Travel World WTM LR

TRAVEL WORLD MAGAZINE

Amgad Hassoun - Chairman of Flash Tour

TRAVEL WORLD MAGAZINE TRAVEL WORLD MAGAZINE

The Minister of Tourism Zuhair Garrana and his

Tunisian counterpart, Salim Tlatli had Signed an agreement on tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Signing was attended by Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Authority Amr Ezabi and Chairman of the Tourism Development Engineer Khaled Makhlouf, Chairman of the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Tourism Ahmed El Nahas and heads of chambers and the leaders of the Ministry of Tourism, and the delegation of leaders of the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism and Tunisian Ambassador to Egypt Mongi Badawi.

Mr. Garranah - on the sidelines of the signing of the Convention - said that the high end of the Egyptian tourism this year will increase at a rate ranging between 19 and 20% from last year.

«The ministry is tracking the electoral program of President Mubarak, which aims to reach in 2011 to 14 million tourists and 140 million nights and 5.1 million and $ 240 thousand hotel rooms» he said.

He added too that the challenges faced by the tourism sector had affected the development of tourism in Egypt, pointing out that the end of 2009 we came to 12.5 million tourists, despite a decrease from the previous year by 2.3% and achieved 123 million for the night and more than 200 thousand rooms.

The largest project of «Sound & Light» was

opened recently in the Temple of Horus in Edfu in a major celebration of Misr Company for «Sound & Light» and Cinema under the Chairmanship of Major General Essam Abdul-Hadi. The celebration was attended by many important figures in the fields of tourism and cultural.

This project is the fifth project of «Sound & Light» shows after the company plans to make new offers in new areas.

The Temple of Edfu, is considering one of the most

Edfu: The Fifth «Sound & Light» project is now open 35 million pounds investment costs of Sound and Light show in Edfu

beautiful Egyptian temples, which is characterized by the magnitude of the building and the splendor is the temple on the West Bank of the River Nile.

This project was Established to create a sound and light project in the temple city of the god Horus of Edfu, investment costs of up to about 35 million pounds, almost.

The project includes a large stage to receive the 1000 scenes and equipped with the latest technology and audio-visual effects.

This project at Edfu city aims to provide tourism

product and an outstanding center for radiation culture and tourism in the south of Upper Egypt and the support of tourism activities and cultural and historical sites in Egypt, expressing civilizations multiple of Egypt and offers 6 languages: German, Spanish, French, English and Italian, in addition to Arabic.

In the pyramid area, The Sound&Light shows now are in development with the latest methods to introduce advanced technological techniques of modern sound and light which tells the story of sphinx guarding the city of the dead for five thousand years.

In Karnak temple, the Sound&Light shows had been completed its development last year with updated devices that drop large images and lighting, which are used in high-tech world, known as the (led) as well as the development of sound effects.

And the fourth draft of the light and sound projects, which began with the beginning of the twenty-first century and a sequel to

the march of the company›s successful and more tourist attractions, the company is implementing a project sound and light temples of Abu Simbel built by King Ramses II more than three thousand years is the purpose of the global tourism after the UNESCO rescued from drowning and tells the romantic story between the great beauty of Ramses and Nefertari, and the story of war and the throne.

«During the next year, the largest city of Sound&Light will be born in Hurghada on approximately 43 thousand square meters including

samples for all ancient Egyptian cities.

The company has allowed for the first time booking tickets and secure e-property deal with the banks via its new website

http://www.soundandlight.com.eg.» said General Essam.

He added that all this efforts comes in the light of the plan adopted by the expert on tourism Mr. Ali Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Holding Company for Tourism, Hotels and Cinema, which aims to interest tourisms next to Egypt in all tourist areas and archaeological sites.

Tunisia and Egypt sign ajoint tourism agreement

to the generations, and the definition of the citizen Saudi diversity of domestic tourism, and is characterized by areas of archaeological, historical, religious, and to highlight the most important tourism services in the Kingdom, and contribute to the development of tourism and to highlight the latest developments in the service sector, tourism, and attract a large number of tourists entering and international, as well as provide an opportunity for tourism companies and travel promotion of programs and their tourism offers, and to highlight the tourism industry.

Maya Halfawy, The organizer of the exhibition said that Jeddah Tourism and travel Exhibition aimed to the institutions and promotion bodies and companies and tourist agencies, hotels, airlines and all relevant sectors, and that their participation comes within the framework of their interest and support is limited to domestic tourism, and workers in this important sector, indicating that the exhibition includes presentations of the largest travel companies in the Middle East.

HH Prince Khalid Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Makkah approved to

establish the first Jeddah exhibition for tourism and travel during the period from 14 to 17 next Moharam under the slogan «The gateway for tourism,» with the participation of more than 200 exhibitors on an area of about 4800 square meters.

The exhibition, sponsored by the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah and the Jeddah Municipality to promote tourism and promote it, and instilling a culture of domestic tourism

Jeddah Tourism Show:«The gateway for tourism»

Ali Abdulaziz Essam Abdul Hadi

3THIRD PAGE


2010 is slowly coming to an end and it was another successful year for the Flash Group.

In general the year has been a good one for all of us, as well as, for our partners working with us in Egypt. We have achieved a fair increase in total number of clients visiting Egypt, which also created an increase in revenue. Through this success we once again have managed to be “Number Two” in the annual statistic of Egyptian tourism companies in Egypt.

