A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 12Vol. IX No. 7; July 2013

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Online sphere: Sky is the limit ............................................................................04US$13bn boost for Kuwait ..................................................................................10Leading the way in Europe ..................................................................................12

Families travelling toDubai this summer arein for a treat as the

leading Dubai hotels havelaunched a free-stay offerwith complimentary mealsfor children below 12 as partof the ‘Summer is Dubai’campaign. To be held fromJune 7 - September 7, 2013,the campaign aims to attractmillions of visitors to theEmirate. It’s to demonstrate

the extensive leisure andtourism offer of Dubai, show-casing the city as a summerdestination, with its world-class infrastructure, hassle-free entry to the country andease of transportation.

Jumeirah at EtihadTowers has launched‘Elegance & Exhilaration’ ele-ments to the value-added

Leisure First Package forSummer 2013.

“The Package providescomplimentary buffet break-fast at Abu Dhabi’sInternational Restaurant,Rosewater, late checkout till16:00hrs and 10 per cent dis-count on all spa treatments atthe hotel’s Talise Spa. Inaddition, guests also receivecomplimentary access to AbuDhabi’s tallest visitor attrac-tion, the Observation Deck at

360. It provides a 360-degreepanoramic view of AbuDhabi’s cityscape, DeiraCorniche and the ArabianGulf from luxury interiors300 mt above the capital,”informed Doris Greif, GeneralManager, Jumeirah At EtihadTowers. “Furthermore, thesummer ‘Exhilaration’ ele-ments include Abu Dhabi’s

family attractions with com-plimentary shuttle servicesto and from the new YasWaterworld and to and fromYas Island’s Ferrari World,”she added.

Tilal Liwa Hoteldesigned festive packages totreat guests with unforget-table Ramadan memories.“We have attractive Ramadanpackages on room stay, therates starting from AED399on weekends and AED499 in

weekdays. During Ramadan,valid from July 9 - August 6,the room packages includeSohour or breakfast for twoadults and two childrenbelow 12 years. Childrenbetween 6-11 years get 50per cent discount on Iftar buf-fet and Sohour,” explainedAyman Ashor, GeneralManager, Tilal Liwa Hotel.

Bin Majid Hotels &Resorts celebrates the tradi-tional flavours of the HolyMonth of Ramadan with thetraditional Arabian hospital-ity. Dr Ali Kasapbashi, GroupGeneral Manager, Bin MajidGroup expressed, “Duringthe Holy Month, the fourhotels of Bin Majid Hotels &Resorts in Ras Al Khaimahwill offer the ideal setting forguests to break their fast. Thewelcoming delicacies of anIftar buffet will be at themain restaurants of BeachResort, Beach Hotel, Acaciaand Mangrove from sunsettill 11pm. It will also offer ahost of traditional Arabic andinternational cuisine, startingfrom AED65 per person.”

During Ramadan, one-bedroom suite of RamadaDowntown Dubai will beAED499/per night, or dis-counted rates of AED1,995for a five-night stay. “For big-ger families, the rate of two-bedroom suites will beAED1,499/ per night, orAED6,495/ for a five-nightstay. The rates are inclusiveof breakfast or Sohour forguests who are fasting,”mentioned Wael EL Behi,Executive Assistant Manager,Ramada Downtown Dubai.

TI’ME Hotels hasrevealed details of itsRamadan season promotionswith Iftar experience on offerat both its TI’ME Oak Hotel &Suites and TI’ME Grand PlazaHotel properties in Dubai.“We want to capture the spir-it of the season and ourexpert team of chefs has cre-ated a dining experience thatcelebrates the authenticflavours of the region andencourages diners to mingleand share the sense of socialcamaraderie that is synony-mous with Ramadan,” saidThomas Ressopoulos, Vice

Representing govern-ment entities and

travel & tourism industryplayers, the Sharjah delegation participated inthe Beijing InternationalTourism Exhibition (BITE)2013, for the eighth year,which took place fromJune 21–23, 2013 in theChinese capital.

"Our objective is tomake the most of thegrowing Chinese and Asianinterest in Sharjah and tobenefit from the immensepotential of the fast bur-geoning Chinese and Asiantourism market," saidMohamed Ali Al Noman,Chairman, SharjahCommerce and TourismDevelopment Authority(SCTDA). He pointed outthat with more than 20million tourists a year, afigure that is projected tocross 100 million by 2020,today China is easily thebiggest tourism market inthe world.

"We need to do morewith the active participa-tion of public and privatesector in the tourism &hospitality industry, invitemore international touristsand investors from Chinaand Asia in general," saidthe SCTDA Chairman.

The number of Asianvisitors to Sharjah in 2012,including the Chinese, stoodat 227,554 representing 13per cent of the Emirate's total tourist population. InQ1 2013, this has become14 per cent of Sharjah's totalshare of tourists.

The Authority willshowcase the celebrated

Cultural Capital of theArab and Islamic World atthe Beijing exhibition froma distinctly designed plat-form, which has repeatedlyreceived the Best ExhibitorAward for its design. TheSCTDA also has a dedicat-ed Chinese language web-site to cater to this growingtourism market.

BITE (BeijingInternational Tourism Expo)2012, the 3-day megatourism event attractedmore than 900 exhibitors,43,000 trade visitors from80 countries. It showcaseddestinations, tourism attrac-tions, travel packages, prod-ucts and services. BITE2013 has appeared as aninfluential platform fortourism networking andbusiness transactions.

China is presently the fastestgrowing tourism market in theworld. Hence, the Emirate seeksto tap this most promising market.

Sharjah activatesChina market

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Contd. on page 6

Festive treats on offerIt’s the Holy Month of Ramadan, a significant interlude in the Islamiccalendar. Coinciding with the summer months and Dubai Summer Surprises,it’s a gala time not only for hotels, but also Tourism Boards and airlines whocome up with special prices and value-added benefits.

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Our objectiveis to make themost of thegrowingChinese andAsian interestin Sharjah

Mohamed Ali Al NomanChairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

The fourhotels in RasAl Khaimahwill offer anideal settingfor guests to break their fast

Childrenbetween 6-11years get 50per centdiscountedrates on Iftarbuffet andSohour

Guests willalso receivefree access toAbu Dhabi’stallest visitorattraction, theObservationDeck at 360

Doris GreifGeneral ManagerJumeirah At Etihad Towers

Ayman AshorGeneral ManagerTilal Liwa Hotel

Dr Ali KasapbashiGroup General ManagerBin Majid Group

NTO

The country, celebrating40 years of tourism,

presently has 108 exclusiveresorts, 19 hotels, 81 guesthouses and 160 safari vessels/live-aboards, all ofwhich constitute a multi-bil-lion dollar industry.

