28 JANUARY 2012 ISSUE 116

IN THIS ISSUEMARKET UPDATE

WEEKLY NEWS

ACCOMMODATION

AIR NEWS TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL

WHO'S MOVED

TRAVEL TALK

AGENTS' CORNER

TRAVEL CHANNELS

RENDEZVOUS

NEWS & EVENTS

0204060710111213141516

28 JANUARY 2012 ISSUE 116

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Rezidor Announces Hotel Missoni DohaThe Rezidor Hotel Group and Al Jassim Group is to open a luxury lifestyle hotel in Doha in late 2015.

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate, for the first DoubleTree resort by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

UAE Welcomes DoubleTree

Abu Dhabi Welcomes airberlin 8

airberlin recently celebrated its inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi, thanks to Abu Dhabi Airports

Company (ADAC) and Etihad Airways

2 MARKET UPDATE

28 JANUARY 2012

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

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Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba

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3.67

6.04

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1,505.50

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219.26

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Accurate as of

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MENA EXCHANGE RATES

Hertz UAE: Online Rental on the Fast Track

JLA Observes Passenger GrowthEnd of year figures for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) showed that over 230,000 more passengers used the airport in 2011 compared to 2010, with an increase of 4.5 percent.

A total of 5.3 million passengers travelled through JLA in 2011, its third busiest year ever and almost reaching 2008 levels.

The months of July, August, September, and October were particu-larly busy, breaking all previous records for the time of year, with the highest month of August welcoming over 580,000 travellers through the terminal making it the busiest month in the airport’s 78-year history.

Craig Richmond, CEO, Peel Airports, commented, “News of growth in our passenger numbers is a great achievement for the airport and one that all the staff here can be proud of, particularly when we recog-nise that this remains an extremely challenging time for all involved in the aviation industry. The many low cost flights available from Liverpool means the region’s passengers can still afford to get away on holiday even during these difficult economic times.”

Online car rental businesses are expected to be huge beneficiaries of the recent online shopping boom across the Middle East, with Hertz UAE anticipating the significant surge in 2011 to continue at the same rate throughout this year.

Nigel Johnson

T he UAE market leader, which expe-rienced a 35 percent year-on-year increase in online booking for daily and weekly car rentals in 2011, ex-pects reservation methods over the

Internet to further engage the public. This follows a recent report by Euromoni-

tor International, which highlighted a ma-jor shift in shopping trends across the Arab world, as a growing number of people are ditching long queues in favour of shopping over websites. Based on the study, online shoppers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt spent a total of USD1.01 billion on Internet re-tail sites in 2011, and the amount is expected to reach USD2 billion by 2016.

“We ran various inbound and outbound campaigns on Hertz.ae and Hertz.com and

used collateral, indoor and outdoor me-dia, and direct marketing to promote both websites,” explained Nigel Johnson, manag-ing director, Hertz UAE. “The increase is split evenly between inbound and domestic UAE business, with the biggest increase inbound coming from western audiences, largely from Europe and the US.”

4 WEEKLY NEWS

28 JANUARY 2012

Etihad Airways recently operated its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Tripoli, the airline’s first new destination of the year, and is the only direct commercial flight between the two cities.

James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, com-mented, “We are delighted to launch this service to Tripoli. Libya is a beautiful country that over the coming months and years will have much to offer both business and leisure travellers. Tripoli is Etihad Airways’ fifth African destination and marks the first time these two Arab capitals have been commercially linked by air.”

Emirates and the Mauritius Ministry of Tourism have signed an agreement aimed at jointly promoting the island across the airline’s global network.

Emirates and Mauritius will engage in the develop-ment of a series of joint activities to increase the visibil-ity and awareness of around the 100 plus destinations to which the airline flies.

Majid Al Mualla, senior vice president, commercial operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, Emirates, com-mented on the collaboration, “The island of Mauritius is a great product and constitutes an important destina-tion amidst our network. We strongly believe in its po-tential, and our regular increases in frequencies on this route demonstrate that our promotional strategy is the right one and is bringing concrete results.”

Etihad Airways Begins Flights to Tripoli

We are delighted to launch this service to Tripoli. Libya is a beautiful country that over the coming months and years will have much to offer both busi-ness and leisure travellers

H.E. Anwar Gargash, minister, State for For-eign Affairs, UAE, noted that this is a further step in the development of the relationship between the UAE and Libya. “Direct flights will contribute profoundly to the development of trade, invest-ment, and tourism. The new Libya is taking its rightful place among the prosperous nations of northern Africa and the Mediterranean. I have noted with great satisfaction that UAE compa-nies are increasingly turning their attention to Libya for opportunities to cooperate, invest, and do business. This is a clear sign of the positive fu-ture our business community sees for this coun-try. Etihad Airways is a leading example of this,” he commented.

