A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 16Vol. IX No. 3; March 2013

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Roadshow sets stage for ATM 2013 ....................................................................03Air Arabia takes a ‘green’ step ahead ..................................................................04‘Serenade of the Seas’ stops by Dubai ..................................................................11

In 2012, a total of 10,644companies and organisa-tions from 187 countries

exhibited their products andservices to 172,000 visitors,which included 113,006trade visitors.

Azerbaijan will be fea-turing prominently at the ITBBerlin. As the Convention &Culture Partner of ITB Berlin2013, the country will beshowcasing its diversity atthe show. As part of the ITBBerlin Convention, a discus-sion round featuring leadingpanel guests will be talkingabout Azerbaijan’s rich cul-tural treasures and the coun-try’s prospects for tourism.

“Azerbaijan is an attrac-tive tourism destination withdiversity but unknown tomost of the people,” said Dr. Martin Buck, VicePresident, CompetenceCenter Travel & Logistics ofMesse Berlin. “We are morecontended that as theConvention & CulturePartner of ITB Berlin, thiscountry is featuring so promi-nently at the show this year.”

At the ITB DestinationDay, the members of thepanel discussion at the

Azerbaijan Partner Forumwill be talking about thecountry’s diversity, its cultur-al heritage and the prospectsfor tourism.

CSR Day at the ITBBerlin Convention focusseson strategies for sustainabletourism and examples of bestpractices. Discussions will

follow on climate change,gender equality and the suc-cessful marketing of sustain-able tourism products. Thetrade visitors can attend the

ITB Berlin Convention free of charge.

“Over the last four yearswe have used the CSR Day atthe ITB Berlin Convention toplace the topic of sustainabletourism centrestage. This isour response to the growingimportance of corporatesocial responsibility. The widerange of topics show that CSRhas become an integral partof the global travel industry’smodern corporate philoso-phy,” commented Dr. Buck.

Participating in the ITBBerlin under the DubaiDepartment of Tourism &Commerce Marketingumbrella, a team from theGrand Millennium Dubai willbe presenting a set of com-petitive leisure packages tothe leading tour operatorsfrom Germany and elsewherein Europe.

Leading the team,Hassan Farhat, Director ofSales, Grand MillenniumDubai said that it will be thefifth time for the hotel to bein Berlin and participate inthis prominent travel show.He was confident of securingnew business there, as wellas reinforcing existing con-tacts and contracts.

“DMCs have reportedstrong growth in meetingsand events from Germanyand leisure travel and thestaging of ITB Berlin willenable us to get across themessage that the GrandMillennium Dubai enjoys an excellent location in Dubai, close to all prominent landmarks.”

Informed Ashraf Helmy,General Manager & AreaBusiness DevelopmentManager, Iberotel Miramar AlAqah Beach Resort, “The ITBis one of the most importantexhibitions in the hospitalityindustry that attracts all thebig players and we will betaking part in this year’sevent as usual. We haveappointments with most ofthe international tour opera-tors and we do hope to comeback with good agreementsfor the coming season.”

Joining this year’s ITBBerlin, Tilal Liwa Hotel plansto meet new tour operators,tour series group and lastminute tour operators andalso seek new marketingopportunities for online webtools. As a driving force in thetravel industry, ITB contributes to the overall

International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin, the B2B platform for trade visitors, will run from March 6 - 10, 2013 in Berlin,Germany, one of the most prominent trade fairs for the travel industry worldwide. Parallel with the trade fair, the ITBBerlin Convention, the world’s largest specialist convention for the industry, will be held from March 6 – 8, 2013.

ITB Berlin:Connecting to new partners SU S M I TA GH O S H

ITB Berlin willhelp us to getacross themessage thatthe GrandMillenniumDubai enjoys an excellentlocation

We have used the CSRDay at the ITB BerlinConvention toplace the topicof sustainabletourism centrestage

We haveappointmentswith most of the internationaltour operatorsand hope tocome back withgoodagreements

Ashraf HelmyGeneral Manager & Area BusinessDevelopment Manager IberotelMiramar Al Aqah Beach Resort

Dr. Martin BuckVice President, Competence CenterTravel & Logistics of Messe Berlin

Hassan FarhatDirector of SalesGrand Millennium Dubai

Contd. on page 6

NEWS

FOREIGN EXCHANGEDIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) (As on 18-02-2013)

Country Currency CN Buy CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685

UK ............................GBP ..............5.6012............5.8413

Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711

Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.8122..............5.022

Canada......................CAD ..............3.5966..............3.722

Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137

Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512

Kuwait ......................KWD............12.7902..........13.2862

Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972

Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209

Australia ..................AUD ..............3.7185............3.8440

Japan ........................JPY................0.0384............0.0404

Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0888............0.0912

Singapore..................SGD ..............2.9138............3.0458

India ........................INR................0.0658............0.0683

Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0367............0.0381

Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0456............0.0472

Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0284............0.0295

Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056

Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525

Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.9071............4.0832

South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

“Our activities in 2012are the fruits of

a focussed and unique busi-ness strategy based on a stakeholder analysisapproach,” commentedAndrew Gower, CEO, RAKInternational Airport.

“In spite of being justthe first year ofoperations in 2012,under a newmanagement team,such accomplishmentshave exceeded ourexpectations.”

It is all due to theAirport’s efforts, providingcomprehensive quality serv-ices that gained substantialground for both passengernumbers and financial per-formance, which postedimpressive growth through-out last year, he added.

In 2012, a new manage-ment team headed by Gowerwas appointed at RAKInternational Airport with aclear mandate of expandingthe airport’s operations.

The commercial pack-ages offered to airlines andother aviation associatedbusinesses is another com-prehensive factor in RAKAirport’s 2012 growth. Otherfactors included the develop-ment of new routes, improve-

ments to its tour service andin-terminal facilities.

“RAK InternationalAirport has quieter skies andtake-off and landing slotswith no restrictions,” Gowerrevealed. “We continue toexplore new opportunitiesand markets, and we listen tothese markets and adapt tothe changes of an ever-evolv-ing aviation industry,” he fur-ther said. Just 45 minutesfrom Dubai, its location isadvantageous for the passen-gers to travel to and fromRAK International Airport.The proximity to Dubai andAbu Dhabi through road andair links from RAK Airport isquite striking, making Ras AlKhaimah a northern gatewayto the country.

Moreover, RAK Airporthad successfully participatedat events like the Routes heldall over the world, ArabianTravel Market (ATM) in Dubaiand ITB Berlin.

