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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 ISSUE 97 www.traveltradeweekly.travel September 17, Issue 97 Market Update 2 Weekly News 3 Accommodation News 6 Air Travel News 7 International 10 Who’s Moved 11 Travel Talk 12 Agents’ Corner 13 Travel Channels 14 Rendezvous 15 Events 16 6 6 OMAN AIR HOLIDAYS LLC Oman Air and Bahwan Travel Agencies will partake in a joint venture, Oman Air Holidays LLC, which will promote inbound tourism to Oman as well as outbound travel to destinations served by the national carrier’s network. In is Issue 4 4 DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON ERBIL TO OPEN IN 2013 Hilton Worldwide is scheduled to open its first hotel in Erbil, the thriving capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, at the end of 2013. 6 Grosvenor House, Tower Two complements the existing five-star offering of the prestigious property. Grosvenor House Dubai Opens Second Tower Grosvenor House Dubai Opens Second Tower
Transcript
Middle East and North Africa Edition
SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 ISSUE 97 www.traveltradeweekly.travel
OMAN AIR HOLIDAYS LLCOman Air and Bahwan Travel Agencieswill partake in a joint venture, Oman AirHolidays LLC, which will promoteinbound tourism to Oman as well asoutbound travel to destinations served bythe national carrier’s network.
In This Issue
44DOUBLETREE SUITES BYHILTON ERBIL TO OPEN IN 2013Hilton Worldwide is scheduled to openits first hotel in Erbil, the thriving capitalcity of Iraqi Kurdistan, at the end of 2013.
66
Grosvenor House, Tower Two complements the existingfive-star offering of the prestigious property.
Grosvenor House Dubai Opens Second TowerGrosvenor House Dubai Opens Second Tower
During the first six months ofthe year, the EMEA region’sIHG properties witnessed aRevPAR increase of fourpercent, and a rate growth of
two percent. Excluding Egypt (10 hotels) andBahrain (two hotels), where the politicalturmoil resulted in significant decline, RevPARrose 5.3 percent. Despite the drop in some countries, other partsof the Middle East experienced healthy growth,including Saudi Arabia (10.2 percent) and theUAE (3.4 percent). In the second quarter, ending June 30, EMEA’saverage RevPAR grew by 4.8 percent, with rategrowth of 2.1 percent, and six percent excludingEgypt and Bahrain.
IHG posted USD224 millionrevenue and USD71 millionoperating profit, representing anincrease of 17 percent and 22percent respectively comparedwith H1 2010. Managed operating profitdeclined by USD1 million toUSD31 million due to the harsh
USD4 million impact of the unrest in theMiddle East. IHG opened 3,461 rooms (919 hotels) in theregion, including two Hotel Indigo propertiesand nine Crowne Plaza hotels, across eightdifferent countries. In addition, the companysigned 4,547 rooms (24 hotels) during the halfyear, including seven Crowne Plaza properties,three Hotel Indigo hotels and four StaybridgeSuites properties.
MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 15/9/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
IHG: RevPAR Growth in EMEAInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recorded healthy RevPAR growth inEurope, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in the first half (H1) of the year.
Qatar continues to lead the region’sgrowth, based on STR Global’s latestMiddle East and Africa (MEA) hotelpipeline report.According to the July ConstructionPipeline Report, the MEA hoteldevelopment pipeline comprises 460hotels with 125,268 rooms. Among all countries in the region,Qatar will see the largest roomgrowth, with 78.3 percent, once all6,604 rooms in the total activepipeline open. Oman closed themonth with an increase of 57.9percent or 3,734 rooms, closely
followed by the UAE with 55.7percent or 48,071 rooms. Other countries with a remarkablegrowth rate include Bahrain with 49percent or 3,155 rooms and Algeriawith 47.9 percent or 1,619 rooms.
STR: Qatar Leads Growth
InterContinental Hotel, Festival City Dubai
Doha, Qatar
3SEPTEMBER 17, 2011
Passenger Travel on a Rise Global air passenger traffic volume in July increased by 5.9 percent compared with the corresponding monthin 2010, revealed the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The second hotel in the Armani Hotels & Resorts portfolio,Armani Hotel Milano, is scheduled to be officially opened onNovember 10.Situated inside the exclusive Manzoni 31 building, in thecentre of Quadrilatero della Moda, the hotel embodies all thesignature qualities and aesthetic assets of the Giorgio Armanibrand, signifying elegance, sophistication and comfort. Thehotel will feature 95 guestrooms, the largest ones in the city, agourmet restaurant, a luxurious spa, a fully equipped businesscentre with meeting rooms and magnificent views over Milan.Armani Hotels & Resortswas established in 2005under an agreement betweenGiorgio Armani S.p.A. andEmaar Properties, with theobjective to develop, ownand operate an exclusivecollection of hotels, resortsand residences in the world’smost important cities andholiday destinations. The firsthotel is in Dubai’s BurjKhalifa, the world’s tallestbuilding.
