August 2019 Volume V Issue II Pages 32

ONE DESTINATION, SEVERAL WONDERSSOUTH KOREA

Trade

PUBLISHER & CEO Varun Malhotra varun@versatilemedia.in

DIRECTOR Pranav Khullar pranav@versatilemedia.in

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gagneet Kaur

ASST. EDITOR Sayanti Halder

REPORTERKritika Dua

REPORTER & MARKETING ANALYST Lokesh Tuli

AGM SALES & MARKETING (MUMBAI) Aarti Rajkhewa

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP MANAGERNitika Bisht

CONSULTANT Anindya Malhotra, Jitin Mann

DESIGNER Shivnath

ACCOUNTS Saroj Thakur

ADMIN HEAD

R Prem Lata

EXECUTIVE-CIRCULATION Hari Puri, Raja Rari

Head Office:TravelScapes Middle EastF.Z.E.,SM-Office- A1-303F

Versatile Media- 207, Satya Mansion, Commercial Complex, Ranjeet Nagar, New Delhi-110008Contact: 011-45530380/83 varun@versatilemedia.in, web: www.travelscapesonline.com

All information in TravelScapes is derived from sources we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract or interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s)without prior permis-sion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisement Code. The publisher will not be liable for any loss caused by any delay in publication, error or failure of advertisement to appear.

Owner and published by: Varun Malhotra, Publisher, Editor, 207, Satya Mansion, Commercial Complex, Ranjeet Nagar, New Delhi-110008 and printed on his behalf at Acme Tradex India Pvt Ltd, B70, Sector 80, Phase II, Noida.

ContentsSPECIAL FEATURE ........................6HALAL TOURISM BRANCHING OUTOpportunities abound in the Islamic travel market

The Islamic travel market is one of the rapidly-evolving sectors of the travel industry. Various outbound destinations are geared up to join the list of vacation spots favoured by Muslim travellers ticking all the relevant boxes from picturesque locales to the availability of halal food; tour guides that can seamlessly weave prayer breaks into itineraries, hotels and resorts that offer privacy and mosques. We converse with some of the representatives of the promising NTOs and foreign destination markets who unveil the measures they are undertaking to position their country among the promising Halal-friendly family destinations

AROUND THE WORLD ................14SOUTH KOREAOne destination, several wonders

REGULARS

Trade ........................................... 4Hospitality ................................. 12Aviation ..................................... 18What’s On .................................. 22Appointments ........................... 30

Dear readers,

For our August issue, we enter into the world of halal tourism. It is no surprise that the Muslim travel market has enjoyed unparalleled growth over the last decade and this market’s value is touted to increase to USD 243 billion by 2021 with an annual 8.3 per cent growth. The concept of Muslim-friendly tourism is gaining traction in several countries around the world. Following which there’s all-out effort and roadmap designed by these countries aiming at promoting their Muslim-friendly offerings beyond halal meals and prayer facilities. Recognising that, in this issue, we spoke with the representatives of the National Tourist Organisations (NTO) and foreign destination markets to comprehend how equipped are they with the required tools to service Muslim travellers.

A company with diverse hospitality portfolio, Carlton Hotel Management Group’s four-star property Carlton Downtown Hotel offers awe-inspiring views and exceptional service. The Bleisure

hotel is situated in the nucleus of Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s bustling hub. We give our readers more than a few reasons to consider Carlton Downtown as an exceptional accomodation option on their next trip to Dubai.

Furthermore, carrying the torch of Halal tourism ahead, we have handpicked the magnetically appealing locations for sightseeing in South Korea besides accumulating their halal offerings and amenities. All of which will make the Muslim travellers' journey in South Korea splendid and seamless. It is easy to get lost in the enthralling views and vibrant culture of South Korea. There is something invigorating about peeling out the layers of experiences and adventures that awaits one in this in East Asian country.

This issue brings news and reports about trade, special features on hospitality, aviation, outbound market and technology and the latest in tourism in the Middle East.

We value your feedback and suggestions so please do write to us on varun@versatilemedia.in.

Happy Reading!

REPORT .........................................17ASIA RANKS AS THE PREFERRED DESTINATION For GCC travellers followed by Europe

HOTEL FEATURE ..........................24CARLTON DOWNTOWN HOTELA beguiling medley of style and spaceSoak in the breathtaking sights of city’s magnificent skyline while relishing every moment of stay at Carlton Downtown Hotel hat’s the bastion of amiable hospitality and affordable luxury

4 August 2019

UPDATETrade

Hamburg woos GCC families with new digital experiences

UAE to see significant rise in tourist traffic from China

Turkey sees significant rise in tourist traffic from QatarTurkey's popularity as a tourist

destination for Qatari nationals continues to rise, with the country welcoming a total of 30,160 Qataris within the first four months of the year, up 14.09 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, new data showed.

Figures released by the Turkish Cultural and Tourism Office in Dubai showed that 12,766 Qatari nationals travelled to Turkey during the month of April, representing a 101.77 per cent increase when compared to April last year.

As of now, a total of 66 flights depart from Qatar for several destinations across Turkey each week.

“We are delighted to see Turkey climb to one of the most popular tourist destinations for Qatari as well as other Gulf nationals. Visitors from neighbouring nations have always played a significant role in driving economic growth within Turkey by boosting its tourism sector,” commented Salih Ozer, Attaché of Culture and Information, Turkey.

Over 8,735,200 tourists from around the world flew into Turkey in April, representing a 24 per cent increase in comparison to April last year. The largest influx of tourists into Turkey in the first four months of 2019 has been from Germany at just over 803,480 visitors, followed by Bulgaria and Russia.

Turkey’s Mediterranean province of Antalya also recently broke its record for the number of tourists arriving by air on a single day — 85,205 visitors flew into the city on June 8. Inbound tourist traffic per month also rose by 17 per cent in June with 570,422 visitors to the city.

So far, 3,870,211 tourists have visited Antalya this year, an 18 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year.

The Attaché added, “Turkey has a lot to offer tourists, from an adventurous holiday at the shores of the Black Sea to a relaxing vacation on Mediterranean beaches, from historic sites to iconic attractions, to plenty of exclusive shopping.

Known for its exclusive maritime flair, the elegant harbour city of Hamburg

in Northern Germany continues to woo visitors with an increasing number of new interactive and digital experiences, adding more exciting tourist attractions for young and old to the Hanseatic city.

Attractions include everything from the brand new ‘Discovery Dock’ with high-tech VR technology to the ‘Big Break Hamburg’ featuring an escape room and time travel mystery games. ‘Märchenwelten’, the German word for ‘World of fairy tales’ includes interactive entertainment revolving around Grimm’s fairy tales while the chocolate-making museum ‘Chocoversum’, is a must-see. Another treat for visitors is the ‘Miniatur Wunderland’ which features the world's biggest model railway – summer holidays in Hamburg promise to be fun-filled for the entire family.

Accommodating every taste with an extraordinarily diverse selection of must-

see attractions, paired with great shopping facilities, and luxurious hotel offerings, Germany’s second biggest city is the perfect travel destination for the summer. Visitors can explore the Hanseatic charm on the banks of the ‘Elbe River’, enjoy panoramic views of the world’s largest cruise ships and stroll along the beautiful ‘Alster Lakes’ in the city centre.

Hamburg also boasts an abundance of nature and green areas and has enjoyed growing popularity among GCC travellers. The Hanseatic city ranks as one of the most frequented German destinations by GCC tourists with 82,520 overnight stays from Gulf nationals in 2018.

While it is an attractive tourism destination, it is also a dynamic start-up hub with dynamic accelerator programmes and business incubators, which have created a hotbed for the latest new high-tech digital experiences Hamburg has added to its tourism portfolio.

The number of Chinese tourists travelling to the GCC is expected to rise by 81 per cent, from 1.6 million in

2018 to 2.9 million in 2022, with a significant percentage choosing UAE and Dubai as their preferred holiday destination, according to the latest data compiled by Expedia Group.

Data from the second quarter of 2019 revealed that while travellers from the US, UK and France topped the list for overall demand into the country, travellers from China showed a robust 220 per cent year-on-year growth in package demand compared to the same period last year, making up more than five per cent share of total package demand.

