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Middle East and North Africa Edition

JANUARY 22, 2011 ISSUE 63

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66

44NAS CHARTERSaudi Arabia’s National Air ServicesCompany (NAS), operator of low costairline Nasair, has launched a newcharter service aimed at the religioustravel sector.

In This Issue

ZOO BABIESAl Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR)in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has launched a newpromotion surrounding its younganimals.

www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait, Rezidor’s oldest propertyoutside Scandinavia, has closed for renovations, after

celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in December 2010.The property is undergoing an extensive refit, including a new ballroom and the introduction of three different

styles of interior design spread throughout the hotel.

Radisson RefitRadisson Refit

ataniya has finalised apreferred carrier agreementwith Kuwait NationalPetroleum Company(KNPC), which will make

the airline responsible for travel by KNPC staff todestinations within its route network.According to reports in Qatari newspaper ThePeninsula, a similar agreement has also recentlybeen signed with Qatar Airways.Abdulsalam Al Bahar, chairman of Wataniya,said the agreement was the first of its kind forthe carrier.Wataniya, which began flying in 2008, is arelative newcomer to the Kuwaiti aviation

market and until recently

operated only a handful of routes.However, a codeshare agreement with AustrianAirlines added 29 new routes to the carrier’snetwork in late 2010.Meanwhile, local rival Kuwait Airways hasentered the final stages of planning for an initialpublic offering of shares (IPO), Mohammad al-Busairy, communications minister of Kuwait,told Bloomberg.The IPO is currently planned to commence atthe beginning of March.Kuwait Airways has struggled commerciallyfor many years, and is engaged in ongoinglegal battles with Iraq over planes stolenduring the 1990 invasion by SaddamHussein’s regime.

JANUARY 22, 20112

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

EditorLaura Warne

Deputy EditorLouis Dillon Savage

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas ConstantinidesMary Kammitsi

HeadquartersP.O. Box 25255 Nicosia 1308 CyprusTel: +35722820888Fax: +35722318958

Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

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COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.67Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.81Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1501.62Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.71Syria (SYP) Pound 46.73Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.43Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.31Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,380Yemen (YER) Rial 214.04Algeria (DZD) Dinar 73.3Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.24

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 20/1/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

Kuwait Aviation Shifts Its Balance The aviation sector in Kuwait is undergoing a shake up, with Wataniya airways seizingkey government contracts and state-owned Kuwait Airways preparing to privatise.

Patchy Recovery Expected for Global Tourism The World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) latest analysis of world traveldata has led to predictions of what the group terms a multi speed recovery.Tourism has recovered faster than expected across the board, according to theorganisation, but is likely to improve at different rates in advanced and developingeconomies.Tourism in advanced regions, including Europe and North America, recoveredat an average of five percent in 2010, while developing regions, such as theMiddle East, averaged growth of approximately eight percent.Europe was the slowest recovering area with only three precent growth, whilethe Middle East posted one of the fastest rates of recovery, showing growth of14 percent.These trends are expected to continue in 2011.

Wataniya Airways

3JANUARY 22, 2011

- Cruise Travel

Cruising Strong in 2011 According to Royal CaribbeanThis year is looking good for cruising, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises, a major player in the field.

The company has reportedpositive forward bookingtrends across all fourquarters of 2011 andpredicted significant

yield increases compared to 2010.Royal Caribbean released a statementpredicting a four percent year-on-yearimprovement in the first quarter of 2011.According to Lakshmi Durai, executivedirector for Royal Caribbean Cruises in theMiddle East, the company is expanding thescope of its activities in the region.“[In 2011], for the first time we will call intoIndia and we are very excited, because themarket has great potential and we believe theinterest from the GCC will be high,” she said.

Durai also noted an increase in interest incruises beyond the immediate area.“European sailings are very popular; over

the last years we have had constant bookingincreases from both within the region andalso from other parts of the world; whichis why Royal Caribbean Internationaldeployed a record number of 11 shipssailing from 11 popular and historicEuropean ports in summer 2011,” she said.Royal Caribbean’s Dubai based ship,Brilliance of the Seas, is about tocommence her second consecutive seasonof sailing from that port.

We have had constantbooking increases fromboth within the region

and also from other partsof the world

A bu Dhabi Tourism Authority(ADTA) currently operates31 of the kiosks around theemirate, which provideinformation on tourism

attractions and services in English, Germanand Arabic.Three new terminals will be installed in thenext year and all kiosks will be updated withnew information and the capacity for bothemail and SMS messaging.