Furthermore, Aref Ali Nayed, ambassador of Libya, UAE, added, “It represents a new phase of cooperation and mutual support between the two peoples, connecting the gateways of North Africa and the Middle East.”

Scheduled to open on February 28, The St. Regis Doha marks the debut of the St. Regis brand in Qatar and is set to become the premier business and leisure hotel in the country.

Tareq Derbas, general manager, The St. Regis Doha, commented on the new property, “We have been build-ing up to this moment for three years. We look forward to welcoming our first guests and to start building the repu-tation of the hotel as the finest address in Doha.”

The St. Regis Doha will offer 336 guest rooms includ-ing 70 suites, all offering sea views, and is geared to set new standards in service and luxury in Qatar with the legendary St. Regis butler service provided to all guests. The hotel will further feature 10 restaurants and lounges, ranging from international fine dining venues to Jazz at Lincoln Centre Doha, the first jazz club in Doha. Further-more, the hotel will also boast 4,000m2 of meeting space, a Remède Spa, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and seafront cabanas with private Jacuzzis.

The St. Regis Doha Set to Open

Doha

Promoting Mauritius through Emirates

5WEEKLY NEWS

28 JANUARY 2012

Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles sign MoU

W ith its picturesque moun-tains, lakes, and alpine vil-lages, Switzerland has long been a popular winter des-tination with travellers from

all around the world, according to Jörg Peter Krebs, director, India, Middle East, Africa, and Switzerland Tourism.

“Switzerland has a very long tradition for winter sports and winter holiday. Our main fo-cus this winter is on snow, sun, and sun terrace. With these three positioning ideas, we would like to communicate that Switzerland has the best and sunniest winter in the Alps,” he said.

“Furthermore, our villages and our resorts have been growing authentically since a long

Swiss Hospitality Lures MENA travellersSwitzerland Tourism aims to increase the number of visitors from the Middle East and North Africa by promoting the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

time. That is why new and regular guests like to experience winter vacations in Switzerland.

Despite the country’s popularity for winter holidays, the number of visitors from the Middle East and North Africa remain relatively low in this season. Switzerland Tourism therefore takes

As part of an alliance initiative, the government of the Seychelles and Etihad Airways have signed an MoU whereby Etihad Airways is to acquire a 40 percent stake in Air Seychelles, as well as a five-year management con-tract set to encourage Air Seychelles’ long-term com-mercial growth.

Etihad Airways’ investment of USD20 million will be matched by an equal capital injection from the Seychelle’s government, in addition to the airline’s plans to provide a shareholder’s loan of USD25 million to meet working capital requirements and support network development.

Furthermore, the airlines will sign a comprehen-sive codeshare agreement to include Etihad Airways’ marketed flights across Air Seychelles’ network and Air Seychelles-marketed flights to Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways destinations across Europe, the Middle East, the GCC, Asia and Australia.

Joel Morgan, minister of Home Affairs, Environ-ment, Transport, and Energy, the Seychelles, comment-ed, “The partnership simultaneously provides inter-national presence, strategic penetration, and a bright future for our national carrier.”

a different approach to the Arab traveller. “In general the Middle East and North Afri-

ca are not targeted markets for winter vacation. [In this region], we remain on our core business and promote our stylish Swiss cities and our beautiful mountains,” Krebs concluded.

Zürich, Switzerland

6 WEEKLY NEWS

28 JANUARY 2012

Accommodation

The Rezidor Hotel Group and Al Jas-sim Group is to open a luxury lifestyle hotel in Doha in late 2015.

Hotel Missoni Doha, exclusively de-signed by Rosita Missoni, will feature approximately 200 rooms and 70 ser-viced apartments. Situated along the C Ring Road in the heart of the capital, the hotel will boast an ideal location just 10 minutes from the international airport and the West Bay, and within close proximity to a number of leisure and entertainment activities.

Rezidor Announces Hotel Missoni Doha

Sheikh Khalid Bin Jassim Al Thani, CEO, Al Jassim Group, added, “Inspired by Qatar Nation Vision 2030, we ac-tively seek out new partnerships and aim to raise the bar at every oppor-tunity. Hotel Missoni Doha will add significant value to the existing urban aspect and contribute to the commit-ment and vision of Qatar by greatly supporting the transformation of Doha into one of the world’s leading business, sport, and cultural cities.”

Guests at the new luxury hotel will enjoy a variety of dining con-cepts, as well as a pool bar, and a lobby lounge. Other amenities will include a 800m2 spa and fitness area, an outdoor swimming pool, and ap-proximately 1,500m2 conference and banquet facilities, including a ball-room, and business centre.