Other countries that showed strong growth in package demand were the US (up 30 per cent growth year-on-year) Germany (almost 15 per cent growth year-on-year) and France (almost 20 per cent growth year-on-year).

According to DCTCM, Dubai welcomed more than 290,000 Chinese visitors in the first three months of the year. Figures released after this year’s Arabian Travel Market (held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1) , have revealed that this year Dubai saw a 106 per cent increase in visitors from China and a 20 per cent increase in international visitors to the event.

Factors contributing to this significant increase could be the result of initiatives the Dubai government is taking to boost tourism in the country. The private and public sector collaboration on activities such as city-wide Chinese New Year celebrations, upskilling teams to be better able to cater to Chinese travellers’ requests, visa on arrival initiative for Chinese visitors, development of the Dubai Tourism China mark and continued work with stakeholders and travel partners are just some of the undertakings by the Dubai Tourism Department over the past few years which has contributed to Dubai’s success in the tourism market.

6 August 2019

UPDATETrade

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced that

the emirate will be hosting the World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 on October 2, bringing together key industry leaders to discuss the core issues facing the region’s travel and tourism sector.

The forum will be organised for the first time in the region and held at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center - Ras Al Khaimah.

Bringing together government agencies, industry associations, CEOs and senior leaders of the top travel and tourism companies, experts, and media from across the region, the WTTC Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum will delve into contemporary issues facing the sector and discuss growth opportunities to advance the regional agenda. The one-day forum will engage 150-200 leaders keynotes and panel discussions focusing on key themes, including: challenges and investment opportunities; job creation and skill development; climate and environment action and digital disruption.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “We are

pleased to be hosting the inaugural edition of the WTTC Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum in Ras Al Khaimah and introducing our beautiful destination to key leaders and delegates from the travel and tourism industry in the region. Tourism is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important economic sectors and is considered a key engine for continued GDP growth and job creation in the UAE. The opportunity to host this prestigious industry forum comes at a pivotal time as we aim to fuel a sustainable tourism-driven economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as guided by our current Destination Strategy 2019 to 2021.”

Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont joins Amadeus Gulf as new MD

RAK to host region's first WTTC Leaders Forum

Star Alliance, NEC to develop biometric data recognition tech

Star Alliance and NEC Corporation have signed a partnership agreement to

develop a biometric data-based identification platform that will significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyer programme customers of Star Alliance member airlines.

The interoperable platform advances the Star Alliance and NEC strategic vision of delivering a seamless customer journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within the travel ecosystem.

Once implemented, Star Alliance customers who opt-in to biometrics will have a seamless and handsfree passenger experience, allowing them to pass through curb-to-gate touch points within airports, such as check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates, which traditionally require both a passport and boarding pass, by using a secure identity management solution featuring facial recognition technology.

Jeffrey Goh, CEO Star Alliance said, "In NEC, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of a seamless

travel experience for air travellers. At Star Alliance, we are committed to making the customer journey better, and this strategic partnership with NEC will help us make the way from curb to gate to aircraft a much simpler, yet innovative experience for our customers."

Star Alliance and NEC aim to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.

Amadeus Gulf has appointed Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont as

its new Managing Director, effective September 2. He replaces Graham Nichols, who is retiring after seven years in the role of Managing Director.

Beaumont comes with over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, his latest role being associate director, MEA Partner Markets and Retail Operations based in the MEA Amadeus regional office in Dubai. Previously he held senior roles in Asia-Pacific and Europe with Amadeus. Beaumont has a wide knowledge of the industry and is well versed in many of the global trends related to content, NDC and online travel, so he will be able to quickly support customers and guide the team.

“I am delighted to welcome Ernesto into his new position and I look forward to working closely with him as we further develop the Amadeus Gulf business”, said Vijay Bathija, Chairman, Amadeus Gulf, Board of Directors. “I also wish to thank Graham on behalf of the Board for growing the business successfully over these years and building a great customer-focused team as the industry changes rapidly.”

Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont

Taiwan is nature at its best! Unspoiled beaches, cherry blossoms and stunning valleys...

“Taiwan is an astounding country of beauty, culture, beaches, coastal scenery, historic shrines where you can explore buzzing urban city life, shop till you drop, eat amazing food or relax in natural hot springs”

LuxuriantNaturalUndiscovered

Taiwan!

رفاهيةطبيعية

غير مكتشفة بعد.إنها تايوان

إن تايوان هي عنوان للطبيعة في أبهى حلة! شواطئ لم يمسها أي خلل، كرز مزدهر

وأودية رائعة.“إن تايوان بلد جمالها أخاذ، كذلك شواطئها، ومناظرها الساحلية، ومزاراتها التاريخية.

في تايوان يمكنك استكشاف حياة حضارية سريعة ومشغولة، ويمكنك التسوق حتىالتعب، وتناول مأكوالت مذهلة أو االسترخاء في الينابيع الطبيعية الحارة.”

www.taiwan.net.tws.zaidi@ttbrep.ae @ ttbmiddleeast

Eastbound tourism LLCTaiwan Tourism Bureau, Representative Office in Middle East & Turkey: Near Burj Khalifa, P.O. Box 114551, Dubai, UAE

Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Singapore Office: 30 Raffles Place, Cheveron House #10-01, Singapore 048622

For any enquires or further information for Taiwan Tourism, please contact

TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU, REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN UAE:Wafi Mall, 3rd Floor, PO Box 114100, Dubai, UAE

Email: farisj@vfsglobal.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ttbmiddleeast

8 August 2019

The Islamic travel market is one of the rapidly-evolving sectors of the travel industry. Various outbound destinations are geared up to join the list of vacation spots favoured by Muslim travellers ticking off all the relevant boxes from picturesque locales to the availability of halal food; tour guides that can seamlessly weave prayer breaks into itineraries, hotels and resorts that offer privacy and mosques. We converse with the representatives of the promising NTOs and foreign destination markets who unveil the measures they are undertaking to position their country among the promising Halal-friendly family destinations

By Kritika Dua

Asia ranks as the preferred destination Asia ranks as the preferred destination

Halal tourism branching out

Halal tourism is reshaping the global tourism industry. Statistical data shows that the value

of the Muslim market worldwide stood at USD 2.3 trillion. With an estimated growth of up to 20 per cent per year, this global halal industry has become a rapidly growing consumer segment in the world. Halal products have penetrated the service industry, such as financing, logistics, tourism, marketing, travel agents and mass media. The Muslim market share is very large, accounting around 1.8 billion people. Targeting this lucrative segment, numerous outbound destinations such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, Turkey and Malaysia, have introduced campaigns, programs and activities to attract the attention of the travellers seeking to explore halal-friendly destinations. Moving beyond the necessities such as prayer facilities, halal-certified hotels and restaurants, these destinations also have educational tourist programs. They are also armed with relevant information on Halal-friendly amenities on their websites and social media channels to better address these traveller’s prerequisites and essentials. Japan makes for an ideal holiday destination for travellers with Islamic faith seeking experiences that are unique and luxurious. With the world's largest Muslim population, Indonesia is hoping to utilise their School of Tourism to create awareness about the particular requirements of Muslim travellers. Germany is a popular holiday destination for Muslim travellers and the numbers reflect the growing demand year on year. Muslims are seeking added value to their trips and these destinations, Islamic and non-Islamic countries are leaving no stone unturned to position themselves as the halal hubs.

SPECIALFeature

9August 2019

FeatureSPECIAL

TAIWAN HAS AMPLE OF PRAYING FACILITIES, AROUND 324 CERTIFIED HALAL RESTAURANTS AND ANNUAL HALAL TAIWAN EXPO

MALAYSIA POSSESSES A VARIETY OF HALAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNMENT-BACKED INITIATIVES

DR. TRUST LINDIRECTOR, TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU SINGAPORE OFFICE

SHAHRIN MOKHTAR DIRECTOR, MALAYSIA TOURISM BOARD – DUBAI

Taiwan ranked the third-most welcoming country on Global Muslim Travel Index 2019 which is a remarkable achievement. The country has mosques located in some of its main areas of Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Pingtung. Taiwan has Muslim prayer rooms in the main transportation hubs of Taiwan including airports, stations, national scenic areas and national highway service to create a Muslim-friendly environment. The halal restaurants in Taiwan aremushrooming and it currently has at least 324 certified Halal restaurants, there is even an annual Halal Taiwan Expo event which takes place in June every year. These are some of the reasons behind Taiwan being a destination favoured by Islamic tourists. The number of Muslim travellers has increased by 6.17 per cent in 2018 and we expect a double-digit growth in 2019.

