air arabia’s net profit up 27 percent14 june 2014 issue 240 17 07 meraas holding has signed an...
TRANSCRIPT
07
Meraas Holding has signed an agreement with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to bring the luxury
hospitality brand to the emirate.
09
11
New Adagio Aparthotels in Jeddah and Riyadh
Hamad International Airport (HIA) is now fully operational, following all passenger airlines, in- cluding Qatar Airways, moved their operations to the airport.
IN THIS ISSUE
MARKET UPDATE
WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS & EVENTS
02 03 07 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Accor HotelServices Middle East has signed new management agreements to operate two new Adagio Aparthotel properties in Saudi Arabia.
Accurate as of
13/06/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
UAE (AED)
Egypt (EGP)
Occupancy Levels Drop in Kuwait
Gulf Air’s Strategy Yields Positive Results Following the successful implementation of its 2013 restructuring strategy, Gulf Air reduced its losses by 52 percent surpassing its target by BHD14.5 million (USD38.5 million).
Noting that the Bahraini carrier delivered its strongest financial results in eight years, H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, chairman, Gulf Air, said that within one year and against the backdrop of a challenging operational environ- ment, characterised by high fuel costs, excess capacity and economic uncertain- ty, this is a significant achievement.
Principally, the reduction in Gulf Air’s annual losses was achieved through the execution of a number of major cost-saving initiatives, amounting to 28 percent savings year-on-year.
M arking a year-on-year increase of 27 percent in net profit dur- ing the three-month period, the company’s turnover rose 14.5 percent to AED827 million
(USD225.2 million), while passenger numbers jumped 12 percent to 1.63 million, leading to a 81.5 percent load factor.
D ue to lower corporate demand, oc- cupancy levels in April dropped 10 percentage points to 54.2 percent in Kuwait, TRI Hospitality Consult- ing’s HotStats report shows.
The 2.2 percent increase in average rates to USD282.52 was insufficient to negate the 13.8 percent decline in RevPAR.
Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED75 million (USD20.4 million) for the first quarter (Q1) of the year.
Compared to the corresponding period in 2013, the corporate segment declined three percentage points to constitute 34.5 percent of the market and noticeably impacted revenues due to its contribution to demand.
Further subdued by a 2.1 percentage points rise in payroll costs, profits dropped 17.8 percent to USD159.67.
“Air Arabia has enjoyed a remarkable start to the year, which builds on our long and proud track record of success and achievement,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, adding that the airline’s expansion strategy continues to deliver profit- ability while bringing greater connectivity and flexibility to people across MENA.
Gulf Air
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International Tourism Generates USD1.4 Trillion in 2013
Total export earnings generated by international tour- ism in 2013 reached USD1.4 trillion, according to the World Tourism Organization’s latest World Tourism Barometer.
Receipts earned by destinations from international visitors on accommodation, food and drink, entertainment, shopping and goods rose five percent to USD1,159 billion.
Growth exceeded the long-term trend, up five percent in real terms, which also matched the increase in interna- tional arrivals, also showing a five percent rise, soaring to 1,087 billion.
In the Middle East, representing four percent of the to- tal, tourism receipts stood at USD47 billion.
British Hotels Cherish ME Market
The Midland Hotel Manchester
Following the recent Destination Britain Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa event, the British hospitality looks eager to attract more Arab guests.
According to Ciara Buckley, marketing and business development executive, The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned hospitality group, Saudi Arabia seems to be the most promising Middle Eastern market, even though the UAE remains more accessible in terms of marketing the company’s products.
Moreover Peter Shrigley, director of sales, The Mid- land Hotel Manchester, attested that in 2013 the hotel recorded 600 -700 hotel nights from the region, with the majority of the guests travelling for leisure purposes.
Orascom Raises El Gouna’s Profile Orascom Development Holding, the company be- hind El Gouna, continues to cement the destination’s position as a unique hot- spot for families and water- sports enthusiasts.
As Jens Freise, vice president, marketing and sales, destinations and hotels, Orascom Devel- opment Holding, noted,
highlights of the past months include the establishment of Orascom Hotel Management, the company’s own hotel asset management company, the opening of a four-star, adults-only hotel in Makadi and the launch of new leisure facilities in El Gouna, including the new cable park.
The group has also rebranded Miramar Resort Taba Heights, formerly known as Club Med El Gouna.
El Gouna
Abu Dhabi: Guest Numbers up 29 Percent
Abu Dhabi’s 153 hotels and hotel apartments wel- comed 304,637 guests in April, an increase of 29 per- cent versus the same month in 2013.
Correspondingly guest nights rose 26 percent to 933,809, boosting occupancy levels by 10 percent to 79 percent and revenues by 23 percent to AED577 million (USD157.1 million).
“Our immediate challenge is to address the average length of stay which dipped in April by two percent to 3.07 nights. We are working on initiatives to encourage more products into the market and to step up the in- ternational trade and consumer awareness of the des- tination and its breadth of offering,” explained Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
During April, the UK proved to be the destination’s best-performing source market, followed by India.
Dubai Promotes New Brand Identity
Dubai Department of Commerce and Tourism Marketing (DTCM) declared its recent participation at IMEX in Frankfurt as a major success.
During the show, DTCM, along with a delegation that comprised over 50 travel industry partners, highlighted the destination’s proven capacity to host mega-incentive groups and shared details of the recently launched Dubai Associa- tion Centre. Furthermore a new agreement was announced with the International Association of Professional Conference Organizers, and DTCM also revealed that the recent hosting of the Chinese group from Nu Skin Enterprises, the largest incentive group in the UAE history, generated an economic impact estimated at USD80 million for the emirate.
Following similar representation arrangements with agencies in the UK and France, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has appointed tourism marketing and public rela- tions specialists, Lieb Management to cover Germany, Aus- tria and Switzerland.
The move is expected to greatly enhance Qatar’s on- the-ground presence in the German-speaking countries and promote the destination to tour operators, travel agencies, MICE and event organisers as well as the media.
As Rashed AlQurese, director of marketing and promo- tions, QTA, noted, “These are sophisticated markets with discerning travellers actively seeking new and different va- cation experiences. We are already seeing a very encourag- ing growth in interest from the German language zone and are confident that Qatar has what it takes to meet and ex- ceed the expectations of visitors from this part of the world.”
Qatar Targets German Tourists
Dubai Team at IMEX
14 JUNE 2014
Between January and March, regional and inter- national arrivals reached 387,022 in Qatar, marking a nine percent year-on-year increase, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)’s statistics show.
Exhibiting a five percent rise, GCC countries showed particularly good performance with Saudi Arabia proving to be the largest single source of visi- tors, while Kuwait took the title of the fastest grow- ing market, demonstrating a 42 percent surge.
Consequently, average hotel occupancy rose seven percent to 75 percent, assisted by a 1.9 percent decrease in available rooms. Total revenue at four- and five-star hotels jumped 5.4 percent to QAR999.4 million (USD274.5 million) while at three-star prop- erties it stood at QAR1 million (USD274,600).
During the three-month stretch, the total num- ber of hotels under construction increased to 125 properties with 21,812 rooms expected to come on line.
Visitor Numbers Up in Qatar Hungary to Lure Middle Eastern Visitors
Hungarian Tourism, the national body responsible for the international promotion of the Central European country, is to step up the promotion of the destina- tion’s health tourism products, MICE travel packages
and facilities, the capital city of Budapest and its cultural herit- age in the Middle East.
Gergely Horváth, CEO, Hungarian Tourism, described the Middle East as a growing and increasingly important source market to the Europe- an country, which has shown positive signs over the past years, suggesting that this trend is expected to continue in the future.
Budapest, Hungary
6 WEEKLY NEWS
14 JUNE 2014
Nakheel Mall Contact Awarded Dubai-based developer, Nakheel has awarded a con- tract worth more than AED1.2 billion (USD326.7 million) for the construction of Nakheel Mall to United Engineer- ing Construction and Actco General Contracting.
Built in the heart of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the 418,000m2 hub will boast five retail levels, three parking levels, 200 shops, two anchor department stores, a nine- screen cinema, medical centre and a fitness complex. In addition, the roof plaza will host a number of restaurants and food and beverage outlets. The project is slated for completion in 2016.
Alongside Nakheel Mall will be The Palm Tower, the company’s five-star, 50-storey complex featuring 290 ho- tel rooms and 504 residential complexes offering pano- ramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
f Jordan to Host Next ACI Regional Assembly
UAE and Cuba Ink Open Skies Agreement
Cuba
Jordan has been selected as the host country for Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific’s 10th regional as- sembly, which will take place between April 27 – 29, 2015 at the Dead Sea.
Expressing delight at organising the prestigious event, Rodolfo Echeverria, chief financial officer, Airport Interna- tional Group (AIG), said, “We have just celebrated the first year anniversary of our new Queen Alia International Air- port terminal which was opened in March 2013 and we are proud to provide Jordan with a world-class airport that of- fers a unique travel experience and positions the Kingdom as a niche transit hub in the region.”
Echeverria received the flag during the closing cer- emony of the recently concluded ACI Asia Pacific / World Annual General Assembly hosted by Incheon Airport in Seoul, which boasted record-breaking attendance with over 1,000 delegates from more than 70 countries.
The UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Author- ity (GCAA) has signed an open skies agreement with Cuba.
The deal was officiated during the GCAA delegation’s visit in the island country, where representatives of both states discussed the possibilities of further strengthening ties between the nations, particularly in the field of air travel, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general, GCAA, ex- plained.
In terms of the deal, Emirati and Cuban national airlines will now be allowed to perform an unlimited number of flights between the two destinations. On behalf of the UAE, GCAA designated all of its national carriers to conduct inter- national air transportations with the Caribbean country.
