Middle East and North Africa Edition

OCTOBER 22, 2011 ISSUE 102 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

October 22, Issue 102

Market Update 2Weekly News 4Accommodation 5Air Travel News 6International 10Who’s Moved 11Travel Talk 12Agents’ Corner 13Travel Channels 14Rendezvous 15Events 16

The partnership will commence on Octo-ber 30, whereby Etihad will have a totalof 33 codeshare partners..

In This Issue

55

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh will open onOctober 24, representing the hotel com-pany’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia.

ETIHAD AND VIETNAM AIR-LINES AGREE A CODESHARE

FIRST RITZ-CARLTON HOTELOPENS IN SAUDI ARABIA

99

Kuwait International Airport is set to go through anenvironmentally ambitious expansion, significantly increasing

capacity and establishing it as a new hub in the region.

44Designs unveiled for Kuwait International Airport

OCTOBER 22, 2011

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLYManaging Editor

Mary Kammitsimary@traveltradeweekly.travel

JournalistsRita Kasziba

Marianna KeenDominique Christou

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingMaria Demetriadou

Brighite EssDominique TennantDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas Constantinides

Mary Kammitsi

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Marriott: Strong RevPAR Growth Marriott International has released its third quarter (Q3) results, showing ahealthy increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) and adjusted net income.

The company’s worldwide comparable systemwide RevPAR grew by 8.7 percentusing actual dollars, while average daily rate rose 5.3 percent. Net income reachedUSD104 million, up 25 percent compared with Q3, 2010. Adjusted diluted earn-ings per share (EPS) totalled USD0.29, an increase of 32 percent. During the three-month period, nearly 6,000 rooms were added to the worldwide lodging portfolio.

Marriott’s net loss amounted to USD179 million, compared with net income of USD83 millionin the corresponding period in 2010. J.W.Marriott, Jr., chairman, Marriott International, elaborated on the results. “We were very pleased with our performance in the third quarter. Despite continued economicuncertainty, revenue per available room growth was very strong and adjusted EPS rose 32 percent.After reaching targeted debt levels in mid 2010, we have been investing in growth while also re-turning substantial cash to our shareholders. In the last 12 months, we have opened 33,000 newrooms while returning USD1.4 billion to our shareholders through share repurchases and divi-dends. Third quarter share repurchases alone totalled USD550 million.”Given today’s economic uncertainty , Marriott provided a watchful but optimistic outlook for the future. “We are cautiously optimistic about 2012 and are well-positioned for continued growth. We ex-pect to add approximately 30,000 rooms in 2012, most of which are already under constructionand included in our 105,000 room development pipeline. While there is considerable economicuncertainty, assuming worldwide systemwide RevPar growth of three to seven percent, our earn-

ings per share could total USD1.48 to USD1.68 per share and return on investedcapital could increase substantially,” concluded Marriott.

2

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.67Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.98Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1,507.50Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.71Syria (SYP) Pound 49.60Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.42Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.14Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,665.50Yemen (YER) Rial 213.25Algeria (DZD) Dinar 73.07Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.23

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 19/10/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

Capital Hill Hotels Limited, the Middle Eastern investor with other global hotel holdings, has purchased two London hotels, Sanderson and StMartins Lane. Morgan Hotel Group (MHG), the operator and co-owner of the joint venturewith US-owned real estate investment company Walton Street, has sold the twohotels for USD295 million, or a value of approximately USD832,000 per room. MHG, however, will continue to operate the 150-room Sanderson and 204-room St Martins Lane under long-term management agreements. Sales pro-ceeds, along with cash in escrow, will be used to retire the approximatelyUSD156 million of outstanding mortgage debt, secured by the two hotels.Michael Gross, CEO, MHG, commented on the agreement.“Our continued management of these two great London assets and the pro-ceeds from the sale will help provide the foundation for continued growth ofour management business and brands around the world. We are pleased thatour team will be able to continue to build on the value and financial perform-ance of Sanderson and St Martins Lane as well as the addition capital the newowner plans to invest to enhance these assets.”The transaction is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of the yearand is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Capital Hill Buys London Hotels

