Middle East and North Africa Edition

JUNE 11, 2011 ISSUE 83 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

June 11, Issue 83

Market Update 2Weekly News 3Accommodation News 5Air Travel News 8Who’s Moved 11Travel Talk 12Agents’ Corner 13Travel Channels 14Rendezvous 15Events 16

55dnata AddsMaldives Resortdnata AddsMaldives Resort

dnata’s luxury hotels division has enhanced its deluxehotel offering with the addition of Zitahli Resort & Spa

in the Maldives. HERTZ LAUNCHES LOYALTYPROGRAMME IN UAE

Hertz UAE has introduced its Hertz #1Club Gold service programme at AbuDhabi International Airport, the firstloyalty programme of its kind from anycar rental company in the Middle East.

In This Issue

33DUBAI LAUNCHES WORLDDISCOVERY FESTIVALWorld Discovery Fest will offer uniquemulticultural experiences and feature theworld’s best holiday destinations, cuisines,lifestyle trends and entertainment.

1414

The number of guests staying inAbu Dhabi’s hotels and hotelapartments rose by 10 percentin the first four months of thisyear compared with the same

period in 2010, indicates ADTA research. Guestnights rose by 26 percent to 2.1 million, whileroom nights increased by 21 percent to 1.6million.The solid all-round performance communicatedby ADTA also indicates occupancy levels of 72percent and average-length-of-stay of just overthree nights (a 14 percent expansion).The rise in numbers is anticipated to continue,commented Lawrence Franklin, strategy and

policy director, ADTA. “We lookto maintain [strong performance]over the coming months with oursix-week Summer in Abu Dhabifestival incentivising visitors,

particularly those from within the GCC, with arange of headline entertainment, activities,discounts and value-add deals across attractionsand hotels.”In terms of traditional European sourcemarkets, figures show that France provided thegreatest increase in guests, with a 35 percent riseyear-on-year, although UK and Germany stillrepresent the highest guest numbers from theregion, at 50,846 and 24,958 respectively (bothhaving risen by 19 percent).Russia produced 50 percent more guests thanin the first four months of 2010 to stand at 5,459while India rose 29 percent and is now rankedas the emirate’s second-largest internationalmarket, with 33,073 guests in the period.ADTA indicates that Saudi Arabia stands as akey performer from within the region with thenumber of guests from the Kingdom havingclimbed 46 percent year-on-year to 19,375.

JUNE 11, 20112

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

Managing EditorMary Kammitsi

mary@traveltradeweekly.travelJournalistsRita Kasziba

Duncan MacRaeMarianna Keen

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas Constantinides

Mary Kammitsi

HeadquartersP.O. Box 25255

Nicosia 1308 CyprusTel: +35722820888Fax: +35722318958

Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

Emailsinfo@traveltradeweekly.travel

editorial@traveltradeweekly.travelsales@traveltradeweekly.travel

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.67Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.94Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1,515Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.38Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.71Syria (SYP) Pound 47.43Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.27Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.39Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.36Morocco (MAD) Dirham 7.78Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,608Yemen (YER) Rial 214.50Algeria (DZD) Dinar 71.56Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.20

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 9/6/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

Abu Dhabi Hotel Performance Remains StrongAbu Dhabi remains on course to improve performance across guest numbers, guestnights, occupancy revenue and length of stay, according to figures from Abu DhabiTourism Authority (ADTA).

Record Alliance Revenues Reported by oneworldoneworld alliance revenues reached a record USD850 million in 2010,experiencing their fastest growth since the alliance was launched in 1999.According to the alliance, revenues from fares, corporate contracts and otheralliance sales activity grew by 34 percent in 2010. Returns from corporatecontracts - sales deals with multinationals involving at least seven oneworldmember airlines - more than doubled, with more and more internationalbusinesses seeking deals with alliances rather than with individual airlines. Money generated by the eight million passengers transferring in 2010 to one ofoneworld alliance's member airlines from another also reached their pre-recessionlevels, at USD2.2 billion, up 17 per cent year-on-year. Achievements in the alliances breakthrough year include the launch of atransatlantic joint business between American Airlines, British Airways and Iberiaafter gaining long-awaited anti-trust immunity in both the US and Europe.Approval was also achieved from authorities in both the US and Japan for a jointbusiness between American Airlines and Japan Airlines covering their services inNorth America and Asia, while British Airways and Iberia concluded their mergeragreement, completed early this year.