Camel Dive Club & Hotel Outlines Future Plans
Camel Dive Club & Hotel Sharm El Sheikh aims to strength- en its position as a destination for diving holidays at the Red Sea coast and as Clare Mucklow, marketing manager, Camel Dive Club & Hotel, explained, over the past months, the man- agement has increased its investment in marketing activities.
“We are the only four-star boutique hotel in Sharm El Sheikh with its own complete high quality facilities for diving and après dive, a five-star training centre, Indian and Italian restaurants, café and our famous Camel Bar, all in one place,” highlighted Mucklow, saying that over the next months, the management will re-package the diving and snorkeling ser- vices to encourage early booking and payment.
Palestine: 150,000 Hotel Guests in Q1
During the first quarter (Q1) of the year, 149,526 guests stayed in West Bank hotels, contributing to 361,711 nights, with travellers from European Union countries accounting for 38 percent, Palestinians for 10 percent, and US and Canada for 11 percent of the total.
During Q1, hotel guest numbers increased by 24 per- cent year-on-year, boosting occupancy by five percent to 23 percent.
This time, 116 of the 120 hotels in the West Bank re- sponded to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics’ survey representing a room inventory of 6,674 rooms with a total of 14,780 beds.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Dubai
Dubai-based real estate development company, Mer- aas Holding has signed an agreement with Bulgari Ho- tels & Resorts to bring the luxury hospitality brand to the emirate.
The fifth Bulgari-branded hotel in the world will be located at Jumeirah Bay and will feature 100 rooms and suites in the main building, along with 20 villas and a full range of luxury hotel facilities.
“We are confident the new resort will emerge as a welcome addition to Dubai’s iconic shoreline. Through this key partnership, we will be expanding our portfolio in the hospitality sector in line with Dubai Vision 2020 for tourism,” commented H.E. Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman, Meraas Holding.
As Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO, Bulgari Group, re- vealed, the project forms part of the company’s broader strategy aimed at forging a stronger presence in the GCC.
Alexander Hotel, Bethlehem
Gloria Downtown Hotel to Open in Q4
Gloria Hotels & Resorts plans to expand its operations in the UAE, with Gloria Downtown Hotel, the company’s first project in Abu Dhabi, which is set to be unveiled in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the year aiming to provide excellent services in a friendly atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the capital city within walking distance from the corniche, the luxury family hotel will comprise 156 rooms and suites, providing stylish design and comfortable furnishing, Freddy Farid, area general manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, revealed.
As he further explained, the company is also looking to expand its portfolio in Cairo, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia over the next two years.
InterContinental Aqaba Resort: Ready for Summer
In line with its endeavours to provide guests with a well-rounded and memorable experience, InterConti- nental Aqaba Resort is planning various surprises for the coming months.
As Mazen Abu Sakha, general manager, InterConti- nental Aqaba Resort, revealed, during the FIFA World Cup, football fans will be able to cheer on their favourite teams in front of giant screens at the property’s beach.
Meanwhile, during the Holy Month, guests will enjoy classical outdoor nights with live Arabic music and songs while immersing themselves in traditional Ramadan fla- vours and beverages.
InterContinental Aqaba
Elaf Group: Upcoming Hotel Introduced to UAE Market
Elaf Group of Companies recently threw the spot- light on the upcoming Elaf Al Salam hotel on the occasion of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai.
“We are very thankful for the overwhelming response and the opening of opportunities that we have received at this year’s ATM,” said Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, president, Elaf Group of Companies. “In fact, we experienced an eight to 10 percent increase in attendance as compared to our participation [in 2013]. Our stand was always full of people inquiring and asking about our hotels, which reflects the in- creased awareness on the Elaf brand and its products and services.”
Elaf Al Salam represents a successful combina- tion of luxury and opulence along with the finest ser- vices and amenities that the Elaf brand is known for.
14 JUNE 2014
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Unveils Origami Display
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai has suspended an orna- mental design in the lobby, inspired by the ancient Japa- nese art, origami.
To replace the thousands of flowers normally used dur- ing the summer months, Nadine O’Connor, housekeeping manager, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, turned to a more sus- tainable solution.
“I was looking for a creative alternative to floral displays during the summer months and thought this project would engage the whole team and support the sustainability ini- tiatives of the hotel. The use of bright colours represents diversity, hope and a bright promise,” explained O’Connor.
Anantara North Residences Launched
Anantara Residences Dubai The Palm
Seven Tides has launched the latest phase of its luxury project, Anantara Residences on The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
The release of the 47 two-bedroom deluxe apart- ments is expected to attract growing interest with the first two phases in the South Residences, comprising a total of 111 units, already sold.
As Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides, noted, apart from high specification interior design and quality workmanship, another beneficial aspect is the fact that the units are completed and virtually ready to move in.
New Adagio Aparthotels in Jeddah and Riyadh
Accor HotelServices Middle East has signed new man- agement agreements with Alesayi Group to operate two new Adagio Aparthotel properties in Saudi Arabia.
Slated for opening by 2017, both the 200-unit Adagio Aparthotel Jeddah Alesayi Plaza and the 150-key Adagio Aparthotel Riyadh Dhabab will be developed next to up- coming ibis hotels and will feature studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitch- ens, along with breakfast rooms, a café corner, fitness cen-
tre and small meeting rooms. According to Christophe Landais,
chief operating officer, Accor Ho- telServices Middle East, developing clusters of ibis and Adagio Aparthotel creates a winning combination of af- fordable short- and long-stay offer- ings for these strategic locations.
Adagio Aparthotel
14 JUNE 2014
At the first Tunisia – Kurdistan Economic Forum, hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on June 2, Tunisair announced the launch of two direct weekly ser- vices between Tunis and Erbil.
The inaugural flight carrying Tunisian government offi- cials, representatives of more than 50 companies, as well as journalists, was welcomed on the same day in the Iraqi city.
Speaking about the two countries’ developing relation- ship, Sinan Chalabi, minister of trade and industry, KRG, said “There are numerous fields in which we can benefit from trade with Tunisia, particularly tourism, agriculture, and industry, as Tunisia exports to more than 160 countries and is considered a major trading partner of the European Union. [...] There is significant opportunity and potential from both sides that can be utilised to expand economic relations.”
The new flight marked Tunisair’s first service in Iraq after 23 years of suspended activity due to the country’s political and security situation.
Tunisair Inaugurates Kurdistan Route
Tunisia - Kurdistan Economic Forum
Gulf Air: New Medina Schedule during Ramadan
Emirates: Six Times a Day to Karachi
Gulf Air will modify its flight schedule to and from the religious city of Medina for the period between July 1 – 24.
The move comes in line with the Bah- raini carrier’s endeavours to cater to Mus- lim travellers’ needs by allowing passen- gers to break their fast during the Holy Month either after landing in the Saudi city or during the two-hour flight.
“As an airline with one of the largest Middle East networks, a significant num- ber of our passengers observe Ramadan and, with our modified flight schedule, we aim to respect the religious and cul- tural customs of our fasting travellers. We believe the modified schedule ca- ters to our passengers’ needs and will improve their travel experience,” com-
mented Ahmed Al Matrook, acting sen- ior manager, GCC and Middle East sales, Gulf Air.
The airline launched operations to Medina in 2010 and currently offers five weekly services between Bahrain and the religious hub, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft with a two-class configura- tion.
Emirates is to launch its sixth daily service to the Pakistani city of Karachi, effective from August 1.
The additional connection will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two class configuration, offering an extra cargo capacity of 17 tonnes and a total of 14,185 seats per week.
Highlighting the significance of the
route, which attracted over six million passengers in the past decade alone, Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, Emirates, said, “Emirates has had a long-standing relationship with the city of Karachi, being the first destination we flew to on our launch day, October 25, 1985.”
The additional frequency is timed to connect especially well at Emirates’ home at Dubai International with ser- vices from London, Paris, Frankfurt, To- ronto, New York and Boston.
Karachi is amongst the few cities the airline serves with six daily services, with Bangkok and Doha being the oth- er two.
14 JUNE 2014
SAUDIA Launches Al-Fursan Golden Lounge
In line with the overall developments taking place within Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) aimed at improving the level of services provided to customers, the airline has re- cently opened the new Al Fursan lounge in the domestic terminal of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Located on the mezzanine floor, the 1,200m2 lounge boasts a capacity of approximately 220 guests, and fea- tures various seating sections, a hospitality area, business centre and a prayer rooms amongst others.
According to Abdul Rahman al-Fahd, vice president, marketing and product, SAUDIA, the launch of the new facility complements the company’s overall strategic plan which aims to improve all the Al Fursan lounges in all major airports across the Kingdom.
HIA Becomes Fully Operational
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport (HIA), the region’s latest state-of-the-art aviation hub is now fully operational, following all passenger airlines, including Qatar Airways, moved their operations to the airport.
Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, described the airline’s move to Doha’s new airport as yet another mile- stone in the rich history of Qatar Airways, and one that will allow the carrier to fully realise its ambitions and to offer passengers the very best of services, both in the air and on the ground.
“The airport will also be able to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, such as our much-anticipated Qa- tar Airways Airbus A380 which will commence operations to the UK in June and France in July,” added Al Baker.
Qatar Airways: New Route to Turkey
Qatar Airways has continued its expansion drive with the launch of direct services to its third destina- tion in Turkey, with the inaugural flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport touching down on May 22.
The start of a four-times-weekly service brings the number of flights operated by the airline to Turkey from 14 to 18 frequencies per week.
“Istanbul is a magical city that is rich in history and culture so we are thrilled to be providing this new scheduled service to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, an air- port that serves as a vital connecting hub between Asia and Europe,” said Marwan Koleilat, chief commer- cial officer, Qatar Airways.
In addition to the new route, the Qatari airline also operates services to Istanbul Atatürk Airport on the western, European side of the city.
14 JUNE 2014
On June 3 Zagrosjet launched sched- uled weekly services between Larnaca, Cyprus and the Iraqi city of Erbil which will be operated by Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.
