Market Update 2General News 3Accommodation News 5Car Rental News 6Air Travel News 7International News 8Agents’ Corner 10Travel Tips 11Travel Talk 12Who’s Moved 14Rendezvous 15Events 16

Middle East and North Africa Edition

DECEMBER 23, 2010 ISSUE 59

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CRUISING DUBAIDubai has experienced so much interestfrom the cruise sector that it hasestablished a second, temporary cruiseterminal to handle extra ships.

In This Issue

MOZAMBIQUE RESORTRani Resorts, a hospitality group ownedby Saudi Arabian Aujan Group, is set tobegin work on a USD100 millionflagship resort on Paradise Island inMozambique.

www.traveltradeweekly.travel

The team of Travel Trade Weekly andTravel Trade Monthly join in saying

thank you and wishing you a happy holidayand a prosperous new year.

Season’s GreetingsSeason’s Greetings

Dubai Chamber of Commerceand Industry has released ananalysis of the long-termprospects for the tourismindustry in Dubai and the

UAE, as highlighted by Business MonitorInternational’s UAE Tourism Report for Q4 2010. Demand for rooms may increase, with visitorsfrom the Gulf and wider Middle East remaininga pillar of the UAE’s tourism sector. A strong oil price was acknowledged as one of thekey drivers of growth in tourism from the nearby

region; the disposable income ofMiddle Eastern travellers isexpected to rise, along with theforecasted price of oil.Now is the time to capitalise onDubai’s strategic location, accordingto the chamber of commerce. The analysis indicated that Dubaicould benefit from increasedtourism flows from China and

India to Africa and Europe. Further growth was reported to lie in exploitingthe flow of tourists from Asian countries, aspersonal affluence rises in this region. Co-ordinated action between the government andprivate sector will be required, said the chamber,to formulate an effective and competitive strategy. Visas in particular were listed as one area thatcould be changed to attract more visitors fromtarget countries. Government assistance was also recommendedfor supporting infrastructure in the tourismsector, such as telecommunication, emergencyassistance and sanitary facilities. In the private sector, greater co-operation wassuggested between tourism related entities, suchas hotels and restaurants. Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industryconcluded that the current challenging timescould be expected to give way to new prospects,facilitating a recovery in Dubai and the UAE’stourism sector.

DECEMBER 23, 20102

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

EditorLaura Warne

Deputy EditorLouis Dillon Savage

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingMarianna TsiamasDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas ConstantinidesMary Kammitsi

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Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

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COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.69Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.80Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1501Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.70Syria (SYP) Pound 46.87Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.45Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.47Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,380Yemen (YER) Rial 214.25Algeria (DZD) Dinar 74.54Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.26

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 22/12/2010Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

UAE’s Tourism Expenditure to Increase, Along with VisitorsExpenditure on the UAE’s tourism sector is expected to increase gradually, whiletourist arrivals and the total number of overnight stays are expected to rise fromthe end of 2010.

IATA’s Upward Revision on 2010 Profit OutlookThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its industryoutlook for 2010, forecasting a net profit of USD15.1 billion (up from USD8.9billion in September). Upward projections have also been made for 2011, reaching USD9.1 billion (upfrom USD5.3 billion forecast in September).Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA, said the profit projections for 2010 and 2011were based on an exceptionally strong third quarter in 2010. However, he noted that not all the news was good. “Despite higher profit projections, we still see the recovery pausing next yearafter a strong post-recession rebound,” he said.Bisignani added that profit margins continued to disappoint.“Margins remain pathetic. With a 2.7 percent margin in 2010 shrinking to 1.5percent in 2011, we are nowhere near covering our cost of capital,” he said.“The industry is fragile and balancing on a knife edge. “Any shock could stunt the recovery, as we are seeing with the results of new orincreased taxation on airlines and travellers in Europe.”

3DECEMBER 23, 2010

Dubai Expansion Doubles Cruise FacilitiesDubai has experienced so much interest from the cruise sector that it has established a second, temporarycruise terminal to handle extra ships.

The temporary terminal iscapable of berthing twoships, doubling theemirate’s capacity toaccommodate cruise liners.

It has been outfitted with a baggage area,40 service counters, an ATM and areception area.Dubai opened a new permanent cruiseterminal last year, which has receivedships from major cruise lines includingCosta Cruises and Royal Caribbean.According to Dubai’s Department ofTourism and Commerce Marketing(DTCM), the number of cruise shipsvisiting the city has grown steadily and isexpected to increase in coming years.