Saeed Al Dhaheri, visitor services managerfor ADTA, said the update had been orderedin light of the rapid progress made in AbuDhabi since the kiosks were introduced.

“Much has happened in the destination overthe past year and it is essential that the kioskinformation reflects the renewed dynamismwithin Abu Dhabi's tourism industry,” he said.According to ADTA, the kiosks have provenpopular, with more than 1.8 million userssince they were installed.

JANUARY 22, 20114

AWPR PromotesNew Growth WithBaby AnimalsAl Ain Wildlife Park and Resort(AWPR) in Abu Dhabi, UAE,has launched a new promotionsurrounding its young animals.The Zoo Babies promotion willrun until February 26 and seeksto raise the profile of the park’slion cubs, giraffe calf, mongoose,penguin and flamingo chicks,corn snakes and various desertantelope and gazelle kids.Visitors will be invited to talk tozoo keepers about the parksefforts to conserve rare andendangered wildlife.Muna Al Dhaheri, educationmanager at AWPR, explained.“The upcoming Zoo Babiespromotion is an excellentopportunity to provideeducation in an entertainingoutdoor environment,” she said.“Education centre personnel willjoin the daily keeper talks andprovide interesting informationabout the newborns and AWPR’sconservation and educationefforts.”

The upcoming ZooBabies promotion is

an excellentopportunity to provide

education in anentertaining outdoor

environment

Abu Dhabi Updates Tourism KiosksAbu Dhabi is upgrading its computerised information kiosks as part of thenext phase of the technology’s rollout.

Abu Dhabi

It is essential that the kiosk informationreflects the reneweddynamism within

Abu Dhabi

Speaking at a forum on Hajjand Umrah services inIstanbul, Bandar Al-Mohanna, deputy CEO ofNAS, said the new service

would give travel businesses more controlover their costs and itineraries.“This new service willcontribute significantly byenabling the local andinternational Hajj and Umrahcompanies to incorporate theirprices and commit toschedules for Hajj and Umrah,based on the important role ofair transport in theimplementation and success ofthese programs,” he said.At the same event, AhmedSultan, director general ofbilateral agreements andrelations of civil aviation atNAS Holding, outlinedNasair’s plans for expanding itsnetwork throughout this year.“Nasair will launch three newdestinations in Turkey,covering the cities of Istanbul,Antioch and Adana during thefirst quarter of 2011, as well asthe city of Sohag, Egypt; whichis to be the first inaugurated

station for Nasair  in the beginning of2011,” he said.“We are starting our first flights fromRiyadh and Jeddah on January 16 and 18,2011 respectively, with two flights a weekfrom each city.”

According to a statement from NAS, anintensified focus on Hajj and Umrah travelwas prompted by Nasair’s success inattracting pilgrimage customers fromIndia, Pakistan, Cameroon and Senegal inthe 2009 and 2010 seasons.

5JANUARY 22, 2011

- Air Travel

NAS to Launch Charter Services, New Routes Saudi Arabia’s National Air Services Company (NAS), operator of low cost airline Nasair, has launched anew charter service aimed at the religious travel sector.

Nasair

Radisson Kuwait Closes for FaceliftRadisson Blu Hotel Kuwait has closedfor renovations, after celebrating itsthirtieth anniversary in December 2010.

The property is undergoing an extensiverefit, including a new ballroom andthe introduction of three different

styles of interior design, spreadthroughout the hotel.Phillipe Pellaud, general manager atRadisson Blu Hotel Kuwait, said the refitwould bring the property in line withRadisson’s brand standards.“This renovation is a very exciting time forus; once completed the hotel will be ableto offer it’s loyal and new guests superiordesign, comfort and facilities – everythingthat the Radisson Blu brand has becomeknown and trusted for,” he said.The property was operator Rezidor’s firstoutside its Scandinavian heartland andwas managed by the company’s currentCEO, Kurt Ritter, when it opened in 1980.The hotel also boasts the world’s largestwooden Dhow, as certified by GuinnessWorld Records.