Krekar Gardi, commercial director, Zagrosjet, described the Mediterranean island as a developing tourist destination for Iraqis, while he also praised the high level of services provided to airlines op- erating to Larnaka International Airport.
Welcoming the carrier to Cyprus, Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, noted that the Iraqi airline reconnects the island with the Middle Eastern country, creat- ing new prospects for cooperation in various fields, such as enterprise, tourism and cross-cultural exchange of ideas and culture.
“I am confident that travellers in Erbil will quickly recognise that Cyprus, be- sides being an amazing tourist destina- tion, is also a portal through which Iraqis can travel to the rest of the world such as Europe and North Africa,” concluded Porter.
Zagrosjet Links Larnaca and Erbil
SAUDIA Cargo Launches Services from Europe to Doha
SAUDIA Cargo commenced two weekly Boeing 747 freighter services from Frankfurt and Amsterdam to Doha.
Operating on Wednesdays and Sundays respectively, the new routes are expected to meet growing demand in a market.
“We are delighted to be introducing this new direct service from Europe to Doha. Not only will it provide our customers with greater choice and flexibility at competitive rates, but it will also be a valuable addition to our expanding network. Thus, further strengthening our position in the Middle Eastern market,” commented Nabil Khojah, CEO, SAUDIA Cargo.
SAUDIA Cargo currently operates a fleet of 15 freighters and sells the belly-capacity on 145 passenger aircraft for the Kingdom’s flag carrier, SAUDIA.
Qatar Airways Cargo to Operate to Mexico Qatar Airways Cargo is to commence twice-weekly freighter services to Mexico City, effective from June 11.
As Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer, Qatar Airways Cargo, noted, the launch of the new offering will herald the beginning of the company’s operations in Latin America.
The carrier will deploy a Boeing 777 freighter on the route between Doha’s new Hamad Interna- tional Airport and the Mexican capital’s Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport.
Commenting on the service, Ian Morgan, vice president, cargo, Americas, Qatar Airways, said, “Mexico has one of the world’s largest economies, and it boasts one of the most developed manufac- turing sectors in Latin America. The new dedicated Qatar Airways Cargo service will create new and ex- citing opportunities for businesses in Mexico and beyond.”
Saudia Cargo
14 JUNE 2014
SAUDIA Moves to HIA Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has shifted its opera- tions from Doha International Airport to the recently inau- gurated Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Passengers flying from Jeddah to the Qatari capital were the first SAUDIA customers to experience the region’s newest air hub first hand.
In addition to the Jeddah – Doha route, the Saudi car- rier also offers direct services from the capital city of Riyadh to the newly launched Qatari airport.
Qatar Airways Lands in Edinburgh
Inaugural Flight
Qatar Airways has commenced scheduled services be- tween Doha and Edinburgh, its third destination in the UK.
According to Marwan Koleilat, chief commercial of- ficer, Qatar Airways, the new Scottish addition will ben- efit the local market in Scotland and attract a significant amount of business and trade links for those wishing to travel to Edinburgh from all corners of the world.
The new route is not only the first for the city to the Middle East region, but also Edinburgh’s first scheduled service on one of the world’s newest aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Humza Yousaf, minister of external affairs and interna- tional development, Scotland, commented, “This service will help build on this important link and promote Scot- land as a great place to do business. By removing the need for extra connecting flights, it will also make Scotland a more attractive destination for tourists.”
Etihad Airways – AEGEAN Airlines Partnership Takes Off
Etihad Airways and codeshare partner, AEGEAN Airlines have celebrated five years of the UAE carrier’s nonstop ser- vices between Athens and Abu Dhabi, and the start of the Greek airline’s new direct flights to the UAE capital.
As Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, noted, year after year the Athens route has exceed- ed expectations, thus for the summer season the airline is deploying a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft, returning to Airbus A320 operations for the winter months.
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of AEGEAN Airlines’ new four-weekly flights between the capi- tal cities.
“Etihad Airways will place its EY flight code on these new AEGEAN services, and, focussing on our guests in the travel and tourism industry, the business community and govern- ments, we look forward to further cementing the strong ties between Greece and the UAE,” added Baumgartner.
BEST WESTERN Tokyo Nishikasai
Best Western International (BWI) has launched its second property in the Japanese capital.
Located in eastern Tokyo’s Edoga- wa Ward, BEST WESTERN Tokyo Nishi- kasai is a contemporary midscale hotel set in a modern nine-storey building, offering a choice of 184 contemporary rooms. Guests can also benefit from a restaurant serving Japanese and inter- national dishes, and meeting space for up to 80 delegates.
“With convenient links to Tokyo’s main business district and excellent facilities for the corporate market, we expected this superb hotel to be ex- tremely popular with Japanese busi- ness travellers,” commented Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, BWI.
Carlson Rezidor Expands in Asia Pacific Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has continued to grow its footprint in Asia Pacific.
The new signings include the 70-key Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Aligarh Uttar Pradesh and the 80-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Kharar, while Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City and Park Plaza Zirakpur are the company’s new jewels in India.
At the same time, the group also opened Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok, its first Radisson Blu hotel in the Thai capital.
“Next few months, we will continue to grow our hotel portfolio and strengthen our position in these emerging markets as well as in Indonesia and China,” revealed Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezi- dor Hotel Group.
Hilton to Debut in Zambia Hilton Worldwide signed an agreement with National Pension Scheme Authority to open its first hotel in Lusaka, Zambia under its Hilton Garden Inn brand.
The 148-room Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka City Centre is expected to launch in 2015 and will form part of an integrated, mixed-use de- velopment alongside corporate and government offices.
The hotel will incorporate the brand’s functional signature fea- tures of a business centre and complimentary Internet access, while
guest amenities will include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, all-day dining facility, a garden lounge and bar.
“The introduction of Hilton Garden Inn in Zambia marks a new chapter in the brand’s ever-evolving global portfolio. We are delight- ed to help meet the growing local demand for affordable, quality ac- commodation in Zambia’s blossoming capital city and look forward to welcoming guests to Hilton Garden Inn’s award-winning hospital- ity,” commented Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn.
Park Plaza Zirakpur
Wings Travel Management Takes over Brazilian Company
Wings Travel Management has acquired Cabtur Operadora de Turismo, obtaining full owner- ship and management control of the Brazilian travel management company that is considered a market leader in the oil and gas sector.
The entity, which will operate in Brazil under the name Wings Travel Management, will be run by Richard Karol, vice president, Americas, Wings Travel Manage- ment, who commented, “I am pleased that Wings has consoli- dated its position in Brazil and I believe that we are now well-po- sitioned to become the premier provider of travel and logistics
services to the rapidly expanding Brazilian oil and gas market.”
According to Karol, the move also reinforces the company’s commitment to becoming the best in class service provider to the oil and gas industry globally by venturing into complex envi- ronments such as Brazil, Africa or the Middle East.
Tony Sofianos, CEO, Wings Travel Management, emphasised that while it took almost two years to conclude the purchase, it was important for the company to work through the complexities of full ownership and of those of the Brazilian business environ- ment.
AGENT’S INSIGHT
Who are you? I am originally a Bedouin from Petra and I come from a very large family. I studied film directing in Amman and at the same time directed an amateur film of the local Bedouin community’s interaction with Western society. I am the owner and managing director of Jordan Tours, as well as Petra Kitchen, a restaurant where clients cook alongside local women and a professional chef. I also own Made In Jordan Gallery, where local handcrafts are sold for the benefit of those who made them.
What is your favourite thing about working in the trav- el industry? The creativeness you can put in this field, always adding a special touch and new ideas to make sure that your clients’ experience is unforgettable. With an active imagination, I am always getting involved in new ideas and I am enthusi- astic about organising events which can benefit the local community. Over the years, Jordan Tours & Travel has or- ganised a number of incentives for pharmaceutical com- panies, various industries and speciality fields.
When is the best time to visit Jordan? Based on the weather conditions, the best time to visit Jor- dan is definitely during the months of September, October, March, April and May. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? My big dream for the future is to travel to Rio De Janeiro.
Why should people come to you for travel advice? Because we definitely put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and we arrange their trip as if it was our own holiday. Moreover, we offer the best quality with affordable prices, granting our assistance 24 hours per day.
NAME: Eid Nawafleh
Amadeus and Qatar Airways Extend Partnership
Amadeus and Qatar Airways announced a multi-year extension of their existing IT servic- es agreement, which will see the carrier con- tinuing to benefit from Amadeus’ portfolio of technology products and solutions.
Further, Amadeus’ Altea Suite, the passen- ger service system (PSS), will enable the Qatari airline to strengthen its business strategy and increase efficiency through automation in a bid to boost revenue generation and customer retention.
“The fast-paced technological environ- ment today, coupled with burgeoning com- petition in the aviation industry have made strong infrastructure a vital necessity to sup- port the growth of any business,” said François Weissert, senior vice president, Middle East and Asia, Amadeus, adding that the technol- ogy provider has had a long-standing relation- ship with Qatar Airways and its IT solutions have been instrumental in enabling the airline to maintain and enhance its service standards.
16 TRAVEL TALK
14 JUNE 2014
Richard Gosling
“The [Best Five-star Hotel award at the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards] is a welcome tribute to the hard work of the team that brought our first Hilton property into the emirate of Sharjah just over one year ago; and I am delighted that we have been recognised for what Hilton hotels do best – satisfying our guests across the full spectrum of our business and leisure offering in the emirate.”
General manager, Hilton Sharjah.
Chairman, MANAFA.
“We are glad to be able to make a difference to our community and help change lives for a better future [through the special award ceremony, re- cently held at The Ajman Palace Hotel & Resort for orphans]. Education is critical for progress and it is essential that high quality education is accessible to all. Al-Nafa Foundation for Humanitarian Work and Charity is an organisation that addresses the educational needs of orphans and vulnerable chil- dren helping them become responsible citizens.”
