” at the World Travel Awards Grand Final in London.

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We met the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, to find out his thoughts on how the rapidly burgeoning emirate has risen so quickly to tourism stardom, and its plans to keep the momentum rolling.

Abu Dhabi won a record 10 awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony in May, and progressed to the Grand Final in London on Sunday where it was voted “World’s Leading Tourist Board”.

What has it been doing to gain such recognition from the travel and tourism industry?

SSBT: This was very much a reflection of superb efforts by the entire tourism sector in upgrading the destination’s product offering, its accommodation inventory and first-class travel links. From the tourism authority’s side, we have introduced a hotel and hotel apartments classification system which has led to a number of accommodation upgrades and which brings added integrity to the destination.

The authority has also stepped up its training of tourist guides, introduced a whole host of new events for the destination, such as the highly successful Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival and expanded its marketing outreach with the opening of overseas offices in Italy and the opening of new visitor centres with additional facilities now being planned for Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Much of the acclaim though also belongs to the private sector which is consistently expanding with new golf courses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, new hotels, an increase in the number of cruise stop-overs, new destinations launched by Etihad, new attractions, such as the Ferrari World planned for Yas Island, and the arrival of new carriers into Abu Dhabi International Airport – Ukraine International Airlines, for instance, commenced a twice-weekly flight to the UAE capital in September.

Together with the wider industry we have built considerable momentum and we intend to keep this going.

How are the cultural projects progressing, in particular the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and the Guggenheim?

SSBT: Again we are making significant progress.

Foundation work commenced recently on the Louvre Abu Dhabi and all design and engineering work for the other assets on the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island is progressing according to plan.

In what way do you think it will create a blueprint for the modern Arabia?

SSBT: The Cultural District will be a hub for crosscultural knowledge transfer building greater understanding of our own indigenous culture, particularly through the planned Sheikh Zayed National Museum, but also the understanding in this

part of the world of the many cultures the region now engages with. The Cultural District in many ways is a visual manifestation of the emergence of a new dialogue of civilisations.

How is the global downturn influencing your planning?

SSBT: The global financial crisis is having an obvious impact on international tourism however, the impact and its severity differs from destination to destination.

Our first step has been to review the nature of the downturn and Abu Dhabi’s relative strengths as a destination. Our initial conclusion is that we are still well placed to ride out some of the worst effects.

We have reached this conclusion because of our visitor base, which is largely from within the region, the fact that our international visitor profile is largely dominated by the business tourism sector, Abu Dhabi’s emerging status as a global aviation hub with an expanding Etihad network, the emirate’s strong economic fundamentals. We are fortunate in having access to the 30 million plus consumers in the GCC who have a tendency to travel locally in times of uncertainty gives and we have solid government’s support and resource commitment to the development of a strong tourism sector.

We are also expanding our geographic outreach so that we are not at risk from any single market – hence the recent opening of offices in Australia, China and Italy which could be growth areas for us.

We have no intention of taking our eyes off the longer term vision and commitment to the realisation of major development projects such as Saadiyat Island is unwavering. That being said we realise that Abu Dhabi’s tourism is not immune from the impact, it is just well inoculated.

To date, most of our demand has been businessbased tourism – both from the MICE segment and

from people visiting to conduct business here. Leisure tourism is an emerging sector and we are specifically working on a longer term 50/50 split of business and leisure visitors.

Importantly, as the UAE’s and Abu Dhabi’s economy widens, business tourism will continue – it is proven to be the most resilient segment of the wider visitor panorama. Our main markets are the Middle East, UK and Germany with other European, Asian and the Australian market also expanding as destination awareness grows. ADTA currently operates overseas offices in the UK, Germany, France, Australia, China and Italy and others are under feasibility study.

Access to the destination is also improving as Etihad continues to expand its route network.

Given the healthy prognosis for business tourism, we believe the demand will continue. Abu Dhabi does not intend to become a mass market leisure dominant destination. We will continue to develop at the premium end of the spectrum in a sustainable and culturally appropriate manner. Our hotels are currently running at occupancy around 80% and hoteliers remain bullish about prospects for 2009.

The public and private sector is creating a more expansive product range of visitor attractions, the latest of which is the ADACH initiative of the renovation of Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and the creation of the highly educational and informative visitor centre there.