Malaysia has all the necessary ingredients of an ideal Islamic tourism destination. With an abundance of halal food, prayer facilities and Islamic attractions, Malaysia seamlessly gratifies the needs of Muslim travellers. Malaysia's rich Islamic history and heritage also form layers of fascinating experiences just waiting to be discovered. There is no end to the variety of halal products and services that can be found in Malaysia. This, coupled with a conducive environment and government-backed policies and initiatives, strengthens Malaysia's position as the nucleus of the global halal industry.Taking a step further, Malaysia launched the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) in 2009. Besides its other functions, ITC serves as an advisory body particularly in matters of Islamic tourism. Over the years, the centre has increasingly become a point of reference among stakeholders and industry players and is seen as an industry expert for Islamic tourism. Due to these continuous efforts, Malaysia has been ranked as the top halal destination for nine consecutive years by CrescentRating. Travellers can visit the official website of ITC to get information on Halal Tourism in Malaysia. Moreover, many Malaysian tour operators are selling halal-friendly packages online to cater to the demand. In 2018, Malaysia received 5.2 million Muslim tourists,

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau in the Middle East is promoting the ‘Heart of Asia’ through various promotional activities. Recently it’s completed a successful campaign with Emirates. The efforts are continuing in the market through sales training, familiarisation trips for trade and media, print advertisements and creative digital campaigns. We also have a multi-city roadshow in the GCC that is scheduled in the last quarter of the year

We are working very closely with airlines, offline and online tour operators to promote Malaysia in the region

making up 20.1 per cent from the overall tourist arrivals.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

10 August 2019

FeatureSPECIAL

AUSTRIA MAKES THE HOLIDAY SEAMLESS FOR MUSLIM TRAVELLERS BY PROVIDING NECESSARY INFORMATION ON THEIR WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

GERMANY'S TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IS WELL-ENDOWED TO ACCOMMODATE MUSLIM TRAVELLERS' REQUIREMENTS AND NEEDS

ROBERT GROEBLACHERDIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRIAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE (ANTO)

SIGRID DE MAZIERES DIRECTOR, GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE – GULF COUNTRIES

Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) is undertaking various measures such as informing our touristic partners in Austria about the requirements and necessities of Halal food for Muslim travellers to position our country as an Islamic tourism destination. At the same time, we provide information to the travel trade and end consumers about Halal-friendly destinations and restaurants in Austria. We provide information about what Muslim travellers to Austria should know via our B2C- and B2B-website as well as social media. Also, in a newly created application for the travel trade and end-consumer, there will be a section dedicated to this crucial segment. From the Middle East, we had over 450,000 arrivals that accounted for more than 1.4 million overnights in Austria in 2018, accounting for the best results so far. Interestingly, the number was the same in 2017. We expect a slight increase in this number in 2019 owing to the attractive new direct flight connections from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The affiliate of the German National Tourism Board (GNTB), German National Tourist Office's (GNTO) responsibility is to ensure that our German tourism partners are well-represented in this key market. Also, to provide knowledge and market-specific expertise on cultural aspects so that hotels, tour operators and other tourism providers can adequately serve the Muslim travellers. As a result of our efforts, we have been experiencing continuous growth of travels from the GCC region to Germany over the last decade. Germany's tourism infrastructure is well-equipped to accommodate Muslim travellers' requirements and needs for example Arabic speaking staff which is familiar with Islamic culture and traditions. A wide range of hotels offer copies of the Quran, prayer mats and connecting family rooms on demand. Halal food is readily available in bigger cities. According to the forecast from GNTB, GCC nationals visiting Germany are expected to grow to 3.6 million overnight stays by 2030, compared to 1.8 million guest nights from Gulf nationals recorded in 2018. Overnight stays in Germany by GCC nationals amounted to 770,000 in 2009 which increased to 1.8 million by 2018, demonstrating a growth of 130 per cent over the past decade. We are also taking a positive

We do several online campaigns, events, roadshows and press trips and study trips to advertise Austria as a touristic country in the GCC. This promotion, for example, includes general information about Austria and our various destinations, the different ways to travel there and also information about halal-friendly places.

We are quite active in the Gulf region and regularly conducts various marketing initiatives including travel trade and press events as well as educational initiatives to promote Destination Germany within the Gulf region. Besides the wide range of trade activities such as our participation in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and our B2B roadshow which will focus this year on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we also organise social media activities and influencer trips to provide travel inspiration and to keep Germany on top of their minds.

outlook on this year's summer season and are looking forward to welcoming the GCC travellers to our wonderful country.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

11August 2019

FeatureSPECIAL

JAPAN HAS BEEN WELCOMING MORE ISLAMIC TOURISTS IN RECENT YEARS MAINLY FROM SOUTH EAST ASIA AND MORE HOSPITALITY ESTABLISHMENTS ARE AWARE OF THEIR NEEDS

INDONESIA HAS STARTED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO HALAL TOURISM OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AS IT’S A FLOURISHING MARKET FULL OF POTENTIAL

DAISUKE KOBAYASHI, MANAGER-MIDDLE EAST; GLOBAL PROJECTS SECTION; GLOBAL PROJECTS DEPARTMENT OF JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION

DR R SIGIT WITJAKSONO DIRECTOR OF TOURISM MARKETING FOR SOUTH & CENTRAL ASIA, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OF INDONESIA TOURISM, INDONESIA

Japan ranked third among Non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2019 and makes for an ideal holiday destination for anyone looking for authentic travel experiences. The market research Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) conducted last year shows that the Middle East is a lucrative market full of potential with numerous Muslim travellers having a positive impression of Japan following which we have identified the ME as a significant market for travellers seeking unique luxury experiences. After our participation in ATM 2019 and continuing the market research, we are planning to open a direct office in Dubai next year. Japan has been welcoming more Islamic tourists in recent years mainly from South East Asia, and more hospitality establishments are aware of their needs. We will conduct numerous tourism seminars for the UAE travel trade professionals to share updated information with their Muslim clientele. We are planning to renew the Arabic language site of the official JNTO website this year and intend to include a plethora of relevant information that will be especially useful for Muslim travellers. Following the introduction of the visa-waiver programme to UAE nationals in July 2017, UAE visitor numbers increased from 7,106 in 2017 to 7,782 in 2018. Total GCC visitor

Indonesia has the biggest Muslim population in the world with over 260 million people accounting to almost 90 per cent people of the Islamic faith. Indonesia ranked first (coinciding with Malaysia) most welcoming country in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2019. The country was on fourth position in 2015 and gradually made its way to the top. The number of Muslim travellers that Indonesia is welcoming has been increasing year-on-year. We are promoting certain destinations for halal tourism that includes Lombok, West Sumatra, Padang, Aceh and West Java. We are trying to have collaboration with the School of Tourism; Indonesia has six tourism schools wherein we provide awareness with regards to the various requirements and needs of Muslim travellers such as halal food, serving meals correctly and prayer facilities. There are plenty of halal-certified hotels and restaurants in Indonesia. The country also has Muslim-friendly hospitals and banking facilities. We have started to pay more attention to this segment over the past few years as it’s a flourishing market full of potential. We are prepared with Muslim-friendly online resources and are working on providing relevant information for Islamic tourists.