RAK International Airport received a 24 per cent increasein number of travellers and over 60 per cent growth infinancial performance in 2012 over 2011. Its operationsperformance reached a 98 per cent achievement rate.

Revenues surge over 60%

TT BU R E AU

Andrew GowerCEO, RAK International Airport

Majestic Hotel TowerDubai, a four star deluxehotel in Bur Dubai, has252 rooms and suites over28 floors. The propertyhas infused a fresh, modern look into its elegant rooms.

During the hotel’ssixth anniversary, the 252rooms had been given anunderstated elegance inline with the standards ofDubai hotels. The refur-bishment, which completedin September 2012, includ-ed the lobby with a refinednew marble reception andcontemporary new furnish-ings. The business centrewith two meeting roomshave been beautifully dec-orated and modernised.

In the continuousstrategy to reduce carbonfootprint, the hotel hasupgraded the air conditiontemperature control sys-tems to reduce energy con-sumption by up to 18 percent. The hotel is alsoswitching to LED technol-ogy with an expected sav-ing of 80 per cent.

MajesticHotel TowerDubai gets anew look

EXHIBITIONS M A R C H , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 3

The roadshow started fromKuwait City. Kuwait is

now midway through its latest five-year tourism planwhen its primary focusincludes the leisure sectorgrowth. This is supported byan investment of US$ 6 billion to expand the capital’s airport.

“Tourist arrivals are alsoexpected to increase at aCAGR of 4.9 per centbetween 2012 and 2022,”said Mark Walsh, PortfolioDirector, Reed TravelExhibitions. The ATM 2013roadshow visited Bahrainafter Kuwait.

The total contribution ofthe travel and tourism indus-try to Bahrain's GDP is fore-cast to rise by 4.5 per centfrom US$3.97 billion (16.5per cent of GDP) in 2011 toUS$6.16 billion (17.4 percent) by 2021, according tothe World Travel and TourismCouncil (WTTC).

The roadshow toucheddown in Qatar next. “Thecountry develops its infra-structure as part of a US$ 65billion investment plan aheadof its hosting of the 2022FIFA World Cup. Touristarrivals in Qatar are expectedto rise at a CAGR of 1.9 percent between now and2022,” commented Walsh.The roadshow met theLebanese exhibitors next.

“The roadshow is aneducational seminar to giveexhibitors an update on

2013’s show and informabout the new features ofArabian Travel Market, andhow they can maximise theirpresence at the show,” said Walsh.

Highlighting improvedtourism numbers, the ATM2013 roadshow arrived inAmman, Jordan.

“The current annualcapacity of 3.5 million pas-sengers at Queen AliaInternational airport, will besuperceded by expansionplans to accommodate up to9 million passengers everyyear with the imminentlaunch of the new US$750million terminal, and a sec-ond phase taking that to 12million in the coming years,”he added.

Muscat was the penul-timate destination for theATM 2013 roadshow.

“The Omani govern-ment has allocated US$ 39million to develop tourism

sites in Dhofar province in2013. This shift of focus out-side of the capital, Muscat, isa clear sign that the Sultanateis powering ahead with a wellthought-out and diversifiedplan for tourism growth.”

The roadshow conclud-ed in Dubai, where thelargest event with 140 dele-gates came together.

“Sharjah and Ras AlKhaimah are building ontheir own cultural founda-tions to present a series ofunique individual productsthat, together with Dubai andAbu Dhabi, position thecountry as a cohesive hospi-tality hub, with variedappeal,” said Walsh.

Arabian Travel Marketwill be held from May 6 to 9,2013 in Dubai.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), launchedits annual GCC and Levant roadshow series over two weeks in February2013 in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and the UAE.

Roadshow sets stage for ATM 2013

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Mark WalshPortfolio DirectorReed Travel Exhibitions

Consequently, GIBTM (TheGulf Incentive, Business

Travel & Meetings) has cre-ated a specialist exhibitorpavilion on the show floor,providing a dedicated area forexhibitors from the AsiaPacific region. It will providea meeting area for exhibitorsto showcase their products to visitors.

Lois Hall, GIBTM EventDirector, Reed TravelExhibitions informed, “Oursurvey reports that 2014 isexpected to be very positivewith 65 per cent of MENA buy-ers, reporting an increase inevents over the next 12months with Thailand,Malaysia, Turkey, Sri Lanka,Maldives and Japan, specifiedas top destinations to placefuture business. We alsoexpect a significant increase of30 per cent regional Hosted

Buyers registered, to attendthe show.”

The representation onthe show floor is a positiveindicator proving the region’smeetings industry profession-als are upbeat about economicprospects for 2013 andbeyond, Hall added.

GIBTM 2013 will take place from March 25 - 27, 2013.

Reed Travel Exhibitions haveconfirmed that 40 per cent of theregional hosted buyers havevalidated an interest in Asia.

Exclusive Asia pavilion at GIBTM

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Lois HallGIBTM Event DirectorReed Travel Exhibitions

GUEST COLUMN

EDITORIAL

ME in demand at ITBHigh demand from the Middle East has

added glitter to the world’s leadingtravel trade show, ITB Berlin 2013, whichis slated to be held from March 6-10,2013. The Convention turns 10 this yearand Indonesia becomes the first Asiancountry named Official Partner of the fair.With more than 170,000 visitors, 113,000trade visitors and 11,000 representedcompanies from 180 countries, ITB Berlinis the leading B2B platform that the entiretourism industry offers.

Arab countries like Egypt, Jordan,Israel, UAE and Libya have alreadybooked their places at the show. Iraqoccupies an even larger stand than lastyear. Yemen is back after an absence.According to the organisers, in 2012, atotal of 10,644 exhibitors from 187countries displayed their products andservices to 172,000 visitors.

The ITB comes at a time whenfigures released by International AirTransport Association (IATA) reveal thatMiddle East airlines continued to showimpressive growth through expansionin international passenger markets.These airlines grew at the rate of 15.4per cent and accounted for almost a thirdof the total expansion in internationalpassenger markets in 2012.

Dubai Airports' annual traffic reportshowed passenger traffic climbed 13.2per cent to 57.6 million in 2012, up from50.9 million passengers in 2011. Qataris also one of the fastest growingmarkets in the Gulf, with tourism on therise as the country develops itsinfrastructure as part of a US$ 65 billioninvestment plan ahead of its hosting ofthe 2022 FIFA World Cup.

As David Ruetz, Head, ITB Berlin,rightly puts it, despite the economicdifficulties, the high level of demand fromemerging destinations such as Asia,Middle East and South America and thegrowth of popular markets such as traveltechnology are proof of how stable theglobal travel industry has become.

