Travel Trade Weekly is a leading news provider for travel industry professionals in the Middle East and North Africa, delivered every Saturday electronically and monthly as a hard copy.
Middle East and North Aica Edition JULY 23 2011 iSSUe 89 www.traveltradeweekly.travel July 23, Issue 89 Market Update 2 Weekly News 3 Accommodation News 5 Air Travel News 7 International 10 Who’s Moved 11 Travel Talk 12 Agents’ Corner 13 Travel Channels 14 Rendezvous 15 Events 16 3 3 FiRST JW MARRiO PROPeRTY OPeNS iN TURKeY Marrio international’s luxury hotel brand, JW Marrio, has announced the opening of its first hotel in Turkey. In is Issue 10 10 AL KhOZAMA hOTeL BNd TO deBUT iN MediNA Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC), a luxury commercial property development, investment and management company, has signed a management agreement for Al Khozama hotel, Medina, due to open in October. 5 Viceroy Hotel Group has been awarded the contract to operate Yas Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s key leisure and entertainment destination. Viceroy to Operate Yas Hotel Viceroy to Operate Yas Hotel
Transcript
Middle East and North Africa Edition
July 23 2011 issue 89 www.traveltradeweekly.travel
First JW mArriott ProPerty oPens in turKeymarriott international’s luxury hotel brand,JW marriott, has announced the openingof its first hotel in turkey.
In This Issue1010
Al KhozAmA hotel Brandto deBut in medinAAl Khozama management Company(AKmC), a luxury commercial propertydevelopment, investment andmanagement company, has signed amanagement agreement for Al Khozamahotel, medina, due to open in october.
55
Viceroy Hotel Group has been awarded thecontract to operate Yas Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s key
leisure and entertainment destination.
Viceroyto Operate Yas HotelViceroyto Operate Yas Hotel
the airline’s revenues increased by28 percent from usd1,342million in h1 2010 to usd1,720million. This, coupled up with atwo percent reduction in costs
per available seat km, resulted in positiveeBitdAr (earnings before interest, taxes,depreciation, amortisation and rent) in the sixmonths from January 1 for the first time. Passenger revenues grew by 21 percent driven bya 14 percent increase in passenger numbers to 3.8million and five percent rise in passenger yield.despite the ongoing political unrest in parts ofthe middle east and the Japanese earthquake, theairline’s seat factor rose to 72.9 percent.The sound results amid the difficult operatingconditions and fragile economy, mark anothermilestone towards the airline’s goal of movinginto sustainable profitability in 2012, noted
James hogan, Ceo, etihad Airways.The launch of new services to two Chinese cities,Chengdu and shanghai, and the addition of maléand the seychelles to etihad’s network, willfurther move the airline towards achieving its aim.“We are determined to build a schedule whichincreases customer choice and attracts localpoint-to-point traffic in line with the Abu dhabi2030 plan. Also, we will continue to connect ourhigh growth and emerging markets to Abu dhabiand the world by linking them through the uAecapital while at the same time expanding ourhigh value premium markets and traffic flows.”With 32 percent increase in revenues, cargooperations have also closed a successful h1. “etihad Crystal Cargo plays a hugely importantpart in the ongoing success of the airline as itnow contributes 20 percent of our directoperating revenue,” added hogan.
MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 21/7/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the us dollar
Marriott International has recorded yet another successful quarter with increasednet income and revenues and significant expansion in its portfolio. The company’s second quarter (Q2) 2011 net income accounted for usd135million with an increase of 13 percent compared with the same period of 2010.Worldwide comparable system-wide revPar grew by 7.7 percent, while averagedaily rate rose 4.5 percent. diluted earnings per share (ePs) showed an increaseof 19 percent and totalled usd 0.37. during the three-month period, marriott repurchased 10.6 million shares of thecompany’s common stock for usd375 million and continued to grow its portfoliowith 32 new properties (4.512 rooms). At the end of Q2, the company’s worldwidepipeline of hotels under construction awaiting conversion or approval fordevelopment grew to more than 100,000 rooms, of which nearly 44,000 roomswill be opening outside north America. J.W. marriott, Jr., chairman and Ceo, marriott international, remarked on thecompany’s steady expansion. “Around the world, we’ve never been more excited about our opportunities. nowin 71 countries, the marriott international brand portfolio, already the broadest inthe industry, is growing rapidly. We expect to add over 200 hotels to our system in2011, leveraging the hospitality and local know-how of our associates with ourglobal size, systems, and guest loyalty programs. emerging markets provideespecially attractive opportunities.”
