Travel Trade Weekly Issue 232 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

19 APRIL 2014

Regional OTA Sales to Reach USD3 Billion The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Travel Technology Theatre is returning again this year, as developments in the digital travel field continue to open up new areas of IT-related opportunity.

ISSUE 232

Cathay Pacific Airways commenced a new service between Doha and Hong Kong, with the first flight touching down at Doha International Airport on March 30.

03 OCVA Debuts Promotion Outlets The Orange County Visitors Association of California (OCVA) will soon launch its first tourism representation office in the Middle East in Dubai.

05 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION AIR INTERNATIONAL AGENT'S CORNER TRAVEL TALK WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

02 03 08 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Cathay Pacific Launches Doha - Hong Kong

MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel COPY EDITOR Emily Millett

Oman Air: 10 Percent Revenue Growth Oman Air recorded strong boosts in revenues and passenger numbers for 2013, supported by improvements in demand.

uring the year, the airline increased its capacity to 14.9 billion available seat kilometres, enabling it to carry a total of 4,994,729 travellers, up 13 percent year-on-year. As H.E. Darwish Bin Ismail Al Balushi, chair-

SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT

man, Oman Air, explained, although the airline’s loss increased in 2013 by 16 percent, the company’s direct and indirect contribution to the Omani economy over the same period amounted to OMR400 million (USD1.04 billion).

Jeddah: Increase in Bottom Line Earnings

Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103607 WEBSITE

Hotels in Jeddah reported strong growth across all major performance indicators in February. According to TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats report, occupancy rose 1.5 percentage points to 79.3 percent, show-

ing positive improvement for the fourth consecutive month. Average room rates increased 5.2 percent to USD252.22 and RevPAR jumped 7.2 percent to USD199.98, resulting in a 7.7 percent climb in profitability to USD145.76.

www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

17/04/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.98

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,508.63

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

147.85

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.59

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.12

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

25,520.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.71

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

78.64

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

Jazeera Airways: Rising Passenger Demand

azeera Airways has reported improved passenger volumes on a number of key routes, and recorded an on-time performance of 94.83 percent for January. The low-cost carrier continued to lead on the Kuwait – Amman route for the fifth consecutive month, with a market share of 39 percent, while the number of passengers

flown rose 15 percent. Services to Riyadh and Jeddah saw a 43 percent and a 16 percent increase respectively, while the Mashhad flight showed an 18 percent jump in passenger volumes. During the month, Jazeera Airways served five cities in Egypt and led on the routes flying to Alexandria and Luxor.

Aphrodite Hills: Business as Usual Despite reports suggesting an immanent rebranding, business continues as usual at Cyprus’ Aphrodite Hills resort, with sales at InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel showing notable year-on-year increases. In response to media speculations that the hotel could soon become part of Thomson Sensatori Resorts’ portfolio,

the management confirmed that discussions are still in progress, and no conclusive agreements have been reached. According to the statement, the aim is to complete negotiations within the next few weeks. In the meantime, the property will continue to operate as InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel.

19 APRIL 2014

WEEKLY NEWS Regional OTA Sales to Reach USD3 Billion The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Travel Technology Theatre is returning again this year, as developments in the digital travel field continue to open up new areas of IT-related opportunity. Based on PhoCusWright’s data, online travel agency (OTA) sales in the Middle East hit USD2.3 billion in 2013, and this figure is expected to jump to 17 percent by year-end. According to Cisco Systems, mobile data traffic in the Middle East and Africa is set to grow faster than in any other part of the world between now and 2018, with penetration of smartphones and tablets using the latest technology, forecast to reach 598 million devices. “The need for the tourism industry in the region to be at the forefront of digital development and connectivity is a given,” noted Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Mark Walsh

Hertz Invests in Ras Al Khaimah In a move aimed to capitalise on the increasing number of tourists visiting Ras Al Khaimah, Hertz UAE has announced the opening of a new car rental location in the emirate. Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai International, the new Hertz UAE branch is situated in Al Hamra Village. Nigel Johnson, managing director, Hertz UAE, commented on the opening saying, “[The new outlet] is in line with the surge in tourism to the area, as well as the renewed confidence in the UAE property market. With five hotels and Al Hamra Golf Club all within a five-minute walk from the [branch], the strategic location inside the Al Hamra Mall ensures that Hertz can be closer to the customer.”

