the hotel show daily- day 01
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The Hotel Show 2014TRANSCRIPT
HINA NAVIN
The Hotel Show started as a small interiors
supply exhibition in 1999 and 15-years later
it has turned into a prominent and the largest
business event within the hospitality, hotel and
tourism sector for the MENA region. Celebrating
its 15th anniversary this year, the organizers are
expecting (based on 2013 stats) that the expo will
gather exhibitors from 38 countries and visitors
from 99 countries.
Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre
from the 28-30 September 2014, the gala expo is
also an esteemed annual meeting place for
sourcing, networking, and education for the
hospitality and leisure industries. It is a
comprehensive showcase of investment, design
and builds along with refurbishment, fit out,
operations of hotels, restaurants, leisure
destinations, and resorts.
HINA NAVIN
Burj al Arab has surpassed the meaning
of being lavish. Designed to look like a
billowing sail that stands at a height of 321
meters, it is undoubtedly the city’s most high-pro"le
landmark that has attracted many celebrity visitors
including Naomi Campbell, Tiger Woods, Andre
Agassi, Roger Federer, Michael Jackson, to name a
few, over the years.
Celebrating the 15 successful years of operations
this year, the iconic hotel offers a premium Best
of the Burj package, promising the guests a stay
that will create memories to last for a lifetime. The
package offer includes a stay in a two-storey suite,
a spectacular arrival in a renowned Burj Al Arab
chauffeur-driven white Rolls-Royce Phantom, a
THE HOTEL SHOW 2014
A Celebration & Achievement 15 Years Strong
BURJ AL ARAB TURNS 15
Continued on Page 3
Continued on Page 3
CONTENTS
P. 06 | INDUSTRY NEWS
Mobile Website vs. Mobile App:
Which platform is best for your business? Travel Bookings via Mobile Devices increases by more than 20% in the "rst six months of 2014
P. 22 | LEISURE SHOW
6 Mega Projects that Dubai will offer-Theme Parks that will excite the kid in all of us
P. 10
INDUSTRY NEWS
DTCM Revises Hotel Classi"cation Law in Dubai
2014 Produced by Diversi"ed Media Corporation FZ
LLE Appointed by dmg::events While Diversi"ed Media
Corporation have made every effort to ensure the accuracy
of all information in this publication, dmg::events and
Diversi"ed Media Corporation FZ LLE will not be held
responsible for any errors therein. All right reserved.
OFFICIAL
28-30 SEPTEMBER 2014, DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
STRATEGIC PARTNER
DAILY NEWS
Following an outstanding event in 2013, The Hotel Show looks forward to 2014 with even more exhibitors, exciting sectors, industries and presenting a full 360 view of the hotel and hospitality from 38 countries and visitors from 99countries.
Marking its 15th birthday, the hotel offers Best of the Burj package
THE HOTEL SHOWDAY01
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SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014 THE HOTEL SHOW 3
There were 16,700 international hotel and
hospitality trade attendees and around 560 exhibitors
at the 14th edition show in 2013. The event is hosted
in a robust marketplace that will witness a massive
growth in this sector in the coming years with the
mega events such as EXPO 2020 in Dubai and
The World Cup 2022 in Qatar in the pipeline. The
event showcases a rich spectrum of luxury and
contemporary interiors, essential equipment and
the latest technology and highlights the trends to a
market. Thus the region provides enormous business
opportunities for hospitality professionals and their
associates to meet decision makers and get on the
supplier’s list for the major projects.
The International Village is a brand new concept
six-course degustation dinner and a spa experience,
starting from AED 5,990 a night.
The Burj’s name literally means Arabian Tower, is
located on an arti"cial island, which is 280m from
Jumeirah Beach. This masterpiece hotel has been
consistently voted the world's most luxurious hotel
and is one of the most photographed structures in
the world.
Staying at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, all-suite hotel
is the epitome in luxury. The 28 double stories tower
contains 202 luxury duplexes of superior standard.
There are seven different suites options available for
the guest and the collection range from 170 to 780
square meters with a rain shower and a Jacuzzi in
each suite.
The hotel has become the hottest place in the
city, featuring Majlis Al Bahar, a beachside lounge
located on Burj Al Arab’s private beach; waterparks;
helicopter transfers and tennis court that sits on the
very top of the building. Dining at the Al Muntaha
restaurant, located 660 ft. above the Persian Gulf,
offers guests an ecstatic view of Dubai while the
Continued from cover page introduced in the 15 edition of hotel show. Following
the previous edition, 56% of visitors indicated that
they were attending the expo to source international
products. Therefore, to make the search process
easier for the expo guests, the International Village
will display products and services from several
country pavilions, under one roof.
The Leisure Show sector has grown remarkably. It
accounts for over 70 per cent of the total travel and
tourism spend in the GCC. Almost 8000 of The Hotel
Show visitors who attended in 2013 were looking
to source leisure products and 7% had a budget
responsibility of more than US$1 million. Last year,
the leisure show attracted a dedicated audience of
more than 1500 professionals from theme parks,
spa resorts, sports facilities, golf courses, real estate,
shopping malls speci"cally looking for outdoor
and leisure products, furnishings, equipment and
services.
The Leisure Show is an ideal place to meet with
the designers, architects, contractors, real estate
developers and decision makers responsible for USD
THE GALA EXPO IS AN ESTEEMED ANNUAL MEETING PLACE FOR SOURCING, NETWORKING, AND EDUCATION FOR THE HOSPITAL-ITY AND LEISURE INDUSTRIES.
CELEBRATING THE 15 YEARS OF
OPERATIONS, THIS ICONIC HOTEL
OFFERS A PREMIUM BEST OF THE BURJ
PACKAGE, WHICH INCLUDES A STAY IN
A TWO-STOREY SUITE, ROLLS-ROYCE
PHANTOM PICK UP, A SIX-COURSE
DEGUSTATION DINNER AND A SPA
EXPERIENCE, STARTING FROM AED
5,990 A NIGHT.
OF EXHIBITORS WERE COMPLETELY SATISIFIED WITH THE EVENT AND WILL RETURN IN 2014
82%
73.07 billion in total value of Leisure projects in the
construction stage in GCC. The Leisure part of The
Hotel Show caters to four main sectors, Outdoor
Design, Furniture & Equipment; Pool and Spa; Sports
& Fitness; and Recreational Fun and Adventure.
The other features of the event are the Vision
Conference, where over 70 industry heads and
leading global players share knowledge, best practice,
industry trends and future vision for improving
hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities. The Future
Hotel, Sustainable Vision, which in collaboration
with WT Studio, Italian design of"ce, will showcase
the new architectural concepts, in collaboration with
top design brands to key industry decision makers,
developers, investors.
GENERATED IN NEW BUSINESS DEALS FOR THE
NEXT 12 MONTHS AS A RESULT OF THE HOTEL
SHOW
$4BN
Al Mahara undersea restaurant, ensures guests has
a full view of exotic "sh in the surrounding water
aquarium.
Architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins has designed
this superstructure, which was modeled after the sail
of a famous Arabian ship ‘dhow’. The structure design
offers a signi"cant tribute to the nation’s seafaring
heritage. Its construction began in 1994 and the
lavish hotel was of"cially opened on 1 December
1999.
The interiors of the hotel have a vibrant colour
palette and the layout incorporates ancient and
revered traditions of hospitality, particular to Arabic
nations. The Cascade waterfall combines "nely
atomized water with "bre optics to produce a unique
kaleidoscope effect.
There are three aquariums in the hotel, two
situated on each side of the main hotel lobby and
the circular tank in Al Mahara restaurant, with
approximately 50 species of "sh kept in the tanks.
The atrium of this hotel is the world’s tallest, over 180
meters in height.
Burj Al Arab is indeed a crowning glory of the
Emirate and an ultimate symbol of modern Dubai.
Continued from cover page
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
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EXCLUSIVE CLUBThe VIP & Buyers Club at The Hotel Show 2014 is an exclusive by invitation only programme, which allows key business buyers and decision makers to network, meet and engage with fellow colleagues in a luxury and exclusive lounge at the exhibition. The Vision of Founder and principal Investor
MR. SAMIR M. BADROCHAIRMAN & CEO
Founder and principal investor, Mr. Samir M.
Badro is an Architect and Interior Designer.
Ever since inception, his management style has
proven to be professional, successful, and awarding.