Customers will gain exclusive benefits through theirmembership, including faster reservation, a faster vehiclecollection and handover process as well as privilegedtreatment to avoid long waiting in queues. Nigel Johnson, managing director, Hertz UAE,

commented on the courtesy. “The Hertz #1 Club Gold programme is all about excellent service andefficiency. Air travel has become more and more time consuming latelybecause of security requirements and administration, and we want to makethe car travel part of the journey as seamless as possible.” Customers who have rented from Hertz at least three times during acalendar year are entitled to Hertz #1 Club Gold membership. The mostloyal, frequent renters will be rewarded with extended benefits, includingrecognition and incentives with Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star and Hertz #1Club Gold President’s Circle, including free car upgrades and free rentalvouchers.

Hertz UAE, part of Al-Futtaim Group, currently serves customers at 15locations across the UAE.Bader Al Rashedi, head of car park and transportation services, Abu DhabiAirports Company (ADAC), the owner and operatorof Abu Dhabi International Airport, highlighted theimportance of gradually setting new qualitystandards.“ADAC is always enthusiastic about supporting itspartners within the airport community to enhance

their facilities andfurther deliverquality services toour passengers.These initiativessupport our visionto become one ofthe world’s leadingairport groups.”

3JUNE 11, 2011

Universal Studios Singapore Opens to Public

Hertz Launches Loyalty Programme in UAEHertz UAE has introduced its Hertz #1 Club Gold serviceprogramme at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the firstloyalty programme of its kind from any car rental company inthe Middle East.

Resorts World Sentosa has held a red carpet galadinner to celebrate the opening its new attraction,Southeast Asia’s first-and-only Universal Studiostheme park.Construction of Universal Studios Singapore onSentosa Island began on April 2007, with it officiallyopening its doors to the public on May 28 this year.There is already a Universal Studios theme park inJapan, although Universal Parks & Resorts hasstated that the park in Singapore will be the only oneof its kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years.The attraction is made up of differently themed zones,including Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, AncientEgypt, Lost world, Far Far Away and Madagascar.Also on site are five rollercoasters, two water slides,more than 30 restaurants and food carts, as well as 20unique retail stores and carts located around the park. The celebratory gala dinner was attended by VIPguests, including martial arts expert Jet Li, TVactress Vicki Zhao, film star Maggie Cheung andAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul.

Hertz UAE Gold Club

Τhe Hertz #1 Club Gold programme is all about excellent service and efficiency

Zitahli, owned and managed byAAA Hotels and Resorts,comprises of two separateproperties, namely ZitahliKuda Funafaru and Zitahli

Dholhiyadhoo, and is planned to open in June. Lisa Balsom, manager, dnata, commented on

the new product. “This region has always been a populardestination of choice in the GCC market.Many of our customers are repeat visitors tothe area and the signing of the Zitahliproperties will provide further variety andchoice for our customers.”

5JUNE 11, 2011

- Accommodation

dnata Adds Maldives Resortdnata’s luxury hotels division has enhanced its deluxe hotel offering with theaddition of Zitahli Resort & Spa in the Maldives.

IHG: Two MoreUAE StaybridgeSuites InterContinental HotelsGroup (IHG) has entered intoan agreement with ActionHotels to develop twoStaybridge Suites in Ras AlKhaimah and Abu Dhabi.The 80-suite Staybridge Suites RasAl Khaimah is slated for opening in2012, following the conversion ofan existing building. The secondannounced property, located in thecapital city’s prominent new area,Staybridge Suites Abu DhabiRawdhat is expected to cater toboth business and leisure guestsonce it opens in 2014. Kirk Kinsell, president, Europe,Middle East and Africa, IHG,elaborated on the proposeddevelopments.“These new signings reflect ourcommitment to growth in theMiddle East. We entered thismarket more than 50 years agowith the InterContinental brand.Since then we’ve introduced afurther four brands, includingStaybridge Suites in 2009 whichopened on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.”H.E Sheikh Mubarak Abdulla AlMubarak Al Sabah, chairman,Action Hotels, commented onthe upcoming openings. “Thisbrings the number of IHGproperties currently underdevelopment with Action Hotelsto three with the 176-roomHoliday Inn Seeb in Muscat,Oman set to open in mid 2012.” The signing of the two hotelsfollows IHG’s recentannouncement to develop the firstStaybridge Suites brandedproperty in Dubai, scheduled toopen in 2012.