Hotel Missoni Doha

Rob Palleschi (left) and Mohamed Ahmed Ali Hassan Ruqait Al Ali

Hilton Worldwide has signed a man-agement agreement with Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate, for the first Double-Tree by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the 309-key DoubleTree by Hilton, Ras Al Khaimah, will enjoy a prime location on the trunk of Marjan Island, said to be one of the first properties to open on the prestigious location, a cluster of five man-made islands in the upscale area of Al Hamra.

Commenting on the new develop-ment, Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hil-ton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa said, “Tourism is a vital sector of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy and with three Hilton Worldwide hotels already open and a further three in the pipeline, I am pleased we are playing a major part in firmly putting the emirate on the desti-nation map.”

DoubleTree by Hilton to Open First Resort in UAE

Besides 11 suites in the main build-ing and 45 luxury chalets on the resort’s private beach, the hotel is also set to fea-ture two pools, a kids club, health club and spa, as well as water sport facilities. Moreover, it will also boast two restau-rants, a lobby lounge, and two bars.

Al Habtoor Group has announced one of the region’s biggest and most luxurious hotels and entertainment projects, set to be developed at a cost of AED4.875 billion (USD1.33 billion).

Spanning 92,900m2, the complex will be built by Dubai’s prominent Sheikh Zayed Road, taking over the area on which the iconic 34-year old Metropolitan Hotel still stands and which is soon to be demolished.

“Parting with the Metropolitan Hotel, our first hospitality venture, is not easy as it is filled with great memories, but I always believe in looking forward,” commented Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Habtoor Group. “The tourism industry in the UAE and Dubai, in particular, is con-stantly and steadily growing, and we have to be prepared to cater for the growing need of its visitors and resi-dents alike.”

The development will comprise two tall classically elegant towers ris-ing from an imposing grand five-sto-rey podium, which will house three luxurious hotels featuring some 1,600 rooms and suites. Moreover, the ho-tels will include an upscale spa, mul-tiple themed restaurants, 4,650m2 of banqueting and meeting facilities, a shopping arcade, and a unique 1,000-seat theatre.

Commenting on this costly yet highly promising development, Al Habtoor added, “An investment of this magnitude will encourage other likeminded businessmen to regain their faith and will definitely send a very strong message to the national and the international communities that will help stimulate foreign direct investments from institutions and in-dividuals alike.

Al Habtoor Group Reveals USD1.33 Billion Project

7WEEKLY NEWSAir News

28 JANUARY 2012

Royal Jordanian Airlines Boosts Abu Dhabi Flights

F lights will depart from Bahrain at 08.35 and return in the evening, from Kuwait, at 18.55, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Satur-days. These times are designed to

provide convenience to passengers wishing to maximise their time in Kuwait or for busi-ness traffic requiring to return the same day. The airline’s flights will continue onwards from Kuwait to Beirut and from Beirut to Kuwait.

Richard Nuttall, CEO, Bahrain Air, com-mented, “We are delighted to be returning to Kuwait. It is an important destination in its own right and at the same time will also support our network beyond Bahrain, with convenient connections especially to the Indian subcontinent and Khartoum. Fur-

ther we will be adding non-stop flights between Kuwait and Beirut strengthen-ing our presence and product in both markets.”

According to Naeem Mahamoor, mar-keting manager, Bahrain Air, the aircraft will be refitted with a new business-class seat configuration and will introduce a state-of-the-art on-board entertainment system for business and premium class passengers.

“Bahrain Air, being a hybrid airline, will add value to its business and pre-mium class segments in making it at-tractive through price and service to the business community in the region, in picking us as their first choice and fa-vourite airline,” Mahamoor concluded.

Resuming Flights to KuwaitBahrain Air recently resumed flights to Kuwait, operating four flights a week.

Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) has increased frequency on its Amman – Abu Dhabi route with the introduction of two more weekly services, in addition to the airline’s daily opera-tion during the winter season.The increased frequency is set to further ac-commodate the fast growing demand for weekend and short travel visits between the two cities while providing greater flexibility for passengers.

Ahmed Al Haddabi, chief operating officer, ADAC, added, “We are glad to see that our air-line partners are keen to develop their services from the capital’s airport as it will offer more choices to our passengers and ultimately sup-port ADAC’s strategy to become one of the leading airports in the world. Royal Jordanian Airlines is one of our close partners and we will continue to support their initiatives to provide customers with high quality and efficient travel solutions that cater to their needs and requirements.”

