World Travel Awards Supplement - Travel Weekly WTM 2009 Day 3

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November 11 2009 | Connecting today’s travel industry | www.travelweekly.co.uk

The Official World Travel Market Daily

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World Winners 2009

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The Winners James Hogan, Chief Executive, Etihad Airways,

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director, Europcar

World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Airline First Class

World’s Leading Tourist Board

World’s Leading Car Hire Company, World’s Leading Leisure Car Rental Company

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Three years ago Etihad set itself one clear and simple goal – to be the best airline in the world. I am proud of the way Etihad people all over the world have embraced that vision, backing our investment in state of the art product with the highest levels of service.

We regard this award as a great honour, and a testament to the commitment of our staff.

We are delighted, also, that our continued attention to the needs of our premium travellers has been rewarded with the top award for first class for the second consecutive year.

As we move into 2010, we have no intention of resting on our laurels. We will continue to reinvent premium air travel as we cement our place as the world’s best airline, opening up new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, investing in new products in the air and on the ground, and rolling out an exciting range of online initiatives.

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The World Travel Award is most valued by the authority as it comes from peers within the industry we serve, manage and promote. It is also very timely as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the award, if you like, represents our ‘coming of age.’

We plan to significantly build upon it and to live up to the confidence our valued trade partners have placed in us by voting for us.

This year has been one of numerous milestones for the authority. We have implemented an accommodation classification system which is acknowledged as world-class. We have also rolled out our first generation stakeholder programme to form a more unified approach to destination development and promotion.

Abu Dhabi has pushed the boundaries – with the opening of many significant resorts, the Qasr Al Sarab desert retreat and seven hotels on Yas Island. The staging of the 2009 Etihad Airways’ Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was obviously a high point.

In the coming year we will welcome additional attractions to Abu Dhabi including the planned Ferrari World indoor theme park on Yas Island. We are also targeting 10% additional hotel guest arrivals during 2010.

I would like to thank those among the 187,000 travel professionals who voted for Europcar. It is an honour for us to win this prestigious award once again.

At Europcar, our priority is to offer business and leisure customers a consistently good experience and a broad range of services spanning five continents.

In keeping with that, we have progressed in three main areas: our geographic reach, innovations to benefit customers, and partnerships with other leading travel industry players.

We are established in all European markets, but have also continued to pursue our strategy of expanding around the world, especially in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

We are deploying our “click4Wheels” B2B site. We have also recently launched a new mobile phone service for consumers (http://mobile.europcar.com).

We have renewed agreements with easyJet and TUI, launched a new service in the context of our relationship with Accor, and have renewed our partnership agreement with Swiss.

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James Hogan

Jehan de Thé

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi

Visit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

Tareq Abdullatif Taha, Chief Executive Officer, Regency Travel and Tours

Pamela C. Conover, President & CEO, The Yachts of Seabourn

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic

World’s Leading Travel Agency

World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line

World’s Leading Travel Commercial

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“We are still red

Winning a world travel award is a great achievement and an appreciation for the excellence of service provided. And that makes our responsibility bigger in maintaining being the world’s leading travel agency.

It is so important to be recognized as the leader because reaching the top is much easier than staying on the top.

This year we have expanded our operation and our network to 30 branches and implants in the State of Qatar.

In our state-of the-art head office, we have innovated a unique concept – housing airlines, hotel, car rental, banks, courier and cargo services, plus a host of other services all under one roof.

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Seabourn Odyssey is the first new vessel to enter the luxury segment in over six years, and she has brought a new excitement to the market. Along with Seabourn Sojourn next year and a third new sister in 2011, she represents Seabourn's commitment to the smallship, ultra luxury cruising style for guests who prefer sailing with fewer than 500 others.

These new Seabourn yachts provide us with the opportunity to introduce more and more people to the intimate, personalised style that has earned Seabourn this award, and a loyal following among discerning travellers.

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hot after 25 years and we are all over the moon that we have scooped this World Travel Award. Thank you to everyone who’s backed us since 1984.

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Pamela C. Conover

Tareq Abdullatif Taha

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Steve Ridgway

A Year in Sport Tourism Sport Tourism in Pole Position for Dynamic Growth At a time when traditional tourism trends are in decline, sport tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade.

