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Market Update 2 Accommodation News 4 Air Travel News 6 International News 8 Agent’s Corner 10 Travel Tips 11 Travel Talk 12 Who’s Moved 14 Rendezvous 15 Events 16 Middle East and North Aica Edition JUNE 12, 2010 ISSUE 31 www.traveltradeweekly.travel 6 2 AIR ABIA JORDAN Air Arabia and Tantash Group have formed a joint venture company with the aim of launching a Jordanian branch of the low cost airline. Jones Lang LaSalle has found that the only upper limit on tourism to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, Mecca and Medina, is the capacity of local infrastructure to handle visitors. In is Issue Mövenpick on thE MovE Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Aica has confirmed the opening of four new hotels within the year, with a specific focus on development in Tunisia, Palestine and Ghana. e group will open Palestine’s first modern five star hotel in August. 4 UNLIMITED DEMAND
JUNE 12, 2010 ISSUE 31 www.traveltradeweekly.travel
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2AIR ARABIA JORDANAir Arabia and Tantash Group haveformed a joint venture company with theaim of launching a Jordanian branch ofthe low cost airline.
Jones Lang LaSalle has found that theonly upper limit on tourism to SaudiArabia’s holy cities, Mecca and Medina, isthe capacity of local infrastructure tohandle visitors.
In This Issue
Mövenpick on the Move
Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa has confirmedthe opening of four new hotels within the year, with a
specific focus on development in Tunisia, Palestine andGhana. The group will open Palestine’s first modern
B en-Mahmoud, senior vicepresident at Jones Lang LaSalleHotels, said the market in thesecities was unlike any other. “As holy cities, Makkah and
Madinah are absolutely unique in nature,” he said.Ben-Mahmoud said the primarily religiousfoundation for the travel industry in the holycities meant demand was effectively unlimited.All Muslims with the available means arerequired by their faith to visit Mecca at leastonce in their life and Medina, which houses thetomb of Mohammed, is another commonpilgrimage destination.The report found that the prime constraint onpilgrimage growth was the ground transport
system, rather than facilities forair or sea arrivals, or theavailability of accommodation.Nevertheless, Ben-Mahmoudnoted that the anticipated growthin pilgrimages would provide great
opportunities for the hospitality sector.“Our analysis of potential capacity constraintssuggests that the total number of Hajj andUmrah pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinahcould increase to 13.75 million by Hijri year1440 (2019).” “The increased number of pilgrims will providesignificant opportunities for additional hotelrooms in both Makkah and Madinah”However, Ben-Mahmoud warned that an influxof upscale properties would not necessarilyconform to the needs of the market, noting thatan appropriate model had yet to be found.“The extent to which these brands are in line withthe current and future demand profile remains anopen question,” he said.“The traditional budgethospitality concept does not seem to provide astraightforward or relevant alternative. “The optimal hospitality model in the holycities is yet to be reached in a context whereinvestors and the Saudi authorities, arechallenging the conventional vision.”
Demand in Saudi’s holy Cities is effectivelyUnlimited: Jones Lang LaSalleJones Lang LaSalle has found that the only upper limit on tourism to Saudi Arabia’sholy cities, Mecca and Medina, is the capacity of local infrastructure to handle visitors.
ADS, a trade organisation representingthe aerospace, defence and securityindustries in the UK has signed anagreement with Middle East AerospaceConsortium (MEAC) coveringexpanded activities in the Middle East.MEAC has agreed to help identify orprovide opportunities for ADS membersto expand into the Middle East.According to Rees Ward, CEO of ADS,interest in the Middle East has beenattracted by strong growth and thedevelopment of the region as a strategicaviation hub.The introduction of ultra long haul airlinesto the region, combined with its location,have driven investment in aviation.
ADS figures show that USD37 billion hasbeen invested in airport expansions dueto be operational by 2012.“The Middle East is a vital area of futuregrowth for the UK companies that werepresent and our members are attractivepartners for industrial collaboration forcompanies based in the area,” Ward said.“It is crucial for our members, as well as
the UK economy, that we boost ourpresence in this important region.”The agreement also includesFarnborough Aerospace Consortium,which is operated by FarnboroughInternational - a wholly ownedsubsidiary of ADS and organiser of theBahrain Air Show.
