Market Update 2Accommodation News 4Air Travel News 6International News 8Agents’ Corner 10Travel Tips 11Travel Talk 12Who’s Moved 14Rendezvous 15Events 16

Middle East and North Africa Edition

AUGUST 14, 2010 ISSUE 40 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

44

3HILTON SAUDI ARABIAHilton’s vice president of developmentfor the Middle East lists Saudi Arabia asthe number one market in the region, asHilton signs a management agreement fortwo new hotels in the kingdom.

In This Issue

66

CRUISING INCREASE

The popularity of cruise holidayscontinues to rise in the Middle East, withRoyal Caribbean Cruises reporting a 63percent surge in bookings during the firsthalf of 2010.

EconomyonlyEconomyonly

Eithad is introducing its first single class services, withplans to run economy-only flights to short haul

destinations from October. Two Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft will be outfitted with 162 economy seats; an

increase of 42 seats over Etihad’s existing configuration.

M erchantBridge is activein the Middle Easternmarket, with offices inDubai, Baghdad, Basraand Riyadh.

In 2006, MerchantBridge led the successfuldevelopment and sale of Diyafa Hotel in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The company has also recently acquired the 15year lease of Iraq’s Kerbala Cement Plant, inconjunction with Lafarge. Basil Al-Rahim, CEO of MerchantBridge, saidthe hospitality industry was a key focus for the

group.“Investments in the hospitalitysector today are ideal forinvestors, as the real estatemarket still represents significantopportunities,” he said.“MerchantBridge is also

exploring other opportunities in hospitality inEurope and is in talks with some of the majorhotel groups in globally.”Specifically, Ameen Killidar, managing directorof MerchantBridge, said the company wouldtarget high-end hospitality. “The luxury hospitality sector is in need offurther investment,” he said.“In Europe and North America, the number ofnew luxury hotels built decreased by more than20 percent in the first half of 2010, whencompared to the same period in 2008.”During the same period, Killidar pointed out,occupancy rates at luxury hotels in Europe andNorth America increased by an average of 12percent.“We see this as an ideal opportunity for us,where we can see long term value being createdthrough addressing current and futuresupply/demand gaps,” he said.

AUGUST 14, 20102

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.69Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.69Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1501Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.70Syria (SYP) Pound 46.7Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.29Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.47Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.60Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,003Yemen (YER) Rial 238.17Algeria (DZD) Dinar 74.17Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.28

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 12/8/2010Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLYDeputy EditorLaura Warne

JournalistLouis Dillon Savage

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingMarianna TsiamasEvelina Hadjigeorgiou

DirectorsAndreas ConstantinidesMary Kammitsi

HeadquartersP.O. Box 25255Nicosia 1308 CyprusTel: +35722820888Fax: +35722318958

Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

Emailsinfo@traveltradeweekly.traveleditorial@traveltradeweekly.travelsales@traveltradeweekly.travel

MerchantBridge Signs USD20mHospitality Investment Deal Private equity and direct investment group, MerchantBridge, has signed a USD20million transaction to invest in Monaco Luxury Hotels and Resorts.

Low cost carrier Air Arabia’s financialresults for the three months endingJune 30, 2010, have showed a declineof 44 percent compared with the sameperiod in 2009. Net profit stood at AED50 million,compared to AED90 million last year. However, turnover increased by sixpercent, from AED458 million in thesecond quarter of 2009 to AED485this year. According to Sheikh Abdullah BinMohammad Al Thani, chairman of AirArabia, the decline in profitability was inline with global industry performance. “We are pleased with Air Arabia’s solidperformance despite overall challengingmarketing conditions,” he said. “Air Arabia continues to post sustained

quarterly profits with a high seat loadfactor and rising passenger traffic.”Average seat load factors rose by fourpercent compared to the second quarterof 2009, sitting at 82 percent at the end ofJune, 2010. “The airline has embarked upon aphase of organic growth, nowoperating from three hubs across theregion,” said Al Thani.“We are focused on further expandingour operations while strengtheningour value for money offerings andinnovative products.”Air Arabia has recently launchedoperations from its third hub, in Egypt,and has announced the formation ofJordan’s first low cost carrier in a jointventure with Tantash Group.