Born in 1946 in Aleppo, Mr. Badro attended the
Lebanese University (Faculty of Architecture and
Interior Design) in Lebanon, and graduated in 1970
with a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Interior
Design (Honors).
Until 1973, Mr. Badro worked as an ambitious
Architect in Paris, Brussels, and the United States
of America. Later he returned to Lebanon where
he established his own Architecture and Interior
Design "rm. With the war breaking out in Lebanon
in early 1975, Mr. Badro moved to Dubai, United
Arab Emirates, where he established the company
Greenline Interiors.
Today, Mr. Samir M. Badro is the Chairman and
Chief Executive Of"cer of the Greenline Group
located in 10 cities around the world, with Greenline
Interiors being fully equipped and dedicated to the
high-end Interior Design and out"tting industry,
leading a professional team of over 2,000 people in
different and various positions.
He is an Associate International Member of the
American Society of Interior Designers, Member de
l'Ordre des Architectes Libanais, and Membre de
l’Ordre des Architectes Syriens. Mr. Badro has also
been featured in various prestigious local and
international media and specialized publications.
Why is The Hotel Show Dubai important to your company’s business plans?The Hotel Show creates a centralized setting for the Hospitality industry that allows
everyone from the developers down to the suppliers to showcase their products. The
Hotel Show helps in fostering an environment that enables the industry as a whole
to move forward up the steady path of Dubai’s overall goal in becoming the leading
tourism hub in the region and beyond. We recognized the potential in this industry
over the years and have shifted our focus to target this sector through our proven
expertise in high quality interiors "t-out.
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Email: [email protected]
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www.sleephigh.com
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
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6 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
TRAVEL BOOKINGS VIA MOBILE DEVICES INCREASES BY MORE THAN 20 PERCENT IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2014With smart phones and tablets in nearly every consumer's hands today, travel marketers need to think strategically about developing a highly effective omni-channel marketing experience.
Last year, Google Travel found that 25 percent
of all online searches for travel came from a
mobile device. People are already choosing
to search on their mobile devices over a desktop
computer in locations where both devices are likely
available to them (work or home). It’s no surprise
that 56 percent of American adults are smartphone
owners; however, with their limited time, attention
span and screen space, hoteliers have to adapt,
taking any friction out of the equation, and make the
website experience seamless and easy-to-navigate
for mobile users.
HOW DOES YOUR WEBSITE MEASURE UP? Mobile-friendly sites are the standard version of
websites that function normally on all mobile
phones (e.g. no Flash elements, which aren’t capable
with iPhones), but don’t be confused by their title
because these mobile sites are not always friendly for
your business. All of the content is listed, but there
is often a need to pinch and zoom to navigate the
site. Images are too small to provide an enriched
experience, there is too much copy/content and "les
and images and videos aren’t optimized for mobile
bandwidth.
Mobile-optimized sites are speci"cally designed
for users on a mobile phone. They can be a
dedicated version of a website speci"cally designed
for mobile, or a responsive design that adjusts the
layout and content of the site to match the website
visitor’s device (computer vs. tablet vs. phone). The
key is visitors receive a customized experience and
further, we can develop and track speci"c conversion
expectations and metrics for these consumers. There
are two types of mobile optimized sites:
Dedicated-mobile sites offer speci"c content and
call-to-actions based off the type of device you’re on
when viewing the site.
Mobile-responsive sites are the best kind of
website to have in this constantly evolving digital
world as they create a consistent user experience
regardless of the device (desktop, tablet, mobile).
Regardless of the type of mobile website you
have, it’s important to ask what core items you are
going to convey. You have to be very focused on what
you’re saying and how you’re saying it to in#uence
your visitors’ next steps.
HOW TO AVOID MOBILE PITFALLSMobile searches drive behavior in the moment, and
consumers want speed and convenience; however,
a purchase via mobile phone, even with a mobile-
optimized site, can be challenging. The relatively
limited screen size on mobile devices generally
means that users will spend less time and look
at fewer pages. Furthermore, the multiple "elds
normally required to make a purchase and other key
factors represent barriers to conversion, especially
when planning travel.
This where the phone comes into play. The bottom
line is that most hotels are overlooking the most basic
information on their mobile sites, the phone number.
According to Google, three of four mobile
searches trigger follow-up actions, whether it is
further research, a store visit, a phone call, a purchase
or word-of-mouth sharing. On average, each mobile
search triggers nearly two follow-up actions.
Calling to make a purchase is one of the easiest
options for a traveler when they are browsing
hotels via smartphones. Adding an easy-to-"nd call
button on the home page is a step in the right step in
optimizing your mobile site.
In the hotel industry, there is a perception
that generating a call is more costly than website
MOBILE REVENUE SHOULD REACH 20% OF ONLINE TRAVEL DOLLARS IN THE U.S. BY 2016, WHEN MOBILE BOOKINGS REACH $25.8 BILLION.
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bookings. This might be true, but a comprehensive
comparison is the cost of booking customers via
phone versus shifting business to the OTAs (online
travel agencies) such as Expedia (20 percent or more
commission cost), or a competitor who made the
booking process easier. Not to mention, last-minute
booking is very common on mobile devices. Both
Orbitz and Travelocity have reported that more than
60 percent of hotel bookings made on mobile phones
were for the same day. Customers want to speak to
somebody quickly for this type of booking.
Having a phone number available for questions
will also help improve your mobile site. Over time,
you will observe trends of information consumers
can’t "nd on your site, which will help you adjust
the content. The call center should be viewed as a
commerce center, not a cost center.
MOBILE WEBSITE VS. MOBILE APP: WHICH PLATFORM IS BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS?MOBILE WEBSITE – this will be the best solution for most hoteliers. The vast majority of travelers, both leisure
and business, use search to "nd accommodations. Both paid and organic search listings will direct consumers
to your website. Also, mobile websites are platform agnostic and don’t require different programing for different
operating systems (iOS, Android, etc.).
MOBILE APP – this strategy can work to complement a mobile website. The primary challenge with a
mobile app is driving new customer acquisition so the best case is a hotel with a strong repeat-customer base
or loyalty program. Once an app is developed, consumers have dif"culty "nding it unless they are already
aware of the hotel. Consumers that are aware or part of a loyalty program can be encouraged to download it.
The app becomes an extension of the CRM program.
In addition to the tips above, remember to effectively optimise your website for speed and convenience.
Potential guests don’t want to, and won’t, scroll through "ve pages on their devices to "nd your phone number.
They’ll go somewhere else. Give them easy access to your product, and give them the option to call.
GLOBAL FINDINGS
Mobile bookings are growing faster than
desktop: 20 percent versus 2 percent over the
"rst six months of 2014.
Smartphones and tablets account for 21
percent of hotel bookings.
Peer-to-peer apartment rentals is the
category with highest mobile penetration (34
percent globally).
The value of mobile bookings is increasing
in every area except for accommodation. The
average booking value was 21 percent higher
for air travel and 13 percent higher for car
rentals, but 30 percent lower for hotel bookings
on mobile devices than desktop.
In-app bookings account for 12 percent of
total mobile bookings.
The value of bookings by device varies across
categories: there's an average $600 more spent
on packages booked on the iPad compared
to those booked via any Android device.
However, the value of Android bookings for
#ights outpaces all other mobile devices.
REGIONAL FINDINGS
Asia Paci"c leads the way with more than 20
percent of travel bookings made on a mobile
device, with Brazil and Germany less than 10
percent. –Pull quote in a red dot/bubble
With a 42 percent increase, Latin America
has the most signi"cant seasonal growth in
online bookings for travel advertisers. This
coincided with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in
Brazil.
Online travel agencies' bookings climb
by 50 percent throughout the season in
Europe and the US, but the average value of
those bookings falls by 19 percent. For hotel
suppliers, however, the booking numbers
remain stable throughout the "rst half of 2014,
with peaks in value in February and June.
With smart phones and tablets in nearly
every consumer's hands today, travel
marketers need to think strategically about
developing a highly effective omni-channel
marketing experience. That means ensuring
the entire consumer experience – from the
ads to shopping carts – is mobile optimized.
Determining budget across desktop and mobile
must be completely #uid because consumers
are making decisions in real-time, requiring
that the booking experience be streamlined
and integrated with mobile-friendly payment
systems to ease the all-important path to
purchase."