Tourism is Maldives’biggest revenue earner, contributing approximately35 per cent to the nation’sGDP, with over 950,000 visitors in 2012.

“This corresponds 4 percent increase in tourismreceipts vis-à-vis figures for2012,” said Ahmed AdeebAbdul Gafoor, Minister ofTourism, Arts and Culture,Republic of Maldives.Announcing Maldives’ targetfor 2013 to be over one mil-lion, the Minister said thecountry is getting ready tolaunch its fourth TourismMaster Plan, which will decidethe course of development of

the tourism sector during thenext five years.

The airport infrastruc-ture of Maldives gives theindustry a further boost and on fast-track. Two international airports wereopened in February in thenorth and central regions ofthe country, bringing thenumber of international airports to four. In addition,three new domestic airportswere commissioned, bringing the number ofdomestic airports to five.

“While tourism arrivalscome mainly from China,Europe and India (54,000),the Middle East with 17,000,is a fast developing market.Their royal families add muchvalue than mere numbers,”the Minister stressed.

The Minister underlinedthe importance of the traveltrade, accounting for 25 percent of tourism revenue inpromoting the nation, which

nestles in the Indian Ocean asa world-class destination.

Travel agents, both foreign and local, are “integralmembers of our team,” headded. They make their presence felt at all major B2Bexhibitions with specialemphasis being accorded tosuch events in China that hasbeen sending the largest num-ber of tourists to the country(250,000 in 2012). FAM tripsare a regular feature, besides,a hectic B2B meeting sched-ule, orientation and educationwhich are imparted to touroperators, resource and travelagents on how to exhibit and promote the country’stourism, part of the strategy totake the tourism industry tonew heights.

A developing market for MaldivesMaldives has hosted the World Travel Awards 2013, Indian Ocean category- for the first time, and is readying to host the World Tourism Day onSeptember 27, 2013, whose theme is aptly ‘Water and Tourism: Protectingour Common Future’; two landmark events for the island nation.

Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor Minister of Tourism, Arts and CultureRepublic of Maldives

While touristscome mainlyfrom China,Europe and India(54,000), theMiddle East with17,000, is a fastgrowing market

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Tourism is Maldives’biggest revenue earner,contributing nearly 35 percent to the nation’s GDP

Revenue Source

FOREIGN EXCHANGEDIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) (As on 19-06-2013)

Country Currency CN Buy CN Sell

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

UK ............................GBP ..............5.4985............5.7119

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

Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.8147............5.0100

Canada......................CAD ..............3.5543............3.6890

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

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

Kuwait ......................KWD............12.7686..........13.2257

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

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

Australia ..................AUD ..............3.4360............3.5682

Japan ........................JPY................0.3895............0.0397

Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0835............0.0858

Singapore..................SGD ..............2.8598............2.9865

India ........................INR................0.0613............0.0635

Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0365............0.0376

Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0460..............0.048

Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0280............0.0290

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

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

Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.9042............4.0712

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

GUEST COLUMN

EDITORIALRamadan, summer

tourism on a rollThe summer months are traditionally

the time for UAE residents andtourists to stay away, but summertimepromotions are now luring moretourists. Add to this, the Holy Month ofRamadan coinciding with the summermonths. Ramadan is a significant monthin the Islamic calendar and in Dubai, theperiod is marked by a host of Ramadan-related activities.

Air ticket prices have been rising byaround 15 per cent compared toprevious months this summer. The flightticket prices may drop during the HolyMonth of Ramadan in the UAE. Asindustry experts point out, afterRamadan, the peak season will returnas people prepare to travel back to theircountries in time for the start of theacademic year.

SummerFest Abu Dhabi, an upgrade ofthe Emirate's annual summerpromotion, is now a 52-day festivalspanning the Holy Month of Ramadan,Eid Al Fitr and EidFest celebrations.

A major airline has revealed that it willoperate nearly 60 extra flights forpilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabiaduring Ramadan. An additional 42services will operate to Jeddah from July5 - August 16, while 17 extra flights willoperate to Madinah from July 16-31.

The Gulf sector is on the whole,witnessing dynamic activity. The QatarTourism Authority has announced thelaunch of the 'Eid Festivals'. The 'EidFestivals' will revolve around a family-friendly hub of edutainment activities,world-class shows and excitinginternational performances taking placethroughout Doha and Al Khor.

Outbound travel costs are already atleast 10-30 per cent higher thansummer last year. What is reassuring thetourism industry is that strong demandfor air travel is consistent with theregion’s improving business conditions.

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In a region where the persistent theme is

economic diversification, thisrepresents a highly excitingbusiness opportunity, espe-cially for the travel & tourismindustry. The region’s leisuretravellers are increasinglyturning to electronic devicesto research the most attractive deals to matchtheir budgets. This trend

towards creating and managing their own journeysis only set to strengthen, asmore than half of the world’spopulation is estimated togain internet access by 2013.

That online channel are fast changing the waycustomers shop is reflected inthe projected size of global e-commerce sales in 2013,approximately US$1.25 trillion. This is good news forthe travel & tourism sector,as it figures among thoseindustries that are naturallypositioned to benefit fromevolving online trends.Moreover ICT continues toevolve, becoming more inte-grated, faster and cheaper.

This progress is surely agood thing that presents awin-win scenario for both theconsumer and the industry.For the consumer, it bringsthe power of choice. Armedwith a device connected to

the internet and a valid bankcard, the modern travellerhas the freedom to design hisown travel plans. One canchoose from numerous carri-ers operating across theworld, as flying becomesmore affordable.

And think of the timeand effort saved by well-designed, interactive web-

sites that cater to passengerneeds. Starting from planningthe itinerary, to choosing thehotel, in-flight cuisine andelectronic boarding passes.

For the industry too,investing in the online spherehas yielded benefits, albeit ina less direct way. The cre-ation and maintenance ofonline platforms like websitesand apps, complementingthem through investment inthe latest technology andresources involves consider-able capital expenditure. Theup side is that online plat-forms allow travel providersand sellers to directly offer anend-to-end travel experienceto their customers.