The Flash Group was able to achieve these results through the amazing effort and commitment that our International partners have shown us by choosing Egypt as one of their main destinations. Some of them being Cosmos in the UK Market, Schauinsland and the FTI Group in the German market, Promovacance in the French Market and Phone & Go in the Italian Market. Furthermore, we would like to welcome our new groups from USA/Canada, and we are delighted to see that our new office in Montreal is already starting to show signs of positive results.

In the coming years, we at Flash Group wish to increase our worldwide presence through offering our serves and products in new and unexplored markets. We have already started to see some signs of such expansions through the signed agreement with JTB who is located in Japan and will become our partner in the Japanese Market. We were able to obtain JTB because of our Nile cruise boats that feature the necessary bathroom facilities, which were requested by Japanese travelers. With that said we are now able to offer a choice of 4 Nile Cruise boats with bath tubs (Magic M/S Carole, the Magic M/S Karine, the M/S

Arabesque and the M/S Emely). Flash International Hotels & Cruises have

successfully launched the “Sea Magic” a 5 star All Inclusive Resort in SSH, which was formally known as Pyramisa Sharm. In addition, an additional 657 units are being added to the already operating Magic Stella Resort in Makadi. Mr. Magdy Takla and his team are moving from project to project in order to support the growth of the Flash Group.

With the increased business volume we are proud to have increased our management team and would like to extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Samar Eskander who is joining us to manage the newly created Japanese market and will be working together with her Assistant Mr. Saito from Japan. Also, due to the additional cruise capacities for the coming winter season 20102011/ we are now holding the full capacity of 11 Nile cruise boats, and therefore we have appointed Mr. Assem Abdel Raouf as Operation Manager for Cruises Flash Tour.

The winter season 201011/ has just started a few days ago and the forecasts for the coming 6 months are looking very promising. We hope that we are able to keep up the good work and together with all our foreign partners we can have another busy, challenging and successful winter season.Flash Group hopes that everybody will enjoy this year WTM, and that you will have an interesting and fun stay in London.

Another successful year for the Flash Group

Being one of the most prominent tour operators

in the world, Thomas Cook carefully chooses the location of its Annual Meeting. And because of its reputation as a luxury Resort offering the highest standards of service, Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh has been selected to be this spot. As part of the meeting, a number of eminent figures stayed at the Resort including Mr. Manny Fontenla, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook Group, under whose umbrella are Thomas Cook UK, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia, France, and others, in addition to Condor Airlines, owning a large aviation fleet comprising 92 aircrafts.

As the travel highlight event of the year, both HE Minister of Tourism and HE Red Sea Governor attended, accompanied by a front line delegation including international travel figures,

Thomas Cook Chooses Baron Sharm for its Annual Meeting

Photos shows Mr. Sherif Shahein with HE Minister of Tourism, Mr. Pete Constanti, Mr. Fontenla, Mr. Amre Elezaby.

and Mr. Hossam Al Shaer, Chairman of Bright Sky, Thomas Cook’s agent in Egypt, in addition to 130 owners and general managers of 5-star hotels in Egypt and the region.

The delegations were welcomed by Mr. Sherif Shahein, Vice President of Baron Hotels & Resorts Egypt, and Mr. Ahmed Khaled, Area General Manager of Baron Hotels & Resorts – Red Sea, who escorted the guests in a tour of the Resort grounds.

As part of Thomas Cook Board Members Meeting at Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh, an introductory seminar took place at the main ballroom of the adjacent sister Hotel Baron Palms Resort Sharm El Sheikh, in the attendance of all guests where Mr. Fontenla gave a speech praising Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh and describing it as one of the most beautiful Hotels he has

been to and the best ever in terms of standard of service.

As part of the meeting itinerary, Mr. Fontenla and Mr. Sherif Shahein shared a one-on-one breakfast get together when they had a thorough discussion on the current joint business as well as the upcoming opening of

Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh in 2011 and the other three projects to follow afterwards.

Guests were impressed with the Resort nestled in a unique spot in the aqua oasis of Ras Nasrani Bay and extending on 600m of private sandy beach and also comprising state-of-the-art MICE facilities.

It is worth mentioning that the Resort has just witnessed the completion of a set of renovations worth LE 12 million including its culinary range of Italian, Indian and main restaurant as well as the beach bar & lounge, lobby and a number of facilities.

Hilton Worldwide announced that Rudi

Jagersbacher will become Area President, Operations, Middle East and Africa, for the hospitality company, effective January 1, 2011. Jagersbacher will replace Jean-Paul Herzog, who will retire from Hilton Worldwide at the end of the year after 40 years of service.

Ian Carter, President, Global Operations and Development, said, “Jean-Paul has been an important part of the success of our company for the last four decades and we wish him well in his retirement. We are delighted that someone of Rudi’s talent, depth of experience and knowledge of the market will be stepping into the role.

I am confident that he will build upon Jean-Paul’s legacy of accomplishments in the Middle East and Africa as we advance our business in the region in the years to come.”

Jagersbacher is currently Area Vice President for operations in the Benelux, Nordic and Italy. He joined the company in 1974 after holding senior leadership positions at the Savoy and Claridges in London.

He was appointed to General Manager positions in flagship properties such as the Langham Hilton and the Park Lane Hilton followed by Vice President roles in London and Dubai. He is also a founding member of the Hilton in the Community Foundation, which is a grant-making organization that fundraises throughout Hilton Worldwide properties in Europe to support disadvantaged children and young people.

