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Middle East and North Aica Edition SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 ISSUE 98 www.traveltradeweekly.travel September 24, Issue 98 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 3 3 DUBAI’S RISING STAR Located in the heart of Dubai’s historic district, opposite BurJuman shopping mall, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel has been certified as a five-star hotel. In is Issue 6 6 MARRIO DEBUTS IN ALGERIA Marrio International has opened Renaissance Tlemcen Hotel, marking the hotel chain’s debut in Algeria. 6 With easy access to Dubai’s business district, Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Barsha has been introduced. Launch of Grand Excelsior Hotel in the Heart of New Dubai Launch of Grand Excelsior Hotel in the Heart of New Dubai
Transcript
Middle East and North Africa Edition
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 ISSUE 98 www.traveltradeweekly.travel
DUBAI’S RISING STARLocated in the heart of Dubai’s historicdistrict, opposite BurJuman shoppingmall, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel has beencertified as a five-star hotel.
In This Issue
66MARRIOTT DEBUTS IN ALGERIAMarriott International has openedRenaissance Tlemcen Hotel, marking thehotel chain’s debut in Algeria.
66
With easy access to Dubai’s business district, Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Barsha has been introduced.
Launch of Grand Excelsior Hotelin the Heart of New DubaiLaunch of Grand Excelsior Hotelin the Heart of New Dubai
The company’s adjusted EBITDA(earnings before interest, taxes,depreciation and amortisation)grew by 29 percent toUSD123.5 million due to
improved revenue performance and continuedbusiness improvement initiatives. Net revenuetotalled USD418 million, up 19.8 percentcompared with the corresponding period in2010. The growth came as a result of a 14.9percent increase in capacity days along with a4.2 percent improvement in net yield,attributable to higher passenger ticket pricingand increased onboard spend per capacity day. Net cruise cost per capacity day showed anincrease of 1.1 percent or excluding fuel expense
a decrease of 1.1 percent.
Kevin Sheehan, CEO, NCL, commented on theperformance. “I am pleased to see continued strong net yieldgrowth throughout the fleet. Controllable costswere kept in check, despite this environment ofhigh fuel prices, while initiatives aimed atimproving the guest experience resulted inrecord satisfaction scores in the quarter.”To further drive revenue and enhance theonboard guest experience, NCL has expanded itsfleet and implemented various improvements. “At Norwegian we are as eager to bring into ourfleet two brand new, state-of-the-art ships in 2013and 2014, as we are when working on refreshingour current ships with new accommodations,designs and features to deliver a world classvacation for our guests,” added Sheehan.
MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 22/9/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
Banyan Tree Holdings Limited has recorded a loss of SGD7 million (USD5.81million) in the second quarter (Q2) of the year. Ho KwonPing, executive chairman, Banyan Tree, elaborated on the Group’sperformance. “We have completed the sale of Lagune Beach Resort (LBR) whichyielded a transaction profit margin of 56 percent. However, due to the accountingtreatment on revaluation reserve, the accounting margin is six percent. TheGroup’s EBITDA doubled to SGD3.6 million (USD2.99 million) and net loss fellby 21 percent to SGD7 million (USD5.81 million). Q2 is our traditional lowseason of the year and furthermore, sales of secondary homes have almost cometo a standstill. Nevertheless, our strategy to diversify the group’s income streamhas continued to gain traction with doubling of EBITDA in Q2. The group iscurrently rebalancing its asset portfolio and raising cash for strategic investmentsin branded property developments in China and Vietnam. We believe thisstrategic repositioning will yield results within the next few years.”
The group’s total operating expenses increased by SDG1.5 million (USD1.25 million),while registered revenue totalled SDG63.6 million (USD52.82 million), representinga three percent increase over the corresponding period in 2010. Banyan Tree plans to open three new resorts in the next 12 months, two in Chinaand one in Mauritius. The group is also expected to launch an estimated 11 spas.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Solid Growth, Enhancing Fleet Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recorded a solid increase in revenues in thesecond quarter (Q2) of the year, ended June 30.
Banyan Tree Reduces Loss
The group is currently rebalancing its asset portfolio and raising cash for strategic investments
3SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
The first of a number of planned Dunes Hotel & Suitesproperties, has opened in Doha, Qatar. The four-star hotel enjoys an ideal location in the heart ofWest Bay, only a 15 minute drive from Doha InternationalAirport and just a couple of minutes away from businessdistricts and a variety of leisure destinations. The apartment hotel, comprising of 21 storeys, boastsstunning views over the city and aims to cater to discerningbusiness travellers on long or short stay visits as well as toleisure clientele. Rene' Vincent-Ernst, general manager, DunesHotel, commented on the property. “Dunes Hotel & Suites Doha features 85 beautifully andindividually designed one and two bedroom apartment suiteswith the three upper floors boasting designated executivesuites. The top floor features a gorgeous spa with gym, indoorpool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and treatment rooms as wellas a ladies and gents hair salon.”In addition, the hotel features a 24-hour coffee shop and offersa variety of food concepts in three restaurants. Besides thefine dining Italian, authentic Lebanese and seafood restaurant,it will also house a sheesha lounge. “With great emphasis on privacy, luxury, intimacy andextraordinary attention to detail, Dunes Hotel surely raises thebar in the way of modern hotel keeping,” added Vincent-Ernst.