To position Japan as a luxurious and authentic destination with seasonal beauty for travellers seeking unique experiences, we conducted an advertising campaign earlier this year in the spring, showcasing Japan’s cherry blossoms. A monthly newsletter is planned for distribution from this October to both media and travel trade professionals

Since last year we are focusing on both offline and online campaigns. The offline campaigns range from activities such as seminars, sales mission and community building programs inviting speakers not only from Indonesian Muslim Associations but also international speakers. Our Indonesian Muslim Association Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) is actively working on online campaigns

numbers rose from 20,742 in 2017 to 21,976 in 2018. We believe that by strengthening our presence in the ME with mutually-beneficial relationships with the region’s travel agencies, airlines and media, will lead to an even larger increase in visitors in the forthcoming years.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

12 August 2019

Saudi Arabian capital city Riyadh continues to see growth in

the hospitality sector, fueled by increasing demand from visitors, according to a new report. According to the new H1 2019 Riyadh Market Snapshot by global real estate consultancy firm CBRE, King Khalid International Airport witnessed increased activity during the 2019 Ramadan and Eid season, with over 2.3 million travellers, positively impacting hotel demand. With the surge in visitor numbers, Riyadh’s hotels are expected to continue generating positive occupancy growth, with a modest 0.4 per cent increase year-to-date.

As part of plans to further increase the average length of stay and to generate a more compelling all-year-round leisure offering, various new tourism infrastructure

developments are being delivered. These projects include Qiddiya and Ad Diriyah Gate Development within Riyadh, as well as other touristic projects across Saudi Arabia, such as The Red Sea Project and Neom, the latter of which has recently experienced its first commercial flight from the capital. These projects, as well as the complementary infrastructure and real estate development, further.

Paramount Hotel Dubai, which is set to open in the last

quarter of 2019, has announced the names of its new executive board members. Inspired by the Paramount Pictures vocabulary, the hotel staff will be called ‘Paramount Cast Members’ and the Executive Board members will be known as ‘Executive Producers’. Heading the release is the Director (General Manager) Wael Soueid, who brings over 25 years of international and regional experience in luxury hotels from Paris to Dubai to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Tunisia.

Soueid has more recently worked with the Minor Hotel Group for the Anantara Resorts, overseeing five properties in Abu Dhabi. He spent 20 years prior with Marriot International working in different properties across the globe.

Working in tandem to introduce and lead the epicurean teams are Executive Culinary Producer Antonello Manca, who brings over 15 years of experience and Executive Producer for Food and Beverage, Adil Elmitari, an industry veteran with 20 years of hospitality experience.

Riyadh hospitality sector continues to grow

Paramount Hotel Dubai announces executive board members

The newly launched Leva Hotels & Resorts has

rolled out an aggressive expansion strategy targetting the GCC as its primary growth market long with Africa and Asia. Making the announcement, JS Anand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Leva Hotels & Resorts said, “Leva is a dynamic lifestyle hotel brand uniquely positioned in the upscale and midscale segments offering a fresh perspective on hospitality. It’s designed to attract travellers who want to be immersed in vibrant spaces while enjoying the comfort and engaging service at affordable price points.”

He further added, “The Leva brand is gaining momentum with the opening of our flagship hotel in the heart of Dubai - Leva Hotel, Mazaya Centre – and has since demonstrated a strong potential for expansion.”

Sunset Hospitality Group has revealed plans to aggressively

expand its operations by the end of this year, with eight new outlets set to open across new markets, taking its current portfolio of 16 venues up to 24. Antonio Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Sunset Hospitality Group commented, “ We are on the right business path, and we will continue to accelerate our expansion across

the Middle East to further solidify our presence. Saudi Arabia tops our list when looking at Middle East expansion plans. With 29 million residents and an annual potential growth rate of 3.3 per cent, Saudi Arabia has the largest population in the GCC and is a great market to tap into, particularly its youth population who continue to become increasingly open to Western consumer trends"

"At the same time, we aim to enter new markets such as the UK, with one outlet opening in 2019 and an additional two in 2020, as well as Central Europe, following the success of our first opening in Switzerland.” In the second half of 2019 Sunset Hospitality Group is taking the Black Tap brand to Riyadh.

Leva Hotels & Resorts eyes growth in GCC

Sunset Hospitality Group to enter Saudi Arabia, UK markets

UPDATEHospitality

JS Anand

Antonio Gonzalez

A TALE OF A DREAM DESTINATION FOR A PERFECT VACATION

Walk in, drop your bags and relax. It's time to unwind and be surrounded by the calm blue waters of the ArabianGulf. With 179 luxurious rooms, we look forward to your stay with us.

Experience some of the best cuisines in Ajman with our all-day dining and seafood speciality restaurant. Indulgeyourself with our pool bar, Jacuzzi and spa. Welcome to Wyndham Garden, your new address in AjmanCorniche.

Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche is operated by R Hotels under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group.

Tel: +971 6 701 4444 | www.wyndhamgardenajman.com | info@wyndhamgardenajman.com

14 August 2019

Rixos Hotels, part of the Accor portfolio, has announced a partnership with the

Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to re-launch the Rixos Makadi Bay - Hurghada. This agreement to manage the world's largest luxury resort in the Egyptian Riviera overlooking the Red Sea is the latest milestone to follow Accor’s acquisition of 50 per cent of the Rixos Hotels’ shares as part of its expansion strategy in the Middle East.

The project, scheduled to be launched in 2020, will eventually expand the existing property on the bay to feature 1,636 keys and world-class leisure and sports facilities. “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in Accor’s growth history, as our brand’s largest resort globally will offer a comprehensive range of facilities and dynamic entertainment experiences,” said Fattah Tamingi, Founder and Chairman of Rixos Hotels. New resort highlights will include individual villas, an extensive indoor and outdoor spa, fitness facilities, kids’ clubs, a waterpark, beach lounge,

large conference centre, wide-ranging F&B options and an expansive entertainment area with an amphitheatre. The resort is expected to become the preferred destination for discerning travellers and corporate group business from key source markets such as Europe and the CIS.

Mahmoud El-Sayed Moussa El-Sharkawy, CEO, the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development added, “Our vision is to transform Makadi Bay into the leading leisure and entertainment destination on the Red Sea and in this respect, the Rixos brand, with its successful one-of-a-kind hospitality concept and proven expertise operating in Egypt’s resort market, makes strategic sense. It’s the perfect fit.”

“This unique takeover opportunity strengthens the Rixos offering in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera and highlights the strong partnership Accor has established with the Rixos team to develop the brand regionally and globally,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa.

A man has signed a partnership deal with the Royal Commission for

AlUla (RCU) to develop its first Middle East properties in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The partnership agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, the Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Farhan Al Saud and Chairman and CEO of Aman, Vladislav Doronin, marking the brand’s first entry to Saudi Arabia and the region. Under the terms of the agreement, Aman will develop three distinct luxury resorts. Detailed design work on all three properties is scheduled to commence in the coming months with a development timeline that will welcome the first guests in 2023.

Commenting on the agreement, His Highness Prince Badr said, “We are proud to be signing this agreement with a luxury operator who shares our vision of sensitive development that both works with and incorporates the local landscape and culture in a highly

sympathetic manner, while demonstrating our commitment to delivering an extraordinary visitor experience in AlUla.” He added, “The decision by Aman to open its first resorts in the Middle East in AlUla shows the promise and progress of the vision for AlUla to become a worldwide destination for those seeking unique experiences. I believe this partnership will be the next step in the development of the yet to be discovered masterpiece that is AlUla.”

Doronin said, “Many of our existing Aman destinations are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty and rich history. With the addition of spectacular AlUla, this takes us to 10 properties situated near or in Unesco heritage sites, making it a fitting location for our first destination in the Middle East.” The Aman partnership is the second major international resort development for the AlUla region and follows the planned Jean Nouvel-designed resort within the Sharaan Nature Reserve, showcasing architecture hosted by nature.

Millennium Al Barsha, a four-star hotel located in Dubai's

Al Barsha area, has announced its soft opening. The hotel is developed and owned by Deyaar Development, one of the UAE’s leading property development and real estate services companies, and managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa

Christian Palacin, General Manager of Millennium Al Barsha said, “We are pleased to announce the opening of Millennium Al Barsha and look forward to creating a unique hospitality experience for all our guests. The hotel’s perfect location in the bustling area of Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates and at a short distance from all business and leisure areas make it the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.” Millennium Al Barsha includes 299 well-appointed rooms and suites and 109 serviced apartments featuring all modern amenities and the latest technology. Millennium Al Barsha also provides a range of impressive conference and five meeting rooms, designed to host small social occasions as well as large corporate meetings and events.

