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AL KHOORY ATRIUM HOTEL UNVEILED
GCC TOURISM LEADERS JOIN FORCES
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15 OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE 362
ETIHAD AVIATION GROUP AND TUI COLLABORATE
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Travel TalkInternational
Rendezvous
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
15 OCTOBER 20162
MARKET UPDATE www.traveltradeweekly.travel
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Kammitsi [email protected]
ASSISTANT EDITORRita Kasziba
JOURNALIST Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS
Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou
SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu
DESIGN & LAYOUTElena Stylianou
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis
DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
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RECORD NUMBERS AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
ETIHAD AIRWAYS: INNOVATION AND ADVANCEMENT
Dubai International welcomed over 7.7 million passengers in August, eclipsing its previous record achieved in July.
Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, addressed the Association of British Travel Agents’ annual Travel Convention summit in Abu Dhabi to underline the airline’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
Based on data released by Dubai Airports, the figure marks a 6.1 percent year-on-year increase, mostly due to additional capacity and new services launched by a number of carriers, including Emirates and flydubai.
The fastest-growing region in terms of percentage boost proved to be Eastern Europe, fol-lowed by Asia, South America and the Indian subcontinent.
During the month under review, the average number of passengers per flight stood at 237, one of the highest figure in the hub’s history.
“As we continue to grow, our focus will continue [to be] to operate not only the world’s busiest air-ports but also the world’s best in terms of customer service,” pledged Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.
As Baumgartner highlighted, the carrier continues to invest in a next-generation fleet and is expected to take delivery of its first Airbus 350 in 2017.
“Technology is an area that offers the next opportunity for a great leap forward,” stated Baumgartner, further revealing details of how Etihad Airways partner airlines are working
with leading global technology companies to create a unified strategy to transform the way each com-pany interacts with guests at every touch-point of the journey.
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WEEKLY NEWSwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
GCC Tourism Leaders Join Forces
S trong emphasis has been given to the further promotion of joint tourism work among Gulf countries and the continuation of efforts to achieve common strategic goals and objectives in support of enhancing and improving attractions of the member states.
Leading the UAE delegation, H.E. Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, economy undersecretary, UAE, underlined the industry’s significant contribution to the respective national economies and highlighted the UAE’s proposal to cre-ate a memorandum covering the regulation of tourism cooperation among Gulf countries.
The gathering was followed by the 3rd GCC Tourism Ministers Meeting.
Tourism undersecretaries from across the GCC gathered in Riyadh to discuss present conditions and the future path of the
regional travel sector.
Ajman Steps Up CSR Efforts
G roup 32 and Ajman Tourism De-velopment Department (ATDD) have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to promote volun-teer and community work.
The private institution specialises in the planning and implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the aim to develop and promote community and humanitarian activities.
The agreement allows both parties to engage in endeavours that can foster national identity.
“It will strengthen relationships, col-laboration and coordination between ATDD and institutions specialised in the field of community work for achieving a mutual goal […],” said H.E. Faisal Al Nu-aimi, general manager, ATDD.
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WEEKLY NEWS www.traveltradeweekly.travel
15 OCTOBER 2016
Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has revealed details of its new marketing strategy for the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM), with the main aim to attract 20 percent more visitors from the UK.
During the three-day event in London, the delegation will showcase the emirate’s finest hotels, resorts and cultural attractions. The destination website will be also high-ly publicised to generate traffic, and to highlight Ajman’s heritage a museum will be set up with an artist offering henna paintings to attendees.
According to H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager, ATDD, the organisation is determined to further strengthen relationships with major tour operators and estab-lish a wider network in order to achieve the emirate’s ambitious target in line with Aj-man Vision 2021.
Ajman Aims to Boost UK Arrivals
Saudi Arabia to Invest in MICE
The advisory group of Sau-di Exhibition and Con-vention Bureau (SECB)
discussed the proposed sites for the establishment of convention and exhibition centers in the Kingdom.
During the meeting, the ex-perts also reviewed a number of issues and programmes at the forefront of which was the devel-opment of the Saudi meetings industry which is expected to support the national economy and promote balanced develop-ment in different regions across the country.