Launch of Grand Excelsior Hotel in Al BarshaWith easy access to Dubai’s business district, Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Barsha has been introduced. Locatedin the suburb of Al Barsha, commonly named New Dubai, Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Barsha, operated byB&G Hotels and Resorts, breaks away from conventional Middle Eastern hotels.
I n the style of a classic, lavishcruise ship, Grand Excelsior, AlBarsha offers 230 luxurious guestrooms and suites catering tobusiness and leisure travellers.
The hotel offers a grand variety of facilitiesincluding three executive boardroomsfully equipped with the latest conferencingtechnologies and state-of-the-art in-roomtechnology along with purpose builtbusiness desks.Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Barsha whichis owned by the pioneering multi businessscheme, Mohammad Omar Bin HaiderGroup, enjoys an elegant spacious lobbyamongst a wide array of restaurants.
The property offers a selection of accom-modation, including Superior Deluxe,Premium and Executive rooms, or for anultimately luxurious stay, guests can optfor the Ambassador and Emirates Suites.
Gianni Malerba, general manager, GrandExcelsior Hotel, Al Barsha commented onthe launched of the luxury hotel. “From its unique design concept to its full
complement of facilities and services,Grand Excelsior Hotel offers a freshdepartment from the typical hospitalityofferings. Every single detail of the hotelhas been introduced to satisfy theexpectations of guests who are looking fora genuinely luxurious and home-likeexperience.”
Grand ExcelsiorHotel
Dunes Hotel Opens in Doha
Grand Excelsior Hoteloffers a fresh department
from the typicalhospitality offerings
SEPTEMBER 24, 20114
New IDeaS Software Helps HotelsDrive Better RevenueIDeaS Revenue Solutions has released the newest versionof the IDeaS Revenue Management System (RMS), version6.0, enabling revenue managers to input what they knowabout the volume of demand that marketing stimulates andreceive more accurate forecasts and decision-making.Linda Hatfield, vice president of product management,IDeaS, commented on the new software. “A fundamentalelement of using the IDeaS RMS is ensuring that you knowwhat the system knows, and the system knows what youknow. With the release of the IDeaS RMS version 6.0, weare excited to announce new functionality that allowsrevenue managers to input hotel marketing campaigninformation into the system. Hotels are realising that whentheir revenue management and marketing teams worktogether, they can significantly and more proactively driverevenue.”The IDeaS RMS version 6.0 also contains enhanced datavisualisation and scheduling capabilities. The systemanalyses hundreds of thousands of calculations and executesthousands of customised reports daily, helping clients toensure that the best revenue decisions are being made.
Unrest Hits MENA Tourism The ongoing political upheaval in parts of the Middle East and North Africa has left the tourism industryfeeling the heat, according to the World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) latest Tourism Barometer.
A new waterpark on Yas Island, which is due to open in thefourth quarter of 2012, will hold an Emirati theme, based onThe Lost Pearl, a unique story originating from the adventuresof a young Emirati girl who sets out to search for a jewel thatbrought prosperity to the pearl diving people of her village. Mike Oswald, park manager, commented on the comingdevelopment. “The waterpark on Yas Island will be the mostadvanced anywhere in the world, with many unique rides,which will excite every member of the family. The story toldthroughout the waterpark remains true to Emirati traditionsand heritage, while bringing the latest design and innovationto the heart of Abu Dhabi’s thriving Yas Island.”Currently under construction, the waterpark will offer a funfamily outing with entertainment, interactive games,restaurants and shops. It is intended to become an importantpart of Yas Island’s entertainment scene and is expected tobecome one of the leading waterparks in the world. “Youngsters from the UAE and across the globe will love theimmersive story we tell during their experience. Thetraditional Emirati theme will really bring the park to life,”added Oswald.The waterpark is developed by Aldar Properties and will beoperated by Farah Leisure Parks Management.