General manager, Ramada Sharjah.
“On behalf of the property, I would like to thank both the organisers of MENA Travel Awards and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for recognising our efforts [with the Silver Award in the ‘Best Four-star Business/Cor- porate Hotel’ category and the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award]. I highly commend the team of the hotel for keeping the high standards of hospi- tality experience for our guests.”
Alper Can Bulcum
Director, Dubai Convention and Events Bureau.
“Dozens of international associations are keen on utilising the opportunities presented by Dubai. The [recently launched] Dubai Association Cen- tre is an ideal platform to help spur growth and will act as a regional springboard for international bodies looking to boost their membership num- bers, find new funding opportunities, develop strategic partnerships and establish local and re- gional chapters.”
Steen Jakobsen
TRAVEL TALK is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, and observations to
[email protected]
Manoli Athanassiou
Matthew Tripolone
Tareq Bagaeen
Manoli Athanassiou has been appointed food and bever- age manager at Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence. Athanassiou started his career in 2002 as a management train- ee at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre after holding various positions in Lebanon. Prior to joining Ramada Plaza
Jumeirah Beach Residence, he was affiliated with Desert Palm Dubai and various properties at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation where he started as conference and banqueting operations manager and held progressive roles, eventually achieving the post of assistant director of food and beverage.
Matthew Tripolone has been named head of development for the Australasia region at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Effective from early June, Trip- olone is based at the company’s Sydney head office and leads IHG’s strategic growth and de- velopment across the region,
including in Australia, New Zea- land and the Pacific Islands. Tripolone joins IHG from Ac- cor where he served as general manager of development in the Pacific region since 2008.
Tareq Bagaeen has joined Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s regional team as director of sales for the Middle East. Based in the area support of- fice in Dubai, Bagaeen will work closely with the compa- ny’s hotels providing inbound and outbound sales support across the region. In addition, he will play an ac- tive role in all kinds of sales activities, including road- shows, workshops, as well as exhibitions. Having held various positions
with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Hyatt Corporation as well as Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, the seasoned sales and marketing professional has extensive experience and knowledge from Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East region. Most recently, Bagaeen was responsible for sales, market- ing and revenue generation for Banyan Tree Hotels & Re- sorts and Angsana Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Bang- kok and Laos.
Tripolone will be in charge of the
Australasia region
18 TRAVEL CHANNELS
14 JUNE 2014
Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar has successfully wrapped up the fourth instalment of the Saudi Development Centre programme.
T his time around, four candidates completed a five-week training that focussed on front office systems. Furthermore the programme’s key components included guest service standards, applications of key operating techniques, hospitality requirements and technical practice on front
office systems, while extensive training on the types of guestrooms, facilities and back office areas was also provided.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ internship initiative aims to equip participants with additional expertise and insight into the dynamic hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia. Participating candidates also receive valuable cross-exposure at the company’s nine properties in the Kingdom.
Etihad Airways to Establish UAE Flight Training College
Etihad Airways is to open Etihad Flight College for Emirati and international cadet pilots.
The airline is in the process of acquiring the fixed wing training division of Horizon International Flight Academy.
“The establishment of the Etihad Flight College is a natu- ral part of our strategy to produce the best pilots to support our rapidly expanding fleet. It also helps underpin the growth and development of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi,” com- mented James Hogan, group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.
According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) the number of domestic tourism trips has risen from 19 million in 2012 to 23.8 million in 2013, with spending exceeding SAR28 billion (USD7.5 billion).
Based on data compiled by SCTA’s statistical service, in 2013 the sector contributed SAR75 billion (USD20 billion) to the economy, representing 2.7 percent of the national GDP.
The same source also indicated that until the end of March, the number of tourist accom- modation establishments reached 3,710 facilities, while the number of hotel rooms stood at 299,500 and 87,080 units in furnished apartments.
The airport industry’s endeavours towards addressing carbon emission issues were highly commended at the annual International Transport Forum (ITF).
The voluntary climate change ini- tiative, Airport Carbon Accreditation, was named as one of two runner-ups for ITF’s Transport Achievement Award, which, according to José Viegas, secre- tary general, ITF, clearly demonstrates widespread and progressive promo- tion of good practices.
Launched five years ago by Air- ports Council International, the pro- gramme certified 98 airports for the ongoing work to map, reduce, opti- mise and ultimately neutralise their carbon emissions.
Over 23 Million Domestic Saudi Tourist Trips
Airport Industry’s Carbon Reduction
Programme Applauded
Participants at the Fourth Saudi Development Centre Programme
19RENDEZVOUS
14 JUNE 2014
Q & A with Ali Al Naqbi Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman, Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), discusses the organisation’s main goal to act as the principal forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs and benefits of business aviation in MENA.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main benefits of business aviation?
Ali Al Naqbi: Business aviation is a proven business productivity improvement tool, when managed correctly, and a cost effective means of travel. A recent study conducted by NEXA Advisors and commissioned by the Na- tional Business Aviation Association, showed that companies utilising business aviation not only performed well during the recent re- cession, but are continuing to show positive signs of growth in the nascent recovery when compared to their competitors. [...]
The other aspect of business aviation which is often overlooked is its role in humanitarian efforts. For example, in the aftermath of Hur- ricane Katrina, the first aircraft to land and de- liver aid, food and assistance to those in need, days and weeks directly after the crisis, was a general aviation aircraft. This gave us the inspi- ration for a new initiative between MEBAA and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to launch Fly and Feed. We are in the pro- cess of creating a mechanism that will enable operators and passengers to contribute to WFP. It is our way of contributing to WFP’s ongoing efforts in fighting hunger across the globe.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main ob- stacles faced by the sector?
Ali Al Naqbi: Here in the MENA region we face many challenges handicapping the in- dustry. One area I would highlight is the fight against illegal chartering. Globally, MEBAA is leading this fight and is working closely with the International Business Aviation Council to define what an illegal flight is and are work- ing together in developing a global campaign
carrier movements, while other users such as business aviation, whose contribution to aeronautical revenue is incorrectly regarded as minor, are treated as secondary. This results in capacity restraints, peak charges, schedule coordination and limitation on fixed-base op- erator (FBO) facilities.
When MEBAA was founded in June 2006 we began working towards a designated business aviation airport, as we believed this would encourage the development of FBOs, maintenance, repair and operations facilities, manufacturers, educational institutions and other aviation-related businesses necessary to meet the growing demands of business avia- tion in the region. Dubai World Central is now this airport with everything we hoped for. [...]
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main dif- ferences between MENA and other parts of the world in terms of business aviation regulations and developments?
Ali Al Naqbi: The common problem faced by all associations across the globe is the fact that regulations that are imposed upon business aviation, were in fact designed for commercial operators. Despite sharing the same airspace, the two are so different that such regulation carries an adverse effect on the productivity and operational efficiency of business aviation, and in some instance, it brings safety standards into question.
In fact, when given license to do so, global business aircraft operators do very well at po- licing themselves by voluntarily adopting their own industry standard and demonstrating how a high level of safety in flight operations can be achieved without the burden of exces- sive legislation. [...]
Ali Al Naqbi Founding chairman, MEBAA
targeting individual passengers and corpo- rations alike.
At a recent Middle East Business Aviation Conference (MEBAC), panellists estimated that 10 – 30 percent of the regional industry oper- ates illegally within the grey market. This is a conservative number but still large enough to blight the reputation of our industry. [...]
Travel Trade Weekly: Over the past years Middle Eastern governments have in- vested billions of dollars into the aviation sector. How important is it that these gov- ernments also recognise the benefits busi- ness aviation can deliver?
Ali Al Naqbi: One of the major challenges for our industry and MEBAA as an associa- tion faces, has been airport access and its integration across the supply chain. Glob- ally, this is an even greater problem because airports have an increased emphasis on
20 NEWS & EVENTS
14 JUNE 2014
EVENTS PAGE
Routes Africa Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, June 22 – 24, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) An event for aviation based companies who wish to conduct business to, from and within the African region.
Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) Beijing, China, June 27 – 29, 2014 (www.bitechina.com) Asia’s leading annual travel event with high-quality exhibitors and buyers.
Routes Silk Road Tbilisi, Georgia, July 6 – 8, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) A route development forum that connects CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Incentive, Business, Travel & Meetings Expo (IBTM) India Chennai, India, September 3 – 5, 2014 (www.ibtmevents.com) A one-to-one invitation-only event for India’s inbound, outbound and domestic incentives, business travel and meetings industry.
Shanghai International Golf & Travel (SIGT) Shanghai, China, September 5 – 7, 2014 (www.shanghaigolfshow.com) SIGT will be a meeting place where golf industry people and golf enthusiasts can meet and interact.
China Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo (CIBTM) Beijing, China, September 17 – 19, 2014 (www.cibtm.com) An ideal platform for suppliers to the business events industry.
World Routes 2014 Chicago, US, September 20 – 23, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) An essential global gathering for aviation organisations from across al continents and countries.
Cityscape Global Dubai, UAE, September 21 – 23, 2014 (www.cityscape.org) Cityscape Global’s mission is to enhance and support the vision for real estate growth worldwide to an international audience.
Sharjah Wraps up Europe Roadshow In line with its efforts to capture a larger share of the European travel and tourism market, the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Devel- opment Authority (SCTDA) organised a five-day roadshow in Cen- tral Europe.
Beginning with the Austrian capital city of Vienna, the pro- gramme covered major cities across Germany and concluded in
Geneva, Switzerland, attracting more than 250 companies who participated in workshops and in- teractive meetings.
As H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, SCTDA, high- lighted, the campaign focussed on promoting the emirate’s tour- ism experience of cultural herit- age in order to target new tourist markets on the continent, which makes up a significant percentage of Sharjah’s arrivals.