19 APRIL 2014

QAIA’s New Terminal Celebrates First Anniversary Airport International Group (AIG), has held a special event commemorating the first year anniversary of the new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), and acknowledging the employees’ commitment to providing Jordan with a world-class airport. “Since taking over QAIA’s management in 2007, AIG has been consistently reaching bigger and more rewarding milestones thanks to the unwavering dedication and outstanding efforts of our employees,” said Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG, noting that the first year since the launch of the new terminal has been record-breaking with significant increases in passenger traffic. Nazem Al Kudsi, chairman, AIG, added, “Not only has AIG developed QAIA’s services and enhanced its ranking to set it among the world’s top international airports, but it has also raised Jordan’s profile as a leading transit hub.”

WEEKLY NEWS

Dubai Becomes the Seventh Busiest Airport

Dubai International

Dubai International is one of the world’s fastest-growing airports, taking seventh position on Airports Council International (ACI)’s preliminary passenger traffic ranking for 2013, after recording a 15 percent year-on-year increase with over 66.43 million travellers. The top six hubs remained unchanged, and included Atlanta, Beijing, London Heathrow, Tokyo, Chicago and Los Angeles. Hong Kong retained its place as the world’s largest air cargo hub, while Dubai moved up to fifth position. Doha and Abu Dhabi also made it to the top 30. According to ACI, global passenger traffic remained resilient with the Middle East posting robust growth at 9.2 percent.

Qatar: 1.3 Million Visitors in 2013 Qatar’s tourism industry benefitted from investments and promotional activities in 2013, putting the sector on track to reach growth targets set out in the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy. Based on data from Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), in the year under review, 1.3 million travellers flocked into the country. Regional visitor numbers increased 14.4 percent, while international arrivals rose nine percent. The country’s largest source market remained the GCC countries with over 1.09 million arrivals, followed by Asia, Europe and the non-GCC Arab region. Over the coming years, 124 new hotel establishments are set to come on line, as well as the new Doha Exhibition and Conference Center and Hamad International Airport.

19 APRIL 2014

WEEKLY NEWS OCVA Debuts Promotion Outlets The Orange County Visitors Association of California (OCVA) will soon launch its first tourism representation office in the Middle East in Dubai. Ed Fuller, president, OCVA, commented, “Nearly one million Middle Eastern travellers visited the US [in 2013]. They came to visit our world-class family attractions and theme parks, shop, attend concerts, take in the sites and unique outdoor experiences.” Glenn Johnston, vice president, Dubai office, OCVA, remarked, “I am honoured to introduce [Orange County] to the Middle East [...]. As the US’ first tourism association to have a permanent representational presence in the Gulf, I applaud the Orange County’s vision in choosing to reach out to [the region].” California

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Hotel Profits Soar in Dubai Dubai’s hotel sector maintained a steady performance throughout February as TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest HotStats report shows. A plethora of events attracted high numbers of international visitors, propelling occupancy levels for four- and five-star properties to 87.6 percent. Correspondingly, average room rates rose 8.7 percent to USD366.99, resulting in a 7.3 percent surge in RevPAR to USD321.59, and a 8.6 percent increase in gross operating profit per available room to USD282.09. “Strong economic activity within the city coupled with a consistent rise in visitor numbers has driven demand for Dubai’s hotels,” added Peter Goddard, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting.

WEEKLY NEWS

Solid Demand for Air Travel Continues The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA), global passenger traffic results for February showed demand growth of 5.4 percent compared to the same month in 2013. Cumulative traffic increases for the first two months of the year was 6.9 percent, which compares favourably with the 5.2 percent overall rise achieved in 2013. International passenger traffic in February rose 5.5 percent compared to the same period in 2013. Capacity jumped 5.2 percent and load factor slipped 0.2 percentage points to 76.8 percent. Middle East carriers had the strongest year-overyear traffic improvement in February at 13.4 percent as the Gulf nations are enjoying acceleration in the non-oil sectors of their economies, further supporting strong demand for air travel. Capacity surged 12.5 percent and load factor climbed 0.6 percentage points to 78.9 percent.

Abu Dhabi Tipped for Double-digit Asian Golf Growth Golf holiday bookings from Asia are set to surge in Abu Dhabi according to a leading Chinese golf tour operator. Speaking after the recently concluded Asian Golf Tourism Convention, Dai Weina, marketing planning director, Grand Tours, China, said, “Abu Dhabi is a great market for the Chinese golf traveller, especially during our winter time. Since 2012, we have been sending a greater number of golfers to Abu Dhabi annually, contributing millions of dollars to the emirate’s economy through spending on golf, accommodation, leisure and retail. We are already forecasting an increase of 20 percent in visits to Abu Dhabi for the current year.”

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Guest Numbers up by a Third in UAE Capital Abu Dhabi’s 149 hotels and serviced apartments welcomed 262,193 arrivals in February, bringing the total guest figure for the first two months of the year to 539,163, marking a 35 percent rise over the corresponding period in 2013. Room nights for the comparative period surged 23 percent to 1.67 million, while occupancy levels jumped seven percent to 79 percent leading to a 10 percent growth in revenues to AED1.026 billion (USD279.4 million). As H.E. Jasim Al Darmaki, deputy director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, explained, the main goal now is to further increase average room rate and average length of stay, which currently stands at just over three nights.

19 APRIL 2014

WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Airports Supports Global Aerospace Summit

Global Aerospace Summit

Abu Dhabi Airports partnered with the Global Aerospace Summit, which took place at the beginning of April at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, under the theme ‘Forging Strategies for the Growth of our Industries’. The two day programme brought together over 1,000 executives, senior decision makers and government officials involved in the aerospace, aviation, defence and space sectors. “Abu Dhabi’s aviation industry is a vital pillar supporting the long-term objectives set out in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030,” stressed Tony Douglas, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports. The airport operator and Etihad Airways are both investing to develop the industry, with the airline focusing on product innovation as it continues to expand its operations, while Abu Dhabi Airports provides world-class airport infrastructure.

Safer Operations across Dubai’s Floating Restaurants Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has launched a campaign to ensure safe operations in Dubai’s floating restaurants. The initiative includes emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures and disaster response training while also tackling subjects such as effective internal and external communication, fire-fighting policies and means of preventing marine pollution. As Mohammed Al Bastaki, director of maritime operations, DMCA, noted, the new project complements DMCA’s efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as a […] destination that offers opportunities across various segments of marine tourism. “Floating restaurants are a key representation of the investment community, tourism, and maritime industry. This prompted us to lay down a clear framework to ensure their safe and secure operations,” concluded Al Bastaki.

19 APRIL 2014

UAE’s Largest Ever Corporate Incentive Group in Dubai The Dubai Convention and Events Bureau (DCEB), a division of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, recently welcomed a total of 14,500 incentive delegates from Chinese company, Nu Skin Enterprises, breaking the record as the largest corporate programme of its kind to be hosted in the UAE. The delegation arrived in seven waves, with each group averaging around 2,000 people and staying in the emirate for five days. DCEB won the bid for Dubai to host the mega-group back in January 2013, fending off competition from Macau, Seoul and Singapore. The Asian firm finally chose the UAE city due to its premier incentive offer, which includes iconic landmarks, a world-class accommodation and transportation infrastructure, and a plethora of events and activities. During their stay, the Chinese visitors enjoyed various attractions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Starwood Takes over Two Bahrain Hotels Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with Majid Al Futtaim Properties to manage two resorts, previously run by Kempinski Hotels, in Bahrain. Scheduled to debut in early July, The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre will be directly linked to Bahrain City Centre, a shopping and entertainment destination in the heart of Manama. As Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East, noted the deal follows 2013’s successful conversion of Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates. George Kostas, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, added, “We believe they will add significant value to our offering in Bahrain, and will further strengthen the position of our 11 hotels across the region.”

Marriott Acquires Protea Hospitality Group Marriott International has completed the acquisition of Protea Hospitality Group, making it the largest hotel company in Africa, and nearby doubling its presence in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region to more than 160 properties. The deal has brought Marriott International’s pipeline of new hotels in MEA to over 65 projects and 14,300 units, including more than 20 properties and 3,000 rooms in Sub-Saharan Africa. As Alex Kyriakidis, president, MEA, Marriott International, pinpointed, with the addition of the South African group’s regional knowledge, expertise and infrastructure, the company is well-positioned to continue growing in one of the fastest expanding economic markets in the world.

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments to Open in Q3

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH)’s flagship project in the Omani capital city, is on track to welcome its first guests by the third quarter (Q3) of the year. Located in Qurum, a 20-minute drive from Muscat International Airport, the property features 88 rooms and apartments, an all-day-dining restaurant, pool deck, terrace lounge, various meeting venues and a choice of leisure facilities. As Laurent Voivenel, CEO, HMH, explained, Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments is a significant development for the company and signals strategic expansion for the group in the Sultanate. “Oman is certainly a very promising market [...]. We believe Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments will serve as the perfect ambassador for our brand demonstrating its strength and unique appeal for travellers seeking our signature hospitality,” added Voivenel.