100 ships arrived at the port in 2009 andan estimated 120 are expected to havearrived by the end of 2010, carrying325,000 passengers.DTCM expects 135 cruise ships with375,000 passengers in 2011; 150 shipswith 425,000 passengers in 2012; 165

ships with 475,000 passengers in 2013;180 ships with 525,000 passengers in2014; and 195 ships with 575,000passengers in 2015.A German cruise ship, Aida Vida, carrying2,616 passengers has already become thefirst to dock at the new facility.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

DTCM will act as aconsultant for theevent, suggesting forumtopics and speakers, aswell as including one

of its executives on the Hotel Showadvisory board.The department will also use its globalnetwork of contacts to help promotethe event.The Hotel Show is expecting growth of 20percent in 2011, based on increasedparticipation from international exhibitorsfrom countries such as China, Germany,the UK, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Cyprus andGreece.

Frederique Maurell, event director of TheHotel Show, said the DTCM deal wouldhelp develop the show further.“DTCM has an enviable profile aroundthe world and provides considerablesupport for all stakeholders in Dubai'shospitality sector,” she said.

“Their support will be invaluable to us,especially their experience of not onlyattending and participating in many

international events, but their expertise inmarketing Dubai as a business and leisuredestination.”The Hotel Show is operated by DMGEvents, and will be held for the twelfthtime in 2011.

DECEMBER 23, 20104

Italian Cinema to Tempt EmiratisItaly’s government tourism promotion body, ENIT, haslaunched a cinema advertising campaign in the UAE, aimedat raising awareness of the country in the Middle East.According to ENIT, cinemas have been carefully selectedbased on attendance, popularity and prestige.The campaign focuses on iconic attractions within Italy andhas been launched with the intent of raising awareness withinthe Emirati market. It has been timed to take advantage of high cinema attendanceover the December and January period.ENIT opened its first Middle Eastern office in Sharjah inJune, 2010 and has been undertaking research on the marketas part of developing a regional strategy.

Rome, Italy

DTCM to Help Promote The Hotel Show 2011Annual Dubai event, The Hotel Show, is expecting to increase its profile in 2011, following a new deal withDubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Hotel Show 2010

DTCM has an enviable profile

around the world

5DECEMBER 23, 2010

Malta – the gateway to your dream Mediterranean cruise. Set sail from an island with 7,000 years of history!

Truly Mediterraneanwww.visitmalta.com

- Accommodation

The extension, whichincludes a newaccommodation wing,will more than doublethe hotel’s existing

portfolio of 110 rooms and 24 villas. The new wing will also include three newrestaurants and an inner-atrium lobby. Kamal Zayati, general manager of Al RahaBeach Hotel, said the extension wasexpected to open for business in the finalquarter of 2011. “This is part of an overall and gradualrenovation of the entire property,” saidZayati. “Our aim is for the new building to blendin with the existing hotel as one signature

property with state-of-the-arttechnologies and amenities.”Work is also underway to upgrade thevilla and outdoor pool facilities at thehotel, which will include a switch to solarenergy for heating and cooling.“This is very much part of the group’soverall environmental drive and is reallyaligned to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’sGreen Hotels initiative,” said Zayati. Other planned changes under therenovation scheme include an upgrade ofAl Raha’s 900m of beachfront, with newlandscaping along the seafront andboardwalk; the hotel’s spa will undergo acomplete renovation; four meeting roomswill be added; and the third-floor gym

and indoor pool will become part of aplanned executive floor. “This is something quite unique in thecity; we will be offering our businessguests access to an entire dedicatedexecutive floor with a VIP lounge and itsown gym, pool and spa,” said Zayati. “Al Raha Beach Hotel is perfectlypositioned to take advantage of thecoming upswing in tourism.”

Al Raha Beach Hotel Extension Underway Construction is underway at Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach Hotel, with an extra 144 rooms and suites planned.

Al Raha Beach Hotel’s planned extension

DECEMBER 23, 20106

- Car Rental

Dollar Rental Picks Sharjah as Growth MarketDollar Rent a Car has opened two new outlets in the UAE and flagged Sharjah as a major growth marketfor car rental.