To that end, the group also analysed the most prominent obstacles faced by the sector and ways to overcome these.
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WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGYwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
Travelport and South African Airways Team Up
A gents utilising the technology expert’s platforms can now select and purchase the African carrier’s paid seats and excess bag options in ad-vance using Travelport Smartpoint or its Universal API. The enhanced
option is powered by Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising solution.
As Will Owen-Hughes, senior director, air commerce, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, noted, now some 68,000 travel agency customers across 180 coun-tries can take advantage of the offering.
Travelport announced the launch of new ancillary products from South African Airways.
Sabre Partners with Routehappy
I n terms of a new deal, Sabre Corpo-ration will integrate rich airline con-tent from Routehappy’s hub into its
booking platforms. The partnership is set to significantly
benefit travel consultants who need more relevant information to advise trav-ellers on the growing range of amenities and products available in the air.
The collaboration will allow agents to see Routehappy Hub’s merchandising content by aircraft, class of service, air-port, route and fare.
“It is a new era for airlines and distrib-utors, collaborating to integrate relevant merchandising content to create more value in-flight shopping. Sabre, Route-happy and airlines are turning differen-tiation content into incremental revenue and more satisfied customers for airlines,” said Robert Albert, CEO, Routehappy.
15 OCTOBER 20166
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION www.traveltradeweekly.travel
Carlson Rezidor Expands in Africa
In celebration of its grand inauguration, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island hosted an opening ceremony, welcom-ing representatives from Mubadala Development Company and
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.The 34-storey mixed-use property features 200 rooms, including
38 suites, in addition to six dining options, a spa and a number of function venues. Located on the UAE capital’s Al Maryah Island, the hotel offers convenient access to both corporate destinations as well as leisure attractions.
Commenting on the launch, Ali Eid AlMheiri, executive director, Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, said, “This is yet another step in our vision to create a world-class destination for UAE residents and visitors from the region and beyond to enjoy.”
New Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Officially Opens
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An accelerated African growth strategy for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is on track to
achieve its target of more than 23,000 rooms open or under development across the continent by the end of 2020.
Exciting new projects include the signing of the first Radisson RED-branded property in Africa, which is expected to open in Cape Town in 2017, as well as the debut of the first Quorvus Collection venutre in Lagos, Nigeria, slated to be unveiled in 2019.
The company aims to open 15 or more hotels in South Africa and Nigeria alone by the end of 2020, incorporating its full brand portfolio, ranging from the Quorvus Collec-tion, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED and Park Inn by Radisson.
Al Khoory Atrium Hotel Unveiled
The third address under the brand’s umbrella boasts 227 units, including junior suites with separate living areas and an executive suite with walk-in wardrobe.
Additionally, the property also features two dining outlets, meeting rooms and confer-ence facilities as well as a fitness centre, swimming pool and separate male and female spa zones.
Pierre Sokhon, general manager, Al Khoory Hospitality Division, added, “The new hotel will not only complement the growth of Dubai’s hotel and tourism industry, but will also offer a wider variety of accommodation and widen the choice available to our guests.”
Al Khoory Hotels has inaugurated Al Khoory Atrium Hotel, a four-star property located in New Dubai.
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WEEKLY NEWS AIRwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
Gulf Air Updates Bahrain – Athens Schedule
From November 02, Gulf Air will revise the timings of its Bahrain – Athens route with the introduc-
tion of a morning flight from the King-dom.
The new itinerary will offer passen-gers increased flexibility, convenience and better connectivity.
Ahmed Janahi, chief commercial of-ficer, Gulf Air, noted, “Since we resumed services to Athens in the summer of 2014, the route has shown strong and steady growth to date. Athens is a key European destination in our network and we saw more customers from the region choosing to spend their holidays in Greece.”