Rixos Hotels to operate largest all-inclusive resort in Egypt

Aman Resorts to debut in ME with three new hotels

Millennium Al Barsha opens its doors

UPDATEHospitality

16 August 2019

UPDATEAviation

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, carried 3.2 million passengers in the first half of 2019, up 23 per cent compared to 2.6 million passengers carried in

H1 2018. According to the airline's half-year results, seat load factor rose to 77.4 per cent in comparison to 74.3 per cent recorded in the first half of 2018.

“We are extremely proud to report that the national carrier of Bahrain achieved outstanding results for the first half of 2019 comparing to the same period in 2018m,” stated the CEO of Gulf Air, Krešimir Ku ko. “With greater capacity and number of seats, it was challenging to hit greater seat load factors, however, we managed to achieve this goal. Our passengers are proving to be more loyal and we see returning customers since the launch of our new fleet products the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus 320neo."

Earlier in the summer, Gulf Air started operations to its new seasonal destinations Malaga in Spain and Salalah in Oman. The summer season also witnessed strengthened frequencies in Gulf Air’s network with added flights to popular destinations; with further focus on corporate and premium leisure travellers. The airline launched its boutique business model concept at the beginning of 2019 and since then it has seen positive results in various areas of the business. Moreover, the airline received its third A320neo aircraft and announced its plan to fly to Male in the Maldives starting from October, a route that will be operated by the new Airbus aircraft.

Regional aircraft markets will need USD 600 billion in investments to meet the demand for 10,550 150-seat aircraft by 2038 due to the rise in the number of air

travellers, according to a report by aerospace company Embraer.Market growth will drive 65 per cent of this demand for the aircraft, while

the remaining 35 per cent will replace ageing aircraft, the report added. These developments will be one of the highlighted investment opportunities at the next edition of Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS). GIAS is an initiative of the UAE General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA) and will be held on January 27-29, 2020 in Dubai under the theme ‘Enabling Global Aviation Growth through Fund Raising and Key Partnerships’. The mega event will bring together more than 200 investors, besides selected government officials, aviation organisations, finance and insurance firms, aviation asset owners, aircraft operators & logistic service providers and legal consultants, and it highlights the biggest investment opportunities in the aviation industry with all its various sectors throughout the globe.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of UAE-GCAA said, “Investments in aviation are more vital now as regional aviation enjoys the economic benefits of robust tourism and improved regional connectivity. The rapid growth of aviation is propelled by many factors, including booming tourism industry, lower airfares, improved connectivity, and the rise of disposable incomes. All these and more will be part of the investment opportunities that will be presented at GIAS.”

Gulf Air H1 passenger numbers up 23pc to 3.2m

USD 600bn needed to meet regional aircraft demand by 2038

Royal Jordanian (RJ) and Royal Air Maroc have announced the signing of a free sale codeshare deal.

Under the agreement, RJ will be able to market Royal Air Maroc flights, putting RJ’s carrier code on these flights between Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport and Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). RJ does not operate flights to Morocco.

The codeshare three weekly flights will be sold as of August 5, which will be also the first date of travel. The agreement with Royal Air Maroc is bound to enhance cooperation between the two flag carriers and improve passenger traffic by providing RJ customers convenient options to fly to/from Amman; they can also plan their trips to reach further destinations on RJ’s global route network. Royal Air Maroc operates its flights between Casablanca and Amman with a B737 aircraft. RJ President/CEO Stefan Pichler said, “We are delighted to be working with Royal Air Maroc, a leading carrier in the Maghreb region. This agreement is a further step in the strategic and historical partnership between Jordan and Morocco, and an added value towards higher air traffic between our companies.”

Royal Air Maroc CEO Abdelhamid Addou said, “This new cooperation comes to strengthen the links between our two kingdoms and support our Casablanca-Amman flight launched last April. We are very pleased to start this codeshare with Royal Jordanian which will pave the way for our traffic and frequencies development on this market and will allow both carriers to access to each other’s networks via the Special Prorate Agreement established for routes beyond Casablanca and Amman.” Royal Air Maroc is expected to be implemented into oneworld.

RJ, Royal Air Maroc sign codeshare deal

17August 2019

UPDATEAviation

Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways has reported a net profit of KD6.2 million (USD 20.2 million) for the first half of the year,

up 335.1 per cent from KD1.4 million (USD 4.5 million) in H1 2018. Passenger numbers also rose 20.06 per cent, with the company’s operating revenue rising 37.4 per cent to KD47.3 million (USD 154.8 million) while operating profit increased by 391.6 per cent to KD6.6 million (USD 21.6 million).

In the second quarter, the company reported a net profit of KD4.8 million (USD 15.7 million), up 171.2 per cent from KD1.8 million in Q2 2018, and a 12.0 per cent growth in the number of passengers. Operating revenue increased by 29.5 per cent to KD26.0 million (USD 85.1 million) and operating profit increased by 169.8 per cent to KD4.8 million (USD 15.7 million), while aircraft utilisation increased by 2.2 per cent to 14.8 hours and yield increased by 11.5 per cent to KD45.6 (USD 149.2) during Q2 2019.

Jazeera Airways Chairman, Marwan Boodai said, “Jazeera Airways continues to perform positively as it further expands its network of destinations and grows its fleet with new three A320neo aircraft to be delivered in the second half of the year. We launched a new route to the popular summer destination, Bodrum, and celebrated the first year anniversary of the Jazeera Terminal (T5). We also launched the first-ever onboard convenience store, adding more value to passengers when flying with Jazeera Airways.”

Jazeera Airways net profit jumps 335 pc in H1

Airlines around the world carried 4.4 billion passengers

on scheduled services in 2018, an increase of 6.9 per cent over 2017, representing an additional 284 million trips by air, according to figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Showing that global air connectivity continues to become more accessible and more efficient, the Iata World Air Transport Statistics (2019 WATS) confirmed that record efficiency was achieved with 81.9 per cent of available seats being filled, fuel efficiency improved by more than 12 per cent compared to 2010 while 22,000 city pairs are now connected by direct flights, up 1,300 over 2017 and double the 10,250 city pairs connected in 1998.

Measured in ASKs, available seat kilometres, low-cost carrier (LCC) capacity grew by 13.4 per cent, almost doubling the overall industry growth rate of 6.9 per cent. LCCs accounted for 21 per cent of global capacity in 2018, up from 11 per cent in 2004. When looking at available seats, the global share of LCCs in 2018 was 29 per cent, reflecting the short-haul nature of their business model. This is up from 16 per cent in 2004, the report indicated.

Some 52 of IATA’s 290

current member airlines classify themselves as LCCs, and other new model airlines. "Airlines are connecting more people and places than ever before. The freedom to fly is more accessible than ever. And our world is a more prosperous place as a result. As with any human activity, this comes with an environmental cost that airlines are committed to reducing. We understand that sustainability is essential to our license to spread aviation’s benefits. From 2020, we will cap net carbon emissions growth. And, by 2050, we will cut our net carbon footprint to half 2005 levels. This ambitious climate action goal needs government support. It is critical for sustainable aviation fuels, new technology and more efficient routes to deliver the greener future we are aiming for," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has launched one of its Boeing 787-9

Dreamliners on the Nigerian sector from its hub Abu Dhabi with the debut flight touching down at Lagos airport August 2. Flight EY673 took off from Abu Dhabi at 2.35am and arrived on schedule at 7.10am local time, while on return, the flight EY674 departed Lagos at 8.30am and touched down in the UAE capital at 7.10 pm last evening.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Robin Kamark said, "We are delighted to upgrade to the Dreamliner aircraft on the Lagos route to further

enhance the guest experience and to meet the needs of the growing numbers of business and leisure passengers travelling to and from Nigeria’s largest city." The Abu Dhabi carrier started the Lagos service in July 2012. The route has proved very successful for the airline, recording consistently strong demand to and from both cities, he stated. The two-class B787-9 Dreamliner features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy cabins configured with 299 seats - 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Airline passenger numbers soar 6.9 pc to 4.4 bn in 2018