Air Arabia Posts 44 Percent Decline in Net Profit

3AUGUST 14, 2010

Middle East Buoys Cruising IndustryThe popularity of cruise holidays continues to rise in the Middle East, with Royal Caribbean Cruises reportinga surge in bookings during the first half of 2010.

Hertz UAE to Boost Fleet by 4,000The Al-Futtaim owned Hertz UAE company has posted12 percent growth in inventory, with 4,000 new cars onthe way by the end of 2010. Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE, said thecompany was also focusing on improving customer servicethroughout its 13 UAE branches. “Hertz UAE continues to view investment in products andcustomer service as critical factors in our success,” he said.“This year we are on course to invest over 2,000 man hoursin customer service training, which combined with ourinvestment in 4,000 new cars, will continue to drive forwardthe high standards of service our customers expect.”In the second half of 2010, Hertz UAE will launch theHertz #1 Gold Club in the UAE, along with self servicecar rental kiosks that are currently being trialled in Europe.

F rom January to the end ofJuly, guest volume fromthe Middle East increased63 percent compared to2009. The Mediterranean

and Caribbean came out on top as theregion’s most popular destinations; theaverage cruise duration for MiddleEastern guests was nine nights. Royal Caribbean has also noticed recentinterest in its Middle Eastern cruises,

according to Lakshmi Durai, executivedirector of Royal Caribbean Celebrity andAzamara Club Cruises Middle East. “We’re absolutely thrilled with thetremendous growth of the cruise marketin the Middle East and there is still a hugepotential,” said Durai.“With the support of our travel agentpartners, targeted marketing and PRinitiatives for the introduction of our firstship, Brilliance of the Seas, to the regionin January, we’ve put a spotlight on the joyof cruising.“All Middle East markets performed well,with UAE and Lebanon doubling theirguest bookings and new ships like Oasisof the Seas – the biggest cruise ship of the

world – and Celebrity Cruises’ SolsticeClass, proving to be very popular.”Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of RoyalCaribbean, is investing USD3.7 billion infive new Solstice Class ships, due to becompleted by 2012. Royal Caribbean has raised its full yearprofit forecast, reporting an increase ofnet income to USD60.5 million.

We are on course to invest over 2,000 man

hours in customer service

training

All Middle East markets performed well, with UAE andLebanon doubling

their guest bookingsRoyal Caribbean

AUGUST 14, 20104

- Accommodation

CHI Hotels and Resorts to Operate Second Egyptian HotelCHI Hotels and Resorts will operate itssecond property in Egypt from Octoberthis year, after signing a 15 year technicalservices and management agreementwith El Salam Company for TourismDevelopment. CHI will take over operation of theconverted and partly refurbished hotel,The Ramada Plaza – Naama Bay inSharm El Sheikh.The 254 room hotel opened in 2004 andwas previously known as Royal PlazaHotel. Tony Potter, CEO of CHI, pointed out

that the new deal was CHI’s second hotelmanagement agreement in Egypt withinthe space of one year. “This is a great step forward for us in theregion,” said Potter. “Our other hotel under management in

the region, the Tiran Island Hotel, hasperformed well over the past year andthis has encouraged us to further exploreother opportunities in this vastly popularcountry of Egypt.“We now look forward to the opening ofour third CHI management property there,the luxurious Corinthia Resort Hotel.”

Hilton to Manage Saudi University Properties by 2012Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Saud UniversityEndowment for two new hotels in the kingdom.