Jagersbacher will remain in his current post until he assumes the new position as Area President, Operations, Middle East and Africa on January 1, 2011.

Hilton Worldwide Appoints New Area President

4 HOT NEWS

Balbaa Group will attend the WTM in London

November 2010 to continue promoting its unique Services and Facilities of B&G

Hotels and Resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Balbaa Group one of the leading investors in tourism in Egypt, consists of 6 joint stock companies working in Tourist Investment and Development projects.

It owns and Manages 6 Hotels and Resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam: Kahramana Hotel in Naama Bay (Sharm) with 126 rooms which has started a complete Renovation program and due to be finished by the end of February 2011, Laguna Vista Beach Resort in Nabq Bay (Sharm) with 366 rooms, Laguna Vista Garden Resort in Nabq Bay (Sharm) with

160 rooms, Kahramana Beach Resort in Marsa Alam (Red Sea) with 178 rooms, Kahramana Garden Resort in Marsa Alam (Red Sea) with 97 rooms and Calimera Habiba Beach Resort in Marsa Alam (Red Sea) with 334 rooms and suites in addition to the Marina Hamata which was opened last year and 50 Hotel Apartments in Palm Project in Dubai

Eng. Ahmed Balbaa, Chairman of Balbaa Group who will head the Group›s Team in WTM said about the new Marina in Hamata «It is located 107km South of Marsa Alam giving access to famous diving locations such as Rocky Island, Saint John’s Reef and Zabaegad Island, enabling divers to fully explore the South of the Red Sea discovering some of the richest varieties of corals and marina life, in addition to provide all boats with a complete services such as Fuel supply, Water supply, 5 meter Deep Harbor Basin, Harbormaster control, Supermarket, Shopping,

Balbaa Group to attend WTM London to promote its Unique Resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam

catering, Laundry and Coffee Shop .

Also The Newly Awaited Laguna Residence which is due to be in operation as of March 2011 with its 276 Units followed by the Boutique Hotel in addition to a New Resort near Marina Hamata consists of 400 rooms due to open by late 2012.

Mr. Saad Attia, Corporate

Director of Sales & Marketing and Board Member in Balbaa Group, attending WTM to promote the Sharm and the Marsa Alam destinations, said that all the Resorts have a good image now in most of the International Markets after the strong market plan which was executed during the last Four years. »Our professional Marketing and Sales team are focusing in all international Big Tourism Events in addition to arranging and executing Sports and Cultural Events to let the whole market know about our Resorts and enjoy our special care and attention to our valuable guests”

It is worth mentioning that Balbaa Group for Hotels & Resorts has a number of New Projects such as the Laguna Residence project in Sharm 276 units between Villas and Apartments with the concept of Flat Apartment Services which is a new concept in Sharm to open by March 2011 followed by the Boutique Hotel and other projects under construction and due to open within the coming 2 years such as Kahramana Marsa Matrouh to open summer 2012 and a New Resort near Marina Hamata 400 rooms due to open by late 2012

The Group›s total investment is LE 1.4 Billion with 2700 employees under the umbrella of Balbaa Group.

Eng. Ahmed Balbaa is known to be the Honorary President of Masa Alam city, for being the pioneer of tourism development in Marsa Alam and the First Investor to build a hotel in this unique area.

Eng. Ahmed Balbaa Mr. Saad Attia

5HOT NEWS


Style and sophistication, plus the magical quality of history and heritage give the Cairo Marriott Hotel a unique place in the

fabric of the city. The nineteenth century Gezira Palace sits proudly between the

hotel’s two modern towers, which offer stunning views as the Nile flows past Zamalek Island. The magical 5 star hotel in Cairo is currently being upgraded with a multi-million dollar two-year renovation program.

An oasis in the midst of Cairo, this downtown hotel features six acres of lush and verdant gardens. Business travelers and conference-goers drawn to accommodations in Cairo will find the Cairo Marriott offers the ideal location to match its unrivalled facilities.

Inside, the hotel Gezira Palace houses Cairo meeting rooms, splendid banquet halls, and conference facilities comprising seventeen multi-purpose rooms. The Aida Ballroom can hold up to 1,000 people and has simultaneous translation facilities. The Salon Vert and Salon Royal offer the perfect setting for receptions and dinners, while Salon Eugenie can be utilized for exclusive private dining in royal settings. In photo, Mr. Richard Zeolla - hotel General Manager.

Sheraton Dreamland Hotel is located 30 km from Downtown Cairo in the 6th of October City, and overlooking one of the finest theme parks in Egypt and the Middle East which makes a

great base for Leisure and Business travellers.The hotel consists of 166 pleasantly furnished guest rooms and suites overlooking the pool or

the landscape gardens and are equipped with all modern-day amenities. Sheraton Dreamland Hotel offers a variety of restaurants and bars offering an exquisite culinary experience. To tone up body as well as mind, indulge in a massage or a workout at the hotel›s popular Fitness Center.While Sheraton Dreamland Hotel & Conference Center is ideal for families as well as for

couples, it is also a perfect spot for businessmen as it encompasses fully equipped meeting rooms to host discrete private meetings or large conferences & seminars.

An Ideal Gateway At Sheraton Dreamland Hotel & Conference Center

Marko Hytonen the Area Vice President

for the Rezidor Hotel Group – Middle East had the pleasure of announcing the appointment of Mr. Yousry Ali as the new General Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria.