Hertz UAE Opens Fourteenth BranchHertz has opened a new branch within Etihad Plaza Villagein Abu Dhabi. Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE, said he wasexcited about the development.“We are very pleased to open the latest addition to the HertzUAE network,” he said.“The new branch will offer Etihad Plaza customers a fullyoperational vehicle rental solution that is convenient whilstoffering great value and outstanding service to our customers.”The branch is the fourteenth in the UAE for the brand, whichis operated in the country by Al Futtaim Group.

Car rental will remain thepreferred choice of travel for

UAE tourists in 2011

One outlet is located atthe Ramada HotelApartments nearSharjah’s Sahara Centrewhile the other is

situated in Dubai Media City.Marwan Al Mulla, general manager ofDollar Rent a Car UAE, said the Sharjahbranch in particular showed promise.“We have identified a great deal ofbusiness potential in Sharjah, especiallywith the Arab population in the emirate,”he said.“The new outlet will accommodate theincreasing number of local business start-ups, and will also serve Arab holiday

makers who prefer to stay with theirfamilies in the emirate.”He said that steady growth in demandmade Sharjah a good investment for carrental.“The demand for renting vehicles inSharjah has increased during the past twoyears, so our goal for 2011 is to meet thedemands of customers with our supremeservice and top of the range 2011 modelcars,” he said.“Car rental will remain the preferredchoice of travel for UAE tourists in 2011;we expect to see a surge in the influx ofleisure travellers, with the level of businesstravellers remaining the same as in 2010.”

Hertz Etihad Plaza

Marwan Al Mulla

7DECEMBER 23, 2010

- Air Travel

Flydubai Targets Saudi’s Agricultural HeartlandFlydubai has added a third destination in Saudi Arabia with routes to Gassim Airport near the city ofBuraydah, capital of Al Qassim province.

Air France and SAA to CodeshareAir France and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA) have estab-lished a codeshare arrangement for flights between their re-spective countries.Routes covered by the agreement include those from Jeddah,Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France; and between Paris and Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.Khaled Al-Molhem, CEO of SAA, and Pierre-Henri Gourgeon,CEO of Air France, released a statement saying furthercollaborations should be expected to follow.“This codeshare agreement is a first step of a partnership whichwill enable the two carriers to offer a better product while beingmore effective,” it read.The deal – which comes into effect on January 10, 2011 – fallswithin the framework of a wider co-operation agreementsigned between the airlines in June, 2010.

Thiscodeshareagreement

is a firststep of a

partnership

The area is one of SaudiArabia’s main agriculturalregions and is wellknown for the quality ofits dates.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, saidthe route would be the first directconnection between Dubai and Gassim.“Flydubai will be the first airline to serveDubai and Gassim non-stop and we areconfident that the demand for this routewill increase considerably in the nearfuture,” he said. “Travellers from Gassim have had limitedchoices in terms of direct international flightsand the introduction of this new route will

benefit passengers with significant reductionin travel time as well as cost incurred.”He explained that the connection had

been chosen as part of a wider strategy,aimed of taking advantage of trade andcommercial opportunities.“The new Gassim route marks animportant step for the airline as we

continue our strategic penetration intomore markets,” he said. “This further solidifies our commitmentto the Saudi Arabian trade, tourism andcommercial industries and caters to thegrowing demand for low cost air travel inthe region and especially in the kingdom.”Gassim is Flydubai’s thirtieth route; flightsare scheduled to begin on January 18, 2011.

Travellers from Gassimhave had limited choices

in terms of directinternational flights

Khaled Al-Molhem

DECEMBER 23, 20108

- International

Aujan Group’s USD100m Flagship Resort in MozambiqueRani Resorts, a hospitality group owned by Saudi Arabian Aujan Group, is set to begin work on a USD100million flagship resort on Paradise Island in Mozambique.

Construction will begin in2011, with the propertyopening to guests in2013. Adel Aujan, chairman of

Aujan Group, said occupancy was pickingup at the company’s existing resorts,adding that Mozambique was on track tobe one of the world’s leading luxurytourism destinations.“Mozambique is shaping up to be Africa’sbrightest rising star, with rich resourcesand outstanding potential for tourism,”said Aujan. The company already operates five hotelsin Mozambique, including its current

flagship, Indigo Bay Resort and Spa. The Paradise Island project will comprisean 80-room hotel; 50 holiday villas andapartments; restaurants; a kids club; spaand retail outlets; and sporting facilities. The island also features an airstrip for easyaccess to the mainland; it is two hour’sflying time from Johannesburg, SouthAfrica.