Armani Hotel Milano Set to Open
Tony Tyler, CEO, IATA,elaborated on the figures.“Passenger travel buckedthe gloomy economicoutlook with a 5.9
percent increase in July. This increase waslikely based on the much more optimisticeconomic outlook that marked thebeginning of the year. With business andconsumer confidence now tanking,sluggishness in international trade, andhigh fuel prices, the expectation is for aweaker end to the year.”International passenger markets ex-perienced a growth of 7.3 percentcompared with July 2010, outperformingaverage domestic markets, which
witnessed a dull growth of 3.5 percentyear on year. Compared to pre-recession levels of early2008, international passenger trafficimproved with an impressive 12 percent.IATA’s report, however, reveals that theglobal financial crisis has cost airlinesabout two full years of growth. Load factors for the total marketimproved by a half percentage point to83.1 percent, with North American andEuropean carriers leading the growth. Middle Eastern airlines experienced a 9.7percent increase in demand, outstrippingthe 8.9 percent capacity growth recordedin the region, while load factors averagedat 81.4 percent.
“July is the peak in the annual cycle forpassenger traffic. This year was noexception. But even if the industry’sperformance could be classified asstronger than expected, we do faceheadwinds as we look towards the end ofthe year. Some of our challenges have ahigh percentage of government-madecontent. The recent downsising of AirBerlin is a clear reminder of the high costof the German departure tax on theeconomy, jobs and communities.Governments should not compromiseaviation’s role as an economic catalyst forthe short-term revenue gain of gratuitoustaxation, particularly when economiesremain weak,” added Tyler.
SEPTEMBER 17, 20114
Oman Air Holidays Announced
Royal Jordanian (RJ) has resumed its operation to Benghazi. The airline, whichceased its services to the North African country after the turmoil erupted inFebruary, restarted its flights between Amman and Benghazi on September 15,after obtaining all the necessary approvals from the concerned authorities. RJ will operate frequent, almost daily services to the city to accommodate thestrong demand on flights between the two countries, according to HusseinDabbas, CEO, Royal Jordanian. Prior to the political unrest, the airline offered two weekly flights to Benghaziand five weekly services to its other Libyan destination, Tripoli. RJ will also re-launch its services to the capital city, once the readiness of TripoliInternational Airport is ensured. Reconnecting the two countries is crucial due to the large movements of citizensbetween the countries, stressed Dabbas. The president also expressed hope thatthe situation in Libya would improve.
Abu Dhabi Seeks to FurtherEntice Indian TravellersAbu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)spearheaded a three-city road show inIndia, in order to build on expandinginbound tourism from the south Asianrepublic.The scheme included ADTA and 12 of thedestination’s key stakeholders that tooktheir promotional proposition to trade andmedia in Mumbai on September 12,followed by Delhi two days later andChennai on September 16.The move comes as ADTA figures indicatethat in the first seven months of this year,India rose to become Abu Dhabi’s secondlargest international source market forhotel guests after the UK, accounting for58,724 guests, a 25 percent rise on thesame period in 2010. In terms of guestnights in the first seven months, India wasthe third largest international sourcemarket after the UK and US accounting for235,695, which amounts to a 52 percentrise on the same period in 2010.The opportunities emanating from thisscheme are far-reaching commented DayneLim, product development director, ADTA. “Our aim for this inaugural road show inIndia is three-fold; to showcase Abu Dhabi’sexpanding range of hospitality, events andattractions products, strengthen the dis-tribution and packaging channels of theseproducts, as well as deepen our marketinsights for valuable input to our futureproduct development. There are strong airlinks between India and Abu Dhabi, withroutes between the two currently beingserved by Air India, Jet Airways and ourown national airline, Etihad Airways, whichoperates a total of 52 flights a week,covering eight Indian cities. The excellentair access, allied with market proximity andclose business and social ties between AbuDhabi and India, provides ADTA with astrong competitive advantage to capitaliseon the undoubted growth potential ofIndia’s outbound tourism market.”