19 APRIL 2014

Accommodation

Kempinksi Hotels to Open Five-star Property on The Pearl Kempinski Hotels has partnered with Alfardan Hospitality to bring a private island hotel project to Qatar. Overlooking The Pearl development, Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, Doha will span over 46,500m², and is set to open in the last quarter of the year. Omar Alfardan, CEO, Alfardan Group, commented, “We are proud of this accomplishment, to develop a world-class luxurious destination in Qatar, coinciding with the Qatar Tourism Authority’s strategy and to be in line with the long-term economic development strategy of the government in enhancing tourism in Qatar thereby attracting more and more visitors to the country from various corners of the globe.”

Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, Doha

19 APRIL 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort Welcomes Guests Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide celebrated the official launch of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman, the company’s 23rd project in the UAE. Located on a natural stretch of beach, the 205key hotel features five restaurants and lounges, a 1,250m2 spa, fitness centre, children’s club, a swimming pool, watersport activities, six meeting rooms and a ballroom. “As the first beachside Luxury Collection resort in the Middle East, Ajman Saray is an enchanting coastal sanctuary and we look forward to welcoming discerning travellers and local residents,” said Michele Frignani, general manager, Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman.

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Partners with CIS The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre invited students from Cambridge International School (CIS) in Garhoud, to participate in its Succeed Through Service programme, designed to teach children valuable life skills. The day started with a healthy eating and safe food handling session, where the students were educated on the importance of a balanced diet and food hygiene. This was followed by a practical session in the hotel kitchens, where they learned how to make a healthy meal. The children, aged 13-14 years, also completed two life-skills sessions, spending time with the hotel’s director of housekeeping and director of engineering, to study everyday skills such as how to read a water metre, and essential energy saving tips to apply around their houses.

Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA Celebrates Grand Opening Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA recently welcomed guests to the launch of the first internationally branded ladies-only spa in Saudi Arabia. Located in the heart of Riyadh at Al Faisaliah Hotel, a Rosewood Hotel, the facility aims to offer a sequestered sanctuary away from the city. Spanning four floors, the spa features six treatment rooms, two private spa suites, relaxation rooms, a whirlpool, nail studio, hair salon and a fitness zone. In addition, guests can avail of a 14m-long swimming pool, a traditional hammam and a tea lounge. H.H. Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khaled, chairman, Al Khozama Management, said, “Carrying forward the established brand, which already exudes luxury, elegance and sophistication, into the spa industry was an obvious move.”

Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA

New Desert Resort Project in Oman Al Nahda Resort & Spa has revealed plans to open a 30-room desert resort in the Sultanate later this year. Located a 45-minute drive from Al Nahda Resort & Spa itself in Wadi Al Abiyad, Dunes by Al Nahda will be the closest desert resort to downtown Muscat, and will offer a plethora of activities, such as dune bashing, sand boarding, camel riding, zip lining and star gazing. Besides six executive rooms, 12 VIP units and 12 VIP tents, an open-air restaurant, and a banquet facility for up to 250 people will also be available. Niti Ajit Karsandas Hamlai, managing director, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, commented, “We are looking forward to offering guests an authentic desert experience at Dunes, combined with some innovative activities.”

19 APRIL 2014

Air

flynas: Flying Daily from Jeddah to Abha

WEEKLY NEWS

Emirates Launches A380 Double-decker from Gatwick Emirates introduced its Airbus A380 double-decker service to London Gatwick on March 30, boosting capacity to the UK’s Southeast by 15 percent. The Middle Eastern carrier was the first to run an all-A380 operation out of London Heathrow and has now become the pioneer airline to lead the offering out of London Gatwick, the airport from which Emirates flew its inaugural UK flight 26 years ago. Speaking about the launch, Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, west, Emirates, said, “Six years after launch, the Emirates A380 is still a customer magnet. Airports the world over are eager to have the Emirates A380 on their roster and today’s launch to London Gatwick is representative of that demand.” In order to become A380 compliant, London Gatwick has invested in new facilities, including the widening of three runway rapid exit taxiways and modifications to taxiways between the runway and the stand.

Celebrations for the Launch of the Route

In a bid to cover all domestic destinations to meet customer demands, flynas launched a daily route between Jeddah and Abha on April 15. The announcement of the flights between the two Saudi cities was made during the airline’s participation at the seventh annual Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market in Riyadh of which the low-cost carrier was a gold sponsor of the event. Commenting on the new operations, Wael Al Sarhan, director of marketing and communications, flynas, confirmed that the move supports the company target of increasing capacity across its domestic routes to drive economic growth in key destinations across the Kingdom. The range of services was expanded following an increase in demand witnessed over the past few years Al Sarhan added. According to the director, the re-brand to flynas provided the airline with a new, fresh identity which supported the upgrade of its fleet to include a business class cabin now available on all flights.