A ccor will open threenew hotels by the end of2012 and has signedmanagement contractsfor a further two hotels.

Novotel Dammam Business Park is due to

open this year, while Ibis Riyadh OlayaStreet and Ibis Yanbu are scheduled toopen in 2012. A multi-segment propertyin Jeddah, which will include Ibis JeddahMalik Road and Adagio Jeddah MalikRoad, will be completed in 2014.

Accor has worked closely and activelywith the Saudi Commission for Tourismand Antiquities (SCTA) towards anationalisation plan for Accor hotels inthe Kingdom.The 2015 Accor Saudisation plan details

that within the next five years,Accor hotels in the Kingdomwill recruit an excess of 1,412Saudis, making up a total of1,757 Saudi nationals.Christophe Landais, managingdirector, Accor Middle East,believes that the programme willbe a significant step for thecountry’s hotel industry. “We fullysupport the Saudisationprogramme in its endeavour tosolve the growing unemploymentin the country and we stronglybelieve that sustainable hoteldevelopment will succeed onlythrough the development ofSaudi Nationals.”

The company currently operates10 hotels in Saudi Arabia,representing 2,190 rooms in fivedifferent cities. The currentnetwork of Accor hotels in thecountry are under the brandsSofitel, Novotel and Mercure.Following a boom in religioustourism, the Holy Cities of Meccaand Madinah constitute strategictargets for the development ofthe hotel brands.

JUNE 11, 20116

- Accommodation

Accor Expansion in Saudi Arabia IncorporatesSaudisation PlanAccor plans to expand its portfolio to meet demand in the booming tourism industry of Saudi Arabia,providing 1,412 new job opportunities for Saudi nationals in the next five years.

We strongly believethat sustainable hotel

development willsucceed only throughthe development of

Saudi Nationals

Effective form June 9, thenational carrier of Bahrainoperates four services perweek to the new Borg AlArab Airport in Alexandria.

Yaqoob Al Hajiri, area commercialmanager, Middle East, Gulf Air,commented on the re-launched route.

“Alexandria has always been a populardestination for our customers, and comesummer, the demand will be even higher.So we are back to this great city with fourflights a week to meet the summer rush.”Ahmed Ali Ramadhan, commercialmanager Egypt, Gulf Air, noted thatAlexandria has long been one of Egypt’s

most favoured holiday and cultural hotspot. “Alexandria is a favourite summerdestination for most Arabs for itsMediterranean climate, historic sites andbeautiful beaches. It is equally popularamong westerners for the same reasons.”The resumed services bring the totalnumber of Gulf Air’s weekly flights to

Egypt to 14. In the upcoming weeks thecarrier will add three newdestinations to its route map,including Kabul, Copenhagenand Nairobi.

JUNE 11, 20118

- Air News

Gulf Air Resumes Alexandria FlightsGulf Air has restarted its services between Alexandria and Bahrain in response to the likely growing demandfor flights between the two countries in the summer season.

Connections Between Egyptand South AfricaTo ImproveEgyptair has revealed that itwill increase its flightschedule to South Africa fromthis summer onwards. FromJune 30, the airline will boostits number of non-stop flightsfrom Cairo to Johannesburgto five per week. The flightswill operate on Wednesday,Thursday, Friday, Saturdayand Sunday with the use itsAirbus 330/200 on the route.The airline also recentlyannounced that it will startoperating a daily non-stopflight between Dubai andAlexandria starting on June20. Its Airbus 320/200 will beused for these flights,providing 145 seats for eachjourney. The flights will beoperated to Nozha Airport indowntown Alexandria.

