QATAR AIRWAYS ENHANCES SOUTH AMERICAN SERVICES

THE RITZ-CARLTON TO OPEN IN SHARM EL SHEIKH

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24 SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE 359

ROYAL AIR MAROC LANDS IN WASHINGTON

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InternationalMarket Update

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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS

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MARKET UPDATE www.traveltradeweekly.travel

MANAGING EDITOR

Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel

ASSISTANT EDITORRita Kasziba

JOURNALIST Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS

Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou

SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu

DESIGN & LAYOUTElena Stylianou

WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis

DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

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1.39

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COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=

23.9.2016as ofMENA EXCHANGE RATES

MAJORITY OF UAE RESIDENTS CHOOSE PACKAGE TRIPS

STARWOOD’S IMMENSE PROPERTY GROWTH

A new survey by HolidayMe has revealed that 79 percent of UAE residents favour complete package holidays with 48.3 percent vacationing once a year and nearly a third planning two annual breaks.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that its specialty select brands, namely Aloft, Four Points by Sheraton and Element, are propelling the company’s global growth with 132 new hotel deals signed so far this year, up 89 percent year-on-year.

More than 1,500 individuals participated in the online questionnaire, which uncovered Maldives as the most sought-after destination with 27.1 percent of respondents cit-ing it as their preferred choice, followed by Georgia (16.8 percent) and the UK (13 percent).

Furthermore, 44 percent of those asked seek family trips, while 38.2 percent travel with their partner and 13.7 percent with their friends.

In terms of expenses, 85.3 percent of UAE residents were willing to spend a maximum of AED2500 (USD680) per person.

Element Hotels alone has entered into 35 deals year-to-date, more than doubling the number of signed projects in all of 2015. For Aloft Hotels, 52 agreements have been inked in the past months, while Four Points by Sheraton is set to grow its global presence with 45 new address-es, nearly doubling its pace of expansion over the same timeframe in 2015.

Simon Turner, president, global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, said, “In the third quarter of this year, Aloft, Element and Four Points are expected to reach all-time high incremental annual global signing levels.”

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WEEKLY NEWSwww.traveltradeweekly.travel

Hala Abu Dhabi to Support Sir Bani Cruise Sector

Hailed as the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated cruise beach stopover, Sir Bani Yas Island is considered a primary cruise tourism asset for Abu Dhabi.

Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director, tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said, “The island is expected to welcome 40 calls from eight ships this cruise season, and in addition to enjoying access to a fully-equipped beach, cruise passengers can join an array of Hala Abu Dhabi’s exciting natural land and sea-based shore excursions unique to this island getaway in the sea.”

Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination management company of Etihad Aviation Group (EAG), has been selected as the exclusive shore excursions and activities provider for Sir Bani Yas Island and

Beach Oasis, the latest cruise destination stop in the UAE, for the coming cruise season.

Bawadi Mall Introduces App

Travelport Digital Launched

Bawadi Mall in Al Ain has launched an advanced mobile application aimed at fostering stronger interaction with shoppers by keeping them updated on all activities,

events, promotions, new products and services, openings as well as entertainment.

The shopping centre will also be offering incentives for cus-tomers to download the app, such as vouchers and more.

“For the first time in the Middle East, the app will be integrated with Beacons technology, which will supply us with information on our customer’s behaviour as well as their preferred brands, products or services. This data can be used to push target alerts to each customer based on his interests. We look at rewarding fre-quent customers through this app,” said Bassam Saleh, marketing manager, Bawadi Mall.

As part of Travelport’s strategic focus on the fast-growing digital econ-omy, the technology expert has introduced Travelport Digital.

The new organisation will optimise the travel commerce plat-form’s investments into digital assets and products with the ultimate goal of growing its related services. The inauguration of the new branch follows the recent acquisition of MTT, a travel industry mobile and digital solutions provider, as well as investment into corporate travel management platform, Locomote.

Additionally, in a bid to redefine travel commerce and enhance the user experience, Travelport has established a customer and marketing organisa-tion. Fiona Shanley has been appointed to lead the development of a holistic product and customer service strategy as well as the company’s marketing and communication activities.

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Board of Dubai International Marine Club Formed

H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler, Dubai has issued a resolution to form the board of Dubai Interna-tional Marine Club (DIMC).

The team, whose members will serve for a renewable term of three years, will function under the instructions of Dubai Sports Council and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president, DIMC. The new association will follow all the rules and regulations appli-cable to both Dubai Sports Council and the emirate of Dubai.