H ilton Riyadh KingSaud University, 241rooms, and HiltonRiyadh King SaudUniversity Residence,

155 rooms, are both expected to open by2012. According to Andrew Clough, senior vicepresident of development for HiltonWorldwide Middle East and Asia Pacific,Riyadh is a strong business and corporatemarket for both domestic andinternational visitors.“Saudi Arabia is our number onedevelopment market in the Middle East,”he said.“The cross-selling opportunities with oursix existing hotels in Makkah, Madinah,Jeddah and Riyadh are tremendous.”King Saud University has a studentpopulation of 70,000; the two newproperties will also be located close todowntown Riyadh, the diplomatic quarterand financial district. Preliminary groundwork on the twoproperties is already underway. Dr Abudulrehman AI-Harkan, CEO of

King Saud University Endowment, saidthe development would be a landmarkproject in Riyadh.“With the capital developing into abusiness and luxury hub, attractingmillions of regional and internationalvisitors while hosting thousands ofexpatriate families, the entry of these twoproperties adds to the city’s metropolitancredentials and showcases the diversity ofits hospitality offerings,” he said.In addition to the two university

properties, Hilton has several other hotelsin its Saudi Arabia pipeline – HiltonGarden Inn Riyadh Al Muroj, due to openin 2011, and Hilton Riyadh Hotel andResidence, due to open in 2013.

This is a great stepforward for us in the region

The Ramada Plaza – Naama Bay

(L-R) Carlos Khneisser, senior director of development, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East; Dr Abdullah AAlothman, director, King Saud University; and Essam Abouda, vice president of operations, Hilton

Worldwide, Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean

Saudi Arabia isour number one

development market in the Middle East

mailto:sales@traveltradeweekly.travel

AUGUST 14, 20106

- Air Travel

Etihad Airlines Chases Economy Travellers Eithad Airline is introducing its first single class services, with plans to run economy-only flights to short hauldestinations from October.

Qatar Triples Flights to Egypt, Adds Alexandria and Luxor to Network

Two Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft will beoutfitted with 162economy seats; anincrease of 42 seats over

Etihad’s existing configuration.The aircraft will initially operate on flightsto Alexandria, Egypt; Calicut andThiruvananthapuram, India; Colombo,Sri Lanka; Damascus, Syria; and Doha,Qatar.James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said theroutes had been chosen for their high rateof economy travel and low interest inpremium classes.He said that Etihad had now establishedits position as a mainstream carrier andwas looking for new ways to compete inthe regional market.“Etihad has grown at a remarkable pace

during the past six and a half years,” hesaid.“We have built a strong brand and arobust business, and it is the right time tochallenge the way we serve our variousmarkets and segments.”The all-economy flights bring Etihad’sservices closer to the business model oflow cost airlines, which have becomeincreasingly prevalent in the Middle Eastand Asian markets.However, Hogan insisted the flightswould be operated on a full service basis.“Our all economy aircraft will allow us tooffer a more competitive product in keypoint-to-point markets in Asia, theMiddle East, North Africa and the Indiansubcontinent, while maintaining the highstandards of service we have becomeknown for,” he said.

Qatar Airways has expanded itsnetwork in Egypt, adding daily flights toboth Alexandria and Luxor.The new routes will bring QatarAirways’ total number of flights intoEgypt to 21 per week, including existingdaily flights to Cairo.Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways,said the strengthened network reflecteda long term strategy of expanding intoAfrica.“IATA (International Air Transport

Association) has highlighted Africa asone of the most important growthmarkets for aviation over the next 20years, and Qatar Airways is committedto making further inroads into thisdynamic continent to take advantage ofthe tremendous opportunities available,”he said.Flights will be operated by Airbus A320aircraft in a two class configurationincluding first and economy classseating.

It is the right time to challenge the way we

serve our various marketsand segments

James Hogan

IATA has highlightedAfrica as one of the most

important growthmarkets for aviation over

the next 20 years

Akbar Al Baker

Egypt

7AUGUST 14, 2010

- Air Travel

nasair Clients Demand offline Sales ChannelIn response to pressure from consumers, Nasair is increasing its number of physical sales offices in Saudi Arabia.