Publisher : SanJeet Director : Sumeera Bahl Editor : Deepa Sethi Assistant Editor (ME) : Susmita Ghosh Desk Editor : Archana Sharma Sub Editor : Ramya J.S. D’Rozario Design : Ruchi Sinha / NN Misra

Head Sales & Marketing (ME) : Akassh Kapoor Manager Advertising : Geetika Pathak Circulation Manager : Ashok Rana Manager Production : Anil Kharbanda

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TRAVTALK is a publication of Durga Das Publications Private Limited. All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publica-tion, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by thirdparties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific

advice before acting on information contained in this publicationwhich is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. No part of TRAVTALK or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system ortransmitted in any form without the permission of the publicationin writing. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or thearticle is taken from another publication. An exemption is herebygranted for the extracts used for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent to us for ourrecords. Publications reproducing material either in part or inwhole, without permission could face legal action.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged.

This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the Indian and InternationalAdvertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear.

We have a long-standingcommitment to opera-

tional efficiency. These newwing tip devices, fuel savingSharklets, will become one ofthe world’s most proficientand innovative low cost air-lines. Sharklets are madefrom light-weight compositesand the newly designedwing-tip devices reduce fuelburn and emissions byimproving the aerodynamicsof the aircraft significantly.The new aircraft has gonestraight into service across our network of 83 destinations.

We now have received15 of the 44 A320 aircraft,ordered from Airbus in 2007.The delivery of the 44 newaircraft will be completed by2016. Our modern and reli-able aircraft enable us tocombine superb value-for-money with operationalexcellence. As we continue tounlock opportunities for thelow-cost model in the widerArab region, we look forwardto the delivery of seven newA320 aircraft in 2013.

With Sharklet-equippedA320s, we can now assuretravellers that they are trav-elling on board the world’smost environment-friendlysingle-aisle aircraft.

In partnership with AirArabia and Sharjah Airport,Sharjah Aviation Services(SAS) had launched ‘Go

Green’ initiatives. It reflectsthe company’s commitmentto eco-friendly operations tooffset carbon emissions andincreased energy efficiency,influencing all aspects of air-port's ground handling oper-ations at SharjahInternational Airport. It hasbeen achieved throughimproved energy conserva-tion measures and increaseduse of renewable energysources, like solar energy andelectric power.

As a further testimonyto its sustainability and com-munity upliftment efforts, weat Air Arabia have beenawarded the ‘CorporateSocial Responsibility Award’

at the 2012 Aviation Business Awards.

Operating in an envi-ronmentally and sociallyresponsible manner benefitsour business, our customersand our communities, and itis an integral part of AirArabia’s efforts to achieve itsbusiness goals.

Air Arabia became oneof the first companies fromthe region to introduce a sus-tainable CSR programmewhile launching the ‘CharityCloud’ project in collabora-tion with Sharjah CharityInternational in 2005. Theprogramme is aimed at rais-ing funds for communitydevelopment initiativesthrough on-board passengerdonations. The fund collec-tions are reviewed annuallyand invested in healthcareand education projects in sev-eral countries throughplanned and sustainable CSRprogramme.

We have been awardedthe ISO/IEC 20000-1: 2011

certificate in IT ServiceManagement System inrecognition of high standardsthe company has achieved inimplementing world classinformation technology services. It was our greatpleasure to accept this pres-tigious certificate from BSI,which further consolidatesour efforts to enhance the quality of services we provide.

Air Arabia carried arecord 5,301,484 passengersin 2012, a 13 per cent growthcompared to 2011. As a pio-neer in the low-cost space,we will continue to set thestandard for the low-costtravel segment, offering greatfares to an ever growingrange of destinations.

The significant growthin passenger numbers is a testimony to the airline’s ambitious networkexpansion strategy.

Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive

Officer, Air Arabia

Air Arabia, a low cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, becomesthe first airline in the Middle East to take the delivery of Sharklet-equippedAirbus A320. This delivery marks yet another step in Air Arabia’s fleetexpansion strategy, while creating the industry's most modern fleet.

With Sharklet-equipped A320s, we cannow assure travellers that they aretravelling on board the world’s mostenvironment-friendly aircraft

Adel AliGroup Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia

Air Arabia takes a ‘green’ step ahead

In partnership with AirArabia and Sharjah Airport,Sharjah Aviation Services(SAS) had launched ‘GoGreen’ initiatives

Air Arabia received the ‘Corporate SocialResponsibility Award’ at the2012 Aviation BusinessAwards

Eco Commitments

World’s 1st

A380 facility now openEmirates and Dubai Airports have announced thesuccessful completion of the phased launch ofConcourse A – the home of the A380 and theworld’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft atDubai International. With 11 floors and a total built-up area of 528,000 sqm, Concourse A isconnected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via anunderground train. It is a vital part of DubaiAirports’ $7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 which willincrease airport capacity to 90 million by 2018.

HOTELS6 TRAVTALK M A R C H , 2 0 1 3

exposure of Abu Dhabi to theGerman market, the mainfeeder leisure market for TilalLiwa Hotel.

Ayman Ashor, GeneralManager, Tilal Liwa Hotelexplained, “Since it is a pureB2B travel exhibition, thetour operators are more seri-ous in their discussion andlooking out for businessopportunities. Our participa-tion is to inform our partnersabout the summer offersfrom April to September andfor the next winter offers aswell. We will also discuss thecurrent leisure market situa-tion and hopefully, sign upwith key potential operators.”

Led by Mina Habib,Vice President for BusinessDevelopment, Abidos HotelApartment, Dubailand, thesales team will be at ITBBerlin 2013.

“Visiting trade shows,conventions, fairs and otherexhibitions give us uniquesales and marketing opportu-nity that can help generatenew leads, find suppliers,check out the competitionand do some excellent net-

working. Being a new brand,it is the first time for us to

visit ITB, the perfect B2Bplatform for connecting new

business partners andstrengthening existing rela-

tions. We are very excited tointroduce our brand to aninternational market,”informed Habib.

Le Meridien Dubai willparticipate in ITB Berlin 2013.The hotel will also offer cus-tomised leisure packages totravel agents and tour opera-tors present at the trade fair.

“We have been activelyinvolved in ITB Berlin foryears through DubaiDepartment of Tourism &Commerce. We are usingthis opportunity to showcasethe opulence of Dubai as apremium holiday destina-tion. Around nine millionforeign tourists visited theUAE in 2012. The UAEtourism sector’s expectedannual growth is around 6.5per cent year-on-year dur-ing this decade,” said VikasChoudhery, Director ofSales & Marketing, LeMeridien Dubai.