T he move, which willcreate the country’slargest travel andtourism business,marks Oman’s first
ever public-private partnership. Oman Air’s holidays division willintegrate with Bahwan Tours forinbound holidays and with BahwanHolidays for outbound travel, withmarkets and assets being shared,leveraging the competencies of each,and resulting in value for moneyproducts for clients in Oman andaround the globe. The company will deliver a round theclock service to individual customers,the travel trade, corporate businesses
Royal Jordanian Returns to Libya
Oman Air and Bahwan Travel Agencies will partake in a jointventure, Oman Air Holidays LLC, which will promote inboundtourism to Oman as well as outbound travel to destinations servedby the national carrier’s network.
Oman Air and Bahwan
and the Government of Oman. Abdulrazaq Al Raisi, chief commercialofficer, Oman Air, elaborated on the newpartnership. “Working very closely with the Ministryof Tourism and their representatives, aswell as Oman Air country managers andtheir sales teams abroad, Oman AirHolidays LLC (in partnership withBahwan Travels), will showcase theSultanate of Oman and every destinationon the Oman Air network. Through efficient contracting andsupplier selection, it will also deliver thewidest array of tourism products to thediscerning traveller and increase Oman’sprominence within the internationaltravel market.”
YOU ARE WELCOME!
DUBAI / FRANKFURT / LONDON / MALDIVES / NEW YORK / SHANGHAIOPENING SOON: ABU DHABI / AZERBAIJAN / KUWAIT / MALLORCA
You are different . That’s why we have created a modern urban lifestyle experience at the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Introducing Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.
STAY DIFFERENT™ at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. For reser vations, please contact your travel professional or visit jumeirah.com
W ith the addition of45 storeys, a rangeof accommodationoptions, a varietyof food and be-
verage concepts and recreation amenities,Tower Two complements the existing five-star offering of the prestigious property. Pam Wilby, general manager, GrosvenorHouse Dubai and Le Méridien BeachResort and Spa, commented on thelaunch.“Since the opening of Tower One in2005, Grosvenor House Dubai has be-come an iconic destination for businessand leisure travellers alike, seeking theultimate in five- star service and comfort.We are delighted to be strengthening this
existing offering with the highlyanticipated opening of Tower Two. Allhotel guests have access to the facilities inboth towers, in addition to the use of thebeach and pool and the 14 restaurantsand bars across the road at the sisterproperty Le Royal Méridien BeachResort and Spa.”Catering to both short and long-termstays, Tower Two offers 206 premierrooms and suites, 216 residenceapartments and five villas. It also boasts a lifestyle spa, offering avariety of treatments, a privilege businessand leisure lounge and a number of highprofile dining, lounge and bar offerings,making the hotel an ultimate culinary andnight life destination.
Hilton Worldwide is scheduled to open its first hotel in Erbil,the thriving capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, at the end of 2013.DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Erbil, under a managementagreement with real estate developer The Clairmont Group,will comprise of 200 serviced apartments as well as a businesscentre, health club, swimming pool, eight meeting rooms, tworestaurants, a lobby lounge and bar.Strategically located on Erbil’s central thoroughfare, close tothe recently expanded Erbil International Airport and theAinkawa district, one of the city’s main retail andentertainment centres, the hotel will be ideal for both leisureand business travellers visiting the flourishing capital. Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton brand,expressed his pleasure in debuting in the emerging commercialand touristic city. “I am delighted to be bringing our brand tosuch an important city in the Middle East. DoubleTree byHilton has built its success on providing high standards ofservice and quality facilities in gateway cities, which makes itthe ideal choice for Erbil’s thriving community.”
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton ErbilSlated to Open in 2013
DoubleTree by Hilton has built its success on providing high standards of service and
quality facilities in gateway cities
Grosvenor House Dubai’s New OfferingGrosvenor House, a luxury collection hotel in Dubai, has revealed its second tower.
Grosvenor House Dubai
B eginning November 1,the low-cost carrier willoperate three weeklyflights between SharjahInternational Airport
and Yanbu Airport on Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays. The new route will enhance optionsavailable to travellers flying between thetwo countries, noted AK Nizar, head ofcommercial department, Air Arabia. “In July this year, Air Arabia started itsflights to the city of Gassim in SaudiArabia and today, we are extremelypleased to introduce our new servicebetween Sharjah and Yanbu, which marksthe sixth destination in Saudi Arabiareachable via Air Arabia. Air Arabiacustomers now enjoy an ideal choice forair travel between the UAE and SaudiArabia, benefiting from value for money
fares and a wide range of destinations onoffer within the Kingdom and beyond.”