Etihad: Record First Half YearEtihad Airways has recorded its most successful first half year (H1), with increasedrevenues and positive EBITDAR, driven by solid performances in both passengerand cargo operations.
Marriott: Growing Portfolio, Increasing Income
3July 23, 2011
Viceroy to Operate Yas HotelViceroy Hotel Group has been awarded the contract to operate Yas Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s key leisure andentertainment destination.
situated at the heart of thefamous yas marina Circuit,the five-star hotel welcomedits first guests for theinaugural Formula one race
in 2009, and has since hosted a number ofhigh-level events and was recognised asthe ‘World’s Best new hotel’ at the Worldtravel Awards in 2010. Viceroy hotel Group was chosen byproperty development, investment andmanagement company, Aldar Properties,following a comprehensive selectionprocess. mohamed Khalifa Al mubarak,deputy Ceo and chief commercial officer,Aldar Properties, commented on the newoperator.
“i am delighted to announce theappointment of Viceroy hotel Group tooperate the yas hotel. Their reputation fordelivering returns for owners andoperating unique ‘experience’ hotels makethem the perfect fit for this importantasset. As the owner of seven hotels on yasisland, Aldar plays a unique role incapturing synergies and creatingeconomies of scale across these assets forthe benefit of both ourselves and our hoteloperators. in addition, we continue tocoordinate efforts to further increase theattraction of yas island as a destinationthrough our operations, marketing andcontinued development.”The latest addition to Viceroy’s portfolio,
which includes santa monica, Anguilla,miami and snowmann, marks thecompany’s debut in the middle east,remarked Brad Korzen, Ceo, Viceroyhotel Group.
“We are thrilled to be adding this incredibleproperty to our expanding managementportfolio of ultra luxury hotels. it is onlyfitting that Viceroy's first property outsidenorth America is in Abu dhabi, the homeof our international headquarters.”
We continue to coordinate efforts to further increase the
attraction of Yas Island
July 23, 20114
Best Western Opens Island ResortBest Western International has added another property to its ever-expanding portfolio with the opening of Best Western Marina IslandResort Pangkor in Malaysia.
Dubai Prepares for10th Ramadan ForumDubai’s Department of tourism andCommerce marketing (dtCm) hasbegun preparations for the 10thramadan Forum.The event is aimed at developing abetter cultural understanding amongvarious nationalities and cultures livingside by side in the uAe.The theme of this year’s forum is Faithand security and will reflect islam’steachings in these aspects of life andsociety.Ahmed bin mohamed bin rashid Almaktoum, chairman, mohamed binrashid Al maktoum Foundation,emphasised the importance of the event.“Another ramadan has dawned uponus in which we celebrate the 10thanniversary of the inception of Theramadan Forum, which has becomeone of the most important religiousevents during this holy month, notonly in dubai and the uAe, but in theentire region.”Khalid A. Bin sulayem, director-general, dtCm, explained that he waslooking forward to hosting the event inits 10th anniversary, and commentedon this year’s Faith and securitytheme.“The selection of this theme is sorelevant. it reflects the living styles andconditions of uAe people andexpatriates who live in safe and secureenvironment.”The forum, which comprises a series oflectures on religious and culturalaspects of life and society, begins onAugust 11.
Expedia Launches New PortalOnline travel company, Expedia has launched a new platform, expedia Access,designed to help travel agents manage their expedia Affiliate account. expedia Access was developed to support the expedia travel Affiliate Program(tAAP), which enables travel agencies to access expedia’s broad selection of travelproducts and services. The new portal delivers an array of benefits to more than15,000 tAAP-affiliated travel agencies in one user-friendly platform. it ensuresquicker access by easier log in procedures and reporting as well as simplifiedpersonalisation and rebranding capabilities by easily manageable download ofinvoices and itineraries. The advanced activity reports allow travel agents to regularlymonitor bookings and commissions, while other applications enable the smoothlyscanning of news, promotions and incentive status. in addition, expedia Access helpsagencies to further build up their own website with embeddable technicalspecifications. diego Pedrani, global head, tAAP, elaborated on the new platform. “The expedia Access platform reflects the close consultation we have had with travelagents. We have included as many agent requests as possible in the system.Personalising itineraries and invoices with the agents’ own logo is a request we haveheard often, as is the ability for agents to check their commissions at a glance. Wehave developed these and many other features that are designed to streamline theadministrative process.”
