10 DECEMBER 2011
Amlak to Debut New Brand in Saudi Arabia Amlak Hotels & Tourism Investment Company is to open the first Belle Vue Inn hotel in Dammam.
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ISSUE 109
The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid, is sure to put Morocco on the map as a golf destination.
IHG Re-brands Bur Dubai Hotel
07 IHG has taken over the management of a 210room hotel in Bur Dubai’s Embassy District.
IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION AIR NEWS TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENTS' CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
02 04 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Morocco to House World-Class Golf Course
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Marianna Keen Dominique Christou
RJ: Improving Revenues and Passenger Volume Royal Jordanian (RJ) has recorded healthy improvement in all the company’s operational performance indicators for the month of October.
SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Brighite Ess Dominique Tennant WEB & LAYOUT Elina Pericleous DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 820888, Fax: +357 22 318958 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprint Plc P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035, Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprint.com.cy
MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
08/12/2011 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
6.01
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,505.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
54.15
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.47
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.34
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
10,873
Yemen (YER)
Rial
217.26
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
74.82
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.30
1USD=
D
riven by a solid increase in passenger volume, frequency, and flying hours, RJ’s operating revenues reached JOD60.2 million (USD84.8 million), compared with JOD55.7 million (USD78.5 million) in the corresponding month of 2010. This also led to a rise in the operating profit, which totalled JOD18.8 million (USD26.5 million), excluding fuel cost. With revenues standing at JOD17.5 million (USD24.6 million) in October 2010, the company achieved an increase of 7.1 percent. As a result of operational traffic growth and sound increases in the number of frequencies and flying hours, the operating cost, excluding fuel cost, increased from JOD38
Royal Jordanian
million (USD53.5 million) to JOD41 million (USD57.8 million). Hussein Dabbas, CEO, RJ, expressed his confidence that the diligent efforts made both inside and outside the Kingdom will support the region’s fast recovery.
SWISS Reports a Robust Nine-Month Period Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) received a total income from operating activities of CHF3.71 billion (USD4.22 billion) in the first three quarters of the year, amounting to a five percent improvement on the same period of 2010. The company’s operating profit for the first nine months of the year amounted to CHF288 million (USD328 million), 24 percent up on 2010 figures. Harry Hohmeister, CEO, SWISS, remarked that the results met company expectations. “With the strong demand for our services and the high utilisation of our aircraft fleet, we were able to offset multiple negative influences on our business performance.” Total capacity for the same period was up 9.3 percent (10.1 percent in Europe and 8.8 percent on the intercontinental network), with SWISS operating 112,915 flights in the first nine months of this year, some 6.8 percent more than the comparable period of 2010. A 9.5 percent improvement on passenger numbers was also experienced during the same period, including UAE figures, which were reported to be positive, resulting in a 10 percent increase in revenues and 12 percent growth in passengers. Moreover, seat load factor on European services during the nine-month period was up 1.2 percent, standing at 74.9 percent, while, for the intercontinental network, slipped 0.9 percent to 85.9 percent.
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WEEKLY NEWS Morocco to House World-Class Golf Course The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid, one of the best new courses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is sure to put Morocco on the map as a golf destination. With its golf course holding a limited membership of 300 individuals, the development, which is set to become Morocco’s premier golf venue, is scheduled to open in March 2012. With just a short distance to the Red City of Marrakech and a 10-minute drive from the international airport, The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid will offer 80 spacious villas, a Rocco Forte Collection luxury hotel and spa, set to open in 2012, and an 18-hole private golf course with clubhouse and golf academy with PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) qualified golf professionals providing advice and lessons. Niall Cameron, PGA professional, who designed the championship layout course which forms part of the resort, commented on the upcoming development. “The setting, with the views of the mountains, is mesmerising. The terrain for the golf course was ideal. It is a strategic design prompting the golfer to think about how they tackle each shot, but it’s also highly enjoyable and opens out on the back nine so you can fully appreciate the landscape and views of the mountains.”