Sponsored by
Meraas Holding has signed an agreement with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to bring the luxury
hospitality brand to the emirate.
09
11
New Adagio Aparthotels in Jeddah and Riyadh
Hamad International Airport (HIA) is now fully operational, following all passenger airlines, in- cluding Qatar Airways, moved their operations to the airport.
IN THIS ISSUE
MARKET UPDATE
WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS & EVENTS
02 03 07 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Accor HotelServices Middle East has signed new management agreements to operate two new Adagio Aparthotel properties in Saudi Arabia.
Accurate as of
13/06/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
MENA EXCHANGE RATES
UAE (AED)
Egypt (EGP)
Occupancy Levels Drop in Kuwait
Gulf Air’s Strategy Yields Positive Results Following the successful implementation of its 2013 restructuring strategy, Gulf Air reduced its losses by 52 percent surpassing its target by BHD14.5 million (USD38.5 million).
Noting that the Bahraini carrier delivered its strongest financial results in eight years, H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, chairman, Gulf Air, said that within one year and against the backdrop of a challenging operational environ- ment, characterised by high fuel costs, excess capacity and economic uncertain- ty, this is a significant achievement.
Principally, the reduction in Gulf Air’s annual losses was achieved through the execution of a number of major cost-saving initiatives, amounting to 28 percent savings year-on-year.
M arking a year-on-year increase of 27 percent in net profit dur- ing the three-month period, the company’s turnover rose 14.5 percent to AED827 million
(USD225.2 million), while passenger numbers jumped 12 percent to 1.63 million, leading to a 81.5 percent load factor.
D ue to lower corporate demand, oc- cupancy levels in April dropped 10 percentage points to 54.2 percent in Kuwait, TRI Hospitality Consult- ing’s HotStats report shows.
The 2.2 percent increase in average rates to USD282.52 was insufficient to negate the 13.8 percent decline in RevPAR.
Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED75 million (USD20.4 million) for the first quarter (Q1) of the year.
Compared to the corresponding period in 2013, the corporate segment declined three percentage points to constitute 34.5 percent of the market and noticeably impacted revenues due to its contribution to demand.
Further subdued by a 2.1 percentage points rise in payroll costs, profits dropped 17.8 percent to USD159.67.
“Air Arabia has enjoyed a remarkable start to the year, which builds on our long and proud track record of success and achievement,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia, adding that the airline’s expansion strategy continues to deliver profit- ability while bringing greater connectivity and flexibility to people across MENA.
Gulf Air
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International Tourism Generates USD1.4 Trillion in 2013
Total export earnings generated by international tour- ism in 2013 reached USD1.4 trillion, according to the World Tourism Organization’s latest World Tourism Barometer.
Receipts earned by destinations from international visitors on accommodation, food and drink, entertainment, shopping and goods rose five percent to USD1,159 billion.
Growth exceeded the long-term trend, up five percent in real terms, which also matched the increase in interna- tional arrivals, also showing a five percent rise, soaring to 1,087 billion.
In the Middle East, representing four percent of the to- tal, tourism receipts stood at USD47 billion.
British Hotels Cherish ME Market
The Midland Hotel Manchester
Following the recent Destination Britain Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa event, the British hospitality looks eager to attract more Arab guests.
According to Ciara Buckley, marketing and business development executive, The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned hospitality group, Saudi Arabia seems to be the most promising Middle Eastern market, even though the UAE remains more accessible in terms of marketing the company’s products.
Moreover Peter Shrigley, director of sales, The Mid- land Hotel Manchester, attested that in 2013 the hotel recorded 600 -700 hotel nights from the region, with the majority of the guests travelling for leisure purposes.
Orascom Raises El Gouna’s Profile Orascom Development Holding, the company be- hind El Gouna, continues to cement the destination’s position as a unique hot- spot for families and water- sports enthusiasts.
As Jens Freise, vice president, marketing and sales, destinations and hotels, Orascom Devel- opment Holding, noted,
highlights of the past months include the establishment of Orascom Hotel Management, the company’s own hotel asset management company, the opening of a four-star, adults-only hotel in Makadi and the launch of new leisure facilities in El Gouna, including the new cable park.
The group has also rebranded Miramar Resort Taba Heights, formerly known as Club Med El Gouna.
El Gouna
Abu Dhabi: Guest Numbers up 29 Percent
Abu Dhabi’s 153 hotels and hotel apartments wel- comed 304,637 guests in April, an increase of 29 per- cent versus the same month in 2013.
Correspondingly guest nights rose 26 percent to 933,809, boosting occupancy levels by 10 percent to 79 percent and revenues by 23 percent to AED577 million (USD157.1 million).
“Our immediate challenge is to address the average length of stay which dipped in April by two percent to 3.07 nights. We are working on initiatives to encourage more products into the market and to step up the in- ternational trade and consumer awareness of the des- tination and its breadth of offering,” explained Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
During April, the UK proved to be the destination’s best-performing source market, followed by India.
Dubai Promotes New Brand Identity
Dubai Department of Commerce and Tourism Marketing (DTCM) declared its recent participation at IMEX in Frankfurt as a major success.
During the show, DTCM, along with a delegation that comprised over 50 travel industry partners, highlighted the destination’s proven capacity to host mega-incentive groups and shared details of the recently launched Dubai Associa- tion Centre. Furthermore a new agreement was announced with the International Association of Professional Conference Organizers, and DTCM also revealed that the recent hosting of the Chinese group from Nu Skin Enterprises, the largest incentive group in the UAE history, generated an economic impact estimated at USD80 million for the emirate.
Following similar representation arrangements with agencies in the UK and France, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has appointed tourism marketing and public rela- tions specialists, Lieb Management to cover Germany, Aus- tria and Switzerland.
The move is expected to greatly enhance Qatar’s on- the-ground presence in the German-speaking countries and promote the destination to tour operators, travel agencies, MICE and event organisers as well as the media.
As Rashed AlQurese, director of marketing and promo- tions, QTA, noted, “These are sophisticated markets with discerning travellers actively seeking new and different va- cation experiences. We are already seeing a very encourag- ing growth in interest from the German language zone and are confident that Qatar has what it takes to meet and ex- ceed the expectations of visitors from this part of the world.”
Qatar Targets German Tourists
Dubai Team at IMEX
14 JUNE 2014
Between January and March, regional and inter- national arrivals reached 387,022 in Qatar, marking a nine percent year-on-year increase, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)’s statistics show.
Exhibiting a five percent rise, GCC countries showed particularly good performance with Saudi Arabia proving to be the largest single source of visi- tors, while Kuwait took the title of the fastest grow- ing market, demonstrating a 42 percent surge.
Consequently, average hotel occupancy rose seven percent to 75 percent, assisted by a 1.9 percent decrease in available rooms. Total revenue at four- and five-star hotels jumped 5.4 percent to QAR999.4 million (USD274.5 million) while at three-star prop- erties it stood at QAR1 million (USD274,600).
During the three-month stretch, the total num- ber of hotels under construction increased to 125 properties with 21,812 rooms expected to come on line.
Visitor Numbers Up in Qatar Hungary to Lure Middle Eastern Visitors
Hungarian Tourism, the national body responsible for the international promotion of the Central European country, is to step up the promotion of the destina- tion’s health tourism products, MICE travel packages
and facilities, the capital city of Budapest and its cultural herit- age in the Middle East.
Gergely Horváth, CEO, Hungarian Tourism, described the Middle East as a growing and increasingly important source market to the Europe- an country, which has shown positive signs over the past years, suggesting that this trend is expected to continue in the future.
Budapest, Hungary
6 WEEKLY NEWS
14 JUNE 2014
Nakheel Mall Contact Awarded Dubai-based developer, Nakheel has awarded a con- tract worth more than AED1.2 billion (USD326.7 million) for the construction of Nakheel Mall to United Engineer- ing Construction and Actco General Contracting.
Built in the heart of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the 418,000m2 hub will boast five retail levels, three parking levels, 200 shops, two anchor department stores, a nine- screen cinema, medical centre and a fitness complex. In addition, the roof plaza will host a number of restaurants and food and beverage outlets. The project is slated for completion in 2016.
Alongside Nakheel Mall will be The Palm Tower, the company’s five-star, 50-storey complex featuring 290 ho- tel rooms and 504 residential complexes offering pano- ramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
f Jordan to Host Next ACI Regional Assembly
UAE and Cuba Ink Open Skies Agreement
Cuba
Jordan has been selected as the host country for Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific’s 10th regional as- sembly, which will take place between April 27 – 29, 2015 at the Dead Sea.
Expressing delight at organising the prestigious event, Rodolfo Echeverria, chief financial officer, Airport Interna- tional Group (AIG), said, “We have just celebrated the first year anniversary of our new Queen Alia International Air- port terminal which was opened in March 2013 and we are proud to provide Jordan with a world-class airport that of- fers a unique travel experience and positions the Kingdom as a niche transit hub in the region.”
Echeverria received the flag during the closing cer- emony of the recently concluded ACI Asia Pacific / World Annual General Assembly hosted by Incheon Airport in Seoul, which boasted record-breaking attendance with over 1,000 delegates from more than 70 countries.
The UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Author- ity (GCAA) has signed an open skies agreement with Cuba.
The deal was officiated during the GCAA delegation’s visit in the island country, where representatives of both states discussed the possibilities of further strengthening ties between the nations, particularly in the field of air travel, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general, GCAA, ex- plained.
In terms of the deal, Emirati and Cuban national airlines will now be allowed to perform an unlimited number of flights between the two destinations. On behalf of the UAE, GCAA designated all of its national carriers to conduct inter- national air transportations with the Caribbean country.