ADS and Middle East Aerospace Consortiumsign MoU for Middle East Expansion
3JUNE 12, 2010
environmental overhaul at Jerash Archaeological SiteJordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) has committed to a one year environmentalrejuvenation programme at the Jerash archaeological site in Jordan.
F ollowing a significantincrease in tourists to Jerashin early 2010, theorganisation has recogniseda need to improve green
practices at the site, including the removalof litter and protection of natural andcultural assets. The Jerash Adoption Programme 2010-2011, which was launched on June 5 tocoincide with World Environment Day,will implement a range of environmentalpractices and enhancements of the siteview, with the goal of improving tourism.The programme will include cleanupcampaigns, a trash bin installationworkshop, signage maintenance andenvironmental film screenings.
JITOA will immediately focus onenhancing the overall view of the Jerashsite and eliminating visual pollution. The second phase of the project willinvolve a programme to help touroperators and tourism service providersadopt eco friendly practices and recyclingstrategies at their premises. Local communities will be encouraged toget involved by producing handicrafts
made from recycled material, to be sold assouvenirs.The initiative is supported by JerashMunicipality, Jerash Tourism Directorateand Jerash Antiquities Department.It is part of an ongoing environmentaltourism programme – Don’t Mess WithNature – which was established in 2009by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministryof Environment.
Jerash
JUNE 12, 20104
- Accommodation
Palestine opening Part of Mövenpick’s 2010 expansionMövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa has confirmed the opening of four new hotels within the year, with aspecific focus on development in Tunisia, Palestine and Ghana.
Corp Executive Hotels, a division ofHospitality Management Holdings(HMH) has launched its first property –Corp Executive Hotel Apartments AlBarsha – in Dubai. The group’s second property, Corp DohaSuites, in Qatar, is expected to open soon.Corp Executive Hotel Apartments AlBarsha features 143 one and two bedroomapartments, designed to appeal to bothbusiness and leisure travellers. Michel Noblet, CEO of HMH, said thehotel was using special promotional ratesand introductory offers to boost
awareness of the new hotel.“Our sales and marketing strategy isfocused on establishing a strong presenceof Corp Executive Hotel Apartments AlBarsha across the GCC, accelerating salesin key feeder markets and growing thebusiness in the mid-scale sector inexisting and emerging markets,” saidNoblet. “We are very proud of our property. Itslocation is extremely convenient and theapartments are simply exceptional.“Figures thus far exceed our initialforecasts and expectations.”
Christian Grage, vicepresident of operationsfor Mövenpick Hotelsand Resorts Africa, saidthe new properties
would join the company’s currentportfolio of 16 hotels in the region.On August 15, the company will openMövenpick Hotel Ramallah in Palestine;Grage has announced that it will be thecity’s only modern five star hotel. The Palestine property will feature 172rooms and is located in the diplomaticAlmasyoun quarter. Tunisia will feature two new openings in2010: the 108 room, five star MövenpickHotel Gammarth Tunis in July; and the
beachside Mövenpick Sousse, which isscheduled to open in October. Rounding out development in the regionfor 2010 is the company’s Ghanaproperty, Mövenpick Ambassador HotelAccra.Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, theAccra property will feature 268 rooms and
is expected to open on October 15. Pascal Fitoussi, director of sales andmarketing for Mövenpick Hotels andResorts Africa, said that the company hada special market mission to enhanceMövenpick’s brand name in Africa, inaddition to expanding the company’sdevelopment pipeline in the region.
Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Launches with Al Barsha Property
Mövenpick Sousse
Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha
Meliá Dubai is set to become the firsthotel run by a Spanish hotel group in theMiddle East, according to Sol Meliá.The new five star hotel is due to open atthe beginning of 2011, opposite PortRashid in Bur Dubai.Meliá Dubai will feature 167 rooms,
MICE facilities and a range of food andbeverage outletsGabriel Escarrer, CEO of Sol Meliá, saidthe Middle East was an emergingdestination and that the new hotelconfirmed the company’s growthaspirations in high potential, dynamic
markets around the world. Sol Meliá has implemented ageographical diversification strategy,which involves new openings in China,Colombia, Cabo Verde and Crete, aswell as renovation plans for thecompany’s existing hotel portfolio.