“MOBILE IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE EXPONENTIAL GROWTH IN ONLINE TRAVEL BOOKING AND SALES, AND THAT’S ONLY SET TO CONTINUE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR AND BEYOND”
JASON MORSE, VICE PRESIDENT, MOBILE PRODUCT AT CRITEO
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
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SUSTAINABLE BUILD AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Next generation technologies meet sustainability needs THE VISION CONFERENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE KNOWLEDGE
Sustainability projects are not just a passing
trend but they represent a real opportunity to
improve building performance and quality of
life of the local residents. Materials and technologies
of latest generation are intelligent, interactive and
above all are low environmental impact materials
paired to organic forms and natural iconography of
the vegetable world.” – Chiara Cantono, Director of
WT Project Studio,
With hotel developments increasingly having to
adhere to new ‘green’ build techniques and practices
and sustainability a growing concern worldwide,
this year’s Hotel Show in Dubai will see a number of
features and initiatives focused on the issue.
Partnering with the Italian architecture studio WT
Project, The Hotel Show will introduce the ‘FUTURE
HOTEL’ – sustainable design feature. Located in Hall
8, ‘FUTURE HOTEL’ will showcase internationally
renowned brands, their products, design concepts
and future trend predictions for building design.
Creations and videos with innovative solutions that
demonstrate the application of latest technologies
applied to architecture such as, climate protection
solutions including ventilated facades articulated
according to building orientation, surfaces that
integrate various regenerative energy production
methods, geothermic systems, photovoltaic and
photocatalytic materials.
Taking inspiration from the structure and
functioning of cactus plants, the OASI Skyscraper is
one of several new sustainable architectural design
concepts that WT Project will present at the Hotel
Show.
OASI’s most important property is its capability
to collect rainwater. Both the façade and the
surrounding structure feature organic shaped niches
that help collect the rainwater to the bottom of
the building where they are stored, puri"ed and
distributed for re-use.
“The materials used are thought to produce
the lowest environmental impact and are fully
energy ef"cient” says Chiara Cantono. “Additional
features include natural ventilation for self cleaning
windows, a photo catalytic façade to purify the air
and a building shell treated with photovoltaic paint
to provide energy. The future is in need of self
ef"cient energy solutions and at OASI, we are now
able to demonstrate that it is possible to use almost
everything you take from nature and turn it into
another source.”
The Vision Conference at the Hotel Show Dubai
2014 will also feature speakers and sessions focusing
on environmental and sustainable issues across both
the hotel, hospitality and leisure industries.
“The Hotel Show is committed to highlighting how
design can support the environment and we encourage
exhibitors to use the event as the international
platform to not only launch their innovations, green
and sustainable products and services, but we also
have the perfect knowledge platform with the Vision
Conference to share knowledge, expertise and ideas
through our international speaker line-up” says
Christine Davidson , Event Director.
MEET US AT THE HOTEL SHOW
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THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
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King Koil and Serta DTCM revises Dubai hotel classi"cation
lawDubai’s Department of Tourism and
Commerce Marketing
(DTCM) has modified its hotel
classification scheme, with
implementation September
Dubai, UAE (September 2014):Dubai
Furniture Manufacturing Company LLC
(DFMC), a market leader in premium
mattress segment in Middle East, will be unveiling the
latest products from King Koil and Serta mattresses at
this year’s The Hotel Show, the largest hotel supply
event in the MENA region.
Taking place from 28th to 30th September 2014
at the Dubai World Trade Centre, The Hotel Show
will highlight new products and designs from key
drivers of change in the hospitality arena.
Sundar Rajan, CEO, Dubai Furniture
Manufacturing Company LLC, said, “The
future of the hotel industry in the UAE
and across the Middle East region is very
promising. After winning the Expo 2020,
we saw an inventory of mega-projects such
as the Mall of the World, Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid City and Royal Atlantis Resort which
create opportunities for suppliers to this industry.
Investors are expected to infuse billions of dollars to
these new developments so The Hotel Show is the
perfect platform to meet and network with them.”
He added: “King Koil and Serta mattresses
are the preferred brands of the majority of hotels
in the UAE and across the region and launching
the latest products from these brands which are a
benchmark for technological innovation symbolizes
our commitment to innovation and in keeping our
customers abreast of the latest development in the
industry.”
The King Koil and Serta stands will be located at
the Interiors, Lighting & Design section at The Hotel
Show. The new products which will be on display
are additions to existing Serta I-series collection
and King Koil range. Each product uses advanced
technology to ensure comfortable and relaxing sleep.
About Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Company
LLC (DFMC):
Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Company LLC
(DFMC) is a multinational company with its
corporate of"ce in Dubai, UAE and sister
concern companies in the other regions
namely Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman.
DFMC has recently ventured into India
and also set up a full-#edged manufacturing
facility near Pune, India.
Established in 1993, DFMC was set up to
manufacture and market “King Koil” branded
products under license from King Koil, USA. Over
the years, DFMC has used its marketing acumen and
hi-tech manufacturing facilities to establish itself as
the leader in the mattress industry in the Middle East.
Later, DFMC acquired the license to manufacture
and market “Serta” branded products from Serta Inc.,
USA, and the world’s largest mattress brand. Serta
and King Koil branded products are manufactured in
a state-of-the-art production facility in Dubai.
According to Khalid bin Touq, executive
director, licensing & classi"cation sector,
the authority has changed the “room size
perimeter requirements, bringing hotel classi"cation
in the emirate in-line with rating systems in other
international destinations and this only applies to
new hotel establishments”
Touq also said the DTCM has been testing the
new system since April 2014, and has received
positive feedback on the criteria. He also revealed
that more than 570 establishments have registered
on the hotel classi"cation system and are working
on updating their details. DTCM has also added the
availability of Wi-Fi- access in public areas of all new
hotel establishments to the criteria.
In June, DTCM also added holiday homes to its
existing list of accommodation categories, which
includes resorts, hotels, hotel apartments, university
campus, youth hostels, and guest houses. All holiday
homes will be rated as either standard or deluxe.
The scheme has caused some uncertainty among
hoteliers about how the criteria will affect existing
hotels and properties under development.
6 D130
COME VISIT US AT
STAND
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HOTEL BRANDS IN THE FUTUREWHAT WILL HOTELIERS HAVE TO DO TO SURVIVE
It is safe to say that you will receive the same
high-level of service whether you are staying
in a Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco, Paris,
Budapest or Hong Kong. The Four Seasons brand is
well-established. Both business and leisure travelers,
who are looking for luxury accommodations, know
what to expect when they check in to any Four
Seasons Hotel or Resort anywhere in the world. The
reason the Four Seasons has such a loyal following is
because they deliver on the promise of their brand.
The hotel industry is comprised of many well-
known brands as well as many unbranded properties.
It is dangerous to draw any conclusions about
whether you will have a more enjoyable stay if
you choose a branded hotel or a family-run hotel,
without a well-known brand, two blocks away. The
role that branding will play on the future success
of hotels was discussed in detail. The key points of
the study center on the difference between the mass
market and luxury market, the emergence of Lifestyle
brands, and the use of social media.
BUILD BRAND LOYALTYIt takes money and time to create and build a strong
brand. Over the years, some of the world’s most
successful companies like McDonald’s and Coca
Cola have spent millions, if not billions, protecting,
promoting and improving their brand’s image. Every
customer that orders a Big Mac at McDonald’s
IT TAKES MONEY AND TIME TO CREATE AND BUILD A STRONG BRAND. OVER THE YEARS, SOME OF THE WORLD’S
MOST SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES LIKE MCDONALD’S AND COCA COLA HAVE
SPENT MILLIONS, IF NOT BILLIONS, PROTECTING, PROMOTING AND IM-
PROVING THEIR BRAND’S IMAGE.
knows that they will get the exact same Big Mac in
San Diego, Miami or Mountain View. A loyal Coke
drinker will not buy a Pepsi or any other type of cola
drink. Without their brand, McDonald’s and Coca
Cola would be just another hamburger joint or soda
company. Brand loyalty is what every non-generic
company wants.
In the hotel industry, brand loyalty tends to be a
greater choice factor for travelers who stay at luxury
hotels and not as important for travelers who stay
in economy or more modestly priced hotels (mass
market). The person who chooses to stay at high-
end hotels is more interested in the experience than
the price. The person who chooses to stay in more
modest accommodations is more interested in the
price than the experience.