In addition to non-stop services to sixcities in Saudi Arabia, Air Arabia alsoprovides its customers with a variety ofland arrangements, including hotelaccommodation and car rental.
SEPTEMBER 17, 20118
- Air Travel
Air Arabia Links Sharjah with YanbuAir Arabia is to expand its route map by launching flights from itsprimary hub in Sharjah, UAE, to Yanbu, its sixth destination in SaudiArabia.
Bahrain Air Returns to KathmanduFollowing a brief break, Bahrain Air isto resume flights to the Nepalese capital,Kathmandu, with daily operationsstarting from September 21. The re-launched services will arrive inKathmandu in the early morning to bestfacilitate onward travel into Nepal, whilethe return flights, again in the morning,favour incoming passengers travelling toBahrain or beyond, on the carrier’sexpanding network. The reinstated services are expected tohelp increase tourist traffic between thecountries, commented Richard Nuttall,director commercial operations, BahrainAir. “Katmandu is and will remain a corepart of Bahrain Air’s network, and welook forward to boosting directconnections between Nepal and Bahrain.It is the start of a new period of growthfor Bahrain Air that will includeresumption of old routes, some newdestinations and agreements with othercarriers to boost our network further.” Bahrain Air first commenced services tothe Nepalese capital, in March 2009,operating thrice weekly.
IndiGo has launched sched-uled flights to Dubai, markingthe budget carrier’s first inter-national service. The inaugural Delhi-Dubaiflight ushered a new era in In-diGo’s history.With its foray into international
skies, IndiGo now strives toreplicate its domestic successstory, firstly in the Middle East.Following its debut in Dubai,the carrier is now getting readyto commence flights betweenMumbai and Muscat, effectivefrom October 1.
IndiGo Debuts in Dubai
IndiGo crew and team in Dubai
In July this year, AirArabia started its flightsto the city of Gassim in
Saudi Arabia and today,we are extremely pleased
to introduce our newservice between Sharjah
and Yanbu
Air Arabia
Bahrain Air
SEPTEMBER 17, 201110
- International
Ascott Eyes Chinese ExpansionThe Ascott Limited, CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residencebusiness unit, has initialled contracts to manage two more propertiesin China.
W ith the addition of Ascott Financial City Chengdu andSomerset Wangjing Beijing, Ascott has re-affirmed itsleadership position as the largest international servicedresidence owner-operator in China, noted Lee Chee Koon,managing director for North Asia, Ascott.
“Ascott will now have around 7,000 apartment units in 38 serviced residences across16 cities in China. We will continue to tap on more opportunities in tier-one citieslike Beijing where we still see an abundant demand for international servicedresidences from business travellers and tourists. In the meantime, we are deepeningour presence in high growth cities such as Chengdu, where foreign direct investmentand tourism are expected to increase exponentially in the next few years.”Ascott Financial City Chengdu will form part of the landmark 58-storey ChengduFinancial City twin-tower development. Located in the new business centre ofChengdu, the hotel will provide convenient accessto the city’s major financial and business facilities.The 181-unit residence, scheduled to open in 2014,will feature a swimming pool, gym, spa, sauna,children’s playroom, business centre, meeting roomand reading lounge. Strategically located in the Wangjing businessdistrict, the 187-unit Somerset Wangjing Beijing,is scheduled to open in 2013. Amenities willinclude a swimming pool, gym, business centre andmeeting room.
Secret Bay, the Hidden Gem of the Caribbean Secret Bay, a newly constructed villa-style hotel that embodies simple chic andeco-luxury, has opened on the nature island of Dominica. The boutique property, located on the northwest coast of the Caribbean island,currently boasts four exquisite villas and bungalows. With the entire sitedeveloped using green and sustainable practices to minimise environmentimpact, Secret Bay presents one of the most eco-friendly developments in theregion, noted Gregor Nassief, owner. “We believe in sustainable luxury, by offering exceptional comfort while lookingafter all that we love about Secret Bay.”Completing the VIP-experience, guests can enjoy endless adventures, fromscuba-diving to hiking or biking, on two secluded sandy beaches, a spectacularsea-cave, the Cario River and two distinct micro-climates. Couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as individuals looking for arejuvenating long-term break, are targeted at the ultimate eco-luxury hideawayon the island of Dominica. Often called the ‘natural island’ due to its abundanceof natural splendours, Dominica is one of the least populated islands of theCaribbean, a true paradise for nature-lovers.