Spanish Group Sol Meliá Announces First Middle East Property
5JUNE 12, 2010
- Accommodation
Oryx recognises the modern day business
travellers’ needs
Abu Dhabi Visitor Growth Contradicts Occupancy Figures
First oryx Rotana to open in Doha, QatarHotel management company Rotana has begun developing the first hotel under its management in Qatar.
Abu Dhabi has announced 12 percent growth in thenumber of visitors to the emirate in April, which AbuDhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) says runs counter tonegative statistics from the hotel industry.Mubarak al Muhairi, director general of ADTA, said Aprilmarked half a year of continuous strong growth invisitation to Abu Dhabi.“This is the sixth consecutive month of double digit guestgrowth for the emirate and keeps us on track to deliver ouroverall yearly target of 1.65 million hotel guests,” he said.Muhairi attributed growth to strength in the domestictravel market, but noted that despite growing numbers ofvisitors, an increase in hospitality supply had negativelyaffected certain hotel performance measures.Average occupancy and revenue for hotels in Abu Dhabidropped by 19 percent and five percent respectively inApril, year on year.“These movements are a result of shifts in supply anddemand dynamics and the subsequent rebalancing withthe upside being that Abu Dhabi is now much morecompetitive,” Muhairi said.
W hile no openingdate has been setfor the 400 roomOryx Rotana,Joseph Coubat,
area vice president for Qatar, said theproject was underway. He added that the company planned toextend its presence in the region, withmultiple properties over the coming years. Kevork Deldelian, general manager ofOryx Rotana, said the hotel would caterlargely to business travellers, offeringcutting edge audio visual equipment anda dedicated team available to assist withevents and meetings. “Oryx Rotana recognises the modern day
business travellers’ needs and their value fortime and so we present them with anexceptional experience by providing aperfect blend of superior business solutionsand paramount leisure services, creating theideal business environment,” said Deldelian.
Oryx Rotana, Doha
JUNE 12, 20106
- Air Travel
Air Arabia Jordan to become Jordan’s first Low Cost CarrierAir Arabia and Tantash Group have formed a joint venture company with the aim of launching a Jordanianbranch of the low cost airline.
A ir Arabia Jordan willservice routes in theMiddle East, NorthAfrica and Europefrom Amman,
supplementing Air Arabia’s existinghubs in Sharjah, UAE; Alexandria,Egypt; and Casablanca, Morocco.Adel Ali, group CEO of Air Arabia,said he expected the move toengender further growth for theairline.“The signing of our joint ventureagreement with Tantash Group, oneof Jordan’s leading investmentcompanies, represents yet anothermilestone in the ongoing evolution of
Air Arabia,” he said.“At a time when the global andregional economy continues todemonstrate strong signs of sustainedrecovery, we are confident of thelong-term growth opportunities forthe first low cost carrier in thekingdom, which will provide the highlevel of service, operational reliabilityand value for money fares that havebecome hallmarks of the Air Arabiabrand.”Tantash Group is a diversifiedinvestment company based inAmman, Jordan.Management of the new airline willbe carried out by Air Arabia Group.
We are confident of the long-term growth
opportunities for the first low-cost carrier in [Jordan]
Adel Ali
Safi to Launch Flights to Beijing Before End of JuneSafi will commence twice weekly flights fromits base in Kabul, Afghanistan to China’s capital,Beijing, by the end of June.Dieter Hofele, general manager for Safi inChina, said the new route would serve thesignificant Chinese business interests inAfghanistan.“With China's significant investment in miningand infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, agrowing number of Chinese expats working inand around Kabul will benefit from the newroute,” he said.“We are very excited to bring this new service toBeijing, which will further help strengthening theeconomic and political ties between theneighboring countries of China and Afghanistan”
A growing number of Chinese expats working in
and around Kabul willbenefit from the new route
Qatar Airways Launches Flights to BarcelonaQatar Airways has opened itssecond route to Spain, commencingflights to Barcelona.Akbar Al Baker, CEO of QatarAirways, said he expected the routeto appeal to both business andleisure travellers.“With 14 flights a week nowoperating to Spain, this reflects thehigh demand we have beenexperiencing in and out of the region,helped by increased economic ties
between the Middle East and theIberian Peninsula,” said Al Baker.“Barcelona is a vibrant city withincredible appeal among leisure andbusiness travellers and we areconfident that our new daily flightswill be equally successful as ourdaily services to Madrid.”Spain is one of the world’s mostvisited countries, receivingapproximately 52 million peopleper year.