Going against the inter-national trend of reboundand steady growth inarrivals, the Arab Springseason prompted a sig-
nificant fall in MENA’s tourism volume inthe first half (H1)of the year. Despite multiple challenges, internationaltourist arrivals remained on an upswingand increased by an estimated 4.5 percent,hitting a new record of 440 million. The global results reaffirm tourism’s roleas a primary vehicle for social andeconomic development, noted TalebRifai, secretary general, UNWTO. “The sustained growth registered intourism demand in such challengingtimes clearly makes the case for the sectorand reinforces our call to consider tourismas a priority in national policies. Tourism
can play a key role in terms of economicgrowth and development, particularly ata moment when many economies, for themost part in Europe and North America,struggle for recovery and job creation.”While prospects may have improved inmost of the regions, international arrivalsin the Middle East and North Africashrank 11 and 13 percent respectively, asa result of the regional turmoil. However, after a bleak performance in H1,results of the recent months suggest thatrecovery is underway in countries likeEgypt, Tunisia and Japan.“We are very encouraged to see demandpicking up in such important tourismdestinations and call for continuedsupport to these countries which aretoday fully ready to receive travellers fromall over the world,” added Rifai.
The coming months should see furtherimprovements, however, growth in theremainder of the year is expected tocontinue at a more moderate pace.
“Many advanced economies still face risksposed by weak growth, fiscal problemsand persistently high unemployment.Simultaneously, signs of overheating havebecome apparent in some emergingeconomies. Restoring sustained andbalanced economic growth remains amajor task.”
Waterpark with an Emirati Twist
We are very encouraged to see demand picking up in such importanttourism destinations
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Marriott Debuts in AlgeriaMarriott International has enhanced its lifestyle collection of hotels in theMiddle East and Africa with the opening of Renaissance Tlemcen Hotel,marking the hotel chain’s debut in Algeria.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has foundthe solution to make business travel ascomfortable as possible. Based on guestfeedback, Mövenpick have created abusiness package where business travellerswill have all their essential needs at hand.The Business Bundle offers four importantcomponents in order to make businesstravelling more successful. These include,corporate travellers’ free high-speed internetaccess in rooms, a daily breakfast buffet,express pressing service and late check out.Toufic Tamim, vice president sales andmarketing, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts,Middle East explains how the bundlecame about. “We listened to our guests and gave themwhat they needed. Mövenpick Hotels &Resorts have always understood the keyelements that enhance a successful business
trip. With the Business Bundle we havegone one step further to provide corporatetravellers with a genuine executive boost.They don’t want the detail of extras, theysimply want to know everything that theyneed is included as part of their stay.”
From September 15, all business travellersstaying at selected hotels and resortsthroughout the Middle East and Asia willbe able to enjoy this convenient bundle.The Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts whichcater for this bundle are currently, UAE,Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait,Lebanon, Yemen, India, Vietnam, Philip-pines and Thailand.
Located in the heart of Dubai’shistoric district, opposite BurJumanshopping mall, Park Regis Kris KinHotel, Dubai, has been certified as afive-star hotel by Dubai Department ofTourism and Commerce (DTCM).The ratings are based upon certainstandards which are required to bepresent by Dubai’s principal tourismauthority.DTCM considers the accommodationservice level and facilities of each hotelequally in order to reach a decision ofthe star rating, and presently features80 hotels in the city of Dubai whichobtain this five-star rating.
Scott Butcher, general manager, ParkRegis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai, who wasawarded with the five-star plaque, givesan insight into what the state-of-the-arthotel has achieved to be worthy of thistop star rating. “We are extremely pleased and trulyappreciate the top industry honour. Thisachievement is a true testament of thehard work and dedication of our world-class team that is committed toproviding a memorable experience to allour guests. Our guests know they aregetting a five-star experience at anexceptional rate, and this is nowreflected in our official designation asone of Dubai’s top accommodationoptions.”Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai is aluxury hotel for business and leisuretravel. It provides a rooftop pool forrelaxation and unwinding, and acocktail room which can host upto 220guests, as well as a business centre.
Dubai’s Rising Star
The latest gem in theRenaissance Hotels port-folio offers panoramicviews of the historic city,which dates back to the
Roman Empire and boasts a unique out-look and sophistication. Tlemcen hasrecently been named as one of the mostexciting places to visit in the world. Besidesthe rich history and culture, the city innorthwestern Algeria enjoys a cool climatein the mountains, and presents notablearchitecture, including the Great Mosqueof Tlemcen. The 204-unit hotel boasts a wide range offood and beverage outlets and recreationamenities, including a fitness centre, spa,hammam, swimming pool and outdoortennis court. It also features a lobbylounge, a bar area and a night club. For
social and corporate events, the propertyoffers a large flexible space, comprising oftwo reception rooms and a conferenceroom.Marriott International earlier announcedtwo additional properties for Algeria, boththe 227-room Algiers Marriott and the180-unit Marriott Executive ApartmentsAlgiers are scheduled to open in 2012.
A Mövenpick Business Bundle of Joy
We listened to our guests and gave them
what they needed
Our guests know they are getting
a five-star experience atan exceptional rate
Renaissance Tlemcen Hotel
7SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
- Air Travel
Air Arabia to Expand in UkraineAir Arabia is to step up its expansion in Ukraine and launch direct services to two new destinations.
