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Middle East and North Africa Edition

OCTOBER 16, 2010 ISSUE 49 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

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LAX EYES GULFLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)is courting business from Gulf carriers, inadvance of opening its latest terminal.

In This Issue

MARRIOTT AC ALLIANCE

Marriott International and the Spanishhotel chain AC are considering a jointventure which would see all AC hotelsrebranded to include the Marriott name.

Brunei investment firm BMB Group has launched anunsolicited cash bid of USD3.4 billion for Kerzner

International Holdings, following speculation over thefuture of the company and its debt restructuring.Kerzner International’s hospitality assets include

One&Only Resorts and Atlantis the Palm.

22BMB BidsFor KerznerBMB BidsFor Kerzner

K erzner International has astrong presence in the MiddleEast; the company owns bothOne&Only Resorts andAtlantis the Palm.

Kerzner International became a private companyin 2006, after a group led by founder Sol Kerznerpaid USD3.2 billion, plus debt; Dubai World’sIstithmar was also involved in the privatisation.While BMB Group has expressed strong interestand confidence in the hospitality and real estateassets of Kerzner International, a statement

confirmed that BMB would beunlikely to retain long-termownership of the casino assets of

Kerzner International.BMB was founded in 2004 by Rayo SalahadinWithanage and Prince Abdul Ali Yil-Kabier ofBrunei, however the group has no link to theSultan of Brunei or the Brunei government.The firm’s clientele features high net worthindividuals, ruling families and sovereigninvestors across the Middle East and Asia. The bid for Kerzner International was putforward by BMB’s subsidiary, BMB AdvisorsMalaysia, but the company has confirmed thatthe offer was made on behalf of the group’sglobal client base.No response had been made by KerznerInternational at the time of publishing.

OCTOBER 16, 20102

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.69Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.70Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1501Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.70Syria (SYP) Pound 45.82Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.39Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.02Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,370Yemen (YER) Rial 214.7Algeria (DZD) Dinar 73.62Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.25

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 14/10/2010Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLYDeputy EditorLaura Warne

JournalistLouis Dillon Savage

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingMarianna TsiamasEvelina Hadjigeorgiou

DirectorsAndreas ConstantinidesMary Kammitsi

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Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

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BMB Group Launches USD 3.4b Bidfor Kerzner International HoldingsInvestment and advisory firm BMB Group has launched an unsolicited cash bidof USD3.4 billion for Kerzner International Holdings, following speculation overthe future of the company and its debt restructuring.

Insights Management Company Hired to Boost Middle East Hotel SalesUK hotel brands Radisson Edwardian and May Fair Hotel have partnered withInsights Management Company in Abu Dhabi to increase sales from thelucrative Middle Eastern market. Anthony Lee, general manager of May Fair Hotel said the aim was to build astrong awareness of the luxury London hotel group in the region.“Success in the Middle East is key to us,” said Lee.“London is one of the most visited destinations for this region and theirhospitality philosophy of expecting and demanding elegance, style, discretionand an exceptional level of service is something we know we can fulfill.“Insights Management has proven success in this field and we are delighted tobe working with them.”According to Mona Faraj, managing partner at Insights, the consultancy groupplans to develop a direct sales strategy in conjunction with a targeted marketingand communications campaign.

Atlantis the Palm

3OCTOBER 16, 2010

Responsible Tourism Conference Closes in OmanOman’s tourism industry was on show to around 500 global tourism experts over the past week, as it hostedthe International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations.

The conference, whichtook place betweenOctober 10 and 12,attracted governmentofficials, senior

representatives of global tourismcompanies and academic experts fromaround the world.Oman’s Ministry of Tourism set a range ofobjectives for the forum, including acontribution to establishing a generalframework and policies for responsibletourism, a review of Oman’s responsibletourism strategy and enhancing theinternational status of Oman and itstourism sector.

The ministry organised the event incollaboration with the UN WorldTourism Organisation (UNWTO) andthe International Centre for ResponsibleTourism.Salem Al Mamari, director general oftourism promotions at the OmanMinistry of Tourism, celebrated the eventas a success.“Oman’s hosting of this prestigiousinternational tourism event reflects thecountry’s commitment to sustainabletourism development and its emphasison the delivery of socio-economicbenefits to local people, while preservingand enhancing cultural and natural

heritage,” he said.“It provided a great opportunity forstakeholders, including the governmentand private sectors as well as academicinstitutions and decision-makers, to shareideas, discuss new developments and setnew directions for principles and practicesrelated to the development of responsibletourism.”In addition to displaying the latesttechnologies and services for theresponsible management of tourism,the conference also gave delegates theopportunity to explore Oman withpre-conference and post-conferencetour options.