Presently, Le MeridienDubai is executing AED 450 million expansion planby adding 197 rooms takingthe total hotel rooms’ inventory to 580 rooms byQ4 of 2013.

A perfect platform for B2B tradeContd. from page 1

Being a newbrand, it is thefirst time for usto visit ITB, theperfect B2Bplatform forconnectingnew businesspartners

Ourparticipation isto inform ourpartners aboutthe summeroffers, April toSeptember,and winteroffers as well

The UAE tourism sector’sexpectedannual growth is around 6.5per cent year-on-year duringthis decade

Vikas ChoudheryDirector of Sales & MarketingLe Meridien Dubai

Ayman AshorGeneral ManagerTilal Liwa Hotel

Mina HabibVice President for BusinessDevelopment, Abidos HotelApartment, Dubailand

To mark the festive sea-son, Qatar Duty Free hasturned Premium DepartureTerminal at DohaInternational Airport into asea of red and gold withdecorations and designs topromote the annual festiv-ity. Qatar Duty Free cele-brated Chinese New Yearwith Chinese-themed pro-motion till February-end atthe airport.

Akbar Al Baker, ChiefExecutive Officer, QatarAirways commendedQatar Duty Free for keep-ing the tradition alive fortheir Chinese travellersand wished all Chinesetravellers and partners onthe festive occasion.

“As part of the promo-tion, those travelling frommainland China and HongKong were handed over 8per cent discount coupon,along with their boardingpass upon check-in,” headded. In addition, allthose travelling out ofDoha or transiting weregiven the same 8 per centdiscount coupon, used atboth the locations.

Qatar DutyFree donsfestive spirit

Compared to 2011, thegrowth was recorded for

the hotel’s overall revenuewith room revenue increas-ing by 108 per cent, F&Bwith 121 per cent and otherrevenue departments with112 per cent.

The location of the prop-erty, at the border of Rub AlKhali Desert, along with thedifferent activities offered tothe guests made Tilal LiwaHotel an ideal destination forfamilies and weekenders from

the UAE and the Middle East,leisure travellers fromGermany, UK and otherEuropean and Asian countries.

Ayman Ashor, GeneralManager, Tilal Liwa Hotel,said, “We are happy to reportthat there has been an overallgrowth in revenue for TilalLiwa Hotel in all like online,weekend and leisure com-pared to 2011.”

He further added, “It’sdue to the step-in price andadded values for our attractivepackages offered to the guests.

We are preparingmore adventureactivities for thisseason like archery,desert walk to theoasis, team buildingactivities and many more.

The weekend, overseasleisure market and groupssegment looking for teambuilding, workshop, regionaloffsite meeting, productlaunches are the main areasto focus on.”

According to Ashor,2013 will be another excel-

lent year for the industry. Ofthe increase reported, about8 per cent was contributed bythe travel trade.

“With the influx of newhotels opening, competition isdefinitely a threat to our business in 2013. Challengeswill be there to maintainprofitability, keeping a highservice standard and guestsatisfaction in such a pricesensitive market. But it boilsdown to advance smart plan-ning, knowing your marketand effective strategies,” he added.

For the overseas leisuremarket, the hotel targetsinternational tour operatorsto promote an attractiveDesert & Beach combinationpackages with the sisterhotels in Abu Dhabi.

Tilal Liwa Hotel reported an excellent performance in 2012 with over 100 per cent increase in revenue in alldepartments. The leisure resort plans to diversify its range of adventure activities in 2013.

TT BU R E AU

Tilal Liwa records 100% growth in 2012

Ayman AshorGeneral ManagerTilal Liwa Hotel

The location of the property,at the border of Rub Al KhaliDesert, along with thedifferent activities offered tothe guests made Tilal LiwaHotel an ideal destination

Ideal Location

HOTELS M A R C H , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 7

The hotel has been active and supportive in

organising regular familiarisa-tion trips and site inspections.It ensures updating all travelagents on a regular basis withtheir promotions, rates andother related information.

“As a mark of apprecia-tion and to acknowledge theircontinued support, we keep giving awards and tro-phies to our top travel tradeproducers every year,” mentioned Wael El Behi,General Manager, RamadaDowntown Dubai.

With a prime locationoverlooking the Burj Khalifaand Dubai Fountain, RamadaDowntown Dubai is using itskey strength, the major mar-keting strategy in developinga new website, which will beuser-friendly and help in max-imising bookings. With the

increasing number of hotelsaround Dubai and Downtownas well, it aims to be in linewith competitors, providingenhanced personalised servic-es, thus overcoming the chal-lenge of repeat guests and its retention.

ITB 2012 indicated apositive outcome as RamadaDowntown Dubai introduceditself to many travel trade andbusiness sectors. It presented

opportunities in closing newdeals and opened doors tonewer clients from both traveland corporate sectors.

“Since the number ofattendees as trade visitors andexhibitors are increasing everyyear at the ITB, we will visitITB 2013 as trade visitors andinteract with exhibitors frommore than 180 countries.

As social mediaplayed an importantrole at ITB 2012 andbecame a major toolof visibility andcommunication, we look foradvancement in thisarea as well.

Hence, we are presentlygeared up to receive everyoptimistic response from ITB2013,” he concluded.

Ramada Downtown Dubai aims to increase its presencein the European market in 2013. The property seeksto work with agents who cater to recreational, leisureand business travellers.

Ramada Dubai woos Europe

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Wael El BehiGeneral ManagerRamada Downtown Dubai

The second RamadaAjman has increased the

leisure share as the hotel hasincreased the room invento-ries, while the total comes to507 presently for both hotelsin Ajman. The leisure seg-ment increased by 200 percent, attributing to the pri-vate beach and high rating onGerman websites and over allGDS reviews.

“We are keeping an eyeon ITB which is our first exhi-bition for 2013.

Germany is a majormarket for leisurebusiness and we arelooking for newpartners.

We have done our duediligence for the exhibitionand will announce the latestaddition to R Hotels in thefirst quarter of 2013, whichwill be one more hotel inDubai,” asserted IftikharHamdani, General Manager,

Ramada Hotel & SuitesAjman. “We are aiming toincrease this share further aswe are in this market for thelast 3 years. Our partners inGermany are playing a vitalrole, promoting the propertythrough different media toreach end consumers.”