Hilton Opens SecondHeathrow HotelHilton Hotels & Resorts has openedHilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal5, the latest addition to its UK portfolio.Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels &Resorts, commented on the opening. “As aleading global hotel brand in the UK we aredelighted to open our second hotel at one ofthe world's busiest airports. From exceptionalrestaurants and bars to a luxurious spa, HiltonLondon Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, is ahighly anticipated addition to Heathrow. Welook forward to welcoming travellers to thisoutstanding new hotel and providing therenowned and authentic hospitality thattravellers across the UK and around the worldexpect from Hilton.”The 350-room hotel, located on thedoorstep of the airport’s Terminal 5building, offers upscale accommodation forboth leisure and business travellers. With aconference space of 926m2, it canaccommodate up to 1,170 delegates, whilethe ballroom is designed to welcome up to800 guests. Besides a range of food andbeverage outlets, the hotel also features agym and a luxurious spa. Greg Place, general manager, HiltonLondon Heathrow Airport Terminal 5,expressed his delight. “We will be providing world-renownedHilton service to business and leisuretravellers using Heathrow airport, as wellas providing large scale conference andevents space in the area. We also lookforward to welcoming guests and localresidents to our luxurious spa and thedestination restaurant.”
Hilton London HeathrowAirport Terminal 5
Ascott FinancialCity Chengdu
11SEPTEMBER 17, 2011
Mohamed El BardaiMohamed El Bardai has beenappointed as director of employeedevelopment at Beach Rotana AbuDhabi. In his new position, El Bardaiis responsible for the training of allemployees at the property. Havingpreviously worked at a number oflocations around the globe, includingthe US, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, hebrings a wealth of experience thatspans over 19 years. He has worked atGrand Hyatt Cairo and Best WesternHotel Chicago, while most recently hewas the training manager for twoRosewood properties in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
Thierry PerrottThierry Parrott has been appointed asgeneral manager of Crowne Plaza AbuDhabi, Yas Island. Perrott, who has recentlybeen named as area general manager forInterContinental’s (IHG) Crowne Plaza andStaybridge Suites Abu Dhabi, Yas Island,brings with him more than 30 years ofexperience. He joined IHG in 1981, and hassince held a number of managerial positionsaround the globe, in Switzerland, the UK,Africa, France, Indonesia, South Korea andEgypt. In the last six years, based in Cairo, heworked as area general manager IHGCitystars and general manager IHG CairoCitystars.
Raman KhannaRaman Khanna has joined Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) as director ofrestaurant operations. Khanna has been tasked with establishing and growing a newADNH restaurant division by introducing restaurant franchise agreements and settingup joint ventures as well as creating food and beverage concepts. He will also be in
charge of advising and leading existing operationswith new food and beverage developments. Withmore than 26 years of experience, Khanna bringsextensive experience to the position. He spent thepast six years with ALDAR properties, where hefirst worked as hotel development manager beforetaking on the role of director of businessdevelopment and commercial. Prior to this, asdirector of catering and banquets, he wasinstrumental in the launch of Emirates Palace AbuDhabi, operated by Kempinski. Khanna is nostranger to ADNH, having worked as executive chefat Hilton Abu Dhabi in the 90’s.
Simon W. StamperSimon W. Stamper has been named asarea general manager of IntercontinentalHotels Group Citystars. In his new role,Stamper will be in charge of the overallcommercial operations and managementof all three IHG properties in theCitystars commercial and residentialcomplex, including Holiday Inn Cairo-Citystars and Staybridge SuitesCairo-Citystars. Stamper, who has morethan 25 years of experience in thehospitality industry, returns to Cairo after1996, when he held a managerial positionat Semiramis InterContinental Cairo. Healso gained experience in variousmanagerial roles in Europe, the UK, theMediterranean and the Middle East.Most recently, he worked as area generalmanager at InterContinental AbuDhabi. In 2009 he was recognised for hisachievements, winning InterContinentalGeneral Manager of the year, Europe,Middle East and Africa (EMEA) award.
MohamedEl Bardai
Thierry Perrott
Simon W. StamperRaman Khanna
SEPTEMBER 17, 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]
Aamir PervezGeneral manager, Corp ExecutiveHotel Apartments, Al Barsha, Dubai.
“All too often, team members in anyhotel get immersed in their own area ofexpertise, neglecting to look at the endresult which is one dedicated to guestservice. What we aim to achieve with
this [Managers on the Floor] training programme is to projectthe wider picture so our staff can see what their colleaguescontribute to the operation of the property, as well as ensurefurther development of the individuals themselves who maybe stretched in to new areas through taking on different roles.”