Mass market hotels attract hotel guests primarily
because of price and location. Other than price, and
possibly location, they do not perceive much of a
difference between staying in one two-star hotel or
another two-star hotel. People who book rooms in
two or three-star hotels are looking for a comfortable
bed, a clean room and competent service. Brand
loyalty is low as this large group of travelers are
driven more by the cost to stay overnight than having
a special experience.
Major hotel operators recognize that there is
opportunity to build brand loyalty in every market
segment. Almost every major chain participates
in a loyalty program where guests earn points and
rewards each time they stay. Hoteliers can also help
build their brand and differentiate themselves from
their competitors by adding value to a guest’s stay.
Common extras that guests enjoy include such things
as free in-room WiFi and continental breakfasts.
Turning to the luxury segment, the best way
to build brand loyalty is to offer guests something
they want that they can not get at your competitor’s
hotel. Individuals stay at high-priced hotels because
they want a wonderful experience. Almost every
top-of-the-line hotel has high thread-count sheets
and comfortable beds. They have business centers,
exercise equipment, swimming pools, a bar, and a
nice restaurant.
It is not always easy to differentiate your hotel from
that of your competitor’s hotel, but that is the key
to creating brand loyalty in the luxury hotel market.
Hotels have to work hard to know their guests and
understand what really makes them happy. Instead of
putting chocolates on the pillows, surprise your guest
with a gift basket of unique local items. Go the extra
step and slip your guest’s home town newspaper
under the door so he’ll have something familiar to
read with breakfast. Use your imagination to create
good experiences and positive impressions for your
guest.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTIVELYIt is common practice for almost every hotel brand
to have an active presence on social media sites.
If done properly, a good social media strategy can
enhance a hotels name and brand recognition, create
loyal customers, and drive pro"ts. Social media can
also be a two-edged sword. If your hotel disappoints
guests, and does nothing to remedy the situation, that
can quickly erode brand loyalty. Today, and in the
future, hoteliers must pay close attention to how they
use social media.
In the future, hotels will have to step-up their game
in order to not fall behind their competition. Hotels
that differentiate themselves from their competition
by providing better service, better value, and better
guest experiences, will prosper. Hotels that do not
do such a good job will lose business and struggle
to survive.
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
14 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
Boasting 1,250 luxury rooms and suites, the
'Paramount Hotel Dubai, Downtown' will
showcase timeless Hollywood elegance
meets Californian lifestyle with contemporary
styling, and a polished integration of elements of
Paramount Pictures movies through high tech media
mapping and digital signage. As a compliment, the
property will honor its own identity influenced by
the local creative communities, becoming a living
showcase of contemporary arts reflected in every
facet of the hotel.
Concept design of the project which will be
developed on a plot located just off Sheikh Zayed
road in the Downtown area is already underway with
the hotel set to open its doors in 2018.
"The number of visitors to Dubai is set to double
in the next six years and the Paramount Hotel
Dubai, Downtown will support the growth with a
high-end, theatrical and immersive experience for
international tourists," said Ziad El Chaar, Managing
Director, DAMAC Properties. "Our current projects
under development with Paramount Hotels & Resorts
have proved immensely popular and there is clearly
a high demand for unique and luxurious hotel
accommodation in Dubai."
With the sales launch planned for early next
year, the Paramount Hotel Dubai, Downtown will
present an opportunity for investors to buy into
Dubai's booming tourism market, which is set to
exceed 20 million tourists by 2020. The impact of
hosting the World Expo the same year is anticipated
to signi"cantly grow that number.
The hotel rooms will be made available for
investment during the build phase of the project,
with buyers able to capitalize on revenue from the
room rates when the project opens. According to the
latest "gures release by the Department for Tourism
and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), hotels in Dubai
welcomed more than 5.8 million tourists in the "rst
half of 2014, which is a record half-year record for
the emirate.
"We are in a unique position to be able to bring
the very best technological practices being used in
the Hollywood blockbusters seen on screen, into a
cinematic and transformative hotel environment,
which will make every moment in the Paramount
Hotel Dubai, Downtown an engaging and refreshing
experience," said Thomas van Vliet, Chief Executive
Of"cer at Paramount Hotels & Resorts. "Dubai is
perfectly positioned to further entice international
visitors, with a pleasant climate, safe environment,
amazing shopping experiences and globally-
recognized tourist attractions."
DAMAC Properties released its "rst association
with Paramount Hotels & Resorts in March last year
with the four-tower iconic development, DAMAC
Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts, which saw
sales exceed AED one billion in fewer than two
months of the launch. The project includes luxury
serviced residences and a hotel, overlooking the Burj
Area of Dubai and construction is ongoing.
The two companies are also collaborating on a
beach-front hotel, Paramount Hotel Dubai, Jumeirah
Waterfront, serviced villas in AKOYA, namely
DAMAC Villas by Paramount Hotels & Resorts and a
serviced hotel apartment project on King Fahd Road
in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, DAMAC
Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts.
Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered almost
11,000 units to date and currently has a development
portfolio of over 26,000 units at various stages of
progress and planning as of June 30th 2014, which
includes over 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel
apartments.
Further information is available at
www.damacproperties.com or join DAMAC
Properties on Facebook, Twitter (@DAMACOf"cial)
and YouTube.
DAMAC PROPERTIES ANNOUNCE PARAMOUNT HOTEL DUBAI, DOWNTOWNDubai - DAMAC Properties has announced its latest luxury hotel in Dubai, a fourth project in Dubai
in collaboration with the luxury hotel operator, Paramount Hotels & Resorts.
www.unipods.ae | [email protected]
Traditional assembly and installation of bathrooms can be a complex and challenging
experience with the requirement for coordination of a number of different suppliers
and on site " tters. This reality coupled with a diverse workforce can have a devastating
impact on quality, speed and cost of construction.
Construction Simplified
Increase pro" tAutomated process in a factory environment
increases efficiency
Cost certainty from an early stage mitigates financial risks
Waste reduction on site saves more than 40% on skips
and labour time
Higher Quality delivered in shorter time improves
overall profitability
Save time
production runs in parallel with on-site construction
can produce and install 20-30
bathrooms per day
JIT deliveries perfectly " t the construction master plan
One point of contact from design to installation saves time and
reduces administration, recruitment and supervision problems
Improve qualityFactory-controlled environment production process
QA Team
tested prior to leaving the factory
made to clients’ bespoke speci" cations
95% reduction on snagging within the crucial
completion period
Why Bathroom PODS?
Head Of" ce - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE + / 117 / 118 Branches in Jeddah, Riyadh & Dammam
Increase pro" tAutomated process in a factory environment
increases efficiency
Cost certainty from an early stage mitigates financial risks
Waste reduction on site saves more than 40% on skips
and labour time
Higher Quality delivered in shorter time improves
overall profitability
Save time
production runs in parallel with on-site construction
can produce and install 20-30
bathrooms per day
JIT deliveries perfectly " t the construction master plan
One point of contact from design to installation saves time and
reduces administration, recruitment and supervision problems
Improve qualityFactory-controlled environment production process
QA Team
tested prior to leaving the factory
made to clients’ bespoke speci" cations
95% reduction on snagging within the crucial
completion period
Why Bathroom PODS?
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
16 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
Dubai, UAE – September 2014 – Passenger
traf"c at Dubai International bounced back
from a three-month slump resulting from a
major runway upgrade project which concluded on
July 20, to register a record 6.6 million passengers in
August 2014.
The monthly passenger traf"c at Dubai International
reached 6,648,058 in August 2014, up 10.8 per cent
compared to 5,999,375 recorded in the corresponding
month in 2013. The hub returned to full operational
capacity in August following a runway upgrade
project that reduced the airport to a single runway for
80 days and cut capacity by 26 per cent. The year to
date passenger traf"c as at the end of August totalled
46,479,919, an increase of 5.7 per cent compared to
the 43,971,839 passengers recorded during the "rst
eight months of 2013.
The traditionally strong Indian Subcontinent
topped the list of regions with the largest growth in
passenger numbers (+147,096 passengers), followed
by Western Europe (+131,095), Asia (+98,089), the
BY HINA NAVIN
Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences will become
city’s new location of attraction showcasing
Dubai’s architectural magni"cence, a new
project unveiled by Investment Corporation of Dubai
(ICD). The developer revealed that an investment of
USD 1.4 billion dollars will be made in the resort
expansion that will stand 46 storeys tall, next to the
famed Atlantis resort on The Palm.