Both Emirates and Etihad haveboosted their service schedulesto Saudi Arabia, projecting agrowth in demand.Etihad has increased frequenciesto Jeddah throughout Ramadanto accommodate greaternumbers of travellersperforming Umrah pilgrimages.However, Ahmed Khoory,senior vice president ofcommercial operations in theGulf, Middle East and Iran forEmirates, said strong demandwas expected to continue wellbeyond the end of the holymonth.“We expect travel to thekingdom to increase significantlyacross the coming threemonths,” he said.“The additional services willhelp ease the flow of traffic andoffer more options to thosewishing to travel for bothreligious and leisure purposes.”The boosted Emirates schedulewill operate between August andSeptember, while Etihad will runextra flights until September 12.

Turki Al Jawini, salesdirector of Nasair, said alarge number of peoplestill preferred to purchasetheir tickets in a face-to-

face business environment.Although the airline otherwise conforms toa low cost business model, focused onmaximising direct online sales, Al Jawinisaid the trend had prompted Nasair to

expand its network of offices.The airline opened its newest office inDammam this week and has plans to addfurther offices in the near future.“We are also planning to increase to 14 salesoffices by end of year 2010,” Al Jawini said.A total of 10 Nasair sales offices arecurrently operating, in the cities ofMakkash, Madinah Al Menorah, Riyadh,Jeddah, Gizan, Dammam and Al Khobar.

Nasair

Emirates and Etihad’sSaudi Increase

AUGUST 14, 20108

- International

Tourism board directors from acrossthe Indian Ocean have committed todeveloping a marketing plan for theregion’s tourism industry.The meeting, held on Reunion Island,was attended by Alain St Ange ofSeychelles; Joel Randriamandranto ofMadagascar; Pascal Viroleau of Reunion;and Dr Karl Mootoosamy of Mauritius.The group’s objective was to revitalisethe Indian Ocean’s tourism industry bypenetrating new markets and embarkingon a campaign of marketing research tobenefit the islands individually andcollectively.Other issues discussed included:carrying out an audit of the region;

arranging a meeting for tour operators;trade fair joint agreements; and ameeting in Seychelles in October toendorse the group’s plan for the IndianOcean Economic Forum. “Together we are strong, and togetherwe are not an island but part of a wholedestination,” said St Ange. He added that the idea of a label for the

Indian Island oceans was a must in themodern, globalised world.

Fairmont has completed its restorationproject on the 79 year old Fairmont PeaceHotel in Shanghai, China.The property was first opened in 1929,but has been closed since 2007 for anextensive overhaul.Renovations included an extension ofthe original building, which includes asky-lit swimming pool and Willow

Stream Spa facility.The reopened property features 270 guestrooms and suites, including a newconversion of the penthouse that wasonce occupied by the hotel’s originalowner.The 11 storey hotel was the first high risebuilding in Shanghai and also featured thecity’s first electric elevator.

EIBTM on lookout for Tomorrow’s MICE leadersReed Travel has partnered with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to select youngindustry representatives to join EIBTM’s Forum for Young Professionals.

Martin Sirk, CEO forICCA, said theforum would bringtogether 20 youngprofessionals under

the age of 30 at the 2010 EIBTM event inBarcelona. “This forum is a unique opportunity forambitious young professionals, throwntogether from different backgrounds andcountries, to join together to learn moreabout the industry and ICCA,” said Sirk.

“It adds up to an experience that pastparticipants consistently enthuse about.”Graeme Barnett, exhibition director forEIBTM, highlighted some of the forum’sbenefits, including: familiarisation withthe global meetings industry; enhancedprofessional skills; global networkingopportunities; and the ability to plan acareer in the industry.“This initiative is all about the future; theleaders of tomorrow,” said Barnett. “Together with ICCA we are committed

in the long term to help educate anddevelop the obvious talent that existsaround the world.”The forum will take place in Barcelonafrom November 27 to 30; applicationsmust be received by September 10.