Most importantly, theseindustry players are to proac-tively plan and execute effec-tive online and social mediastrategies, enabling them todirectly communicate withtheir audiences on a wide

range of relevant topics, thusmarshaling a solid base ofbrand loyalists. This, in itself,is the most desirable goal forany business, considering thecurrent increasingly compet-itive business environment.

In our own region, tech-nology adoption rates havefar surpassed expectationsover the past decade and theonline travel sector has wit-nessed exponential growth.In fact, a recent study byGlobal Travel MarketResearch firm PhoCusWrightindicates that regional onlinesales jumped 25 per cent toalmost US$8 billion in 2011.

While the Middle East,particularly in the UAE andQatar, has shown commend-able resolve in setting indus-try benchmarks by cateringto the needs of the moderntraveller, it is argued that theregion’s online travel sectorstill lacks the maturity of itsWestern counterparts.Industry players and tradi-tional travel agents haverealised the importance ofevolving, but not all havebeen able to master a strate-gy to succeed online. Thismay be attributed to a num-ber of reasons like lack ofknow-how, an incorrectassessment of ROI or anabsence of the right technol-ogy. Many local travel agencymodels have not reached thelevel of sophistication neededto pierce a market dominatedby more established playerslike Booking.com, Expedia,Makemytrip and Cleartrip.

The building of a robusttravel & tourism sector thatcontributes heavily to theregion’s GDP has been a keycomponent enshrined in theeconomic diversification poli-

cies of most GCC govern-ments. What is important isto educate the industry onthe most suitable methodol-ogy to adapt their businessmodels as well as developand follow through on solidstrategies that will ensurecustomer loyalty and revenuegeneration.

Whatever the strategyadopted, astute airlines,hotels and travel agents willassure their success by continuous development andupkeep of innovative onlineplatforms that serve an ever-growing base of happyclients. Moreover, as electronic ability and technol-ogy scale new heights, theindustry will be empoweredto anticipate and match customer expectations in thee-world. If the Middle East isto become a global travelhub, it will need to floatground-breaking ideas in theonline sphere. With a proudhistory of performance andendurance, there is everyreason to believe that theyshall succeed in stayingahead of the curve.

Antoine Medawar, Vice President, MiddleEast and North Africa,

Amadeus

Laptops, tablets and smartphones represent the region’s travel and tourismindustry, what rigs and drills meant to its oil & gas sector. Both are toolsneeded to gain revenue. However, while the lifespan of rigs and drills arelimited, the scope of our evolving digital tools is virtually limitless.

Global ambitions of the Middle Easttravel & tourism industry will berealised in the online sphereAntoine MedawarVice President, Middle East and North AfricaAmadeus

Online sphere: Sky is the limit

Catering to a new breed of professionalsEmaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of EmaarProperties PJSC, launched Vida Hotels and Resorts for the newgeneration of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers.The first branded outlet in the hotel chain is set to open in DowntownDubai, offering 156 rooms. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, EmaarProperties said, “With the introduction of Vida Hotels and Resorts, weare creating a brand new concept in inspired living, elegant yet simple,and a new urban hub for the discerning traveller.”

HOTELS J U LY, 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 5

Whether it’s a businesstrip, a vacation, or a

quick getaway, it is rare thatone visits just one attraction.Rather it is a combination ofattractions and theconnectivity between each,which greatly enhances theoverall experience, accordingto Karim El Guanaini, Vice-President, Yas IslandDestination Management.

“With more attractionsbeing developed, each of thestakeholders recognise theimportance of reinforcing Yas Island as an all encompassed destination,”he said.

Island-wide productshave been developed, like therecently-launched Yas FlowLeague sessions by YasWaterworld, where membersreceive training within aprogramme to hone theirunderwater skills.

“While TCA’s (Tourism& Culture Authority’s)overseas offices concentrateon our international presencein various markets we’reworking with, at the regionallevel, we are eitherindividually promotingourselves directly or through

TCA. However, locally wework with DMCs (DestinationManagement Companies),”he added.

“Yas Island’s traveltrade partners’ marketingefforts are in overdrive,targetting both the leisure

and business segments of themarket,” he further said.

The year 2012 wassuccessful thanks to thewater park and the beach.With plans under way for theYas Marina expansion projectand the Yas Mall opening

scheduled for 2014, theisland’s position of becomingthe region’s most desiredbusiness and leisure addressis a certainty. This Ramadan,guests are invited to breaktheir fast while celebrating a string of family-focussedIftar promotions.

Home to world-class attractions like Ferrari World AbuDhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Waterworld, Yas Links,Yas Marina, Yas Viceroy, besides others; Yas Island isbecoming the region’s visitors’ most desired address.

Yas: Experience the fun

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With all the apparentemphasis on pamper-

ing its niche market of busi-ness travellers, CentroBarsha, Dubai launched in

June 2010 with 243 rooms,is looking up leisure too. Mostof the hotel’s guests from theleisure segment are arrivalsfrom the GCC countries, theUAE and lots of them flying in from the USA, UK and Germany.

Eleni Tsolakou, GeneralManager, Centro Barsha,Dubai, asserted,

“A predominantslice of our businesscomes from thebudget-consciousbusiness travellers.

Loyalty to the Rotanabrand from this discerningsegment of the market continues unabated, as we’vebeen known to be uncompro-mising on delivering 5-starcoziness and panache, a hall-mark of the Rotana brand.”

She further added,“However, arrivals in 2011started picking up and 2012was even better. The hotelregistered a 20 per centgrowth in 2012 over 2011. Sofar, for the first five monthsin 2013, growth is at ahealthy 15 per cent as com-pared to the correspondingperiod last year.”

Travel agents procurefor the hotel 20-25 per centof its business. “We have anarea sales office to handletravel trade. We have famil-iarisation trips organised foragents from various countrieslike the UK, Germany, andothers. The Rotana’s Awardsceremony and orientationprogrammes are ways of nur-turing the continuing rela-tionship we enjoy with ourtravel partners,” she added.

Centro Barsha joinedhands with their neighbourDUCTAC (Dubai CommunityTheatre & Art Centre) in the Mall of the Emirates by becoming the official hospitality partner ofDUCTAC’s annual alternativearts platform, MinD (Made inDubai), held from March 6 - April, 10, 2013.