OCTOBER 22, 20114

W ith a total of 224 daily departures from80 different countries, China Airlines isnow to bring three new routes to theSkyTeam network. These destinationsinclude Okinawa and Miyazaki, Japan

and Surabaya, Indonesia. SkyTeam customers are provided witha vast choice of travel options considering China Airlines’ groupof existing members, China Southern and China Eastern offerflights to 20 destinations in China. Michael Wisburn, managing director, SkyTeam, commented onwelcoming the airline. “Thanks to excellent links to a number ofexisting SkyTeam hubs, China Airlines’ membership adds valueto the alliance of both passengers and cargo customers. Adding aquality brand from a strong economic region will supportSkyTeam’s focus on our top priority, enhancing our products andservices for our customers worldwide.” Customers of China Airlines, and SkyTeam members, will be ableto earn and use miles on all services. Corporate clients withbusiness interests in Taiwan will benefit from SkyTeam’s globaldeals, which China Airlines will be included in. Chia-Juch Chang, chairman, China Airlines, commented on itscollaboration with SkyTeam. “Joining SkyTeam is an integral partof our strategy for increased international growth andprofitability. Today’s milestone is a momentous occasion in ourhistory and we look forward to a future of co-operation andcollaboration with our Sky Team partners, bringing greaterbenefits to our distinguished passengers.”

Kuwait International Airport is set to go through anenvironmentally ambitious expansion, significantlyincreasing capacity and establishing it as a new hub in theregion, Foster and Partners has revealed.The architectural firm responsible for the project hasunveiled plans to create a state-of-the-art terminal building,comprising three symmetrical wings of departure gates.Each facade will span 1.2km, extending from a striking 25mhigh central space. This contemporary design is balancedwith ease of movement, with only few level changes. Tofurther aid orientation, the building is planned under asingle roof canopy, punctuated by glazed openings thatfilter daylight, while deflecting direct solar radiation.The design sets a new environmental benchmark forairport buildings. Responsive to the climate of the intenselyhot country, it is inspired by local forms and materials. Theconcrete structure provides thermal mass and the roofincorporates a large expanse of photovoltaic panels toharvest solar energy. Once complete, the project aims to bethe first passenger terminal in the world to attain LEED‘gold’ environmental accreditation.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investment and Develop-ment Authority (RAK TIDA) has announced that all de-partments are fully operational with promotionalschedules of programmes ready to be launched, only fivemonths after being established.RAK TIDA was present this year at Leisure Moscow , andwill also participate in the World Travel Market in London,the ITB Berlin and the Arabian Travel Market in order topromote Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offerings internationally.In accordance to the vision of H.H. Saud Bin Saqr AlQasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK TIDA was devel-oped in order to promote the growth of the emirates’ do-mestic, international and regional tourism. Victor Louis, chief operating officer, RAK TIDA, com-mented. “The government is investing in tourism develop-ment projects worth AED600 million (USD1,633,453)between now and 2012 with the aim of increasing thenumber of visitors to the emirate to 1.2 million in 2013compared to 600,000 visitors in 2010.”

The Rise of Ras Al Khaimah

Designs unveiled for Kuwait International Airport

China Airlines JoinsForces with SkyTeam China Airlines has been welcomed by SkyTeam as its15th member. The flag carrier of Taiwan, is the firstTaiwanese airline to join the alliance.

China Airlines

5OCTOBER 22, 2011

- Accommodation

The female travellerprogramme will offerrooms which are lo-cated close to the ele-vators for privacy, a

separate female fitness facility andabayas provided on request. Each room will feature a bar withhealthy snacks, a selection of women’smagazines, daily fresh flowers and a va-riety of thoughtful touches to cater toeach woman’s needs. Tarek Bekheit, director of marketing,Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at King-

Hyatt to Open Five-Star Hotel in DohaHyatt Hotel Corporation has been appointed by MsheirebHospitality to manage one of four hotels in its flagshipMsheireb Downtown Doha project.The five-star Park Hyatt Doha will be located in the heart ofMsheireb Downtown. It will provide great access to the air-port and Doha’s business districts. Msheireb Downtown, the world’s first sustainable urban re-generation project, aims to adapt 31 hectares in Doha, inorder to change the way people live and work in the urbancity. The USD5.5 billion project is to transform the commer-cial business district into a vibrant cultural city. Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, CEO, Msheireb Hospitality, com-mented on the development. “We are delighted to work withHyatt Hotel Corporation, the world’s leading hotel brand.Hyatt shares our passion in creating a new hub in this partof the city, which integrates the best elements of Doha’s his-torical heritage with innovative facilities.”Guests staying at Park Hyatt Doha will be offered a choiceof 181 rooms and suites along with 1,750m2 of state-of-the-art-leisure facilities comprising of a spa and gym. Meetingsand business gatherings can take place in the hotel’s 2,000m2

of ballroom and meeting spaces.