OCTOBER 16, 20104

Budget Dubai Plans 20 Percent Growth by Year-EndBudget Rent-a-Car has opened its fifteenth outlet in the UAE and plans to open a further two branches bythe end of 2010, according to Salim Damji, senior general manager of the UAE for Budget.

A forthcoming action plan for nations along the ancient SilkRoad will stimulate tourism, according to the World TourismOrganisation (UNWTO).The UNWTO has been operating the Silk Road project since1994 in an attempt to create a recognised inter-destinationbrand for the chain of 26 countries, which stretch from Japanto Italy, along the path taken by the ancient silk trade.The project’s participants include several countries in theMiddle East and North Africa region, including Syria, Iran,Saudi Arabia and Egypt.However, after a recent meeting of the programmeparticipants, UNWTO reported that most participants feltthe branding drive had been a failure.In response, the organisation has taken steps towardsimplementing an action plan to encourage technical co-operation and brand development along the route.According to UNWTO, initiatives such as forming ataskforce of international tourism bodies; growth ininfrastructure, offerings and capacity building initiatives(such as tour guide training); and research into sourcemarkets and selling points for each of the destinations allneed to be undertaken to realise the route’s potential.The action plan has yet to be finalised, but according to TalibRifai, secretary general of UNWTO, strong support wasreceived from programme members.

The newest branch,located in therapidly growingdowntown precinctof Dubai, will

predominantly cater to clients fromdowntown, Dubai InternationalFinancial Centre and Sheikh ZayedRoad.“Budget is quite bullish on the UAEin general and Dubai in particular,”said Damji.“We are on target to achieve 20percent growth in 2010, as economicrecovery continues to gather pace.“We are delighted to open our newest

branch in the heart of an area thatrepresents Dubai’s rising ambitions asa global tourism, financial and tradingcentre and houses Burj Khalifa, theworld’s tallest building.”Budget’s next two branches are set toopen in Dubai Marina and DubaiInvestments Park, bringing thecompany’s UAE network to 17branches by the end of the year.Current offices are located in AbuDhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras AlKhaimah and Fujairah.According to Damji, Budget isexpecting to see growth of at least 25percent over the next two years.

Salim Damji

Budget is quite bullish on the UAE in general

and Dubai in particular

UNWTO Developing Action Planfor International Silk Road Brand

5OCTOBER 16, 2010

CrescentratingGoes Mobile Halal certification service,Crescentrating, continues toexpand the scope of itsservices, launching its firstapplication for mobile phones.The program has been writtento run on phones using Google’sAndroid operating system, butaccording to Fazal Bahardeen,CEO of Crescentrating,versions compatible with theiPhone, Blackberry andSymbian platforms are beingdeveloped.Crescentrating provides arating for hotels, holidaypackages and restaurants,based on how well theirservices meet the needs ofhalal compliant travellers.The new application will allowtravellers to check scores ofproperties in countries includingIndonesia, Malaysia, India,Singapore, Australia, China,Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka,Bahrain, Barbados, Brunei,Egypt, Guyana, Maldives, Qatar,Saudi Arabia, South Africa andTrinidad and Tobago.Airport and destinationguides from Crescentratingwill also be available throughthe service.

Seawings Targets High-Flying Property InvestorsSeawings, a Dubai based company offering amphibious aircraft tours, is attempting to broaden its client baseby targeting the investment and property ownership segment.

A ccording to CarineDuvignaud, marketingmanager for Seawings, theproduct offers an easy andefficient way for clients to

see their potential investments from the air.“This new package gives our product a

whole new availability in the corporatemarket,” said Duvignaud.Seawings recently pitched the concept atthe Cityscape exhibition in Dubai, wherethe company received strong interest fromhigh net worth individuals.The company has now launched Seawings

Property and Investment Flights, offeringbookings for groups, individual clients,corporate functions and aerialphotography.Seawings currently has three aircraft andoffers landing and take-off options fromvarious locations in the UAE.

OCTOBER 16, 20106

- Accommodation

Hilton Worldwide Consolidates UAE Sales ForceHilton has opened two new national sales offices for its portfolio of nine hotels across the UAE.

The new offices aresituated in Abu Dhabiand Dubai, bringingtogether more than 40sales professionals from

the group’s UAE hotels.Victor Louis, regional director of sales forthe Arabian Peninsula and Indian Oceanat Hilton, explained that the newlyconsolidated team will be better placed tobuild new relationships and managecustomer accounts.