9JUNE 11, 2011

- Air News

Emirates Touches Down in GenevaEmirates has added yet another destination to its expanding globalnetwork after launching daily flights to Geneva, Switzerland. Besides multi-national passengers from all over the world,including Australia, Ethiopia and Mauritius, Emirates’ VIPdelegation and a number of special guests joined the carrier’smaiden flight to the second most populous city of theEuropean county. Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline, explained the newroute’s great significance. “This launch, in particular, has astrong international feel about it – linking Dubai, as a globalaviation hub and centre for business and tourism withGeneva, a home to so many international organisations andan important financial and banking centre. On the back ofour robust financial results, the airline continues to driveforward – connecting key cities around the world.”Francois Longchamp, president, board of Geneva Airport,highlighted the values Emirates adds to the city’s aviationindustry. “We are very pleased to welcome Emirates to Geneva.The airline is a worldwide reference in terms of reputation andquality of service.” The route will be served with a combination of Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ERs with three-class configuration. Geneva represents Emirates’ second destination inSwitzerland after commencing services to Zurich in 1992.

Etihad Airways and AmericanAirlines Extend CooperationEtihad Airways and American Airlines will build on their existing codeshareagreement by offering passenger the opportunity to earn frequent flyer mileson flights booked on each company’s network, made effective from June 1.

The codeshare agreementbetween the airlines, inplace since August 2009,delivers a combinedcodeshare network of

more than 50 destinations worldwide.Following the agreement, in bookingeligible flights, members of EtihadAirways’ Etihad Guest frequent flyerprogramme and American Airlines’AAdvantage programme will be able toearn miles from each airline. James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways,expressed the positive implication of theextended agreement for the airline and its

passengers. “American Airlines has a wide-reaching destination network and a highlyloyal customer base, making them an idealpartner for us in expanding our globalreach for our customers beyond thedestinations we serve directly, whileoffering new services to our partner’scustomers. Through our new frequent flyeragreement, I look forward to providing amore rewarding travel experience forAAdvantage members on our network.”The airlines plan to expand the agreementlater this year to include mileageredemption across the two airlines’networks.

Qatar Airways has launched twice weeklyflights to the southern Iranian city of Shiraz,marking its third destination city in Iran.Flights from the airline’s Doha hub toShahid Dastghaib International Airport inShiraz began on June 5, enhancing theairline’s commitment to Iran.Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways,suggested that the move represents theairline’s push to exploit marketopportunities. “Iranian expatriates numberbetween four and five million people, withmany living in Europe and North America.We have good connections from thesecontinents to Shiraz through our Dohahub, so facilitating travel for this expatriatecommunity is now made much easier. Asthe route to Shiraz develops, we will alsolook to add frequency and capacity toimprove connectivity even further.”

Qatar Airways LaunchesFlights to Third Iranian City

11JUNE 11, 2011

Boris GuerovBoris Guerov has been appointed as director of operations atHilton Dubai Jumeirah. In his new role Guerov, who in the last

10 years has held anumber of seniorpositions with Hiltonacross the globe, willoversee all operationsat the hotel. Mostrecently he worked asdirector of operationsat Waldorf Hilton inLondon. Guerovdescribed his re-location to the MiddleEast as a natural stepin his hotel career.

Zaidan KhalifatZaidan Khalifat has been appointed as director of quality andsafety for Safi Airways, the international airline of Afghanistan.Khalifat has solid experience in the aviation sector that spansover 35 years in a number ofcountries, including the US,UK, Jordan and Nigeria.Previously he heldmanagerial positions at ArikAir and Royal JordanianAirlines. In his new position,he will work closely withboth local and internationalregulators to ensure that thecarrier’s operations meet allquality standards. He willalso participate in regularaudits to approve safetyprotocols and assure allpublished procedures andrequirements of theregulatory author are met.