The future plans willdepend on R Hotels to devel-op new hotels under themanagement and to buymore properties. In addition,the CSR activities will also beincreased, such as charity ini-tiatives and the Green initia-tive for 2013. R Hotels will

take in more hotels in UAE,expected to make inventoryto 4 hotels by Q1 2013.

The results for 2012 areexcellent. “Our aim is to haveproper hotels with good loca-tion to maintain our momen-tum as we are doing with ourexisting hotels,” he added.

Ajman is coming upwith more hotels in 2013,hence tough competitionahead with more availablerooms for the visitors. Butbeing the leading hotels innorthern emirates withregard to occupancy in 2011and 2012, Ramada Ajman &Ramada Beach Hotel Ajmanhave created their own markets and will continue these trends.

Due to the success of Ramada Ajman, the secondRamada in Ajman came into being in 2011. ITB 2012was fruitful as the property increased the share of theGerman market by 50 per cent in 2012.

Tapping the German market

TT BU R E AU

Since its opening, thehotel has become one of

the landmarks in theTECOM area close to bothcorporate arenas and leisuredestinations. Offering 524rooms and suites across 30floors, most guests pouredin at the property from GCCcountries like Saudi Arabia,besides Russians mainly andfrom United Kingdom and Germany.

All Auris Hotels, includ-ing Auris First Central plan toparticipate in various inter-national exhibitions and road-shows. The entire team ofAuris Hotels is excited to par-ticipate in ITB 2013. Theproperty’s marketing and PRcampaign right now arefocussed on various socialmedia platforms.

“We will strive to growour business between 6-10per cent yearly,” saidAmmar Kanaan, GeneralManager, Auris First CentralHotel Suites and Corporate

Director of Operations, AurisHotels. “In the years ahead,Auris First Central is set forbigger accomplishments aswe promise to continue pro-viding excellent servicesthrough our dedicated staff, maintaining andimproving good customerand business relationships,

and reaching out more to feeder markets.”

The achievement was aresult of the partnershipswith the travel trade, corporate and GCC markets,together with effective PR, marketing and sales activities.

“Travel agents havebeen very helpful in thepilot year of Auris FirstCentral. In general, ourpartners have broughtalmost half of the businesswe got in our first year. Aspartners, we continue tokeep them aware through

our email campaigns,”Kanaan further informed.

Despite having encoun-tered several challenges inthe launch year, the propertycontinued to endeavour forbetterment which resulted indelivering top-class servicesto the guests.

Auris First Central Hotel Suites celebrated its firstanniversary on October 2012. Exceeding target for 2012,the property had a successful first year.

Hotel meets target in 1st year

SU S M I TA GH O S H

With 95 per cent occupancyin 2012, and winning theBest Charity Hotel and Green Hotel Awards in 2012,the CSR activities will remainunchanged in 2013 as well

Focus on CSR

Iftikhar HamdaniGeneral ManagerRamada Hotel & Suites Ajman

Travel agents have been very helpfulin the pilot year. In general, ourpartners have brought almost half ofthe business we got in our first year

Ammar KanaanGeneral Manager, Auris First Central Hotel Suitesand Corporate Director of Operations, Auris Hotels

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Being one of the importanttravel trade events in the

Middle East, more than 12tour operators from India co-exhibited in the India Pavilionthis year. Vanlalhuma,Consul General of India,Istanbul inaugurated the

India Pavilion and interactedwith the co-exhibitors fromIndia on the opening day.

The Republic of Turkeyholds a great potential notonly for inbound but also out-bound travel to India. Thepavilion depicted a multi-faceted and diverse tourismproducts that make India a360-day tourist destinationfor heritage, nature, wildlife,culture and wellness tourism.

“The year 2011 sawthe flow of morethan 17,000 Turkishnationals whotravelled to India,registering a growthof more than 12 percent over 2010.

Realising the impor-tance of Turkey as animportant source marketfrom the Middle East, IndiaTourism recently conductedan Incredible India TourismRoad Show during October,2012 in Ankara andIstanbul,” informed Vikas

Rustagi, Regional Director,(West Asia & Africa), IndiaTourism, Dubai.

“Hence, the members ofthe Turkish travel and mediaindustry were able to get anopportunity to meet mem-bers of the Indian travelindustry and know moreabout the tourist attractionsand developments in thetourism sector of India,” he added.

India is an attractivetourism destination with itsnatural beauty, vivid festivalsand exotic beaches. It alsoincludes architectural mar-vels to deserts, snow coveredmountains, beaches, luxurytrain journeys and the diverserange of accommodationfrom budget to the top 5-starproperties and spa resorts.Turkey can also be a contrib-utor to India’s religious andspiritual tourism as well as the medical and wellness tourism.

The India Tourism, Dubai had participated in the EastMediterranean International Travel & TourismExhibition (EMITT) 2013, held from January 24 - 27,2013 in Istanbul, Turkey.

India Tourism eyes Turkey

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Vikas RustagiRegional Director, (West Asia & Africa),India Tourism, Dubai

The website has beenrolled out in 30 markets

in 11 different languages. It’slive in six languages -English, French, German,Spanish, Italian and currentlyin development are Dutch, Brazilian, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

Ireland.com has beenredeveloped. The changesinclude an enhanced experi-ence for visitors prompting toexplore the site under differ-

ent themes like location andinterests. Special offers andpackages feature throughoutthe site, with the capacity todeliver more sales leads andreferrals for tourism partners.Even if the site is brand new,initial feedback from users islargely positive, indicating asolid volume of third-partyreferrals to tourism industry partners.

In 2012, an estimated7.27 million overseas visitorscame to Ireland, deliveringrevenue of approximately€3.51 billion. Overseas tourism

business accounts for 59 percent of all tourism revenue.

Commenting on thenew website, Niall Gibbons,Chief Executive, TourismIreland, said, “TourismIreland’s job is to inspire peo-ple around the world to comeand visit Northern Irelandand the island of Ireland.

Our online presenceand social mediaactivities are critical ways tocommunicate withpotentialholidaymakerseverywhere.”

Further development ofIreland.com continues thisspring. “It includes the roll-outof a smartphone version of the site, improved touroperator functionality, a trip-planning tool, price andavailability accommodationsearches, additional languageversions and new blogs in six languages,” he further informed.

Tourism Ireland launched its new international website,Ireland.com, recently. The site provides new, one-stopshop for comprehensive information on all that theisland of Ireland has to offer.