The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid
Amlak to Debut New Brand in Saudi Arabia Amlak Hotels & Tourism Investment Company is to open the first Belle Vue Inn branded property in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2012, after signing a management agreement with Al Ghunaim Group. Located on Damman’s King Khaled Street, the main link between the city centre and corporations, businesses, and government departments, the newly converted hotel is scheduled to welcome its first guest in the first quarter. Due to its close proximity to the city’s business district as well as to a number of tourist and leisure attractions, the six-storey hotel tower, boasting 86-suites, will offer an ideal base for corporate travellers and holidaymakers alike. Motasem Allaf, managing director, Amlak Hotels & Tourism Investment Company, the owner and operator company of Belle Vue Hotels, remarked on the Kingdom’s rising profile. “Our goal has always been to have a Belle Vue branded property in every capital city around the world, so we are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Al Ghunaim marking our Belle Vue brand’s entry into Dammam. There is growing demand for hotel accommodation in Saudi Arabia and more specific in Dammam city, the centre of business and corporate travel segments, making Dammam the perfect choice for us.”
Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group Launched The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has established Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group to further develop the emirate’s hospitality industry. The newly formed entity is set to act as a management company on behalf of the government-owned hotels, hospitality, tourism, and leisure assets, and will play an instrumental role in measuring quality, managing hotel performance, and facilitating further investments of premium and international brands across the emirate. Through these initiatives, Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group is set to become a vehicle in supporting and accelerating hotel development projects, one of which is currently to achieve the emirate’s target of developing 10,000 hotel rooms by 2016. According to Victor Louis, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group, “The Rising Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a strong contender within the global hospitality market and this company will be taking an active role in introducing new hospitality projects.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
Emirates Launches A380 Service to Munich Emirates has become the first foreign carrier to offer a scheduled A380 service to Germany by launching its Munich route in a bid to extend its A380 route network to the country.
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he airline offers flights from Dubai to Munich two times daily on its double-decker, in addition to its current 60 flights a week to Dϋsseldorf, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Michael Kerkloh, CEO, Munich Airport, commented on the launching of the new service. “Emirates’ decision to operate its flagship Airbus A380 on one of its two daily flights from Munich to Dubai represents yet another acknowledgment for the airport. The fact that this airline, which is successful on all continents, is relying on Munich for part of its expansion plans, is clear evidence of the excellent future
Emirates Airbus A380
Fifty One East Opens in Qatar Lagoona Mall in West Bay, Qatar, has welcomed the Middle East’s largest luxury multi-brand store, Fifty One East. An A-list of prominent government and business leaders, as well as well-known celebrities, attended the store’s grand opening, which also welcomed senior officials representing Fifty One East partners. Spanning over 13,500m² of space and home to a plethora of upscale cosmetics, jewellery, and technology brands, Fifty One East is a retail brand built from a Qatari family heritage that goes back 80 years. The department store presents a new benchmark to the industry, according to Bader Abdullah Al Darwish, chairman, Darwish Holding. “We are extremely proud to see the fruits of five-years’ hard work coming to life as one of the most significant milestones of the retail industry around the region. Fifty One East is a home-grown brand which has developed to become one of the most recognised brand names in the Middle East and this particular launch will surely raise the bar in the market. Fifty One East is undoubtedly an unparalleled lifestyle and retail experience which will appeal to the finest clientele of the Arab world.”
prospects for this Bavarian air traffic hub.” The production line of the A380 is part of a multi-billion Euro trade relationship between the UAE and Germany aided by Emirates’ Sky Cargo service of 11 weekly freighter flights to the European country. Thierry Antinori, executive vice president, passenger sales worldwide, Emirates, added, “Emirates is responding to strong demand by bringing its flagship aircraft to one of its most important markets, adding much needed seat capacity and stimulating further tourism and trade between Germany, the UAE, and beyond.”
Etihad Airways to Fly to Tripoli
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is to launch flights to Tripoli on January 17, 2012. Using an Airbus A320, the airline will operate three return flights a week between its Abu Dhabi hub and the capital city of Libya on Tuesdays,
Fridays, and Sundays. Tripoli, which will become the fifth North African destination in the carrier’s expanding network, holds great prospects as the country starts rebuilding itself, emphasised James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways. “We are delighted to be able to launch these flights and do all we can to help the country get back on its feet at this critical point in Libya’s history.” Initially, the flights will be operated via Alexandria, Egypt, but Etihad Airways will move to non-stop services as soon as the infrastructure in Tripoli can support them.