In 2008 the world’s travel and tourism generated approximately US$5,890 billion of economic activity.

Despite the economic downturn, the contribution of travel & tourism to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to rise from 9.9% in 2008 to 10.5% by 2018 as the next decade will see tourism revenues exceeding US$10,000 billion.

Sport tourism is at the heart of this growth and as the fastest growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry, accounted in 2008 for an astonishing US$600 billion or +10% of the international tourism market.

The economies of cities, regions and - in the case of attracting mega events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup - entire countries are increasingly reliant on combining sport and tourism to jump start economic and socio-economic change.

Tourists engaged in sports tourism are high-spending, stay longer than other tourist categories, are highcalibre and often stimulate other tourism. Their direct benefit to a destination is cash - their indirect benefit can be years of follow-on tourists.

Barcelona doubled its number of tourists in the 10 years following the 1992 Olympic Games and other cities in Spain also benefited from a knock-on effect.

Barcelona has since become the sixth most attractive European city to locate a business, rising from 11th place.

Sydney generated £1.2 billion additional business following the 2000 Olympic Games. Tourism has dramatically increased and media coverage to the value of an astonishing £2.5 billion was achieved.

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, cites the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the key to return South Africa to its pre-recession tourism high.

He said construction linked to the World Cup would contribute R50bn to the economy, while tourism would generate a further R15bn, with 3.5 million fans expected to attend the tournament.

Foreign arrivals would also receive a huge boost with 450,000 fans expected in the country.

He said: “The World Cup affords us a once-in-alifetime chance to showcase the best we have as a tourism destination.”

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Tourists engaged in sports tourism are highspending, stay longer than other tourist categories, are highcalibre and often stimulate other tourism. Their direct benefit to a destination is cash - their indirect benefit can be years of follow-on tourists.

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A recent study by commissioned by the Brazilian government, showed that the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will provide a boost of more than $24bn from 2010 until 2027.

The 2016 Olympics and 2014 FIFA World Cup will also provide Brazil with a platform in which to attract foreign investment.

Brazil’s economy is currently the tenth largest in the world - and predicted to be fifth by 2016.

Sport tourism is now a tool to make and achieve many things - to generate significant revenues, create thousands of new jobs, regenerate urban infrastructure, and to develop or reappraise entire destinations.

However, the complex dynamics of sport tourism has not yet been fully understood or realised. In a groundbreaking new venture, the industry’s fastest growing sector will now have its own dedicated global business forum.

World Sport Destination Expo (WSDE) - the world’s first exhibition and conference dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry – will take place from 5-9 July 2010, uniquely co-located alongside the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“WSDE will change the landscape of the sport tourism industry. By bringing together all the key stake-holders of sport tourism products and services around the world, WSDE is set to become one of the most important international events in the travel and tourism calendar and we are privileged to be the inaugural hosts.” said Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City.

The world’s leading sporting destinations, bidding nations and cities, resorts and hotels, sporting bid committees, tour and event organisers, international media and elite buyers will for the very first time convene to conduct future business, source new contacts and markets and gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of industry leaders and figure-heads.

Phil Savage, Publishing Director of Sport Business – the world’s leading supplier of information, media and marketing services to the sports industry said:

”Sport, hosting nations and cities and travel and tourism have come together very powerfully in recent years. You only have to look at the coverage of Brazil’s 2016 Olympic win to see that interest is at an all time high. WSDE will be the first dedicated business forum for destinations to secure the tourism benefits of hosting sporting events and to maximise the potential of future hosting bids.”

WSDE is fully endorsed by the leading authorities in sport and travel and tourism and the key buyers and tour operators are all excited about the event that the industry has been crying out for. Nathan Wilson, Managing Director, Thomson Sport said: "We are looking forward to attending WSDE to conduct new business, to add to our growing portfolio and to forge new long-term business relationships with all the destinations exhibiting. This unique ground breaking event will allow us to do this all under one roof."

With 10,000 sqm of exhibition space, WSDE promises to be the most important sport tourism event that has ever been staged and will be one of the critical exhibitions in the travel and tourism calendar.