The objective of thisassociation was to a make positive contribution to society.

Centro Barsha, Dubai, remains a top draw for businesstravellers, affording its patrons convenience along withcomfort. The growth in the first five months in 2013 isat a robust 15 per cent as compared to the previous year.

Healthy growth for Centro

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Eleni TsolakouGeneral ManagerCentro Barsha, Dubai

Accor, the world's leadinghotel operator and mar-

ket leader in Europe, by wayof redefining its brand port-folio traditionally comprisingmidscale economy hotels, isnow accelerating expansionof its network of hotels in theupscale segment. Pullman isa part of this segment, alongwith Sofitel, MGallery andGrand Mercure.

After the re-establish-ment of Pullman in 2007, itsidentity and service offeringare being overhauled to makeit a unique brand in a highlycompetitive segment.

“It will serve as akey lever to helpAccor fulfil itsambitions in theupscale and luxurysegment,”

explained Yann Caillère, CEO,Accor. A new way to welcomeguests and provide them anenjoyable hotel experience isPullman’s extrapolation of itsmotto, ‘Work hard, Play hard’,

summarised by the term‘Bleisure’, a contraction of the words ‘Business’and ‘Leisure’.

Style, contemporary artand design are at the core ofPullman’s new identity.Famous designers have beencommissioned to create icon-ic objects that link its hotelsaround the world, featuresthat are aimed to stimulatecreativity and revisit hotel codes.

Besides, starting anddisplaying across its hotels acollection of contemporaryart symbolising multi-cultur-

alism that is at the core ofPullman’s DNA, fashiondesigner Martine Sitbon’s col-lection of attires for thePullman teams reflects thebrand’s desire to combineprofessionalism with style.

In terms of reinventedFood & Beverage offer, the Pullman hotel and restaurants spur interactionand discovery. These areplaces brimming with round-the-clock food andunique concepts through signature services like‘Tapestry by Pullman’ forfriendly after-work gather-ings and ‘Tea Deli byPullman’. When it comes tothe modern traveller’s needfor a high-speed, mobile,intuitive and safe digitalexperience, Connectivity byPullman is a concept availablethroughout each hotel.

In response to the expectations of the ‘new generation’of seasoned travellers, Accor has unveiled Pullman’s newpositioning as part of a global move. It aimed at offeringguests a distinctly new hotel experience.

Accor unveils Pullman rejig

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Yann CaillèreCEOAccor

After the re-establishmentof Pullman in 2007, itsidentity and service offeringare being overhauled tomake it a unique brand in ahighly competitive segment

Brand Revamp

Yas Island’s travel trade partners’marketing efforts are in overdrive,targetting both leisure andbusiness segments

Karim El GuanainiVice-President, Yas Island Destination Management

COVER STORY6 TRAVTALK J U LY, 2 0 1 3

The four-hour course,jointly hosted by Cathay

Pacific Airways and HongKong Tourism Board, heldrecently at the Traders Hotel,saw participants learningabout the Airline’s new prod-

ucts, including its BusinessClass cabin and the newly-introduced PremiumEconomy Class seats.

Also in the spotlightwas Cathay Pacific Group’sroute expansion and strongconnectivity in Asia andMainland China. Besides, thesession reiterated theGroup’s vast internationalnetwork and its assurance tofacilitate smooth connectivity

to differentparts of theworld. HongKong, alsoknown as‘Asia’s worldcity’, was pre-sented as aworld-classtourist desti-nation, espe-cially for fami-lies.

TheCathay PacificGroup hasbeen workinghard – in tan-dem with itssister airline,Dragonair - todevelop itsAsia and

Mainland China network aswell as increase frequenciesto other international desti-nations like Zhengzhou,

Wenzhou, Yangon and DaNang. These are some of thelatest destinations launchedby the group since the begin-ning of 2013.

Brian Yuen, CountryManager - UAE & Oman,

Cathay Pacific, emphasisedthe Airline’s commitment tomake available to the MiddleEast market the best newproduct combination, besidesa comprehensive networkand frequency. “Hong Kong,”he pointed out, “was an idealhub and stopover point for

passengers fancying a seam-less connection. Besides, withthe city having a lot to offerfor transit passengers, different lengths of stay inthe city are options for them,” he added.

Also, high on priority forthe Hong Kong TourismBoard was to change thehitherto-held perception by amajority of the travel indus-try of Hong Kong being pre-dominantly a corporate traveldestination, stated VanessaBarker, Account Manager,

Hong Kong Tourism Board.She said, “The East meetsWest destination had somuch more to offer to theleisure market, especially forfamilies and Arab travellersfrom the Middle East. Theworkshop was a great oppor-tunity for the Hong KongTourism Board to educate theagents on how most effec-tively to sell the destinationto this audience,” Barker said.

The Tourism Board was impressed with the qual-itative and quantitativeturnout and looks forward tofuture collaborations withCathay Pacific. Games andquizzes brightened up theproceedings for attendees.

An interactive session, hosted by Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Tourism Board,for over 80 UAE travel professionals, was aimed at increasing awareness of the Airline’sproducts and services and promoting its home city, Hong Kong as well.

80 UAE agents get glimpse of new products

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Brian Yuen, Country Manager - UAE & Oman, Cathay Pacific with Vanessa Barker, AccountManager, Hong Kong Tourism Board

With the cityhaving a lot tooffer for transitpassengers,differentlengths of stayare an option

Brian YuenCountry Manager -UAE & Oman,Cathay Pacific

The workshopwas anopportunity toeducateagents on how to sell thedestination

Vanessa BarkerAccount Manager,Hong Kong TourismBoard High on priority was to

change the perception bya majority of the travelindustry of Hong Kongbeing a corporate traveldestination

In the spotlight was CathayPacific Group’s routeexpansion and strongconnectivity in Asia andMainland China

Highlights

On October 1, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines(EK), will commence itsdaily direct flights to theClark International Airport,located 80 km northwest ofManila in Pampangaprovince. The new gatewayis the second in thePhilippines for the Airline.The present administrationis developing tourism clus-ters to attract more expa-triates and overseasFilipinos to visit thePhilippines.