The enhanced schedule will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
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CollaborateETIHAD AVIATION GROUP AND GERMAN TOURISTIC GIANT TUI ARE IN DISCUSSIONS TO CREATE A STRONG EUROPEAN LEISURE AIRLINE GROUP FOCUSSED ON POINT-TO-POINT TRAVEL SERVICES BETWEEN KEY MARKETS. T he partnership is proposed to contribute to the touristic operations of airberlin
group and TUIfly, including the aircraft currently operated by TUIfly for airberlin under a wet-lease agreement, into a new airline group established by TUI AG and Etihad Aviation Group. The new airline group is envisioned to serve a broad network of destinations from Germany, Austria as well as Switzerland.
Etihad Aviation Group comprises four business divisions, including Etihad Airways, Eti-had Airways Engineering, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners.
ETIHAD AVIATION GROUP AND TUI
15 OCTOBER 20168
WEEKLY NEWS AIR www.traveltradeweekly.travel
Qatar Airways Ups Doha – Dubai Operations
Muriya Tourism Development Company welcomed the ar-rival of the first wide-body aircraft directly connecting trav-ellers from Germany to the governorate of Dhofar.
Some 320 European visitors arrived aboard Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings’ Airbus A330-200 jetliner at the beginning of the month.
Operating twice a week to Salalah with a capacity almost dou-ble of previous airliners, the new service is another indication of the continuous growth in tourists arrivals to the Omani destination, sug-gested Issam Al Barwani, Muriya, vice president, government affairs, Muriya Tourism Development Company, reaffirming the organisa-tion’s firm support of the government’s diversification strategy.
Connecting Germany with Dhofar
Dub
aiQatar Airways has introduced special weekend geta-way flights, making travel between Doha and Dubai even more convenient.
The services are timed to make the most of the weekend, with a Thursday afternoon departure from Doha and a Satur-day return.
Ehab Amin, vice president, commercial, Middle East, Af-rica and Pakistan, Qatar Airways, said, “Qatar Airways has de-signed a flight schedule with the passengers’ needs in mind, offering flight times to and from Dubai that suit their needs. In addition, we know how important weekend getaways are for people living in Doha and Dubai, so added a special flight just for their convenience.”
RJ Adds Extra Flights
To meet demand, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) op-erated 149 additional services during September.
The extra and charter itineraries came in re-sponse to stronger interest due to the Hajj season and the Eid Al Adha holidays. Consequently, aircraft utilisa-tion increased to 13 hours per day, compared to the an-nual average of 11.7 daily hours.
In light of the notable traffic during Eid Al Adha, RJ offered 63 charter services to popular regional locations, such as Antalya, Bodrum, Rhodes and Hurghada. In ad-dition, 52 more flights were introduced to European and Saudi Arabian destinations for Jordanian expatriates re-turning to the countries they live in.
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Tunisair recorded a notable increase in de-mand in the first nine months of the year.
During the period under review, more than 2.32 million travellers opted for the North African carrier, marking a 8.4 percent surge over the same period in 2015 when 2.14 million cus-tomers were carried across the airline’s global network that includes key business and tourist destinations.
Tunisair Passenger
Numbers Grow
15 OCTOBER 2016 9
WEEKLY NEWS AIRwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
Emirates and Novus Seal
Deal
MEA Partners with SITA
M iddle East Airlines (MEA) has signed a new five-year master agreement with global communications provider SITA
to introduce new, faster connectivity across the airline’s network.
The partnership includes SITA Connect which will allow the carrier to maintain fast, effective links with its 26 outstations across the globe, pro-viding a headquarters-like experience across the extensive network.
MEA has also extended its use of the tech-nology expert’s community messaging service, which allows the airline to share operational mes-sages across its offices and outstations world-wide. Both solutions leverage SITA’s common-use infrastructure, providing cost-effective communi-cation solutions across the entire network. Barbara Dalibard, CEO, SITA, (right) with Mohamad
El-Hout, chairman, MEA
N ovus Aviation Capital has successfully closed the purchase and lease-
back for an additional brand-new Boeing B777-300ER with Emirates.
In terms of the deal, the air-craft, which was already deliv-ered to the Dubai-based airline at the end of September, will be on a long-term lease.
Nirmal Govindadas, senior vice president, corporate treas-ury, Emirates, said, “Our financial strength and solid track record continue to enable us to secure funding in the global market to invest in new aircraft and ex-pand our wide-body portfolio.”