“This new organisation allows us to be asefficient and effective as possible, todeliver the best service possible to ourcustomers and to explain why we offermore than the competition,” said Louis.Hilton’s new Abu Dhabi sales office willcover all outbound business from AbuDhabi and Al Ain to the rest of the UAE,while the Dubai office will focus on keymarkets in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras AlKhaimah and Fujairah. In addition to its nine existing properties

in the UAE, Hilton Worldwide has afurther five hotels in the developmentpipeline across the emirates. The upcoming hotels will include theUAE’s first Conrad hotel (in Dubai) andDoubletree by Hilton hotel (in Ras AlKhaimah).

This new organisationallows us to be as efficient

and effective as possible

Hilton Worldwide’s UAE sales team

Langham Hotels International haschosen Qatar’s capital, Doha, as the siteof its first Langham Place hotel in theMiddle East. The hotel is set to open in late 2012, aspart of the group’s developing expansionplans for the region. Ali Taimour, CEO of Real EstateServices Group, will partner withLangham in the development of the newproperty.“We’re delighted to be the first to bringthe innovative and artistic lifestyle ofLangham Place to the Middle East,creating a new dimension to hospitalityin the region,” said Taimour. The new hotel will feature 250guestrooms and 40 serviced residences,

along with a beach club and the region’sfirst Chuan Spa, offering traditionalChinese treatments.According to Brett Butcher, CEO ofLangham Hotels International, thelocation of the group’s first MiddleEastern hotel is a strategic move that willfuel further expansion.“Planting our first flag in the MiddleEast at this iconic location reinforces ourposition as a new and exciting regionalforce in modern luxury hospitality alongthe new silk route from the Middle Eastthrough India and into China,” saidButcher. The property will be located in centralDoha, in close proximity to HamadMedical City.

Langham Lands in Doha with Brand’s First Middle Eastern PropertyOur first flag in the

Middle East at this iconiclocation reinforces ourposition as a new andexciting regional force

Langham Place Doha

OCTOBER 16, 20108

- Accommodation

Four Seasons Riyadh Tackles Competition with RenovationA year-long renovation project is coming to a close at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, with thehotel’s new facilities expected to be completely unveiled before the end of 2010.

Radisson Blu Hits Dubai DowntownRezidor Hotel Group is set to open its fourth Radisson Bluproperty in Dubai in early 2011. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown will be located in theupper floors of a mixed use building in the downtownshopping, leisure and entertainment district of Dubai, whichfeatures Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Souk Al Bahar.The 220 room hotel will also capitalise on its proximity toBusiness Bay, Dubai’s World Trade Centre and DubaiInternational Financial Centre.Kurt Ritter, CEO of Rezidor, is confident in the continueddemand for hotels in Dubai.“Despite the slowdown, Dubai continues to have the highestRevPAR worldwide and is an interesting market for Rezidor– and one of our focus areas in the Middle East,” said Ritter.“We see a promising potential, especially for businesstravellers, and the new hotel benefits from an excellentlocation near the main commercial centres.”Rezidor plans to continue its expansion with additionalDubai properties on the horizon – the group’s focus is nowset on creating more beachfront Radisson Blu resorts andfinding partners for its lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

Rami Sayess

The renovation, designed tohelp Four Seasonsmaintain its edge in thecompetitive city, includednew design schemes in all

guestrooms, as well as structural changes tothe hotel entrance, reception, lobby lounge,corridors and restaurants.An additional enhancement is now beingplanned for the hotel’s Italian restaurantQuattro, which will close for two months atthe beginning of 2011. According to general manager Rami Sayess,the changes reflect the hotel’s desire toremain at the forefront of Riyadh’shospitality industry – no mean feat given theongoing influx of new hotels into the market.

“The hotel’s decision to embark onextensive renovations throughout theproperty reflects the management’s focuson investing in guest experience and theowner’s commitment to maintaining FourSeasons Hotel Riyadh as the hotel ofchoice,” said Sayess.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh

Dubai continues to have the highest RevPAR worldwide and is

an interesting market for Rezidor

OCTOBER 16, 201010

- Air Travel

Etihad to Open All Female Call Centre in Al AinIn early 2011 Etihad will open a new call centre in Al Ain, staffed entirely by Emirati women.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is courting businessfrom Gulf carriers, in advance of opening its latest terminal.LAX, one of the busiest hubs in the world, is undergoing aUSD6.4 billion expansion, including a new terminal which isset to go online in 2012.Speaking at a media briefing, Gina Marie Lindsey, executivedirector of LAX operator, Los Angeles World Airports(LAWA), said flights by Emirates had already proven theattractiveness of the destination to Gulf airlines.“The success of Emirates' flights so far shows the strength ofthis market and we look forward to welcoming more carriersfrom this region in the future,” she said.LAWA emphasised the strength of California as an economyand an inbound tourism market, while Lindsey saidimprovements at LAX would provide further incentives forMiddle Eastern airlines.“Our investment in the new Bradley West Terminal, whichopens in 2012, adds to those attractions,” she said.“Sixteen new gates, nine of which are 'new generation' able tohandle the new Airbus A380, will boost our capacity, withfantastic facilities for arriving and departing passengers.”LAX has already begun a rapid programme of growth, adding150 international weekly flights to its schedule over the pastthree years.

LAX Seeks More Business from Gulf

ames Hogan, CEO of the airline, saidthe new facility was part of a widerscheme of Emiratisation by Etihad. “As the national airline of the UAEwe are fully committed to growing

our workforce of Emiratis, whilstrespecting the culture and ambitions ofthe country,” he said in a statement.“The new contact centre is particularlyspecial because it will be exclusivelystaffed by women in the city of Al Ain.”A representative of Etihad told TravelTrade Weekly the gender specific workforce was intended to better serve theneeds of female workers, while remainingsensitive to local cultural considerations.He said the workers would be allowedflexibility in their shifts, which would

enable them to balance their work andfamily obligations.An all female staff also permitted a greatersensitivity to Emirati attire for theworkers, he noted.The call centre will open in January 2011,with a staff of 80 women. It will initiallyserve as the first point of contact for

incoming sales calls from the UAE, inboth English and Arabic.According to Etihad, there is the potentialfor the call centre to expand its scope toglobal sales once it is better established. All staff will be required to complete a sixmonth training programme at Abu DhabiUniversity.

JHareb Al Muhairy, vice president of UAE sales for Etihad

with James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, and Al Ain contact centre operatives.

11OCTOBER 16, 2010

- Air Travel

Flydubai Launches New Routes to Iraq and ArmeniaFlydubai has locked in two new routes for November, with flights planned to both Sulaimaniyah in Iraq andYerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Nasair Offers Executive Lounge Access to Low Cost TravellersBreaking from low cost orthodoxy, Saudi Arabian no frillscarrier Nasair has signed a deal giving its passengers access toexecutive lounges at a number of regional airports.According to Turki Al Jawini, sales director for Nasair, the dealallows passengers to pre-book access to the lounges, along withtheir tickets, via the carrier’s website.Booking through the airline furnishes 25 to 30 percent discountson the usual rate for accessing the facilities, Al Jawini said.The 10 airports covered by the initial agreement include: AbuDhabi and Sharjah in the UAE; Kuwait; Amman, Jordan;Damascus, Syria; Beirut, Lebanon; Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt;Khartoum, Sudan; Sanaa, Yemen; and Mumbai, India.Al Jamini said the service would appeal to the large numbersof business people who fly on Nasair.“The service obtains the desire of businessmen and executivessegment, which represent 37 percent of Nasair passengers,” he said.Nasair is seeking to expand the agreement to encompassfurther airports covered by its network.

T wice weekly flights willcommence to Yerevanon November 21 andto Sulaimaniyah onNovember 24.

Flights to Yerevan will increase to thriceweekly on December 3.Sulaimaniyah is the former capital of thehistoric kingdom of Kurdistan and, with apopulation of 800,000, is one of thelargest cities in modern day IraqiKurdistan.Kurdistan is located in the northernmountains of Iraq and has remainedrelatively detached from the country’sinstability in recent years.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, saidflights to the city reflected a wider interestin the country as a whole.“The service to Sulaimaniyah underlinesFlydubai’s commitment and confidence inthe country of Iraq, which has attracted alot of investment from the UAE, helpinggrow trade links and cement ties betweenthe two nations,” he said.According to Flydubai, Yerevan inArmenia, which neighbours Kurdistan,has also seen rapid development in recenttimes and boasts a booming constructionindustry.“The service to the Armenian capitalYerevan is a totally new market for us, but

similarly, a very important one,” Ghaithsaid of the city.“As a city Yerevan has a long history,being inhabited from the 8th centuryBC, meaning there is thousands of yearsof history to be explored anddiscovered, while the modern city hasmuch to offer too.”

The service toSulaimaniyah underlinesFlydubai’s commitment

and confidence in thecountry of Iraq

OCTOBER 16, 201012

- International

Mövenpick Expands Thailand Property PortfolioMövenpick is planning three new properties in Thailand over the next three years; in Bangkok, Chang Maiand Koh Samui.

Marriott International and the Spanishhotel chain AC are considering a jointventure which would see all AC hotelsrebranded to include the Marriott name.The two companies have reached apreliminary agreement, which if finalisedwill change the names of all AC hotels toAC by Marriott.AC currently has 90 hotels, spreadbetween Spain, Italy and Portugal,variously leased, managed, or whollyowned.According to Marriott, the agreement isstill subject to final negotiations andstakeholder consent, but a final

arrangement is expected to be arrived atbefore the end of this year.AC hotels would then be rebranded inearly 2011 and be operated under a jointventure management comprised of AC’scurrent leadership.The new AC by Marriott brand wouldthen function and develop according tothe current model of four star, urbanbusiness hotels.The brand will be integrated intoMarriott’s global sales infrastructure andgain access to the Marriott loyaltyprogramme, redeemable at thatcompany’s 3,500 existing properties.

AC Monte Real Hotel, Spain

A ccording to thecompany, the expansionhas been prompted bythe success of its firstproperty in the country,

Mövenpick Resort and Spa Karon BeachPhuket, which opened in 2006.New properties include MövenpickSuriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai,Mövenpick Resort and Spa Mae NamBeach Koh Samui and the MövenpickHotel and Residences Bangkok, all ofwhich will be operated under managementagreements.Jean Gabriel Pérès, CEO of MövenpickHotels and Resorts, said thedevelopments reflected the same strategythe company had pursued in otherregions, including the Middle East.“Our expansion in Thailand supports ourdevelopment strategy by clusters, whichhas proven to be successful in manycountries such as Jordan, Egypt, Germanyand Switzerland,” he said.Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Maiwill be the first to open, offering 286rooms from mid 2011.

The Mövenpick Resort and Spa Mae NamBeach Koh Samui is based on a privatepool villa concept, and will incorporate 81such facilities.

It is planned for launch before the end of2011.The 266 room Mövenpick Hotel andResidences Bangkok will open by thebeginning of 2014.Mövenpick is also developing a hotel inJomtien, which is due for completion in2013. A residential expansion of the company’sKaron Beach property in Phuket is alsounderway.

Marriott to Form Joint Venture with Spanish Brand, AC

Our expansion inThailand supports ourdevelopment strategy

by clusters

Mövenpick Koh Samui

The airline has beencharged with illegallyhiring personnel underIrish contracts to work atMarseille airport.

However, Michael O’Leary, CEO ofRyanair, said the contracts were in linewith European regulations regardingmobile workers.“We are very disappointed at thisdecision by the French authoritiesto initiate proceedings againstRyanair’s base in Marseille, whichcomplies fully with EUregulations for mobile transportworkers,” he said. “These are not French jobs, butrather Irish jobs on Irish aircraft,which are defined by EUregulations as Irish territory.“All of these people pay their taxand social insurance, inaccordance with EU regulations,in Ireland and they remain fullytax compliant.”The workers are Irish nationals,paid from Ryanair’s headquartersin Ireland, where their income taxis also registered.The carrier will remove the fouraircraft it has stationed at theairport to rival airports in Italy,Spain and Lithuania.From January 11, 2011, 13 routeswill be cancelled, including manyflights to North Africa.Routes to be cancelled are Marseilleto: Agidir, Brest, Eindhoven, Lille,Marrakesh, Nador, Nantes, Palermo,Paris, Tangier, Tenerife, Tours andVenice.Ryanair will continue to operate10 routes into and out ofMarseille.According to Loïc Chovelon, headof communications for Marseille

airport, French regulations have requiredaviation workers to submit to Frenchlabour laws since 2006, long before Ryanairopened its base at Marseille.However, it was only when French pilotsand civil aviation unions filed a complaintthat charges were brought against theairline.

The current suit is not the first timeRyanair has been in trouble with itsoperations at Marseille.In March 2010, competitor Air Franceaccused Ryanair of demanding subsidiesfrom 25 regional airports in France,including Marseille, in order to continueserving them.

13OCTOBER 16, 2010

- International

Ryanair to Close Marseille Base Over Labour DisputeA dispute over labour laws has prompted Ryanair to pull out of its base in Marseille, France and cancel 13 routes.