Kuwait city

8 WEEKLY NEWS

28 JANUARY 2012

Air News

Ryanair has announced that in April it will open its 50th base in Paphos, its first ever in Cyprus, offering 14 routes, which will initially deliver over 600,000 passengers ever year with over 80 weekly flights.

Michael Cawley, deputy chief ex-ecutive, Ryanair, expressed his enthu-siasm for the airline’s new hub on the island, and commented, “Cypriot con-sumers/visitors can now beat the reces-sion by switching to Ryanair’s lowest

fares and our no fuel surcharge guaran-teed to serve 14 exciting destinations all over Europe including Germany, Italy, and Sweden, among others.”

Moreover Ryanair’s 600,000 passen-gers per annum will also sustain up to 600 jobs in Paphos, according to Cawley.

From Paphos Airport, Ryanair flights will be available to: Chania; Frankfurt; Hahn; Kaunas; Krakow; London Stan-sted; Memmingen; Milan; Oslo; Patras; Pisa; Rome; Stockholm; Thessaloniki;

and Treviso.Alfred Van der Meer, CEO, Hermes

Airport Group, commented on the air-lines new hub, “This is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region from Europe's largest airline. This announcement will help create much needed jobs and tourism, and shows that Ryanair shares our confidence in the tremendous op-portunity for strong market growth at the airport.”

Ryanair to Touch Ground in Paphos, Cyprus

Ryanair

Abu Dhabi Welcomes airberlinAbu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), in cooperation with Etihad Airways, recently welcomed airberlin’s inau-gural flight to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The airline will operate four weekly non-stop services between Berlin and Abu Dhabi, bringing the total num-ber of weekly flights between the UAE capital and four German hubs to 29, with plans to increase to 42 services as of mid-April.

The new route was launched following Etihad Air-ways’ strategic agreement with airberlin to increase its stake to 29.21 percent, making the UAE’s national airline airberlin’s biggest single stakeholder.

James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, commented, “The cooperation with airberlin will dramatically improve global connectivity for our guests in the GCC, Middle East, Germa-ny, Switzerland, and Austria,” while Hartmut Mehdorn, CEO, airberlin, added, ”This route allows our customers to enjoy Abu Dhabi as a destination, and also increase the opportu-nity for German travellers to use this convenient and acces-sible gateway to Asia and Australia.”

Oman Air Celebrates Muscat – Zürich ServiceOman Air celebrated the recent launch of the airline’s Muscat – Zurich service with a special event, which took place at the Park Hyatt Zürich, Switzerland.

The gala, hosted by Oman Air, welcomed H.E. Khalil Al Khonji, chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Indus-try, who was joined by guests from the travel and tourism trade, media, and corporate partners, as well as representa-tives from the aviation industry.

Wayne Pearce, CEO, Oman Air, remarked on the route’s success,“ The new service links Oman’s beautiful and time-less capital with what is one of the world’s great financial centres and an ideal gateway to the Alps for both winter and summer sports enthusiasts. The route is already prov-ing extremely popular for visitors from Oman and beyond, as it is for visitors from Switzerland to Oman, who now find it easier than ever to experience the unparalleled hospitality, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes that are unique to the Sultanate.”

10 WEEKLY NEWS International

28 JANUARY 2012

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Expands in Brazil

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Convention Center; a new project in Pernambuco state in the northeast re-gion of Brazil. Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Con-vention Center will be the first five-star hotel in the region of Reserva do Paiva, and is slated to open in March 2014, featuring 289 rooms, including 21 junior suites, and seven deluxe suites.

Moreover, guests will benefit from the hotel’s spa, res-taurants, and a beach club boasting an infinity pool and a spacious lounge area, to name a few, while business guests will be offered a modern convention centre that will accommodate up to 2,100 people.

We are thrilled with the robust expansion of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Latin America

Located just 14.5km from the International Airport of Guarapes and the Suape Industrial Harbour Complex, it is set to be the largest and most well-equipped convention centre in Northeast Brazil. In addition, the meeting space will include two ballrooms, four function rooms, and oth-er flexible meeting and exhibition areas.

According to Hoyt Harper, global brand leader, Shera-ton Hotels & Resorts, the brand’s leadership position in the upper upscale hotel segment in Latin America high-lights the success of its distinctive positioning in this fast-growing market. By the end of 2011, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts had expanded its footprint to 29 hotels in 10 Latin American countries, including four hotels in Brazil, strengthening Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ position in the region.