First Ritz-Carlton Hotel Opens inSaudi ArabiaThe Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh will open on October 24, repre-sents the hotel company’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia anddemonstrating its continued commitment to the MiddleEast.The lavish hotel, which provides 493 rooms and suites, is lo-cated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to theKing Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, making it convenientfor business travellers and dignitaries. Designed by Al Rasheed Engineering Company and con-structed by Oger International, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh re-gally faces spectacular fountains fronting a 1km driveway.It is situated within 213,500m2 of luxuriantly landscaped gar-dens and positions itself amongst the grand palace hotels in the world. Highlights include 49 exquisite two-bedroom Royal Suites,each measuring more than 425m2, and 50 one-bedroom Ex-ecutive Suites at 95m2. Offering more than 5,800m2 of conference space combined,the hotel, with its catering team, is well facilitated to accom-modate the largest of international summits and social gala events.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Caters Exclusively toFemale TravellersFour Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, is the first hotel in Saudi Arabia to offer a female travellerprogramme. Due to the increasing number of travelling business women from the Arab world, Four Seasonsaims to meet the needs of its female guests.

dom Centre, commented on the introduction of the female travellerprogramme.“The greatest care and thought hasbeen applied to developing this cus-tomised programme based on antici-pating what a woman needs and wantson her travels and taking into consider-ation practical requirements while stillpaying attention to all the little details,resulting in relevant and intuitive serv-ice that can enhance the business-woman’s experience at Four SeasonsRiyadh at Kingdom Centre.”

OCTOBER 22, 20116

- Air News

Services from Berlin, Ham-burg, Stuttgart, Frankfurtand Zurich to Budapest, op-erated by Malév, can now bebooked via airberlin. Con-

venient non-stop flights to the Hungariancapital will be available for passengerstravelling from Germany. Paul Gregorow-itsch, chief commercial officer, airberlin,commented on the codeshare agreement.“As we prepare to join the oneworld airlinealliance, we are delighted to have a newpartner at our side. With flights to andfrom Hungary we can offer our custo-mers a new, attractive destination andstrengthen our presence in Central Eu-rope.” The German domestic and Euro-pean routes offered by airberlin will nowbe of benefit for Malév passengers as well,

airberlin and Malév to Offer Codeshare Servicesairberlin and Malév are to offer customers selected flights as codeshare services as of October 30.

with customers being able to book con-necting flights to destinations includingDusseldorf and Oslo. Lóránt Limburger,chief executive officer, Malév, gave hisstatement on the partnership. “The agree-ment we have concluded with airberlinmeans that our route network is expanded

airberlin

with new destinations. Through this air-line, which is shortly to join the oneworldalliance, our customers can access new des-tinations in Germany and elsewhere in Eu-rope, and soon they will also be able toenjoy all the advantages deriving from thecarriers’ membership of oneworld.”

Egyptair’s First Flight to JeddahLaunchedThe first Egyptair flight to Jeddah commenced onOctober 8 from the new Seasonal Terminal in CairoAirport. Egyptair now operates four daily routes to theSaudi Arabian city along with seven weekly services to Medina. Hussein Massoud, CEO, Egyptair, elaborated on theimportance of the new route. “Egyptair makes every effortto provide its customers with the most comfortingservices, especially the Hajj and Omra customers and theEgyptians working abroad as these flights need specialtreatment.”Egyptair also serves additional flights within the Hajj andOmra seasons characterised by high operation volumes.

Egyptair

OCTOBER 22, 20118

- Air News

Air Arabia has launched scheduledflights to Donetsk, marking the sec-ond leg of the low-cost carrier’sUkrainian expansion. The airline will operate twice weeklyservices on the routes between its pri-mary hub, Sharjah and the easternUkrainian city on Tuesdays and Fri-days, announced A. K. Nizar, head ofcommercial, Air Arabia.

Air Arabia’s promise of value for money

is now further spread intoUkraine with the

launch of our services to thecity of Donetsk

“Air Arabia’s promise of value formoney is now further spread intoUkraine with the launch of our serv-ices to the city of Donetsk. With ourexisting services to Kiev, customerscan now enjoy Air Arabia’s award-winning service, affordable fares anda great network.”Donetsk marks the low-cost carrier’ssecond Ukrainian destination afterthe capital city of Kiev.