the 170 luxurious hotelapartments form part ofa large development thatincludes residential,commercial, leisure and
entertainment facilities. located on marina island Pangkor, one ofmalaysia’s premier man-made islands, theresort offers value-for-moneyaccommodation at the coast for bothbusiness and leisure travellers. ThongKeng tong, general manager, BestWestern marina island resort Pangkor,comments on the addition. “The resort is a welcoming sanctuary forboth holidaymakers and businesstravellers. it’s destined to become theaddress of choice in the area for thoseseeking relaxation and a place to spoil thesenses.”
The resort, built just a stone’s thrownaway from blue waters, features an on-siterestaurant, bar, conference and meetingrooms. it also offer an array of leisureactivities such as water sports, diving,fishing, island tours, a waterfrontshopping complex, international cruiseliner jetty as well as a yacht and sport club.A bridge connecting the island to thePerak mainland or a five minute boar rideprovides guests seamless connectivity.
It reflects the living styles and conditions of
UAE people andexpatriates who live in
safe and secureenvironment
Best Western Marina Island ResortPangkor, Malaysia
5July 23, 2011
- Accommodation
Al Khozama Hotel Brand to Debut in MedinaAl Khozama Management Company (AKMC), a luxurycommercial property development, investment andmanagement company, has signed a management agreementfor Al Khozama Hotel, Medina, due to open in October.
the hotel, owned by trading real estate Company, willrepresent AKmC’s second luxury property in Al madinahAl munawara. located in the western periphery of themosque of Prophet muhammad PBuh, the hotel features140 guest rooms including 20 executive suites.
musaed Al said, Ceo, AKmC, commented on the latest addition to thecompany’s portfolio. “AKmC's business strategy is two-fold: to expand our hospitality portfolioin key growth areas in the Kingdom, and to further develop the well-regardedAl Khozama and Al Faisaliah brands. This latest management contract tooperate Al Khozama hotel, medina meets both objectives, and we lookforward to introducing an unrivalled hospitality service to our valued guestsin medina.”AKmC strives to set new standards in services and guest satisfaction, notedAl said. “one of our objectives at AKmC is to ensure the highest standardsof hospitality are available throughout the Kingdom. This commitment isbeing recognised globally, with AKmC garnering more than 22 national andinternational awards for excellence in hospitality in the past two years alone.The expansion of our portfolio with properties such as Al Khozama hotel,madina offers us additional opportunities to highlight this service excellence.”Al Khozama hotel, medina, designed with a unique fusion of classic andcontemporary style and equipped with hi-tech luxuries, includes tworestaurants, a lobby and a wellness centre, and offers convenient access toAl-rawda Al-sharifa and the Green dome mosque.
Great Hotels of the WorldRemoves its Booking FeesHotel sales and marketing alliance, Great hotelsof the World, has removed all booking and creditcard fees from its website. The alliance believes that this will help to increasethe number of reservations made on its site, andgive it an edge over its competitors.sonia Giaimo, leisure sales manager, Greathotels of the World, explained that the removalof fees was a response to developments in theindustry.“in the light of market changes, we have decidedto remove all booking and credit card fees, whichwe believe will enable us to stand head andshoulders apart from our competitors. in light ofthe recent criticism surrounding companies whoutilise large credit card and booking fees, we havedecided to take action and allow customers tofeel at greater ease when making a reservationthrough us.”
Great hotels of the World frequently runs 72hour limited time sales with its memberproperties. Any reservation made during thesespecial sales will also have the fees removed.
In the light of market changes,we have decided to remove allbooking and credit card fees,
which we believe will enable usto stand head and shouldersapart from our competitors
7July 23, 2011
- Air Travel
Air Arabia Adds toSaudi Offering withFlights to GassimAir Arabia has introduced a newdestination in saudi Arabia to itsportfolio, operating flights fromsharjah to Gassim four times perweek. Beginning on July 15, theadditional route to saudi Arabia isanticipated to make travel to theKingdom easier and more convenientfor Air Arabia passengers. AK nizar, head of commercialdepartment, Air Arabia, expressed hisdelight in offering the new service justbefore ramadan. “We are extremely pleased tointroduce our new service betweensharjah and Gassim, which marks thefifth destination in saudi Arabiareachable via Air Arabia. As weapproach the holy month oframadan, we are pleased to offer onemore way to help bring friends andfamilies together for the holidays.”