Rami TaimRami Taim has joined Dusit International as senior regionalsales manager, Middle East. In his new role, Taim will focuson developing both inbound and outbound operations inthe Middle East, where Dusit’s business experienced 20percent increase in 2010. Taim will oversee all sales activitiesof Dusit’s existing five properties in the region, which willreach six later this year with the opening of Dusit Thani AbuDhabi. In addition, he will be in charge of the organisationof trade shows and setting up familiarisation trips. Mostrecently Taim held theposition of businessdevelopment managerfor the GCC andMiddle East atShangri-La Dubai,where he wasresponsible for boththe corporate andleisure sectors. Priorto that, he worked in asimilar position atTamani Hotel Marina,Holiday Inn Hotels &Resorts Sofitel CityCentre Hotel and AlAin Rotana.

Zaidan Khalifat

Rami Taim

Boris Guerov

JUNE 11, 201112

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

Michel NobletPresident & CEO, HMH

“We have continued to execute our expansion strategyin the region irrespective of the difficult times. Thebottom line is you need to know how to market yourhotels, and that is the only way to be successful intoday’s challenging business environment.”

Toufic El TalManaging Director, Bliss 3000

“We are pleased that one of our premier developments has found itsplace in such worthy hands. Cristal Hotels is a welcome addition toLebanon’s hospitality community, not only because of the high qualityof facilities and services attached to its name, but because of itscommitment to various social and environmental causes. Bliss 3000SAL is also working on other key projects with Cristal Hotels as itstrengthens its presence in Lebanon and internationally.”

We are pleased that one of our premier

developments hasfound its place in

such worthy hands

Toufic El Tal

Michel Noblet

The bottomline is you

need to knowhow to

market yourhotels

13JUNE 11, 2011

Who are you?I am Amr Medany and I work as assistant planning manager forNational Travel Service (NTS). I joined the group in 2006 as atour operator and succeeded in a couple of years to move to theplanning department, which is responsible for potential marketsand business volume. NTS was founded in 1989 and currentlyowns and operates a fleet of five-star super deluxe and deluxe aswell as cruises the four-star Noria Resort in Sharm El Sheik.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travelindustry? The travel industry is a very interesting field, especially inEgypt as it has many faces including classic, cultural, leisure,religious, golf, safari, diving, corporate, incentives and manyothers. The thing that makes the job very challenging is thatselling a product that may appeal to travellers from all over theworld is not an easy task. In addition, I am fond of attendinginternational tourism fairs because they give the chance torepresent new products and services to a targeted audience,and the B2B meetings foster relationships with both currentand potential partners.

When is the best time to visit Egypt? Clients from Western Europe, Russia, US and Latin Americaenjoy winter time between October and May while travellersfrom the Gulf, Middle East and Eastern Europe prefer thesummer season due to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere,which grants the chance to visit sights without hassle.Personally I believe that Egypt is ideal for memorablevacations and tours throughout the whole year.

Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Marsa Alama or Taba as I yearn for relaxation and quietness.

Why should people come to you for travel advice? NTS has experience and profound knowledge of more than 70markets worldwide. Together with our very professional staff wehave been able to handle various types of businesses. Furthermore,NTS’s excellent relationship with hotels across Egypt ensuresconvenient rates, upgrades and constant availability. Under theslogan ‘customer satisfaction first’ NTS group is very keen onaffordable elite services in terms of quality and safety measures.

Name: Amr MedanyPosition: Assistant Planning ManagerCompany: National Travel ServiceLocation: Egypt

Agent’s Insight Qatari Agents Get More Online SupportTravel technology firm Amadeus has launched an onlinesupport tool for travel agents to browse support information,resolve problems and log cases in the Amadeus Help Desk.The Amadeus e-Support Centre is currently used in Australia,Austria, Benelux, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany,Gulf, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway,Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa,Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US and is now available in Qatar. It contains more than 1,000 knowledge solutions, tips andsupport guidelines. The wide range of resources and educationalmaterial can be searched by keyword, topic and specific systemerror message. Wafiq Al-Wahidi, general manager, Amadeus Qatar, noted thatonline search technology and self service have become part of ourdaily lives. “Amadeus has worked closely with customers to createnew online support tools that are designed to make their liveseasier. This investment in new technology will provide customerswith better access to information and new and innovative ways toget the support they need when and where they need it.”Future enhancements of the online portal will include an onlineFormat Finder to help agents find the right Amadeus entryquickly and other features designed to push information to travelagents in the event of an ongoing problem.