Krishan PereraRegional airport services manager forEurope, Oman Air.
“To have achieved a first-place ranking foron-time performance for the third time insix months is a tribute to the commitmentand hard work of all Oman Air’s staff atHeathrow and our service partner, Dnata.
As the world’s busiest airport, Heathrow is a challengingenvironment in which to operate and our consistent top fiveranking shows that the Oman Air team’s efforts, and their closeworking with the airport authorities, are paying dividends. Whilstthis is good news for our professional pride, the most importantimpact is on Oman Air’s passengers who can rely on ourpunctuality, as well as our outstanding airport and inflight services.”
Aamir Pervez
Oman Air’s passengers can rely on ourpunctuality, as well as our outstanding
airport and inflight services
[Managers on the Floor] trainingprogramme is to project the wider picture so
our staff can see what their colleaguescontribute to the operation of the property
Galileo Presents New Cutting-EdgeProducts in Lebanon Galileo held a roadshow in Lebanon to demonstrate its newcutting edge products, providing attendees with an insight intothe innovative travel technology.The full day workshop, which was held at Habtoor Grand Hotelin Beirut, provided travel agents with the opportunity todiscover and learn about the global distribution system’s (GDS)new and existing products, while serving as a forum fordiscussion and feedback regarding the support and solutionsprovided by Galileo Lebanon.Forum dialogue revealed the newly showcased TravelportRooms and More, a free-to-use online hotel booking site foragents of all GDSs, as a popular innovation, with agentscommenting on the potential for maximising commissionearned while improving working efficiencies. Galileo also demonstrated its innovative progress in otheronline and mobile solutions such as Travelport Mobi, an end-traveller mobile booking solution, and Travelport SMS, amobile application that retrieves certain booking details.Najwa Tarabah, managing director, Galileo Lebanon,commented on the roadshow’s success. “The event wasextremely positively received and it was great to interact withour customers in person to learn about what is working for theirclients and how we can further support them with ourtechnology and service. Agents responded well to our new
Travelport Rooms and More hoteloffering and some signed upstraight away as a result.”
Who are you?My Name is Ziad Ghorayeb and I am the general manager ofGhorayeb Travel. I have been working in the industry since1998 and I really love my profession. Ghorayeb Travel is oneof the most prominent travel agencies in Lebanon. Ourservices include ticketing, hotel reservation, car rental andselling various tour packages. We handle both inbound andoutbound travel.
What is your favourite thing about working in the travelindustry?My favourite thing is the possibility of travelling. I really enjoyvisiting new countries, discovering new cultures, habits andlanguages and everything that helps to get a betterunderstanding of the destination and of how to promote it toour clients.
When is the best time to visit Lebanon?Lebanon is a destination that you can visit all year round.Winter is perfect for skiing in the mountains while summer isbest spent on the beach. Lebanon is also the place where nightlife never stops. If I am not mistaken, we have the mostthrilling nightlife in the Middle East.
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?I would like to visit the Tuscany area of Italy and explore thevillages including taking part in wine tasting . Hopefully, I willhave the opportunity to do so next month.
Why should people come to you for travel advice?During the years of our operation, we have built up a verygood reputation in all kinds of services. The world classmanagement of the agency has earned us an important placein the industry. We always handle our clients in the mostprofessional way, we always deliver what we promise, and weprovide the best service. We organise several customised travelpackages in and outside Lebanon and all are within our clients’specified budget. Ghorayeb Travel tries its best to take care ofall requirements no matter how small they are, to make ourclients’ tours pleasurable and hassle-free.
The event wasextremely positivelyreceived and it was
great to interact withour customer’s
in personTravelport Mobi
Galileo Lebanon
SEPTEMBER 17, 201114
A strong sustainability focus is key tomajor tourism expansion in the MiddleEast, and this does not currently receivethe necessary attention, according toSusanne Becken, associate professor,Lincoln University, Christchurch, NewZealand.Becken, an industry expert leadingresearch into the vulnerability of globaltourism to oil prices and future oilconstraints, will raise questions overcurrent global tourism growth projectionsat the second World Green TourismConference in Abu Dhabi. This willinclude whether sufficient investments arebeing made in sustainability.At the conference, which will take placeat Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre(ADNEC) on December 5-7, Beckenwill inform delegates that in the world
which faces challenges from climatechange, a deep and clear-cut focus onsustainability is integral to major tourismexpansion in the Middle East. “The fact that World Green Tourism ishosted by an Arab country where oilexport plays an important role adds tothe opportunity of sharing my researchfindings on tourism’s vulnerability to oilprices and future oil constraints. Thehigh profile nature of the summit willenhance the effect of my message,”expressed Becken.The expert will reveal to conferencedelegates why two New Zealandgovernment funded tourism researchprojects she manages, Tourism and Oil,and Preparing the Tourism Sector forClimate Change, are applicable in theMiddle East.