The redesigned Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

U pon completion, thenew additions willraise Rotana’s total inthat country to 33hotels; more than any

other operator.The company also has a hotel on track toopen in Qatar.Selim El Zeyr, CEO of the company, saidstrong conditions for Rotana lentconfidence to the ambitious expansion plan.“The last few months have seen thehospitality industry in the Middle East andAfrica registering positive growth,” he said.“We see that momentum being sustainedas general business conditions improveacross the board.”El Zeyr flagged a future focus ondeveloping markets, naming Qatar,Lebanon and Iraq as potential targets forthe company.He said Lebanon in particular showed itsmerits in the past year.

“All our properties across all destinationsperformed well, with some meeting theirtargets and others surpassing theirs,” he said.

“However, Lebanon was the bestperforming country considering thetourism boom that the country hasexperienced, due to its current stabilityand commitment to renovation andprogression.”Rotana is expecting a nine percentincrease in occupancy across its networkin 2011 and has revealed plans tointroduce mobile bookings, andenvironmental impact managementstandards across its network.

JANUARY 22, 20116

- Accommodation

Rotana Plans USD800 Million Expansion for 2011Rotana is planning to open USD800 million dollars worth of new properties this year, including six in the UAE.

The last few months have seen the hospitalityindustry in the Middle

East and Africa registeringpositive growth

R amada Sharjah islocated near the SaharaCentre mall andincludes 250 suites.Tony Potter, CEO of

CHI, said the launchrepresented the company’s firstforay into the Emirate.“The opening of the RamadaSharjah is a red-letter day forCHI as it not only marks ourcompany's first hotel operationin the emirate, but also ourintroduction for the first time ofthe popular and highly ratedRamada brand to the wonderfulcity of Sharjah,” he said.

Tamas Fazekas, general manager of theproperty, said the Ramada had beenchosen in order to differentiate theproperty in an already crowded market.“In order to compete effectively in the UAE's

booming hospitality sector, we knew wewould have to introduce a brand that wasn'tjust different or affordable, but one that trulyunderstands the discerning corporate orleisure traveller's needs,” he said.

7JANUARY 22, 2011

- Accommodation

CHI Opens First Ramada Hotel in Sharjah, UAEThe first Ramada branded property in Sharjah, UAE, has officially opened, operated by CHI International(CHI) and owned by AA Al Moosa Enterprises LLC, (also known as the Arenco Group).

In order to compete effectively

in the UAE'sbooming hospitality

sector, we knew we would have tointroduce a brand

that wasn't justdifferent

or affordable

Sharjah

JANUARY 22, 20118

- International

Langham to Open Four New Hotels in India Langham Hospitality Group has joined the race to India, becoming the latest hospitality company to announceexpansions in that country.

The trade dynamic between [India, China and theMiddle East] means there are significant prospects

The group has announcedthat four new propertieswill open underLangham brands incoming years.

Brett Butcher, CEO of Langham,emphasised the importance of India as awaypoint between China and theMiddle East.“[India] stands at the heart of the NewSilk Road between China and theMiddle East,” he said. “The trade dynamic between these threeeconomic powerhouses means there aresignificant prospects for LanghamHotels to expand and become a well-known operator within five years.”

Two properties will open this year; anEaton Smart branded hotel in NewDelhi Airport in the first quarter,followed by a Langham Place in Pune.A further two hotels have been signedfor with construction firm Lavasa, toopen in that company’s technologyfocused city development, also calledLavasa, in 2013.India has been the focus of intenseinterest from hospitality groups in recenttimes, with Carlson alone aiming for 100new properties in the country by 2015.

Brett Butcher, CEO of Langham, with NathanAndrews, executive vice president of Lavasa

JANUARY 22, 201110

Agent’s InsightName: Viviane Nassour ChersanePosition: Owner and ManagerCompany: Viviane ToursLocation: Lebanon

Who are you?We have been operating in the Lebanese market since 2002 as VivianeTours, but we ensure the highest levels of quality and service based on 20years of experience in the travel industry.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?I like the interaction with people who are travelling; I like to give themadvice and ask them questions. As a travel agent you are selling a dreamand everyone has their own. I like to see what they want, to give themtheir perfect product. Everyone has their own way of living.

When is the best time to visit Lebanon?It depends on the client, on what they want to see; whether they want togo to the beach, or the mountains, or go on walks for instance.But all seasons you can come, and now is the best time because theweather is fantastic and you can go everywhere.

Where would you like to go on your next holiday?I am actually going to Cyprus next week, on a fam-trip. I have been beforeand it is very nice.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?Because of our honesty and integrity, and we are committed to the bestquality and value. We treat our clients as though one of our own family istravelling. They can call us 24 hours if they have a problem and we willhelp them through it.