OCTOBER 16, 201014

Who are your highest spending clients ?We have all kinds, whether it is local people or Europeansor from the Asian countries like India or Sri Lanka.Europeans like to visit the maximum number of places andsee everything when they come, but locals prefer to spendmore on luxury.They both spend a lot of money in their own ways.

What are the most popular holiday activities foryour clients?Most of our holiday packages will include sightseeing, abeach stay and a visit to the mountains. Also, shopping trips.

When did you get involved in the travel industry andhow has it changed since then?I have been in the industry for 13 years. Before four or fiveyears ago, people would only come here for the [air] ticket,or for business or to visit their friends and relatives.In the last four or five years people are travelling so much,and are ready to spend. Now, 80 to 90 percent of people whofly into the Middle East will stop and visit several countriesand stay for 10 to 15 days.

Where are you most interested in visiting next and why?I prefer to travel to Vietnam. I have heard a lot about thiscountry, its history and its lifestyle and I need to see it.

Why are internet bookings increasing in popularity?Sure some people prefer to book through the internet, butmost people still come to travel agents.Many feel like they can’t trust online businesses, so they cometo us, even if they might spend an extra hundred dirhams.

Agent’s InsightName: Nazim MohamedPosition: Holiday ManagerCompany: Irena TravelLocation: Abu Dhabi

Travelport’s Middle Eastern Fam Trip

Dubai Department of Tourismand Commerce Marketing(DTCM) will host the annualconvention of the TravelAgents Federation of India(TAFI) in November, 2010. Khalid A Bin Sulayem, directorgeneral of DTCM, said themove underlined theimportance of tourism relationsbetween India and the UAE.

He added that India was amajor tourism market for theUAE, particularly Dubai.TAFI’s annual convention willbe held at Al Murooj RotanaHotel between November 25and 30, 2010. The organisation has 1,400members and represents a 70percent market share of India’soutbound tourism.

Above: Nearly 50 senior representatives from travel agencies acrossthe UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia recently joined a familiarisation tripto Istanbul, hosted by global distribution system provider Travelport.The trip included networking events and a chance to explore the city.

DTCM to Host Indian Travel Agents

Representatives of DTCM and TAFI

Vietnam

15OCTOBER 16, 2010

Easy Visas Can Be Your Passport to a SaleVisas are one of the greatest barriers for travellers choosing a destination, a new study has revealed, so it paysto ease the process for your customers however you can.

T he European TourOperators Association(ETOA) has released adetailed study showingjust how harsh an

impact protracted visa applications canhave on a destination.The UK alone saw 58,000 potentialvisitors cancel their holidays to thecountry because the application processwas too drawn out. ETOA estimated that more than 310,000chose not to apply at all.While many destinations within theMiddle East have relatively liberalentrance schemes for many nationalities,

ETOA found that the most affectedmarkets were often those with the mostpotential.China and India are widely identified astwo of the most important growthmarkets for inbound tourism, but are alsotwo of the countries least likely to benefitfrom on-arrival visa schemes.According to Tom Jenkins, executivedirector of ETOA, the way thatgovernments handle visas should take ona more sales-based philosophy.“Applications clearly have to be made

available in the applicants' mothertongue," he said.“Not doing so breaks a basic rule of sales

and certainly acts as a disincentive totravel: it is inconceivable that Chinawould force Europeans to fill out visaapplications in Chinese.”Already, Middle Eastern businesses aretaking steps to address the problem,applying a commercial mentality todealing with government services.For example, Air Arabia has integratedvisa processing into the sales flow for itsIndian customers.Given ETOA’s demonstration of theimportance of easy processing, helpingyour clients with their visas however youcan could be the difference betweensuccess and failure.

OCTOBER 16, 201016

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, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

Roddy Gordon Vice President, Tamani Hotels and Resorts“During tough times it is easy to focus on managing cash flow andprotecting loyal guests, but it is also crucial to have strong and clearstrategy for handling the primary channels of distribution.”

Scott ButcherGeneral Manager, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai“We are confident that our occupancy rates will steadilygrow, as a matter of fact we are already showing apositive and consistent increase in bookings. A numberof factors have contributed to this current trend; one ofwhich is our ongoing efforts to introduce and marketour brand within the UAE and the MENA region aswell as actively listen to the real customer needs.”