New tourism site launched

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Sharjah is an ideal destina-tion for cruise tourism

with its new facilities anddevelopment on its EastCoast. It has witnessed animmense surge in the arrivalsof international luxurycruiseliners to the port ofKhorfakkan during 2012-2013 with greater growthexpected. The orientation andtraining campaign included anumber of workshops, lec-tures and seminars about theconcept, importance andpotential of international lux-ury cruise tourism.

Held at the SharjahChamber of Commerce andIndustry and in the East Coastcity of Kalba, the SCTDA work-shop, the first-of-its-kind inSharjah, was moderated byinternational cruise industryexperts and those in the man-agement of luxury cruise oper-ators, including AIDA andCosta Crociere.

The workshop discussedthe history of cruise tourismin Sharjah, and the develop-ment it has witnessed inrecent years as against itsdevelopment at the globallevel. In 2012, more than 20million people went on acruise worldwide.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa,Director General, SCTDAopened and attended theworkshop along with seniorofficials and representativesof the tourism sector

in Sharjah government departments.

“The Authority ismaking everyeffort, incooperation withkey stakeholders,to develop thetourism sector andcruise tourism inparticular,

providing best facilitiesaccording to internationalstandards, making Sharjah apleasant experience for inter-national luxury tourists,”emphasised Al Midfa.

Underscoring theimportance of the workshop and training, AlMidfa hoped its positiveresults will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between variousgovernment departmentsand institutions engaged inthe tourism sector.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority(SCTDA) hosted a 4-day workshop recently on ‘CruiseTourism: Opportunities and Challenges’, which focussed onways to drive the industry’s growth in Sharjah.

Sharjah ideal for cruise

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Sarah Fitzpatrick, Brian Harte, Mark Henry and Niall Gibbons all fromTourism Ireland, at the launch of Ireland.com.

Khalid Jasim Al MidfaDirector GeneralSCTDA

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Sharjah landmarks shine brightThe Sharjah Light Festival (SLF), the first of its kind in the region, in its third edition was held from February 7 - 15, 2013. The Festival was hosted bythe Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority at 14 locations across the Emirate. This year, the focus had been on Arabian people’s lovewith the sea and the culture and environment associated with it, recollecting the legends of the Arab ancestors and their sojourns across the seas.

CRUISES M A R C H , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 1 1

Serenade of the Seas cancarry 3,360 guests on

double occupancy. Thedeployment of this ship willbring over 50,000 travellersto Dubai and will have a pos-itive impact on the economy.Her visit follows three suc-cessful Middle East seasonsby sister ship, Brilliance ofthe Seas.

Dubai's Department ofTourism and CommerceMarketing (DTCM), in collab-oration with the cruise linearranged for a grand wel-come ceremony at the Dubai

Cruise Terminals in MinaRashid where the ship is docked.

Lakshmi Durai,Executive Director MiddleEast, Royal CaribbeanInternational said, “Overseven days and nights, guestswill enjoy the scenery onshow in this part of the worldand while the ship is in port,they can explore the townsand cities and learn moreabout the culture of the UAEand Oman.”

Royal Caribbean’s pre-and post-cruise packages andshore excursion programmesinclude desert driving, visitsto mosques, local villages andjourneys to the mountainsand ‘wadis’.

Helen Beck, RegionalDirector, Royal CaribbeanInternational said, “After herrevitalisation, the Radiance-class ship now has almost dou-ble the dining options, includ-ing five of Royal Caribbean’smost acclaimed signature din-

ing concepts. Serenade of theSeas offers a multitude ofentertainment experiences,particularly for those seekingan adrenaline rush.”

Hamad Bin Mejren,Executive Director ofBusiness Tourism, DubaiDepartment of Tourism andCommerce Marketing said,“At DTCM, we forecast asteady growth in this busi-ness sector and are continu-ally working in alliance withthe cruise lines to further

promote potential of this seg-ment of the tourism industryregionally and globally.”

The annual increase ofcruise tourists to Dubai are inline with the forecasted glob-al cruise tourist growth of 3per cent annually and looksforward to receiving over420,000 passengers and 110ship calls in 2013.

"Intensive marketingprogrammes, along withstate-of-the-art infrastruc-ture and facilities provided inthe Emirate, have encour-aged many cruise operatorsto select Dubai as a focalpoint of their cruise itineraryin the region," he added.

After her Dubai sojourn,Serenade of the Seas willreturn to Barcelona for 12-night sailings visiting Veniceand Greece. In November2013, she will return to NorthAmerica and sail from NewOrleans offering seven- andnine-night Caribbean andBahamas itineraries.

Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) newly revitalised ship - ‘Serenade of the Seas’ - arrivedin Dubai for the first time on February 2, 2013, to be home ported in the Emirate till mid-April2013. This is the fifth ship to have been deployed in the region for 7-night round-trip sailings.

‘Serenade of the Seas’ stops by Dubai

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Lakshmi DuraiExecutive Director Middle EastRoyal Caribbean International

Helen BeckRegional DirectorRoyal Caribbean International

Hamad Bin MejrenExecutive Director of BusinessTourism, Dubai Department ofTourism and Commerce Marketing

The 21st DubaiInternational Boat Showwill be held at the DubaiInternational Marine Club,Mina Seyahi from March 5- 9, 2013. From more than49 countries, the show hasover 563 internationalcompanies and brands par-ticipating as exhibitors anddebut appearances fromMalta, Armenia andMalaysia. US and Italy haveincreased their total exhi-bition space by 110 percent and 47 per centrespectively. A new Floridapavilion signifies a greaterdemand for American-made products and leisurecrafts, with 200 per centoverall increase in productsfrom the United States.

Trixee Loh, Senior VicePresident, Dubai WorldTrade Centre, organiser ofDubai International BoatShow said, “ Dubai contin-ues its remarkable momen-tum in the regional marineindustry, resulting inincreased internationalattraction to the destinationand Dubai securing its posi-tion as a marine hub.”

US presenceup by 110%at Boat Show

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UAE Trade Mission tours in BruneiThe Empire Hotel and Country Club, Brunei Tourism and Royal Brunei Airlines, jointly organised a product familiarisation trip to Brunei from January 24 - 28, 2013 for 10 travel representatives in UAE. The group continued the trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia for three nights before headingto Dubai. The travel agents spent three nights in The Empire Hotel and Country Club and were taken to several tours. It included a boat ride aroundKampung Ayer and a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park amongst others.

With better product,improved premium

class, attractive fare, the loadfactor of the airlines has grownfrom 11 to 15 per cent in 2012over 2011. The airline hasbeen flying to Dubai now formore than three decades. TheGulf is the major thrust marketfor Sri Lanka.