We have, of course, reviewed our forecasts, as we do regularly and found that there was little adjustment needed. We expect this year to maintain our hotel guest levels achieved last year when we received 1.5 million guests. We anticipate this rising by 10% next year and then 15% each in 2011 and 2012 to reach our target of 2.3 million hotels guests by 2012 end.

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In Search of Excellence in Sport Tourism Sport tourism powers South Africa through global downturn As anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the success of three mega sporting events hosted in South Africa over the past twelve months has given the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism sector a significant boost

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup match

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Despite the global downturn, South Africa remains cautiously optimistic it is on track to hit its target of 10 million visitors next year. The FIFA World Cup 2010 will help boost visitor numbers from just over 9.5m in 2008 to top the 10 million mark by year end, according to tourism officials.

Visitors from regional markets helped the country record a 5.5% increase in arrivals last year compared to the year before. However, there was a 2.5% fall in foreign visitor numbers in the second half of the year.

Numbers fell from almost half a million to 485,000 in the last six months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2008.

Three sporting events this year – the Indian Premier League (IPL), British Lions tour to South Africa and the Confederations Cup – have boosted arrivals figures and will be a boon to the South African industry during a time when the global industry is feeling the squeeze of continuing economic turbulence.

2009 was the year when South Africa cemented its reputation as one of the world’s leading sporting events destinations.

The last-minute relocation of the IPL due to the Indian national election was a considerable coup for the African nation, and its runaway success silenced the critics who had voiced concern over South Africa’s readiness to host events of this stature.

The tournament injected almost R2-billion ($258million) into the South African economy with over 40,000 hotel rooms and 10,000 domestic flights booked.

The British and Irish Lions tour in June and July contributed R1-billion ($128-million) to the South African economy, with R250-million ($32.2-million) in direct foreign exchange.

June’s 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the next opportunity to showcase South Africa’s readiness as well as rigorously testing, much of the 2010 FIFA World Cup infrastructure. Almost 600,000 fans attended the two-week tournament which took place

in four of the nine 2010 FIFA World Cup Host Cities.

According to Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the success of the IPL, the Lions tour and the Confederations Cup, unlocked the potential for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to return South Africa to its prerecession tourism high.

He said construction linked to the World Cup would contribute R50bn to the economy, while tourism would generate a further R15bn, with 3.5 million fans expected to attend the tournament.

Foreign arrivals would also receive a huge boost with 450,000 fans expected in the country next year.

He said: “The World Cup affords us a once-in-alifetime chance to showcase the best we have as a tourism destination.”

“Together with exposure to billions of television viewers, 2010 provides an unparalleled opportunity to enhance the brand awareness of SA as a premier tourist destination.”

Lebohang Mokhesi, country manager UK for South African Tourism, said there had been “unprecedented demand” for World Cup tickets and predicted that many South Africans would choose to holiday domestically this year.

Held concurrently with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa will play host to World Sport Destination Expo (WSDE) – the first ever exhibition dedicated to the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry.

As well as being the prime opportunity for the travel industry to cement future business with the industry’s top buyers, WSDE will act as a platform for South Africa to create a lasting legacy and capitalise on the world-wide exposure that the event will provide.

South Africa’s travel and tourism industry is expected to present a show of force at the international exhibition. Citing the success of the 2006 FIFA World Cup to the German tourism industry, WSDE is positioned to generate years of follow-on tourists and deliver South Africa with future tourism growth.

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup spectacular closing ceremony

British and Irish Lions Tour 2009

“

WSDE will change the landscape of the sport tourism industry. We are privileged and honoured to be the inaugural hosts and to be part of creating a lasting legacy for South Africa and sport tourism worldwide.

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Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg Tourism Company.

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Grand Tour 2009 - Europe Europe’s star travel brands triumph at World Travel Awards

Stuart Swycher, President, Beltico Group and Jose Pampolim, Vice President, Beltico Group and Telmo Faria, Mayor of Obidos and Bobby Davro

Europcar, Adam & Eve Hotels, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Virgin Atlantic were amongst companies that triumphed at the World Travel Awards European Ceremony, staged in the sumptuous luxury of the Marriott Praia D’El Rey in Portugal on 17th October 2009.

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry, revealed who are the “best of the best” in the region, and formed the fourth leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, a search of seven continents for the very best travel and tourism brands in the world.