With a dramatic and modern structural design,
the resort will make a distinctive luxury statement
that will offer lush green spaces, private in"nity pools
overlooking the ocean and Palm views, which will
give the occupants a feeling that they are literally
#oating between the sky and sea. The project has been
designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) while
the interior design is by GA Design.
“This next phase of Atlantis, including the luxury
residences of The Royal Atlantis, will continue to drive
the growth of Dubai forward,” says H.E. Mohammed
Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Executive Director and CEO of
Investment Corporation of Dubai (“ICD”) and Chairman
of Kerzner International. “This investment reaf"rms
Dubai International registers record 6.6 million passengers in August 2014
Royal Atlantis at the Palm
Tourism bounces back despite construction
ICD and Kerzner International to develop luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah
“THE ROYAL ATLANTIS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO DUBAI’S TOURISM AND HOTEL SECTOR, AS THE EMIRATE PREPARES TO HOST THE EXPO WORLD FAIR IN 2020”
H.E. MOHAMMED IBRAHIM AL SHAIBANI
ICD’s commitment to support the long-term growth of
our domestic hospitality market, a key pillar and growth
sector for the Dubai economy.” He emphasized in
particular the new resort, to be completed by 2018, will
heavily contribute to Dubai’s tourism and hotel sector, as
the emirate prepares to host the Expo World Fair in 2020.
The 800-room luxury hotel will be managed by
Kerzner International. There will be Sky Pool, giving
guests an Ultra-Pool experience with extraordinary
Dubai city views. The project will also include
250 luxury residences, with excellent recreational,
entertainment and services facilities, and is designed
by Sybille de Margerie Design.
Alan Leibman, Chief Executive Of"cer, Kerzner
International says, “The Royal Atlantis Resort and
Residences will offer a new resort living experience,
completely taking it to the next level, while adding an
entirely new dynamic with our ultimate residences. As
we continue to focus on our global growth strategy,
we are thrilled to be making such a signi"cant impact
in Dubai, and to be building off the success of the
Atlantis brand, which has been so well-received from
guests from all over the world.”
COMPARED TO 5,999,375 RECORDED IN THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 2013
10.8%AGCC (+69,223) and Africa (+64,451 passengers).
*The top regions in terms of percentage growth in
traf"c included North America (28.9 per cent), and
Asia (19.2 per cent).
Aircraft movements during August totalled 31,214
movements, a marginal increase of 0.1 per cent
from the 31,198 recorded during the corresponding
month in 2013. During the "rst eight months of the
year aircraft movements totalled 227,110, down 6.4
per cent from 242,571 movements recorded between
January and August last year, re#ecting the impact of
the runway closure period. Average passengers per
movement during August increased to 219.7, up 5.2
per cent from 208.9 recorded during the same month
last year, re#ecting a move by airlines to larger aircraft.
Monthly cargo volume also rebounded by 4.3 per
cent, reaching 192,902 tonnes in August compared to
184,877 tonnes during the same month in 2013. Year
to date cargo reached 1,560,869 tonnes during the "rst
eight months of the year, down 2.2 per from 1,596,772
tonnes recorded during the same period in 2013.
Paul Grif"ths, CEO of Dubai Airports said: “It’s
good to return to more robust growth "gures resulting
from full capacity and ongoing network expansion
after being constrained to a one-runway operation
for nearly three months. The numbers are far more
indicative of the growth trend we expect to see for
the remainder of the year and will be crucial in our
journey to the top of the list of the world’s busiest
international hubs.”
furniture complete turnkey solutions
30 years
Hospitality, Commercial & Residential
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
18 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
THE COMPONENTS OF FRANCHISE FEESHotel franchise companies charge their franchisees a series of fees that cover a variety of services
provided by the franchisor.
US HOTELS FRANCHISE RELATED FEES*PERCENTAGE OF ROOMS REVENUE 2007-2013
6.14%6.01%
6.59% 6.62% 6.66%6.72%
6.64%
Note: *Brand and Non-brand managed hotelsSource: PKF Hospitality Research, Trends in the Hotel Industry
To gain a better understanding of the fees paid
by hotel owners to their franchisors, PKF-HR
analysed the operating statements of 1,304
chain-af"liated hotels in our Trends® database that
reported franchise fee payment data each year from
2007 through 2013.
THE COST OF FRANCHISINGDuring the study period, the cumulative total of the
four franchise related fees ranged from a low of 6.0
percent of rooms revenue to a high of 6.7 percent.
More often than not, franchise fees are charged
as a percent of rooms revenue, or on a dollar per
occupied room basis. Therefore, it is not surprising
that the franchise fee ratio to rooms revenue remained
consistent over the course of the seven years. What is
notable, however, is the change in the composition
of the franchise fees paid to the brands. Since 2007,
the portion of total franchise related fees assigned
to guest loyalty programs and royalty payments has
THE HOTEL SHOWDAY01
OFFICIAL DAILY
SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014 THE HOTEL SHOW 19
US HOTELS DISTRIBUTION OF FRANCHISE RELATED FEES 2007-2013
25.3%
33.5%
21.1%
20.0%
26.4%
30.6%
24.0%
19.0%
27.6%
6.59%
26.0%
18.8%
28.6%
27.1%
25.4%
18.8%
29.1%
27.3%
27.0%
16.7%
31.8%
25.1%
26.3%
16.8%
32.8%
23.8%
26.4%
17.0%
Note: *Brand and Non-brand managed hotelsSource: PKF Hospitality Research, Trends in the Hotel Industry
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Guest Loyalty Program Marketing Assessment Royalty Payment Reservation
US HOTELS DISTRIBUTIONS OF FRANCHISE RELATED FEES 2013
All Hotels Hotels operated by
Chain
Hotels operated by Management
Company
32.8%
23.8%
26.4%
17.0%
34.7%
24.3%
23.1%
17.9%
19.1%
19.9%
50.6%
10.4%
Source: PKF Hospitality Research, Trends in the Hotel Industry
Guest Loyalty Program Marketing Assessment Royalty Payment Reservation
PKF HOSPITALITY RESEARCH, (PKF-HR IS A CBRE COMPANY) CAPTURES FOUR OF THESE FEES DISCRETELY
ROYALTY FEES
LOYALTY PROGRAM FEES
RESERVATION ASSESSMENTS
ADVERTISING AND
MARKETING ASSESSMENTS
increased, while the assessments paid for marketing
and reservation services have declined.
Measured as a percent of rooms revenue, total
franchise related expenditures in 2013 were highest
for chain-af"liated resorts (10.5%), followed by
limited-service (8.5%), suite with food and beverage
(7.9%), and full-service (7.5%) properties. Chain-
af"liated convention hotels paid the lowest ratio
of franchise related fees (4.7%), along with suite
without food and beverage properties (6.0%).
LOYALTY AND ROYALTY UPFrom 2007 through 2013, the portion of total
franchise related fees assigned to guest loyalty
programs increased steadily every year ranging from
25.3 percent in 2007 to 32.8 percent in 2013. Not
only have guest loyalty program payments increased
as a percent of total franchise related fees, but the
dollars paid have grown the most of all four fee
categories increasing at a compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 6.0 during the seven year period.
Guest loyalty program fees are mostly a function
of the revenue generated by loyalty program
guests staying at a hotel. Based on interviews with
franchising organizations, the percent charged by the
franchisors has remained relatively steady during the
study period. Therefore, it can be assumed that the
primary driver of the growth in guest loyalty fees has
been an increase in the number of program members
staying at properties in the system.
Royalty payments are made for the right to use the
“brand name” and be entitled to all the marketing
and operational support provided by the franchisor.
From 2007 through 2013, the royalty payments
made by the properties in the sample increased at a
compound annual rate of 5.3 percent.
MARKETING AND RESERVATIONS DOWNIn 2013 the marketing fees paid by franchisees made
up just 23.8 percent of total franchise related fees,
compared to 33.5 percent in 2007. During the seven
year study period, the dollar value of the marketing
assessments declined at a CAGR of 4.1 percent. The
marketing assessment covers the costs of national
advertising campaigns and sales support programs
provided by the chain. The decline of this cost can
be attributed to the ef"ciencies of internet advertising
and marketing, and the concurrent reduced use
of traditional historical forms of advertising and
marketing (ex. publications, mailings, radio, TV).