Camel Dive Club & Hotel Outlines Future Plans
Camel Dive Club & Hotel Sharm El Sheikh aims to strength- en its position as a destination for diving holidays at the Red Sea coast and as Clare Mucklow, marketing manager, Camel Dive Club & Hotel, explained, over the past months, the man- agement has increased its investment in marketing activities.
“We are the only four-star boutique hotel in Sharm El Sheikh with its own complete high quality facilities for diving and après dive, a five-star training centre, Indian and Italian restaurants, café and our famous Camel Bar, all in one place,” highlighted Mucklow, saying that over the next months, the management will re-package the diving and snorkeling ser- vices to encourage early booking and payment.
Palestine: 150,000 Hotel Guests in Q1
During the first quarter (Q1) of the year, 149,526 guests stayed in West Bank hotels, contributing to 361,711 nights, with travellers from European Union countries accounting for 38 percent, Palestinians for 10 percent, and US and Canada for 11 percent of the total.
During Q1, hotel guest numbers increased by 24 per- cent year-on-year, boosting occupancy by five percent to 23 percent.
This time, 116 of the 120 hotels in the West Bank re- sponded to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics’ survey representing a room inventory of 6,674 rooms with a total of 14,780 beds.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Dubai
Dubai-based real estate development company, Mer- aas Holding has signed an agreement with Bulgari Ho- tels & Resorts to bring the luxury hospitality brand to the emirate.
The fifth Bulgari-branded hotel in the world will be located at Jumeirah Bay and will feature 100 rooms and suites in the main building, along with 20 villas and a full range of luxury hotel facilities.
“We are confident the new resort will emerge as a welcome addition to Dubai’s iconic shoreline. Through this key partnership, we will be expanding our portfolio in the hospitality sector in line with Dubai Vision 2020 for tourism,” commented H.E. Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman, Meraas Holding.
As Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO, Bulgari Group, re- vealed, the project forms part of the company’s broader strategy aimed at forging a stronger presence in the GCC.
Alexander Hotel, Bethlehem
Gloria Downtown Hotel to Open in Q4
Gloria Hotels & Resorts plans to expand its operations in the UAE, with Gloria Downtown Hotel, the company’s first project in Abu Dhabi, which is set to be unveiled in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the year aiming to provide excellent services in a friendly atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the capital city within walking distance from the corniche, the luxury family hotel will comprise 156 rooms and suites, providing stylish design and comfortable furnishing, Freddy Farid, area general manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, revealed.
As he further explained, the company is also looking to expand its portfolio in Cairo, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia over the next two years.
InterContinental Aqaba Resort: Ready for Summer
In line with its endeavours to provide guests with a well-rounded and memorable experience, InterConti- nental Aqaba Resort is planning various surprises for the coming months.
As Mazen Abu Sakha, general manager, InterConti- nental Aqaba Resort, revealed, during the FIFA World Cup, football fans will be able to cheer on their favourite teams in front of giant screens at the property’s beach.
Meanwhile, during the Holy Month, guests will enjoy classical outdoor nights with live Arabic music and songs while immersing themselves in traditional Ramadan fla- vours and beverages.
InterContinental Aqaba
Elaf Group: Upcoming Hotel Introduced to UAE Market
Elaf Group of Companies recently threw the spot- light on the upcoming Elaf Al Salam hotel on the occasion of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai.
“We are very thankful for the overwhelming response and the opening of opportunities that we have received at this year’s ATM,” said Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, president, Elaf Group of Companies. “In fact, we experienced an eight to 10 percent increase in attendance as compared to our participation [in 2013]. Our stand was always full of people inquiring and asking about our hotels, which reflects the in- creased awareness on the Elaf brand and its products and services.”
Elaf Al Salam represents a successful combina- tion of luxury and opulence along with the finest ser- vices and amenities that the Elaf brand is known for.
14 JUNE 2014
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Unveils Origami Display
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai has suspended an orna- mental design in the lobby, inspired by the ancient Japa- nese art, origami.
To replace the thousands of flowers normally used dur- ing the summer months, Nadine O’Connor, housekeeping manager, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, turned to a more sus- tainable solution.
“I was looking for a creative alternative to floral displays during the summer months and thought this project would engage the whole team and support the sustainability ini- tiatives of the hotel. The use of bright colours represents diversity, hope and a bright promise,” explained O’Connor.
Anantara North Residences Launched
Anantara Residences Dubai The Palm
Seven Tides has launched the latest phase of its luxury project, Anantara Residences on The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
The release of the 47 two-bedroom deluxe apart- ments is expected to attract growing interest with the first two phases in the South Residences, comprising a total of 111 units, already sold.
As Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides, noted, apart from high specification interior design and quality workmanship, another beneficial aspect is the fact that the units are completed and virtually ready to move in.
New Adagio Aparthotels in Jeddah and Riyadh
Accor HotelServices Middle East has signed new man- agement agreements with Alesayi Group to operate two new Adagio Aparthotel properties in Saudi Arabia.
Slated for opening by 2017, both the 200-unit Adagio Aparthotel Jeddah Alesayi Plaza and the 150-key Adagio Aparthotel Riyadh Dhabab will be developed next to up- coming ibis hotels and will feature studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitch- ens, along with breakfast rooms, a café corner, fitness cen-
tre and small meeting rooms. According to Christophe Landais,
chief operating officer, Accor Ho- telServices Middle East, developing clusters of ibis and Adagio Aparthotel creates a winning combination of af- fordable short- and long-stay offer- ings for these strategic locations.
Adagio Aparthotel
14 JUNE 2014
At the first Tunisia – Kurdistan Economic Forum, hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on June 2, Tunisair announced the launch of two direct weekly ser- vices between Tunis and Erbil.
The inaugural flight carrying Tunisian government offi- cials, representatives of more than 50 companies, as well as journalists, was welcomed on the same day in the Iraqi city.
Speaking about the two countries’ developing relation- ship, Sinan Chalabi, minister of trade and industry, KRG, said “There are numerous fields in which we can benefit from trade with Tunisia, particularly tourism, agriculture, and industry, as Tunisia exports to more than 160 countries and is considered a major trading partner of the European Union. [...] There is significant opportunity and potential from both sides that can be utilised to expand economic relations.”
The new flight marked Tunisair’s first service in Iraq after 23 years of suspended activity due to the country’s political and security situation.
Tunisair Inaugurates Kurdistan Route
Tunisia - Kurdistan Economic Forum
Gulf Air: New Medina Schedule during Ramadan
Emirates: Six Times a Day to Karachi
Gulf Air will modify its flight schedule to and from the religious city of Medina for the period between July 1 – 24.
The move comes in line with the Bah- raini carrier’s endeavours to cater to Mus- lim travellers’ needs by allowing passen- gers to break their fast during the Holy Month either after landing in the Saudi city or during the two-hour flight.
“As an airline with one of the largest Middle East networks, a significant num- ber of our passengers observe Ramadan and, with our modified flight schedule, we aim to respect the religious and cul- tural customs of our fasting travellers. We believe the modified schedule ca- ters to our passengers’ needs and will improve their travel experience,” com-
mented Ahmed Al Matrook, acting sen- ior manager, GCC and Middle East sales, Gulf Air.
The airline launched operations to Medina in 2010 and currently offers five weekly services between Bahrain and the religious hub, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft with a two-class configura- tion.
Emirates is to launch its sixth daily service to the Pakistani city of Karachi, effective from August 1.
The additional connection will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two class configuration, offering an extra cargo capacity of 17 tonnes and a total of 14,185 seats per week.
Highlighting the significance of the
route, which attracted over six million passengers in the past decade alone, Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, Emirates, said, “Emirates has had a long-standing relationship with the city of Karachi, being the first destination we flew to on our launch day, October 25, 1985.”
The additional frequency is timed to connect especially well at Emirates’ home at Dubai International with ser- vices from London, Paris, Frankfurt, To- ronto, New York and Boston.
Karachi is amongst the few cities the airline serves with six daily services, with Bangkok and Doha being the oth- er two.
14 JUNE 2014
SAUDIA Launches Al-Fursan Golden Lounge
In line with the overall developments taking place within Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) aimed at improving the level of services provided to customers, the airline has re- cently opened the new Al Fursan lounge in the domestic terminal of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Located on the mezzanine floor, the 1,200m2 lounge boasts a capacity of approximately 220 guests, and fea- tures various seating sections, a hospitality area, business centre and a prayer rooms amongst others.
According to Abdul Rahman al-Fahd, vice president, marketing and product, SAUDIA, the launch of the new facility complements the company’s overall strategic plan which aims to improve all the Al Fursan lounges in all major airports across the Kingdom.
HIA Becomes Fully Operational
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport (HIA), the region’s latest state-of-the-art aviation hub is now fully operational, following all passenger airlines, including Qatar Airways, moved their operations to the airport.
Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, described the airline’s move to Doha’s new airport as yet another mile- stone in the rich history of Qatar Airways, and one that will allow the carrier to fully realise its ambitions and to offer passengers the very best of services, both in the air and on the ground.
“The airport will also be able to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, such as our much-anticipated Qa- tar Airways Airbus A380 which will commence operations to the UK in June and France in July,” added Al Baker.
Qatar Airways: New Route to Turkey
Qatar Airways has continued its expansion drive with the launch of direct services to its third destina- tion in Turkey, with the inaugural flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport touching down on May 22.
The start of a four-times-weekly service brings the number of flights operated by the airline to Turkey from 14 to 18 frequencies per week.
“Istanbul is a magical city that is rich in history and culture so we are thrilled to be providing this new scheduled service to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, an air- port that serves as a vital connecting hub between Asia and Europe,” said Marwan Koleilat, chief commer- cial officer, Qatar Airways.
In addition to the new route, the Qatari airline also operates services to Istanbul Atatürk Airport on the western, European side of the city.
14 JUNE 2014
On June 3 Zagrosjet launched sched- uled weekly services between Larnaca, Cyprus and the Iraqi city of Erbil which will be operated by Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.