Etihad deploys Dreamliner for Lagos operations

18 August 2019

UPDATETrade

EXHIBITIONS IN FOCUS THE HOTEL SHOW DUBAIIt brings together 1000+ international and regional brands with products designed for the hospitality industry. It is the Region's Premier Exhibition for the Hospitality Products and Services. The city has emerged to one of the world’s foremost travel and tourism destinations. The event showcases products across interiors, lighting and design, technology, security, catering equipment and more.17 - 19 Sep 2019Dubai World Trade Centre

TRAVEL TECH MIDDLE EAST (TTME)It is the key meeting platform, market place and knowledge center for travel professionals worldwide. This congress is committed to providing travel professionals with access to the knowledge and skills needed to implement the latest technologies that are changing the industry as well as utilization of new technologies and understanding best practices and future trends.08 - 09 Oct 2019The Oberoi, Dubai

TRAVEL TECH SHOW MEASA

It is the definitive place for hotels, airlines, travel agencies, tech disruptors and government authorities to talk customer and passenger experience, digital transformation, operational efficiency and revenue growth. With over 100 speakers from the entire travel technology ecosystem, as well as 200 speakers from airlines and airports, this is the only travel event you need to attend in 2019.14 - 15 Oct 2019The Conrad, Dubai

ANNUAL CULTURAL TOURISM & MUSEUM DEVELOPMENTIt is a gathering of international and regional cultural-heritage and tourism development authorities, world-class museum specialists and emerging technology brands. It will address key trends and challenges in the cultural tourism sector from the nation's tourism authorities. Cultural authorities will elaborate on their strategies including completed, ongoing and upcoming project insights. International case studies will be demonstrated by world class museum specialist and world-heritage site experts.

21 - 22 Oct 2019The Palace Downtown, Dubai

TRAVEL TURKEY IZMIR, TURKEY

It is a trade fair and conference specially designed for the Turkish Tourism Industry. It attracts buyers & purchasers from the main source markets in Europe and Asia. Travel Turkey aims to provide crucial information as well as a venue for serious professional networking that results in signed contracts with global deal-makers.05 - 07 Dec 2019

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2018 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND is a Merlin Entertainments brand.

For more information, kindly contactyour Destination Management Company

ALL IN ONEINCREDIBLELOCATION

Play the hero with your favourite Hollywood characters across

action-packed movie rides and attractions.

Enjoy a uniquely themed dining, retail and entertainment destination with four vibrant districts, located at the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Riverland™ DubaiThe world’s first

Bollywood theme park with rides and attractions based on some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

BOLLYWOOD PARKS™ DubaiMOTIONGATE™ Dubai

The ultimate theme parkfor families with kids aged 2-12. Withover 40 LEGO® themed rides, shows, attractions and building experiences.

Check in to this Polynesian themed hotel, dedicated to

families and friends who want to stay close to all the fun.

Splash your way through20 water slides and attractions in the region’s only water park designed for

families with kids aged 2-12.

LEGOLAND® Water Park Lapita™ HotelLEGOLAND® Dubai

20 August 2019

What's onUPDATE

marhaba, one of the world’s fastest growing passenger services providers,

has expanded its popular lounge at Dubai International Airport’s (DXB) Terminal 3 by 400-sq-m, increasing its capacity by 50 per cent.

Located at Concourse “B”, the lounge now features comfortable seating for 300 guests, a spacious dining area, a quiet zone for relaxation, and shower facilities. It is open 24 hours a day and offers superfast Wi-Fi and all-day dining with international buffet catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements.

Including its newly expanded Dubai lounge, marhaba operates 12 departure airport lounges in five countries, inviting travellers to relax or catch up with work in a peaceful environment. marhaba’s ever-growing network includes five lounges at Dubai International Airport, two at Singapore Changi Airport, and one each at Dubai World Central, Melbourne Airport, Jinnah International Airport (Karachi), Geneva Airport and Zurich Airport.

In the financial year 2018-19, marhaba hosted over 2.5 million passengers in its lounges.

Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations, dnata said, “We are delighted to further enhance

Dubai passengers’ travel experience by expanding one of our most popular lounges. Our spacious lounge at Terminal 3 is open for passengers of all airlines and travel classes, offering excellent service and world-class cuisine to the visitors. We stay committed to ensuring a memorable, hassle-free airport journey for marhaba customers in Dubai and beyond.”

marhaba’s Dubai lounges are available for members of several airport lounge programs, including LoungeKey, Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, as well as for customers holding a range of bank cards, including Mastercard and Diners Club cards. Other travellers can also purchase lounge access by making an online booking or simply walk in and pay for access on the spot at a rate of AED 210 (USD 57.1).

Abu Dhabi Airports has completed preparations, in collaboration with all

of its stakeholders, to ensure the smooth and safe departure and return of pilgrims from Makkah and Madinah during the hajj season.

In order to facilitate the increase in traffic and the 15 additional Etihad Airways flights, including six charter flights dedicated to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Zayed Foundation and Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Airports has allocated additional staff across Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to ensure pilgrims enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience.

Dedicated check-in counters and additional luggage carts and transportation will be available at the airport for pilgrims, and Abu Dhabi Airports’ employees will be on the ground to greet departing pilgrims

and provide them with personal Hajj kits including a Miswak, religious books, and a range of travel necessities. Upon their return, pilgrims will be welcomed with dates, Arabic coffee and chocolates distributed by Abu Dhabi Airports’ employees, who will also support with receiving Zamzam water bottles.

marhaba unveils expanded airport lounge at DXB

Abu Dhabi airport set for hajj influx

A new luxury beachfront resort is set to open next year in Oman's Dhofar

Governorate, said a report. Alila Hinu Bay, which is currently under construction, is slated to open in the first quarter of 2020.

Alila Hinu Bay will feature 112 hotel units of differing types, in addition to valuable tourism facilities which would enrich the experiences of tourists visiting from within the sultanate or abroad.

The project includes a five-star hotel and a number of luxury villas equipped with all services, as well as a range of recreational facilities to ensure a wonderful experience for guests. There will also be a number of restaurants, swimming pools and a heritage village, a handicraft market and facilities for children, the report stated.

The project is owned and developed by Alil Salalah Company of the Oman Development and Investment Fund, one of the funds in which the government has its interests in developing the country.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is raising the bar for five-star

hospitality by catering to its valued guests with the launch of the Pearl Club.

Paving the way with the first concept of its kind in the UAE, The Pearl Club is set to welcome elite guests this August, offering an extraordinary club lounge experience with exclusive services and amenities, in a luxury space that blends national heritage with modern opulence.

Exuding a sense of luxury in an inspirational setting, The Pearl Club promotes exclusivity coupled with panoramic views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Available to book for guests residing in the Pearl Club rooms and suites, Waldorf Astoria Suites, Chairman’s Suite, and Royal Suite; the Pearl Club offers a host of special privileges coupled with elite service.

Pearl Club guests will have access to a travel concierge ahead of arrival, private check-in and check-out at the Pearl Club, a dedicated personal club concierge.

New Oman beachfront resort to open next year

Waldorf Astoria Dubai launches new exclusive club lounge

UPDATEWhat's on

Dubai Retail, the retail management arm of Dubai Holding, has

announced that JRG Dubai, its home-grown restaurant management company, has rebranded as Sarood Hospitality, marking a new era for the UAE-born company.

Part of Dubai Retail’s strategic efforts to propel the emirate’s food and beverage industry and establish Dubai as an innovative force in the global hospitality sector, the creation of Sarood Hospitality comes as Dubai Retail aims to reinvent a number of its unique F&B outlets to continue to be ahead of market trends.

As a full-service hospitality brand, Sarood Hospitality’s portfolio includes Al Nafoorah, The Noodle House, Pierchic, Flow, The Duck Hook, Hillhouse Brasserie, Khaymat Al Bahar, Pai Thai, Perry & Blackwelder’s, Segreto, and Trattoria Toscana.