We are confident that our new daily flights will be equally successful
as our daily services to Madrid
7JUNE 12, 2010
Bavaria is a family-oriented region. For parents and children alike, it leaves nothing to be desired. A magnificent mountainous region, colourful meadows, green valleys as well as sparkling clear lakes. And wherever you look, you’ll find family-friendly hotels that can be reached in no time at all. Because, amidst this green vacation paradise is Munich Airport. Munich Airport – Best of Europe.
Enjoy the fresh air, perhaps
Take a boat trip, perhaps
No matter what you do, you can be sure it will be a fantastic vacation
IATA Predicts Profitability Turnaround for Airline Industry in 2010The International Air TransportAssociation (IATA) predicts a return toprofitability for the airline industry in2010, having revised its negativeexpectations in the face of faster thanexpected recovery.As a group, Middle Eastern carriers areexpected to post their first profit in fiveyears; profits of USD100 million are nowestimated, compared to the USD400million loss outlined in prior estimates.Asia Pacific, the Americas and Africa arealso expecting renewed profitability,
leaving Europe the only region toexperience continued losses.Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA, saidthe turnaround could be attributed tolong term reforms by industry.“Seeing black on the bottom line is a greatachievement,” he said.“The resilience of the industry has beenstrengthened by a decade of cost cutting,restructuring and re-engineering processes.”However, though Bisingnani said resultswere promising, he counselled cautiousoptimism.
"Even with all of our hard work, the resultis just a 0.5 percent margin that does noteven cover our cost of capital,” he said.“The industry is fragile. The challenge tobuild a healthy industry requires evengreater alignment of governments, labourand industry partners.“They must all understand that thisindustry needs to continue to reducecosts, gain efficiencies and be able torestructure itself if it is to be sustainablyprofitable. We must all be prepared for agreater change.”
Wataniya Flies to Vienna and RomeWataniya Airways has commencedflights to both Vienna and Rome. Abdulsalam Al Bahr, chairman ofWataniya, said Rome would serve asa gateway to Europe for customers ofthe airline.“We are very proud to be able toextend our services to Rome,” he said.“Apart from being a world centre ofheritage and culture and one of theworld's most attractive and populartourist destinations, Rome hasexcellent connections to other partsof Europe for onward travel and I amsure that our new scheduled serviceswill prove to be popular for touristsand business guests alike.”
Rome has excellentconnections to otherparts of Europe for
onward travel
JUNE 12, 20108
- International
Starwood to Introduce Green Meetings Policy Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has introduced sustainable meetings practices to all of its NorthAmerican hotels, with plans for a global rollout by 2011.
Jumeirah Group Expands to IndiaLuxury hospitality company, Jumeirah Group, plans toexpand its global network by entering the Indian market.The group has reached an agreement with Delhi based OMTourism to promote the Jumeirah brand across all marketsegments in India, focusing on groups, corporate and leisuretourism. OM Tourism will appoint two dedicated Jumeirahrepresentatives, to be based in Delhi and Mumbai. Jumeirah Group has highlighted India as a key growthregion for the brand’s worldwide properties. The Dubai based company currently has offices in the UAE,UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Singapore, China,Australia, Saudi Arabia and North and South America. Further new locations are expected to be announced withinthe next few months.
The programme is basedon five principlesintended to minimise theenvironmental impact ofmeetings held in
Starwood hotels.These principles include paperlessmeeting planning, sustainable meetingservices, sustainable food and beveragepractices, impact assessment tools andsocially conscious activities.The new policies range from thoseintended to reduce waste, such as usingpotted plants instead of flowers, to those
encouraging client responsibility, withenvironmental impact reports now issuedto meeting planners.Sandy Swider, vice president for globalcitizenship at Starwood, said the initiativeanticipated changes in the requirementsof meeting planners.“There's already a strong sensitivitytoward sustainability concerns frommeeting planners and they appreciate theprograms we've put in place," she said. "We think the next generation of meetingplanners and attendees will simply expectgreen practices and sustainability
initiatives as a given for meetings andfacilities.”David Dvorak, vice president of cateringand convention services for Starwood,said the new policies had beendeveloped in consultation with theindustry and that further developmentswere in the works.“We are proud of the progress we havemade to date - but there is still more tocome with additional core componentsand a global roll-out,” he said. “As an overall Starwood mission, we willcontinue to provide sustainable resourcesand practices to our guests, owners andassociates throughout our portfolio andcorporate offices.”