This appointment is considered to be a remarkable addition to the hotel management, after a wealth of experience with greatest hotel chains namely, The Hyatt Corporation & Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Ali says that “Coming to the Beautiful Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria honors itself to create a different environment, and as a Capital of Arab Tourism for 2010, Alexandria is a very potential addition to the Egyptian Catalogue for both business & leisure tourism”.

Yousry Ali - New General Manager at the Radisson BLU Hotel, Alexandria

Sheraton Montazah Hotel has lately joined the check –out for children program recently launched by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Egypt under the auspices of Ministry of Social Solidarity.The aim of the initiative is to support the UNICEF in Egypt favor of the homeless and at risk children by adding one US Dollar to customer’s room bill upon check-out. This contribution will be done only on a voluntary basis while collected donations will be forwarded to UNICEF Egypt for the homeless and at risk children’s rehabilitation and enhancement projects.Photo shows Ayman Thabet, Ambassador of the check-out of children project explaining the program to one of the lady guests upon her check-in. Ayman says we’re proud that we’re one of the leading Egypt Hotels in the amount collected and thanks to our supportive guests, who could make it happen.

Sheraton Montazah joins the “Check Out For Children”

initiative

The board of the Chamber of tourist Establishments of the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Tourism

approved on the proposal for the establishment an information center site of the Chamber on Facebook to view its achievements.

The Council also approved the technical offer submitted for the replacement of the style and the way they communicate with members through e-mail and faxes to a «sms» for the provision of the cost of time and effort, to be sent a circular to all the tourist Establishments through out their mobile phones.

Tourist Establishments» agree to establish a site on «Facebook»

Mr. Amgad Hassoun Chairman of Flash Tour receiving for the 13th consecutive year the 2nd place award from H.E the Egyptian Minister of Tourism HE. Mr. Zoheir Garanah at the

World Tourism Day 2010”. Shown Mr. Ahmed Al Nahas, the Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Chambers during the Tourism day.

Award for the 13th consecutive year

PALACE OF DREAMS: Cairo 5 Star Hotel Offers a Royal Experience

7HOTEL NEWS


Director General of the World Health Organization Ms. Margaret Fung

stayed at InterContinental Cairo Citystars on her recent visit to Egypt.

Ms. Margaret chose to stay at the hotel during the 57th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean where decisions on a range of crucial health issues were reviewed and taken.

Upon her arrival to InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Ms. Margaret was welcomed by Thierry Perrot the General Manager of the hotel & Area General Manager of IHG Citystars.

On her departure, she commanded the hotel on the warm welcome and great service she received during her stay at the hotel.

Ms. Margaret Fung at InterContinental Cairo Citystars

The Rezidor Hotel Group – one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide –

announces the launch of Blu meetings EXTRA, a dedicated meetings package offered through its Global Sales Office in Dubai.

Blu meetings EXTRA; available at 23 Radisson Blu hotels across Europe and the Middle East, provides MICE clients with a range of extra benefits for all bookings taking place at participating hotels throughout 2010.

Officially launched at GIBTM in Abu Dhabi – the only event of its kind for the MICE industry in the Middle East region– the Blu meetings EXTRA package includes: special early booking discounts, complimentary rooms, coffee breaks, equipment and internet access, as well as a range of additional extra’s from a dedicated booking page and sales team, to 100% guest satisfaction guarantee. In addition, Rezidor is offering override commissions to its travel partners and Goldpoint rewards to its meeting planners as a super bonus.

Speaking of the launch Yigit Sezgin, Global Director of Sales & Marketing said ”Meetings and events groups are a crucial segment for us and in these challenging times it is essential to be competitive. We wanted to create something that rewarded our clients by offering them a number of extra benefits to add value while at the same time utilizing our extensive portfolio of hotels to find the right fit for all of our clients needs” adding that ”our dedicated sales teams will be heavily promoting this package in key markets of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE and we will of course be cross promoting the package through the participating hotels which creates a very healthy reach.”

In addition, the participating hotels have commited to donate 1% of total revenue generated from the package to the World Childhood Foundation, the charity organisation that Rezidor has supported since early 2007.

With an ever expanding Radisson Blu portfolio of over 55,000 rooms and 235 hotels in operation or under development in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Blu meetings Extra includes 23 carefully selected hotels in key cities including: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Moscow, Paris, Riyadh and Rome.

Rezidor GSO in Dubai launches MICE package

212 thousand hotel rooms under Construction

Ahmed Attia, First Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism for the hotel industry, said that the ministry has completed

the inventory of hotel capacity under construction, which will be 667 hotel facility, with 212 thousand and 690 rooms.

He said that these hotels will enter service successively in the next five years to provide one million jobs in this sector, by 5 individuals per room directly and indirectly, by pointing out that the rooms under construction investments amount to 20 billion pounds, and the completion of which will close the hotel capacity than half of the million rooms intervention by Egypt a new phase of competition at the level of international tourism.

Despite the increase in hotel capacity with the start of the tourist season this winter the first of October to 221 thousand and 331 rooms, including 1000 rooms means the entry of new service for the first time. He said that this room increasing will cope with rising numbers of tourists from various traditional markets and new ones.

9HOTEL NEWS


The 3rd Arab I n t e r n a t i o n a l

E-Tourism & E-marketing Conference, organized by the International Organization of the E-Tourism Industry (IOETI), in partner with The Egyptian Tourism Authority, under the patronage of The Egyptian Minister of Tourism (Mr. Zohier Garana) and The Egyptian Minister of Communication & Information Technology (Dr. Tarek Kamel) along with the International University (Modul University). This Year the Conference will be headed by Mr. Elhamy El Zyatt the Tourism Legend. The conference will be held in Luxor, Egypt on December 13th-16th, 2010. The Conference offers a unique forum for academics, industry, destination managers, marketers and government representatives to explore the future of ICTs in Tourism through researches, seminars, workshops and dynamic dialogues.The 3rd e-Tourism/e-Marketing Conference will bring together international experts in all aspects of Information and Communication Technologies in Travel and Tourism.The tracks are designed in a way that enables maximum exchange of information and interaction. The conference will concentrate on disruptive technologies, cloud computing and cultural heritage. It will attract more than 20 international trade speakers & professors over 4 days and more than 250 participants. Moreover, it is promising a fantastic environment for serious debate and great social interaction.As a matter of fact, ICT-enabled dynamic challenges for Travel and Tourism to cover both technology and business. There will be plenty for local and national government agencies to consider as well. Issues discussed cover a wide range of cutting-edge challenges as we will be focusing on the newest most vital trends this year: Mobile applications in relation to e-tourism/ e-marketing. Search Engine Optimization Search Engine Marketing Social medial : Facebook, twitter, msn, Google etc ... The workshop presents and debates state-of-the-art research and industry case studies on the application of information and communications technologies to travel and tourism. Doctoral students at all stages are encouraged to participate. The workshop is focusing on practical and methodological issues and research results of participating experts.The conference includes a lot of professional Speakers under the care of IOETI’s President Dr. Yehia Abu El Hassan like: Prof. Jamie Murphy, Prof. Karl Wober, Paul Berney, Russell Buckley,Tom Bowman…etc.

The 3rd Arab International E-tourism & E-marketingConference

Meetings Industry Snapshot: Planners Express ‘Cau-

tious Optimism’ IMEX Frank-furt exit poll reveals American buyers see positive trends in face-to-face meetings

A little over half (54%) of meet-ings industry specialists in the U.S. and Canada have expressed

American buyers see positive trends in face-to-face meetings

‘cautious optimism’ about the re-turn of meetings and incentives market, according to a recent poll taken by the IMEX Group following its Frankfurt trade show. A further nine percent said that they are ‘very optimistic.’

The poll was conducted among 200 North American buyers and suppliers in June 2010, follow-ing the conclusion of IMEX in Frankfurt, which took place May 25-27, 2010.

The poll results are good news for the U.K. based IMEX Group, which will launch its first annual IMEX America exhibition, Octo-ber 11-13, 2011, in Las Vegas, at the Sands Expo at the Venetian/Palazzo Hotel.

Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group comments, “We re-cently declared an increase in the hosted buyer program for IMEX America – we now expect in ex-

cess of 2000 buyers – because our partners and intermediaries have a renewed confidence in fu-ture growth. This represents an increase of more than 30 percent on our initial launch figure. Our survey findings are also in line with other recent global and US industry reports which suggests that this new found confidence is not just about mood but about real business volumes.”

The poll also revealed that Ca-nadian planners are even more optimistic. While one in five (21%) U.S. planners doubt the meetings market is in recovery, Canadian buyers are generally convinced that already it is ‘busi-ness as usual,’ suggesting that the sector has rebounded faster because their economy and fi-nancial systems were hit less se-verely.

Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company Ltd. announced the appointment

of its Chief Operating Officer for the new hotel division, Mahmoud Mokhtar, who will drive the company’s growth aspiration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.

“Mahmoud comes with an extensive hotel operations expertise and a commercial global vision of the hotel industry and the Middle East market. The company is delighted to have Mahmoud lead the hotel division team and become the driving force behind the company’s goal of creating and building the first Saudi-cultured hotel brand”. Said Mohannad H. Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company Ltd.

Mokhtar will commence his plans with the company by building a Saudi-originating hotel brand and culture.

“The company’s strategy for the hotel division is aimed at introducing to the world a new concept of hotel management based on the Saudi genuine and professional hospitality. We aim to build our presence in the Kingdom first and my role will be to ensure that this is achieved based on a solid strategy, a relevant brand and strong presence. This will nurture the Saudi culture, promote the Saudi dream, create new job opportunities in the Kingdom as well as contribute to the wellbeing of the community”. Mokhtar said.

“We have a number of openings lined up for the

MAHMOUD MOKHTAR: NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR NEW HOTEL DIVISION

next two years, phase one will open during the second half of 2011, with a 1,778 rooms four-star hotel in Mekkah. The hotel will be our flagship, owned and managed by the company. There are also three upcoming projects with a total of 9,000 hotel rooms in Mekkah, based on a mid-market full service hotel concept, with food courts and residential apartments.” Mokhtar added.

Mokhtar has 23 highly distinguished years of Middle Eastern and International hotel experience with multinational hotel chains.

A Saudi national has been awarded a prestigious hospitality industry honour in the annual Hotelier Middle East

Awards.Nasser Al Reefy, Restaurant Manager at Rosewood Corniche,

the Kingdom’s premier hotel, won the Outlet Manager of the Year award for his work in running the hotel’s celebrated Asian restaurants Ginza I Chome and Noodles, both of which offer exemplary levels of quality cuisine, service and atmosphere and enjoy expansive views of the Red Sea.

“Under Nasser’s management, our Asian restaurants are now considered the premier dining destinations in Jeddah and he continues to act as a figurehead of our successful Saudisation

policy to develop and nurture local talent,” said Hans-Peter Leitzke, Managing Director of Rosewood Corniche.