Paulo Senise, Executive Director, Rio C & VB said: “It was vital that Rio de Janeiro secured a large presence at WSDE. We are hugely looking forward to the unrivalled promotional platform that WSDE will provide our great city and the opportunity to show to the world that Rio means business.”

Participation in World Sport Destination Expo is therefore vital to those companies involved in the sport tourism market-place, and those serious in assuming a market share of the industry’s fastest growing and most dynamic sector.

If you represent a destination eager to win the rights to host major sporting events, if you are a region or resort offering sporting facilities, if you are a purchaser of sport tourism, or a member of the international sports media, I urge you to participate in this must attend global event." said Gianna Merlo, President of the renowned International Sports Press Association.

For more information visit: www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com

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World Sport Destination Expo is the world’s first exhibition and conference dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry.

The world’s leading sporting destinations, bidding nations and cities, resorts and hotels, sporting bid committees, tour and event organisers, international media and elite buyers will for the very first time convene to conduct future business, source new contacts and markets and gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of industry leaders and figure-heads.

Fully endorsed by the leading authorities in sport and travel and tourism and uniquely co-located alongside the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the landmark 5 day exhibition and conference programme will showcase the most rapidly growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry. At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, sport tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade.

50,000 visitors are expected to attend this ground-breaking event on the 5-9 July 2010 as the sport tourism industry congregates in Johannesburg ahead of the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Participation in World Sport Destination Expo is critical to those companies involved in the sport tourism market-place, and those serious in assuming a market share of the industr y’s fastest growing and most dynamic sector.

To exhibit go to www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com/exhibiting To visit go to www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com/visiting For more information contact info@worldsportdestinationexpo.com

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If you represent a destination eager to win the rights to host major sporting events, if you are a region or resort offering sporting facilities, if you are a purchaser of sport tourism, or a member of the international sports media, I urge you to participate in this must attend global event.”

Gianni Merlo, President, International Sports Press Association

We are looking forward to attending WSDE to conduct new business, to add to our growing portfolio and to forge new long-term business relationships with all the destinations exhibiting.This unique ground breaking event will allow us to do this all under one roof!”

Nathan Wilson, Managing Director,Thomson Sport

It was vital that Rio de Janeiro secured a large presence at WSDE. We are hugely looking forward to the unrivalled promotional platform that WSDE will provide our great city and the opportunity to show to the world that Rio means business.”

Paulo Senise, Executive Director, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau

As host of the up-coming Winter Olympics, we appreciate the value of sport tourism and event hosting, which has been identified by World Sport Destination Expo. Hosting major sporting events shine the global spotlight on your country and will provide invaluable legacies in terms of economic, tourism, community and sport development. As well, the tremendous spirit of volunteerism and crosscultural understanding that comes with hosting the world is incalculable and will benefit your country for years to come. British Columbia has certainly experienced the benefits of hosting major events. In 2008 Vancouver was declared the top Sport City for event hosting in North America and 5th best in the World.”

Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia

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Sport, hosting nations and cities and travel and tourism have come together very powerfully in recent years. You only have to look at the coverage of Brazil’s 2016 Olympic win to see that interest is at an all time high. WSDE will be the first dedicated business forum for destinations to secure the tourism benefits of hosting sporting events and to maximise the potential of future hosting bids.”

Phil Savage, Publishing Director, SportBusiness Group

WSDE will change the landscape of the sport tourism industry. By bringing together all the key stake-holders of sport tourism products and services around the world, WSDE is set to become one of the most important international events in the travel and tourism calendar and we are privileged to be the inaugural hosts.”

Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City

Do not miss out on the sport tourism event of the decade

www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com Partners

Destination Profile: South Africa 2010 The Greatest Show on Earth!

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be like no other World Cup in history. For the first time the greatest event in football, the most widely-followed sporting extravaganza on the planet, is breaking new ground in Africa – more specifically, South Africa.

Anticipation in the Rainbow Nation is reaching fever pitch reports Keir Radnedge, Editor, SportsFeatures.com

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This is an exciting and dramatic era for the land of the Rainbow Nation which has made such enormous strides forward in such a short time since the historic day when Nelson Mandela walked free on February 11, 1990 and began the most challenging process of unification.