Commenting on this addition, Osvaldo Librizzi, presi-dent, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Latin America, said, “We are thrilled with the robust expansion of Starwood Ho-tels & Resorts in Latin America and to be announcing the groundbreaking news for a new Sheraton hotel in Brazil. We continue to expand our presence in emerging mar-kets with our nine distinctive brands, and as Brazilians pick up their pace of travel, they will look to stay with the brands they know and recognise. Additionally, with the focus on hotel development in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, Starwood looks to continue to expand its presence in Brazil, and build upon our 37 years in the country.”

Following a USD1.5 million conversion from a Comfort Inn, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio of hotels with the launch of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Tempe University.

The extensive renovation of the three-storey, 3,250m2 hotel, included a new exterior colour scheme and a refreshed interior urban design in all 72 guest rooms.

Offering easy access to downtown, to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as to a range of popular tourist attrac-tions, the re-opened hotel is expected to be-come the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers, commented Gina LaBarre, vice president, brand manage-ment, the Americas, IHG.

With its 24-hour business centre, fitness centre, and outdoor pool, the hotel offers an ideal base to both business people and holi-daymakers.

Holiday Inn Express Expands Portfolio

Mauritus Home to New HotelAngsana Hotels & Resorts, the sister brand of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, has announced the launch of Angsana Balaclava in Mauritius.

Located directly on the beach, the property is just a 15-minute drive from the capital of Port Louis in the northwest area of the island, and resembles a traditional Mauritian village.

The 51-key resort boasts spa suites, which of-fer a complimentary 90-minute massage, while the single Imperial Villa features four bedrooms, three private pools, and a personal butler.

The resort also offers guests three overlapping swimming pools separated by waterfalls, a selec-

tion of restaurants and bars, as well as the option of in-villa private dining, in addition to a beauty sa-lon, fitness facility, small business centre, and chil-dren’s activities.

Beachfront Suite

11WHO'S MOVED

28 JANUARY 2012

Michel Koopman

Manuel Santos

Hossam Kamal

Michel Stalport

Michel Koopman has been appointed director of opera-tions in the Middle East for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, as well as general man-ager of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi. Koopman’s responsi-bilities include overseeing the operation of all of the com-pany’s properties in the UAE, as well as spearheading the launch of the Eastern Man-

groves Hotel & Spa, which will be Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa’s first city hotel in the Middle East upon opening this year. He joins the compa-ny from InterContinental Ho-tels Group where he worked as regional general manager for several of the group’s properties across China with additional responsibilities for the opening of a number of new hotels.

Manuel Santos has been named food and beverage manager of Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. Santos, who studied hotel management, completed his apprentice-ship in Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide’s Luxury Collection hotel in Algarve. He has since then worked his way up in various food and beverage positions across the world, and gained

experience in Portugal, the UK, Dubai, and the Baha-mas. Having worked with a number of hotel companies, including Orient Express Ho-tels, Hyatt hotels and resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Jumeirah, Santos brings 14 years of ex-perience with him. His goal is to continue delivering the best service and food in Abu Dhabi.

Hossam Kamal has been named chairman and CEO of Egyptair Holding Company. He takes on the position after more than 29 years with Egyptair, of which, in the last two years, he served as vice chairman. Ka-mal, who is known for offering excellent business solutions, was also a board member of the company where he played a substantial role in Egyptair’s expansion and business mod-

ernisation. He also chaired stra-tegic committees adopting the quality improvement in all sub-sidiaries and coordinating with airports. He led Egyptair In-vestment Plan committee and headed the branding commit-tee as well. He has earlier also worked as general manager of Flight Operations Training. Ka-mal holds a BSc in aviation and a diploma in administration management.

Michel Stalport has been promoted to area vice presi-dent, Western Europe and North West Africa, at The Rezidor Hotel Group. In his new role, Stalport will head 35 managed and leased, and nine franchised hotels in Belgium, France, Italy, Lux-emburg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Mali, Mo-rocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tunisia. Prior to joining

the company, Stalport served Hilton International for more than a decade. During his 19 years with The Rezidor Hotel Group, Stalport has held a number of positions, includ-ing general manager roles in Brussels, Nice and Cannes, before taking on regional responsibility, at first for France and Tunisia, and sub-sequently for Eastern Europe and Russia.

12 TRAVEL TALK

28 JANUARY 2012

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi

Helen Beck

Regional director, International rep-resentatives, EMEA, Royal Caribbean Cruises.

“The success of the Sharjah Water Festival is driven by our objective and desire to promote the emirate as a global destination for tourism, culture, com-merce, education, and much more. The Sharjah Water Festival and other successful events held throughout the year also underscore the emirate’s ability to host and manage international events. As we enter a new phase of our promotional strate-gies, we believe that this fascinating emirate and tourism destination has a great future ahead.”