The reservation assessments paid by the hotels
in our sample have also declined. During the past
seven years, the average property in our sample paid
7.1 percent fewer dollars in reservation fees in 2013
than they did in 2007. Therefore, the reservation
assessment ratio, which comprised 20.0 percent of
total franchise related fee in 2007, dropped to 17.0
percent in 2013.
DIFFERENCES BY MANAGEMENTOur study sample included self-operated hotels
and properties operated by third party management
companies, as well as hotels operated by one of
the national chains. As expected, we observed a
difference in the composition of franchise related
fees paid by the chain-operated hotels versus the
other properties in the sample.
As expected, the greatest difference in the
composition of the franchise related fees was found
in the area of royalty payments. Royalty payments
comprised just 23.1 percent of the total franchise
fees at the chain-managed properties, compared
to a 50.6 percent ratio at hotels that are either self-
operated, or managed by a third-party company. The
reduced ratio at the chain-managed properties can
be explained by the fact that the brands frequently
do not charge themselves a royalty payment (possibly
in lieu of a management fee), but do charge for other
assessments as a part of an allocation of corporate
marketing and reservation services.
Owners continually scrutinize the fees they pay
to the national hotel chains. Analyzing them on a
component basis provides further insights into the
reasons for changes in the franchise fees paid, as well
as the relative value of each type of assessment.
Visit The Retail Franchise and Hotel Services
Exhibitors at The Hotel Show 2014
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
20 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
JW MARRIOTT LAUNCHES NEW SPA BY JW BRANDNew wellness concept created to calm, indulge, invigorate and renew
THE BRAND’S NEW WELLNESS CONCEPT TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION GUEST’S TIME CONSTRAINTS, AND ALLOWS THEM TO BROWSE THROUGH THE QUICK TREATMENTS THAT WILL LAST FOR ONLY 12 MINUTES OR PICK FROM THE OTHER LONGER TRADITIONAL 90-MINUTE INDULGENCES.
BY HINA NAVIN
Think of Spa by JW as an exclusive destination to
demystify and re-imagine the spa experience.
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts launched its
"rst new spa concept - Spa by JW at the new JW
Marriott Houston Downtown. The brand’s new
wellness concept takes into consideration guest’s time
constraints, and allows them to browse through the
express treatments that will last for only 12 minutes
or pick from the other longer traditional 90-minute
indulgences. The treatments offered are luxurious
yet purposeful and are designed to address four key
pillars: calm, indulge, invigorate and renew
Mitzi Gaskins, vice president and global brand
manager at the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, says,
"Our guests are incredibly passionate about well-
being but they don't always have the time to invest
in cultivating it. They are looking for an experience
that delivers true impact and results that are tailored to
their state of mind. Spa by JW offers an environment
where you can choose exactly what you want, when
you want, without any of the intimidation or hassle."
The busy wellness lovers can visit the express spa
suites, designed around a massage chair exclusive
to JW Marriott, featuring embedded scent infusers,
noise cancelling technology, and cell phone charging
stations. Treatments include a variety of 12- to
25-minute services like the Relaxing Scalp Massage
(Calm), Hydrating Hands (Indulge), Energy Boost
Massage (Invigorate), Nail Shine (Renew), and more.
For the other spa enthusiasts who have the luxury of
time, there are a variety of treatment rooms to accommodate
longer, full-service spa services where they can book full-
body treatments and scrubs, 60- or 90-minute massages,
cleansing facials, nail services and more.
The second property to have a Spa by JW will be
the Marriott Mumbai Sahar in December, and there
are 20 more in the pipeline.
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
22 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
6 MEGA PROJECTS DUBAI WILL OFFER THAT EXCITES THE KID IN ALL OF US
SIX FLAGS
Six Flags Entertainment Corp, one of the world’s leading theme park developers, has just launched the tallest
theme park drop/ride in the world, the Zumanjaro Drop of Doom. In partnership with Meraas Holding -
the same developer behind the Bluewaters offshore project in Dubai that is to feature the world’s largest
Ferris wheel, Six Flags is expected to build world-class theme park and record-setting rides and amusement.
Tentatively, project completion is set at 2017.
Six Flags Entertainment currently operates 18 themed destinations in North America and Mexico and has
revenues of Dh4 billion.
IMG WORLD OF ADVENTURES / DUBAI ADVENTURE STUDIOS
A 1.5 million square feet indoor themed
entertainment destination, visitors will discover
the huge excitement of an epic journey
bursting with roller coasters, rides, thrills and
adventures. The park will be comprised of 4
EPIC zones: Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure,
Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and
MARVEL. According to their Facebook Page,
IMGWOA will be the biggest indoor themed
entertainment destination in the world. Check
out their website, http://www.imgwoa.ae/ to
learn more about this marvelous development.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS DUBAILAND
At more than twice the size of Walt Disney World in
Orlando, Florida, Dubailand will be the pinnacle of
the emirate's tourism draw. Plan to have a Universal
theme park in Dubai is still alive.The $110 billion,
280-square-kilometer development by state-
owned real-estate "rm Tatweer will also include
an 11-kilometer strip of themed hotels and sports
facilities such as Music City and Tiger Woods's "rst
golf course.
DUBAI SAFARI
This new attraction that aims to build a huge
natural animal habitat will replace the existing
1.5 hectare Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah.. The "rst
phase of construction is already complete.
Authorities hope to open the 29 hectares park
by late 2014.
LEGOLAND DUBAI
Grading and early foundation work for the new
Legoland Dubai theme park is already under way.
According to this article, Merlin has con"rmed that
they will move forward with their plans to build
Legoland Dubai, hoping to open the park in 2016.
ALADDIN CITY
Not really a kiddie attraction but the name is. No
#ying carpets, no magic lamps and genies, but the
idea is inspired by the tales of Sindbad and, well,
Aladdin.
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
24 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
DUBAI, ABU DHABI, OMAN PROMOTE CRUISE INDUSTRYOman’s Ministry of Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Dubai’s Department of
Tourism promote strengths of the region to cruise industry and travel trade professionals at Seatrade
Med Convention
Cruise Arabia, the collaborative initiative formed
by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, Abu Dhabi
Tourism & Culture Authority and Dubai’s
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
to promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise destination,
participated in the three-day Seatrade Med Convention
concluded on Thursday in Barcelona, Spain.
Aimed at raising awareness of the Arabian
Gulf’s unique destination offering among major
players from the international cruise industry, the
Cruise Arabia partners showcased cruise tourism
opportunities in the Arabian Gulf and the diversity of
the region’s destination offering – including its city
skylines, desert landscapes and beaches; the world’s
most sophisticated malls and traditional souks;
natural wilderness and adventure experiences;
and its art, culture and heritage. The partners also
shared details of the region’s world-leading hotels
and burgeoning gastronomy scenes to encourage
tourists to extend their stays prior to or post cruise
travel.
Attracting over 4,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors,
the Seatrade Med Convention is one of the most
important trade events in the world for the cruise
tourism industry and provides an ideal platform
for engaging with travel trade professionals from
European markets.
Formed in September 2013 with a shared aim
to grow and evolve the cruise tourism segment, the
Cruise Arabia partners have committed to making a
signi"cant investment to the cruise industry across
the region, developing its segment infrastructure and
creating current and future employment opportunities.
A key aim of the partnership is to encourage a new
generation of tourists to cruise in the Arabian Gulf
and the Gulf of Oman, spanning new travelers from
traditional markets in Europe and North America as
well as those from emerging markets including China,
India and the GCC.
Hamad Mohammed bin Mejren, Executive
Director, Business Tourism at DTCM, said: “Seatrade
Med Convention 2014 provides an ideal opportunity
to engage with the European cruise industry and
travel trade professionals – one of the most important
segments for building our regional cruise tourism
sector. It is a chance to enlighten this critical audience
about the extraordinary experiences of cruise travel in
our region and to increase the number of passengers
considering and ultimately booking cruises in the
Arabian Gulf.”
“As the home port for cruise tourism in the
region, Dubai is "rmly committed to working with
our partners in Oman and Abu Dhabi to promote
the strengths, richness and diversity of cruise travel
experiences in the Arabian Gulf. By working together
we provide a very persuasive rationale for attracting
travellers, and bringing more tourists and ultimately
economic growth and employment opportunities to
our respective markets,” he added.