“We have a very closerelationship with the travelagents in UAE. Around 60 to65 per cent of business poursin through the travel trade.The airlines update theopportunity to them throughregular meetings and variousother orientation schemes.To encourage their perform-ances, an award ceremony inUAE has been planned forthis year end. We organisefamiliarisation trips everyyear in various destinationsfor the travel partners, andnear two to three trips havealready being planned to the east and India subcon-tinent,” informed AngeloPunchihewa, CountryManager, UAE, SriLankanAirlines and Mihin Lanka.

SriLankan Airlines andAmadeus IT Group haveannounced the signing of alandmark agreement recent-ly. It will see the airlineupgrade its existing passen-ger service and reservationssystem to the new AmadeusAltea IT Suite by 2014.

The deal, which is thefirst-of-its-kind for Amadeusin the Indian subcontinent,will enable both SriLankanand its sister airline MihinLanka to adopt the next generation IT platform tomanage their mission-criticalreservations, ticketing,inventory and departure control processes.

At the same time, theagreement between the twoalso paves way for SriLankanto gain entry into the presti-gious oneworld globalalliance, for which theAmadeus Altea IT Suite is thepreferred standard operatingplatform, presently used bymore than half of its member airlines.

SriLankan Airlines targets people travelling to Asia andFar East destinations. Sri Lanka’s geographical locationmakes it ideal for tourists to enjoy dual holidays inColombo with either Far East or Maldives.

Gulf – A major thrust market

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Around 60 to65 per cent ofbusiness poursin through thetravel trade

Angelo PunchihewaCountry Manager, UAESrilankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka

The deal will enable bothSriLankan and its sisterairline Mihin Lanka toadopt the next generationIT platform to managetheir mission-criticalreservations, ticketing,inventory and depar turecontrol processes

Benefits

AGENTS M A R C H , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 1 3

Akbar Travels will opennew offices in UAE,

purely dedicated to Holidays.

“In 2013 we will openan exclusive Holiday centre

in Dubai. Currently, ourHolidays Division is beingrevamped to cater exclusiveto the leisure market seg-ments. We will brand ourinbound department asDestination Management

Company (DMC). Previously,all used to come under AkbarHolidays, but Akbar Holidayswill now focus on outboundmovements and our DMC willlook after inbound,” informedSyed Mahin Shahiba,Manager, Holidays UAE,Akbar Holidays.

“It will be a one-stop-shop asticketing still existsand Akbar Travels isknown for retail andcorporate business.

We have differentdepartments which look aftereach market segments. Butour major focus will be ondeveloping Holidays as wehave moved to leisure busi-ness while branding ourHoliday department.”

Disagreement keeps fol-lowing for online and offlinetravel agencies. According to

Akbar Travels, who dealswith both, the online travelagencies are spreading at anescalating rate. Hence, foroverall ticketing, online travelagencies are a threat regard-ing traditional ones.

“But not a threat forHolidays as travellers preferto discuss with the travelconsultant for personalisedservices. Thus, both will con-tinue parallel, dependingentirely on how the traveltrade can make the servicesand rates more attractive toavail the best outcome,”explained Shahiba.

“We call it ‘Co-option’,merging cooperation withcompetition. With the effortof DTCM, for inbound travels,Dubai has always been a selfsustaining destination. It hasbeen a turnaround destina-tion and never a transit des-tination as it has always beenin the limelight,” he said.

Akbar Travels looks forward to holiday business withAkbar Holidays, specialising in business, leisure,individual, medical, pilgrimage, group travels and MICE,hence making a niche for itself in the travel market.

Special centre for ‘Holidays’

SU S M I TA GH O S H

FlyGeorgia’s decision toappoint dnata as General

Sales Agent for the GCC andIndia was based on the com-pany’s experience, contactsin the regions and their well-trained, knowledgeable staff,to help tap into an untouchedpotential market, especiallyfor new Dubai services.

Flying in and out ofDubai International Airport’sTerminal 1, FlyGeorgia willoperate its Dubai-Tbilisi flightthree times a week. The air-lines’ new services will caterto business and leisure trav-ellers from this region toGeorgia, offering selection ofGeorgian and European dish-es and beverages with con-venient flight times anddirect routing to Tbilisi.

The young airline,which launched its first routein 2012 from Tbilisi toBatumi, Georgia’s coastal

town, now flies from its hubin the capital to seven desti-nations, including Tehran,Amsterdam, Antalya,Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.

dnata is already GSA toover 30 airlines in the regionand acts as the essential linkbetween its airline partnersand the trade.

“With over 40 years ofexperience in promoting and

selling airline services, we are confident we can exe-cute the right strategy to helpFlyGeorgia establish itself in the region,” said A MajidAl Mulla, Divisional Vice President, Dnata World Travel.

“Providing a wealthof choices for ourcustomers hasalways been one ofour key aims, andthis partnershipwith FlyGeorgia willallow us to widenfurther the breadthof products weoffer,” he continued.

With ambitious expan-sion plans, the airline plansto have two more aircraft andadd four new European des-tinations to their network byMarch this year.

dnata announced that it has been appointed byFlyGeorgia to be its General Sales Agent (GSA) in theregion. Established in August 2012, FlyGeorgia launchedits Dubai-Georgia flight service in January 2013.

dnata GSA for FlyGeorgia

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Syed Mahin ShahibaManagerHolidays UAE, Akbar Holidays

A Majid Al MullaDivisional Vice Presidentdnata World Travel

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India Tourism, Dubai at EMITT 2013 in Turkey

The India Tourism, Dubai participated in the East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (EMITT)-2013 held on January 24-27, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. It was an important travel trade event in the Middle East regionwhere more than 12 tour operators from India co-exhibited in the India Pavilion.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa Abu Dhabi Moritz Klein joins the hospitality group, Anantara Hotels,Resorts & Spa as both General Manager for Eastern

Mangroves Hotel & Spa and Area GeneralManager, Abu Dhabi. He brings withhim an international career in hospitalitythat spans 28 years and two continents,from Europe to Asia. His currentresponsibilities entail overseeing therunning of all of Anantara Hotels, Resorts

& Spas in Abu Dhabi including QasrAl Sarab Desert Resort, DesertIslands Resort & Spa and EasternMangroves Hotel & Spa.