JUNE 11, 201114

Launched on May 31 byInternational Conferences& Exhibitions (IC&E), andsupported by theGovernment of Dubai and

the Department of Tourism andCommerce Marketing, the festival intendsto draw in a large number of nationals aswell as expatriates from around theregion. It will be held at The MeydanGrandstand, Dubai's newest hospitalityand tourism venue, on November 3 - 5,coinciding with the Eid holiday period. Anselm Godinho, managing director,IC&E, elaborated on the decision to holdthe multicultural event in Dubai. “World

Discovery Fest takes inspiration from themany cultures and nationalities thatwonderfully co-exist in the UAE, whilereinforcing the country's growingreputation as a haven for luxury,entertainment, tourism, shopping andculinary excellence. The Festival will offera fresh outlook of various products,services and value-added offerings in atruly multicultural, relaxing and uniquelyengaging atmosphere.World Discovery Fest will showcase aseries of activities, attractions and livedemonstrations spread out across the fourdedicated show segments: Travel andLeisure Zone, Entertainment Zone, Food

and Beverage Zone, and Retail TherapyZone.

The Travel and Leisure Zone will featurecompeting airlines, cruise operators, touroperators, travel agencies, spas, hotels andresorts, exhibiting a range of hospitalityofferings and leisure destinations acrossthe world.

Dubai Launches World Discovery Festival, Exhibitingthe Best Consumer Offerings Across CulturesWorld Discovery Fest will offer unique multicultural experiences and feature the world’s best holidaydestinations, cuisines, lifestyle trends and entertainment.

World Discovery Fest takes inspiration from the

many cultures andnationalities that wonderfully

co-exist in the UAE

15JUNE 11, 2011

Q & A with Chris AtkinWith innovations in technology pushing the travel industry to constantly evolve, smart applications aretransforming the hotel market for industry players and visitors. Chris Atkin, chief operating officer and regionaldirector UAE, iRiS Software Systems, talks about the dissemination of the iRiS Personal Valet application,the significance of its implementation in the hotel market, and possibilities for the future.

Travel Trade Weekly: The iRiSPersonal Valet is revolutionising guestservices, with guests able to book aspa treatment, browse and book citytours or shop online, all in the privacyof their room. What is expected to bethe next step in the comprehensivemobile strategy in the hotel market?Chris Atkin: There are a number of waysthat hoteliers can go with applications fromthe Personal Valet application. Firstly, theycan drill down and create very specificapplications for clearly defined services atproperty level. For example fine-diningrestaurants can utilise our eSommelierapplication to enable diners to browsethrough the cellar and compare the wines,prices and offers. Additionally they can readtasting notes or even information about theregion or grower. The restaurateur can nowprovide more expertise to more diners atthe same time thus reducing waiting timesfor the sommelier. On the other hand hotel operators canmove beyond a single property andprovide applications that offer informationabout all of their properties and enableguests to book rooms, restaurant tablesand find out more about the destination.

Travel Trade Weekly: How muchdemand has the iRiS iPadapplication attracted in the MiddleEast hotel market?Chris Atkin: We are still in the earlystages of our trials, but already the majorinternational chains, local chains andindependents are all watching closely andgearing up to move forward. We have anumber of very high profile opportunitiesin the pipeline and we expect to be able toannounce some significant projects in the

coming months. Our objective is to haveover 2,500 rooms in the region by the endof the year.

Travel Trade Weekly: Do you think theupscale image of destinations such asDubai and Abu Dhabi, is likely to attractmore smartphone users and, therefore,more users of such applications?Chris Atkin: Certainly, the penetrationof these devices in markets such as theUAE adds to the need for iRiS to invest inthe region. However, our proposition doesnot rely solely on users of these devices.The majority of customers looking toimplement our iPad solution understandthe value of having these devices deployedin all of their guest rooms to ensure theirmessage reaches all their guests and notjust those who decide to download theapplication. In fact for many of thehoteliers the deployment of iPads is partof an ongoing strategy to reduce theirpaper and print consumption.