Royal Jet Appoints Qurum as GSA in Oman Aircraft charter company Royal Jet has appointedQurum Business Group (QBG) as its general salesagent in Oman.Qurum will now be responsible for selling all RoyalJet’s charter and medical evacuation services withinthe sultanate, marking the first time Royal Jet hassold its services in Oman.Shane O’Hare, CEO of Royal Jet, said his companywould continue to expand its distribution base,both within the Middle East and beyond.“For Royal Jet, the entry to Oman is geographicallycompelling and will enable customers in Oman tounlock the many benefits and privileges of privatejet travel," he said. "The agreement is part of our ongoing strategy toexpand into other key markets and is entirelyconsistent with our expansion plans following SaudiArabia, India and Europe.”Abdul Aziz Al Hosni, managing director of QBG,said high ranking executives are likely to be themain consumers of Royal Jet services in Oman.“Royal Jet is a perfect fit for Oman's senior businesstravellers and this opportunity will allow us toexpand our services in to and become a leader inthe fast-growing luxury and leisure travel industry,”he said.

As a travel agent you are selling a dream

Lebanon

Royal Jet aircraft

Now it is official, withthe city named by apoll of regionalshoppers as the best inthe world for retail

therapy; making close to home travel aneasy sell to those eager to buy.

Dubai has seized the edge from itscompetitors, and continued down theblade to get a real handle on the market.The survey, held by Maktoob Research,showed that 32 percent of Arab travellersrated Dubai more highly than iconic globalcities such as New York and London.Dubai’s nearest competitor, Paris, France(Paris, Texas did not make the finals) wasa long second, gaining only 13 percent ofthe votes.Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, executivedirector media relation division andbusiness development of DubaiDepartment of Tourism and CommerceMarketing, shared some ideas on why thecity has risen to prominence.

“Dubai has an exciting mix of amenitiesthat give customers a truly unique andpleasurable shopping experience,” he said.

“Moreover, Dubai's impressive collectionof international brands and retail outletsrival those of any other shopping city inthe world - a key attribute that gives theEmirate a distinctive edge as the bestshopping destination in the Arab World.”

11JANUARY 22, 2011

Dubai Gets the Shopping Drop on International RivalsWith options ranging from the world’s largest mall, to the hidden byways of traditional souqs, Dubai has longbeen a contender as one of the world’s great shopping destinations.

Dubai's impressive collection of international

brands and retail outlets rivalthose of any other shopping

city in the world

Dubai Mall

JANUARY 22, 201112

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

Carly GotzGroup Director of Sales andMarketing, Great Hotels of the WorldAs the global economy emerges fromrecession, it’s clear to see hoteliers arelooking for a little extra help and we’vedeveloped our services to respond tothe ever-changing demands of modernhoteliers. It’s an exciting time for us,with our brand-new Pure lifestylecollections and we’ve already seen amassive surge in demand formembership, which we anticipate togrow even further in 2011 and beyond”

We’ve already seen a massive surge in

demand for membership,which we anticipate to grow even further in 2011 and beyond

Carly Gotz

Selim El ZeyrCEO, Rotana Hotels and ResortsLocation is our main focus when itcomes to deciding on managing aproperty. We see a lot of potential inIraq, where the infrastructure buildup is seeing a surge in the influx ofinternational firms taking advantageof the construction boom. Lebanonis also on our radar, because of abooming tourism sector spawned byreforms. Plus, Qatar's triumphantWorld Cup 2022 bid offers plenty ofopportunities that we are keen ontaking advantage of.

Location is our mainfocus when it comes todeciding on managing

a property Selim El Zeyr

Akbar Al BakerCEO, Qatar AirwaysWe have spent a great deal of time analysing new routes and business opportunitiesand I am more than pleased to say that, for Qatar Airways, entering into this region ofEurope was a great decision.The new routes Bucharest and Budapest will both function as gateways for new marketsand will consolidate Doha's position as a key hub linking East with West. Internationalpassenger traffic from Asia and the Middle East continues to increase, and creatingnew connections such as Bucharest via our network hub in Doha, facilitates growthfor Qatar Airways and for travel in and out of Romania to these regions.