This initiative is allabout the future; theleaders of tomorrow

Fairmont Peace Hotel

Fairmont Peace Hotel Opened In Shanghai, China

Indian Ocean Tourism Boards to Launch Joint Marketing Initiative

Together we are strong, and together we are not an island

ut part of a wholedestination

SeychellesSeychelles

AUGUST 14, 201010

Agent’s InsightName: Maher AziziaPosition: ManagerCompany: Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA)Location: Sharjah, UAE

Strive always to provide excellent services at the lowest prices

We are extremely positive about the market here in Qatar

Who are your best customers?Of course the best is corporate and incentive groups, but in thesummer season we also rely on our frequent customers to the usualsummer destinations, besides the business traveller all year round.

What advice would you give to a young travel agent?Not to be affected by obstacles during the off-seasons, and strivealways to provide excellent services at the lowest prices - thissupports the credibility of the agent and gives him the confidenceof his customers for the long term.

Where is your biggest selling destination?Turkey in the first, followed by Malaysia and the Far East region.Also we note in this year's business a decline in sales of somedestinations such as Gold Coast in Australia and Maldives. And ofcourse the customers also change depending on climatic conditionsand the media wave.

When is the best time to visit your destination?The best time to visit my destination, Sharjah, is from October toMarch, with the mild weather and wonderful beaches, but there isalso a lot to do during the summer. There are events of culture andentertainment almost year-round.

Why is travel important?To be out of the routine and work pressure, besides learning thecultures of other people and enjoying their tourist potential.

Dnata Launches Doha OutletDnata Travel Services has launched retail travel servicesin Qatar, with the opening of an office in Doha.Dnata will offer a range of services, including: corporatetravel services; 24 hour booking facilities; bespoke travelpackages; Hajj and Umrah packages; aircraft chartering;worldwide car rental; maritime services; airport meet andgreet services; and event management.Dnata has operated corporate services in Doha since May2009, in collaboration with Hogg Robinson Group (HRG).Abdulla Tawakul, senior vice president of corporate andregional network for Dnata Travel Services, said theoutlook for the new operations was optimistic.“We are extremely positive about the market here in Qatar,a country with a healthy appetite for travel that hasmaintained strong economic growth over the last severalyears, despite the global economic downturn,” he said.Rehan Ali Syed, general manager of Dnata’s Qatar branch,said the company would benefit from its regional presenceand established trading relationships.“The unmatched, regional travel service experience of ourskilled and professional staff, coupled with access to thelatest technology in travel services and the ability to tapinto an extensive network of partnerships, is what will setDnata Travel Qatar apart from the competition,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Doha, Qatar

11AUGUST 14, 2010

Watch the Clock to Help Air Travellers Observe RamadanIn a world of time zone spanning long haul travel, observingrituals tied to the sun can be a challenge for many modernMuslims.As Emirates has shown with its latest initiative, going theextra mile to accommodate your customers can win a largeamount of goodwill.Of particular concern for Muslims during the holy month ofRamadan is the Iftar meal, traditionally consumed shortlyafter sunset to break the fast observed in daylight hours.Emirates Airlines has now introduced specially timed Iftarmeals on its flights, to better service the needs of its Muslimpassengers.Passengers who are in-flight will be informed of the Iftar time(shortly after sunset) and provided with a box of traditionalArabic dishes with which to break their fast.For flights departing close to Iftar, emirates is providing smallboxes to Muslim travellers, to allow them to observe the mealwithout first waiting to be served.Robin Padgett, global vice president of catering for emirates,said the meals showed respect for the airline’s Arabic heritage.

German Hotspot WelcomesMiddle Eastern Travellers Munich, the regional capital of the German state ofBavaria, has reported recorded numbers of visitorsfrom the GCC.