In the UAE recently,Benito Bengzon Jr.,Assistant Secretary, thePhilippines’ Department ofTourism (DoT) - MarketDevelopment Group saidthis is among the thrusts ofManila in promoting thecountry as a world tourismdestination. It will helpdecongest the NinoyAquino InternationalAirport in Metro Manila.

Moreover, according to Rajesh Krishnan,Marketing Manager, Al RaisTravel, the ‘It’s More Fun inthe Philippines’ campaignslogan has stirred interestamong the Indian nationalsin the UAE, who are keenon visiting the country.

Emiratesstarts secondflight to thePhilippines

President, Sales & Marketing,TI’ME Hotels Management.“Our guests are also invitedto enjoy a relaxing eveningpost-Iftar in the authentic‘majlis’ setting of the Queenof Sheba lounge at TI’ME OakHotel & Suites,” he added.

“Orchid Restaurantoffers Iftar buffet for onlyAED99/ per person offering20 per cent discount on theIftar buffet for the first 10days of Ramadan, as well asAED20/ discount coupon,which can be used on thenext visit. For fasting guestswho are staying in the property, Ramada Hotel andSuites Ajman prepares anexclusive set menu forSohour for AED45/ per per-son, available via room serv-ice,” said Iftikhar Hamdani,General Manager, RamadaHotel & Suites Ajman.

Airlines and TourismBoards have also come upwith various value-addedbenefits. Emirates Airlineswill operate nearly 60 extraflights to assist pilgrims trav-elling to Saudi ArabiaRamadan. An additional 42services will operate to

Jeddah from July 5 tillAugust 16. An extra 17flights will operate to Medinafrom July 16 - 31.“DuringUmrah, we are happy to facil-itate travel arrangements forpilgrims during their specialjourney, through our services

in the air and on the ground,”emphasised Sheikh Majid AlMualla, Senior VicePresident, CommercialOperations, Gulf, Middle East& Iran, Emirates Airlines.“SummerFest Abu Dhabi, anupgrade of the Emirate's

annual summer promotion,has been expanded into a 52-day extravaganza, from June27 - August 17. It will revolvearound the Holy Month ofRamadan, Eid Al Fitr and thedestination's traditionalEidFest celebrations,” stated

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, DirectorPromotions & OverseasOffices, TCA Abu Dhabi.Following certain conditions,guests can get free tickets toFerrari World Abu Dhabitheme park and YasWaterworld.

“The special offers willbe distributed by whole-salers, GCC agents and hotelwebsites.Our top sellersstand the chance of winningtrips to November’s F1 EtihadAirways Abu Dhabi GrandPrix,” he concluded.

Special prices lure tourists this Ramadan

For fastingguests, weoffer a specialset menu forSohour forAED45/ perperson

Our guestscan enjoy arelaxingevening post-Iftar in anauthentic‘majlis’ setting

Our chefshave createda diningexperiencethat offersauthenticflavours

Thomas RessopoulosVice President, Sales & MarketingTI’ME Hotels Management

Wael EL BehiExecutive Assistant ManagerRamada Downtown Dubai

Iftikhar HamdaniGeneral ManagerRamada Hotel & Suites Ajman

Our top sellerscan win tripsto November’sF1 EtihadAirways Abu DhabiGrand Prix

During Umrah,we are happyto offer travelarrangementsfor pilgrimsduring theirjourney

Sheikh Majid Al MuallaSenior Vice President, CommercialOperations, Gulf, Middle East & Iran,Emirates Airlines

Mubarak Al NuaimiDirector Promotions & OverseasOffices, TCA Abu Dhabi

Contd. from page 1

FAMILY ALBUM8 TRAVTALK J U LY, 2 0 1 3

KSA Roadshow gains incredible responseThe Ministry of Tourism, Government of India held India Tourism Roadshows in Saudi Arabia through the India Tourism Office, Dubai with the Embassyof India, Riyadh and Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The roadshow was held in Jeddah on May 19, in Riyadh on May 21 and in Dammam on May 22.It’s an effort made to update the Saudi Arabian tourism stakeholders about the latest information on Indian tourism policy, destinations and products.

NEWS J U LY, 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 9

The announcement of con-solidation of existing

bonds comes in the wake ofArabian Travel Market 2013.

Graham Nichols,Managing Director, AmadeusGulf, said, “The company’scustomers were increasinglyrealising the value ofAmadeus’ products and solu-tions on offer, and importantlytheir timely customer service.”

He added,

“Many big tickettravel agencies inthe region weremoving to AmadeusGulf or committingmore of theirbusiness to thecompany as a resultof the latter’s clearunderstanding of their businessstrategy.

Accordingly, it will provide them an overallgrowth-spurring partnershippackage.”

On June 1, 2013Amadeus Gulf hadannounced it had renewed itspartnership agreements withsome of the region’s leadingtravel agencies, includingSharjah National Travel andTourist Agency (SNTTA) andBelhasa Travel, both in theUAE, and the National Traveland Tourism (NTT) in Oman.Besides, Amadeus Gulf, the

Amadeus commercial organ-isation responsible for Oman,Bahrain and the UAE, alsoformalised a new agreementwith Mezoon Travel, one ofthe travel agencies in Oman.

The recent technologyconsulting workshop hostedby Amadeus, enabled SNTTAto better understand thevalue of the services availableto them. With a larger shareof business committed toAmadeus as per the partner-ship, SNTTA will be empow-ered to reinforce its presenceas a leading travel seller inthe region.

Meanwhile, strongerties with Amadeus Gulf,Belhasa Travel maintains,will help them benefit from Amadeus’ range of m-commerce and e-com-merce products, thus furtherbolstering its online business.Omani travel agencies, NTTand Mezoon Travel, will enjoyaccess to the latter’s vast portfolio of products and services.

Pointing to its increasing relevance in the UAE and Omantravel markets, Amadeus Gulf strengthens partnershipswith the region’s prominent travel agencies.

Amadeus strikes new deals

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Graham NicholsManaging DirectorAmadeus Gulf

Travelport DocumentProducer Plus has been

developed using Travelport’scutting-edge API technology,which allows agents to gen-erate professional, fully

branded travel documenta-tion. It includes itineraries,fare estimates and bookingconfirmations directly fromtheir Galileo GDS platform.

The hallmark of theintuitive Travelport solution

is its completely automatedprocess, which considerablyenhances document accuracyand in the process, increasesagent efficiency and savesboth time and money.