10 DECEMBER 2011
Accommodation
IHG Re-brands Bur Dubai Hotel InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has taken over the management of a 210-bedroom hotel in Bur Dubai’s Embassy District after signing an agreement with Mohamed Omar Bin Haider Group (MOBH Group). Formerly operating as Excelsior Creek Hotel, the property now welcomes guests with a fresh new look and name; Holiday Inn Bur Dubai - Embassy District. Hailed the fifth Holiday Inn in the UAE, the hotel features five conference rooms with a large ballroom that holds up to 500 guests, a gym, relaxing steam and sauna rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Set in the heart of the diplomatic district with the Dubai Metro, Burjuman Centre, and the Creek on its doorstep, together with close proximity to Dubai International Airport and Dubai International Exhibition Centre, the hotel is ideally
WEEKLY NEWS
Rotana Opens Centro Al Manhal Designed for a new generation of travelling executives, who demand finesse and functionality at reasonable rates, Rotana has unveiled its latest property in the UAE, Centro Al Manhal Abu Dhabi. Located just a few minutes from major avenues, corporate houses, and a number of renowned attractions, the new hotel embodies contemporary architecture and unique living spaces combined with 229 rooms boasting state-of-the-art in-room entertainment, two meeting rooms, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool. In a bid to cater to the increasing influx of business and leisure travellers coming to Abu Dhabi, some 25 Centro Hotels by Rotana will be opening across the MENA region by 2014. According to Omer Kaddouri, executive vice president, Rotana, Centro Al Manhal is an ideal solution to the growing demand for rooms in this city. “We are thrilled about the opening of our second Centro property in the capital city of the UAE, following the opening of Centro Yas Island. We are confident that Centro Al Manhal will positively meet the demands of the new generation of travellers who seek superior accommodation and functionality at reasonable rates,” he expressed.
Super 8 Expands Portfolio Holiday Inn Bur Dubai, Embassy District
located to cater to both business and leisure travellers. Expressing his excitement of the opening, Monjed Salha, general manager, Holiday Inn Bur Dubai - Embassy District said, “My team has worked extremely hard to re-brand the hotel, we look forward to welcoming guests and extending the great service and facilities that are synonymous with the Holiday Inn brand the world over.” “We believe in the strength of the Holiday Inn brand so IHG was a natural choice as a management company when we made the decision to rebrand this hotel. The hotel’s location coupled with new management means exciting times are on the horizon,” added Omar Mohamed Bin Haider, deputy chairman, MOBH Group.
10 DECEMBER 2011
Wyndham Hotel Group recently opened its economy brand, Super 8 Hotel, in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, China. Super 8 Hotel Lhasa DuoDiLu holds 59 rooms with free high-speed internet and automated express check-out, along with an onsite business centre. Within close proximity to major landmarks such as Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Lhasa Railway Station, and approximately 90km from Gonggar Airport, the expansion of one of the world’s largest budget hotel chains adds to Super 8 brand’s portfolio of 275 properties already present in China alone. John Valletta, president, Super 8, commented on the development. “Super 8’s success can be attributed to its winning combination of quality and value, which has been embraced by hotel developers as well as travellers around the world.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
Air News
Qatar Airways Shows ‘Full Confidence’ in India Qatar Airways has reaffirmed its confidence in India with Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways highlighting the importance of the airline’s ongoing expansion and commitment to one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
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peaking in Kolkota to celebrate the recent launch of flights to the former Indian capital, Al Baker, underlined the strong cultural, social, and business ties between the two nations. “Today, Qatar Airways enjoys a robust operation in India with 110 flights a week, a fourfold increase from just a few years ago. Having launched flights to Goa, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Kolkata over the past 24 months, our new routes have facilitated growing demand for more capacity to and from India.” Since 2004, when Qatar Airways operated to just four cities in India, the airline has gradually extended its operations across the country, tripling the number of destinations to 12, and turning India into one of the main strategic focuses in its expansion strategy. According to Al Baker, the large Indian
Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways
expatriate communities working and living around the world, and in the Middle East in particular, hold great prospects for the future. “This is a market that is strong and full of confidence. We are eyeing more opportunities here in India and look forward to developing our footprint further to give the travelling public a wider choice of services they deserve.”
Air Malta Returns to Libya Air Malta has resumed its regular direct operations to Libya. The airline’s decision comes after recommendations by the technical team that audited airports in Libya during November. The re-launched services are set to further strengthen the existing travel and trade ties between the two nations, this according to Peter Davies, CEO, Air Malta. “Air Malta has been looking forward to the resumption of services to Libya. The Tripoli service is positive news to the Maltese and Libyan business communities as it will strengthen the links and facilitate the movement of both passengers and cargo between the two countries. We intend to increase the number of services to Libya as demand picks up.” The airline operates three weekly services to Tripoli International Airport on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Air Malta
flydubai Offers Services to Belgrade flydubai’s introduction of direct flights to Belgrade has extended the airline’s Eastern and Central Europe network to 12 destinations. Marking flydubai’s 46th destination worldwide and its entry into Serbia, the new route is a key component in the airline’s development strategy in the region, and will play a significant role in improving ties between Serbia and the Middle East, according to Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, who said, “We are thrilled to provide a low-cost, direct connection to one of the world’s most exciting destinations. “The new route will enable UAE’s leisure and business travellers to enjoy and experience the city’s many attractions. We also hope the flights will help the 5,000 strong Serbian community in Dubai to visit friends and family back home more often.”
We are thrilled to provide a low-cost, direct connection to one of the world’s most exciting destinations H.E. Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, UAE ambassador for Italy and Serbia, anticipates that the new route will also improve economic relations between the nations. “This new link will play a big role in developing business and tourism relations between the UAE and Serbia. Belgrade is a city with a great deal to offer its visitors but it is also important that Serbian nationals now have a high-quality, low-cost option to visit the UAE.”
10 DECEMBER 2011
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WEEKLY NEWS
International
Le Méridien Returns to Koh Samui Island
Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Bal Halbour Welcomes St. Regis St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will open on the northern tip of Miami Beach on January 19, 2012, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has revealed. Set to span some 36.4km2, including a long stretch of white sandy beach, the resort plans to offer close proximity to South Beach, downtown Miami, and two international airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood. St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort’s 214 elegant rooms and suites as well as 307 residences in three glass towers will offer guests a new dimension of bespoke luxury. It will offer signature St. Regis Butler Service, a Remède Spa, and a world-class dining experience at Jean-Georges' restaurant, J&G Grill. Paul James, global brand leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, said, “The opening of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort represents a significant moment for St. Regis, as the brand continues to grow globally in destinations designed for the new generation of affluent travellers.“
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide opened Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa on 10 November, marking the brand’s seventh hotel in Thailand. Located at the beachfront, the resort provides an intimate selection of 77 suites and villas with a traditional Asian seaside village design. These are complimented by Latest Recipe, Le Méridien brand's signature all-day dining venue, situated over the oceanfront pool. Other features include a sa at Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa, offering private suites and a holistic mix of ancient and modern treatments as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, offering daily yoga and Pilates classes, in addition to a wide range of water sports. A main focal point of the resort is a 224m floating dock stretching at into the sea; an exclusive venue for private dinners, cocktail parties, and intimate receptions. Eva Ziegler, global brand leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide, commented on the brand's reintroduction to the region. “Since Starwood acquired Le Méridien six years ago, the brand has undergone a full re-launch, including a comprehensive portfolio consolidation as well as the re-development of brand strategy, marketing approach, and service culture training. In this new era for Le Méridien, we are proud to celebrate our return to Koh Samui Island with the opening of Le Meridien Koh Samui.”
W Jakarta to Open in 2015 Continuing its global expansion, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, is slated to open W Jakarta in 2015, marking the brand’s debut in the city, and its second hotel in Indonesia. Eva Ziegler, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien, remarked on the unique concept that will be brought to the region. “Following the opening of W Bali, the expansion into Jakarta is another milestone in bringing the W brand to the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities and resort destinations. W Jakarta will offer escape, extravaganza and innovative design in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant districts, redefining the contemporary lifestyle and bringing a completely new and distinctive experience to the hotel market in Jakarta. “Located as part of super-block, Ciputra World Jakarta 2 (CWJ 2), in the heart of the city’s central business district, the property will feature 300 guestrooms. W Jakarta is slated to become the W brand’s 20th property in the Asia Pacific region, following the 2014 openings of W Beijing and W Shanghai.
10 DECEMBER 2011
WHO'S MOVED
Eric Piatti Eric Piatti has been named general manager of Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers, Cairo. Piatti, who brings almost 28 years of international experience to his new role, graduated from the Hotel Management School in Lausanne, Switzerland. Following experiences in Los Angeles, he joined Swissotel Hotels & Resorts and worked first in Basel, Switzerland, and later in
Osaka, Japan, and Bangkok, Thailand. He then was transferred as general manager to Swissotel Beijing, after which the property was selected as official committee residence for the Olympic Games in 2008 and was also awarded China's Top Employers Award 2009 and 2010. Prior to moving to Egypt, he was working in India, supporting the brand’s development in the region.
Ibtissam Doubaj Ibtissam Doubaj has been appointed sales manager of Park Inn and Radisson Blu Hotels, Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Doubaj joins the team following three years with Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, where she most recently worked as assistant sales manager. After graduating from the International Institute of Tourism in Tangier, Morocco, she gained experience in various
Marwan Mseikeh Marwan Mseikeh has been appointed hotel manager of Grand Millennium Al Wahda, part of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. Working closely with general manager, Michael Sorgenfrey, he is in charge of ensuring all hotel functions work together to deliver results and achieve guest satisfaction. With a career spanning 15 years, Mseikeh brings a wealth of experience
10 DECEMBER 2011
to the role. He has been with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels for 10 years, of which he spent the last four working as general manager of Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi.
He is in charge of ensuring all hotel functions work together to deliver results and achieve guest satisfaction
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positions related to the hotel industry, including receptionist, housekeeping manager, guest relations officer, and sales executive in hotels in Paris, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi. In her most recent role, she was responsible for achieving monthly budget goals and finding new business prospects, as well as maintaining good relationships with existing clients.
Stuart Chappell Stuart Chappell has been appointed general manager of the five-star Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay, in St. Julian’s, Malta. Chappell moves to the island after having gained extensive knowledge in the UK and most recently in China, where he worked as general manager of Guoman Hotel Beijing. Prior to that, he was the general manager of Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch, Lon-
don, with additional responsibility for another property in the capital city, the Thistle Marble Arch. Chappell’s proven track record in leading both business and leisure hotels internationally will help the 250-room Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay to achieve further growth, enhance its services and meet its targets in all market segments.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
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Ahmad Al Haddabi
Giorgio Lanfranchi
Chief operating officer, Abu Dhabi Airports Company.
General manager, Millennium Hotel Doha.
“The launch of the new Abu Dhabi International Airport website with its unique features is a milestone we are very proud of. We are very excited to launch our technologically advanced yet simple-to-navigate website, offering real-time flight details, flight schedules, retail guide, and other travel-related information personalised to the passenger, to enhance the airport experience. Celebrating the official launch of the website signifies our commitment to our customers.”
“We at Millennium Hotel Doha are invested in our local community and are committed to making a positive impact. The figures we see on the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar are worrying: this is why we are doing all we can to raise awareness of this condition, so as to allow people to better understand how to recognise and prevent it. By walking for the cause - a total of 217km to mark Diabetes Awareness Month - we believe that we are making a positive step towards change.”
Habib Fekih
Ray Gammell
President, Airbus Corporate Jets.
Chief people and performance officer, Etihad Airways.
“Our corporate jet customers and operators already benefit from the features, reliability, and support that we build into our modern airliner family, but we also recognise that they have different needs, and our more integrated Airbus Corporate Jets division will help us to address these even better and more responsively.”
“Etihad’s fourth global call centre, in Manchester, is due to be operational by the start of 2012, creating 160 jobs for the local community. We are delighted not only by the progress these graduates have made during their time in Abu Dhabi, but also by the high standards they have set. We are continuing to recruit in Manchester and the surrounding area for call centre staff members.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
10 DECEMBER 2011
AGENT'S CORNER
AGENT'S INSIGHT NAME: Laith AlEmam POSITION: Sales and marketing executive
COMPANY: Green Arrow Tours LOCATION: Jordan
Who are you? My name is Laith AlEmam. I am the sales and marketing executive for Green Arrow Tours. I hold a BSc in Business Information Systems from the University of Jordan, and attended a course in marketing, advertising, and public relations in Bournemouth. I was fortunate to grow up in a family that played a vital role in establishing the tourism industry in Jordan and the region. I have six years of experience working in the field. Green Arrow Tours was established in Amman in 1996 and it is a travel agency providing full travel solutions. Ever since being established, it has been providing its clients with the best quality of service and competitive rates. Our strength is in our team, which has a collective experience spanning over 15 years. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? This industry provides you with great exposure to the world in addition to the huge opportunities to meet with interesting people from different cultures and countries. When is the best time to visit Jordan? All year round. Jordan is a hidden gem, and it enjoys a beautiful climate all year. The nice thing about Jordan is that whenever you come, there is always a place or a part of Jordan that is ready and witnessing some sort of activities. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I would like to discover more of South America; Chile, and Brazil. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I was born to eat, breathe, and drink travel and tourism. I know the industry and my region inside out. However, I also understand and can relate to what visitors are looking for. This experience was developed by listening and talking to many people who were seeking advice.
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eNett Introduces the Dirham eNett International, a Travelport joint venture and a leading provider of innovative and integrated payment solutions tailored to meet the needs of the travel industry, recently introduced the vNett virtual card, an efficient way for IATA and non-IATA travel agencies to pay travel suppliers, which is intended to eliminate fraud. eNett have announced that the vNett virtual card solution can now process payments in UAE dirhams. Anthony Hynes, CEO, eNett, commented that one of the unique features of the vNett platform was that virtual account numbers could be processed in all major currencies removing the need to pay foreign transaction fees. “The addition of the UAE dirham to the growing number of currencies available in
vNett is set to become increasingly relevant in the UAE and other countries in the Middle East the virtual card platform is an important development for the travel industry in the Middle East region.” Moreover, Rabih Saab, president, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, added, “With the introduction of dirham-issued virtual credit cards, vNett is set to become increasingly relevant in the UAE and other countries in the Middle East with traditionally lower credit card penetration.”
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Prospects for Business Travel to be Discussed In a survey carried out in Germany, 70 percent of business travel managers said they expect that over the coming six months, the volume of business travel in the country will remain high or may even increase.
V
erband Deutsches Reisemanagement (VDR) questioned participants in October, on their prospects for the economy and, despite positive outlooks, found that 51 percent of them noted that orders were in decline or feared another economic downturn. The focus for the managers continues to be on monitoring costs, the evaluation showed. ITB Business Travel Days 2012, held from March 7 to 11, will address concerns and look
at how business volume can be retained. More business travel managers focus on ensuring a rapid and efficient response to economic situations and for their companies to incorporate new technical methods and innovative process to achieve the desired aim. On March 8, 2012, a panel discussion will examine how they can exploit travel guidelines to the full in order to increase savings, and two VDR Academy workshops will look at the subject of negotiating fares with airlines and deriving maximum benefits from
purchasing hotel services. According to the VDR 2011 business travel survey, these two elements are the two biggest cost factors that concern the business travel market. Another significant burden, which will be discussed, is the practice of taxing business travel. A trade-visitor pass to ITB Berlin grants admission to all the lectures at the Business Travel Forum. The ITB Business Travel Lounge by HSMA and the new ITB Business Travel CafĂŠ by VDR each offer visitors excellent opportunities for networking in a relaxed atmosphere.
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with Pascal Eppink Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has demonstrated that the provision of comfortable and invigorating accommodation options in an environmentally and socially responsible manner is possible and also popular. Pascal Eppink, general manager, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, explains the resort’s attraction to all its guests.
Travel Trade weekly: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, with its integrated facilities attracts a wide range of clientele. Since opening in 2010, what has been the resort’s main visitor market?
Pascal Eppink General manager, Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Pascal Eppink: The UAE is an important market in this region and Western European countries, mainly Germany, UK, and France, are key feeder markets for us. Emerging markets such as the CIS, China, and Korea are also important. Travel Trade weekly: In what ways does Banyan Tree Al Wadi make a positive impact on the environment and the local community? Pascal Eppink: Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has a very strong corporate social responsibility standpoint. At Al Wadi we are committed to enhancing the guest experience, as well as the community of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), by highlighting the importance of the environment. Banyan Tree Al Wadi’s 100 hectare nature reserve is home to over 40 indigenous gazelles and the endangered Arabian Oryx, which was re-introduced in 2009 as part of RAK’s first wildlife relocation program. Al Wadi Nature Reserve’s surface area is planned to increase, as the wildlife breeds and requires more space and food. It is also home to a multitude of resident creatures that now enjoy protection from destructive recreational and agricultural practices. Initiatives have been running since our arrival on site and continue to date, including localised resort clean-ups of construction debris as well as desert clean-ups. The recycling programme at Banyan Tree Al Wadi is run in cooperation with the RAK Public Works & Services Department and has
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and only complete hydrothermal experience in the UAE, located within the resort’s Banyan Tree Spa; a signature innovation that features invigorating hydrothermal experiences infused with time-honoured Asian wellness philosophy. We have projects in mind that will launch soon, including a communal pool in the desert resort that will have a social element for guests. Al Sahari butler service will cater to our elite guests and an extension will be made to the stables, doubling their capacity, while additional facilities will be added to the kids club allowing us to cater to the high demand of visiting families. Travel Trade weekly: Has the resort's occupancy fluctuated since its opening in 2010?
reduced solid waste disposal by 65 percent since its inception in January this year. Since early this year, a school-focused initiative has aimed to educate the custodians of our future on the importance of having knowledge on and respect for our environment, by taking them out of the class room and into nature. Travel Trade weekly: What activities are most popular, and will any new activities be offered in the near future? Pascal Eppink: Eco explorers can seek adventure in animal-related activities, such as the region’s most diverse and interactive displays of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles in the desert setting, horse riding, nature walks, camel riding, or simply meandering along rivers on a dhow cruise. Also popular is The Rainforest; the first
Pascal Eppink: Our occupancy over the first half of the year grew by 34 percent compared with the same period of 2010. We now see month over month growth, and, with additional new facilities coming up, we are sure it will increase further. Travel Trade weekly: What activities attract the highest demand from MICE clientele? Pascal Eppink: The setting in which we find ourselves provides a multitude of activity options for groups, from extensive team building sessions to smaller activities, which run in parallel by client request. Activities in or around the resort are available and can be tailored, including desert drives, dune buggy rides, Wadi safaris, horse-riding, sailing, scuba diving and charter-fishing. Banyan Tree Beach Club is a perfect getaway for smaller groups that prefer exclusivity.
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NEWS & EVENTS
Dubai Airshow 2013 Moves to Dubai World Central
Dubai Airshow
The 13th edition of Dubai Airshow is set to take place in Dubai World Central. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, confirmed the commitment of AED1 billion (USD272 million) to Dubai World Central; a purpose-built aerotropolis. The investment will cover the relocation of the next edition of Dubai Airshow as well as the start of the first phases of development of its aviation district. The new venue of the Airshow will further consolidate Dubai’s leading position in the industry, noted Al Maktoum. “Dubai World Central is an integral component of the strategic vision of Dubai Government to establish the emirate as an international aviation hub and a gateway to global markets. The aviation district has been holistically conceived to capitalise on the dynamic aviation industry of the UAE and the region. The
move of Dubai Airshow 2013 to Dubai World Central is an example of Dubai’s long-term plan to meet the growing demands of the industry.” Spanning 6.8km2, the aviation district comprises both landside and airside facilities and leverages the current and future capacity of Al Maktoum International Airport. Adding to the existing area, the new venue will also encompass a grand reception building, two large exhibitions halls, exclusive areas for VIP visitors along with dedicated areas for casual visitors, and static display areas to accommodate additional aircraft. Dubai World Central, one of the most significant and strategic projects launched by the Government of Dubai, has been developed to meet the present and future need of the emirate’s aviation, tourism, trade, and logistics sectors.
EVENTS ILTM Cannes, France, December 5 – 8, 2011 (www.iltm.net) A unique event that is ideal for buyers and suppliers working within the international luxury travel sector, who strive to provide the ultimate customised experience. Ferien-Messe Wien Vienna, Austria, January 12 – 15, 2012 (www.ferien-messe.at) The leading public access tourism trade fair in Austria, which is attended each year by more than 100,000 consumers. FITUR Tourism Trade Fair Feirade Madrid, Spain, January 18 – 22, 2012 (www.ifema.es) A meeting point for tourism professionals, in which they can establish lines of action, strategies and business alliances.
Horeca Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait, January 22 – 24, 2012 (www.horeca-kuwait.com) A trade exhibition for the hospitality and food service industries with live workshops, networking and social events. Austrian and Central European Travel Business Vienna, Austria, January 22-24, 2012 (www.actb.eu) A tourist market place, industry meeting point and platform for generating new networks, initiating business deals and reinforcing existing customer relations. SATTE New Delhi, India, February 10 – 12, 2012 (www.satte.in) India’s leading business-to-business travel and tourism event, which will host more than 6,000 travel agents and tour operators from all over India and its neighbouring markets.
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