Egyptair Express will operate a newservice from Cairo to Port said in northeast egypt, effective from July 17.The airline will offer two flights per week
on sunday and Thursday, using itsembraer 170 aircraft.The route will open new options forpassengers travelling to the egyptian
city. egyptair express is a member ofstar Alliance through the affiliation ofparent company egyptair into the globalalliance in 2008.
Emirates Partners with Arik AirEmirates has entered into an interline agreement with Nigerian carrier, ArikAir to provide passengers seamless connectivity to Nigeria and West Africa.
in terms of the agreememt,travellers will be able to fly on theairlines’ network by booking asingle, joint emirates-Arik Airitinerary, that will enable them to
connect from emirates’ double dailyservices to lagos onto a range ofdestinations beyond, including Abuja,Kano, Kaduna, Port harcort and enugu. in addition, passengers will enjoy a rangeof benefits, including special fares and anextra 10kg baggage allowance oneconomy class, pointed out Jean lucGrillet, senior vice president, commercialoperations for Africa, emirates.“our new partnership with Arik Air opensup a wide range of West Africandestinations for emirates customers,making travel more easy and convenientthan ever before. What’s more, customerswill enjoy better value for money when
they purchase their emirates and Arik Airflights together.”The partnership marks a major step in thenigerian carrier’s global expansionstrategy, noted Kevin steele, vicepresident commercial, Arik Air.
“emirates is one of the industry’s leadingairlines with an extensive global network.This agreement will undoubtedly providenew travel opportunities for our customerbase as well as further developing Arik Airinto a truly global airline.”
Our new partnership with Arik Air opens up
a wide range of WestAfrican destinations for
Emirates customers
Egyptair Express Introduces New Route from Cairo to Port Said
Our new service betweenSharjah and Gassim
marks the fifth destinationin Saudi Arabia reachable
via Air Arabia
July 23, 20118
- Air News
Qatar Airways has launched an additional daily flightbetween Kuwait and doha in order to provide passengerswith more flexibility on the popular route.Akbar Al Baker, Ceo, Qatar Airways, highlighted the benefitsthe move will bring to travellers. “We are committed tooffering our passengers with the best travel experience andnow customers in Kuwait have even more convenient accessto our network of over 100 global destinations. similarly,passengers from across our international network now havea greater choice of flights to Kuwait via our doha hub.”Qatar Airways now operates five flights daily between KuwaitCity and the airline’s doha hub taking the frequency up to 35weekly services on the route. “As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to step upfrequency on existing routes, which is a strong lever tofacilitate development in the business and tourism sectors,”added Al Baker.during the second half of this year, Qatar Airways is set toexpand in saudi Arabia, operating four weekly flights to theholy city of medina starting from July 14. other new servicesinclude daily flights to Calcutta from July 27; to the Bulgariancapital sofia on september 14; to the norwegian capital oslofrom october 5; to entebbe in uganda from november 2; toAzerbaijan capital, Baku on november 30; and to theGeorgian capital tbilisi, also on november 30.
American Airlines and Cathay Pacific Extend Partnershiponeworld alliance partners, American Airlines (AA) and Cathay Pacific, have expanded their codeshareagreement to enable them to offer new services.
the additional routesfeature Cathay Pacific’snew daily servicebetween Chicagoo’hare international
Airport and hong Kong internationalAirport, as well as the Asian airline’sexisting daily flights between hong Kongand ho Chi minh City. The extra services, available for travelfrom september 1, bring the number ofroutes included in the codeshareagreement to 23 markets in northAmerica and eight markets in Asia. The newly added routes furtherstrengthen American Airline’s presence insoutheast Asia, emphasised Virasb
Vahidi, chief commercial officer, AA. “our partnership with Cathay Pacificgives American’s customers expandedaccess to destinations in China and therest of Asia. With this codeshareexpansion, our customers now have moreoptions for travel between north Americaand Asia.”The extended relationship gives greateroptions to both American and Asianpassengers, noted ivan Chu, chiefoperating officer, Cathay Pacific. “We are very pleased to be able to extendour cooperation with American Airlines,one of our important partners in theoneworld alliance. This new arrangementwill offer more choices and greater
convenience for passengers from the usand will help to ensure the success of thenew Cathay Pacific service betweenChicago and hong Kong, which willlaunch on september 1.”
American Airlines and Cathay Pacific’slong established relationship dates back tothe signing of the first codasharingagreement in 2003.
Qatar Airways Increases Doha-KuwaitServices in Ongoing Expansion
This new arrangement will offer more choices
and greater convenience for passengers from
the US
the property from theupscale brand of theAccor group is located inan exclusive residentialarea near ibirapuera Park
and the city’s main business centre. Withconference facilities and meeting rooms ontwo floors, including an auditorium that can
accommodate up to 200 people, thePullman são Paulo ibirapuera prides itselfon offering a fully equipped business centre.The opening forms part of Pullman’s goal toopen a hotel in all of latin America’s majorcities over the next few years. it also comesfollowing the brand’s plan to debut in sixnew countries this year. in addition to
Brazil, Pullman will open properties in thenetherlands (eindhoven), indonesia (Baliand Jakarta), new zealand (Auckland),Vietnam (hanoi) and india (Gurgaon).Frédéric Fontaine, senior vice president,global brand marketing, Pullman,remarked on the company’s strategy. “inthe long term, the brand will have 150
hotels worldwide, with a focus onlocations in the centre of largecities, near major airports or closeto key tourist attractions.”
July 23, 201110
- International
First JW Marriott Property Opens in TurkeyMarriott International’s luxuryhotel brand, JW marriott, hasannounced the opening of its firsthotel in turkey.JW marriott hotel Ankara ismanaged by ozkar insaat As andepitomises the very best of the JWmarriott brand, according to AmymcPherson, president andmanaging director, europe,marriott international. “it is one of the world’s fastestgrowing luxury hotel brands. Aswe continue to grow our portfoliothroughout europe, we are eagerto add more JW marriott hotelsin premier destinations andgateway cities such as Ankara, andare confident that this spectacularhotel will attract discerningtravellers and groups from all overthe world.”The 24-storey, 413-room luxuryhotel, is located in the heart of thepolitical and business centre ofAnkara. it offers easy access fromAnkara esenboga Airport,convention venues and Ankaraculture and education centres.
Pullman Opens its First Hotel in Brazil Pullman has opened its first hotel in Brazil, the Pullman São Paulo Ibirapuera, as part of its rapid expansionthroughout Latin America.
Thierry DongierThierry dongier has been appointed as regional sales director,key accounts, menA at Amadeus. he takes on the role afterholding various positions over the last three years at Amadeussophia Antipolis, France. his previous roles included salesmanager, Western europe toPs (travel agency producessolutions) and most recently it and global account managerfor global customer it solutions (GCis). in his new position,he is responsible for improving the region’s top 20 accountsand developing a new GCis/regional sales strategy incollaboration with general managers and sales teams, whilebenefiting from his experience in it solutions in numerousareas such as advertising, travel expense management andtravel disruption solutions.
Samantha Watsonsamantha Watson has joined Al-Futtaim travel as marketing andsales manager. Watson brings morethan 12 years of experience to hernew role at the corporate and leisuretravel management company.Previously, she worked for emiratesAirlines and etihad Airways incharge for top performing leisure accounts including onlinetravel agents such as expedia.com and lastminute.com. sheembarked on her career in the uAe as sales manager for etihadholidays before moving to safar travel as head of the holidays,miCe and adventure divisions. most recently, she held thetourism marketing manager position at The dubai mall. Watsonholds a degree in european tourism management.
James FarrowJames Farrow has joinedChi hotels & resorts(Chi) as senior vicepresident of sales, incharge of the company’sportfolio of managedhotels under theCorinthia, Wyndham andramada Plaza brandsworldwide. Based inlondon, the industryspecialist will spearheadChi’s entire salesoperation, including the monitoring of individual hotels’activities and the management of the regional sales officesthroughout europe, Africa and the middle east. Farrow bringsvast experience to his new role that spans over 23 years withhilton and its owning company, where he gained expertise inmanaging sales forces. Prior to his senior positions, he heldgeneral managerial roles with various companies, includingQuality international hotels and Prince of Wales Group.