Bucharest andBudapest will both

function as gatewaysfor new markets and

will consolidateDoha's position as akey hub linking East

with WestAkbar Al Baker

Rudi Jagersbacher

JANUARY 22, 201114

Horst Walther-JonesMövenpick Hotel Jumeirah BeachDubai has appointed Horst Walther-Jones as general manager.Walther-Jones joins the Dubai propertyfrom his most recent post as generalmanager of Mövenpick Resort AlNawras in Saudi Arabia. He has 11 yearsof experience in the Middle East and 30years of experience in the hospitalityindustry. During his career, Walther-Jones has worked for Renaissance,Hyatt and Jumeirah Group in locationsthroughout Europe, Asia, LatinAmerica and the Middle East.

Candice TurnerDubai Marriott Hotels hasappointed Candice Turner as publicrelations manager. In her new role,Turner will be responsible for JWMarriott Hotel Dubai, DubaiMarriott Harbour Hotel and Suites,Courtyard by Marriott Dubai GreenCommunity, plus Marriott ExecutiveApartments Dubai Creek and DubaiGreen Community. Turner holds abachelor’s degree in political studiesfrom University of Cape Town,South Africa. She has workedthroughout South Africa, the UK,Jordan and the UAE.

Ahmed RoushdyEzdan Hotel and Suites in Doha, Qatarhas appointed Ahmed Roushdy as thenew director of sales and marketing.Roushdy brings with him a wealth ofexperience, having previously workedin  international chains such asSheraton, Marriott, Le Méridien andConrad International. He was mostrecently the senior director ofoperations for the Saleh Bin LahejHospitality Group.

Birthe BolzCoral Hotels and Resorts has appointedBirthe Bolz as general manager of CoralBoutique Hotel Apartments Dubai. Bolzmost recently headed up the openingsales and marketing team at Dusit ThaniLakeview Cairo in Egypt. She firststudied languages and tourism atCambridge before joining ArabianAdventures as resident manager in 1994.Bolz has also worked with Rotana Hotels,BDO, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts andAAA Hotels. Birthe Bolz

Candice Turner

Horst Walther-Jones

Rudi JagersbacherRudi Jagersbacher has assumed thepost of area president in theMiddle East and Africa for HiltonWorldwide.A Hilton veteran, Jagersbacherjoined the company in 1974. Hiscareer has included seniorleadership positions at the Savoyand Claridges hotels in London, aswell as general manager positionsin flagship properties such as theLangham Hilton and the ParkLane Hilton. He then rose to vicepresidential roles in London,Dubai and Brussels.

15JANUARY 22, 2011

Travel Trade Weekly: To start, couldyou please share your impressions ofQatar?Vatché Yergatian: With its meteoricrise, Qatar is undoubtedly a force tocontend with. Brand Qatar is now a force … not only inthe region but on the international arenaas well. An economic power house, the State ofQatar is the fastest growing country in theworld for the second consecutive year. The Qatar success story is all aboutentrepreneurship, vision and theingenious leveraging of country resources.The government considers industry to bean integral part of its plan to diversify theeconomy and this is the cornerstone ofQatar’s plan for sustainable development. The development of infrastructure,construction, tourism, waste watermanagement, media, sports andeducation are awarded top priority in thecountry’s developmental agenda.Qatar has launched a major tradecampaign aimed at convincing theinternational meetings, events, exhibitionsand conferences (MICE) sector that thecountry has huge potential for thisspecialized travel segment.In 2010 alone the country held 180 majorevents in the MICE sector. Prior to Qatar’s success in winning themuch coveted opportunity to host theFIFA World Cup in 2022, the country’stourism sector was expected to grow atthe rate of 12 percent per annum till 2012. In 2010 alone, Doha added approximately9,000 hotel rooms to its already existingcapacity. 90 percent of this additional supply ofhotel rooms was in the four star and fivestar hotel segments as most of the tourist

traffic comprises of business men whoprefer to stay in these hotels.

Travel Trade Weekly: What was yourreaction to the news of Qatar’s WorldCup success?Vatché Yergatian: Qatar and itsphenomenal rise to stardom must be viewedin two phases: the environment in Qatar pre2022 announcement and after the 2022announcement. On the second of December at half pastsix in the evening, we were given theopportunity of a lifetime. As we sat glued to our television screens,we had the unique privilege of watchingthis little country of Qatar make history.Pride, exhilaration and a surge ofadrenalin are emotions shared not only byQataris but everyone living and workingin Qatar today.  We have dared to dream big and thedream has come true. Now, we realize, it is time to deliver on thepromises made.