We are confident that our occupancy rates

will steadily grow

Ahmed Al NuaimiChairman, Qatar Tourism Authority“As a complement to our participation at international travelexhibitions, Qatar Tourism Authority has organised a road showthroughout Asia to deepen our ties and to build new relationships withthe tourism and travel professionals in Seoul and the other major citieson the tour. Through this road show we aim to build networksfacilitating future business between the State of Qatar and theRepublic of Korea. Our countries are strong trade partners in energy,industry and construction and there is a promising future for bilateraltrade in other industries such as power, water and electronics. Not onlydo we share business partnerships, we share some similarities: both ofour countries are rich in cultural heritage and tradition yet embraceinnovation and modernity; and we also share the same passion forsports. It is based on these similarities and partnerships that we hopeto increase our co-operation in tourism”

It is based on these similarities and partnerships that we hope to increase

our co-operation in tourism

Tamani Hotel Marina

During tough times it is easy to focus on managing cash flow Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai

Ahmed Al Nuaimi

OCTOBER 16, 201018

Rami HamatiAfamia Rotana Resort Latakia in Syria has appointed Rami Hamati as director ofits materials department. Hamati has experience in food and beverage as well asthe materials department and has pursued a range of certificates for managementand staff development. In 2005 he was appointed purchasing manager at QueenCenter Arjaan by Rotana in Damascus and later moved to Al Salam Rotana Hotelin Sudan as director of materials department, before taking up his new role atAfamia Rotana Resort Latakia.

Christian HamouiChristian Hamoui has been appointedgeneral manager of Mercure Umm AlQura in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.Hamoui previously managed thegrand opening of Mercure Al Khobarand was posted as general manager ofMercure Value, Riyadh. He has 11years of experience with PullmanInternational Hotels in the IvoryCoast, Togo, Benin, Congo,Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Ashraf HaggagDusit Thani Lake View Cairo hasappointed Ashraf Haggag as executiveassistant manager of sales and marketing.Haggag has more than 10 years ofexperience in the hotel industry, with astrong sales and marketing background. Hehas previously worked across the MiddleEast in properties by Radisson, LeMéridien, Mövenpick, Sonesta andConrad. Most recently, Haggag worked asregional director of sales and marketing forRetaj Hotels and Residences Doha.

Thierry SzewcAccor has appointed Thierry Szewc asgeneral manager of Grand HotelMercure Doha in Qatar. Szewc was mostrecently employed as general manager ofIbis Amman in Jordan and has been withthe Accor group for 35 years.

Rachid ChemmaaRachid Chemmaa has been appointed asgeneral manager of Sofitel Al Hamra in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia. Chemmaa has been with Accorfor eight years, working in several managerialpositions. In his new role, he will promote thegroup’s luxury Sofitel brand across the SaudiArabian market.

Jiri Kobos, managing directorof Dusit Thani Lake ViewCairo with Ashraf Haggag

Rachid Chemmaa

Thierry Szewc

Christian Hamoui

Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell mea little more about the new property -when did Rezidor decide to developthis latest Radisson Blu hotel?Elie Younes: This hotel has 220 rooms,a state of the art gym and around 40business class rooms, with a dedicatedbusiness lounge area. There will be viewsof Burj Khalifa and the downtown area.For the business market, we will have onefloor dedicated to boardrooms, meetingrooms and conference facilities. The opportunity for this hotel presenteditself to us last year – after looking into it,we liked the location and the owners, soit was in 2009 that we decided to go aheadwith the plan.

Travel Trade Weekly: Could youelaborate on the mixed-use buildingthe hotel will be housed in? Why haveyou chosen this route, rather than astand-alone hotel?Elie Younes: The mixed use property is aunique feature of this hotel. I’d say about50 percent will be the hotel and the other50 percent will be mostly commercial withsome retail. Obviously, each componentwill have its own entrance, parking facilitiesand back of house support. This set up willadd value to both components – the hotelwill drive business to the corporate andretail outlets and vice versa. The mixed usefacilities will be open and active around thesame time as the hotel.

Travel Trade Weekly: Businesstravellers are singled out as a keymarket - how do you plan to targetthis sector and what are the benefits ofthis property for business travellers?Elie Younes: One strength of the groupis that the Radisson Blu group is well

known and established in Dubai,particularly with corporate clients. We havealready had lots of interest in this newproperty. The neighbourhood is full ofcorporate activity, with DIFC, SheikhZayed Road and downtown Dubai alldense with business. The location is alsoexcellent for Dubai’s exhibition centre.