Dipak Pauldipak Paul has been appointed as general manager oframada downtown dubai. he brings to his role vastexperience that spans over three decades and includespositions with leading international hotel brands, includingstarwood and interContinental. Besides india, he has
worked in Kenya, nepal,singapore and across themiddle east. he joinedramada downtown dubai innovember 2010 followingthree successful years innairobi where he oversaw theopening of Crown Plazahotel.
Dipak Paul
Samantha Watson
James Farrow
July 23, 201112
Travel Talk is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hearfrom you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to [email protected]
Karim MakhloufChief Commercial Officer, Gulf Air.
“Gulf Air is always known for its pioneering traditionshaving introduced a number of innovative products andservices. This year we wanted to offer our customers amore luxurious experience during the Bahrain summerFestival and so we have joined hands with leading five-star hotels in Bahrain to offer a night’s stay along withflights at a very affordable, all-inclusive price.”
James BennettCEO, ADAC.
“As partners in the development of Abu dhabi, every governmentagency or company in the emirate has a responsibility to activelyparticipate and contribute to creating a sustainable eco-system.Planning around environmental sustainability contributes directlyto the economic success of any company while benefiting andpreserving the planet and its resources, which makes AdAC a proudmember of the Abu dhabi sustainability Group.”
Name: Gabor AranyPosition: General managerCompany: Al Azure ToursLocation: Oman
Agent’s Insight
Who are you?my name is Gabor Arany and i am the general manager of omani agency, Al Azuretours. Although i studied agricultural engineering, it soon turned out that it wasn’tthe right profession to me. my real passion has always been outdoor adventureslike camping, canoening, fishing and off road driving. i have been living andworking in oman for six years. First, i started with one of the local tour operatorsand then three years ago, with an omani partner, i opened my own company, AlAzure tours. our agency can arrange private chartered tours to anywhere in oman.Al Azure tours is known for fresh ideas, and we do our utmost to provide clientswith the best services according to their special requirements and interest.influenced by the season of the year, we will suggestions to customers activitiesthat can range from cultural experiences to pure adventure.
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? meeting people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and providingthem with a memorable holiday experience of a lifetime.
When is the best time to visit Oman?From october until April happens to be the ideal season as the averagetemperature remains moderate during these months. usually the temperaturestarts increasing during may and it might reach as high as 40 degrees. however,options of outdoor activities do exist along the coast and we can cater andmould the packages to suit customers’ requirements anytime. in addition,during the summer season (may-september) the south of oman (salalah)attracts a lot of tourists simply because of the monsoon rains. This is very rareand salalah happens to be the only part of the middle east that experiences themonsoons. it really is a marvelous experience.
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?i hope to visit mongolia really soon.
Why should people come to you for travel advice?For us, travel is more than just getting from here to there; it's about the journeyitself, the people you meet and the incredible discoveries along the way. ourlocal tour leaders will take you beyond the guidebooks and off the busy touristtrails, introducing you to some of our favourite destinations on the map. Weknow where to go and what to do. on many of our trips customers can chooseto join a small international group or have a private departure. All our tours areguided by local experts, ensuring the best possible is knowledge available toclients, after all this is their own backyard. on our safaris we travel in smallgroups making the trip much more enjoyable and avoiding a negative impacton the environment and local communities. our real specialty is camping, whenwe travel along tracks and ancient camel routes to the heart of true oman – toa land where time seems to have stood still.