Air Arabia

Bahrain Air’s new office in Dubai is the airline’s first direct sales centre outside of thecountry. Hanif Zakaria, regional sales manager, Gulf and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Air,who heads the Dubai office, elaborated on the move. “This new office will enable us toestablish stronger ties with travel agents and the travel trade both in the UAE as wellas the surrounding markets. With our continuously expanding team of professionals,our presence in Dubai will also allow us to provide greater support and care to our cus-tomers, as well as expand our activities within the GCC.” The addition of the new sales

office comes afterthe airline recentlyrestructured itself asa hybrid, airline of-fering both businessand economy classservices. The airline intro-duced a new dimen-sion, which it claimswill bring style backinto short haultravel.

Emirates Airlines is to launch a serv-ice to its 115th international destina-tion, Baghdad, Iraq. The Dubai-Baghdad flights will commence onNovember 13 and will be Emirates’second Iraqi destination after Basra.Emirates held a gala dinner in the cap-ital city on October 11 prior to thelaunch in order to celebrate the up-coming service. More than 300 guests, including rep-resentatives from the local businesscommunity, key government officialsand members of the local Iraqi mediaattended the gala.Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president,commercial operations, Gulf, MiddleEast and Iran, Emirates, commented onthe new route. “Basra has been a verysuccessful first foray into Iraq for Emi-rates. Our passenger loads have beenconsistently strong and we are confident

that these positive booking numberswill also be reflected in our forthcomingBaghdad operation.”The flights will operate four time a week,on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday andSunday. Emirates will deploy an AirbusA330 in a three-class configuration onthe route. “Baghdad has been on our wish list forsome time and we are now ready forour launch on November 13,” notedKhoory.

Emirates to Launch Latest Iraqi Route

Bahrain Air Opens New Regional Sales Office in Dubai

Air Arabia Arrives inDonetsk

Emirates Airlines

9OCTOBER 22, 2011

- Air News

The latest independent Per-formance Review Body(PRB) report, and thedraft recommendationsfrom the European Com-

mission, point out that the states’ legis-lated commitments to deliver improve-ments in operational, financial andenvironmental efficiency are off course.Tony Tyler, CEO, IATA, commented onthe challenges.“Everybody agrees that high costs, delays,environmental waste and circuitous rout-ings are not acceptable. But the problemsare not going to fix themselves. Airlineshave invested in aircraft and technologyto operate at the highest levels of effi-ciency, often times ahead of what air nav-

Etihad Airways has announced a codeshare agreementwith Vietnam Airlines. The partnership will commence asof October 30, whereby Etihad will have a total of 33 code-share partners.Passengers of Vietnam Airlines will be able to connectthrough Bangkok to Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s hub.James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, commented on thesigning. “The codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlinesoffers our passengers yet more destinations and connec-tivity while demonstrating our ambition to develop ourpresence in Asia.Both Ho Chi Minhand Hanoi are citieswith much to offerboth business andleisure travellers.”Etihad Airways oper-ates services toBangkok twice a day.

Gulf Air has launched the first aircraft in the world with globallive television, internet and mobile phone service, after takingdelivery of its first A330-200 aircraft, retrofitted with Pana-sonic Avionics Corporation’s Global Communications Suite.The comprehensive communications and entertainment so-lution, ‘Skyhub’ provides passengers with onboard full broad-band connectivity to access internet, mobile phone servicesand live television service. Samer Majali, CEO, Gulf Air, elaborated on the pioneeringtechnology. “We are bringing to you, for the first time in theworld, fully integrated broadband connectivity offering highspeed internet with high speed Wi-Fi and data services, voiceover the internet (VOIP), streaming videos and the world'sfirst in-flight live TV satellite stream across continents.”Gulf Air will soon enable more passengers to take advantageof the innovation upon Panasonic’s Global CommunicationsSuite as it will be installed across the airline’s entire fleet.“Gulf Air is providing the fastest, affordable and unlimited in-ternet and mobile access onboard,” concluded Majali.