South Africa will welcome the world with a song and dance and the unique chorus of the vuvuzelas horns which invest the land’s football with an atmosphere like that at no other sporting festival.

The finals are being staged in 10 venues in nine cities spread out among around some of the furthest points of South Africa’s geographical and social compass.

South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north and by Mozambique and Swaziland to the east while Lesotho is an independent country within the country’s land area.

Naturally, national and local authorities in South Africa hope that many of the football visitors will take time out or extend their stays to explore tourist attractions ranging from the southern coastline to the Kruger National Park.

Promoting the country is, after all, one of the reasons such immense effort has been put into bringing the World Cup to Africa for the first time.

Inevitably the footballing focus will be on the Johannesburg-Pretoria axis. Johannesburg is not only South Africa’s largest city and the provincial capital of the wealthiest province Gauteng but the only one with two stadia. The rebuilt, rebaptised Soccer City will host the Opening Game and the Final; Ellis Park hosted the historic Rugby World Cup Final in 1995 and the 2009 Confederations Cup decider.

As well as hosting a total of 15 FIFA World Cup matches including the opening and final matches Johannesburg will be the world’s business and media hub for the 4 weeks of the World Cup. The opening and closing ceremonies will be in Joburg as well as the headquarters of FIFA and the Local Organising Committee. It will house the International Broadcast Centre, accommodate 22,000 international media and it will be the transport hub for the event. It

has two FIFA World Cup stadiums, numerous official training venues, and is the base for overflow fans from at least four other venues.

Significant sport business will take place as international sporting federations, bidding nations, sport tourism destinations and sponsors all bid for the high ground through major promotional campaigns in the city.

The inaugural World Sport Destination Expo – the world’s first exhibition and conference dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry - has been purposely scheduled to take place in the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at a time when Joburg will be the world’s sport tourism capital.

Other venues, such as Rustenburg and Nelspruit and Polokwane are within striking distance to the north by car or bus.

Nelspruit is the capital of the Mpumalanga province, formerly Eastern Transvaal, on the Crocodile River. It’s also a main stopover point for tourists travelling to the Kruger National Park and to Mozambique.

Fans intending also to take in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in the south will need to study the flight schedules given the lack of European-style inter-city trains.

Cape Town is South Africa’s legislative capital, its second largest city, capital of Western Cape and the country’s most popular tourism destination. Table Mountain providing a spectacular backdrop to the new Greenpoint Stadium.

Along the coast Port Elizabeth sells itself to tourists as the country’s watersport capital. Heading up across to the east of the country takes in Durban, the busiest port in Africa and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban was also where the World Cup qualifying draw was held in December 2007 – and thus the starting point for the active footballing odyssey.

For all the sports fans travelling to South Africa for FIFA 2010, world cup updates, weather, events, restaurants and accommodation can be accessed easily using the latest mobile phone technology. . The mobile travel guide service, provided by city.mobi, includes joburg.city.mobi, durban.city.mobi, capetown.mobi, pretoria.mobi, rustenburg.city.mobi, nelspruit.city.mobi, polokwane.city.mobi, portelizabeth.city.mobi, and bloemfontein.mobi. city.mobi www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com

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South Africa will welcome the world with a song and dance and the unique chorus of the vuvuzelas horns which invest the land’s football with an atmosphere like that at no other sporting festival.

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A Year in Cruise

The cruise market is showing some green shoots after a turbulent year, whilst the arrival of Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest vessel, and Silversea’s Silver Spirit, arguably the most luxurious, will make the coming year an exciting one for the industry.

The cruise sector, particularly at the luxury end, has been severely affected by the downturn in the economy.

The key phrase being employed by the operators is “added value”, and this might extend to free flights, upgrades or even in some cases buy one business flight and get one free.

It also means fixed exchange rates on board (fixed at a time when the exchange rate was two dollars to the pound), free shore excursions, money off published fares and in some cases, if the price drops after you have paid, the line will refund you the difference.

And any cruise specialist will confirm: booking times – which were once anything up to 18 months out – have shortened to an average of six months or less.

Add into this mix the fact that capacity will be reaching an all-time high in the next few years, with 39 new ships on order through to 2012.