Sabre Debuts in South AfricaSabre Travel Network, the technologysolution provider to the global travel industry,has embarked on the next phase of itsexpansion by entering the south Africanmarket. Based in Bedfordview, Gauteng, the companywill provide both leisure and corporate travelagencies with a new alternative, noted deanBibb, vice president, sabre travel network.“sabre is a strong global brand, and today weenter the market as a fresh alternative for travelcompanies who want a partner that can provideglobal expertise, local knowledge, innovationand a passion for customer service.”to better serve the local market, sabrepartnered with travel distribution company,emQuest, part of emirates Group, and African-based rogers Aviation, which will act as themain distributor.“our collaboration with emQuest and rogersAviation means south African agencies willprofit from sabre’s global reach and thepartnership of a local specialist. We want towork with travel agents whose priority isimpeccable customer service and sustainedgrowth,” added Bibb.“The travel industry in south Africa has grownin recent years, and travellers have a burgeoningappetite for new tools such as mobile servicesand social media. every year sabre investshundreds of millions of dollars in developingand delivering innovative technology that helpsagencies accelerate their business and enhancecustomer service,” concluded Bibb. sabre will provide agents its sabre red totaltravel solution, a dedicated tool to manage theirentire business and south African agencies willbecome the first ones to use the highlyconfigurable platform, sabre red Workplace,designed for shopping, booking and managingtravel in a new graphical view. in addition,sabre will also launch a range of mobile, socialmedia, business intelligence, travel security andefficiency tools. sabre’s south African launch follows thecompany’s full-content agreement with southAfrican Airways.
Gabor Arany
July 23, 201114
Australia Experiences Renewed Trend in Hotel LeasingHotel leases are making a comeback in Australia, due to very few new hotel developments being in the pipelineand a positive trading outlook across most hotel markets in the country.
this new trend is incontrast to the past fewyears in Australia,according to AnthonyCorbett, executive vice
president strategic advisory, Jones langlasalle hotels.“in the years leading up to the globalfinancial crisis (GFC) when hotel tradingperformance and outlook was strong,leases on hotels were gaining popularityas hotel operators were becomingincreasingly prepared to consider takingthe business risk under the terms of a leasein order to expand their portfolios. This
abruptly stopped during the GFC due toweaker trading market conditions and aheightened level of uncertainty.”leases differ from managementagreements as the operator pays theowner a fixed or nominated rent and hasfull discretion in the running of theproperty and keeps any profit generatedby the business.“While leases are more prevalent forserviced apartments, recently a number ofour developer clients have beenapproached by operators offering to leasenew hotels. in the right location this suitshotel operators as new management
opportunities continue to be rare withlimited new hotel development and verylimited opportunities to convert brandson existing assets,” Corbett added.
While leases are moreprevalent for servicedapartments, recently
a number of our developer clients
have been approached by operators offering to lease new hotels
Travel Trade Weekly: MövenpickHotels & Resorts is aiming for 20percent of its hotels, resorts andcruises to be Green Globe Certified bythe end of this year. Which Mövenpickproperties in the Middle East regionare expected to be next in line forcertification?Toufic Tamim: A total of eightmövenpick hotels & resorts in themiddle east have received Green GlobeCertification. in addition to our fiveproperties in Jordan, mövenpick hotel &Apartments Burj dubai, mövenpickhotel doha and mövenpick hotel Jeddahhave received this premier globalcertification for sustainability. All hotelswere recently audited and measured inover 350 norms and standards, andachieved outstanding results. This summer, eight more hotels will beaudited, including mövenpick tower &suites doha and seven properties withinsaudi Arabia.
Travel Trade Weekly: All Mövenpickproperties are anticipated to bestamped with Green Globe credentialswithin two years. Do you think thiswill be achieved in the Middle Eastmarket?Toufic Tamim: We are very positiveabout it, as most of our teams have alreadystarted the process to accomplish thismeaningful goal. This strategy is part of acompany-wide programme to establish acommon global approach toenvironmental, employer and socialsustainability.
Travel Trade Weekly:With currentevents challenging the market, what is
the outlook for Mövenpick Hotels& Resorts in the Middle East? Toufic Tamim: We are positive aboutthe future. We have many businesslocations throughout the region whichcontinue to be relevant for the demandsof both intra-GCC and internationalbusiness travellers. leisure-wise, the countries in which weoperate have some of the most enduringtourist attractions in the world. our goalis to work closely with the local tourismboards and support their sales andmarketing efforts in order to bringtravellers to the holiday destinations inthe middle east on a sustainable basis. Wefirmly believe that, despite the politicalsituation, the middle east continues to beone of the most sought-after destinations.