15 OCTOBER 201610
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL www.traveltradeweekly.travel
C onstruction works have officially begun at Ayia Napa Marina in Cyprus.
The EUR220 million (USD247 million) mixed-use residential and commercial project on the southern shores of the Mediterranean island is scheduled to be completed in 2021 and will boast 190 deluxe apartments in two twisting towers, 29 luxury villas, a 300-berth full-service marina and boatyard as well as a selection of retail, waterfront dining and premium lifestyle amenities for residents and visitors alike.
The project is the result of a partnership between Cypriot entrepreneur Gerasimos Caramondanis and Egyptian inves-tor Naguib Sawiris, with the latter one stating that the des-tination will herald a new era in modern beachfront living.
“We will exceed the expectations of our residents and our guests and not only transform the Cyprus skyline but change the way you think about Cyprus,” added Sawiris.
T he Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel has opened its 743m2 SKYE roof bar and restaurant, of-fering views of Victoria Park and Victoria Harbour.
Seating 165 people, guests of the venue can enjoy cu-linary delights, drinks, music and a relaxed atmosphere.
“We look forward to impressing the crowd affirming that the passion and hard work we have put into making a truly unique experience for the millennials and taste-makers, and fuels us with immense excitement for the opening,” said Luc Bollen, general manager, The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel.
A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a manage-ment agreement with Eosh Properties for a Hyatt Place-branded hotel in Malaysia.
Expected to open in late 2019, the 25-storey Hyatt Place Melaka Gateway will be part of the Melaka Gateway mixed-use project which is cur-rently being developed by KAJ Development on the western coast of Malacca City. Comprising three reclaimed islands, the destination, which is scheduled to be completed by 2025, will offer hotels, a convention centre, shopping venues, a Ferris wheel and what is hailed as Asia’s largest cruise terminal.
H ard Rock International has completed the acquisition of casino and hotel-casino rights in western US, as well as in several
key international markets, from affiliates of BREF HR, which own the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Separated from Hard Rock International’s port-folio more than three decades ago, the rights as-sumed in the deal reunite the company’s global territory for casinos and hotel-casinos, which the entity believes will offer unprecedented growth opportunities.
Hard Rock International is now exclusively en-titled to develop, own, license, franchise and man-age such destinations in western US, as well as in Australia, Brazil, Israel, Venezuela and Vancouver, British Columbia.
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USD247 Million Beachfront Development in Cyprus
The Park Lane Hong Kong Raises the Stakes
Hyatt Hotels Expands in Malaysia
Hard Rock Acquires Western US Rights
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TRAVEL CHANNELSwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) kicked off the new season of Abu Dhabi Classics in a night dedicated to German composer Richard Wagner.
Held at Emirates Palace, WASO was conducted by Richard Armstrong and ac-companied by tenor Simon O’Neill.
Orchestrated by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the concert marked the start of the emirate’s musical programme which aims to explore artistic relations between the Arab and Western world under the theme of 1,001 Nights.
“The classics programme is a wonderful initiative that adds significantly to the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi,” commented Arthur Spyrou, ambassador to the UAE, Australia.
In line with the airline’s commitment to wildlife stewardship, Etihad Airways launched a new animal welfare and conservation policy which is being supported by the #Etihad4wildlife so-
cial media campaign.The new scheme establishes best prac-
tice for excursions offered by Etihad Holi-days involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research, which will not be permitted on aircraft.
WASO INAUGURATES ABU DHABI CLASSICS
ETIHAD AIRWAYS ADOPTS NEW
ANIMAL PROTECTION
POLICY
Emirates Palace
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TRAVEL TALK www.traveltradeweekly.travel
GENERAL MANAGER, EMIRATES PALACE, ABU DHABI
CEO, OMAN AIR
“The World Travel Awards cel-ebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism indus-try and bring international ac-claim to their winners. We are pleased to have walked away with so many highly coveted awards […]. It is quite an hon-our to be recognised interna-tionally as the benchmark to which all other hotels aspire, and it is a testament to my team’s hard work and commit-ment to offering our Emirates Palace guests the best luxury hotel experience in the re-gion, if not the world.”