19 APRIL 2014

Rotana Jet Expands in Sri Lanka Rotana Jet has launched scheduled services to Colombo and Mattala in Sri Lanka, its first international destinations outside the GCC. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier now offers three weekly flights from Al Bateen Executive Airport to the Sri Lankan hubs, using an Airbus A319 aircraft. To accommodate the anticipated demand, the airline plans to increase the frequencies to six weekly operations in the near future. Rotana Jet has also entered into an interline relationship with SriLankan Airlines, offering passengers immediate connections to and from South Indian destinations, including Chennai, Trichy, Trivandrum, and Kochi via Colombo. As Rajendran Vellapalath, commercial and planning director, Rotana Jet, explained, the company is gearing up for a year of expansion with new routes steadily opening up.

Rotana Jet

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Cathay Pacific Launches Doha - Hong Kong

From Left: Nick Brooks, manager, Qatar, Cathay Pacific Airways; Patrick Muller, executive vice president, DIA; Brian Yuen, and Rajesh Menon, project manager, Doha, Cathay Pacific Airways

Cebu Pacific Moves to Sharjah

Cebu Pacific

Due to a temporary and partial runway closure at Dubai International, Cebu Pacific flights to and from Dubai will operate from Sharjah International Airport between May 1 and July 20. The aforementioned runways at the UAE hub are currently out of service as they are undergoing a phased refurbishment and upgrade. During the period of suspended operations, the Filipino airline will run five weekly services between Manila and Sharjah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while between July 1 and July 20 passengers will be able to choose from four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Hong Kong’s flagship airline, Cathay Pacific Airways commenced a new service between Doha and Hong Kong, with the first flight touching down at Doha International Airport (DIA) on March 30. Brian Yuen, country manager, Qatar and UAE, Cathay Pacific Airways, commented, “We are delighted to add Doha to our network and offer our passengers greater choice and convenience [...]. Our award-winning in-flight products delivered by the world’s best cabin crew will ensure our passengers arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed.” According to Abdulaziz Al-Mass, senior manager, public relations and communications, DIA, the start of the Asian carrier’s services underlines Qatar’s ever-growing importance as an international transport hub, and opens onward travel options for passengers to Asia and beyond.

Emirates Takes A380 to Dallas Emirates announced it will bring its Airbus A380 to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), launching the first scheduled A380 service at the hub. On October 1, the world’s largest passenger aircraft will touch down in the US destination, linking Dubai with the world’s fourth busiest airport on a daily basis. Emirates started flying to DFW in 2012 with a Boeing 777-200LR, the first passenger carrier to operate nonstop to the Middle East from the US airport. The introduction of the 489-seat A380 is a direct response to demand, with over 370,000 Emirates passengers travelling between Dallas and Dubai to date. “The A380 is big, and so is DFW. It is fitting for Emirates to bring its Airbus A380 to North Texas as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of DFW[...],” said Betsy Price, mayor, Fort Worth.

19 APRIL 2014

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Qatar Airways Flies into Philadelphia Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Philadelphia International Airport touched down on April 2, marking the airline’s fifth gateway in the US. The daily service offers a connection between the American city and a vast number of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia Pacific via Doha. Philadelphia is a key destination for business and leisure travellers alike, and its airport is one of the world’s busiest hubs with 30.5 million passengers passing through each year. Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, confirmed that the newest gateway offers a unique morning route to Doha, the earliest departure from North America, and provides passengers with unprecedented access to a new schedule of convenient connections to Qatar Airways’ entire global network.

Akbar Al Baker (left) and Michael Nutter, mayor, Philadelphia

Etihad Airways Expands Spain Travel Options In a bid to provide air travellers with greater access to key European destinations, Etihad Airways has launched its codeshare operations with Spanish carrier, Air Europa. Resultantly passengers flying with the Abu Dhabi-based airline to Brussels

and Amsterdam can now connect to Spain’s capital, Madrid, and then onwards to Barcelona and Palma in Mallorca. “We look forward to building on the partnership with Air Europa which will bring greater numbers of business and leisure travellers to Spain as well as im-

proving Spanish links with Abu Dhabi and the Middle East,” remarked James Hogan, group president, Etihad Aviation Group. The Spanish carrier plans to commence a three-times-a-week direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi later in the year.

airBaltic Turns Loss into Profit Latvian carrier, airBaltic achieved a net profit of over EUR1 million (USD1.38 million) for the full year of 2013, by far surpassing the original projected figures, and turning around 2012’s loss of EUR27 million (USD37.23 million). As Martin Gauss, CEO, airBaltic, explained, over the past year, the company has been restructured through cost control, capacity management and efficiency gains. A number of new routes have also been launched, including a new service to

19 APRIL 2014

Abu Dhabi. “The Middle Eastern aviation industry is witnessing unprecedented development and offers a potential growth area for airBaltic. We will continue to explore opportunities in the Middle East and GCC markets,” assured Gauss, noting that the airline has recently expanded its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways to include routes from Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich to Abu Dhabi and Riga.