Mozambique is shaping up to beAfrica’s brightest

rising star Adel Aujan

DECEMBER 23, 201010

Agent’s InsightName: Emily DouglasPosition: Team LeaderCompany: Intrepid TravelLocation: Brisbane, Australia

Who travels to the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) from Australia?We get all types of travellers – the age groups range from 20 to 75years old. This is because we have a wide variety, from campingin the desert to comfortable luxury in Petra. Our most frequentclients for this region are single females, around 35 years old.

Where in the MENA region do travellers fromAustralia vist?Egypt and Jordan are our most popular. Often people will startin Cairo, then travel down to Luxor and Aswan. Then they’llperhaps tack on a trip to Jordan and the Dead Sea at the end oftheir trip.

Why is the region interesting for your clients?One thing that I think is important is that people in Australia areused to the climate – it is not such a shock for them to experiencea 35 or 40 degree day. Also, we have a lot of history buffs whoare interested in the ancient cultures and archaeology in theregion. The diversity of the landscape, from deserts to the lushgreen lands around the Nile is also of interest to many.

When is the busiest time of year for bookings to MENA?All year round, but lately the shoulder seasons are more popularbecause of the climate. March through to June and Septemberthrough to November are busy. Around December the flights doget more expensive, so we don’t have as many people then.

What could be done to improve traffic to the region?It is already probably one of our highest sellers, but more couldbe done in North Africa. Across Libya and Algeria there arelimited choices in terms of tours, and not much marketing. Thisis different to Egypt, where there is a huge range of tours atreasonable prices. Also, some of the other areas are harder to getto, which makes it more difficult.

Travco Adds Two Branches in EgyptTravco Group has opened two new retail travel outlets in Egypt– one in Giza and another within the Heliopolis Sporting Club.Both outlets will be operational before the end of December,according to the company.The Giza branch is Travco’s seventeenth standalone store, whilethe Heliopolis branch is its fifth implanted outfit.Both will offer a range of services including travel packages,ticketing and hotel accommodation, as well as Hajj and Umrahmanagement.Travco has announced that the expanded retail presence marks anew stage of growth for the group.

Egypt

Petra, Jordan

The British are ComingMarrakech, Morocco has been tipped as the number onedestination for 2011 by aviation heavyweight, British Airways.The carrier will commence flights to the city in 2011, andaccording to BA, Marrakech has met with more enthusiasmthan any other planned route.Willie Walsh, CEO of BA, said competition had been stiff, asmany of the carrier’s new routes have proven successful.“The response we’ve had to the launch of routes like theMaldives, Las Vegas and Marrakech was incredible,” he said.Marrakech is located in the south of Morocco and is famousfor its traditional, red-tinged architecture.

11DECEMBER 23, 2010

To Succeed in Business, Do What You Want ToStarting your own travel business can be difficult, but is also the dream for many already working withinthe industry.

s the Middle East develops,opportunities continue topresent themselves andgovernments are increasinglywilling to help establish

start ups.Aboubaker Al Sakaf is a success story inthe sector, having built up his own bikerental business on Abu Dhabi Corniche.“I used to ride my bicycle in the city butfelt unsafe: the only safe place to ride wasalong the corniche, but when I wanted tocycle on the corniche, I had to take myown bike in my car beforehand,” he said.“That gave me the idea to establish a businesswhich would provide bikes for rent.”

He gave his advice for other youngentrepreneurs looking to work in thetravel industry.“I would suggest for [Emiratis] to have thecourage to start a business they believe in,”he said.

“If they prepare everything in a nice,simple and clear way they will win thepatronage of their target client. “The determination to continue with

what you believe in will definitely makeyou successful. “My personal experience in establishingthis business was that it took me a lot ofeffort to convince the authorities that myidea would benefit Abu Dhabi's lovelysurroundings – but I proved it to them andnow we are well established.”

I would suggest for[Emiratis] to have the

courage to start a businessthey believe in

Marrakech, Morocco

A

Frederic BardinSenior Vice President, Emirates Holidays“We see a huge demand [from Turkey] for travel to destinationssuch as Dubai and the UAE in general, the Indian Ocean(Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles), Hong Kong, Singapore,Thailand and SriLanka are quitepopular amongTurkish travellers.We also see a lotof interest fromTurkish travellersto destinations likeAustralia, NewZealand, Chinaand Africa.”