“Oman Air [was] delighted to accept these prestigious awards [at the World Travel Awards] in recognition of the high quality of our business class and economy class ser-vices. This is the fourth con-secutive year that Oman Air has been named the Middle East’s leading airline – busi-ness class and the Middle East’s leading airline – econo-my class [...]. Such consistent acclaim demonstrates that Oman Air’s commitment to offering customers the very best in 21st century air travel remains absolute.”
It is quite an honour to be recognised internationally
Oman Air’s commitment […] remains absolute
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GENERAL MANAGER, KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES
“Together with our partners at Majid Al Futtaim, we have re-cently completed a four-year renovation which has focussed on enhancing our destination appeal to the leisure traveller, including the refurbishment and repositioning of our luxury hotel-within-a-hotel, The As-pen Chalets. [The World Travel Awards] are in recognition of these efforts, which have en-sured Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates remains one of the Middle East’s favourite destina-tions for world-class shopping, dining and entertainment.”
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates remains one of the Middle East’s favourite destinations
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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
13
AGENT CORNER www.traveltradeweekly.travel
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I started in retail travel in Christch-urch in 1979, as a receptionist. The role included booking [travel] tickets by phone which often encountered lengthy delays. [...] It was very simple technically, but it did mean that clients always came to a travel agent, as it was too difficult otherwise.
What are the most important attrib-utes of a good travel agent/tour op-erator? In-depth personal knowledge of tour-ist regions, accommodation, trans-fer and sightseeing providers. [...] An uncompromising attention to detail. Strong business and long-term rela-tionships with key tourism providers.
What is the most frequently asked question that your company re-ceives from customers? What destinations, sightseeing and experiences should I include in my New Zealand itinerary? [...] However, smaller groups and incentive requests are becoming more common. So then the questions relate very much to the detailed experiences that clients can enjoy. [...]
What are the must-visits and must-dos in New Zealand that nobody should miss? There is always an opportunity to ex-perience an adventure or just immerse yourself in nature’s quiet idyllic spots. [...] Rotorua is known for its Maori cul-ture and renowned for its geothermal parks [...]. Queenstown is the adven-ture capital and is surrounded by mag-nificent scenery in every direction. [...]
Which destination is on your bucket-list? Like many who live in such a breath-takingly beautiful country, it can be easy to take it for granted. [...] I like try-ing out luxury lodges such as Farm at Cape Kidnappers [...].
AGENT’S INSIGHT
Robyn Galloway
Managing director
Innovative Travel Company
Christchurch, New Zealand
www.innovativetravel.co.nz
COMPANY:
POSITION:
NAME:
LOCATION:
WEBSITE:
15 OCTOBER 2016
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What services and facilities do you offer at Crowne Plaza Duqm to international event organisers?
FAKHRI HINDIYEH: Crowne Plaza Duqm is considered the hospitality and re-laxation hub for businessmen and investors and the best destination for inter-national event organisers arranging events and seminars in one of [the hotel’s] five banquet [venues] of different sizes, fitted with premium audiovisual sys-tems, including ceiling-mounted projectors, mechanised screens, new speaker
FAKHRI HINDIYEH
Q & A
with
GENERAL MANAGER, CROWNE PLAZA DUQM
AS OMAN LOOKS TO ATTRACT A NEW WAVE OF TRAVELLERS AND BUSINESSMEN
TO THE SULTANATE, FAKHRI HINDIYEH, GENERAL MANAGER, CROWNE PLAZA
DUQM, TALKS ABOUT THE DESTINATION’S RISING APPEAL TO MICE AND EVENT
ORGANISERS.
leads to fruitful sessions.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How impor-tant are international markets to your business?
FAKHRI HINDIYEH: [In line] with the development of Duqm and its open-ness to global markets, [which eventu-ally leads to] investments in the city, multinational companies from differ-ent nationalities are present in Duqm; especially due to the diversity of pro-jects and the volume of opportunities for investors to expand their activities in an evolving city like Duqm.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What val-ue-adding experiences and nearby attractions would you recommend to event and incentive trip organis-ers looking to wow and inspire their participants?