“I am amazed by the expansion andextent of tourism development in theMiddle East, especially in the aviationindustry. I sincerely hope that the currentinvestments are made with sustainabilityin mind, and in particular energyefficiency, renewable energy sources, andalso efficient use of water resources. I amslightly doubtful that global tourism willgrow as expected over the next fewdecades and I would value discussionwith Middle Eastern tourism experts ontheir views on this and how investmentsthat are based on solid growth are made,”added Becken.
Hotel Industry Leaders Join ForcesThe International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) havejoined forces to unite the hotel industry and reach a single methodology for calculating carbon footprints aswell as consistent metrics for communicating emissions.
Expert to Highlight Tourism Threat at Abu Dhabi Summit
T he Carbon Measure-ment Working Groupled by hospitalitymembers within ITPand WTTC, will gather
together international hotel companies,including Accor, Fairmont Hotels &Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels& Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group,Marriott International, MGM ResortsInternational, Mövenpick Hotels &Resorts, Red Carnation Hotel Collection,Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,
Premier Inn, Whitbread Group andWyndham Worldwide, to collaborate onthe groundbreaking initiative. The partnership demonstrates theindustry’s endeavour to be environmentallysustainable, noted David Scowsill, CEO,WTTC. “The hotel industry recognises itsresponsibility to mitigate its environ-mental impact. Indeed many hotel chainsglobally have set carbon reduction targets.Through this initiative the industry isfurthering its commitments to corporateand individual consumers by helping themto understand their environmentalfootprint. A harmonised approach toquantifying and communicating thesustainability of the industry’s products isa firm step towards accomplishing this. Weare delighted to be collaborating with ITPand the hotel executives within thisworking group on this historic initiative.”
Stephen Farrant, director, InternationalTourism Partnership, described thecollaboration as a pivotal milestone.
“Customers and investors rightly want toknow about the carbon footprint of thehotels they are dealing with. The fact that12 global companies in the internationalhotel sector have come together toachieve, for the first time, this degree ofconsensus on the complex issue of carbonmeasurement is testament to both thecrucial importance of addressing thecarbon issue and the success of the ITPand WTTC joint working group throughthis first phase.”
The hotel industryrecognises its responsibility
to mitigate itsenvironmental impact
I sincerely hope that thecurrent investments are made
with sustainability in mind
Travel Trade Weekly: What doesKempinski Residences & Suites Dohahave to offer?Emel Atikkan: Considering Doha is abooming city and a centre of gravity for new,major long-term projects, our offer iscustom-made for people that will relocate toQatar. Businessmen, consultants and highprofile people who are travelling to Doha forany length of time, from one day to one year,will find a place customised to their needs.
Travel Trade Weekly: How has theproperty performed so far this year,compared with the same period in 2010?Emel Atikkan: When we opened inJune 2010, we focused on introducing ourunique concept property in local andinternational markets, as well aspromoting our European food andbeverage offer, including our Aromarestaurant with its contemporaryEuropean cuisine and The Lounge, ourtrendy and sophisticated lounge bar. Afterone year of operation we can say thatKempinski is one of the most loved placesin the city as the word is rapidly spreadingaround. Since the announcement of the2022 FIFA World Cup and other megaprojects, business increased and we lookforward to the fourth quarter of the year,which from now promises golden results.
Travel Trade Weekly:Have younoticed any change in main visitormarkets or occupancy since the startof turmoil in the Arab world? Emel Atikkan: Due to the delicatepolitical situation in the Middle East,tourism and business has been divertedfrom some Arabic countries, mainly to theGCC region, especially to Qatar, which is
considered one of the most stable countriesin the area. Even the internal GCC tourismmarket looked to Qatar, especially after theunrest in Bahrain. We saw an increase oftravellers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE,Oman and Kuwait. Because we are an all-suites property, we are considered thepreferred place for large Arabic families.Furthermore, we noticed a major increasefrom western European countries, mainlyGermany, France and Italy, as well as Levantand Asian countries, like Japan. At the sametime, we noticed a decrease in visitors fromthe US, the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Travel Trade Weekly: Has anyincrease or decrease in business travelguests been noted? Emel Atikkan: A lot of internationalcompanies that are originally based in theUAE are now opening offices here in Doha.Also, many new international companiesare considering exploring new possibilitiesin the country, due to the large number ofupcoming projects.