DECEMBER 23, 201012

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

Raymond ChamChairman, Allianz Egypt"The [travel] insurance needs of each market differ, which iswhy we have extended the scope of coverage within theprogramme to include previously uncovered elements. Iprofoundly believe that offering our customers choiceempowers them to make informed decisions that suit theirneeds. Economy, business class, and first class will make thewhole difference when it comes to selecting among travelinsurance options."

Economy, business class, and firstclass will make the whole difference

Matar Al-MansooriGeneral Manager, Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism“The desert has a unique nature: no one can imagine it unlessthey experience it. The UAE has a variety of dune shapes andLiwa Oasis has the region's highest dunes. I want to be anEmirati who focuses on promoting desert tourism in AbuDhabi. I want to be an entrepreneur and was happy to facethe challenge of making a traditional heritage camp that isfamily-oriented yet enjoyable and adventurous for visitors.Abu Dhabi has big tourism and cultural projects underway,some are ready and some will be ready in the next few years.Therefore, a lot of tourists are coming and will come to visitthe city. They would like to be welcomed by Emiratis whocan take them around the city, answer their questions andshow them our culture, traditions and heritage.”

We see a huge

demand

[Tourists] would like to be welcomed by Emiratis who can

take them around the cityFrederic Bardin

Liwa Oasis

DECEMBER 23, 201014

Troon Golf ’s New MENA TeamTroon Golf has made a number of additions to its Middle East and NorthAfrican teams, along with several promotions. Lil Striker has been promoted to the newly created position of director ofmarketing at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Strikerpreviously served as the sales and marketing manager for both facilities. Joining Striker is new sales manager Christina Struller, who will also workacross both Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Alex McDowell has been appointed assistant superintendent at SaadiyatBeach Golf Club, following five years with Troon Golf at Pacific HarbourGolf and Country Club in Queensland, Australia. Another former PacificHarbour employee, Justin Bourke, has also joined Saadiyat Beach GolfClub as the facility’s new food and beverage manager. In Egypt, Scott Christenson has been appointed director of golf at therecently opened Allegria Golf Club, near Cairo. Christenson is a 10 yearveteran of Troon Golf and has experience on some of the finest golf resortsaround the world. Amr Fahmy has also joined the Allegria Golf Club, as sales and marketingmanager. Fahmy has more than a decade of managerial experience,specialising in marketing, advertising, human resources and customer service.

Simon MareeMourjan Marinas IGY has appointed Simon Maree as marina manager forits flagship project, Lusail Marina, in Doha, Qatar.Maree has a range of hospitality and marina experience, including threeyears working with d’Abora, Australia’s largest marina group, as marinamanager at Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology inSydney, Australia, along with a number of marina-specific qualifications.

BSL Middle East Team Events and logistics management group BSL, which has recently arrived in theMiddle East after 25 successful years in the UK, has expanded its operations inAbu Dhabi, with new offices and several additions to its team. In 2011, Tim Silveywill join the company as business development director. BSL Middle East hasalso appointed Chloe Furr, who will serve as events manager at the company.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh hasappointed Ersev Demiroz as its newhotel manager. Demiroz has more than18 years of international hospitalityexperience.

He most recently spent four years atFour Seasons Hotel Doha, Qatar,where he held the position of directorof rooms. He has spent a total of 12years with the Four Seasons group, in

locations as wide-ranging as Istanbul,Newport Beach, Berlin and Sharm ElSheikh. He has assisted with opening hotels inEgypt, Beirut and Seychelles.

Ralph KatthoeferSwiss-Belhotel International has appointedRalph Katthoefer as regional director ofoperations for the Middle East. Katthoefer wasmost recently employed as corporate head ofhotel operations for Aldiana GMBH in Germany.He has also worked with Marriott RenaissanceHotels and Resorts during his 20-year career.

Ersev Demiroz

15DECEMBER 23, 2010

Travel Trade Weekly: Firstly, can youplease tell us about TDIC’s DesertIslands product?George Chakar: Desert Islands consistsof eight different islands – one of the mainislands, the heart of the destination, iscalled Sir Bani Yas. The second is Delma Island, which is stillinhabited by 5,000 locals and they’vebeen living there since the early days. The other six islands are discoveryislands dedicated to research andpreserved as protected areas; specificallythey are grounds for nesting birds andturtle hatching. The first key element of Sir Bani Yas is theArabian Wildlife Park, which includesmore than 30 different speciesindigenous to the region, with breedingprogrammes in place designed to havefree ranging animals with minimalinteraction from humans. The second element is the resort, DesertIslands Resort and Spa, which is managedby Anantara. The offering, if you want to put it that way,is multi-experiential. Tourists can come to the island to relax,or to experience wildlife, or to experienceadventure activities. I also don’t want toforget the archaeology, because we havesites dated to 750AD. It’s a holistic experience; it means that noone can get bored.