Lufthansa won the title “Europe’s Leading Airline” and Marriott Hotels Resorts & Suites picked up “Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand”. Meanwhile “Europe’s Leading Destination” went to Lisbon, whilst Carlson Wagonlit Travel took home “Europe’s Leading Travel Management Company” and Viajes Iberia picked up

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“Europe’s Leading Travel Agency”.

Virgin Atlantic Airways won Europe’s Leading Marketing Campaign for its “25 Years Still Red Hot” campaign. A number of national category awards were also presented throughout the evening.

Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. Organisers say research has shown that winners increase international brand recognition, building consumer loyalty.

Nearly 1,500 travel companies were nominated in 177 categories in the prestigious ceremony, held in partnership with Marriott Praia D’El Rey, Bom Sucesso, TAP Portugal and Turismo Do Oeste. Senior management and decision makers of Europe’s travel and tourism industry came together to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.

Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards commented: “The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have

Carol Dawes, Tui, Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards, Jan Viebrock, Sport & SPA Resort A-ROSA Scharmuetzelsee, Fiona Downie, Tui

World Travel Golf Tournament

remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.”

These inspirational organisations will continue to reap profile and commercial benefits over the next year.

Cooke explained: “This year’s winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence.”

Each winner has automatically been put forward for the spectacular WTA Grand Final which took place at

Europe's Leading Travel Agency - Viajes Iberia, Jorge Carurla, Enrique Riera (Managing Director), Emilio Castillejos

the Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London last Sunday.

Throughout the evening, winners were presented with their prestigious awards by key industry figures. Live entertainment included performances from disco legend George McCrae, whilst international comedian and actor Bobby Davro hosted the gala evening.

“

We were truly delighted to participate in this exceptional event.

Philippe M.E. Requin Chief Executive Officer Grace Hotels Group

”

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We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it

without

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali thanks our guests for voting us

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Don’t take our word for it; take theirs.

Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bali 80361 T.+62 361-702222 | F. +62 361-701555 www.ayanaresort.com

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At Regency Travel & Tours, we understand the importance of your trip, whether it is business or leisure. Our expert travel professionals are proactive enough to understand your requirements and offer appropriate travel solutions.

www.regencyholidays.com Branches

Al Asmakh Street Tel: 4315007/4315008 Fax: 4315005

Industrial Area Tel: 4604953/4604950 Fax: 4604938

E-mail: tours@regencyholidays.com Masaieed Tel: 4771900/4771988 Fax: 4772014

General Post Office Tel: 4831486 Fax: 4831480

Lulu Hypermarket Tel: 4550851 Fax: 4672141

Al Asmakh Centerpoint Mall Tel: 4325381 Fax: 4364340

Al-Rayyan Tel: 4820675 Fax: 4806036

Al Wakra Tel: 4647068/4647725 Fax: 4641145

Gharrafa Tel: 4869610 Fax: 4118955

Ras Laffan Tel: 4748836 Fax: 4748838

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Praia d’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort (Marriott Hotel) | Óbidos | www.praia-del-rey.com Tel. +351 262 905 005 The CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa (CampoReal Hotel) | Torres Vedras | www.camporeal.pt Tel. +351 261 960 900 Golden Eagle, Residence & Golf Resort Rio Maior | www.goldeneagle-golfresort.com Tel. +351 243 940 040

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Bom Sucesso Design, Leisure & Golf Resort Óbidos | www.bomsucesso.net Tel. +351 262 965 310 Vimeiro Golf Resort (Golf Mar Hotel) | Torres Vedras | www.hotelgolfmar.com Tel. +351 261 980 800 Botado Golf Club (Atlântico Golfe Hotel) | Peniche www.atlanticogolfehotel.com Tel. +351 262 757 700 Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort (open 2011) | Óbidos | www.royalobidos.com Tel. +351 262 960 241

GOLFOESTE Rua Direita, n.º 87 – Apartado 42 – 2510-914 Óbidos – Portugal Tel. +351 262 955 060 – Fax +351 262 955 061 golf@turismodooeste.pt | www.turismodooeste.pt

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oscars of the Travel Industryâ&#x20AC;?

Wall Street Journal

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010 Our events are attended by the top-level decision makers - more than 70 percent of our attendees are Director level or above.

Our events are the perfect platform to gain top-level exposure for your product or brand.

Our events are famed for the great networking opportunities.

For more information and to book tickets please email: booking@worldtravelawards.com

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