“Winning not one, but three awards [at the World Travel Awards], is truly a testament to Royal Caribbean’s continued dedication to innovation. With a history of creativity and innovation, de-livering many at-sea industry firsts, such as ice rinks, rock-climbing walls, zip lines, and Broad-way shows, we are committed to providing an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience that appeals to vacationers of all ages.”

Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tour-ism Development Authority.

General manager, Dollar Rent A Car, Jordan.

“We are increasing our fleet by 15 percent and upgraded to this year’s models with a higher number of the more popular SUVs, intermedi-ates, and minivans. This year, we should see sev-eral factors contribute to the increase in Jordan’s tourism, including political stability, increased flights, and completed infrastructure projects. We are actively working together with govern-mental bodies and tourism companies our to provide the complete tourism experience.”

Khaled Saab

Regional general manager, Northern Emirates, Coral Hotels & Resorts.

“We are pleased to welcome the staff of Tez Tours from Yekaterinburg [which was invited to visit the property and was familiarised with the various services and facilities offered by Al Bustan Centre & Residence]. I hope this familiarisation tour gave them first-hand experience of the extensive ser-vices and facilities we offer, thus helped them in promoting Al Bustan Centre & Residence to their customers. It is our pleasure to host their stay and look forward to more visitors from their country.”

TRAVEL TALK is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, and observations to

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Munir Iskandrani

13AGENT'S CORNER

28 JANUARY 2012

Khaled Saab

AGENT'S INSIGHT

Who are you?My name is Sonja Timani. I am the managing director of World of Travel. I started working in the tourism industry in 1992 in New Zealand, where I gained my experience in the incoming tourism business whilst working for an inbound travel agent. To add experience in the outbound field to my profile, I con-tinued my career in Europe with a tour operator specialising in packages for golf players to destinations all over the world.

After having visited plenty of international destina-tions, I saw the potential of developing the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as a tourist destination, and started my own incom-ing agency in 2005. Ever since, I have been able to utilise all my acquired tourism expertise and contacts which I built up over the years and have thus succeeded to bring more than 50,000 tourists to this destination. Now, World of Travel is a key player in bringing tourists to UAE.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?My favourite part of working in the travel industry is getting good feedback from our clients who enjoyed their holiday.

When is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah?Ras Al Khaimah is a great place to visit all year round.

Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?For my next holiday I would like to visit Mongolia and ride a horse through the country.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?Because we have a professional set-up and a long standing relationship with hotels and suppliers in the UAE. Further-more, we have a passion for this destination and are dedi-cated to providing our customers with an unforgettable stay in the UAE.

Amadeus and HRS team upAmadeus, a leading travel tech-nology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Hotel Reservation Service (HRS), the worldwide leading hotel portal for corporate customers, has an-nounced a strategic alliance to distribute HRS’s hotel content through Amadeus.

This is a milestone in HRS’ strategy as it is the first time the hotel portal will make its content available through a global distri-bution system (GDS).

Through this strategic part-nership, Amadeus will seamlessly integrate HRS’ database of around 250,000 properties to its distribu-tion system, including more than 50,000 independent hotels which have been distributed exclusively through HRS up to now.

By seamlessly integrating HRS’s standardised hotel content to Amadeus’ newly re-engineered hotel search and reservation sys-tem, the two are responding to customers’ demands for efficient, access to the most relevant data.

Tobias Ragge, CEO, HRS, com-

mented, “This strategic agree-ment with Amadeus is a key milestone in our multichannel strategy to offer our hotel part-ners extended, integrated distri-bution reachable from a single source. By distributing our con-tent through the GDS channel for the first time, we will make our hotel partners bookable through more than 91,000 travel agen-cies and over 65,000 airline sales offices, which use the Amadeus system worldwide.

“HRS’s integrated end-to-end solution, which connects inde-pendent properties directly with the GDS, helps to reduce our ho-tel partners’ distribution cost by 10 percent compared to compet-ing solutions. At the same time, we respond to the demand from bookers worldwide to find our vast choice of independent ho-tels efficiently through Amadeus distribution solutions,” he added.

“Our corporate customers will benefit from higher adop-tion rates when it comes to hotel bookings, as their travel agency partners now have also access to more extensive hotel content.”

Amadeus has already started the integration of HRS’s content into its distribution system to make it as easy and efficient to book as any GDS content. By the second quarter of the year, cor-porations and travel agencies will have access to this content via both Amadeus e-Travel Manage-ment, and Amadeus Selling Plat-form, the point of sale solution used by Amadeus travel agents for traditional servicing.

This will allow them to shop for hotels from different sources, GDS and HRS, quickly and easy from a single screen and with the highest level of mid- and back of-fice integration.