The resolution now voids previous legislation regarding the forma-tion of the board.

Kingdom Steps Up

Inspections

Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) has in-tensified its inspection visits at

tourist facilities in different provinces of the Kingdom to ensure enforcement of regulations.

Nasir bin Abdul Aziz Al Nashmi, di-rector general, National Center for Tour-ism Human Resources Development, referred to the importance of the com-mitment of industry stakeholders to the determined rates of Saudisation and their adherence to hiring Saudi citizens in the positions confined to them.

“The regulations include fines for violators […] plus revocation of facility licenses or shutting off for a period of time depending on the severity of the individual case,” added Al Nashmi.

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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATIONwww.traveltradeweekly.travel

The Ritz-Carlton to Open in Sharm El Sheikh

Located in Sharks Bay, the hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2020. The USD600 million project will boast 252 rooms, including 12 villas, three restaurants, a number of pools, destination spa with pri-

vate treatment suites and a range of water sports activities, as well as what is hailed the biggest shopping complex in Sharm El Sheikh.“We believe in Egypt,” reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the North African country Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and

Africa, Marriott International, saying that the deal furthers the hotelier’s vision for growth and prosperity in an enigmatic destination.

Marriott International signed a management agreement with Latif Group of Companies to bring The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm el-Sheikh Resort to the Sinai Peninsula.

Sunway Hotels & Resorts has launched its first regional sales office in the Middle East in Dubai, in partnership with BizGate Marketing & Consultancies.

Introduced in line with the company’s international market expansion strategy, the new office will focus on promoting the hotelier’s 11 prop-erties to the Middle East market while also exploring new opportunities within the region.

“Our strategic partnership with BizGate through their local market ex-pertise facilitated the regional sales office set-up. This will further strength-en Sunway’s presence in the Middle East and Africa, and develop new op-portunities from previously untapped markets in the region,” said Albert Cheong, CEO, Sunway Hotels & Resorts.

Sunway Opens Dubai Office

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DAMAC Properties Introduces New Residences

DAMAC Properties introduced a new villa type in an international golf com-munity in Dubai. Designed with millennials and their families in mind, AKOYA Cuatro Villas features spacious four-bedroom units within lush green

outdoor spaces.As Ziad El Chaar, managing director, DAMAC Properties, noted, buyers will ben-

efit from easy access to world-class amenities, such as dining, shopping, hotels and entertainment, all set within a complete lifestyle destination.

“The villas have sizes and layouts ideal for families whilst presenting a great in-vestment opportunity for those looking for a high-yielding and stable real estate asset to enhance their investment portfolio or to plan for the future,” added El Chaar.

Al Marjan Island Promotes

Ras Al Khaimah

Al Marjan Island (AMI), the company behind Ras Al Khaimah’s man-made island development, participated in

Cityscape Global 2016 convention, in Dubai, showcasing the wide range of business op-portunities available in the emirate.

Abdullah Al Abdooli, managing direc-tor, AMI, said, “We presented […] the attrac-tive investments and key strengths such as the advanced infrastructure and the com-petitive facilities to develop mega projects.”

Demonstrating the positive return on investment of its projects, AMI also released case studies of its current developments, such as Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Al Marjan Resort and Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island.

Abu Dhabi’s regular exhibitions and con-ventions have contributed to Armed Forc-es Officers Club & Hotel (AFOCH)’s record

surge in room occupancy levels during the last half of this year.

“Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is an im-portant strategic partner of the establishment and we take immense pride in being one of the three recommended hotels for businessmen, exhibitors and exhibition visitors to the capital,” commented Dulce Ortega, director of sales and marketing, AFOCH.

As Ortega explained, the management has already toured the GCC states, Europe and Asia to further strengthen the property’s position espe-cially in the sports, incentive travel, conferences and events market.

“We offer more than 25 venues at AFOCH to cater to every taste, palate and occasion,” added Ortega.

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Surge of Guests at Salalah Rotana Resort

Salalah Rotana Resort witnessed a significant rise in bookings during the recent, highly successful Khareef season.

The famous Monsoon period attracted over 37,000 guests to the property, marking a 35 percent year-on-year increase. The majority of these visitors travelled from neigh-bouring GCC countries to escape the heat and enjoy the cli-mate, natural beauty and landscape of the region.