W ith 77,949 arrivals, spending 270,891nights in the city, Munich has becomethe favourite destination withinGermany for Middle Eastern tourists.The numbers represent an increase of

visitors from the Gulf of 22 percent in 2009, compared to 2008.According to the local tourism authority, Germany hasbenefited from its relative affordability, and greater tolerancefor personal freedom.With several western European countries having placedrestrictions on certain items of traditional clothing, the MunichTourism Office (MTO) has credited Germany’s liberal attitudefor attracting more Gulf citizens to the country.Prices in Germany are also attractive relative to other westEuropean countries: according to MTO figures, hotel stays costas much as 30 or 40 percent less than in France or the UK.Many luxury hotels employ Arabic speaking staff, as well asoffering halal menus and the option to book whole floors forfamily groups.The results have been met with excitement from locals,ensuring a warm welcome for visitors from the Middle East.MTO quoted travellers from the GCC who praised theshopping in Munich, as well as the friendliness of its peopleand ease of access to its main sights.

Munich

AUGUST 14, 201012

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, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

Thierry BertinVice President of Sales and Marketing,Hyatt International, South West Asia“Whether it’s a weekend trip or a business trip,[golfing] holidays make the perfect vacation.Golf lovers get to spend time on first-classcourses, while having the option to discover allthe other glorious things Egypt and Nepal hasto offer.”

[Golfing] holidays make the perfect vacation

John FelixSenior Vice President, Emirates Holidays “With its exceptional nightlife andcuisine, world-class museums and artgalleries, and designer shopping,Madrid is an exciting city to discoverand explore. Emirates Holidays isdelighted to have Madrid among thewide choice of destinations it has onoffer. And with the launch of Emirates’direct flights to the city, we have puttogether a range of special packages thatwill provide the perfect gateway to thebest Spain has to offer.”

With its exceptionalnightlife and cuisine,

world-class museums andart galleries, and designershopping, Madrid is anexciting city to discover

and explore

Taba Heights Resort, Egypt

Arthur RodriguesChief Engineer, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

John Felix

Hotels have a corporate

responsibility to the

environmentand all of itsstakeholders

“We had already completed a number ofsustainability initiatives, such as energyand resource saving, the use ofbiodegradable chemicals and recyclinginitiatives, but achieving Green Globestatus will now have a positive effect onevery aspect of the hotel operation. TheGreen Globe Certification Audit is basedon a number of environmental factors, inall we had 250 points to address. Someof the inefficient old and high-powerconsuming air-conditioning equipmentwas replaced, coupled with the energy

saving wheel, which cools hot air drawnfrom outside, before passing it throughthe hotel chillers. It is always morechallenging for an older property toattain such rigorous standards, butconsidering that, it is so much morerewarding to be recognised for ourachievements. Hotels have a corporateresponsibility to the environment and allof its stakeholders. We invested a lot oftime and money into this initiative butnow we are reaping the rewardsfinancially, socially and environmentally.”

(L-R) Arthur Rodrigues; Janet Fitzner, general manager of theRadisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek; and Markus Oberlin,

General Manager of Farnek Avireal

AUGUST 14, 201014

Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways has appointed Hareb AlMuhairi as vice president of UAE sales. AlMuhairi joined Etihad in 2004, after studyingpolitical science and management. He has heldvarious positions within the company,including marketing and productdevelopment. Al Muhairi also completed aposting in London as business developmentmanager. His most recent role was vicepresident of corporate communications. As part of Etihad’s wider sales reorganisation,Raymond Korban has also changed positions.Korban was previously general manager for theUAE and Oman at Etihad. He will nowbecome regional general manager for Levantand Africa – an increasing area of focus forEtihad.

Hareb Al Muhairi

Lamia AssemDusit Thani Lake View Cairo has appointed Lamia Assem as director of marketingcommunications. Assem has more than 16 years of marketing and PR experienceand has worked for Le Méridien, Hyatt, Sheraton, InterContinental and Marriott.In her new role, Assem will oversee the hotel’s domestic and internationalstrategies.