Travel Trade Weekly:Which areexpected to be the most significantand strategic of Mövenpick’s openingsin the Middle East in the comingyears, and why?Toufic Tamim: We currently operate 24hotels in the middle east and we have 12hotels and resorts under construction inthe region, including properties in theuAe, saudi Arabia, syria and oman,which represent 4,236 rooms. All ourplanned openings are moving ahead anddeveloping swiftly. opening this summer, the mövenpickBeach resort Al Khobar will mark ourninth property in saudi Arabia. This five-star resort will be located on the shorelineof the Arabian Gulf, just 45 minutes fromdammam international Airport and 25minutes from Al Khobar’s city centre. Thehotel will offer 36 duplex villas, includingtwo royal villas, each featuring three
separate bedrooms, a complete kitchenand both living and dining rooms. it is setto become a favourite retreat for families. in addition, we are opening fourproperties in dubai in the comingmonths, including the mövenpickresidences at The square dubai, whichwill offer 180 serviced apartments. Thisproperty is located in the quietsurroundings of Al mamzar in dubai’seastern district of deira, and will cater toboth short-term and long-term guests. Further openings include the 293-roomroyal Amwaj resort & spa, a stunningand ultra-luxurious resort in PalmJumeirah, with the remoteness, serenityand wistfulness of an island retreat, yetoffering all the benefits of dubai. The five-star mövenpick hotel & residencesJumeirah lakes towers is also scheduledto open this year, featuring 168 rooms and307 apartments, as well as a privateresidence club.Finally, we will witness the opening of thecontemporary oceana hotel & spa, aresort located on dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.We have already opened the beach cluband the popular restaurant-bar West 14th.Both the club and the restaurant openedfor business during the summer of 2010.
15July 23, 2011
Q & A with Toufic TamimWith countless hotels opening in popular holiday destinations in the Middle East, competition is at the sametime rising. Toufic Tamim, vice president sales and marketing - Middle East, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts,talks to travel trade Weekly about the chain’s strategy in the region and its plight for all properties to beenvironmentally and socially responsible.
Toufic Tamim
July 23, 201116
EventsSports and Events Tourism ExchangeCape Town, South Africa, July 27-29, 2011(www.sportsandevents.co.za)An event that focuses on south Africa’s facilities and servicesfor all top level international events and the exchange betweensports tourism and the events industry.
China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings ExhibitionBeijing, China, August 30-September 1, 2011 (www.cibtm.com)A leading event for the meetings, incentives, business traveland events industry in China and Asia.
PATA Travel MartNew Delhi, India, September 6-9, 2011 (www.pata.org)Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show with networking andcontracting opportunities.
Top Resa, International French Travel MarketParis, France, September 20-23, 2011 (www.iftm.fr)An international travel and tourism trade fair for networking, doingbusiness, innovating and keeping abreast of market developments.
Cityscape DubaiDubai, UAE, September 26-29, 2011 (www.cityscape.ae)A B2B networking exhibition and conference for emerging realestate markets globally.
Kazakhstan International Tourism ExhibitionAstana, Kazakhstan, September 27-29, 2011www.leisure.kzThe eighth Kazakhstan international tourism exhibition inAstana, which caters for both the B2B and B2C markets andfeatures a vibrant mix of inbound and outbound destinations.
Madrid Hosts First International Congress on Ethics and TourismSpain and the World tourismorganisation (unWto) have teamed upto host the first international Congress onethics and tourism, which will addresssome of the most pressing ethical issuescurrently facing the tourism sector.The Global Code of ethics for tourism, aset of guidelines and principles for theinternational tourism sector, will set thetone for the event in madrid onseptember 15-16.sessions will focus on responsibletourism, fair tourism and povertyreduction, equality and exploitation. Therole of the private sector in responsibleand sustainable tourism will also beaddressed.Joan mesquida, secretary general oftourism and domestic trade, spain,commented on his efforts to educate
companies about the code of ethics.“The spanish Council of ministers hasofficially accepted the Global Code ofethics for tourism and is committed todisseminating it among the public andprivate tourism sectors. in order for itsimpact to be as wide-reaching andinternational as possible, we arecollaborating with unWto to fullyachieve our objectives.”taleb rifai, secretary general, unWto,noted that the event will instigateimportant discussions.“We are extremely happy to be partneringwith spain to organise this landmarkevent. it will open an important debate onissues which are key to achieving a moresustainable and responsible tourism sector– a sector investing in green practises,gender equality and ethical behaviour.”
The Spanish Council of Ministers has officiallyaccepted the Global Code
of Ethics for Tourism and iscommitted to disseminating itamong the public and private