Commenting on the increased footfall to the resort, Hossam Kamal, general manager, Salalah Rotana Resort, said, “Prior to the start of the season, we set out with a me-dia campaign focussing on our resort as well as the region’s tourism offerings. Our guests from other GCC countries love the destination for its cooler climate, natural beauty, unri-valled scenery and the outdoor activities available.”

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort Benefits from GCC Demand

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort in Morocco saw a nota-ble growth in the number of guests from the Gulf re-gion this summer, reaffirming the North African coun-

try’s rising appeal in the Middle East market.“Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort was able to attract a large

segment of Gulf visitors this summer because of our efforts in providing a combination of entertainment activities under one roof. We were helped by increased flights by Gulf carriers which led to the revitalisation of air traffic from the Gulf countries to Casablanca airport, facilitating the movement of Gulf families through direct flights to and from Morocco in summer months,” said Scott Lundahl, director, Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort.

The Domain Hotel Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has accepted The Domain Ho-tel and Spa into its LVX Collection, becoming part of the brand’s portfolio of more than 650 distinctive addresses

across the globe.Located at the heart of Manama’s business district, the prop-

erty boasts modern suites and a sky lounge on the 36th floor, all offering cityscape views. Additionally the hotel has a five-star spa as well as state-of-the-art fitness equipment and training gear.

Guests staying at the establishment will now be able to collect points through Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ rewards pro-gramme, iPrefer, which offers various benefits, such as compli-mentary Internet at more than 550 member hotels worldwide.

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Washington

FURTHER EXPANDING ITS GROWING GLOBAL REACH, ROYAL AIR MAROC HAS ADDED YET ANOTHER US DESTINATION TO ITS NETWORK WITH THE LAUNCH OF SCHEDULED SERVICES TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

W ith the introduction of the new transatlantic itin-erary, passengers have the option to choose from three weekly flights between Casablanca and the US capital.

The North African airline deploys a Boeing 787 aircraft of the long-haul route.

Royal Air Maroc already offers services to a number of US loca-tions, including New York, Boston and San Francisco, as well as to Canada and Brazil.

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Qatar Airways is to introduce additional capacity on the São Paolo and Buenos Aires routes.

Starting December 01, the airline will upgrade its existing aircraft operating on the itineraries, a Boeing 777-200LR, to a Boeing 777-300ER, providing an additional 99 seats per day from Doha to the Brazilian and Argentinean cities.

As Günter Saurwein, vice president, the Americas, Qatar Airways, noted, passenger demand from both the leisure and business segments has grown consistently since the launch of both services in June 2010.

“The region is a strong contributor to our route network and these additional seats will enable leisure and business segments to flourish,” added Saurwein.

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WEEKLY NEWS AIRwww.traveltradeweekly.travel

EgyptAir Cargo began its freighter operations to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the second destination for the carrier in the UAE after Sharjah.

The cargo division of the Egyptian national airline will initially offer the service from its base at Cairo International Airport to the UAE hub once a week, however, the frequency is expected to grow further within a few months.

Ras Al Khaimah joins the airline’s network of 10 existing international locations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

EgyptAir Cargo Flies to Ras Al Khaimah

Qatar Airways Leads the Way with Cargo-XML

Q atar Airways Cargo has become the first airline to fully adopt, implement and integrate cargo extensi-ble mark-up language (Cargo-XML) into its core cargo

management system, CROAMIS.The International Air Transport Association-preferred stand-

ard for communication eliminates constraints of the traditional cargo interchange message procedures. The innovative model has been designed to promote improved, seamless data inter-faces and will provide simpler and better quality information exchanges between carriers and air cargo stakeholders.

The universal language is set to improve e-commerce, facili-tate growth, and encourage participation in global commerce. Additionally, costs will be reduced by streamlining air cargo processes due to the smoother transmission of electronic docu-ments.

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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL www.traveltradeweekly.travel

I n a collaborative analysis of China’s outbound travel behaviour, ITB Berlin and IPK International found that in 2015, China registered an increase of 23 percent in foreign trips compared to the global aver-

age of five percent, delivering the world’s highest growth rate.Excluding Macau and Hong Kong, Chinese tourists embarked on

45.3 million international overnight voyages, consolidating the na-tion’s position as the fourth largest outbound source market.

Although length of stay halved to around five nights, more than 80 percent of trips were for holidays, while two-thirds of the journeys took place within Asia and 20 percent to Europe.

Chinese guests also showed a preference for four- and five-star properties which accounted for 62 percent of their accommodation. choices. Despite travel agency and catalogue bookings dropped to 74 percent, the Chinese figure is still double of the global average.

B est Western Hotels & Resorts continues the momentous growth of its Best Western Premier brand with the addition of Best West-ern Premier Hotel at St. Mary’s Court on the island of Antigua.

Ground works and foundation construction has already com-menced with the property expected to open by summer 2018.

Best Western Premier Hotel at St. Mary’s Court will boast 126 rooms, a high-quality fitness centre, two outdoor pools, a luxurious spa and complimentary breakfast.

For business travellers, a dedicated meeting venue, as well as a business centre with printing and scanning capabilities will be available.

“The property exemplifies the type of value and upscale ex-perience that the Best Western Premier brand aims to provide our guests,” said Ron Pohl, senior vice president, brand management, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

C arlson Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the 250-key Radisson Hotel Del Rey Toluca in Mex-ico.

Guests can enjoy the lobby’s indoor garden, a va-riety of food and beverage outlets, in addition to an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and game room.

The new address also offers a variety of meeting and event space options, including 14 banquet rooms, three executive lounges and an auditorium.

Those opting for the hotel can enhance their stay by downloading the Radisson iConcierge app which offers access to a wide variety of services along with lo-cal information before, during and after the visit, such as ordering room service, receiving details of nearby attractions and checking out.

S teigenberger Hotels is continuing its expansion in China with a new five-star hotel, Steigenberger Hotel Heihe set to open in Heihe in 2017.

The city lies directly on the border between the Asian country and Russia and thus is ideally situated to cater to business travellers and tourists from both destinations.

The hotel, the design of which is based on a palace, forms part of a nine-element residential complex with its own parking facilities.

The main building will offer 202 rooms and suites, a ballroom, three restaurants, a bar, three conference rooms and a business lounge. Further events facilities, a tennis centre, an indoor swimming pool and a spa will be housed in the neighbouring buildings. St

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Best Western Enters Antigua

Mexico Welcomes Radisson Hotel Del Rey Toluca

Steigenberger Expands in China

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WHO'S MOVEDwww.traveltradeweekly.travel

PHILIPPE BIJAOUI has begun his new role as chief develop-ment officer for Europe, Mid-dle East, Eurasia and Africa at Wyndham Hotel Group. In his post, he will head the company’s expansion by in-troducing additional brands to established markets.Bijaoui has been employed in the hotel, real estate and de-velopment industry for more than 20 years and has worked in senior development roles at The Rezidor Hotel Group, Club Méditerranée as well as at HVS Global Hospitality Services. In his most recent position as vice president of development in Europe for InterContinental Hotels Group, Bijaoui defined and implemented a regional development strategy.

ROBERT EL KHOURY has been named director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre.With extensive industry ex-perience, he has worked in the UAE for over 20 years and has a proven track record of implementing effective sales and marketing strategies. In his previous role at Jumei-rah Zabeel Saray, El Khoury led the hotel’s high profile opening.Moving to his new position, he will be responsible for de-veloping strategies to effec-tively position the hotel and residences as a landmark of luxury and lifestyle in order to drive optimum sales and revenue.

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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has your business grown since the launch of the hotel?

LILIAN ROGER: Downtown Rotana is still relatively young in Bahrain, we only opened our doors this March. However, if we look at the investment activities of Rotana in the last five years, this is the third property to be opened in the King-dom under the Rotana umbrella; this move correlates to the growth of the local tourism sector and also reflects the confidence of our parent brand in Bahrain’s future prospects as a prime tourist destination.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: While the majority of visitors still arrive from with-in the GCC, more than a quarter of travellers come from beyond the Gulf

LILIAN ROGER

Q & A

with

GENERAL MANAGER, DOWNTOWN ROTANA MANAMA

WITH ANNUAL ARRIVALS TO THE KINGDOM RISING FROM JUST FOUR MILLION IN

2000 TO 11.6 MILLION IN 2015, BAHRAIN CONTINUES TO GAIN POPULARITY AS LILIAN ROGER, GENERAL MANAGER, DOWNTOWN

ROTANA MANAMA, EXPLAINS.

enjoyed a reputation as a prime tour-ist destination; it is one of the few countries in the region enriched with a 5,000-year-old history, deep-rooted heritage and a progressive vision. The warmth and hospitality of the people is also one of its most admired assets. Steered by a solid vision, the gov-ernment has exerted great efforts to strengthen the country’s global links and connectivity, increase the quality, variety and sophistication of cultural ac-tivities, and create additional points of interest to drive tourism and enhance Bahrain’s attractiveness as an exciting, all-encompassing destination for re-gional and international visitors. The tourism authority has taken the reigns and this ambitious road map to market Bahrain to a wider global audience, will undoubtedly have a very positive im-pact on the growth of the hospitality and tourism industries as well as the supporting sectors.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Please tell us about your plans for the coming months.