WEEKLY NEWS

International

Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa Signed Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced its partnership with Rockwood Hotels & Resorts on the signing of Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa. The property will be the first Radisson Blu hotel in the Indian city, and is expected to open in May. The 240-room resort is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake in Ambamata, close to the city centre and less than an hour’s drive from the airport. The hotel’s recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a lawn tennis court, a spa and a fitness centre. The facility also has 544m² of meeting space, including a pillar-less ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 people.

Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa

First Dusit Thani Deluxe Hotel to Open in Changzhou Maintaining an aggressive expansion plan in China, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement for a new luxury hotel, Dusit Thani Fudu Qingfeng Hotel in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The 88-key property, expected to be rebranded in May, is approximately 15 minutes from the city centre and 30-minute drive from Changzhou Benniu Airport. Dining options include Tian Xiang Lou Chinese restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and Centro Bar, while recreational facilities offered comprise an indoor swimming pool, a wellequipped gymnasium, and an audiovisual room. “With its unique location in a scenic park, picturesque views, outstanding hardware and warm, traditional Thai hospitality, Dusit Thani Fudu Qingfeng Hotel, Changzhou will provide guests an escape from the everyday world,” said Lim Boon Kwee, president, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts.

BWI: Major Expansion in Sri Lanka Best Western International (BWI) has entered into a development partnership with Elyon Hotels, to expand into Sri Lanka. Due to launch this summer, the 60-room BEST WESTERN Elyon Colombo will mark the start of a major portfolio augmentation strategy for BWI in the Asian destination. Under the new agreement, Elyon Hotels will identify opportunities for additional midscale and upscale properties across the country, mainly in key leisure and business areas such as Colombo, Kandy, Mirrisa and Tangalle. The initial target for the next three years is to have four more hotels with approximately 400 keys, which is then expected to rise to 700 rooms within five years.

BEST WESTERN Elyon Colombo

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AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT

Global Travel Industry Set for Decade of Sustained Growth

NAME: Galib Anwar POSITION: Owner COMPANY: Beach Vacation LOCATION: India WEB: www.beachvacation.co.in

Who are you? I am Galib Anwar from Beach Vacation, Guwahati, Assam, India. We are an accredited International Air Transport Association agency from 1997 and we basically deal with holiday packages for outbound travel, ticketing, visas and more. Beach Vacation is a leading travel agency in Northeast India presenting a spectrum of travel packages in and outside India. These travel packages enable you to explore some of the most popular destinations across the world. We offer a range of travel services for outbound travellers. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? My favourite thing in working at a travel agency is that I can explore the world. When is the best time to visit India? The best time is between April to July. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Definitely Turkey. Why should people come to you for travel advice? We are a reputed travel agency and have the maximum knowledge in the travel field. Our comprehensive travel management package helps you through every stage of your trip, from getting your visa, to planning your itinerary and sightseeing.

A major study has been written by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Amadeus, forecasting that the travel industry will grow by 5.4 percent per annum over the next 10 years. Driven in part by China’s share of outbound tourism reaching up to 20 percent by 2023, global travel is set to increase at a significantly faster rate than during the financial crisis, when growth was just 4.1 percent per year.

Travelport: New Entry in Kuwait Travelport announced a new partnership with Eternity Travels, one of the leading travel agencies in Kuwait. The new multi-year deal will see the organisation migrate the majority stake of its business to Travelport’s global distribution systems (GDS). As part of the agreement, the technology provider will also provide the Kuwaiti agency with a range of its products including Travelport Smartpoint and Travelport Rooms and More. “Kuwait remains one of our focus regions in the Middle East and signing this deal with Eternity Travels, [...] will significantly boost Travelport’s presence in the country and further extend our service and content offering to travel agents and travellers across the region,” said Jennifer D’Souza, regional commercial director, Gulf, Levant, Pakistan and Turkey, Travelport. Jennifer D’Souza

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The report indicates that other large emerging markets such as Russia, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey will also each average more than five percent annual augmentation over the next 10 years, due to rising wealth and changing consumer habits. Holger Taubmann, senior vice president, distribution, Amadeus, said, “Forecasts predict a new golden era for travel, which will be welcome news for many segments of the industry.”