“We receive consistently positive feedback from our patrons and staff about Nasser’s performance in the hotel and we believe his hard work and commitment had a direct correlation to Rosewood Corniche being awarded Saudi Arabia’s Leading Hotel in consecutive years in 2009 and 2010. His win in the Hotelier Middle East awards is a just recognition of his dedication, hard work and guest relations”.

In the three years that Rosewood Corniche has been operating, Noodles has become a firm favourite among family diners in the Kingdom.

SAUDI NATIONAL WINS MIDDLE EAST HOSPITALITY AWARD

10 IMEX 2011


Horof Group for Tourist and Entertainment Projects was

established in 2004 in order to provide Tourism and Hotel Sector with a new ideology as the Group is concerned with Projects Since their being Proposed till their opening and operation through the different divisions of the company which prepare economic & market feasibility studies of the Projects so as to ensure their successful operation.

Besides, Horof Group is a pioneer company in the field of organizing the relationship between the owning companies of projects (tourist, hotel, entertainment…..etc)

And the management of these projects through the experienced team work of the Group that carries out co-ordination, supervision and monitoring activities for the owning companies in order to achieve the utmost benefits and effectiveness for the management of these projects and to ensure making the best use of the available capabilities of each project.

The company provides also the owning companies with the specialized reports through which the managements of the companies can obtain all data and indicators that are related to the projects and that will help in taking sound decision and ensure administrating the projects on the basis of the successful and unique methods. This can be achieved through the general rules and principles of the company as such rules and principles are considered the basis of the company›s success. The company›s rules and principles include: Confidentiality of clients› information.

Providing the employees with continuous training in order to supply them with the highest levels of knowledge.

Team work is the key for achievement.Continuous updating of the different reports, data and ideas of clients.Miracles are missions that need hard work to achieve.Continuous monitoring of the most recent technological developments and

providing clients with them.Managing Director: Ahmed Kira

The Chairman & Managing Director of the Oasis Hotel, Cairo, Egypt, Mr. Basil Moughrabieh; received an award of Excellence certificate by the

Minister of Tourism, Mr. Zoheir Garranah on the occasion of the World Tourism Day on 27th of September 2010. The Oasis Hotel is awarded this certificate as the best first class hotel for the 8th time.

The photo shows The Oasis Hotel Chairman & Managing Director, Mr. Basil Moughrabieh receiving the award from his Excellency Minister of Tourism,

Mr. Zoheir Garranah & Mr. Ahmed Al Nahas.

Award of Excellence for the Oasis Hotel Cairo Egypt The Rezidor Hotel Group – one

of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide – announces Ashraf Naguib as the new General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis.

Naguib, an Egyptian/French national; has an impressive 25 years experience in the hospitality industry, including 10 years as a General Manager.

Having started his career as a Management Trainee at Heliopolis Sheraton Hotel in Cairo in 1985, Naguib went on to hold a number of managerial roles at various international hotel companies including: Sheraton, Movenpick, Windsor Hotels and Iberotel.

Naguib joined Rezidor in 2003 as General Manager of the Radisson SAS Resort, Taba. He was then appointed General Manager of the Iberotel Club Fanara in Sharm el Sheikh before taking up the position of General Manager of the Iberotel Grand Sharm in Sharm el Sheikh in 2004. In January 2006, Naguib joined Real State Investment & Tourism Development as President of Hotels Division for the Red Sea. He rejoined Rezidor in August 2008 as General

Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria – his most recent position.

Marko Hytonen, Area Vice President Rezidor Hotel Group said “Ashraf has an extremely impressive industry background; his knowledge of the Egyptian market is second to none and his strong dedication to service excellence, make him the ideal choice to have at our flagship hotel in Cairo”

Naguib is a graduate of the Egyptian Hotels and Tourism Institute and has served as a consultant for the Institute of Management Development at the American University in Cairo.

Rezidor announces Ashraf Naguib as GM of Radisson Blu Hotel

Horof Group: A new ideology

12 TRAVEL NEWS


Lufthansa German Airlines, growing steadily in the Gulf

Lufthansa German Airlines has steadily

increased its presence in the Gulf region over recent years. In April 2010, Lufthansa launched three weekly flights from Riyadh to Munich to complement the existing daily flights from Riyadh to Frankfurt. Lufthansa now serves the Saudi cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam with 20 flights a week, offering unparalleled choice of travel and flexibility for passengers to and from the Kingdom.

Lufthansa has been making its presence felt in the Gulf, adopting a step-by-step growth programme designed to meet increased market demand. In addition to its recent increases in Saudi Arabian services, Lufthansa stepped up its scheduled service on the Bahrain-

Frankfurt route to a daily flight in September last year, up from four flights per week - less than four years after its market entry.

Other recent Lufthansa schedule enhancements in the Gulf include the year-round deployment of a widebody Airbus A340600- aircraft on the Dubai-Munich route - launched in spring 2010, and the upgrade of the Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt service to six weekly nonstop flights. Muscat too has seen an increase in flights and is now connected to Frankfurt six times a week via Abu Dhabi, and since spring 2009, Kuwait-Frankfurt operations have recorded increased capacity on the daily service. This means that more travellers than ever across the region are now enjoying the greater flexibility and convenience provided by links to Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, one of the world’s leading gateways for air travel.