Dubai’s pioneering low-cost airline, flydubai, has collaboratedwith the worldwide car rental service, CarTrawler, in order topermit passengers to book a vehicle and drive away, anywhere inthe world. The aim of flydubai is to make travelling moreaccessible and affordable with all fares being one way and withtax included. Ghaith Al Gaith, CEO, flydubai, commented on this newinitiative. “The launch of our car rental service is anotherexample of how flydubai offers passengers more choice whenthey travel. This new service makes it more convenient andtherefore a little less stressful for people to find some of themost affordable car rental rates, no matter where they fly.”The CarTrawler launch provides passengers with the optionto rent cars with the best rates from more than 650 car rentalcompanies across 35,000 cities and airports in 185 countries,through flydubai.
Robin White, head of sales, CarTrawler, commented on thecollaboration. “We are delighted to be working with such aprogressive airline as flydubai. It has a strong route network andwe are confident car rental will play a key part in customer’sbooking choice in the years to come.”
Starting October 7, the low-cost carrier will operatetwice weekly flights betweenSharjah and Kharkiv, thecountry’s second largest city,
on Tuesdays and Fridays. A weeklyservice to Donetsk, a major urban centrewith a population of 1.5 million, is tobegin on October 12. The new additions to the airline’s networkwill complement its existing flights toKiev, operated five times a week, notedAdel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia. “We are especially pleased to introduce twonew destinations in Ukraine, a nation withstrong economic and cultural ties with theUAE and the wider Gulf region. All of us atAir Arabia eagerly look forward to the
imminent launch of services to bothDonetsk and Kharkiv.”The new routes underscore the carrier’scommitment to emerging and under-served markets. “Eight years and over 20 millionpassengers since Air Arabia pioneeredthe low-cost airline model in the Middle
East and North Africa, we continue to setour sights on entering new markets andfurther expanding the reach of our award-winning service. Today's announcementunderscores our commitment and abilityto offer even more destinations, at themost competitive fares, and meet theevolving needs of our passengers,” added Ali.
The launch of our car rental service isanother example of how flydubai offerspassengers more choice when they travel
Flight and Car All-in-One
Air Arabia
SEPTEMBER 24, 20118
- Air Travel
Emirates is set to make its debut inIreland with the launch of scheduleddaily flights to Dublin, effective fromJanuary 9, 2012. The highly anticipated route willfacilitate business and leisure travelbetween the two countries, notedAhmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,chairman, Emirates Airline and Group. “Dublin will be our 29th route in Europeand Emirates' customers in Ireland whocurrently travel through some of our UKgateways will be able to fly non-stop to ourindustry leading hub in Dubai andconveniently connect onwards to ourbroadening route network. We see strongpotential in Ireland through its industry,
technology, tourism and the huge numberof Irish nationals living overseas.”With a population of around 4.5 millionand a large amount living overseas,including some 5,000 in the UAE, theIrish market holds great potential toleverage the investment. Declan Collier, chief executive, DublinAirport Authority (DAA), welcomedthe airline. “The significant improvements we havemade to our facilities in recent years,including the opening of a newpassenger terminal, were major factorsin helping to win this new business andwe look forward to a successfulpartnership with our newest customer.”
flydubai Gets Georgian Approvalflydubai’s Tbilisi route has been giventhe green light to be launched afterreceiving an official seal of approval fromthe Georgian Government. The new link between Dubai and Tbilisiwill further consolidate and enhance theexisting bilateral relations between thetwo nations, noted George Karbelashvili,deputy minister of economy and sus-tainable development, georgia. “flydubai’s entry into Georgia is amomentous step in UAE-Georgia relationsand I am sure flydubai’s connectionbetween Tbilisi and Dubai will help toestablish and strengthen ties between thecountries. We have a number of commonareas of interest such as banking, real estate,oil and gas and tourism; and this is theopportunity to step-up collaboration inthese sectors while exploring newrelationship avenues.”
The route underscores the low-cost carrier’scommitment to central and eastern Europe,added Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai.“We are grateful to the Georgianauthorities for welcoming flydubai intoTbilisi. As Georgia’s largest city as well asits industrial, social, and cultural centre,Tbilisi is gaining prominence in the MiddleEast both as a business and leisuredestination. Also, improving air links be-tween Dubai to central and eastern Europeis of great strategic importance to us. Thereare more than 55,000 expatriates from thisregion residing in the UAE and more thana million tourists visiting the emirates everyyear.” Tbilisi will mark the 45th destination inthe carrier’s expanding global networkand the sixth one in former Soviet states.
Oman Air Offers Free Access to No1 LoungeOman Air has become the first airline to offer its customers exclusivecomplimentary access to the brand-new No1 Traveller Lounge atLondon Heathrow’s Terminal Three.