Krekar Gardi, commercial director, Zagrosjet, described the Mediterranean island as a developing tourist destination for Iraqis, while he also praised the high level of services provided to airlines op- erating to Larnaka International Airport.
Welcoming the carrier to Cyprus, Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, noted that the Iraqi airline reconnects the island with the Middle Eastern country, creat- ing new prospects for cooperation in various fields, such as enterprise, tourism and cross-cultural exchange of ideas and culture.
“I am confident that travellers in Erbil will quickly recognise that Cyprus, be- sides being an amazing tourist destina- tion, is also a portal through which Iraqis can travel to the rest of the world such as Europe and North Africa,” concluded Porter.
Zagrosjet Links Larnaca and Erbil
SAUDIA Cargo Launches Services from Europe to Doha
SAUDIA Cargo commenced two weekly Boeing 747 freighter services from Frankfurt and Amsterdam to Doha.
Operating on Wednesdays and Sundays respectively, the new routes are expected to meet growing demand in a market.
“We are delighted to be introducing this new direct service from Europe to Doha. Not only will it provide our customers with greater choice and flexibility at competitive rates, but it will also be a valuable addition to our expanding network. Thus, further strengthening our position in the Middle Eastern market,” commented Nabil Khojah, CEO, SAUDIA Cargo.
SAUDIA Cargo currently operates a fleet of 15 freighters and sells the belly-capacity on 145 passenger aircraft for the Kingdom’s flag carrier, SAUDIA.
Qatar Airways Cargo to Operate to Mexico Qatar Airways Cargo is to commence twice-weekly freighter services to Mexico City, effective from June 11.
As Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer, Qatar Airways Cargo, noted, the launch of the new offering will herald the beginning of the company’s operations in Latin America.
The carrier will deploy a Boeing 777 freighter on the route between Doha’s new Hamad Interna- tional Airport and the Mexican capital’s Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport.
Commenting on the service, Ian Morgan, vice president, cargo, Americas, Qatar Airways, said, “Mexico has one of the world’s largest economies, and it boasts one of the most developed manufac- turing sectors in Latin America. The new dedicated Qatar Airways Cargo service will create new and ex- citing opportunities for businesses in Mexico and beyond.”
Saudia Cargo
14 JUNE 2014
SAUDIA Moves to HIA Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has shifted its opera- tions from Doha International Airport to the recently inau- gurated Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Passengers flying from Jeddah to the Qatari capital were the first SAUDIA customers to experience the region’s newest air hub first hand.
In addition to the Jeddah – Doha route, the Saudi car- rier also offers direct services from the capital city of Riyadh to the newly launched Qatari airport.
Qatar Airways Lands in Edinburgh
Inaugural Flight
Qatar Airways has commenced scheduled services be- tween Doha and Edinburgh, its third destination in the UK.
According to Marwan Koleilat, chief commercial of- ficer, Qatar Airways, the new Scottish addition will ben- efit the local market in Scotland and attract a significant amount of business and trade links for those wishing to travel to Edinburgh from all corners of the world.
The new route is not only the first for the city to the Middle East region, but also Edinburgh’s first scheduled service on one of the world’s newest aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Humza Yousaf, minister of external affairs and interna- tional development, Scotland, commented, “This service will help build on this important link and promote Scot- land as a great place to do business. By removing the need for extra connecting flights, it will also make Scotland a more attractive destination for tourists.”
Etihad Airways – AEGEAN Airlines Partnership Takes Off
Etihad Airways and codeshare partner, AEGEAN Airlines have celebrated five years of the UAE carrier’s nonstop ser- vices between Athens and Abu Dhabi, and the start of the Greek airline’s new direct flights to the UAE capital.
As Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, noted, year after year the Athens route has exceed- ed expectations, thus for the summer season the airline is deploying a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft, returning to Airbus A320 operations for the winter months.
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of AEGEAN Airlines’ new four-weekly flights between the capi- tal cities.
“Etihad Airways will place its EY flight code on these new AEGEAN services, and, focussing on our guests in the travel and tourism industry, the business community and govern- ments, we look forward to further cementing the strong ties between Greece and the UAE,” added Baumgartner.
BEST WESTERN Tokyo Nishikasai
Best Western International (BWI) has launched its second property in the Japanese capital.
Located in eastern Tokyo’s Edoga- wa Ward, BEST WESTERN Tokyo Nishi- kasai is a contemporary midscale hotel set in a modern nine-storey building, offering a choice of 184 contemporary rooms. Guests can also benefit from a restaurant serving Japanese and inter- national dishes, and meeting space for up to 80 delegates.
“With convenient links to Tokyo’s main business district and excellent facilities for the corporate market, we expected this superb hotel to be ex- tremely popular with Japanese busi- ness travellers,” commented Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, BWI.
Carlson Rezidor Expands in Asia Pacific Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has continued to grow its footprint in Asia Pacific.
The new signings include the 70-key Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Aligarh Uttar Pradesh and the 80-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Kharar, while Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City and Park Plaza Zirakpur are the company’s new jewels in India.
At the same time, the group also opened Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok, its first Radisson Blu hotel in the Thai capital.
“Next few months, we will continue to grow our hotel portfolio and strengthen our position in these emerging markets as well as in Indonesia and China,” revealed Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezi- dor Hotel Group.
Hilton to Debut in Zambia Hilton Worldwide signed an agreement with National Pension Scheme Authority to open its first hotel in Lusaka, Zambia under its Hilton Garden Inn brand.
The 148-room Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka City Centre is expected to launch in 2015 and will form part of an integrated, mixed-use de- velopment alongside corporate and government offices.
The hotel will incorporate the brand’s functional signature fea- tures of a business centre and complimentary Internet access, while
guest amenities will include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, all-day dining facility, a garden lounge and bar.
“The introduction of Hilton Garden Inn in Zambia marks a new chapter in the brand’s ever-evolving global portfolio. We are delight- ed to help meet the growing local demand for affordable, quality ac- commodation in Zambia’s blossoming capital city and look forward to welcoming guests to Hilton Garden Inn’s award-winning hospital- ity,” commented Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn.
Park Plaza Zirakpur
Wings Travel Management Takes over Brazilian Company
Wings Travel Management has acquired Cabtur Operadora de Turismo, obtaining full owner- ship and management control of the Brazilian travel management company that is considered a market leader in the oil and gas sector.
The entity, which will operate in Brazil under the name Wings Travel Management, will be run by Richard Karol, vice president, Americas, Wings Travel Manage- ment, who commented, “I am pleased that Wings has consoli- dated its position in Brazil and I believe that we are now well-po- sitioned to become the premier provider of travel and logistics
services to the rapidly expanding Brazilian oil and gas market.”
According to Karol, the move also reinforces the company’s commitment to becoming the best in class service provider to the oil and gas industry globally by venturing into complex envi- ronments such as Brazil, Africa or the Middle East.
Tony Sofianos, CEO, Wings Travel Management, emphasised that while it took almost two years to conclude the purchase, it was important for the company to work through the complexities of full ownership and of those of the Brazilian business environ- ment.
AGENT’S INSIGHT
Who are you? I am originally a Bedouin from Petra and I come from a very large family. I studied film directing in Amman and at the same time directed an amateur film of the local Bedouin community’s interaction with Western society. I am the owner and managing director of Jordan Tours, as well as Petra Kitchen, a restaurant where clients cook alongside local women and a professional chef. I also own Made In Jordan Gallery, where local handcrafts are sold for the benefit of those who made them.
What is your favourite thing about working in the trav- el industry? The creativeness you can put in this field, always adding a special touch and new ideas to make sure that your clients’ experience is unforgettable. With an active imagination, I am always getting involved in new ideas and I am enthusi- astic about organising events which can benefit the local community. Over the years, Jordan Tours & Travel has or- ganised a number of incentives for pharmaceutical com- panies, various industries and speciality fields.
When is the best time to visit Jordan? Based on the weather conditions, the best time to visit Jor- dan is definitely during the months of September, October, March, April and May. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? My big dream for the future is to travel to Rio De Janeiro.
Why should people come to you for travel advice? Because we definitely put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and we arrange their trip as if it was our own holiday. Moreover, we offer the best quality with affordable prices, granting our assistance 24 hours per day.
NAME: Eid Nawafleh
Amadeus and Qatar Airways Extend Partnership
Amadeus and Qatar Airways announced a multi-year extension of their existing IT servic- es agreement, which will see the carrier con- tinuing to benefit from Amadeus’ portfolio of technology products and solutions.
Further, Amadeus’ Altea Suite, the passen- ger service system (PSS), will enable the Qatari airline to strengthen its business strategy and increase efficiency through automation in a bid to boost revenue generation and customer retention.
“The fast-paced technological environ- ment today, coupled with burgeoning com- petition in the aviation industry have made strong infrastructure a vital necessity to sup- port the growth of any business,” said François Weissert, senior vice president, Middle East and Asia, Amadeus, adding that the technol- ogy provider has had a long-standing relation- ship with Qatar Airways and its IT solutions have been instrumental in enabling the airline to maintain and enhance its service standards.
16 TRAVEL TALK
14 JUNE 2014
Richard Gosling
“The [Best Five-star Hotel award at the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards] is a welcome tribute to the hard work of the team that brought our first Hilton property into the emirate of Sharjah just over one year ago; and I am delighted that we have been recognised for what Hilton hotels do best – satisfying our guests across the full spectrum of our business and leisure offering in the emirate.”
General manager, Hilton Sharjah.
Chairman, MANAFA.
“We are glad to be able to make a difference to our community and help change lives for a better future [through the special award ceremony, re- cently held at The Ajman Palace Hotel & Resort for orphans]. Education is critical for progress and it is essential that high quality education is accessible to all. Al-Nafa Foundation for Humanitarian Work and Charity is an organisation that addresses the educational needs of orphans and vulnerable chil- dren helping them become responsible citizens.”