“We expect the upcoming cruise season to surpass
last year’s especially with the new multi-entry UAE
visit visa for cruise tourists that was announced last
August at just AED200 ($50). The number of vessels
using Dubai Cruise Terminal as their home port has
increased to six this season, these vessels are also
expected to make a total of 83 trips in comparison
to the 63 trips that were conducted in the previous
2013/2014 season. We are expecting a total of 110
ship calls carrying around 381,500 passengers
in comparison to 93 ship calls carrying 320,000
passengers last year.”
Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism Events,
Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “It gives us immense
pleasure to join hands, once again, with the Dubai
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
(DTCM) and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture
Authority (TCA) to promote Cruise Arabia. We are
convinced that this partnership will create strong
synergy in promoting cruise tourism in the UAE
and Oman, enabling tourists to explore the rich
and ancient culture of the region, blended with
modernity at all levels. Oman is undergoing a rapid
tourism growth with cruise shipping being a major
contributing component.”
THE HOTEL SHOWDAY01
OFFICIAL DAILY
SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014 THE HOTEL SHOW 25
DUBAI BOOMS AS ‘WEDDING TOURISM’ DESTINATIONThe growing number of “wedding tourists” #ying into Dubai has not only boosted sales at
jewellery stores and bridal suite bookings at hotels, many businesses are springing up to help
people’s big day in the desert go off without a hitch
STAFF WRITER
While the city is known all over the
world for its sandy beaches, impressive
skyline, luxury hotels and mega malls,
Dubai is also catering to visitors who want to take
home more than just souvenirs – they want to leave
with a new husband or wife..
Caroline Garvey set up her Proposal Boutique to
offer a helping hand to couples planning to tie the
knot, or even men looking for the perfect place to
pop the question.
She got the idea after her "ance organised a "ve-
day trip to New York that culminated in a candle-lit
dinner in a closed-off section of Central Park, where
he proposed.
“We thought we’d set it up for British people
coming to Dubai on holiday, but when we launched
it last year the "rst person to get in touch was
someone living here,” Ms Garvey said.
Her clients so far have come predominantly from
India and the United States, as well as the UK.
Although some men think the more lavish the
proposal the better, Ms Garvey said some of the
nicest have been those with a smaller budget.
“It’s not about how much you spend, but how
much thought has gone into it,” Ms Garvey said,
although she is currently planning a hot air balloon
proposal as well as a salsa-themed event.
British expatriate James Oliver, 32, who lives in
Dubai, was one of Ms Garvey’s "rst clients.
“I wanted to propose for several months but didn’t
know how to do it. I am away a lot and work long
hours, so I really wasn’t sure how I would make the
proposal work. If Jayne [my "ancee] saw me in the
mall running around she would have been suspicious.”
The day included sending his "ancee a Parisian-
themed picnic basket for breakfast, a spa treatment,
shopping trip, and being driven around in a Porsche
limousine, all "nished off with him popping the
question on board a luxury yacht in Dubai Marina.
Named one of the most romantic restaurants in
the UAE by the travel website Trip Advisor, Pierchic
at Al Qasr hotel has had a fair share of its customers
getting down on one knee with a diamond ring in
hand.
“We see guests proposing every second week,”
said Margarita Khadyuk, the venue’s manager. “The
setting is so spectacular that it’s really a special
place to propose.”
Swedes Malin and David Aspehult can vouch for
that. In December 2011, Mr Aspehult, 35, proposed
to Malin at the restaurant, and two years later to the
day the couple were married in the same place by
a Swedish priest.
“Dubai is a fantastic wedding destination and I
would strongly recommend it,” said Mrs Aspehult, 37.
Capturing a couple’s special day keeps wedding
photographer Helen Shippey busy. She has seen
the number of destination weddings rise in the past
three years, especially from Scandinavian couples.
“The most sought-after locations are the Dubai
beaches where you can see the Burj Al Arab Hotel
in the background or Burj Khalifa.
“Souk Madinat Jumeriah is also a place many
choose to take photos at since they then get a
lovely Arabic feel in their wedding photographs to
symbolise where they actually got married.”
Jerome Barbeau, food and beverage director of
Mina A’Salam hotel says that the beach restaurant
and lounge Shimmers, is the hotel’s prime spot for
proposals.
He says staff are asked to assist in proposals
by for example, organising #owers, rings and
assisting with other surprises. He spoke of one
creative couple whose special day took 48 hours
of preparations. “An Indian gentleman proposed to
his "ance in November and was very creative. He
put love letters and notes on the sand all along the
red carpet leading to the romantic majlis, where the
lady had to pick them up along the way and read the
messages,” he said.
“We arranged lots of candles and vases in the
shape of a heart on the sand. There was a huge cake
with the words ’Will you marry me’. Genuinely the
gentleman was trying his hardest to make sure that
everything was perfect for his "ancée, which was a
joy to assist in.”
He says other proposals have included a private
beachside tent with a private dinner and a private
band playing exclusively for the couple with the
ring hidden inside the #owers decorating the space.
This took two weeks to execute.
“There is no speci"c time of the year for proposals
[but] around the holidays is always very popular for
marriage proposals at Madinat Jumeirah. Christmas
and New Year are busy times,” he said.
26 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
SPA TRAVEL MARKET GROWS 58% IN SIX YEARS
New study shows surprise leap following "nancial crisis, more than 100,000 Spas Worldwide.
Spa and wellness tourism has grown 58% in
the last six years with more than 100,000 spas
now available worldwide.
New research released by the Global Spa &
Wellness Summit with SRI International has found
the sector grown from US$60 billion in 2007 to
US$94 billion where there has been a 47% rise in
spa locations to 105, 591.
Wellness tourism has developed further reaching
US$494 billion in revenues, up 12.5% year-on-year.
New properties and growing travelling markets
in Asia, Middle East, A"rca and Latin America
are driving the demand particularly as the global
middle class develops.
Europe is the leading region for the spa industry
generating US$29.8 billion (up 62%), followed
by Asia Paci"c at US$18.8bn (+65%) and North
America US$18.3bn (+35%).
“It has been six long years since our first spa
industry research report, and to see nearly 60%
growth across years marked by global financial
collapse was as impressive as it was unexpected.
Also exceeding our expectations: the growth
in the wellness tourism market last year and
the sheer scope of the thermal/mineral springs
industry,” said Ophelia Yeung, senior consultant,
Center for Science, Technology & Economic
Development at SRI.
“And key economic and demographic trends,
we predict, will continue to fuel growth for these
three segments, including the rise of the global
middle class (at two billion people now, but
expected to skyrocket to five billion by 2030);
ongoing, phenomenal momentum for tourism,
generally; millions more people each year
proactively seeking a ‘wellness lifestyle’; and the
story of developing markets, and so many new
properties, across Asia, Middle East/Africa and
Latin America,” she added.
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY
01
28 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
EXPERIENCE FORMULA 1™ IN FIRST CLASS STYLE WITH YAS VICEROY'S ULTIMATE RACE WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
Spa and wellness tourism has grown 58% in
the last six years with more than 100,000 spas
now available worldwide.
This November, the nation's capital will play
host to the exhilarating "nal race of the Formula
1™ series. As the world’s only hotel situated in the
middle of a Formula 1™ racetrack, Yas Viceroy Abu
Dhabi is offering spectators pole position with its
‘Ultimate Race-Weekend Experience’.
Soak up all the action of the 2014 Formula 1™
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in elegance,
starting with a private seaplane transfer to the Yas
Viceroy Presidential Suite, with a private terrace
featuring panoramic views of the track.
Enjoy #owing champagne throughout your stay
in the Presidential Suite, which offers panoramic
views of the track and marina. Located in the
Marina Wing, the 400 square metre duplex suite
features original contemporary artwork, exclusive
bespoke furnishings and a spacious dining room. A
private treatment room and relaxation area in our
luxurious spa ESPA can be accessed by the in-suite
elevator. Additionally, enjoy your own private sauna
and steam room before taking a dip in your private
10 metre lap pool, located on the roof terrace.
This exclusive package has been designed to
ensure that you enjoy every element of luxury. When
you are not watching the race from your terrace,
you can head down to explore the city in your Rolls
Royce accompanied by your private chauffeur.
A personal chef will be on hand throughout the
four days to prepare epicurean delights, such as a
decadent feast of oysters and caviar in your private
dining room. This once in a lifetime experience
would not be complete without some indulgent
pampering. After returning from the track, unwind
each evening in your private spa room with signature
treatments and gift packages at Yas Viceroy’s award-
winning ESPA.