Mr. Stefan Loecherbach, Lufthansa’s director for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, said: “This year’s schedule enhancement on our services for Saudi Arabia has been very well received by the market. Customer feedback indicates that we are satisfying a real and growing need from local businesses and private individuals alike by providing more links

to Lufthansa’s Frankfurt gateway, with onward connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide.”

Lufthansa currently serves nine destinations in the Gulf - Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh. Further destinations served in the Middle East include Beirut, Amman, Sana’a Tehran, and Erbil Iraq.

Lufthansa flies to more than 100 destinations in Europe and provides flexible travel options to more than 200 destinations worldwide via its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Customers can fly to 21 destinations in North America nonstop from Frankfurt or Munich. Many more are served in cooperation with code share partners United Airlines and Continental Airlines and with Lufthansa’s affiliate JetBlue, in which it holds a 15.6 per cent equity stake.

On arriving at Frankfurt, Lufthansa Business Class passengers and status customers can look forward to relaxing at Lufthansa’s exclusive Welcome Lounge. The facility, which opened in January 2009, is geared to the needs of travellers arriving on long-haul flights. In addition to a comprehensive breakfast and snack buffet, served in comfort areas and quiet

zones, a modern shower area on the lower level is one of the Welcome Lounge’s exclusive features. Its 28 high-end showers allow passengers to relax and prepare for the day ahead. A concierge is on hand to allocate shower facilities and coordinate customer wishes, including an ironing service for HON Circle members, First Class guests and Senators. Passengers with onward connections can choose from a number of First Class, Senator and Business

Class lounges.Choosing to fly with

Lufthansa also means being able to enjoy the many benefits of Miles & More. Founded by Lufthansa’s in 1993, Miles & More today counts more than 15 million members, making it Europe’s largest and most successful frequent flyer program. It has since been joined by a number of Lufthansa’s European partner airlines, including affiliates SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

Mr. Stefan Loecherbach

Contemporary art, high-class natural materials and a home-like ambience are characteristic of Grand

Hyatt Berlin. This modern-day grand hotel combines warm colors

and modern works of art in an atmosphere of sheer elegance that can be enjoyed in the meeting venues designed by Tony Chi with personal notes and a home-like atmosphere, the restaurants mesa, Vox and Tizian, and the spacious, classy rooms.

Located on the top floor of the hotel, Club Olympus Fitness Centre and Spa offers picture-perfect views of Berlin, REN and Aveda treatments, a wide variety of massages, a large pool, cutting-edge fitness equipment, a sauna, steam room, solarium and whirlpool.

The Grand Club has the additional benefits of privacy and personalized service.

Fred Huerst is General Manager and Area Vice

President Central Europe.

This modern-day grand hotel combines warm colors and modern works of art

14 AVIATION


SLEEPING ON THE CLUBPREMISESIS ABSOLUTELYENCOURAGED

Our fully-flat bed is 25% wider and

more spacious around the shoulders.

Which makes it easier to turn over in.

So you’ll have no problem getting to

sleep, but find waking up just as hard.

Discover more about Club World

business class at ba.com/clubrules

CLUB RULES

Rolling out across the fleet.

46473_CW_FLATBED_275x205:Layout 1 16/10/08 12:33 Page 1

British Airways is the first UK airline to take delivery

of the long range Boeing 777-300ER.

The state-of-the art aircraft, is longer, quieter and more fuel efficient than its predecessors and showcases the future face of British Airways.

It features an all-new interior including new World Traveller and new World Traveller Plus cabins and a new in-flight entertainment system.It will feature more than 230 TV programmes, 70 films and 400 CDs, plug and play technology, as well as 60 per cent bigger high-resolution screens.

Willie Walsh, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “Our first Boeing 777300-ER aircraft reflects our continued commitment to deliver the best travel experience to customers.

“It is the aircraft first to be fitted out with our new World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins, with new in-flight

entertainment systems providing customers with 50 per cent more choice on movies and doubling the range of TV and music options.”

“We will add two more B777300-s by the end of this year, and three more by early 2012. All these new aircraft generate significantly less CO2 emissions per seat than their predecessors and reinforce British Airways’ commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.”

When it goes into service later this year, the 297 seat aircraft will offer a four class configuration including First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller.

“As our operations around the world continue to achieve the very highest standards and our customers are showing their appreciation, we recognize the importance of adapting to the needs of our clients,” said Mervat Alfy, Country Commercial Manager for British Airways in Egypt. “British Airways is excited to offer our award-winning services at an excellent value for our premium travellers.”

More details can be found at www.ba.com.

BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES NEW BOEING 777 -300 ER

Mervat Alfy, Country Commercial Manager for British Airways in

Egypt

Emirates, one of the world›s fastest growing airlines, is to increase its

services between Cairo and Dubai in response to a growing demand for air travel and cargo. Two additional flights will be added to the route from 31 October.

The new services will operate every Wednesday and Sunday, taking the total number of weekly flights on the route to thirteen. EK 928, the extra Dubai-bound flight,

will depart Cairo every Wednesday and Sunday at 12:15, arriving in Dubai at 17:45. The return service, EK927, will depart Dubai at 08:50 and arrive in Cairo at 10:55. “We decided to increase our flights

between Cairo and Dubai in light of the growing demand for passenger and cargo services between Egypt and the UAE,” said Khalid Al Serkal, area manager for Emirates Egypt.He continued: “We are strongly

committed to serving the Egyptian market and we are sure that our modern facilities and high quality services will help to further strengthen trade and tourism ties between Egypt and Emirates’ global network of over 100 destinations. We are also pleased that the two extra flights will provide Egyptian travellers with additional choice and convenience when choosing flights to best suit their needs.”