Rabih Saab, Presidentand Managing Director,Middle East and Africa,Travelport informed,

“A product likeTravelport DocumentProducer Plus gives travel agents a clear advantage. It facilitatesproduction ofaccurate, professionaland fully brandedtraveldocumentation,which is a key part of any travel agent’s business.”

Saab added, “TravelportDocument Producer Plus ren-

ders this entire process freeof hassles and errors. It thusenables travel agents todeliver professional and comprehensive itinerarieswithin a fraction of the timeit has taken to achieve thesame results manually andbrand it completely to theircorporate identity.”

Travelport’s key priorityhas always been to help theirtravel agency customersbecome more efficient and save their time andmoney. Travelport DocumentProducer Plus delivers on allthese counts, as can be expected from a leadingprovider of critical transactionprocessing solutions and datalike Travelport.

Travelport recently announced a time and cost-efficientsolution that will be a boon for travel agents across theMiddle East and Africa connected to this GDS-provider.

A product full of promises

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Rabih SaabPresident and Managing DirectorMiddle East and AfricaTravelport

RAK Airport has beenattracting several

European and Russiancarriers to fly to the NorthernEmirate of Ras Al Khaimah inthe UAE this year.

With a few airlinesalready committed to bring intheir tourists this year, theAirport is expecting tosignificantly increase itspassenger and airlinenumbers in 2013.

With key decision-makers in the airline, airportand tourism industries whomeet and do business one-on-one from route expansion,route performance to futureplanning; RAK InternationalAirport has strategically usedthe Routes events to push themessage of Ras Al Khaimahfurther to the rest of the world.

Andrew Gower, CEO,RAK International Airport,informed, “Routes is an idealplatform for us to talk toseveral airlines around theworld, seeking newdestinations. RAK has lots tooffer both for business andtourism. With 25 per centyear-on-year growth for theAirport and as the Emirate of

Ras Al Khaimah finds itself onthe map of several airlinesaround the world, we aregearing ourselves for furthergrowth in the coming years.”

Gower added, "TheRoutes Forum is an idealbusiness platform for us tonetwork, discuss and attractairlines to Ras Al Khaimah. We have already receivedseveral expressions of interestfrom European and Russianairlines to fly into RAK Airportthis winter."

The Airport is alsoparticipating in Routes Africato be held in Uganda, RoutesCIS, Ukraine and the WorldRoutes Forum in Las Vegas,USA later this year. TheAirport had previouslyparticipated in Routes India inMarch 2013.

Reaching out via Routes RAK International Airport aims at selling the delights ofUAE’s winter sun holiday destination as a key exhibitorat the 8th Routes Europe in Budapest, Hungary.

Andrew GowerCEORAK International Airport

With 25 per centyear-on-yeargrowth for theAirport and asthe Emirate findsitself on the mapof several airlinesacross the world,we are gearingourselves forfurther growth inthe coming years

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The hallmark of the productis its completely automatedprocess, which enhancesdocument accuracy,increases agent efficiencyand saves time and money

Features

Routes is an ideal platformfor us to talk to severalairlines around the world

With a few airlines alreadycommitted to bring in theirtourists this year, theAirpor t is expecting toincrease its passenger andairline numbers in 2013

Perfect Positioning

NTO1 0 TRAVTALK J U LY, 2 0 1 3

Held in Jeddah on May19, 2013, in Riyadh on

May 21 and in Dammam onMay 22, the India TourismRoadshow in Saudi Arabiareceived overwhelmingresponse from the membersof local tourism & travelindustry. It enhanced cooper-ation in the tourism sectorbetween the two countries.

Vikas Rustagi, RegionalDirector, (West Asia &Africa), India Tourism, Dubaiexplained,

“We are makingefforts to tap theSaudi tourists whoalso have greatpotential for high-end tourism,particularly for theWellness/Medicaland Luxury Travelto India.”

In 2011, around 26,000Saudi nationals visited India

registering a growth of over12 per cent over 2010.

The Indian delegation ofthe roadshow was led byParvez Dewan, Secretary,Ministry of Tourism,Government of India accompanied by destinationmanagers, tour operators,hoteliers, airlines, StateGovernments of Jammu & Kashmir and Karnatakafrom India.

“Through this road-show, an effort was made toupdate the Saudi Arabiantourism stakeholders about

the latest information onIndian tourism policy, destinations and products. Allthe three events concludedby the giving away of a number of Door Prizes, whichincluded airline tickets, hotelstays and tour packages tovarious destinations in India,”informed Rustagi.

Today, India hasemerged as a destination forwellness, medical and MICEtourism. The wellness andmedical tourism sector hasgrown by 20 per cent everyyear. With a number of outstanding hotels and luxury trains, the country hasalso evolved itself as a luxury destination.

Indian destination man-agement companies are offer-ing door-to-door services tosuch high-end travellers.Recently, the Government ofIndia lifted the restriction oftwo-month gap for entry offoreign nationals, includingthose from Saudi Arabia,between the two visits ontourist visa.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among other countries inthe region, is one of the emerging markets for inboundtourism in India. The Ministry of Tourism, Governmentof India held roadshows in KSA from May 19 - 22, 2013.

Tapping Saudi tourists

SU S M I TA GH O S H

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

“In addition to the gov-ernment’s investment

in various transportationprojects, the launch of a slewof entertainment, sports andtourism projects, valued at upto US$460 million is beingplanned by one of the state’spremier private establish-ments, Touristic Enterprises

Co.,” informed Khaled AlGhanim, Deputy Chairmanand Managing Director,Kuwait Tourism Co.

“All these high-profileinvestments, while providinga fillip to the state’s tourismsector, would go a long

way in boosting Kuwait’sregional status,” Al Ghanimemphasised.

Kuwait’s steady tourismgrowth over the last decadeled to an increase in international tourist arrivalsof 13 per cent during 2001-2011, translating into tourism receipts of US$5.3 billion in 2011.

Recognising Kuwait’spotential, Alpen Capital esti-mates growth in CAGR forthe hospitality sector at 8.1per cent over the period2011–16.

Alpen’s October 2012GCC Hospitality Industry

Report estimates 2012-13GDP growth of 3-5 per centand a strong business travelbase. The development ofKuwait’s existing leisure andbusiness infrastructure is setto drive new inbound busi-ness, which by 2015 isexpected to translate into onemillion tourist arrivals beingwelcomed per annum.