“Sarood Hospitality is much more than a name, it is a vision and philosophy that sets a clear direction for the future of Dubai Retail as an

independent leader in restaurant management and unique concepts born in Dubai,” said Nabil Ramadhan, CEO of Dubai Retail.

“This new chapter will build on the achievements of JRG Dubai over the past five years and fast-track our ambitious goals. Sarood Hospitality aims to become a leading hospitality company that challenges the status quo, with sustainable concepts that exceed our guests’ expectations,” added Ramadhan.

JRG Dubai rebrands as Sarood Hospitality

A new passenger terminal has opened at Hurghada International

Airport in Egypt, increasing the terminal capacity and efficiency, said a report.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation inaugurated the Terminal 2 on July 31, following the completion of all development and construction works.

The new terminal has 11 departure gates connected to aircraft by direct bridges along with nine exit gates for remote aircraft by buses, as well as 72 counters for booking departures and receiving bags, in addition to two counters for large luggage service, the report said.

The terminal also includes an automatic luggage transfer system with six conveyor belts to carry passengers’ baggage and nine electric

conveyor belts to receive incoming passengers’ baggage.

Minister of Tourism Rania Al-Mashat expressed her appreciation for the great efforts by the ministry of civil aviation in developing Egyptian airports, pointing out its importance in upgrading the level of service provided to passengers and increasing the competitiveness of Egyptian airports globally, the report said

New passenger terminal opens at Egypt airport

Middle Eastern carriers posted an 8.1 per cent increase in demand in June compared to the same

month last year, which was well up on the 0.6 per cent annual increase recorded in May.

The timing of Ramadan, which fell almost exclusively in May this year, likely contributed to the strongly contrasting outcomes, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a new report. Capacity rose 1.7 per cent and load factor jumped 4.5 percentage points to 76.6 per cent.

Overall, international passenger demand rose 5.4 per cent in June compared to the same month in 2018, which was an improvement from 4.6 per cent annual growth recorded in May. All regions recorded increases in growth, led by airlines in Africa. Capacity rose 3.4 per cent, and load factor climbed 1.6 percentage points to 83.8 per cent.

Demand for domestic travel climbed 4.4 per cent in June compared to June 2018, which was a slight slowdown from the 4.7 per cent annual growth recorded in May. Led by Russia, all of the key domestic markets tracked by IATA reported traffic increases except for Brazil (down 5.7 per cent) and Australia (down 1.2 per cent). June capacity rose 3.1 per cent, and load factor climbed by 1.1 percentage points to 85.5 per cent.

Global passenger traffic results for June 2019 showed that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose by five per cent compared to June 2018. This was up slightly from the 4.7 per cent year-over-year growth recorded in May. June capacity (available seat kilometres or ASKs) increased by 3.3 per cent, and load factor rose 1.4 percentage points to 84.4 per cent, which was a record for the month of June.

“June continued the trend of solid passenger demand growth while the record load factor shows that airlines are maximising efficiency. Amid continuing trade tensions between the US and China, and rising economic uncertainty in other regions, growth was not as strong as a year ago,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

ME carriers see air travel demand rise 8.1 pc in June

Nabil Ramadhan

24 August 2019

UPDATETrade

Carlton Downtown Hotel

Soak in the breathtaking sights of city’s magnificent skyline while relishing every moment of stay at Carlton Downtown Hotel that’s the bastion of amiable hospitality and affordable luxury

By Team TSME

WHEREABOUTS:Strategically positioned within the lifestyle and commercial heart of Dubai-Sheikh Zayed Road, the Carlton Downtown Hotel keeps you close to the city’s most remarkable landmarks while letting you enjoy the bustling hues of the city. The hotel is minutes away from the Dubai

World Trade Center and Exhibition Center, Dubai International Financial Center, the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Canal.

LODGING WITH LUXURY:The property’s accommodation has been carefully curated to keep you in situ with

both the business and leisure aspects. All of the hotel’s 357 elegant, well-appointed rooms and spacious suites (82 superior rooms and 275 suites including the categories of deluxe, premier and panoramic suite) have been modernised to blend style with ample sized spaces. The interiors are satisfyingly plush

A Beguiling Medley of Style and Space

25August 2019

combining sleek, modern décor that very well complements the sky-scraping and premier views of the city.

MEETING & EVENT SPACES:When we talk about the MICE facilities of this hotel, the events are not just about gathering people in the same room- it’s about the unforgettable experience that you take away. With 25 well-appointed Meeting Rooms and facilities designed to motivate team spirit, inspire productive brainstorming and cater to all kinds of meetings, the team here ensures offering services with ease. Providing space for over 30 delegates, the Mezzanine level and 43rd Floor with multi-functional venue make Carlton Downtown stand out as a preferred choice for business travellers.

PAMPER YOURSELF!If you are looking for a space to unwind and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul, no better option than heading to Citrus Spa for a soothing massage and spa experiences like no other. Incepted by Carlton Hotels & Suites, Citrus Spa is a holistic center focused at providing service excellence fused with a high level of comfort and convenience. Staying true to the very essence of the company’s philosophy and ideals, Citrus Spa gives you a whole new level of self-pampering experience while offering services that have an underlying power of restorative energy.

HOTEL Feature

SOUTH KOREAOne destination, several wonders

26 August 2019

Dotted with the spellbinding natural beauty of picturesque high mountains and clear waters, its splendid tranquillity and man-made marvels, South Korea is fast-becoming the trendiest travel destination for any and every Muslim travellers. With close to around one million Muslim tourists visiting South Korea every year, the ‘Land of Morning Calm’ has every single reason to arise as one of the most-preferred Halal-friendly destinations in the South-East

By Sayanti Halder

AROUND THEWorld

27August 2019

WorldAROUND THE

SAY A PRAYERIt is understood that most Muslim travellers may be concerned about their daily religious rituals that have to be carried out. To make Korea an evermore Muslim-friendly destination, the country encourages local governments and tourist attractions to prepare a space for prayer. Prayer mats and Quibla compasses have been distributed by the country’s authorities to hotels with multi-faith/prayer rooms. There are around eight major mosques scattered around the country, the largest and most notable of which is the Seoul Central Mosque, which was constructed in 1976 in Itaewon, Seoul. It holds Friday (Jum’uah) prayers, regularly attended by large numbers of people. Lectures are also conducted in the mosque in English, Korean and Arabic. Prayer facilities can also be found in quite a few places such as shopping malls, airports, universities and restaurants.

EXPERIENCE THE HERITAGELocated at the north of Gwanghwamun Square, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic sights in all of South Korea thanks to its long and storied history. This former seat of power is probably Korea's most famous royal palace. It's tough to miss given its location at the northern end of Seoul's main boulevard, Sejongro, a stone's throw from the Blue House (the President's residence) and the U.S embassy. Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Gyeongbokgung, which means ‘palace greatly blessed by heaven’ was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. One may give themselves at least an hour to stroll around the pavilions and halls within the palace's spacious walled grounds.

28 August 2019

WorldAROUND THE

RELISH THE APPETITEIt is not easy for Muslim travellers to find appropriate food or prayer rooms in a non-Islamic country. Korea has categorised Muslim-friendly restaurants so that Muslim tourists can conveniently dine-in Korea. Only restaurants that meet strict requirements have been selected and categorised into four groups. Although Muslims in Seoul are a minority, Halal food in Seoul is getting easier to find as the day goes on. Many grocery stores and restaurants now provide Halal-friendly facilities in Seoul. Muslim travellers can also opt for vegetarian options if they find it necessary. Additionally, the Halal Restaurant Week is an annual event that promotes Muslim-friendly restaurants to tourists from all over the world, which allows a great opportunity to experience Korean halal food as well as cuisines from various countries such as Turkey, China and Italy.