General manager, Ramada Sharjah.
“On behalf of the property, I would like to thank both the organisers of MENA Travel Awards and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for recognising our efforts [with the Silver Award in the ‘Best Four-star Business/Cor- porate Hotel’ category and the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award]. I highly commend the team of the hotel for keeping the high standards of hospi- tality experience for our guests.”
Alper Can Bulcum
Director, Dubai Convention and Events Bureau.
“Dozens of international associations are keen on utilising the opportunities presented by Dubai. The [recently launched] Dubai Association Cen- tre is an ideal platform to help spur growth and will act as a regional springboard for international bodies looking to boost their membership num- bers, find new funding opportunities, develop strategic partnerships and establish local and re- gional chapters.”
Steen Jakobsen
TRAVEL TALK is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, and observations to
[email protected]
Manoli Athanassiou
Matthew Tripolone
Tareq Bagaeen
Manoli Athanassiou has been appointed food and bever- age manager at Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence. Athanassiou started his career in 2002 as a management train- ee at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre after holding various positions in Lebanon. Prior to joining Ramada Plaza
Jumeirah Beach Residence, he was affiliated with Desert Palm Dubai and various properties at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation where he started as conference and banqueting operations manager and held progressive roles, eventually achieving the post of assistant director of food and beverage.
Matthew Tripolone has been named head of development for the Australasia region at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Effective from early June, Trip- olone is based at the company’s Sydney head office and leads IHG’s strategic growth and de- velopment across the region,
including in Australia, New Zea- land and the Pacific Islands. Tripolone joins IHG from Ac- cor where he served as general manager of development in the Pacific region since 2008.
Tareq Bagaeen has joined Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s regional team as director of sales for the Middle East. Based in the area support of- fice in Dubai, Bagaeen will work closely with the compa- ny’s hotels providing inbound and outbound sales support across the region. In addition, he will play an ac- tive role in all kinds of sales activities, including road- shows, workshops, as well as exhibitions. Having held various positions
with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Hyatt Corporation as well as Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, the seasoned sales and marketing professional has extensive experience and knowledge from Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East region. Most recently, Bagaeen was responsible for sales, market- ing and revenue generation for Banyan Tree Hotels & Re- sorts and Angsana Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Bang- kok and Laos.
Tripolone will be in charge of the
Australasia region
18 TRAVEL CHANNELS
14 JUNE 2014
Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar has successfully wrapped up the fourth instalment of the Saudi Development Centre programme.
T his time around, four candidates completed a five-week training that focussed on front office systems. Furthermore the programme’s key components included guest service standards, applications of key operating techniques, hospitality requirements and technical practice on front
office systems, while extensive training on the types of guestrooms, facilities and back office areas was also provided.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ internship initiative aims to equip participants with additional expertise and insight into the dynamic hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia. Participating candidates also receive valuable cross-exposure at the company’s nine properties in the Kingdom.
Etihad Airways to Establish UAE Flight Training College
Etihad Airways is to open Etihad Flight College for Emirati and international cadet pilots.
The airline is in the process of acquiring the fixed wing training division of Horizon International Flight Academy.
“The establishment of the Etihad Flight College is a natu- ral part of our strategy to produce the best pilots to support our rapidly expanding fleet. It also helps underpin the growth and development of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi,” com- mented James Hogan, group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.
According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) the number of domestic tourism trips has risen from 19 million in 2012 to 23.8 million in 2013, with spending exceeding SAR28 billion (USD7.5 billion).
Based on data compiled by SCTA’s statistical service, in 2013 the sector contributed SAR75 billion (USD20 billion) to the economy, representing 2.7 percent of the national GDP.
The same source also indicated that until the end of March, the number of tourist accom- modation establishments reached 3,710 facilities, while the number of hotel rooms stood at 299,500 and 87,080 units in furnished apartments.
The airport industry’s endeavours towards addressing carbon emission issues were highly commended at the annual International Transport Forum (ITF).
The voluntary climate change ini- tiative, Airport Carbon Accreditation, was named as one of two runner-ups for ITF’s Transport Achievement Award, which, according to José Viegas, secre- tary general, ITF, clearly demonstrates widespread and progressive promo- tion of good practices.
Launched five years ago by Air- ports Council International, the pro- gramme certified 98 airports for the ongoing work to map, reduce, opti- mise and ultimately neutralise their carbon emissions.
Over 23 Million Domestic Saudi Tourist Trips
Airport Industry’s Carbon Reduction
Programme Applauded
Participants at the Fourth Saudi Development Centre Programme
19RENDEZVOUS
14 JUNE 2014
Q & A with Ali Al Naqbi Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman, Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), discusses the organisation’s main goal to act as the principal forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs and benefits of business aviation in MENA.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main benefits of business aviation?
Ali Al Naqbi: Business aviation is a proven business productivity improvement tool, when managed correctly, and a cost effective means of travel. A recent study conducted by NEXA Advisors and commissioned by the Na- tional Business Aviation Association, showed that companies utilising business aviation not only performed well during the recent re- cession, but are continuing to show positive signs of growth in the nascent recovery when compared to their competitors. [...]
The other aspect of business aviation which is often overlooked is its role in humanitarian efforts. For example, in the aftermath of Hur- ricane Katrina, the first aircraft to land and de- liver aid, food and assistance to those in need, days and weeks directly after the crisis, was a general aviation aircraft. This gave us the inspi- ration for a new initiative between MEBAA and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to launch Fly and Feed. We are in the pro- cess of creating a mechanism that will enable operators and passengers to contribute to WFP. It is our way of contributing to WFP’s ongoing efforts in fighting hunger across the globe.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main ob- stacles faced by the sector?
Ali Al Naqbi: Here in the MENA region we face many challenges handicapping the in- dustry. One area I would highlight is the fight against illegal chartering. Globally, MEBAA is leading this fight and is working closely with the International Business Aviation Council to define what an illegal flight is and are work- ing together in developing a global campaign
carrier movements, while other users such as business aviation, whose contribution to aeronautical revenue is incorrectly regarded as minor, are treated as secondary. This results in capacity restraints, peak charges, schedule coordination and limitation on fixed-base op- erator (FBO) facilities.
When MEBAA was founded in June 2006 we began working towards a designated business aviation airport, as we believed this would encourage the development of FBOs, maintenance, repair and operations facilities, manufacturers, educational institutions and other aviation-related businesses necessary to meet the growing demands of business avia- tion in the region. Dubai World Central is now this airport with everything we hoped for. [...]
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main dif- ferences between MENA and other parts of the world in terms of business aviation regulations and developments?
Ali Al Naqbi: The common problem faced by all associations across the globe is the fact that regulations that are imposed upon business aviation, were in fact designed for commercial operators. Despite sharing the same airspace, the two are so different that such regulation carries an adverse effect on the productivity and operational efficiency of business aviation, and in some instance, it brings safety standards into question.
In fact, when given license to do so, global business aircraft operators do very well at po- licing themselves by voluntarily adopting their own industry standard and demonstrating how a high level of safety in flight operations can be achieved without the burden of exces- sive legislation. [...]
Ali Al Naqbi Founding chairman, MEBAA
targeting individual passengers and corpo- rations alike.
At a recent Middle East Business Aviation Conference (MEBAC), panellists estimated that 10 – 30 percent of the regional industry oper- ates illegally within the grey market. This is a conservative number but still large enough to blight the reputation of our industry. [...]
Travel Trade Weekly: Over the past years Middle Eastern governments have in- vested billions of dollars into the aviation sector. How important is it that these gov- ernments also recognise the benefits busi- ness aviation can deliver?
Ali Al Naqbi: One of the major challenges for our industry and MEBAA as an associa- tion faces, has been airport access and its integration across the supply chain. Glob- ally, this is an even greater problem because airports have an increased emphasis on
20 NEWS & EVENTS
14 JUNE 2014
EVENTS PAGE
Routes Africa Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, June 22 – 24, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) An event for aviation based companies who wish to conduct business to, from and within the African region.
Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) Beijing, China, June 27 – 29, 2014 (www.bitechina.com) Asia’s leading annual travel event with high-quality exhibitors and buyers.
Routes Silk Road Tbilisi, Georgia, July 6 – 8, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) A route development forum that connects CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Incentive, Business, Travel & Meetings Expo (IBTM) India Chennai, India, September 3 – 5, 2014 (www.ibtmevents.com) A one-to-one invitation-only event for India’s inbound, outbound and domestic incentives, business travel and meetings industry.
Shanghai International Golf & Travel (SIGT) Shanghai, China, September 5 – 7, 2014 (www.shanghaigolfshow.com) SIGT will be a meeting place where golf industry people and golf enthusiasts can meet and interact.
China Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo (CIBTM) Beijing, China, September 17 – 19, 2014 (www.cibtm.com) An ideal platform for suppliers to the business events industry.
World Routes 2014 Chicago, US, September 20 – 23, 2014 (www.routesonline.com) An essential global gathering for aviation organisations from across al continents and countries.
Cityscape Global Dubai, UAE, September 21 – 23, 2014 (www.cityscape.org) Cityscape Global’s mission is to enhance and support the vision for real estate growth worldwide to an international audience.
Sharjah Wraps up Europe Roadshow In line with its efforts to capture a larger share of the European travel and tourism market, the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Devel- opment Authority (SCTDA) organised a five-day roadshow in Cen- tral Europe.
Beginning with the Austrian capital city of Vienna, the pro- gramme covered major cities across Germany and concluded in
Geneva, Switzerland, attracting more than 250 companies who participated in workshops and in- teractive meetings.
As H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, SCTDA, high- lighted, the campaign focussed on promoting the emirate’s tour- ism experience of cultural herit- age in order to target new tourist markets on the continent, which makes up a significant percentage of Sharjah’s arrivals.
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