Travel Trade Weekly: Secondly,please fill us in on Desert Islands’sister project, Qasr Al Sarab.George Chakar: Qasr Al Sarab is adifferent story. This is what makes thewestern region really unique – having boththe desert and island products on offer.

Qasr Al Sarab is in the Liwa Desert, whichis in the Empty Quarter. Historically, thelocation is significant and it is also on anoasis – in some areas in Liwa you can findwater at a depth of just one metre. The hotel is built in the form of a fort; thearchitecture and design, down to thefinest detail, represent the old architectureand old interior design. The design team of TDIC, along with ourconsultants, visited many fortresses aroundthe area and worked closely with AbuDhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. The objective of both Qasr Al Sarab andDesert Islands is to have the educationelement. The guest will come and willtake with them a story to be toldsomewhere to family and friends.

Within Qasr Al Sarab there are more than3,500 artifacts; most of them are museumquality. There are more than 2,500 booksfor people to flip through and learn aboutthe history of the region. This property is also managed byAnantara, so it is personalised luxuryservice that we are looking at. There is amain spa with a hammam and many foodand beverage outlets. We have the souk as well to go shoppingand desert activities are on offer, such asexcursions, desert walks, and we’reintroducing desert buggies. We also have a famous Bedouin dinner; all

of this is to immerse the customer in theexperience of the old days, so they canreally take with them a nice story.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are themain issues currently facing the UAEtourism industry?George Chakar: Obviously theenvironment, green issues andsustainability are the main drivers today.From a tourism aspect, this is nowtargeted in the world and many countriesare trying to do the best possible. The second element could be linked to theglobal financial crisis; the objective herecould be having more value or experiencebased products rather than just staticofferings. The offerings become vital insuch an atmosphere. I think the products that Abu Dhabi isoffering today, specifically with thelandmark products, are more experientialand answer to the value-adds that theconsumers are now asking for. Consumers may not be asking for adiscount, but they are asking for additionalvalue, more experience and a culturalexperience. All those elements must be therein order to succeed in such an atmosphere.

Q&A with George ChakarAs communications manager for the western region at Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and InvestmentCompany (TDIC), George Chakar deals with two of the emirate’s leading tourism destinations – DesertIslands and Qasr Al Sarab. Chakar spoke with Travel Trade Weekly about both developments and the greaterissues facing the UAE tourism industry.

This is what makes thewestern region really

unique – having both thedesert and islandproducts on offer

George Chakar

DECEMBER 23, 201016

EventsMoroccan Travel MarketMarrakech, Morocco, January 12-15, 2011 (en.mtm.ma)Exhibition for international travel professionals.

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

Fitur International Tourism Trade FairMadrid, Spain, January 19-23, 2011 (www.fitur.es)Fitur is a meeting point for tourism professionals to establishlines of action, strategies and business alliances.

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

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

Emitt IstanbulIstanbul, Turkey, February 10-13, 2011 (www.emittistanbul.com)Istanbul’s only international trade fair: focused on tourism inthe Eastern Mediterranean.

Record Middle Eastern Visitors Expected at Chinese New Year A Singpore Tourism Board (STB) isanticipating strong visitor numbers fromthe Middle East for Chinese New Year2011, following a successful 2010 event. Visitors from the region totalled 2,720 in2010 – more than double the number thatvisited in 2009. STB expects this growth to continue atnext year’s event, to be held betweenJanuary 15 and February 28, 2011. Celebrations for the Year of the Rabbitwill run under the banner of SpringFestival Singapore.“We look forward to welcomingregional visitors to participate in ourunique Lunar New Year festivities,which showcase Singapore’s vibrancy asa multi-cultural destination bycelebrating our rich cultural elementswhich make up the city’s soul,” said

Jason Ong, area director of the MiddleEast and Africa at STB. In addition to the annual new year

celebrations, Singapore will also host arange of cultural displays, performancesand parades.

Chinese New Year, Singapore