The partnership allows the airline’s business class customers, as well asgold and silver members of the Sindbad frequent flyers programme,to enjoy the lounge’s distinguished amenities, including acomplimentary bistro-style menu, fully-tended bar, quiet room, gamesroom, showers, cinema, family room and library with Skype facilities.
Oman Air’s customers can now enjoy high class services, noted Abdulrazaq Al Raisi,chief commercial officer, Oman Air. “Oman Air is renowned for its highest standards of hospitality and comfort in the airand we are delighted that our business class customers and Gold and Silver Sindbadmembers will now receive those same standards of service in the new No1 Travellerlounge at Heathrow’s Terminal Three. Oman Air is the first airline to offer its customersaccess to the No1 Traveller lounge. Business Class passengers on our daily, non-stopand direct London to Muscat flights already enjoy our door-to-door limousine service,online check-in, fast baggage drop and fast-track security clearance and they can nowrelax in stylish and elegant surroundings while their aircraft is prepared for boarding.”No1 Traveller’s new flagship lounge can be accessed upon payment of a fee by anypassenger, whilst Oman Air’s business class customers enjoy complimentary full-access,explained Phil Cameron, CEO, No1 Traveller. “Oman Air is our first airline customer and we have worked hard to create a unique,calming environment in which passengers can relax and await their flights. From thebustle of our bar, through to the tranquillity of our snug and spa, there really issomething for everyone.”
Emirates to Fly to Dublin
flydubai’s entry into Georgia is
a momentous step in UAE-Georgia relations
SEPTEMBER 24, 201110
- International
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Debuts in IndiaMövenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore officially opened its doors onSeptember 7, marking the Swiss hospitality company’s first Indianproperty, in which it will combine heritage and vision to create a premierguest experience.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando to Make itsEminent Mark at WaltDisney World ResortFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts willbe broadening its horizons in col-laboration with New York-basedSilverstein Properties and Dune RealEstate partners, to create a 444-roomhotel of extravagance in the heart of themagical Walt Disney World Resort,Orlando, Florida. Working with one ofthe most valued New York based realestate partners, Kathleen Taylor, CEO,Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,expressed her feelings on thedevelopment. “We are so delighted to work with TheWalt Disney Company, which shares ourvision for a family vacation experienceunlike any other.”The property, bringing one of theworld's most celebrated hotel brands toDisney World, will be located withinDisney’s Golden Oak residentialcommunity. The merging of two of theworld’s most renowned brands, WaltDisney and Four Seasons, will includeup to 40 Four Seasons Residence Clubunits and up to 90 Four Seasons PrivateResidences. Along with a 1,300m2 spa,the hotel will feature a rooftoprestaurant overlooking Disney WorldsMagic Kingdom. To add to the granddevelopment, a lazy river, tennis courtand 18 spa treatment rooms will beincorporated, surrounded by 3,500m2 ofmeeting and event space as well as abusiness centre. Construction of the hotel is planned tobegin December this year and scheduledfor completion by 2014. The latestpartnership development will maintainFour Seasons loyalty in perfectingleisure and business travel along withWalt Disney’s family commitment.
Langham Hospitality Group is tofurther enhance its China portfolio androll out a new 88 Xintiandi brand concept,after taking over the management of 88Xintiandi Shanghai.The transaction of the 53-room luxuryexecutive serviced apartment in the heartof Shanghai, marks the first step in a jointventure between Langham and Shui OnLand, with the initiative to roll out the 88Xintiando concept in key locationsacross China. The concept, built upon the historicalheritage and the exclusivity of the vibrantand lively hub of Xintiandi, evokes an
oriental elegance and an intimate club-likeatmosphere. It will be developed across arange of luxury hospitality platforms,including serviced apartments, brandedresidences and boutique hotels, expectedto cater to luxury travellers, noted BrettButcher, CEO, Langham HospitalityGroup. “The concept of 88 Xintiandicaters to a space that few can capitaliseupon, a China-born luxury product withinternational management expertise. Theintimacy of this elegant oriental brand isperfectly suited for different luxuryaccommodation products depending onthe needs of each location.”
Langham Launches Luxury China Brand
The five-star property hasbeen designed as a contem-porary business detination,with close proximity to themain business districts of
the city and a 30-minute drive from theairport. A dedicated floor for banqueting facilitiesincludes a grand ballroom with a separateentrance, whilst seven meeting venuesoffer an ideal setting for exclusive boardmeetings, corporate celebrations andstylish social functions.Furthermore, the 182-room hotel offersopportunities for relaxation and enter-tainment, as well as four unique diningexperiences. Leisure facilities include aswimming pool with infinity edge located onthe second floor, and the state-of-the-art spaand fitness centre. Jean Gabriel Pérès, president, MövenpickHotels & Resorts, expressed his pleasure
in debuting in Bangalore, India, the homeof its technology elite. “It is a contemporary property which is inkeeping with 21st century India and itsrising stature on the global stage. Thisopening marks a new milestone for ourcompany entering the Indian subcontinentwith the Mövenpick Hotel Bangalore. Weare convinced that the hotel’s facilities, incombination with our personalised servicedelivery and the Swiss approach to quality,will appeal to domestic and internationaltravellers alike.”