Emirates Dubai Husain Alsafi has been appointed as the new CountryManager for Algeria to support Emirates’ operation to the

capital city, Algiers. In his new position,Alsafi will be responsible forEmirates’ business operations in

Algeria overseeing sales andservice functions for the

airline's passenger, cargoand airport operations. Heholds a bachelor degree in Engineering Management

from the Higher Collegesof Technology, UAE.

Berk Ozkeresteci is the new Director of Food andBeverage for Bin Majid Hotels. He previously held variousF&B management positions in USA, Istanbul, Antalya, AbuDhabi and Fujairah. He has 13 years’ experience in the

hospitality industry and worked inwell-known global hotel brandssuch as Sheraton, Hyatt, Rotana,Kempinski and Rixos. In his rolehe has to oversee the restaurant,lobby lounge, coffee shop, in-room dining, banquets or at thepool bar.

Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate - DubaiUAEMichael Nugent has been appointed as the new GeneralManager of Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate – Dubai. He

brings with him more than 30 years ofinternational experience in the hospitalityindustry and over 17 years at theforefront of the region’s expandinghospitality sector, with executive level

roles at Le Méridien and Mövenpickhotels in both UAE and Saudi Arabia. His

commitment to Mövenpick Hotels& Resorts spans more than7 years.

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai UAE Ruth Swamy joins the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai asthe new Business Development Manager. She was previously

with Mondo Hospitality where shewas the corporate sales manager

for three properties. She beganher career with hotel brandssuch as Emirates Towers, CoralHotels & Resorts, Royal Ascotand others. In her new role,

Swamy will be responsiblein boosting the corporatesector of the property.

Bin Majid Hotels UAE Juan Carlos Gonzalez Aguado has been appointedas the new Director of Operations for Mangrove Hotel. ASpanish national, Aguado has over15 years of experience inoperations and commercialasset management and hotelconsultancy. His role is tooversee the operations of alldepartments in the hotel. AnMBA graduate, he held severalleading positions in a numberof leading internationalhotel brands.

Majestic Hotel Towers Dubai Rashda Safdar has been appointed as the new Director ofSales & Marketing for Majestic Hotel Towers. Anentrepreneurial and driven individual, she is accustomed toworking within a global company in theinternational hospitality and travelsector. She is highly experiencedand has a knowledgeablebackground based in Sales &Marketing, Management,Business Analysis, ProjectManagement, Executive Searchand Selection.

Bovin Roy takes on the responsibility as Cluster MaterialsManager looking over Gloria Hotels and Resortsprocurement operations. He brings with him 10 years of

purchasing experience from theNational Corporation for TourismHotels in Abu Dhabi to MovenpickHotel Bur Dubai and hasexperience in all aspects ofpurchasing, including preopening

of hotels. In his new role, he will beoverlooking the centralised materials

system for Gloria Hotels andResorts with a conceptof standardisation toensure quality in theproducts.

Gloria Hotels Dubai Malek Rummaneh has been appointed as Food andBeverage Manager of Gloria Hotels, Dubai. He will beresponsible for all the food andbeverage operations andrestaurants in Gloria Hotel. Hebrings with him a vast experienceof 13 years in the hospitality andF&B industry and has previouslyworked for various renowned luxuryhotels, such as Grand Hyatt Amman,Kempinski hotel in Jordan &Anantara Resorts in Abu Dhabi.

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Travelport will expand itsexisting business and

enter into new joint ventureswith the Saudi travel giant.These include providing skillstraining and developing theexpertise of travel profession-als in the Kingdom of SaudiArabia (KSA), driving therecruitment of young Saudisin travel and tourism, andpromoting tourism initiativesin the Kingdom on a global level.

Al Tayyar Travel Groupis always keen to developtravel and tourism in KSA,through this essential sectorwhich is well-staffed withqualified Saudi people as partof the ongoing policy of‘Saudization’. Due to theireffective global and local cus-tomer centric businessapproach, Travelport isknown as one of the impor-tant strategic partners in theMiddle East and Africa.

“At Travelport we try tobuild partnerships with travelcompanies who share our

goals and ambitions,” saidRabih Saab, President andManaging Director,Travelport, Middle East andAfrica. “Al Tayyar TravelGroup provides a distin-guished service to its cus-tomers through nearly 300offices in Saudi Arabia andworldwide, and share ourpassion in building andstrengthening the MiddleEast travel industry.”

As part of the newagreement, Travelport willprovide Al Tayyar TravelGroup with its top of therange travel technology prod-

ucts including TravelportSmartpoint – the next gener-ation booking solution.

“We are thrilled to reacha mutually beneficial agree-ment and look forward, help-ing Al Tayyar Travel Groupgrow their business in theregion and beyond, and col-laborate on projects that willsignificantly benefit theMiddle East travel industry,”he added.

In addition, they areworking towards creating newtourism products to serve theKingdom and globally.

Travelport and Al Tayyar Travel Group of Saudi Arabia have signed a newmulti-year agreement. Aiming to develop the travel industry in SaudiArabia, the two firms have committed to a number of joint projects.

Steering growth in ME travel sector

SU S M I TA GH O S H

We are thrilledto collaborateon projects thatwill significantlybenefit theMiddle Easttravel industry

Rabih SaabPresident and Managing Director,Travelport, Middle East and Africa

Dadabhai Travel will nowexclusively use Sabre’s

innovative travel technologysolutions to book travel pack-ages for its customers acrossthe region. Sabre productswill also support Dadabhai as

they continue to expand theirregional reach and increasetheir portfolio of corporateaccounts. This includes

Sabre’s Web Booking Engine,an advanced internet bookingtool to tap into the lucrativeand competitive online mar-ketplace.

Daniel Naoumovitch,CEO, Sabre informed, “Overa decade now, Sabre andDadabhai have been success-ful business partners.

Hence, it makessense for Dadabhaito broaden itspartnership withSabre and takeadvantage of ourreach into everyGCC country.”

Dadabhai Travel hassigned up for Sabre’s end-to-end travel e-commerce solu-tion. “Customers will haveaccess to real-time fares with this tool,” addedNaoumovitch.

Extending its long-termrelationship, Sabre has signed anew multi-year agreement with theDadabhai Group.

Sabre and DadabhaiTravel sign deal

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Daniel NaoumovitchCEO, Sabre

New Products For Agents • A new business intelligence suite has been launched

for travel agents in the Middle East and Africa.‘Agentivity’ brings together a wide range of tools andoffers travel providers a unique and detailed insight intotheir agency’s activity, booking related issues and more.

• ‘Net Fare Manager’ significantly enhances the wayagents manage, mark-up and control the onward dis-tribution of their airline filed private fares.