Travel Trade Weekly: IRIS SoftwareSystems conducted a workshop onmobile technology at the Hotel Show atthe Dubai World Trade Centre on May19, which explored the integration ofmobile technology into hotel operations.How much interest did this innovativemarket attract at the show and do youthink the hotel market across theMiddle East and North Africa is readyfor further technicality?Chris Atkin: The workshop wasdesigned to offer hoteliers a glimpse ofwhere we are going with the integrationof other systems and applications such asonline table reservations and roomcontrols. Certainly those who attended

are now engaging us to discuss in moredetail how they can use applications suchas ours to simplify how they offer servicesto guests. The beauty of what we do is thatwe make everything visual and easy tounderstand whatever nationality you areor language you speak and read. The iRiSPersonal Valet is like flicking through thepages of your favourite magazine, exceptyou can interact with it.

Travel Trade Weekly: Several studiesshow that people prefer planning andbooking online. Do you think that thiswill take the important personaltouch away from customer service andhospitality in hotels?Chris Atkin: On the contrary. Thesesystems help people do the things theywant to do when they want to do them. Weare no longer constrained to the workinghours of the travel agent or the airline.What we are seeing particularly in our sitesis that the hotels are able to capture moreinformation about guests’ likes anddislikes and can tailor their products andservices more appropriately.

Chris Atkin

JUNE 11, 201116

EventsAsia Luxury Travel MarketShanghai, China, June 13-16, 2011(www.altm.com.cn)An event showcasing the world's most sought after destinationsand travel experiences to travel buyers from across the Asia Pacific.

World Health Tourism CongressMurcia, Spain, June 17-19, 2011(www.spain.healthtourismcongress.com)The most established and longest running health and medicaltourism event in the world

CITY FAIR The European Cities Travel Workshop London, UK, June 20, 2011(www.cityfair.travel)A one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated tothe sector of city tourism.

AIBTMBaltimore, US, June 21-23, 2011(www.aibtm.com)A US event for the business travel and meetings industry.

China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings ExhibitionBeijing, China, August 30-September 1, 2011 (www.cibtm.com)A leading event for the meetings, incentives, business travel andevents industry in China and Asia.

PATA Travel MartNew Delhi, India, September 6-9, 2011 (www.pata.org)Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show with networking andcontracting opportunities.

Top Resa, International French Travel MarketParis, France, September 20-23, 2011 (www.iftm.fr)France’s international travel and tourism trade fair fornetworking, doing business, innovating and keeping abreast ofmarket developments.

Cityscape DubaiDubai, UAE, September 26-29, 2011 (www.cityscape.ae)A business-to-business networking exhibition and conferencefor emerging real estate markets globally.

A total of 235 exhibitors from 55different countries took part in the ChinaOutbound Travel & Tourism Market(COTTM) on April 13.They each took the opportunity toshowcase their destinations and travelservices to 3,300 outbound tour operatorsfrom all over China. The seventh edition of the showwelcomed brand new destinations, suchas Canada, Malaysia, Morocco, SouthAfrica, Turkey and Zambia. Matt Thompson, project director, COTTM,was pleased to see the event grow in

popularity. “COTTM exceededexpectations by attracting worldwidedestinations in greater numbers and frommore countries than before, emphasisingthe strong growth in the region. The largenumber of serious outbound tour operatorswho attended the show is very encouragingand a sign of good things to come.”One of the highlights of the show was thehigh-calibre seminar programme, for bothvisitors and exhibitors, according toorganisers.Visitors were able to find out more aboutexhibitor products and services while

exhibitors learned about outboundtourism trends, future challenges,commercial opportunities andgovernment policies. A key topic this yearwas using social media and digitalmarketing to reach out to and engageaffluent Chinese consumers.

Chinese Exhibition a Hit with Travel Trade