This opening marks a new milestone for ourcompany entering theIndian subcontinent with the Mövenpick
Hotel Bangalore
11SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Rashid DolehRashid Doleh has been appointed as executive director of Dalma Mall, the largestshopping and lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi. Doleh, with extensive retail
experience has been previously associated withsome of the most successful mall developments inthe UAE. With more than 10 years regionalexperience he has worked in malls which includeMeraas Malls & Hospitality and Emaar MallsGroup, where he worked as CEO. He held the sameposition at Emaar Retail and served in seniormanagerial roles in Majid Al Futtaim Group’s leasingand business development divisions for Deira CityCentre and Ajman City Centre. Doleh’s extensiveknowledge is complemented by his ability to bringinnovative retail experiences and partnerships withboth local and global brands to the table.
Karen Payne has joined Dalma Mall asmarketing manager. The seasonedmarketing professional brings a decade ofinternational experience to her role,having previously worked in multiplelocations, including Australia, the UKand the Middle East. Previously, she heldthe senior marketing manager position at
Emaar Malls Group, where she wasresponsible for promoting the world’slargest shopping and entertainmentdestination, The Dubai Mall, as well asDubai Marina Mall and Souk Al Bahar.Prior to moving to Dalma Mall, she wasthe marketing manager of Majid AlFuttaim Group’s Bahrain City Centre.
Daniel AndrewsDaniel Andrews has been appointed aspublic relations and communicationsmanager at Dusit Thani Dubai. Andrews, who has extensive background inboth print and online media, began hiscareer as a trainee reporter for a localnewspaper. He later gained experience inbroadcast media as part of the productionteam covering the world renownedGlastonbury Festival in 2008. Andrews, thereafter, worked as aphotographer for a group of newspapersbefore becoming a features writer fortravelbite.co.uk, an online travel portal.Most recently he worked as travel andtourism reporter for Adfero, an onlinenews provider in the UK. In Dubai, he will be in charge ofmaintaining, promoting and developingthe brand and Dusit Thani Dubai’scorporate identity. He will also beresponsible for the hotel’s onlinepresence as well as for day to day publicrelations activities.
Talal JabbourTalal Jabbour has been appointed as directorof marketing and communications atSamaya Hotels & Resorts. With a marketingcareer spanning over two decades, Jabbourbrings vast expertise to the role. Havingpreviously worked in various countries,including Cyprus, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia,Turkey, Oman and the UAE, he gainedinvaluable experience through variousmarketing roles. He joined Samaya from AlBustan Centre & Residence. In his newposition, based in Dubai, he has been taskedwith spearheading the company’s regionalmarketing activities and directing itsmarketing team. To drive market penetration,he will be actively promoting the property toboth regional and international markets.
Karen Payne
Daniel Andrews
Rashid Doleh
Talal Jabbour
SEPTEMBER 24, 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]
Wolfgang NitschkeGeneral manager, Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow.
“We feel honoured and proud; both awards [TopDestination for Business Travellers and Russia'sLeading Luxury Hotel at the World Travel Awards]are a thank you and a great motivation for our team.Our key goal is to create absolutely comfortableconditions for a most delightful stay. We are not goingto rest on our laurels, but will keep on improving.”
Iftikhar HamdaniExecutive assistant manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites, Ajman.
“We are pleased to announce our participationin the Leisure Moscow Exhibition this year,which is a must attend event for tourismprofessionals. Ramada Ajman which hasstrong business in the leisure markets fromGermany, West Europe and the GCC, is goingto attract the CIS markets. Our aim is to getmaximum share of this rapidly increasingmarket by showcasing our property, ourfacilities and the world-class service that weprovide to our valued hotel guests!”
James HoganCEO, Etihad Airways.“The most valuable asset of any organisation is its people, that’s why staff developmentis such a big focus for us. We continuously strive to develop our training programmesand have invested in state-of-the art educational facilities. As the national airline of theUAE, and as part of our support of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, we are committed totraining and developing a national workforce of skilled motivated Emiratis.”
Michael ScullyManaging director hospitality, Seven Tides.(owner of Dukes London, recently voted England’sLeading Boutique Hotel at the 2011 World TravelAwards).“Winning this award is a testament to thestrategic investment we have made in keyoperational areas such as the new cigar garden,the Perrier-Jouët Champagne Lounge and anew restaurant - Thirty Six.”