IATA: European Airlines Lagging ImprovementsThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that European states are falling behind in theircommitments to improve air traffic management.

igation service providers are capable of,and we are ready to help drive efficienciesfurther.” In 2010, PRB’s proposed target of cost ef-ficiency of air navigation services was re-

duced from 4.5 percent to 3.5 percent. “Watering down the targets for 3.5 per-cent is costing the competitiveness of Eu-rope’s connectivity EUR1 billion (USD1.4 billion) a year. Now because of inac-tion we are facing a further hit of EUR 256million (USD 354 million). When targetsare agreed, state leadership must ensurethat they are met. This is not the time forcomplacency. The real story is with the BigFive air navigation service providers –Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain.Being responsible for 54 percent of thecosts of air navigation services in Europe,the success of the performance scheme isdependent on these states meeting theirshare of the required cost reductions withno shortfall,” concluded Tyler.

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines Agree a Codeshare

Etihad Airways

Gulf Air: First Airline with Live In-Flight Global TV

Tony Tyler

OCTOBER 22, 201110

- International

Accor has inaugurated St. Ermin’s Hotel, its first propertyin the UK under the MGallery brand.The hotel is located in St. James in central London, be-tween Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Offer-ing a haven of tranquility, it is just a short walk from majorWest End theatres and London’s historical sites. Designed by architect Dayna Lee, the hotel boasts 331rooms with a unique décor combining contemporary fea-tures with a classic style, creating a friendly and sophisti-cated atmosphere. The establishment offers state-of-the-artamenities, including afitness area and 14meeting rooms thatcan cater for up to 200people. The hotel canalso host weddings andceremonies and hasthree restaurants offer-ing European and clas-sical cuisine.

Set to transform the sector, thefour newly signed new-buildhotels are Hampton by HiltonIstanbul Kayasehir; Hamptonby Hilton Rize; Hampton by

Hilton Corlu; and Hampton by HiltonGaziantep.Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Kayasehirwill feature 144 bedrooms and form partof a mixed use development, including ashopping centre, leisure facilities, restau-rant outlets and office space. Hampton byHilton Corlu will also form part of a mixeduse development and will offer 136 bed-rooms. Overlooking the Black Sea, Hamp-ton by Hilton Rize will feature 90

Hilton Worldwide Plans to Develop EconomyHotel Sector in TurkeyFour Hampton by Hilton hotels have been signed in Turkey, expanding the company’s brand offering inwhat it considers a key development market.

bedrooms. Hampton by Hilton Gaziantepwill have 116 bedrooms and will be locatedin the city's busy commercial district,within the Milenyum Business Centre.Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president

St. Ermin’s Marks First MGalleryBranded Hotel in London

development, Europe and Africa,Hilton Worldwide, elaborated on thestrategic decision. “We have alreadyseen significant growth of our HiltonHotels & Resorts, DoubleTree byHilton and Hilton Garden Innbrands in Turkey and now we have afurther four Hampton by Hilton ho-tels under development. These latestsignings join the existing Hamptonby Hiltons currently under develop-

ment in Ordu and Bursa, which are ex-pected to open later this year.” HiltonWorldwide has 34 hotels either currentlyoperating or under development inTurkey.

Hilton Istanbul Kayasehir

St. Ermin’s Hotel

11OCTOBER 22, 2011

Sam-Erik Ruttmann hasjoined Langham Hospi-tality Group as vice president, development,Middle East. Ruttman,whose career spans over30 years in the luxuryhospitality industry, willbe an invaluable asset tothe group’s expansionalong the ‘New SilkRoad’ of China, India

and the Middle East. Most recently he worked as regionalvice president of development for a Thai-based hospitalitybrand, where he was instrumental in setting up its develop-ment office in the region. Prior to that, he held general man-ager roles at luxury hospitality brands in various locationsaround the globe, including Indonesia, Kuwait, Finland andThailand. Ruttman brings an excellent track record of secur-ing new luxury projects and in-depth experience in pre-opening s to his new position.

Ajay Narain has been appointed general manager of Lease-Plan Emirates, a vehicle leasing and fleet management spe-cialist based in Abu Dhabi. Narain joined the company in1999, as senior analyst, and worked for several years in thecorporate strategy and development department in thegroup’s headquarters in Almere, Netherlands. Most recently

he held the positionof financial directorat LeasePlan India.Narain, who holdsgraduate and post-graduate degrees ineconomics, as well as a masters degreefrom the UK, aims tolead the company’soperation to the nextlevel and to a marketleading position inthe UAE.