Munir Iskandrani

NAME: Sonja Timani

POSITION: Managing director

COMPANY: World of Travel

LOCATION: UAE (Ras Al Khaimah)

WEBSITE:

This strategic agree-ment with Amadeus is a key milestone in our multichannel strategy to offer our hotel partners ex-tended, integrated distribution reachable from a single source

www.worldoftravel.ae

14 TRAVEL CHANNELS

28 JANUARY 2012

Brunei Joins Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign

Brunei became the latest country to join the UNWTO/WTTC Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign after H. M. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’Izzaddin

Waddualah, sultan, Brunei, accepted an open letter.

A ccording to Waddualah, tourism is of strategic importance for Brunei, which is based on two principal re-sources; the country’s pristine rain-forest, and its spiritual and cultural

heritage, therefore environmental protection and conservation must lie at the heart of any tourism development. “We will do our best to support tourism,” he added.

Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, who became the organisation’s first secre-tary general to visit Brunei, praised the coun-try’s promotional strategy. “The strength of Brunei tourism lies in its uniqueness. In this way, Brunei is carving its own model of re-sponsible tourism which will no doubt serve

as an example to the rest of the world. “By accepting the open letter, Brunei has

become part of an increasingly important group of world leaders advocating for tourism as a means of economic growth and develop-ment including [countries in] Asia: China, Indo-nesia, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea.”

David Scowsill, president, WTTC, added, “This [signing] underlines that the govern-ment truly understands the impact on job creation and the positive economic impact that travel and tourism brings to global GDP. Travel and tourism made a contribution of 5.8 percent of GDP in 2011 to the Brunei economy and supported 14,000 jobs; 6.9 percent of total employment.”

Penguins Enter Mall of the Emirates

Snow penguins are to become part of the world’s first exciting attraction of its kind, and will go by the name ‘Snow Penguins at Ski Dubai’.

Visitors will soon have the opportunity to interact with these birds in a one-of-a-kind in-timate encounter as well as learn about their unique traits and habits. Mall of the Emirates’ vis-itors will also be able to enjoy viewing the snow penguins’ natural antics during the grand pres-entation of the ‘March of the Penguins’, starting in February.

Part of a multi-generation breeding pro-gramme at Sea World, the lively snow penguins have been embraced into the Ski Dubai family and will live in a specially created environment, which mirrors the Antarctic.

A MICE day in Berlin

ITB Berlin, slated for March 7, will be including a one-day session to its pro-gramme entitled MICE Day; part of ITB Business Travel Days.

This one-day event is set to offer MICE organisers a packed range of ad-vanced training options with concrete solutions. Discussions will focus on the importance of clearly formulating com-munication objectives ahead of events, how emotive storytelling works, and what the legal pitfalls are.

Snow Penguins at Ski Dubai

Simon Woodward, senior research fellow, International Centre for Re-search in Events, Tourism and Hospi-tality, Leeds Metropolitan University, will present the findings of a survey entitled Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Hospitality Industry at the event.

Holders of a trade visitor pass for ITB Berlin can attend lectures at MICE Day at no extra cost. Furthermore, spe-cial travel packages and other services are available to business travellers and MICE industry buyers attending the ITB Business Travel Days, including bus transfers, a trade visitor pass for admis-sion to ITB Berlin, and accommodation.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

15RENDEZVOUS

28 JANUARY 2012

Q & A with David ThomsonSince opening in 1981, it has continuously endeavoured itself to best cater to the family market, and was recently voted World’s Leading Family Resort at the World Travel Awards (WTA); a significant achievement, as David Thomson, general manager, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, tells Travel Trade Weekly .

David ThomsonGeneral manager, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

Travel Trade Weekly: Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa has recently been named the ‘World’s Leading Family Resort’ at the WTA. To what do you attribute this success?

David Thomson: It was a true honour to win this award as it so accurately reflects our goals and ambitions for Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. We have made significant improvements at the resort over the last two years including a facelift of both the Jebel Ali Hotel and Palm Tree Court & Spa.

As we have upgraded areas of the resort, we have done so in a family friendly manner, introducing facilities that set us apart from other properties. We understand that flexibil-ity is key and we capitalise on this at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa with a choice of two hotels, a variety of restaurants and all-inclusive din-ing options, as well as numerous land and wa-ter activities.

Travel Trade Weekly: Based on your expe-rience, what do families with children look for in a perfect holiday? What does Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa offer to satisfy these preferences?