Winning this award is atestament to the strategic
investment we have made inkey operational areas
The most valuable asset of any organisation is its people and that’s why staff development
is such a big focus for us
We are pleased to announce our participation inthe Leisure Moscow Exhibition this year, which is a
must attend event for tourism professionals
Our key goal is to create absolutely comfortableconditions for a most delightful stay
Name: Aneesh PrabhakarPosition: Tour coordinator Company: Musandam Sea Adventure
Travel & TourismLocation: Oman
Agent’s Insight
Who are you?My name is Aneesh Prabhakar and I work as a tour coordinator atMusandam Sea Adventure Travel & Tourism (MSATT) in Oman. Thecompany was established in 2001 in Khasab. Today MSATT is one of theleading tour operators in the country and Musandam region. Presently,we are dealing with professional inbound traffic, with the main focusbeing on the European market, the GCC and the Middle East.
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?Participating in dhow cruises to the spectacular fiords of Musandamor Khor Sham with dolphin watching and visiting Telegraph Island,Seebi Island, Kumzar village, beaches and the hidden coastal Bedouinvillages. I also enjoy mountain safaris to Jebel Harim. The driveencompasses spectacular scenic routes through mountains and valleysand reaches a height of 1787m above sea level. The tour also includesvisiting century-old villages.
When is the best time to visit Oman?I would recommend visiting the country between November andFebruary.
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?I would love to visit the beautiful Kerala in India.
Why should people come to you for travel advice?Our aim is the total satisfaction of our valued guests. At MSATT, 30employees provide 24 hour service, seven days a week. Our tour guidesspeak a range of languages, including English, German, Italian andFrench. MSATT is one of the companies in Musandam that you trustfor impeccable services.
Amadeus and SITA to Roll out Real-Time Baggage TrackingAmadeus and SITA, the specialist in air transportcommunications and IT solutions, have joined forces tooffer real-time baggage tracking information to AmadeusAltéa customers. The new tracking tool will integrate the abundant assetsof SITA BagMessage with Amadeus Altéa DepartureControl, to empower passengers to receive real-time statusupdates on the location of their baggage through multiplechannels. Whilst ensuring a smooth flow of informationon luggage movements, the solution helps to reduce thecosts associated with mishandled baggage, which in 2010totalled around USD2.94 billion for airlines, noted IlyaGutlin, vice president, SITA Airport Solutions. “The air transport community is working together toreduce the rate of mishandled luggage. This collaborationwith Amadeus is an example of SITA’s Intelligent Airportvision and how SITA is helping to improve theexperience for the passengers. SITA BagMessage is themost comprehensive global source for baggageinformation and in the future passengers will have realtime updates on their luggage available to them whenSITA’s technology is used.”The first phase of the launch will involve 54 airportsworldwide, but the aim is to develop a comprehensivebaggage tracking capability across the entire air transportcommunity, in a move to further improve the customerexperience, explained Julia Sattel, vice president airlineIT, Amadeus. “The airport itself is one of the last frontiers in deliveringthe ‘total trip experience’. If airlines are to overcome thischallenge, it is important that they address the issue ofmishandled baggage, which is a persistent problem forthe industry and a very disruptive issue for passengers.
In fact, it is an area where technology can make a realdifference, and Amadeus’s and SITA’s vision for theairport is to deliver solutions based on collaboration anddata sharing between all relevant parties, includingairlines, airports and ground handlers. Our work withSITA shows how sophisticated technology can deliverreal improvements to the passenger experience.”
The airport itself is one of the last frontiers in delivering the
‘total trip experience’ Oman
SEPTEMBER 24, 201114
orge Sampio, UN high re-presentative for the Alliance ofCivilizations, made a statementon the move towards a newglobal, sustainable society based
on strong ethical foundations. “Sustainability requires a common visionof basic values in our increasinglyinterdependent world. Because it involvesthe movement of millions of people,tourism can play a pivotal role in creatinga shared sense of responsibility.”Over the past decade, there has beenastonishing growth in the tourism sectorand in job opportunities, but this hascaused concern that along with the
growth of tourism come challenges thatcannot be ignored, according to TalebRifai, secretary general, UNWTO.
“A tourism sector without an ethicalconscience can harm our planet. We needto place ethics, responsibility andsustainability at the core of all our actionsand ensure the adoption of and adherenceto the principles of the Global Code of
Ethics for Tourism.”These principles are designed to guidekey-players in tourism development. Theinitiative’s aim is to increase the sector’sbenefits and decrease any potentialnegative impact on the industry.A two-day meeting organised by theWorld Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)and the Spanish General Secretariat ofTourism and Domestic Trade will takeplace amongst 450 experts in the field ofethics and tourism. The meeting willtouch on tourism’s role in povertyreduction, sustainable tourism practicesin both the public and private sector andcodes of ethical conduct.