Sam-Erik Ruttmann Ajay Narain

Sam-Erik Ruttmann

Ajay Narain

Mark McCarthy has been appointed general manager ofRotana’s two pre-opening properties Al Ghurair Arjaan byRotana and Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai. Mc-Carthy joined the company in 2007 as general manager ofTowers Rotana Dubai. His commitment and dedication tothe property and the company’s success paved the way forhim to move forward and lead the largest room’s inventory

at Rotana. During his ca-reer of more than threedecades, he has held sen-ior positions in the US,Saudi Arabia, Oman,Egypt, Zambia and Bah-rain. In his new position,he will be in charge ofleading the managementteam for both propertiesand working hand inhand with Al Ghurairmanagement to ensure asuccessful opening.

Mark McCarthy

Mark McCarthy

OCTOBER 22, 201112

Travel Talk is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industryprofessionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want tohear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations andobservations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

“Visitors to this year’sAbu Dhabi pavilion atWorld Travel Market(WTM) will find ahost of new businessopportunities in theform of brand new at-tractions, superb newbeachfront resorts andcity centre hotels aswell as world-classevents ideal for pack-aging and leveraging.WTM 2011 will be

the travel industry’s opportunity to engage with a destina-tion which is receiving record numbers of hotel guests andwhich is prioritising tourism in its long-term economic andsocial development plans.”

“I take great pride in provid-ing great service. There isnothing like the gratification Ireceive when I find the bal-ance between a motivated em-ployee, a happy guest whoreturns and recommends usand an owner who appreciatesour results.”

Mubarak Al Nuaimi

Nabil Hammoudgroup director of operations, Safir Hotels & Resorts;general manager, Safir Marina Hotel Kuwait.

Mubarak Al NuaimiInternational promotions manager, Abu DhabiTourism Authority.

Nabil Hammoud

“Aviation is one of themost volatile indus-tries in the worldplagued by a numberof uncertainties; risingfuel prices, natural dis-asters, geo-political de-velopments and manyothers. Passengers arethe first ones to be af-fected in such situa-tions but as a serviceindustry, we have toensure they are leastaffected by providingthe best customerservice possible.”

Kavita Sharma JassimChairperson, Worldwide Airline Customer RelationsAssociation (WACRA).

Kavita Sharma Jassim

There is nothing like the gratification I receive when I find the balance between a motivated employee,

a happy guest

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has advisedthe European Union (EU) to discard its plans to include aviation inthe EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), but has repeated the airtransport industry’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufac-turers are aiming to put a stop to net carbon emissions from 2020with carbon-neutral growth and by cutting net emissions in halfby 2050, compared with 2005. They are also dedicated to improv-ing fuel efficiency by 1.5 percent annually up to 2020.Tony Tyler, CEO, IATA, commented at the Greener Skies conferencein Hong Kong. “The industry’s value chain is united around ambi-tious targets and a clear strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. Toachieve the positive economic measures, technology improvements,more efficient infrastructure and better operations is necessary tomeet our targets; governments need to be much more proactive.” In order to target emission reductions, the industry has made anagreement that has been endorsed by governments through theInternational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to boast afour-pillar strategy. The four pillars are investments in technology,more efficient infrastructure, more efficient operations and posi-tive economic measures.

13OCTOBER 22, 2011

Name: Amine LagounePosition: OwnerCompany: Algérie ToursLocation: Algeria

Agent’s Insight

Who are you? I am Amine Lagoune and in 2006 I created AlgeriaTours, a tour operator in Algeria with representationsin the most important parts of the country. We spe-cialise in cultural, archaeological, historical and á lacarte tourism.

What is your favourite thing about working in thetravel industry?I would say to create original tracks for customers todiscover the riches of Algeria.

When is the best time to visit Algeria?Between September and June is the best time.

Where would you like to travel to for your next hol-iday?For my next holiday I would like to travel to easternAlgeria, to the Roman cities which have great beautysuch as Djamila and Timgad.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

We know and answer our customers’ questions veryquickly. Most importantly we advise our clients.