TRAVEL TALK Mohammed Khoori

travel talk is your space

General manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments.

“Dubai winning the bid for Expo 2020 helped reinforce the interest of the German and UK markets to travel to the city and explore its diverse attractions. The International Tourism Bourse was once again a successful event for us, with appointments [...] with many of our key partners in the German and UK markets. Although we did not discover any potential new markets, there were some discussions from suppliers [...].”

Jean-Pierre Simon Regional general manager, Northern Emirates, Coral Hotels & Resorts.

“Tez Tour [one of the largest tour operators in CIS and Eastern Europe] is seeking to triple its room allocation for the coming season, a move that reinforces their confidence in Coral Beach Resort – Sharjah as a hotel that provides everything their clients want from a sunshine holiday in the Arabian Gulf.”

Peter Mansourian General manager, Grand Millennium Dubai.

“With the help of [LOCATEL’s Eclipse Connected TV system], Grand Millennium Dubai will offer state-of-the-art guest entertainment solutions by combining LOCATEL software which is designed especially for the hospitality sector and Samsung H.Browser which eliminates the need for and external set-top box. The H.Browser […], offers guests direct access to a full range of services and a premium interactive experience.”

Khalid Abdulwahad Al Balushi Senior manager, government affairs, Oman Air.

“Oman Air was once again proud to take part in Earth Hour, when we switched off the lights in all but our most essential services in order to raise awareness of the need to protect our planet. This is the fourth consecutive year that Oman Air has joined millions of people on every continent in drawing attention to the role that each of us can play in minimising our environmental impact.”

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, and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

19 APRIL 2014

WHO'S MOVED

Valerie Barrie Valerie Barrie has been named director of sales and marketing communications at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Barrie joined Jumeirah Group in 2013 as director of sales at the same property, bringing with her 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, having worked for various interna-

tional hotel chains around the world including JW Marriott Hotel Dubai. In her new role, Barrie will be in charge of leading and further improving all aspects of the sales and marketing communications team, as she possesses great leadership skills and a passion for excellence.

Judy Hou Judy Hou has become the first non-European, and the first woman to work as director general and CEO at Glion Institute of Higher Education, hailed as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top three higher education institutions for an international career in hospitality management. Hou, who holds a masters degree in hospitality administration, will be in charge of the Glion-branded schools in Switzerland, as well as the UK.

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She formerly served as director of human capital for Hotel ICON, Hong Kong, and was also an adjunct professor for the School of Hotel & Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Hou has also held key management positions in luxury hotel companies, including learning and development manager for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and training manager for Park Hyatt Washington.

Adel Al Wahedi Adel Al Wahedi has taken on the position of chief financial officer at Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), leading the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial and accounting operations. With over 16 years of experience in designing and implementing financial frameworks, his expertise covers various

areas, ranging from financial control, strategy and business process to treasure, planning and corporate performance. Prior to joining ADPC, Al Wahedi held leading positions with large corporations across the region, including Etisalat UAE and Egypt and Mobily Saudi Arabia.

TRAVEL CHANNELS

Online Activity Bookings to Grow While the Internet has become one of the main sources of information for European travellers, less than a quarter of travel activity gross bookings happen online.

he findings are taken from a report released by PhoCusWright entitled When They Get There (and Why They Go): Activities, Attractions, Event and Tours in Europe. Based on the study, roughly one in four European travellers who brought activities offline, felt it was easier and more convenient than online, while one in five stated that prior to paying they want to speak with someone in order to receive more detailed information. “Many travellers simply do not think of planning activities until they are in-destination, and offline, provider-direct bookings continue to dominate. Educating consumers about online activity booking options will be key to growth,” explained Cathy Schetzina Walsh, senior research analyst, PhoCusWright. Online activities are on the rise, and mobile interest is high among both European travellers and activity providers.

Glow in the Dark Painting at Jumeira Rotana Dubai To promote Earth Hour and show the team’s pledge to helping build a sustainable future, Jumeira Rotana Dubai organised a ‘Glow in the Dark Painting’ event at the property. “Joining Earth Hour is part of our commitment to structuring a sustainable outlook. All the sustainable initiatives that we are coming up are all designed to raise awareness on how individuals can make a difference and can have a big impact on the environment,” commented Dana Hlavnova, general manager, Jumeira Rotana Dubai. To support Earth Hour, the management also prepared special packages, while other initiatives included the hotel’s participation in the UAE Green Festival through recycling, and various other projects, such as the installation of energy saving bulbs, among others.