Ethics to Become the Core of Tourism DevelopmentGlobal Code of Ethics for Tourism by the United General Assembly, the first international congress on ethicsand tourism is to strengthen efforts to promote ethics as the core of tourism development.
JSustainability requires
a common vision of basicvalues in our increasingly
interdependent world
Travel Trade Weekly: According tothe World Travel and TourismCouncil (WTTC), a surge in touristarrivals will drive the travel andtourism industry’s share in Oman’sGDP this year to USD1.93 billion.Have you noticed such a surge at SixSenses Zighy Bay?Godfrey Vas: There has definitely beenan increase in tourist arrivals to Six SensesZighy Bay year-on-year and we arelooking at improving on this increase inthe following years.
Travel Trade Weekly: Six Sensesproposes to provide an idyllic escapefrom the hustle and bustle of everydaylife in a sustainable and environmentallyfriendly way. Does this, at Six SensesZighy Bay, involve the offering of sports,and how popular are these?Godfrey Vas: Six Senses offers variousactivities, including sports such as tennis,gym and mountain biking, as well as theimplementation of boot camp training byend of September, non motorised watersports and a variety of excursions andoutdoor activities.
Travel Trade Weekly: Have younoted any change in the popularity ofthe spa and in the most populartreatments at Six Senses Zighy Bay?Godfrey Vas: The most populartreatments are the holistic massage, arelaxing, flowing full body massage,including face and scalp massage; theoriental massage, a stimulating full bodymassage with oil combined with stretchingand dry pressure points; and the detoxmassage, a detoxifying massage, which isexcellent for reducing cellulite.
In regards to the capture rate we are aboutfive percent above last year.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are themost prominent guest markets to thehotel with regard to nationality?Godfrey Vas: Our main visitor marketsare the UK and Germany and otherwestern European countries. We also havea big share of business coming from GCCresidents and locals.
Travel Trade Weekly: Are any plansin place for the hotel to further keepin touch with the Six Senses corevalues: sustainable, local, organic,wholesome – learning, inspiring, fun,experiences (SLOW LIFE)?Godfrey Vas: In terms of activities, weare adding a wellness twist to our resort,in which a specific area of the naturalsurroundings will be converted into ajungle gym. With our spa, we are about tocreate inspiring experiences to bring ourguests closer to harmonious lifestyles. We also offer the wonders of Omantreatment, which is a great way to increaseblood circulation and eliminate toxins. A warm sea salt bath with fresh mint isfollowed by a body scrub made fromlocal coffee. Also, at our resort, guests can enjoy anArabian Body Rasul with slimming andpurifying properties to leave you feeling
revitalised and refreshed. This can befinished off with a targeted drainingmassage using frankincense essential oil. With regard to food and beverages, wehave an organic garden which keeps us selfsufficient, providing all of our herb andlettuce requirements. We continue to develop and create ourdining options in the garden. We areabout to create a new interactivedimension in our Arabic restaurant, givingit the atmosphere of a spice market with alarge Arabic show kitchen.
Travel Trade Weekly: Will Six SensesZighy Bay be involved in the GlobalGeotourism Conference in Muscat,from October 30 to November 1,hosted by the Ministry of Tourism?Godfrey Vas: Certainly, and in addition,we have a social and environmental officerwho is an Omani national.
15SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Q & A with Godfrey VasCorresponding with increased awareness of human activities on the planet and a rising focus on socialresponsibility, more resorts and hotels are adapting and making their values clear. Godfrey Vas, generalmanager, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman, talks to Travel Trade Weekly about the group’s core principles andwhat the resort is doing to stick to these.
Godfrey Vas
With our spa, we areabout to create inspiringexperiences to bring our
guests closer toharmonious lifestyles
SEPTEMBER 24, 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.
Seatrade Europe, the biennialconvention for the European cruiseindustry, will be based in Hamburg thisyear marking the sixth edition of theleading conference. Representatives from nearly every cruiseline in the region will attend, with around250 exhibitors from 50 countries,presenting products and services,including 20 new exhibiting companies. Hamburg’s Seatrade group 2011 will offera supplier workshop which will be hostedby top buyers Fincantieri, Meyer Werftand STX France. On September 28,registered suppliers will have theopportunity to present their products andservices to the three market leaders duringspeed date meetings.European shipyards still remain the
dominant contractors of ship suppliers,despite the increase of competition fromAsia in the shipbuilding market.Newcomers and established suppliers havethe advantage of outstanding developmentopportunities as the European cruise market
continues to grow. An analysis by DeutscherReise Verband established that 1.6 millionGermans booked a cruise in 2010. Germanyis now second following the UK inEuropean ocean cruise market size andreigns supreme in river cruises.
The Centre of European Cruise Industry Goes to Germany