IATA to Reduce Carbon Footprints

Kavita Sharma Jassim

Algeria Tour

OCTOBER 22, 201114

Etihad Airways has signed a multi-level agreement with Abu DhabiTourism Authority (ADTA) to spon-sor the emirate’s involvement in the2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race.The airline will be presenting sponsorat the fortnight-long race stopover atthe purpose built Destination Villagein Abu Dhabi, which begins on NewYear’s Eve. It will also be the titlesponsor of the In-Port Race on Janu-ary 13, 2012. Etihad Airways’ logowill feature prominently on the hulland sails of ADTA’s Volvo OceanRace yacht, Azzam (Arabic for deter-mination), as well as across its AbuDhabi Ocean Racing team clothingduring the 2011/12 global event.As the first-ever Arabian hosting ofthe Volvo Ocean Race, the stopoverwill bring significant exposure to AbuDhabi through a number of en-hanced promotional activities andawareness initiatives.The Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12,which begins in Alicante, Spain onOctober 29 and concludes in Galway,Ireland in summer 2012, is a 39,000nautical mile, nine-month, round-the-world sailing race, taking in 10destinations. Etihad Airways’ desti-nation management company, HalaAbu Dhabi, is the preferred travelpartner for the Abu Dhabi stopover.

The study, prepared byEda’s Research Centrefor Tourism, Environ-ment and Culture, foundthat the cancellation rate

for 28 inbound tour operators averaged at55 percent. Through these offices, 91,000tourists have visited the country in thefirst seven months of the year and another56,000 are anticipated by the end of theyear. Inbound tourism is, however, ex-pected to pick up fast. These companiesbelieve that around 200,000 visitors willarrive in 2012, half of whom have alreadyconfirmed their bookings. Respondents named the top five coun-tries in the western hemisphere fromwhich they attract visitors the US, Brazil,then Canada and Mexico in a tie, and Ar-gentina and Ecuador. In Europe, France

Etihad to SponsorVolvo Ocean RaceAbu Dhabi Stopover

Jordan Inbound CancellationsTops 55 PercentPolitical unrest in the Arab world has sparked fears over safety and securityprovided to tourists and resulted in high cancellation rates, according to arecent study, Reservations and Cancellations for the Inbound TourismMarket in Jordan.

Musee Oceano, Monaco

and Spain occupied the top positions, fol-lowed by the UK, Italy and Germany in atie for fourth, and the Netherlands in fifthplace. In Asia, Japan and Russia topped thelist, followed by India. China, Malaysia,Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand camefourth, while Indonesia, Korea, Sri Lankaranked as fifth. The study also points out that the percent-age of cancellations in 17 offices hasreached approximately 60.7 percent in thefirst seven months of the year, underscor-ing the political unrest’s harsh impact uponthe non-Arab inbound tourism sector inthe Kingdom. The inbound tourism sector in Jordan, es-pecially from the main generating markets,has witnessed a notable decrease , due tothe ongoing instability and the sluggish re-covery from the global financial crisis.

ADTA’s Volvo Ocean Race yacht

Travel Trade Weekly: How has Riv-iera Hotel performed this year?

Rita Faddoul: The first quarter of theyear was not as expected, with a dropdown of occupancy experienced not onlyin Riviera Hotel but in the entire city.However, in June, a new government waselected and the market picked up, as didour hotel. We can say that the summerseason was quite a good one consideringinstability around the country. We arelooking forward to a positive year-endquarter, when a lot of conferences andseminars will take place in the city, witheach hotel taking its share. As for theBeach Lounge, so far we can say that it wasa remarkable year for us on this level.

Travel Trade Weekly: Have regionalunrest and instability in Lebanon af-fected occupancy?

Rita Faddoul: Beirut was among thefew markets affected by the recent spate ofregional unrest but, still, Beirut has a verystrategic location. This situation resultedin a 30 percent drop in occupancy com-pared with the same period last year, butneedless to say, Beirut is a survival cityand always manages to get out of the crisisby finding ways to generate revenue.

Travel Trade Weekly: What have you

done to try to overcome these threatsand retain revenue?

Rita Faddoul: We will be attendingWorld Travel Market this year, sharing thebooth with the Lebanese Ministry ofTourism. We will mainly be promotingand presenting the hotel’s complete reno-vation with pictures of the new rooms andpremium lounge. We will also be convey-ing the message that Lebanon is calm andsafe to be visited.During the summer we hosted a lot ofevents at the Beach Lounge, starting withRiviera Fusion, an art symposium and ex-hibition, held in May. This was followedby several events, including Fashion Showfor Diamony Swimsuits, Martini Eventand beach parties featuring internationalDJ’s such as Yolanda B’ Cool, Chip Monkand much more. These events are neces-sary for the Beach Lounge’s success andhave received very good exposure in themarket and a high number of attendees.As for the hotel, a full renovation of roomsand corridors on all five floors was com-pleted, including the introduction of apremium floor with a premium loungeand amenities. Renovation of the publicareas is scheduled to befinished by February2012, when the hotelwill be re-launched.