Emirates increases flights between Cairo

and Dubai

17AVIATION


The InterContinental Genève occupies a

prestigious address in the centre of the city’s exclusive diplomatic district. This clean-lined 18-storey hotel is surrounded by parkland and offers views of Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond.

The hotel is located a 10-minute drive from the famous Rue du Rhone, the city’s most upscale shopping street.

The Old Town, Ariana Museum and Botanical Gardens are all close by, as are International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the United Nations Office.

The hotel’s 334 guestrooms include 102 luxuriously appointed suites. All elegantly furnished in a classic style and featuring the latest modern comforts, many of the rooms look onto the lake

and mountains. The spacious suites can be extended through interconnecting rooms, making them ideal for families or large groups. The dramatic and luxurious Grand Royal Suites on the penthouse floor has panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

The contemporary Woods restaurant offers seasonal specialities in a nature-inspired setting.

Featuring one of Geneva’s finest Sunday Brunches, the Woods restaurant is the place to be for a mouth-watering selection of local and seasonal produce.

You can also relax in the cosy ambiance of the library-style lounge, Les Nations.

Relax in the 20 metre heated outdoor pool, open May-September, with its restaurant-featuring light

The InterContinental Genève occupies a prestigious address in the centre of the city’s exclusive diplomatic district.

Mediterranean fare, bar and lounge poolside, a veritable oasis featuring a rainbow of summer cocktails and light, imaginative fare.

Lounge Concept with an elegant atmosphere for a chic evening.

Poolside opens daily between 9h00 to 23h00 with a

simple and refined ambiance. Enjoy our traditionally savoured “mezze” with soothing background music. Enhance your relaxation by candlelight and get a taste of variety of flavoured “shishas” and fruit cocktail.

The Clarins Institute & Day Spa is a space dedicated to

relaxation and well-being. As well as including yourself from the large menu of health & beauty treatments, you can tone up and re-energise in the state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre which also has a hammam and sauna.

Since April 15th, 1998 the building hosts the Park Hyatt Hamburg. Warm colours, natural woods and antique furniture combined with modern art and the latest communication technology in the bedrooms and function areas creates a feeling of “home away from home“.

Originally designed in 1912 by Franz Bach and Carl Bensel (Hamburg), the renovations of the brick house began in 1997. Architects of the “new“ Levantehaus are Sidell Gibson, Schafer & Partner (Berlin), Ockelmann and Rottgardt & Partner (Hamburg) who built an arcade on the ground and first floor with a variety of restaurants and shops.

Hirsch, Bedner & Associates, Atlanta (USA) are the interior designers of the hotel. Design and style of the hotel portray the

Park Hyatt Hamburg : AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACEdesigners’ striving to create a home away from home for the guests. The hotel’s elegant combines the old with the new, featuring both antique and contemporary furnishing and fittings.

Among the art pieces in the hotel are original pictures of Matthias Meyer, Sylvia Gobel, Puck Steinbrecher, Nadjy Holland and Adi Holzer. Original photographic art including “Das Spargelbundel“ by Ulrich Tielmann and “Zeitungs-Bucher“ by Gerhard Winkler can be found in the corridors of the hotel, the Club Lounge as well as the Presidential Suite. Signed graphics of international artists decorate suites and apartments. A special edition of “graphic” consisting of four original flower- photos of the US photographer Ohringer can be found in the rooms along with two of the former Hamburg painters Horst Jansen with “Birkenwald” and “Lemmy’s Blume”.

The room design resembles the one of Asian Hyatt hotels, especially the ones in Japan: elegant and simplistic. The bathrooms are at least 11sqm featuring a `wet` area with sand stone walls, a bath and a separate shower which consists of a rain shower as well as a handheld shower. Instead of the regular sink, a large white bowl on a counter of black granite reminds of “Grandma’s-times“.

The italian company “Interna“ built the room furnishings, the Park Lounge and Apples restaurant with materials of “Jack Lenor Larsen“, New York.

The 1000sqm fitness area “Club Olympus“ of the Park Hyatt Hamburg is the design highlight of the hotel. Old tiles from the original building have been integrated in the pool, steambath and the sauna. The spacious arrangements and mainly dark green colours and warm high-grade timber of the beauty centre, the aerobic and fitness- studio help create a relaxing atmosphere.

The Park Hyatt Hamburg is located on the M o n c k e b e r g s t r a ß e

in the historic Levantehaus – a former office building dating back to 1912. In more recent times the building was occupied by Philips and before that a “Kontorhaus”, a warehouse mostly used by companies trading with South Asia – Levante - meaning the „Land of the rising sun“.

Tashi TakangGeneral Manager Park Hyatt Hamburg

Michel Perret - General Manager Lobby Extirior

TRAVEL WORLD MAGAZINEThe Arab Travel Magazine since 1990

Publisher: Eman Shaaban Chief Editor: Abouelwafa [email protected] office: Travel World Publications - England

Cairo office: 7 Abdalla Taher st. Nasr City, Cairo - Egypt Tel. & Fax: +202 274 35 13 & +202 6715 794Saudi Arabia: P.O. Box 118799 Jeddah 21312 Saudi Arabia Tel. +966 55 686 1916 E.mail: [email protected]

November 2010 WTM - London

18 INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

TRAVEL WORLD MAGAZINE

Documents

Travel World WTM LR