This includes ten arriving this year, including the largest ever built Oasis of the Seas; and arguably the most luxurious, Silversea’s Silver Spirit – and we have a situation where supply is significantly out of proportion with demand.

The situation is almost unprecedented: post September 11th is the nearest equivalent, but back then the market quickly recovered.

The market downturn is most stark when you look at share prices: Royal Caribbean International was

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trading at $54 a year ago; this dropped to $6 in February. It has rallied since, to settle at $24, but it has recorded two consecutive quarters of losses this year.

Last year’s second-quarter profit of $85 million reversed to a $35 million loss this year.

Although Royal Caribbean said it had seen “stable bookings” in most source markets and even had to increase prices for some peak sailings, it said trading remained difficult.

RCI continues to invest, however. At Central America Travel Market in October, Honduras Tourism Minister Ricardo Martinez, confirmed that the group were pressing ahead with a $15m project to expand the cruise terminal on the island of Roatan.

RCI is also about to launch Oasis of the Seas, into a saturated market. The mega-ship can carry 5,400 passengers and 2,000 staff.

The recession has led to companies calling a halt to more orders so growth is likely to slow between 20122014, but it is expected to pick up after that to hit 30 million cruise sales soon after 2021.

A combination of the cost of fuel and flying led to the closure of mid-market brand Ocean Village by owners Carnival UK at the end of its current season.

The mid-market brand was aimed at people who don’t cruise, which may well have been its problem.

Most experts agree that the sector will not improve significantly until late 2010 at the earliest. Yet despite all this turmoil, almost all passengers still like to book through a cruise specialist (83%).

Some lines are marketing more heavily to their repeat passengers, thus repeats grew sharply to 68% in 2008, the highest since 2000.

However, although this year may have temporarily paused cruise’s growth, the long-term health of the industry is good.

The Passenger Shipping Association’s annual cruise report paints a picture of an industry that continues to grow and expand into different demographics.

Director Bill Gibbons said earlier this year: “The world of today is a very different one from that of 12 months ago. Although the cruise industry is not recession proof it is better placed than many other travel sectors to weather the economic storm.

“However, with no new UK dedicated capacity planned for this year, we expect to see similar passenger numbers in 2009 as we did in 2008.

“Further growth is expected next year with a number of new ship launches, including Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura, all dedicated to the UK market.”

The headline figures from the report found that the UK was the star performer.

Passenger numbers rose by 11% and approached a record 1.5 million for 2008, accounting for 33% of the European market.

One in every 12 package holidays sold in the UK is now a cruise – it was less than half of that 10 years ago.

The average length of cruise taken has also increased, from 9.7 to 10.4 nights.

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The Passenger Shipping Association’s annual cruise report paints a picture of an industry that continues to grow and expand into different demographics.”

In fact, a record number of cruise lines, ships and passengers visited UK ports this year.

Lines including MSC, NCL, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all increased the number of British port departures, contributing to an extra 110,000 passengers beginning their cruise in 2008.

At this year’s Travel Convention, in Barcelona, a report revealed that early cruise bookings for 2010 were a healthy 29% higher than this time last year.

A record number of UK holidaymakers will take a cruise in 2009, according to statistics released at the Travel Convention by the Passenger Shipping Association.

The total number of British cruiser passengers is on track to rise to 1.55 million this year, a 5% increase on 2008.

Sarah Smalley, managing director of GfK Ascent-MI, which collates cruise data, described the growth in the

cruise market as “staggering” compared with the rest of the industry.

On the world stage, global cruise sales are estimated at 17 million ocean cruises sold in 2008, a 4% increase.

The largest cruise market, North America, did see a 1.5% drop in passenger numbers to 150,000, but this was offset by a 10% increase in European cruisers to 400,000, which approached a record 4.5 million in 2008.

The European cruise sector has also overtaken North America in terms of the economic benefits it generates. In 2007 it generated 29 billion euros compared to the US’s 28 billion.

Germany also showed strong growth in second place with 21% of the market and 907,000 passengers – a 19% increase on 2007. Italy, the third largest cruise market in Europe, saw a 6% increase to 682,000

passengers.

Dubai is also starting to establish itself in the cruise market, which will provide a boost to the industry next year.