SOAK IN NATUREAs South Korea’s largest national park, there’s a lot to discover in the marine paradise of Dadohaehaesang National Park! This slice of paradise covers around 1700 large and small islands and some rock structures. One of the most scenic islands is Cheongsando Island, this park considered as one of the best places to visit in South Korea for its surreal landscapes and the slow-city movement. Hongdo and Heuksando are the other popular islands where one can take a boat trip to admire the overwhelming natural sites. Ideal for nature, tranquillity and photography, this sprawling park includes seven different areas along the southwestern coast from Mokpo to Yeosu. It comprises rocky islands and rugged peninsulas, and all the sparkling sea in between. This is one of the top famous places to visit in South Korea for everyone’s next vacation!

Asia ranks as the preferred destination

for GCC travellers followed by Europe A survey conducted by leading travel search

site and app Skyscanner has revealed top trends for summer travel by GCC residents this year. The survey, which ran for a period of two months on the site’s homepage, questioned over 1,000 respondents on matters including chosen destinations, length of stay, accommodation types and important features when selecting a location. The results revealed over 75 per cent of respondents are planning to travel, with 37.7 per cent choosing Asia as their destination of choice. Around 28 per cent chose Europe while 11.7 per cent selected travel within the Middle East (outside of the UAE).

When asked about the duration of their travel, over 42 per cent answered 14+ days while only four per cent selected one to three days. The most important feature GCC travellers consider when selecting a destination is ‘family-friendly’ with 29 per cent of the vote, followed by relaxation at 26 per cent and cultural experiences at 18 per cent. ‘Adventure’ received the least amount of votes with just nine per cent. When it comes to who they plan to travel with, 35 per cent of respondents said they will be travelling alone and 33 per cent with family. Lastly, over 30 per cent of respondents selected ‘apartment or house’ as their accommodation of choice, versus 24 per cent for boutique hotel and 23 per cent for luxury hotels or resorts. For those still undecided about where to travel to this summer and to address customer preferences revealed through the survey, Skyscanner has created two new tiles on their app for ‘family-friendly destinations’ and ‘summer deals’. These can be found when travellers download the application and click on the “Explore” tab.

ACCORDING TO SKYSCANNER, HERE ARE FOUR FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER:

PARIS, FRANCEParis has absolutely tons of things for kids to do, from ogling giant whale skeletons at the Museum of Natural History’s Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery to exploring the wonderfully quirky Magic Museum, which boasts a collection of more than 100 bizarre mechanical figurines as well as all sorts of curious magic knick-knacks. Meanwhile, Parc

de la Villette is home to the mother of all playgrounds in the form of the Jardin des Dunes et des Vents, which features giant hamster wheels, a zip line and all sorts of things for kids to clamber over. And then there’s always Disneyland Paris on the outskirts of the city.

LISBON, PORTUGALSimply getting around in Lisbon can be a fun family activity: the distinctive red trams shunt their way past all of the major historical sights, and a day ticket will let guests hop on and off anywhere they like for 24 hours. But even more fun is a ride on one of the amphibious vehicles operated by Hippotrip. The aquatic bus tours the city’s landmarks before taking a dramatic plunge into the waters of the River Tagus. Up on the hill above Lisbon, the 11th-century Castelo de São Jorge provides some excellent views over the city. Kids will love trying out the 360-degree camera obscura in the Ulysses Tower, and there are several galleries showcasing relics from the castle’s past – including traces of Moorish occupation from 1,000 years ago.

BALI, INDONESIAWhile parents could easily spend their time in Bali relaxing in one of its famous spas, there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Visitors can get acquainted with some of the island’s most endearing residents at Monkey Forest, or go on a wildlife adventure to see animals from Africa and all over the world at the Bali Safari and Marine Park – don’t miss the nocturnal magic of the Night Safari. Or make some feathered friends at the Bali Bird Park, home to almost 1,000 birds of 250 different

species. For perhaps the most iconic Balinese experience, catch the sunset over the ocean at Pura Tanah Lot, one of the most sacred temples in Bali.

MADRID, SPAINMadrid is characterised by intense cultural and artistic activity and boasts museums, galleries and beautiful architecture to feast the eyes on. With numerous parks and food markets, this city is the perfect destination to explore with the whole family. A walk through El Retiro transports you to the loveliness of 18th-century palace gardens. Visitors can head for the Crystal Palace and its surroundings, where they can sit by the pond and watch the play of light, shadow and colour, as well as the resident ducks, turtles and birds. For those looking for a livelier atmosphere, there are always activities, exhibitions, concerts, puppet shows, street performers and fortune tellers in other areas of the park. A local favourite to explore is Mercado de San Miguel, an old traditional market converted into a modern gastronomic experience. The Mercado's greatest asset is the food samples that can be tasted from as little as EUR 1 (USD 1.1), sometimes even for free, before deciding whether to buy. There’s a huge variety of food: cold meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, sushi, seafood, chocolates, frozen yoghurt, juices…all deliciously tasty and fresh. It’s entertainment enough just to walk around enjoying mouth-watering smells and flavours, while natural light floods the building, emphasising the beauty of its iron and glass marhaba unveils expanded airport lounge at DXB structure.

UPDATEReport

29August 2019

30 August 2019

Appointments

HAITHAM ASSEM Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East and Africa appoints Haitham Assem as Regional Associate Director of Marketing & Communications for the MEA region. Assem will oversee the portfolio of 11 brands, 42 hotels with 14,000 keys in addition to 10 hotels due to open in 2019 and 35 hotels in the pipeline across the region. He will be focusing on driving Millennium Hotels & Resorts brand equity and developing the marketing and communications strategies to reinforce the positioning of the 11 brands.

ABHISHEK RAY Roda Al Murooj has appointed Abhishek Ray as Director of Revenue and e-distribution. Ray will drive revenue and e-distribution efforts for the hotel and serviced apartments. He brings over 16 years of experience in hospitality to the role from across Asia, the Middle East and Africa regions. He has worked for properties including the Shangri-La and Traders Hotels, Qaryat Al Beri, and Beach Rotana Complex in Abu Dhabi, as well as others under InterContinental Hotels Group.

MAX ZANARDIAtlantis, The Palm, Dubai has appointed Max Zanardi as General Manager. Zanardi who joined the company in 2015 as General Manager for One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, will drive the entire operation, overseeing guest rooms and suites as well as over 24 dining experiences and waterscape attractions. He has worked with Ritz Carlton in a variety of leadership roles. In 2017, he moved to Morocco as Managing Director for Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.

HOSSAM NABIL Millennium Al Barsha, Millennium Atria Business Bay and Millennium Montrose Executive Apartments in Dubai appoints Hossam Nabil as their Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing. Nabil brings over 22 years of hospitality experience to his new role. Having held Senior Sales and Marketing positions with groups such as InterContinental Hotels Group, Time Hotels and Rotana Hotels, he joins the pre-opening group of Millennium Al Barsha which is set to open in August 2019.

DORDIJE JABUCANIN Towers Rotana Dubai appoints Dordije Jabucanin as Director of Sales. Jabucanin will work closely with the Towers Rotana senior management team to further strengthen the hotel’s strategy across key market segments, and the achievement of targets. Jabucanin brings a wealth of experience in sales and leadership with a career spanning 15 years in hospitality industry across Switzerland, US and the UAE.

STEFAN THUMIGER Salalah Rotana Resort, Oman has appointed Stefan Thumiger as General Manager. Thumiger has over 35 years' experience started working with Rotana Hotels on July 7, 2019. A Swiss national with Australian citizenship, his hospitality journey began in the F&B department as an apprentice Chef in a hotel in Switzerland working his way through the ranks and senior leadership roles within many global hotel chains across GCC, Asia and Europe .

WALID EL AWADLY Hyatt Regency Riyadh-Olaya, Saudi Arabia appoints Walid El Awadly as General Manager. El Awadly has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He will be taking over and looking after the entire operations of Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. El Awadly began his career with Hyatt in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt as the Front Office Manager. In addition to Hyatt, he gained vast experience working with various hospitality organisations and brands.

KAI WINKLER Fairmont The Palm, Dubai appoints Kai Winkler as General Manager. The German national and seasoned hotelier brings more than two decades of experience to the role. Winkler started his hospitality career in 1995 in Germany. He has since had years of international assignments in the fields of sales and marketing, rooms and F&B. Winkler’s first GM assignment was in 2009 at Hotel Palace Praha, member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Prague, Czech Republic.