Travel Trade Weekly: What uniqueoptions does your hotel offer withregard to MICE tourism? Emel Atikkan: Our spectacular DuplexSky Villas, situated on the 61st and 62ndfloors of the tower, the highest suites intown, are the ideal venue for exclusiveboard meetings, cocktail receptions, anddinners. Our strategic location in thediplomatic, financial and central business
district, very close to the exhibition centre,is beneficial for both us and the delegates.
Travel Trade Weekly: What traveltrade events will the property betaking part in this year? Emel Atikkan: Last May we successfullyparticipated in the Arabian Travel Market(ATM), in Dubai, with Qatar TourismAuthority, where feedback was positive. Wealso took part in the yearly KempinskiHotels, GCC Roadshow in the Gulf region,again with good results. For the future weare planning to participate in the GIBTM inAbu Dhabi and in the next ATM in Dubai.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do you thinkthat the announcement of the 2022FIFA World Cup has increased tourismto the country and to your hotel?Emel Atikkan: I think this achievementhas definitely increased curiosity in Qatar.The World Cup put the country on theworld map, making it a better knowndestination for business and leisuretourism. We expect tourism to increasetowards the end of the year and to continueincreasing in the future. In this regard, weare poised to be one of the main options,being the only stand alone internationalbranded residence in the city.
15SEPTEMBER 17, 2011
Q & A with Emel Atikkan Considered one of the most stable countries in the Middle East, Qatar has attracted increasing tourism, furtherspurred by the announcement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and other major projects. Emel Atikkan, generalmanager, Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha, tells Travel Trade Weekly about the new property’sintroduction to the capital city during shifting market conditions.
Emel Atikkan
Because we are an all-suites property, we are
considered the preferred placefor large Arabic families
SEPTEMBER 17, 201116
EventsCityscape 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, 2011(www.leisure.kz)The eighth Kazakhstan International Tourism Exhibition inAstana, which caters for both the B2B and B2C markets andfeatures a vibrant mix of inbound and outbound destinations.
CIS Travel MarketSt. Petersburg, Russia, October 12-14, 2011(www.restec.ru)An event focusing on CIS countries, attended by airlines, touroperators, travel agencies, accommodation providers and touristassociations.
ITB AsiaSuntec, Singapore, October 19-21, 2011(www.itb-asia.com)An event where international exhibitors, Asia Pacific’s leadingcompanies and emerging enterprises meet top buyers.
World Travel MarketExCel London, UK, November 7-10, 2011(www.wtmlondon.com)Leading global event for the travel industry, presenting adiverse range of destination and industry sectors andproviding an opportunity to meet, network, negotiate andconduct business.
World Green TourismAbu Dhabi, UAE, December 5-7, 2011(www.worldgreentourism.com)An event that is supported by the ADTA and the EAD, and theonly one in the region dedicated to the promotion of sustainabletourism.
WTTC Calls for Entrants to 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow AwardsThe World Travel & Tourism Council(WTTC) is inviting tourism organisationsand destinations from throughout theglobe to apply for its 2012 Tourism forTomorrow Awards, which recognise bestpractices in responsible tourism.Tourism entities are called to illustratetheir sustainable tourism and mana-gement practices as well as to show howthey are reducing negative impacts onthe environment, and supporting theprotection of cultural and natural heritage.In addition, entrants should indicate howthey maximise social and economicbenefits.David Scowsill, CEO, WTTC, remarkedon the growth of the awards, whichpromote responsible practice in the
tourism industry. “The Tourism forTomorrow Awards are unique with theirrigorous three-step judging process thatincludes an expert on-site evaluation.Finalists are carefully chosen by aninternational team of approximately 20judges representing a wide range ofprofessional backgrounds and sustainabletourism expertise in the travel andtourism industry. I am delighted that overthe past years, the awards, whichrecognise sustainable tourism practices,have grown immensely. WTTC is proudto honour and celebrate its winners at theWTTC Global Summit in Tokyo fromApril 16-19, 2012.”Winners will meet government andindustry leaders at the Tourism for
Tomorrow Awards ceremony, receiveoutstanding international media exposureand are invited to submit case studies toWTTC's website.
Applicants can choose one of four awardcategories: Global Tourism Business,Conservation, Community Benefit, andDestination Stewardship, with entries tobe submitted online.