At Seatrade Europe in September, which more than 3,000 people attended, the emirate revealed details of a new passenger terminal scheduled to open in January 2010.

The new terminal spans an area of 3,450 square metres and is designed to handle more than three to four ships simultaneously.

It is predicted that 260,817 cruise tourists will visit the emirate during 2009; nearly a 25 per cent increase on last year.

In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 ships with more than 383,000 passengers.

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Sustainable Travel Although the environment has been overshadowed somewhat by the recession, the travel industry made a significant step forward to a sustainable future this year.

Leading travel companies pledged to protect the environment amongst a number of other sustainability commitments at the Travel Convention in October.

Founding partners Abta, British Airways, Carnival UK, The Co-operative Travel, The Travel Foundation, Thomas Cook and TUI Travel have, with Advantage Travel Centres and Sunvil Holidays, committed themselves to creating an industry which benefits people and the environment by 2023.

The initiative, known as Tourism 2023, has six principles: protecting the environment; developing employees; providing customers with mainstream sustainable products; ensuring destinations benefit from tourism; innovating to create sustainable transport and resorts; and developing a business which is environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.

For example, in the Gambia and Tobago, the Travel Foundation has helped local farmers to gain vital income from the sale of produce to hotels. The initiative now supplies many of the hotels in the main resorts, and is reviving farming skills, reducing the need for imports and helping the environment as a result.

The Tourism 2023 initiative is being co-ordinated by

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Forum for the Future and Defra. The partners hope that the project will also lead to action within the wider UK outbound industry to tackle the challenges it faces.

BA was also the driving force in a surprising move by the airline industry earlier this year, which pledged to cut their CO2 emissions in half by 2050.

The move was seen as a pre-emptive strike against the green lobby which has been clamouring for airlines to slash their emissions despite the sector contributing to just 1.6% of global CO2 emissions annually.

However, the knock-on effect will mean higher fares, which are predicted could rise by as much as E40 on a long-haul return flight and E9 on short haul flights.

The 50% reduction on 2005 emission levels goes far beyond the UK government’s target of keeping emissions at 2005 levels.

The proposals, which were agreed between airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers and agreed by industry body IATA, also include: a pledge to make all industry growth carbon neutral by 2020; to cut CO2 emissions by 1.5% per year over the next 10 years; and submit plans for joining a global carbon trading scheme to the UN by November next year.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways made the first move in this direction by completing the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.

The flight from Gatwick to Doha on an Airbus A340600 used a 50-50 blend of synthetic Gas to Liquids (GTL) kerosene and conventional oil-based kerosene fuel.

The fuel, used as an alternative to conventional oilbased kerosene, burns with lower sulphur dioxide and particulate emissions than pure conventional oil-based kerosene, thus improving local air quality at busy airports.

Meanwhile, environmental tour operator responsibletravel.com removed its carbon offset calculator from its website and replaced it with a new advice page, more than 200 UK holidays, a train booking function and a list of operators who have gone out of their way to reduce their carbon footprint.

Managing director Justin Francis said: “We believe the travel industry’s priority must be to reduce carbon emissions, rather than to offset.”

Responsibletravel.com was one of the first travel organisations to feature a carbon calculator.

Grand Tour 2009 North & Central America Mexico digs deep to glitter at World Travel Awards

John Anthony, President, Anthony Travel, North America's Leading Travel Agency

Cozumel, Europcar, Anthony Travel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Mexicana were among the names of travel and tourism bodies which triumphed at the World Travel Awards North and Central America regional ceremony on 21 September 2009.

The ceremony, which was staged in the amazing Hacienda Tres Rios in Mexico, attracted senior management and decision makes from across the region.

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the Oscar’ of the global travel and tourism industry, unveiled who were the best of the best in the region.

In the North American categories, American Airlines won North America’s Leading Airline. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts scooped four awards including Canada’s Leading Golf Resort, Canada’s Leading Ski Resort, Canada’s Leading Business Hotel and North America’s Leading Golf Resort.

The Leading Hotel Brand for North America went to Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and North America’s Leading Destination went to Miami.

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In the Central America categories, Mexicana triumphed as Central America’s Leading Airline, while Parador Boutique Resort & Spa picked up Central America’s Leading Hotel award. Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau picked up Central America’s Leading Destination award.