Mario Segovia SmanAmadeus has appointed Mario SegoviaSman as the regional head for Amadeus’Airline Business Group in the MENAregion. Sman will lead the existingMENA airline account managementteam, based in Dubai, and will liaise withthe company’s central airline IT anddistribution teams in Madrid. Smanjoined Amadeus in 2000 and hasoverseen relationships with Emirates,Etihad, Qatar Airways and KuwaitAirways. He holds a degree in businessadministration.

Roger KacouMövenpick Hotels and Resortshas appointed Roger Kacou assenior vice president for Africa.Kacou will be based at thecompany’s area office in Cairo,overseeing an existing portfolioof 16 hotels, resorts and Nilecruisers across five countries. Hewill also be involved indeveloping new destinationsacross the region, in line withMövenpick’s increased emphasison African expansion. Kacou has20 years of experience in theindustry within Africa and hasheld senior positions withInterContinental Hotels Groupand Africa Travel Association.Most recently, he worked at BlueCity Company Oman, where hewas responsible for thedevelopment of all resort, hotel,spa and golf facilities. Kacou hasa master of professional studiesfrom Cornell’s School of HotelAdministration and a master ofscience in economics from theUniversity of Abidjan.

Mark LeeWafi Group has appointed Mark Lee as general manager for the hospitalityand food and beverage division. Lee joined Wafi Group in 2001 as generalmanager of the Planet Hollywood complex. He was later promoted to generalmanager of Arabian Park Hotel in 2006. Lee has a strong background in thehospitality industry and has worked for several international companiesacross the UK, US, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Hungary and Dubai.

Mario Segovia Sman

15AUGUST 14, 2010

Q&A with Jeremy SuttonQuintessentially Travel is the brainchild of Jeremy Sutton: offering a no holds barred approach to full serviceluxury, the company prides itself on accessing the inaccessible for its clients. Travel Trade Weekly caught upwith Jeremy to learn about how his service was going in the opulence hungry Middle East.

Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us alittle about Quintessentially Travel’sproducts and services.Jeremy Sutton: A sister company toQuintessentially – the leading globalprivate members’ club and luxury lifestylegroup – Quintessentially Travel is abespoke luxury tour operator, offeringexclusive travel to the world’s elite.As a high-end service provider of luxurytravel worldwide, Quintessentially Travel– a service available to both members andnon-members - will advise on and help tocreate tailor-made itineraries for some ofthe globe’s most glamorous and soughtafter destinations, organising everythingfrom flights, private jets, transfers, hotels,restaurants and private tours.

Travel Trade Weekly: How does thenew travel business differ from yourpre-existing operations?Jeremy Sutton: Prior to the launch weacted as a travel agent booking throughtour operators. Now we are a fully bondedand licensed tour operator, creating ourvery own tailor-made travel packages. Themost important aspect is also that we nowcater to non members, whereas we did notbefore.

Travel Trade Weekly: What kind ofcompetition is there in your niche?Jeremy Sutton: Quintessentially Travelis very unique in its offering – there are noother operators who work on the globalscale we do.  When a holiday is bookedwith Quintessentially Travel we don’t justprovide the travel service but also theQuintessentially service and its vastknowledge and access into the globalluxury lifestyle market. This accessenhances our added value over and above

a simple travel offering – it is a completelifestyle offering and the passport to thevery best that life has to offer. Quintessentially Travel has access to awhole host of other contacts fromQuintessentially Concierge includingrestaurants, bars, tickets, access to theinaccessible and other general conciergeservices which might be required.Quintessentially Travel also works veryclosely with a number of our other sistercompanies to provide clients with acomplete lifestyle offering while abroad. From chauffeured transfers (QuintessentiallyDriven) to bodyguards (QuintessentiallySecure – an international specialist securityprovider) and private jets and helicopters(Quintessentially Aviation).  

Travel Trade Weekly: What is themost unusual request QuintessentiallyTravel has had?Jeremy Sutton: Our unusual travelrequests come in all shapes and sizes, beit last minute bookings, large scale travelitineraries or access to the inaccessible.For example, we have organised an epic,action-packed, Indiana Jones-styleadventure in Jordan involving training byex-MI6 agents with missions includinguncovering hidden treasures in the desert,rescuing hostages in densely populatedmarket places, off-road desert driving, aswell as private access to the ruins of Petraand camping in Wadi Rum.We have also arranged for a client to star intheir own movie in and around Hong Kong.One client required a private jet, hotel suite

and VIP tickets for the USA vs Englandgame in the FIFA World Cup in SouthAfrica. The request came through under 24hours beforehand and QuintessentiallyTravel managed to arrange the jet (allflights were sold out), the suite (all suitesand top rooms were sold out) and theVIP match tickets – Quintessentially Travelaccessed the inaccessible!

Travel Trade Weekly: Has there everbeen anything you could not provide? Jeremy Sutton: Anything is possiblewith the right amount of money. We caterto anything as long as it is moral and legal.

Travel Trade Weekly: How is businessin the Middle East for your product?Jeremy Sutton: The Middle East marketoffers huge potential for QuintessentiallyTravel and over the coming months wewill be driving our focus on this market.Quintessentially Travel offers exclusivetravel to the discerning elite, it opens up aworld of uncompromising luxury andexcellence and we feel our service offeringcomplements the expectations andrequirements of the Middle East.

Jeremy Sutton

We cater to anything as long as it is moral

and legal

AUGUST 14, 201016

EventsMedical Tourism and Global Healthcare ConferenceLos Angeles, US, September 22-24 (www.medicaltourismconference.com)Forum for the global medical and wellbeing tourism industry.

Outdoor Adventure DubaiDubai, UAE, October 8-10(www.outdooradventuredubai.com)Adventure sports, outdoor clubs, equipment specialists andholiday destinations.

GITEX Technology WeekDubai, UAE, October 17-21 (www.gitex.com)Technology solutions for hotels, businesses and consumers.

Hotex Fair SyriaDamascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.hotexfair.com)Fair for Arabic and foreign companies in tourism and travel,including hotels, restaurants and equipment suppliers.

World Travel MarketLondon, UK, November 8-11 (www.wtmlondon.com)Global event for the travel industry – four day business tobusiness event promoting a range of destinations and industrysectors to international travel professionals.

World Green Tourism Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae)Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourismauthorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, propertydevelopers, airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers,universities, museums and heritage site organisations.

Blossom JapanTokyo, Japan, January 18-21,2011 (www.blossomjapan.com)A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on theJapanese market.

The 2011 incarnation of Arabian Travel Market(ATM) will include an additional day ofbusiness, while maintaining a dedicated sessionfor consumers. The new show will open a day earlier, runningfrom Monday to Thursday (May 2 to 5). Aconsumer session will run from 3pm to 9pm onThursday. Mark Walsh, group exhibition director of ReedTravel Exhibitions explained the reason for thenew format.“We have decided to change the format of theshow after a survey revealed that the majority ofparticipants wanted more time to explorebusiness opportunities, while also retaining aconsumer element,” he said.“Although business will always be the key driver

of the event, consumers still provide valuableend user feedback and key insight for industryprofessionals.”ATM has been running for more than 17 years,with the 2010 exhibition attracting 2,236exhibitors and 22,000 visitors. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director ofoverseas promotions for Dubai Department ofTourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM),said the new format was a logical move for theevent.“Dubai will continue to provide a platform tosupport key industry events like Arabian TravelMarket, which help shape the future of the region’stourism landscape, not only in terms ofinfrastructure, but also in terms of social,environmental and cultural development,” he said.

Arabian Travel Market Unveils New Format for 2011

Mark Walsh