David Thomson: When families travel they look for ease, convenience, flexibility and en-tertainment options; qualities that I strongly believe we deliver at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. We offer families a private beach front location and are lucky enough to benefit from beautiful weather for the majority of the year. We offer all-inclusive dining packages, valid at all of the resort’s 15 bars and restaurants, which allow families to book and pay in ad-vance, ensuring mealtimes are hassle free. We

Spa, we attract guests mainly from Germany, the UK, and CIS, and between the three main markets, we are busy all year round. Our local families join us on special occasions such as Eid and National Day when we offer additional family activities.

Travel Trade Weekly: What plans do you have in place for this year?

David Thomson: This year we are taking measures to further enhance our offering for families by upgrading our Kids’ Club, both in terms of facilities and furnishings. We need to keep up-to-date with technology whilst still placing emphasis on important development skills such as character building and team work. This year will also see the initiation of our teen club, which will allow teenagers the chance to explore the resort’s numerous facili-ties with their peers. Both clubs will be run by fully qualified staff who all have a vast amount of experience in child care and safety.

Travel Trade Weekly: How do you think the resort, as well as the overall hospitality sector in the UAE, will perform?

David Thomson: I believe that this year is go-ing to be another positive year as the econo-my starts to climb again. 2011 was a success-ful year for Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and we expect to increase on profits, over-achieve on expectations, and build on our strengths going forward. The UAE is a very strong tour-ist market and as we come out of the reces-sion, flight patterns increase and competition greatens; I am sure the UAE hospitality sector will deliver a healthy performance once again.

have fantastically spacious rooms and suites which can accommodate up to two adults, two children, and an infant. We offer a var-ied entertainment programme with a daily Kids’ Club, as well as numerous land and wa-ter activities available for guests. Most im-portantly we have a ‘Kids Go Free’ Package which allows children up to the age of 12 to stay free on the same meal plan as their parents.

Travel Trade Weekly: Where does the resort’s family market mainly stem from and which months are the most popular for this segment?

David Thomson: I am delighted that the majority of our guests visit as a family and I believe that is mainly due to our fantastic ‘Kids Go Free’ package and spacious hotel rooms and suites. At Jebel Ali Golf Resort &

16 NEWS & EVENTS

28 JANUARY 2012

EVENTS

Travel Technology EuropeLondon, UK, February 7 – 8, 2012(www.traveltechnologyshow.com)Europe’s leading annual travel technology event that connects the travel industry with market-leading technology solution providers.

EMITTIstanbul, Turkey, February 9 – 12, 2012(www.emittistanbul.com)Organised by I. T. E. Travel Division taps into the emerging trends of the travel sector attended by around 52,800 tourism professionals.

SATTENew Delhi, India, February 10 – 12, 2012(www.satte.in)India’s leading business-to-business travel and tourism event with more than 6,000 travel agents and tour operators from all over India and its neighbouring markets.

WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Centre Boosts Meeting CapacityWOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Centre, member of Great Hotels of the World, is to embark on a USD20 million investment project to become the largest hotel with meeting capacity in the Turkish city.

WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Centre compris-es the four-star WOW Airport Hotel, the five-star WOW Istanbul Hotel, and the WOW Convention Centre.

Starting in February, the WOW Convention Centre will add 21 new meeting rooms to its offering, boasting

8,500m2 of meeting space to with a seating capacity of 6,500. The facility will house a conference room encompassing a total area of 1,200m2, with 7m high ceilings and a capac-ity of 1,000 people. Other meeting rooms within the complex will vary in

size from 70m2 to 225m2, and the project will also see the introduction of a VIP lounge with a relaxation area as well as business and meeting rooms.

“Istanbul has reached seventh place in conven-tion tourism in the world,” Ziya Cihan, general director, WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Centre, pointed out, who further added, “Keeping this growth and an ever-increasing demand for meetings in mind, we decided on our new construction investment. Incorporating 34 rooms, this new USD20 million project will contribute to the vicinity and increase the available meeting capacity in Istanbul. With 635 rooms and a 1,270 bed capacity, our convention centre has the biggest accommodation capacity in Istanbul. More importantly, we are able to use these three buildings either separately or as a single facility. Our experienced team and special gift concepts, combined with this physical structure, enable us to make a difference for all types of events, whether they be conferences, meetings, or accommodations.”WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Centre

ITB BerlinBerlin, Germany, March 7 – 11, 2012(www.itb-berlin.de)The world’s leading travel trade show. A platform for trade visitors to have the opportunity to meet business partners and to do business.

MITTMoscow, Russia, March 21 – 24, 2012 (www.mitt.ru)Russia’s leading travel exhibition, with over 3,000 participating compa-nies and 185 destinations, this is the key meeting and networking place for the industry

GIBTMAbu Dhabi, UAE, March 26 – 28, 2012 (www.gibtm.com)The leading event for business travel in the GCC region, unlocking business potential within the Middle East for all professionals.