FAKHRI HINDIYEH: […] The Al Wusta region in general and Duqm state spe-cifically [are] characterised by the Al Maha Natural Reserve, Rocks Garden, Ras Madrakah and Ras Markaz, and several touristic areas are also famous for hunting trips with different kinds of birds, in addition to the breath-taking sea view and amazing weather which inspire both leisure [activities] as well as relaxation.
systems and wireless microphones. A customised speaker’s podium in each room allows for plug-n-play laptop presentations from both PC and Mac platforms.
One of the banquet facilities has a capacity of 300 persons. In addition [there are] 213 rooms and suits, all overlooking the Arabian Sea. […]
Event organisers will feel a warm welcome by Crowne Plaza Duqm team members exerting their maximum ef-forts in flexibility and in arranging the logistics that organisers might need from express check-in, transportation and technical support […] to souq restaurant recommendations, or to serving up culinary delicacies or an international buffet along with the lav-ish Indian, Asian, Oriental, seafood and barbeque theme nights.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What types of events do you usually host at the hotel?
FAKHRI HINDIYEH: Owing to the ban-quet facilities and the unique services that differentiate Crowne Plaza Duqm, seminars and training workshop events are the most prominent inquir-ies at the hotel. [We offer] organisers […] high standards of hospitality and delegates also feel comfortable, cre-ating a harmonious atmosphere that
15 OCTOBER 201614
RENDEZVOUS www.traveltradeweekly.travel
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Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort won the Middle East’s and Dubai’s Leading Villa Resort titles at the World Travel Awards
Nirvana Travel and Tourism took home five throphys from the World Travel
Awards
Lybia’s national football team chose Cairo’s TOLIP El Narges Hotel & Spa to stay during its preparation for
the game against Congo
During their annual staff party, the associates of Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman gathered on stage to call for peace and unity
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler, Dubai, lays the foundation stone of The Tower
at Dubai Creek Harbour project
FA Cup ambassador and former English star, David James,
accompanied the Emirates FA Cup for a visit to Ghana
15 OCTOBER 2016 15
PHOTO ALBUMwww.traveltradeweekly.travel
15 OCTOBER 201616
NEWS & EVENTS www.traveltradeweekly.travel
Abu Dhabi to Become Medical
Meetings Hub
Showcasing Million
Dollar Toys
A memorandum of un-derstanding (MoU) was signed between Abu Dhabi Convention Bu-
reau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Emirates Medical Association and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company to further consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as a global medical hub.
The MoU aims to increase the number of international medical conferences hosted in the UAE capital.
“This agreement is conducive to Abu Dhabi’s role as a primary destination for MICE throughout the region,” said H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
This year’s Big Boys Toys Exhibition will display lux-ury products worth more than USD450 million.
As Biju Jayaraaj, CEO, Artaaj Events, revealed, over 250 compa-nies from 42 countries are set to bring their offerings to the region.
“Big Boys Toys prides [itself ] on contributing to the UAE’s vi-sion for 2021, where the directive is to transform its economy into a model where growth is driven by knowledge and innovation. These products are the epitome of inno-vation and scientific advancement and we hope to pique the interests of the people of the UAE and the GCC,” added Jayaraaj.
The seventh edition of the show will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre be-tween November 23 – 26.
IMEX AMERICA
Las Vegas, USOctober 18 - 20 www.imexamerica.comThe hosted buyer programme qualifies and brings key buyers to the show, with IMEX America covering travel and accommodations.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
November 07 – 09London, UKwww.wtmlondon.comA global meeting place for the travel trade, providing attendees with quality contacts, content and communities.
ITB ASIA
SingaporeOctober 19 – 21www.itb-asia.comHundreds of companies and organisations will come together for the annual trade show.
CULTURAL TOURISM MIDDLE EAST
November 14 – 15Dubai, UAEwww.culturaltourismme.comHigh-level officials from the tourism, cultural development and antiquities, heritage and arts, cultural activities and architectural heritage community will convene in Dubai.
EVENTS