LILIAN ROGER: We want to become the leading five-star hotel in our area, we want to continue raising the bar in hospitality, to reflect the quality and so-phistication of the Rotana brand. Bah-rain has a flourishing hospitality scene, tourism continues to thrive and we are very confident about the growth of the leisure segment; we want to play our part in boosting this industry and fur-ther support the government’s efforts to motivate this sector.

region. What can you tell us about your markets?

LILIAN ROGER: The GCC is currently our main feeder market, representing 80 percent of our visitors with a strong presence from Saudi Arabia followed by UAE and Kuwait. Europe is our sec-ond-largest contributor with around 12 percent. Since we are a newly-opened property, our main footfall has been predominantly from our next door neighbours and we have maintained focus on penetrating the local market. Our main guest pool is associated with business but we are also keeping an eye on the growing potential from markets in Europe and Asia and adapting our offerings to suit their needs. We also want to start attracting more leisure tourists, especially the ones looking for a cultural experience since Downtown Rotana is ideally situated in the heart of Bahrain’s capital within walking dis-tance from well-known entertainment, cultural and historical attractions.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: The in-creased arrivals to the country also mean that more and more global trav-ellers discover the hidden gems of Bahrain. In your opinion, what are the main draw cards for these visitors?

LILIAN ROGER: Bahrain is highly regard-ed as a prime financial, trade and cultural hub in the Gulf and the local government has continuously invested in sustaining the country’s standing. Its geographic location and pivotal placement between East and West, its liberal environment, business-friendly approach and flourish-ing leisure and hospitality scenes are a magnet for visitors. Regional travellers are mostly leisure focussed, they consid-er Bahrain as a weekend escape ideal for quality family entertainment. More re-cently we have seen a surge in travellers from countries in Asia, including China and Russia; these are primarily business visitors and they are keen on location, accessibility, convenience and value for money.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Bahrain continues to establish its presence on the global stage and the tourism authority has recently revealed plans to open new overseas offices. How do you think will these endeavours change Bahrain’s image?

LILIAN ROGER: Bahrain has for years

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RENDEZVOUS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Downtown Rotana Manama

When and how did you get in-volved in the tourism industry?I started in the tourism industry just after my studies in Vienna, as the sales and marketing officer of Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s Vienna office, between 2000 – 2006. After working eight years as the press attaché of the embassy of Cyprus in Vienna, I de-cided to found my own travel agency and tour operator, specialising in Cy-prus, with an emphasis on quality tourism and unique experiences.

What are the most important at-tributes of a good travel agent/tour operator?To be able to understand the needs and wishes of every single customer and offer them the appropriate prod-uct, suited to them. This is time con-suming, but it [pays] off, in that you have highly satisfied and regular cus-tomers. One must also be honest to the customer, because there is nothing worse than unfulfilled expectations.

What is the most frequently asked question that your company re-ceives from customers?My customers are mostly interested in authentic experiences during their holidays. So a lot has to do with unique activities like cooking les-sons, guided trekking and authentic restaurants.

What are the must-visits and must-dos in Austria that nobody should miss? One should not miss to visit one of the typical Viennese coffee houses, where you experience the Viennese lifestyle at its best. [...] The Museums Quartier is a must for museum and design lovers.

Which destination is on your buck-et-list?I hope to manage to visit Polynesia with its fascinating cultural and natu-ral treasures.

AGENT’S INSIGHT

Elena Ioannidou Ortner

Owner

Elenas Zypern Reisen

Vienna, Austria

www.elenaszypern.at

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AGENT CORNER www.traveltradeweekly.travel

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TRAVEL CHANNELS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

24 SEPTEMBER 2016

HotelsCombined has launched its first Rec-ognition of Excellence award in the UAE which honours hotels that achieve out-standing customer satisfaction.