For all of us in the industry, it is a time ofabounding opportunity and challenges. With projects like the New DohaInternational Airport, The DohaConvention Centre, The Qatar Bahraincauseway, the light rail transport, TheGCC Rail network and the sheer numberof hotel rooms needed to host the FIFAworld cup in 2022, the next decade isgoing to be one of the most testing,demanding and invigorating.

Travel Trade Weekly: How isbusiness at the moment?Vatché Yergatian: While the globaleconomic crisis saw international touristnights decline from 1.2 million in 2007 to952,000 in 2009, the total number of touristarrivals to Qatar increased from 964,000 to1.1 million over the same period. Particularly promising is the growingnumber of tourists coming from outsidethe Middle East. However, the past year has been achallenging one for us. We have used this time to look at ourbusiness closely, work on our marketingand customer relationship endeavors aswell as focus on avenues for growth. In fact, we used the leaner months, as a timeto refine our strategic plans so as to place usin a stronger position for the years ahead. Our management partnership with UHotels & Resorts is one such strategicplan that we are pursuing. Now, post the 2022 announcement, weare happy we took this time to planstrategies as we believe we now have theleverage and partnerships to exploit theopportunities presented to us.

Q&A with Vatché YergatianVatché Yergatian is both CEO of Le Mirage Hospitality Management and Catering Concepts in Qatar anda self described charismatic personality. This week, Travel Trade Weekly brings you some of his thoughts onthe travel market in Qatar.

We had the uniqueprivilege of watching this

little country of Qatarmake history

Vatché Yergatian

Jordan’s Event Planning & ManagementConference has been renamed asEventopedia and given a new format,according to its organisers, Events Unlimited.The show will now operate according toan events from A to Z scheme and hasbeen designed as a forum for the exchangeof ideas within the industry.It will be held on February 22 and 23.Mika Thuening, conference manager ofEventopedia, said Jordan’s meetingsindustry has a large scope for development.“The potential to grow the MICE industry

in Jordan is great, whether in trade shows,meetings, cultural events and festivals,concerts, sports events and others,” she said.

She noted that a well managed eventsindustry could have flow-on effect for therest of the travel industry and the

economy at large.“The impact that a professional, well-builtMICE industry could have on thedevelopment of Jordan's tourism sectorand tourism receipts is huge,” she said. “With a strong events industry, Jordancould emerge as a prime destination forthe MICE industry in the region.”Events Unlimited is a Jordan-based eventsmanagement company, responsible forexhibitions including The Wedding Show,Family Business Conference andInternational Hospitality Forum.

JANUARY 22, 201116

EventsHobexTripoli, Libya, January 25-27, 2011 (www.wahaexpo.com/hobex)International hotel business exhibition.

India Travel Market - MumbaiMumbai, India, February 4-6, 2011 (www.indiatravelmart.com)Travel trade show for inbound, outbound and domestic tourism.

Food and Hospitality ExpoManama, Bahrain, February 8-10, 2011 (www.foodexpbh.com)Hospitality technology, systems and equipment, along withexhibitors from international food companies.Emitt IstanbulIstanbul, Turkey, February 10-13, 2011 (www.emittistanbul.com)Istanbul’s only international trade fair: focused on tourism inthe Eastern Mediterranean.

Middle East Exclusive 2011Dubai, UAE, February 20-22, 2011(www.middleeastexclusive.com)Luxury brand and travel retail exhibition.

EventopediaAmman, Jordan February 22-23, 2011 (www.eventsunlimited.com.jo)Conference covering the A to Z of events management, aimedat encouraging Jordan’s MICE market.

Gulfood Exhibition 2011Dubai, UAE, February 27–March 2, 2011 (www.gulfood.com)International exhibition for the food, drink and hospitality markets.

ITBBerlin, Germany, March 9-13, 2011(www.messe-berlin.de)One of the world’s major travel and tourism exhibitions for allaspects of the travel industry.

GIBTMAbu Dhabi, UAE, March 28-30, 2011 (www.gibtm.com)International event for the business travel and meetings industryin the Gulf and Middle East region.

Event Planning and Management Conference Relaunched

With a strong eventsindustry, Jordan could

emerge as a primedestination for the MICE

industry in the region