Inspired by all the action and fast cars, you
can enjoy your own adrenaline-fuelled adventure,
taking the VIP tour at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Finally, spice up your weekend with some great
music at the star-studded post-race concerts.
After an action-packed weekend drop back
a few gears and #y "rst class for a relaxing two-
night stay in a Beach Villa at Viceroy Maldives. Set
over 17 acres of pristine beach, the resort encircles
azure lagoon waters boasting rich marine life and
stunning panoramic views. Unwind in your private
plunge pool and enjoy breakfast and dinner in the
resort’s three diverse dining venues include the
Middle Eastern-inspired Tree house.
The Ultimate Race Weekend Experience is
priced at AED 467,050 (approx. USD 130,000) for
two people. For bookings and enquiries contact
+971 2 656 0700 +971 2 656 0700 +971 2 656
0700 +971 2 656 0700 or e-mail yas.reservations@
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
THE ULTIMATE RACE WEEKEND EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
Seawings private sea plane from Jebel Ali to Yas
Links, for 2 pax
Rolls Royce Ghost limo service and chauffeur for
4 days
4 night stay in a Yas Viceroy Presidential Suite
Private Butler service for 4 days
Personal Chef for 4 days including caviar dinner
Free #owing champagne throughout the stay
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi VIP tour
Access to all F1 private parties
ESPA Gift Package
Daily ESPA luxury treatments
Return "rst class #ight to the Maldives for two
persons, subject to availability
Two nights stay at Viceroy Maldives in a Beach
Villa, subject to availability (including sea plane
transfer, breakfast and dinner for 2 persons)
Terms & Conditions apply, subject to availability.
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
01
THE HOTEL SHOWDAY01
OFFICIAL DAILY
SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014 THE HOTEL SHOW 29
DAY 1: SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER10.30am Of"cial opening ceremony
11.00am KEYNOTE
Issam AbdulRahim Kazim, Chief Executive Of"c er, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
PRESENTATION
11.15am - 11.45am Hotel development hotspot Middle East
Caroline List, Sales & Product Manager, TOPHOTELPROJECTS
PANEL
12.00pm - 12.30pm Trends in hospitality and leisure
Chair: Rahul Odedra, Editor, Hotelier Middle East
Andrew J. Fay, President / Chief Operating Of"cer, Gettys Group
Christopher Hewitt, Senior Consultant, TRI Hospitality Consulting
Guy Wilkinson, Managing Partner, Viability
Julia Monk, Senior Principal, Director of Hospitality Interior Design, HOK
Andre Saade, Multi-Property General Manager, Marriott International
Rabih Feghali, Director - Business Development, Roya International
PRESENTATION
12.45pm - 1.15pm Mega events and legacy
Philip Wooller, Area Director, Middle East & Africa, STR Global
PANEL
1.30pm - 2.00pm What should hoteliers really expect from Expo 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022?
Chair: Guy Wilkinson, Managing Partner, Viability
Chris Sims, Deputy Chairman, Savills Northern Gulf
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels L.L.C.
Ammar Kanaan, Corporate Director of Operations | General Manager, Auris First Central Hotel Suites
David Brown, General Manager, Fraser Suites
Michel Jost, Executive Chef, Yas Viceroy
Khamis Kazzaz, General Manager, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah
PANEL
2.15pm - 2.45pm Development & growth of mid-range hotels
Chair: Russell Sharpe, Chief Operating Of"cer, Citymax Hotels
Yousuf Lootah, MBA, Executive Director Tourism Development & Investments, Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Christopher Hewitt, Senior Consultant, TRI Hospitality Consulting
Laurent A Voivenel, CEO, HMH (Hospitality Management Holdings)
Sumati Murari, Vice President - Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL Middle East & Africa
Steven Miller, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Shapoorji Pallonji International
PRESENTATION
3.00pm - 3.30pm High growth challenges and opportunities
Grant Salter, Director, Head of Travel, Hospitality & Leisure Advisory, Deloitte Corporate Finance Ltd.
PANEL
3.45pm - 4.15pm Future trends interior design for hospitality, f&b and leisure
Chair: Annamaria Lambri, Associate Professor of Architecture & Interior Design, AUD
Andrew J. Fay, President/Chief Operating Of"cer, Gettys Group
Marcos Cain, Director/Founder, Stickman Design
Julia Monk, Senior Principal, Director of Hospitality Interior Design, HOK
Diane Thorsen, LEED AP BA(Hons) IIDA, Principal Design Director, Perkins+Will
Kai Schukowski, Hotel Manager, Kempinski Hotel Ajman
Simon P Turton, Head of Accessibility & Design, Ebdaah
PRESENTATION
4.30pm - 5.00pm How to achieve full occupancy - casestudy London Olympics
Donna Taylor, Director, Village and Games Services
PRESENTATION
5.15pm - 5.45pm How to cope with challenges in food safety & regulatory compliance
Bobby Krishna, Principal Food Inspection Of"cer - Food Control Department, Dubai Municipality
PRESENTATION
6.00pm - 6.30pm Women in hospitality leadership
Stephanie Aboujaoude, Area Director, Marketing - Middle East & sub-Saharan Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group
6.30pm - 7.00pm NETWORKING
7.00pm SHOW CLOSE
VISION CONFERENCE 2014
THE HOTEL SHOWOFFICIAL DAILY
DAY01
30 THE HOTEL SHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2014
OPENING TIMES
28th September 2014 – 30th September 2014
11:00am to 7:00pm
ADMISSIONAdmission to the exhibition is restricted to trade and
professional visitors. Admission is free for such visitors
upon completing a registration form or presenting an
industry-relevant business card. Children under 16
are not allowed into The Hotel Show.
PROHIBITIONSThe organizers reserve the right to refuse admission
to the exhibition without having to provide a reason.
They also reserve the right to order the expulsion
of any person whose behaviors, in the opinion
of the organizers, makes such action desirable.
Canvassing for orders or for any other purpose by
any unauthorized person is prohibited, and the right
of expulsion will be exercised at once. No lea#ets
or other matters may be distributed or displayed in
any part of the exhibition except by exhibitors from
their own stand. Obstruction of gangways for "lming
or photography is prohibited unless permission is
obtained from the Organisers.
OFFICESThe show team of"ce is located in the lobby of Hall
4, Of"ce 4.2. The Operations Of"ce is located in the
lobby of Hall 3, Of"ce 3.2. The Hotel Show 2014
is organized by dmg :: events, a subsidiary of one
of the world’s leading exhibition and publishing
companies, part of the Daily Mail & General Trust plc.
dmg :: events also organize Index, Big 5 exhibitions,
ADIPEC and The Of"ce.
THE VIP & BUYERS LOUNGEThe VIP & Buyers Lounge is only accessible to VIP
or Buyers badge holders. The VIP lounge is located
inside Hall 2 at Stand 2F81. A selection of exclusive
events and networking opportunities will be hosted
inside the VIP & Buyers lounge.
BANKSEmirates Bank has a branch within the venue, in the
concourse between Halls 3 & 4. A National Bank
of Dubai branch is located in the foyer of Sheikh
Maktoum Hall. Both banks have 24-hour ATM access.
BUSINESS CENTREA Business Centre is located in the concourse outside
Hall 3. There is also a Post Of"ce in the concourse
near Sheikh Maktoum Hall.
CATERING AND REFRESHMENTSLight refreshments and snacks are available from
cafes within the Halls. You can also "nd a selection
of bars, restaurants and cafes in The Plaza area and
Concourse 1 and 2.
PRAYER ROOMSThe prayer rooms are located on the second #oor
above the bubble lounge above Sheikh Rashid Hall.
FIRST AIDA "rst aid station is located in the lobby of Hall 5A. A
pharmacy is located in the concourse outside Hall 6.
Contact the Organisers’ Of"ce if necessary.
PRESS OFFICEThe Press Of"ce is located at the entrance of Hall 7,
Of"ce 7.1
STAND PHOTOGRAPHYPlease contact the organizers of"ce for more details.
DISCLAIMERThe Hotel Show Catalogue is published by dmg
world media Dubai Ltd. and great care is taken to
ensure the accuracy of the content but the publishers
accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.
All contents are copyright dmg world media Dubai
Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without
prior written consent.
GENERAL INFORMATION