Travel Trade Weekly: How does thishotel fit into Rezidor's  portfolio ofRadisson Blu properties in Dubai -does it fill a gap in this group?Elie Younes: This hotel is a perfect fitfrom a geographical perspective. We havetwo Radisson Blu properties in the DubaiMarina and Media City area, which targetthe business market in that location. Thenthere is our Deira property, by the creek,which is our most prominent hotel inDubai. It is well established in the city andmainly attracts business travellers to theDeira and Bur Dubai area of the city; italso has a good leisure appeal, with a widerange of excellent dining options.What was missing for us was something inthe new hub of the city, around SheikhZayed Road and downtown. Now we cancover all of the submarkets in Dubai.

Travel Trade Weekly: You'vementioned a desire to pursue morebeachfront Radisson resorts in Dubai- could you elaborate on this please?Elie Younes: Now that our city propertiesare well established, the focus for the next

eight months is definitely on finding apartner to develop a resort property. Wehave lots of experience running resortsaround the world and a hotel by the beachwould complete our Dubai offering.

Travel Trade Weekly: Finally, pleasegive us a brief rundown of Rezidor'sexpansion plans throughout theMiddle East - what's coming up for thegroup over the next couple of years?Elie Younes: In Dubai, as I’ve mentionedthe focus is on beach and city resorts forthe Radisson Blu brand. At the same time,we are identifying opportunities for ourHotel Missoni brand in Dubai, either onthe beach or in the city. This is our cuttingedge lifestyle brand. Geographically, over the next 18 monthsour focus is on the UAE, Saudi Arabia,Egypt and also Qatar to some extent. Wewill focus our expansion on these markets,ranging from city business hotels toseaside beach resorts.

19OCTOBER 16, 2010

Q&A with Elie YounesElie Younes is the vice president for Rezidor’s business development across the Middle East and Africa. Hespoke to Travel Trade Weekly about the group’s latest Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai, as well as key focus areasfor expansion over the next 18 months.

We are identifyingopportunities for

our Hotel Missoni brand in Dubai

Elie Younes

OCTOBER 16, 201020

EventsWorld Green Tourism Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae)Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourism authorities,urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers,airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers, universities,museums and heritage site organisations.

EIBTMBarcelona, Spain, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 (www.eibtm.com)Global event for the meetings and events industry, includingnetworking opportunities, professional education seminars and atrade show platform for exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors.

International Luxury Travel MarketCannes, France, December 6-9 (www.iltm.net)Annual business to business event for the global luxury travelindustry. Showcases destinations and travel experiences, with aprogramme of networking events and pre-scheduled meetings.

Blossom JapanTokyo, Japan, January 18-21,2011 (www.blossomjapan.com)A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on theJapanese market.

Arab Tourism Bourse Travel and Tourism FairDamascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.abtfair.com)Aimed at promoting the Syrian tourism industry, attractingnew visitors and developing tourism in the region.

Hotex Fair SyriaDamascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.hotexfair.com)Fair for Arabic and foreign companies in tourism and travel,including hotels, restaurants and equipment suppliers.

Business Travel Show – DubaiDubai, UAE, October 25-26 (www.businesstravelshowdubai.com)Dedicated event for buyers and bookers of corporate travelin the Middle East, focusing on small and medium sizedorganisations that book business travel.

World Travel MarketLondon, UK, November 8-11 (www.wtmlondon.com)Global event for the travel industry – four day business tobusiness event promoting a range of destinations andindustry sectors to international travel professionals.

The upcoming World Green TourismAbu Dhabi conference could be a keyopportunity to advance a sustainableagenda, according to Professor HaroldGoodwin, director of the UK’sInternational Centre for ResponsibleTourism.“For too long the major stakeholders havefailed to take responsibility for theirimpacts and for making their businessesmore economically, socially andenvironmentally sustainable,” saidGoodwin.

“Sustainable development, sustainabletourism, sustainability have all too oftenbeen dismissed as someone else’sresponsibility – there has been a failure toact.”Goodwin will be joined by several localand international tourism industry figureson a session titled Taking Responsibilityfor Making Tourism Sustainable.Rick Theobald, event director ofStreamline Marketing Group, added thatwhile the industry would be called to takestronger action, there would also be case

studies proving that sustainable initiativescan be translated into economic success.World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi is thefirst event of its kind in the Arabian Gulf. The conference has been developed aspart of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’sAdvantage Abu Dhabi incentiveprogramme, which provides seed fundingand assistance for business and MICEtourism concepts.The event will take place betweenNovember 22 and 24 at Abu DhabiNational Exhibition Centre.

Experts Hope Green Tourism Conference will be Platform for Change