To be considered for the accolade, properties are required to have received at least three awards throughout the year, a minimum of 100 guest reviews with an overall rating of eight points and have significant community initiatives in place. The Austral-ian comparison website uses its meta-search technol-ogy and proprietary algorithm to gather and analyse guest feedback to assist in the identification of out-standing accommodation.

Excellence award winners will receive a certificate and will display a badge on their own website.

An electric car charger has been installed at Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai and is available for use by electric car owners.

The hotel has committed to being a sustainable and socially responsible property through the adaption of various ecological practices and applications.

The property aspires towards the conservation of energy and water re-sources and the implementation and utilisation of new technology, which is powered by renewable energy sources whenever possible.

With these initiatives in mind, owning company, Seven Tides, has set up a charging station in an effort to reduce the emirate’s carbon footprint and to encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

City Centre Rotana Doha hosted an event for kids with special needs from the So-cial Services Department of Hamad Medical Corporation facility of Hamad Gen-eral Hospital and Rumeila Hospital, titled Hospitality With a Heart.

The management and team of the hotel welcomed the visitors and ensured a memorable day by playing a movie at the Almas Ballroom, and inviting the chil-

dren, their families and their supporters for lunch. On this occasion, Joseph Coubat, general manager, City Centre Rotana Doha, said, “We

seek through this initiative to confirm our commitment to social responsibility initiatives [...], and to cooperate with all local institutions to serve this country at all levels.”

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pub-lished its draft agreement for Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, which will be manda-tory for all eligible states from 2027 after a voluntary pilot and implementation period between 2021 – 2027.

While a number of governments have already committed, IATA is calling for others to sign up as soon as possible.

The document comes in response to the aviation indus-try’s request for a mandatory global carbon offset scheme to assist in managing the sector’s emissions as it continues to aim for carbon-neutral growth. Alexandre de Juniac, CEO, IATA, elaborated that carriers are heavily investing into new technology, the development of sustainable fuels and op-erational efficiency and now governments must match their efforts.

HOTELSCOMBINED RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN

THE UAE

ELECTRIC CAR CHARGER AT MÖVENPICK

SUPPORTING KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

AIRLINES WELCOME IATA CARBON REDUCTION SCHEME

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Etihad Airways was the official airline sponsor of London Fashion Week

Towel art at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Oriental melodies by Jennifer Grout at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha

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PHOTO ALBUMwww.traveltradeweekly.travel

Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut marked the second year of the team’s small cedars trees in Barouk

Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Rent A Car held a blood donation campaign

Face painting time at Air Arabia

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NEWS & EVENTS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Global Leades Gather in

Abu Dhabi

Jordan Shopping Festival: 500,000

Consumers

Abu Dhabi has been selected to stage the world’s first cul-tural leadership summit, a specialised event focussed

on the emerging challenges and op-portunities associated with culture.

The programme will bring togeth-er leaders from the worlds of govern-ment, the arts and media to address the role culture can play in addressing some of the great challenges of our time. The summit will also explore how new technologies are changing the na-ture of culture and cultural interactions with major consequences for educa-tion, economies, politics and virtually every other dimension of our lives.

Hosted by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the event will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island and other selected cultural locations across the UAE, between April 09 – 13, 2017.

Jordan Shopping Festival re-ceived more than 500 vendors and some 500,000 visitors in a month-long retail experience

that concluded in mid-August.The unique shopping concept was

the first of its kind in the Kingdom and was expected to act as a catalyst to boost the tourism and trade move-ment. Shoppers were able to purchase commodities and goods at competitive prices, with traders who participated in the event being permitted to offer dis-counts on their products.

Amman Chamber of Commerce collaborated with Jordan Tourism Board and Ministry of Culture to display attractive offerings in touristic areas, partly due to the overlap with Jerash and Fuheis, and other cultural festivals.

IMEX AMERICA

Las Vegas, USOctober 18 - 20 www.imexamerica.comThe hosted buyer programme qualifies and brings key buyers to the show, with IMEX America covering travel and accommodations.

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

November 07 – 09London, UKwww.wtmlondon.comA global meeting place for the travel trade, providing attendees with quality contacts, content and communities.

ITB ASIA

SingaporeOctober 19 – 21www.itb-asia.comHundreds of companies and organisations will come together for the annual trade show.

CULTURAL TOURISM MIDDLE EAST

November 14 – 15Dubai, UAEwww.culturaltourismme.comHigh-level officials from the tourism, cultural development and antiquities, heritage and arts, cultural activities and architectural heritage community will convene in Dubai.

EVENTS