Kuwait, which is nowmidway through its latest five-year tourism plan, hasleisure sector growth as its primary focus.

Growth of this vitaltourism segment is sought tobe supported in the mid tolong term by an investment ofUS$6 billion, to be spent in theexpansion of the capital’s airport, with a second terminalplanned by 2016.

A new US$7 billionmetro system will be operational by 2020. Touristarrivals are also expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9per cent between 2012 and 2022.

Even as high-profile luxury hotels in Kuwait are etchingout a new tourism landscape, investments worth US$13billion are leading to the state’s transportationinfrastructure upgrade and driving its tourism sector.

US$13bn boost for Kuwait

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All these high-profile investmentswould go a long way in boostingKuwait’s regional status

Khaled Al GhanimDeputy Chairman and Managing DirectorKuwait Tourism Co

AcademicTourismon the riseArabian Destinationspartners with IQ EducationConsultants in promotingeducational tours andhighschool studentpackages to the USA, UK,Canada, Switzerland andRussia. The students andtheir parents met andinteracted in the ‘PreDeparture Meet’ held onJune 22, 2013 in Dubai.

Tourism is one of themajor drivers of the UK

economy. In 2012, the nationenjoyed a record year of rev-enues from this sector where£18.6 billion were introducedinto the economy from over-seas visitors, of which GCCcountries accounted for £1.2 billion.

Patricia Yates, Directorof Strategy andCommunications, VisitBritainand Sumathi Ramanathan,Regional Manager for AsiaPacific and Middle East metthe officials from UKEmbassies, British Council,UK Border Agency and UKTrade and Investment anddecision-makers in the travel& tourism industry in Riyadhand Doha. It was to obtaininputs on Britain’s newtourism growth strategylaunched last April.

A major component ofthe UK’s new growth strategyinvolved plans for VisitBritainrecognising the immense

potential for further growthfrom the GCC, to expand itsactivities in the region.

“Our priority is toensure we retain acompetitive edge overother destinationsaround the world,”Yates said.

“With the GCC countriessignifying great potential forinbound visits to Britain, alarger network in this regionwill enable VisitBritain to

engage more effectively withour key segments, high spend-ing Arab families and theincreasingly important youthmarket,” she added.

Moving its regional hubto Dubai will enableVisitBritain to reach Dubai,Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah,Kuwait City and Doha. Theseare the resource markets rep-resenting 22 per cent of thetotal spend from Asia Pacificand Middle East countries.

In line with similarinput-gaining consultationsconducted in 2012 helpedshape the new strategy.VisitBritain’s recent visitaimed at delivering a moreeffective strategy in theregion by engaging the keydecision-makers.

Following up Britain's recently launched tourism growthstrategy for the GCC region, VisitBritain held a series ofmeetings with its strategic partners and key marketinfluencers in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

UK focusses on GCC market

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Patricia YatesDirector of Strategy and CommunicationsVisitBritain

Moving its regional hub toDubai will enable VisitBritainto reach out to Dubai, AbuDhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah,Kuwait City and Doha

Resource Markets

The Oberoi Groupannounced the opening ofThe Oberoi, Dubai on June11, 2013 and will be theGroup’s first property in theUAE. The hotel overlooks theiconic Burj Khalifa, and eachof the 252 rooms and suiteshave floor to ceiling windows.Located at The Oberoi Centre,The Oberoi is a contemporaryluxury hotel that embodiesheight, light and space. The

hotel enjoys a central locationand is a few minutes’ drivefrom downtown Dubai andthe Dubai Mall.

“We are pleased to pres-ent The Oberoi, Dubai whichoffers the highest standardsof luxury and hospitality. Theopening of the hotel is signif-icant for us,” said P R SOberoi, Executive Chairman,The Oberoi Group.

Karim Bizid, GeneralManager, The Oberoi, Dubaiadded, “With the opening ofThe Oberoi, Dubai, we offerdiscerning business andleisure travellers an oasis of tranquility with servicewhich is warm, caring and personalised.” The Oberoi, Dubai will have seamless in-room check in,24-hour butler and Les Clefsd'Or concierge services.

The Oberoi Group debuts in UAE

MOVEMENTS J U LY, 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 1 1Kerzner International DubaiStephan Killinger has been promoted as the President,Mazagan Beach & Golf Resor t. With over 25 years of

experience in the hospitalityindustry, Killinger has workedacross the globe. He has heldleadership positions for anumber of luxury hotel brands,including the Four Seasons, The

Peninsula Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton.His career also includes prior

positions within Kerzner Internationalincluding General Manager of the

award-winning One&Only ReethiRah, Maldives.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri,Abu Dhabi; Traders Hotel, QaryatAl Beri, Abu Dhabi UAE

Mariana Sousa is the new Directorof Communications of Shangri-LaHotel and Traders Hotel at Qaryat AlBeri, Abu Dhabi. She joins the QaryatAl Beri complex from a luxuryproperty in Lisbon, Portugal where

she held a similar position for fiveyears. A Brazilian andPortuguese national, shebrings a wealth of PublicRelations experience.

Al Bustan Rotana Dubai UAESlim Zaiane is the new Executive Assistant Manager of AlBustan Rotana Dubai. Born in Tunisia, Zaiane’s educational

background includes a Bachelor's Degreein Hotel and Restaurant Management

from Glion Hotel School inSwitzerland and a Master’s Degreefrom the Oxford Brookes Universityin the United Kingdom. With 15

years of experience, he will nowoversee the hotel’s operations

whilst utilising the vastexperience he gainedthroughout his career.