(L-R) Vasudha Sondhi, managing director of OM Tourism; Craig Senior,regional director of sales for Jumeirah Group; Sanjay Sondhi, president of OM
Tourism; Guy Crawford, CEO of Jumeirah Group; and Thomas Grundner,vice president of global sales for Jumeirah Group
The next generation of meeting planners and attendees will
simply expect greenpractices and
sustainability initiatives
W Hotel, Hollywood
JUNE 12, 201010
Agent’s InsightJecintha Pereira
Manager Spas and Tours, Albadie Travel Agency
Who has inspired you in your travel career? The lifestyle of Donald Trump. Of course, this sounds crazyas he is real estate tycoon, but whenever I saw him travellingin up-market style I wanted to travel like him. What has been the highlight of your career so far?My most memorable jobs are the medical packages andeducational packages. During 2001- 2004 I handled a lot ofgovernment sponsored patients to the Czech Republic andSlovak spa/physiotherapy centers. At times I used to havepatients who would be transferred on stretchers with anaccompanied certified nurse. Every time there was such a caseI never used to sleep as most of the flights were late night andI wanted them to be reaching safely. But the most exciting partof it was when the patient came back by walking on his own.When is your peak selling period?Here peak selling period used to be summer due to theweather conditions, but now it has rolled to a newdimension. Now people travel throughout the year. Thereare young couples who travel for short vacations on weekendbreak or public holidays. The job market has brought thischange as now the UAE has opened up for internationalmarkets and industries.Where is the next hot destination? I think now people want to see the past, heritage, culture andat the same time enjoy the holidays. Because the world hasbecome so small you can buy what grows in Asia or Europeor anywhere in the world in a supermarket here in the UAE,or a Ferrari in a show room, but you cannot bring a locationor country to see and feel. So countries from South America,Africa, India, China and tropical islands are the hotdestinations as they have culture and heritage as well ascomfortable accommodations with star quality hotel chains.Why are travel agents important?Well travel agents are alwaysimportant. Of course, in aworld of web pages andinternet we still survive.What we can give a customerto feel comfortable, secureand value for their moneywill keep us going. Nomachines can replace thehuman touch; after all we arestill humans.
Prestige Travel Wataniya’s Bahrain GSA
Travelport Launches Leisure Portal For Agents
Sponsored by Sabre Travel Network Middle East, the recent Association of BahrainTours and Travel Agents (ABTTA) Gala Dinner was held at L’Hotel in Seef. More than 70 members of the industry attended, including (above L-R): AHakim Al Aradi, owner of Galaxy Travel; Sofyan Almoayed, chairman ofABTTA and managing director of Manama Tours; Shaikh Mubarak BinAbdulla Al Khalifa, CEO of agency licensing and cargo at Bahrain’s CivilAviation; Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO of Sabre Travel Network Middle East;Hisham Al Baradei; and Hans Mathhias, country manager of Qatar Airways.
ABTTA Gala Dinner
Global distribution system(GDS) provider, Travelport, hasupgraded its former GalileoLeisure portal with the launch ofTravelport Leisure.The new portal will be rolled outglobally from June onwards,featuring new content fromleisure suppliers, includingHotelClub by Orbitz, KuoniConnect, Hostelworld.com andCars by TUI.The portal will be free ofcharge for all travel agents,event if they do not subscribeto a Travelport GDS.
Jane Lewis, vice president ofland and sea for Travelport,said there were encouragingsigns that leisure travel spendhad picked up, with asignificant portion allocated tonon-air products such as hotelsand car hire. “We believe this upgradedleisure booking tool is a logicalway to work with the travel tradeto take advantage of thissignificant opportunity andmake booking leisure contentand earning revenues on it eveneasier,” said Lewis.
Kuwait based Wataniya Airways has appointed PrestigeTravel as its general sales agent (GSA) in Bahrain. Lee Shave, chief commercial officer of Wataniya, announcedthe appointment at the opening of the airline’s new office inAdliya. Kalid Al Doseri, chairman of Prestige Travel and presidentof Al Bader Travel and Tourism welcomed the appointment.“Prestige Travel’s strong record of delivering high quality andinnovative travel solutions runs parallel to Wataniya Airways’premium service offering,” said Al Doseri.
JecinthaPereira
A ccording to PhoCusWright’srecently released report onairline ancillary services, evermore carriers are abandoning
the practice of monolithic ticket prices infavour of per-use pricing.
“ATPCO, a leader in air distribution, nowlists more than 100 industry sub codes fora la carte services,” the report found.“Everything but the plane will be for sale,and not just at the time of purchase but upto and during the flight: as a result, airtravel content is no longer just a simpleticket.”The shift has proven highly profitable forairlines and PhoCusWright advised thatbenefits could also be found for traveldistributors.However, those who do not keep up withchange could risk being left behind.
“This is a landmark change in the wayconsumers search, shop and buy airtravel,” PhoCusWright reported.“It will require vast changes in thetechnologies and procedures of airdistribution and it will spur new businessmodels and innovations.”
11JUNE 12, 2010
Agent on the Inside: an Expert’s Advice on Selling LibyaRyad Sunusi, is the founder and CEO of Libya Expeditions,one of Libya’s best established tour operators. He has beena leading voice in raising Libya’s profile as a destination, andhas shared his tips for travel agents selling the country.“Libya is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer -stunningly preserved Roman and Greek ruins, beautifuldesert landscapes and a friendly and gracious people thatlove welcoming tourists,” Sunusi said.He noted that Libya trailed other destinations not becauseit lacked attractions, but for reasons of bureaucracy andinfrastructure.Sunusi said this was changing fast, with the Libyangovernment actively targeting tourism by slashing red tapeand encouraging foreign investment. “Travel agents should take into account that Libya is stilldeveloping rapidly and that while there is a shortage ofrooms at the moment, the boom in resort and hotelconstruction will make these problems a thing of the past,”he said.
Ancillary Services are taking off, Do not Miss the Flight: PhoCusWrightAccording to travel industry analysts PhoCusWright, ancillary services are set to change the way consumersapproach travel distribution.
Libya is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer
This is a landmark change in the way
consumers search, shopand buy air travel
JUNE 12, 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 [email protected]
Richard WeilersManaging Director, Southern SunOffshore“Southern Sun has a very focusedstrategy, in that it seeks to develophotels in areas where we can clusterhotels in the region as opposed to astrategy just based on massdistribution. It is our view that hotelsare excellently managed when one hasone’s logistics and managementbackup into the hotel operations. Theshort to medium term focus is in WestAfrica, North Africa and the MiddleEast. Our primary focus is in regionswhere there is sustainable economicdevelopment and our first inroadsinto a hotel development would beone that has a strong corporatemarket demand as well as anattraction to regional tourism.”
Our primary focus is in regions
where there issustainable economic
developmentMartin KolbGeneral Manager, R Hotels“There are enough five star hotels in SaudiArabia – our market studies have shownthat limited service models will be verysuccessful. Now everyone wants to do it,so you have to be fast and get in first.”
Now everyone wants to do it,
so you have to be fast
Fiona JefferyChairman, World Travel Market“While most of us are powerless to stop such terrible catastrophes [as the recentDeepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico] potentially wiping outhundreds of wildlife species, it illustrates more vividly than any words theimportance of everyone working in travel and tourism making a contribution toresponsible tourism wherever they are in the world. It’s a universal issue whichbrings us together in a way that nothing else can. The global size of wildlife tourism,for example, is estimated to be around 12 million trips a year, involving almostevery out-of-town destination from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Florida toNew Zealand, Germany, Netherlands and Scotland. Interest in wildlife continuesto grow and forecasters say it will increase another ten percent in the next decade.”
It’s a universal issue which brings us together in a way that nothing else can
Nancy WalkerReed Exhibitions has appointed Nancy Walker as salesdirector for the America Meetings and Events Exhibition(AIBTM). Walker was previously employed as vicepresident, associate publisher at Reed BusinessInformation. Her areas of expertise include conventionand visitor bureaus, convention centres and eventtechnology companies. Before joining Reed in 1993,Walker had previously worked for TSC Publishing, LordDentsu and Partners, and Hearst Magazine Division.
Henning A FriesHenning A Fries has been appointed as general manager ofFairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Fries has more than 25 yearsof experience and has held executive positions at MandarinOriental Hotel Group, Mövenpick Hotels and InterContinentalHotels Group. He has also worked in the private equity industryas a consultant for hotels and hospitality enterprises. Mostrecently, Fries was the director of Refad Hotels and Resorts andgeneral manager of The Monarch Dubai. He holds a diploma inhotel management and an executive MBA.
Afghanistan based Safi Airways has madeseveral new management appointments,as part of a strategic expansion plan for theregion. John Roijen has been appointed as chieffinancial officer. He holds a mastersdegree in business administration and has15 years of experience as a financialprofessional. Roijen has previouslyworked for Virgin Nigeria Airways andArik Airways.
Tom De Geytere has been appointed aschief development officer. De Geytere haspreviously worked as a military pilot withthe Belgian Air Force and as manager ofbusiness development for internationalcargo airline Cargolux. In his new role, hewill be responsible for businessdevelopment, fleet development, cargoand legal affairs. Christoph Blaha has been appointed asdirector of maintenance. He holds a
doctorate research degree in aero enginecompressors and has previously worked atLufthansa Technik. Christoph Goetzmann has beenappointed as vice president of cargo andgeneral manager for Europe. Goetzmannhas previously worked at UkraineInternational Airlines, Aer Lingus andFraport. He has strong experience incargo, ground operations and flightoperations.
Etihad Airways has appointed a newvice president of airport security andcadet pilot development.In his new role Captain Salah AwadhAlfarjalla Al Ameri will be responsible for
ensuring Etihad’s compliance withinternational standards of aviation security.He will also oversee the airline’s trainingpilot training programmes.Captain Al Ameri has more than 30
years of aviation experience, including21 years in the UAE defence force.He has moved to Etihad from Emirates,where he served as line captain of theA330 and A340 fleet of that airline.
Captain Salah Awadh Alfarjalla Al Ameri
Safi Airways
John RoijenChristoph
Goetzmann Christoph BlahaTom DeGeytere
15JUNE 12, 2010
[Hotels] will only besuccessful if the product isgood with an exceptional
location, superior service anda viable financial model
Travel Trade Weekly: As the newgeneral manager of The Address DubaiMall, what is your strategy for the hotel'sfuture? Thomas Norberg: Our core strategy is toensure that we uphold the fundamentalphilosophy of The Address Hotels andResorts to offer tangible guest benefits. This, in fact, sets the direction of all ourfuture strategies to ensure a value-addedexperience for guests at our hotel. Whichmeans bringing in new and innovativefacilities – not for the sake of it – but becausethey can add to the guest benefits.
Travel Trade Weekly: What do youanticipate the biggest challenges will be,both for you personally in this new role,and for the hotel's success?Thomas Norberg: The challenge lies indelivering consistently the expectationsassociated with The Address brand. Personally, although the Middle East is nota new market for me, The Address DubaiMall is a refreshing change.It is centrally located in the city and it has theunique distinction of being associated withthe world’s largest shopping andentertainment destination. I will focus on leveraging the strengths of thehotel – including the contemporaryrestaurants and lounges, the spa, the elegantrooms, ambience and direct connectivity tothe mall – to ensure that guests to the hotelare assured of a memorable stay along withthe tangible benefits.
Travel Trade Weekly: What is your viewof the hotel market in Dubai at themoment? How do you expect the rise ofmid-market and budget options willaffect the industry?Thomas Norberg: Dubai is now apreferred tourist destination for several new
and emerging markets in the MENA region,the Indian subcontinent, China and Europe. The expansion of regional airlines, includingEmirates, to new destinations is a catalyst forthe tourism and hospitality sector. New hotels and smaller chains must identifyand establish their unique sellingpropositions. Irrespective of whether they are independentor part of an established hotel chain, they willonly be successful if the product is good withan exceptional location, superior service anda viable financial model. The Address Dubai Mall, despite havingopened relatively recently, has established aniche in the market place by focusing onthree fundamentals – location, service andtangible guest benefits.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do you think thatDubai is facing greater competition as adestination from Abu Dhabi, with thedevelopment of Yas Island, ADNEC andother tourism drawcards? Thomas Norberg: We see Dubai and AbuDhabi as complementary destinations; if youlook at the tourist offerings, the two citieshave a distinct flavour. The addition of new world-class propertieswill add to the overall appeal of the UAE as adestination for all seasons, for all tourists.
Travel Trade Weekly: How does yourhotel's location affect its success andbusiness strategy? Does it target aspecific type of client because of itslocation?Thomas Norberg: The uniquepositioning of The Address Dubai Mall is itsdirect link with The Dubai Mall, the world’slargest shopping and entertainmentdestination. One of our bespoke services is the fashionadvisor facility, offering guests and visitors
the choice of a personalised shoppingexperience and expert tips from a fashionadvisor. Our unique location thus helps us tostrategise distinctly and reach out to a widerange of clients, especially those who like toindulge in the ultimate haute coutureshopping experience that only The DubaiMall can offer.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do you expect tosee competition from the newly openedArmani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa?Thomas Norberg: The opening ofArmani Hotel Dubai has furtherstrengthened the outreach and appeal ofDubai’s hospitality sector. This makes good business proposition for allhotels in the city, as it will attract morevisitors and every one stands to benefit fromthe new market dynamism.
Q&A with Thomas norbergThomas Norberg, the newly appointed general manager of The Address Dubai Mall, talks to Travel TradeWeekly about his strategy for success, competition within the region and the importance of location.
Thomas Norberg
JUNE 12, 201016
eventsInternational Travel Expo Hong KongHong Kong, Jun 10-13 (www.itehk.com)Travel industry event for Chinese region, supported by morethan 96 countries.
Destinations WorldBengaluru, India, June 11-13A comprehensive exhibition for the travel and tourismindustry in the Indian region.
Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, China, June 14-17 (www.altm.com.cn)Sister event to ILTM, focusing on senior Asian luxury travelbuyers.
Business Travel MarketLondon, UK, June 16-17 (www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk)Conference and exhibition for meeting corporate travel buyers,suppliers and intermediaries – expected to attract more than4,000 delegates and 500 of Europe’s top travel buyers.
Expo World Middle East Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 17-19 (www.adnec.ae)Gathering of exhibitions industry figures from around theworld, with a focus on the Middle East.
HospitalityWorld Bengaluru, India, June 24-26 (www.hospitalityworld.in)Showcasing south India’s hospitality industry.
Beijing International Tourism ExpoBeijing, China, June 25-27 (www.bitechina.com.cn)Exhibiting products and destinations for Chinese andInternational professionals.
India International Travel Market Bengaluru, India, July 10-12 (www.iitmindia.com)A showcase for tourism, leisure, hospitality and relatedindustries.
Cityscape Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 4-7 (www.cityscapeglobal.com)Networking, conference sessions and round table events forthe real estate market, including hotels and other tourismdevelopments.
Indoor entertainment venue, ModheshWorld, opened its doors this week as partof Dubai Summer Surprises. Modhesh World will run until August 7,featuring entertainment for children,teenagers and adults. Attractions included in the 2010 editionof Modhesh World are a fun fair, scooterzone, 4D cinema display, inflatable zone,mini zoo and Modhesh Magical Forest. The venue will also relay live telecasts ofthe 2010 FIFA World Cup on giant
screens in the sports zone. Yousif Mubarak, chief operating officer ofthe Dubai Events and PromotionsEstablishment said the entertainmentvenue was expected to draw significanttourism to Dubai. “Modhesh World is synonymous withfamily entertainment during DubaiSummer Surprises and over the years ithas grown to become a destination byitself, given the fact that it attractedaround 500,000 visitors over a span of 65
days in 2009,” he said.“Apart from emphasising the quality ofentertainment at Modhesh World, we alsowant to highlight the fact that ModheshWorld is affordable, secure and most of all,set in entirely air-conditionedsurroundings, making it all the moreenjoyable for families.”Modhesh World will be open between10am and 10pm Saturdays to Wednesdays,10am to midnight on Thursdays and from3pm to midnight on Fridays.
Modhesh World Opens in Dubai For June - August Season