More than 500 travel organisations were nominated in the ceremony, held in partnership with Hacienda Tres Rios, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, Yucatan Holidays, Yucatan Travel, RCI and Vive Mexico.

Senior management and decision makers of America’s travel and tourism industry came together to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.

Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards commented: “The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn

and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide.

“Today’s winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.”

Cooke said: “This year’s winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence.”

The full list of winners for the World Travel Awards North and Central Americas can be found by logging on to www.worldtravelawards.com.

Sarah Latife, Minister of Tourism State of Quintana Roo, bottom middle

“

We take great pride in this prestigious award and will promote this award through all of our materials throughout the next year.

“

John Anthony, President and CEO, Anthony Travel, Inc

Jesus Almaguer, Director General, CEO, Cancun Centre; Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards; Orlando Arroyo, CEO, Hacienda Tres Rios; Erika Garcia, CEO, Yucatan Holidays

worldtravelawards.com

At Regency Travel & Tours, we understand the importance of your trip, whether it is business or leisure. Our expert travel professionals are proactive enough to understand your requirements and offer appropriate travel solutions.

www.regencyholidays.com Branches

Al Asmakh Street Tel: 4315007/4315008 Fax: 4315005

Industrial Area Tel: 4604953/4604950 Fax: 4604938

E-mail: tours@regencyholidays.com Masaieed Tel: 4771900/4771988 Fax: 4772014

General Post Office Tel: 4831486 Fax: 4831480

Lulu Hypermarket Tel: 4550851 Fax: 4672141

Al Asmakh Centerpoint Mall Tel: 4325381 Fax: 4364340

Al-Rayyan Tel: 4820675 Fax: 4806036

Al Wakra Tel: 4647068/4647725 Fax: 4641145

Gharrafa Tel: 4869610 Fax: 4118955

Ras Laffan Tel: 4748836 Fax: 4748838

A Year in Ski Ski industry braced for a chilly winter The outlook for skiing in 2009/10 remains uncertain for skiers and the ski business alike. Despite last season’s excellent snow conditions, the feelgood factor has yet to transfer to the forthcoming season, and operators are bracing themselves for a tough season.

Deep powder in New England

Panic over the health of the global economy gave skiers more immediate things to worry about than booking holidays to the Alps. In the peak period for booking ski holidays, from September to November, consumers held back on discretionary purchases.

According to the annual Ski Industry Report compiled by the UK's largest winter sports operator, Crystal, the ski market fell by 13.3% across all sectors last season despite good early sales and excellent snow conditions.

The fall follows seven successive years of growth and reduces the number of UK skiers travelling from more than 1.22m in 2007/8 to just over 1m in 2008/9.

The decline in numbers is due to some skiers giving the season a miss due to the economic climate and others taking just one trip where they might previously take two or more.

Some encouragement comes from the schools market which remained stable with more than 140,000 junior skiers taking to the slopes and memories of last season’s great snow will have whet the appetite of many skiers to return.

The independent travel sector was down by 15% to 327,000 skiers with some low-cost carriers reducing their flight capacity to ski destinations. The tour operator sector also saw their number decreasing by 15% to 597,000 skiers, partly due to fewer multiple trips, fewer new skiers and a shorter ski season.

France continues to be the most popular country

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despite seeing a slight decline of 0.5%, taking 37.0% share of holidaymakers last season. Switzerland, which benefits from higher resorts than its neighbour France, shows a steady share of 6%.

Austria and Italy increased market share by 1.8% and 1.1% respectively. Bulgaria also saw a small increase to 3.2% and the small countries sector grew by 0.5% reflecting the rise in popularity of Slovenia.

Despite good snowfalls, North America’s share dropped by 1.4% due to the collapse of Zoom, other airlines reducing seat capacity and many skiers opting for better value European resorts.

The Andorran ski resorts saw a further decline in visitors from a 2% fall last season to 5% which is attributed to its continuing attempt to reposition itself

from a budget to quality destination. It also suffered from end of season capacity reductions from most operators.

The 2009/10 season undoubtedly poses serious challenges for an industry that is impacted by the effects of the recession, exchange rate pressures, high fuel costs and high fixed costs for ski holiday companies.