Travel Trade Weekly:What are the hotel’s pri-mary visitor markets?

Rita Faddoul: Ourkey feeder markets areSyria, Jordan, the UAE,Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

and Iraq. New markets have emerged suchas Tunisia, Turkey and Cyprus. We alsohave some Europeans from England andGermany.

Travel Trade Weekly: What uniquefeatures does the hotel offer?

Rita Faddoul: Guests can look forward toa fully renovated hotel including the publicareas, a new food and beverage outlet, aunique lobby bar, renovated ballrooms,meeting spaces, spa and gym.

15OCTOBER 22, 2011

Q & A with Rita FaddoulHotels across the board have responded to threats to the Middle East’s travel industry, with those in Lebanonconfronted with an ample challenge. Rita Faddoul, director of sales and marketing, Riviera Hotel, Lebanondiscusses with Travel Trade Weekly how the hotel took action in response to the situation.

Rita Faddoul

The summer season was quitea good one considering insta-

bility around the country. We are looking forward to a

positive year-end quarter

OCTOBER 22, 201116

EventsWorld Travel MarketLondon, UK, November 7-10, 2011(www.wtmlondon.com)Leading global event for the travel industry, presenting adiverse range of destination and industry sectors, providingan opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conductbusiness.

Dubai AirshowDubai, UAE, November 13-17, 2011(www.dubaiairshow.aero)The foremost aerospace event in the Middle East, whichconsistently delivers key buyers and decision makers.

International Golf Travel Market Antalya, Turkey, November 14-17, 2011(www.igtm.co.uk)The premier event for the golf travel industry with pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities andindustry updates.

PhiloxeniaThessaloniki, Greece, November 18-21, 2011(www.philoxenia.travel)The expo, now in its 27th year, aims at promoting tourism inSoutheastern Europe and the Mediterranean. It acts as aninternational meeting point for professionals engaged in differentsectors of the tourism industry.

EIBTMBarcelona, Spain, November 29 – December 1, 2011(www.eibtm.com)Leading global event for the meetings and events industry, whichgathers more than 14,200 professionals for three days.

World Green TourismAbu Dhabi, UAE, December 5-7, 2011(www.worldgreentourism.com)A three-day event that is supported by ADTA and EAD, and theonly one in the region dedicated to the promotion of sustainabletourism.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new programme is to dramaticallychange the on-board experience for its guests. The multi-yeareffort is to provide guests with a variety of new restaurants, barsand lounges. Extending to the end of 2015, the first phase of theFun Ship 2.0 programme will be part of a USD500 millioninvestment across Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet. Gerry Cahill,CEO, commented on the new innovation. “Fun Ship 2.0 is thelargest and most ambitious initiative that our company has everundertaken and it will serve to significantly transform theCarnival vacation experience for our guests.”Three themed barsand lounges will be present in the Fun Ship 2.0 programme,along with Carnival’s branded spaces RedFrog Rum Bar andBluelguana Tequila bar. In addition, a new complimentaryBluelguana Cantina will be present on-board. “Carnival fans andthose new to our cruises are destined for an incredible vacationexperience,” continued Cahill.

Etihad Goes WirelessOnboard wireless internet will be available by the end ofthe year on Etihad Airways’ aircraft. Guests travelling on se-lected routes to Europe will be able to take advantage of thewireless access.James Hogan, CEO, Etihad, commented at the World Broad-band Forum in Paris. “I can tell you that Etihad will have twoaircraft with operational onboard internet by December thisyear, and five aircraft by March 2012.”Airlines now face pressure from travellers to also offer wire-less internet on their flights. “Three of the five aircraft will be Airbus A330-300S, which willoperate between Abu Dhabi and cities like Frankfurt, Geneva,London, Munich and Paris. We are right at the point now ofsettling on a fleet-wide connectivity solution for the comingyears.” Hogan commented on the continuous evolution oftechnology. “Perhaps the biggest challenge is to stay in syncon this incredibly fast and exciting journey into the future.

Carnival Cruise Lines Announces itsFun Ship 2.0 Programme