Earth Hour at Jumeira Rotana Dubai

SCTA to Establish Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company The Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) has signed a contract with The Investor to provide financial consultation for the private placement of shares in the Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company. As Hamed Al Semaeel, assistant vice president, tourism development, SCTA, explained, the organisation has already begun the regulatory procedures for the establishment of the new company, which will manage and operate a number of heritage hospitality facilities owned by the state. As Al Semaeel revealed, the capital of the company is SAR250 million (USD66.7 million) and its inauguration comes in line with SCTA’s endevours aimed at utilising heritage buildings and archaeological sites.

Turkey Tops Outbound Business Ranking Turkey has been identified as the number one destination outside the MENA region for outbound businesses in a report released by the organisers of the recently-concluded Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition. According to the study, spending power is on the rise for the Middle Eastern MICE sector, with 69 percent of regional buyers planning more events this year, with the most popular destination outside the region being Turkey, followed by Spain, France, Malaysia, India and the UK. Mustafa Ozdemir, cultural and information attaché, cultural and information office, Turkish Consulate General, Dubai, highlighted the country’s close proximity to Europe and the Middle East, along with its world-class infrastructure and plentiful tourist attractions, which make it a perfect choice for meetings, congresses, conferences, exhibitions and fairs.

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RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Haytham Omar Over the past few years, Ras Al Khaimah has experienced tremendous growth with tourist arrivals to the destination growing from just 600,000 in 2010 to over 1.1 million in 2012, and Haytham Omar, general manager, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, firmly believes that this is just the beginning for the ‘rising emirate’.

Travel Trade Weekly: What were the main reasons behind Rixos Hotels’ decision to launch its second UAE property in Ras Al Khaimah?

Haytham Omar General manager, Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Haytham Omar: Like in all markets, it is quite difficult to tell exactly when a balance will come in place, but stability is inevitable. We see the growing demand and supply as an opportunity to grow and re-invent. Rixos Bab Al Bahr will ensure to continuously provide outstanding services to our guests which we believe is all that is needed to stay ahead of the game.

Haytham Omar: Rixos Hotels found an overwhelming need for such a unique concept in the market of Ras Al Khaimah. The exponential increase of tourism over the years proved to us that the emirate is ready for more expansion and growth. Being the pioneers of the “all inclusive – all exclusive” concept in the region will give us that competitive edge in the market for our new property, especially considering Rixos Hotels is the hospitality expert in luxury all-inclusive concept. Travel Trade Weekly: What aspects make the all-inclusive concept an ideal fit for the market? How would you describe your target market? Haytham Omar: Our main target market will be families from the GCC and Middle East and North Africa region; we are also targeting families from CIS states such as Russia. The “all inclusive – all exclusive” concept is ideal for our target market because it allows families of all sizes on vacation to enjoy themselves without financial concern throughout their stay with us, but also ensures that they do not compromise on luxury.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your expectations for the future? How do you see the emirate’s tourism industry developing over the coming years?

services with a Turkish flair. With this specific property, the ‘all inclusive – all exclusive’ concept is our unique selling point and it is definitely a first of its kind in the region. Travel Trade Weekly: In line with the growing demand for quality accommodation, Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel and resort room inventory is set to increase from 2,500 units in 2011 to over 10,000 keys

Travel Trade Weekly: What sets Rixos Bab Al Bahr apart from its peers? Haytham Omar: Rixos Bab Al Bahr sets itself apart from its peers by ensuring to surpass our guests’ expectations and offering them nothing but premium hospitality and luxury

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by 2016. How do you think supply and demand will be balanced?

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Haytham Omar: Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism markets have begun to rise and at Rixos Bab Al Bahr we promote ourselves as an entire package which includes the emirate that we are situated in. We believe that this is only the beginning for Ras Al Khaimah, as tourism in the area is becoming increasingly popular and we are delighted to be in the right place at the right time with the right product and the concept of “all inclusive – all exclusive”. As for Air Arabia becoming the official carrier for Ras Al Khaimah, it is a great advantage for our properties. The budget airline flies to our key target destinations as well as to locations of other Rixos-operated hotels which will enhance our cross marketing activities heavily. With Rixos Bab Al Bahr now officially open, we are committed to delivering our promise of a unique holiday experience to our guests from day one. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our travel partners and business associates for the immense support they have extended to us.

NEWS & EVENTS

Luxury Brands to Target GCC Travellers

EVENTS PAGE