The Crystal Ski Industry Report finds strong evidence of chalet companies significantly reducing the numbers of properties for next winter leading to fewer holidays on offer.

It predicts that next season skiers will become increasingly price-sensitive which will contribute to a reversal of recent trends which saw a growth in independent travel.

Large-scale operators could re-gain some of the ground lost to DIY travellers if they are able to use their buying-power to get lower prices and pass these onto consumers as attractive packages.

There is also an expectation that many large operators will cut capacity and consumers will see fewer ‘last minute bargains’ than in previous years.

Some low-cost airlines are expected to reduce their flights to ski relevant destinations, which could have an impact on the independent sector. There remains speculation around further industry consolidation in the year ahead.

Crystal’s MD Mathew Prior said: “Winter 08/09 was a difficult year for the ski industry and 09/10 poses challenges for us all. Creating transparently good value deals I see as the key to ensuring that as many as possible return to the slopes this coming season.”

Young skiers in Åre, Sweden

We couldn’t have done it

without

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali thanks our guests for voting us

Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort in the World Travel Awards 2009

you...

One destination,

a world of distinction

Bali’s most breath-taking sanctuary with 78 private villas and a 290-room hotel

on 77 hectares of cliff-top land over Jimbaran Bay

Escape a world of rich cultural heritage, omnipresent in the architecture, decor, and most of all, the warm hospitality and daily rituals of your hosts.

Explore the 1.3 kilometer coastline with secluded white-sand beach, oceanfront pools, golf-putting course, and secret gardens.

Savor a different dining experience every day, at 13 venues including the new Rock Bar perched on rocks directly over the ocean.

Rejuvenate in Thalasso healing and Balinese therapies at Thermes Marins Bali Spa, Aquatonic Pool and Spa on the Rocks.

Each day offers new discovery.

Don’t take our word for it; take theirs.

Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bali 80361 T.+62 361-702222 | F. +62 361-701555 www.ayanaresort.com

At Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2009, as voted by you, think cool contemporary uniquely styled accommodation, king sized beds, crisp linens, superlight goose-down summer duvets and seven choice pillow menu. The award winning Santorini Grace overlooks the Caldera at Imerovigli, capturing the very essence of Santorini’s magic, and from its private terraces and plunge pools, the spellbinding sunsets.

Consistently successful sister hotel Mykonos Grace also defines the Grace ethos with its subtle contemporary chic.

Kea Grace and Residences debuts in 2011 and more Grace hospitality is on the international horizon!

A Santorini Grace deluxe suite

www.gracehotelsgroup.com

SANTORINI GRACE

“Thank you for your votes!”

Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel

Santorini Grace infinity pool at sunset

www.santorinigrace.com email res@santorinigrace.com tel +30 22 860 21300

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Tradition in Action

Celebrate the winning spirit of the Commonwealth Games in India.

OCTOBER 3-14, 2010

How to Enter 2010 The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the achievements of the brightest players in the global travel and tourism industry.

If you think your organisation stands in a class of its own then visit worldtravelawards.com for an online entry form.

Self nomination for 2010 opens 11 January.

worldtravelawards.com

Mauritius. So much more than perfect beaches.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for more than just miles of beautiful unspoiled, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is for you. Trek in the lush interior with its majestic mountains, pristine forests and breathtaking waterfalls, tee off on one our award winning golf courses or take to the air kite surfing. Explore the colourful markets for designer fashions and exquisite jewellery or simply relax and be pampered in a luxurious spa at one of our world-class hotels. You will be charmed by the warmth of our welcome and delighted by our unrivalled levels of service that brings visitors back year after year.

C â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;e s t u n p l a i s ir

For a brochure or more information call the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on Tel 020 7902 2955, email mtpa@bgb.co.uk or visit www.mauritiustourism.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oscars of the Travel Industryâ&#x20AC;?

Wall Street Journal

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010 Our events are attended by the top-level decision makers - more than 70 percent of our attendees are Director level or above.

Our events are the perfect platform to gain your brand top-level exposure.

Our events are famed for the great networking opportunities.

For more information and to book tickets please email: booking@worldtravelawards.com

worldtravelawards.com

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