Dusit Thani Dubai UAEJulia Alvaro has been appointed as the new Director of Salesand Marketing of Dusit Thani Dubai. German-born Alvaro joinsthe proper ty with almost 20 years ofinternational experience in the tourism& hospitality industry. Previously, shewas the Director of Sales andMarketing at Radisson Blu Hotel,Dubai Media City for near five years.During her career, Alvaro worked forbrands across both the UK and UAE,including being an instrumental part in theopening of both The Palace OldTown and Le Meridien MinaSeyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Mövenpick Beach Resort Alkhobar Saudi ArabiaPrashant Sharma joins Mövenpick Beach Resort Alkhobaras the new Resort Manager. He brings over 18 years of

experience in the hospitality industry,having served in various positionsin different countries. In his presentrole, he will play a pivotal role inescalating the revenue and

standards of the property. Prior tojoining Mövenpick Beach Resor t

Alkhobar, his most recent positionwas as the Director of Sales Marketing

at Mövenpick Qassim of SaudiArabia. He star ted his careerwith Le Meridien New Delhi.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates DubaiKonstantin Zeuke is the new General Manager ofKempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. He joins the team fromKempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria in Croatia.Zeuke spent the early years of hiscareer with Hilton and Marriott inGermany and joined Kempinski in1998 as Assistant Front OfficeManager at the Kempinski VierJahrezeiten in Munich, Germany. His15-year career withKempinski has takenhim around the worldto Germany, Kuwait,Croatia and others.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi UAEAndrew Humphries is the new Regional Vice President andGeneral Manager of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. Having spent 30

years in some of the hotels in the MiddleEast, Europe and the Caribbean,Humphries will now oversee theoperations of Yas Viceroy hotels in theMaldives, Istanbul, Cape Verde as they

come online, as well as the newadditions to the pipeline in the near future.

Originally from Jamaica, he received hisDiploma in Hotel, Catering &Institutional Management from the Bournemouth University inDorset, UK.

Kerzner International DubaiMark DeCocinis is the new President and Chief OperatingOfficer for One&Only Resorts, effective August 1, 2013, as

announced by Kerzner InternationalHoldings Limited. His newresponsibilities include leading thestrategic development of the One&Only

brand. He brings with him over 25 yearsin the luxury hospitality segment, having

held both operational and corporatesenior leadership positions.DeCocinis began his career at The

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,where he held various leadershippositions for over two decades.

UAE-based tour company offers trips to Armenia

Offbeatours, a UAE-based tour company, known for introducing one-of-a-kind destination tours, has added tours to Armenia to its offerings. David Butler, Owner, Offbeatours chooses destinations that provideeye-opening and adventurous experiences. Keeping this ethos in mind, five unique trips within Armenia focussing on various aspects of the region, have been recently launched.

NehalAbu DhabiSamer Al Kabalan has been appointed as the new GeneralManager of Nehal, the first property of Bin Majid Hotels & Resortsin Abu Dhabi. A Syrian national, Kabalanbrings more than 17 years of experience inthe hospitality industry and has anexcellent understanding of the operationaland management requirements of runninga successful hotel. Kabalan will managethe day-to-day activities of the hotelwhich will include supervision ofthe staff across all areas anddivision, including Food &Beverage, front deskconference, etc.

HIGHLIGHT1 2 TRAVTALK J U LY, 2 0 1 3

Commercial movements atthe dedicated business

aviation airport of Abu DhabiAirports Company (ADAC),including that of based oper-ators, also registered anincrease of 3 per cent in thefirst four months of the year,

as compared to the sameperiod in 2012, reaching atotal of 3,506 movements.

Yousif Al Hammadi,General Manager, Al BateenExecutive Airport, informed,“Al Bateen ExecutiveAirport’s record double digitgrowth in business jet

movements was clearlyindicative of it’s continuedsuccess in attracting newbusiness. With new develop-ment projects underway, AlBateen Executive Airportlooks forward to expandingits services and welcomingmore international cus-

tomers as it maintains itsposition as the leading busi-ness aviation hub in theMENA region.”

There are several newdevelopments being plannedat this Airport. It includes airside aircraft parking, additional hangars for aircraft

parking and maintenance, apassenger and visitor car park,passenger processing and VIP lounges, and an airporthotel. The airport also hasentered into partnerships withleading service providers’ aide at enhancing its supportingservices package to the business aviation industry.These include aircraft cleaningservices provided by the airport-based Falcon AviationServices.

Besides, in view of anincreasing number of air-craft and private jet compa-nies making the Airporttheir base for operationsmaintenance, repair andoverhaul facilities will be upgraded to meet theanticipated swell in demand.There are plans to introduceretail offerings for crew andpassengers at the Airport’slounges. A milestone event- the region’s only generalaviation exhibition, the AbuDhabi Air Expo 2013, washeld at this Airport, fromMarch 5 - 7, 2013.

Al Bateen Executive Airport records 21 per cent increasein visiting aircraft traffic in the first four months of 2013compared to the corresponding period of 2012.

Rise in arrivals at Al Bateen

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The delivery of the newaircraft would open a

new chapter in the Airline’s

history. “British Airways isproud to be leading the wayin Europe in operating boththe new aircraft types,” saidKeith Williams, ChiefExecutive, British Airways.“Over the next 12 months,we will take delivery of newlong-haul aircraft at an aver-age rate of one every twoweeks,” he added.

The second A380 is dueto be delivered in September2013. British Airways has

ordered a total of 12 A380s,24 787s and six Boeing 777-300ERs for delivery over thenext four years. Twenty-twoof these long-haul aircraft are

scheduled to come into theAirline’s fleet by the end ofsummer 2014.

These deliveries formedthe centrepiece of a £5bninvestment British Airwayswas making in new aircraft,smarter cabins, superblounges and new technolo-gies to make travel morecomfortable. “Both aircrafttypes bring to the table majorenvironmental advances,which contribute toward the

Airline’s ambitious targets fornoise and carbon reduction,”he emphasised.

Following their arrival,both aircraft types will begina complex ‘entry into service’programme, with pilot andcabin crew training takingplace at Manston Airport inKent, customer service trialsat Heathrow and short-haulflying for both aircraft.

Seats on the A380 arecurrently on sale for travelfrom October 15 to LosAngeles and from November15 to Hong Kong. However, the Airline is advising to hold off bookingas the dates of the inauguralservices are yet to be announced. The first destinations for the 787s, andthe date tickets go on sale,will be unveiled shortly.

British Airways is set to be the 1st European airline tolaunch the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 into its fleet. It receives two 787s in June, and an A380 on July 4.

Leading the way in Europe

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Twenty-two of these long-haul aircraft will join theAirline’s fleet by next year

Schedule

Both aircraft types bring to thetable major environmentaladvances, which contribute towardnoise and carbon reduction

Keith WilliamsChief Executive, British Airways

The Airport’s record double digitgrowth in business jet movements wasclearly indicative of its success inattracting new business

Yousif Al HammadiGeneral Manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport