A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 12Vol. IX No. 8; August 2013

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Connectivity keeps clients happy ........................................................................06ME hotels chart a ‘green’ future ..........................................................................07A promising future for ME’s outbound sector ......................................................08

Air India, the nationalcarrier of civil avia-tion in India, flies to

34 international destinationsacross the USA, Europe,Canada, Far-East and South-East Asia, Gulf and SAARCcountries. The Airline’sdomestic network covers 63 destinations.

“As a part of its furtheroverseas expansion plans,beginning August 2013, AirIndia is commencing opera-tions to Birmingham in theUnited Kingdom and Sydneyand Melbourne in Australia,with more destinationsplanned ahead. Its latestacquisition is the Boeing 787Dreamliner, the first nextgeneration flying machine inIndia, ensuring a dream flightfor every passenger travellingwith the Airline,” expressedSeema Srivastava, Regional

Manager, Air India, Gulf,Middle East & Africa.

Air India has recentlyachieved the milestone ofadding one millionth memberto its very popular frequentflyer programme, ‘FlyingReturns’. Air India offers aseparate and rewarding GulfProgram for its frequent fliers.

British Airways is in themidst of exciting times. “Weare currently making an investment of more than£5billion in new aircraft, cab-ins, lounges and new tech-nologies to make life morecomfortable in air and on theground. Already viewed, theinvestment has a meaningfulimpact on our services andofferings,” asserted Paolo DeRenzis, Regional CommercialManager, Middle East &Central Asia, British Airways.

British Airways nowoperates more flights than

ever to the Middle East anddemand for these routesremain strong. “This summer, we are offering passengers some great deals,including Ramadan fares. Toserve our customers betterand respond to theirdemands, we recentlyincreased the capacity onsome of our routes in theregion,” he further said.

Qatar Airways Holidays,the Airline's leisure division,has begun expanding itsoperations across the GCC,with the opening of six dedicated Holiday Shopsacross the region. Two of thenew Holiday Shops recentlyopened in Dubai and Kuwait,providing customers with a one-stop convenient, in-person service. AdditionalHoliday Shops will open inBahrain and Muscat withDammam and Riyadh to

L ebanon’s hospitalitysector’s service offer-

ing is unique, somethingnot found in many coun-tries, especially Europe.Lebanon is exploring newmarkets as the country hasa huge diaspora spreadacross the world, especiallyin Latin America and inBrazil, where more than 10million Brazilians ofLebanese origin reside.

Right through the 10-day World Travel Martin Latin America, manyprivate players fromLebanon’s tourism marketwere on hand to promoteLebanon. Familiarisingpotential tourists, most ofwhom are fifth generationBrazilians of Lebaneseancestry, with Lebanesefood and language, was theaim of the ministry’s participation at the event.Lebanon is also eyeing the Russian, Chinese andIndian markets.

“This is what the Tourism PromotionDepartment has beenworking on for the pastthree years, targetting this segment of tourists tovisit Lebanon,” informed Mona Haddad Fares,Director, TourismPromotion Department,Ministry of Tourism,Lebanese Republic.

“Some countries arenot sending tourists forpolitical reasons ratherthan for lack of security inthe country. Before politi-cal restrictions were inplace, tourists in largenumbers used to come toLebanon to enjoy itsweather, language, cuisineand geographical beauty,”she further said.

Discussing on the flowof tourists in the past threeyears, Fares stated year-over-year, there had been afall in arrivals since 2010,especially after the unrestin Syria. “This negativetrend is seeing a reversaland our department washoping to register growth intourist arrivals this year,”she added.

The tourism ministryco-ordinates with travelagents, but since Lebanonis a free economy, the ministry only plays afacilitating role like providing them orientationprogrammes, aiding inFAM trips and organisingroadshows abroad.Promoting Lebanon atinternational events, thefuture plans of the TourismPromotion Department is very inspiring.

Lebanese Tourism is trying todevelop its touristic productsbesides exploring new markets.

Lebanon steps up,eyes new markets

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Contd. on page 6

Aviation in the forefrontThe aviation sector overall is in full swing with the steady rise in services,capacities and routes. With the increasing demand of travellers, looking forchoices while booking flights, the entire sector has incorporated severalzones that take visitors on an interactive aviation journey.

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Ourdepartmentwas hoping toregistergrowth intourist arrivalsthis year

Mona Haddad FaresDirector, Tourism PromotionDepartment, Ministry of TourismLebanese Republic

We arecurrentlymaking aninvestment ofover £5billionin new aircraft,cabins, etc.

Air India’sBoeing 787Dreamliner willensure adream flightfor all itspassengers

Seema Srivastava Regional Manager, Air India Gulf, Middle East & Africa

Paolo De Renzis Regional Commercial Manager, MiddleEast & Central Asia, British Airways

Etihad alsosawpassengerrevenues risedespite stiffcompetitionon fares

A dedicatedservice willensure thatclients receivethe bestcustomer careand advice

Akbar Al BakerCEOQatar Airways

James HoganCEOEtihad Airways

Abu Dhabiwas a naturalchoice for usas the seconddestination inthe UnitedArab Emirates

Abraham Joseph Area Manager - South Asia Middle East, and North AfricaKenya Airways

CRUISES

The Forum organised bySeatrade, being held with

the support of the Abu DhabiTourism & Culture Authority(TCA Abu Dhabi) and the Abu

Dhabi Convention Bureau,will see delegates being wit-ness to discussions on theregion’s cruise challengesand opportunities, conductedby the cruise line operatorsand other global experts.

The Forum follows aninter-regional cruise summitin Dubai in 2012 that wit-nessed the coming togetherof cruise line executives,

regional stakeholders andgovernment authorities.

Chris Hayman,Chairman, Seatrade said,

“The Forum is anunrivalledopportunity fordestinations in theregion to get infront of the realcruise itinerarydecision-makers, topresent theirindividual cases forport-of-callinclusion.

The event’s aim is todiscuss key issues and facilitate decision-making toenable a new chapter in Middle East cruising to begin.”

The event will takeplace in the newly-openedRosewood Abu Dhabi, AlMaryah Island fromDecember 9-11, 2013, witha summit attended by theregional ministers, tourism

leaders, port and immigrationofficials. It will precede a one-day conference programmeopen to anyone with vestedinterests in the cruise indus-try. The highlight of theForum will be a workshophosting one-on-one meetingsbetween each of the hostedcruise line executives andofficials from the participat-ing destinations.

The conference pro-gramme will be divided intothree key sessions:Opportunities for growth inthe region, challenges for theregion and selling & market-ing, and best practice for asuccessful future. Each ses-sion would be broken intotopics that have been identi-fied as important areas fordiscussion.

According to the organ-isers, thus far, Azamara ClubCruises, Crystal Cruises Inc.,Cunard UK, Holland AmericaLine, Princess Cruises, RoyalCaribbean International,Silversea Cruises, TUICruises GmbH and The Worldhave all pledged their atten-dance at the Forum.

Come December and leading cruise line executives willbe heading to Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in AbuDhabi to deliberate key issues that need to be addressed,to stimulate the growth of this sector in the Middle East.

Cruise sector under scanner

TT BU R E AU

Chris HaymanChairmanSeatrade

QE2 Holding compriseslocal and foreign

investors involved in the project’s operations. Theship, though, continues to beowned by the Dubai government.

“The project is expectedto be completed in 2014 andbecome profitable within 10years of completion,” statedKhamis Juma Buamim,Chairman, Drydocks World, acompany unit of state-ownedDubai World.

“There is already a con-tract and they will have ashare in the new company,which they will gain backfrom the profit margin,” said

Buamim of QE2 Holding,adding that the deal is for 15years and renewable. “It willbecome an iconic globalambition for the UAE.”

The ship is being movedto Asia to take advantage ofthe demand for hotel

rooms in the region. Onceconverted into a hotel, theship will have suites rangingin size from 60-150 sqm(648-11,615 sqft), some ofwhich will be available for rental or sale to long-term occupants.

The cost will depend on the country where theQE2 will finally be mooredand will be “expensive,” he confided.

The vessel will be madeseaworthy before leavingDubai on October 18, 2013,for overhaul in China. A lot ofeffort and work has gone into this project, and theoverall plans for the QE2 are well on track.

The stated objective of‘QE2-New Life’ was to deliveran ‘iconic’ project for theworld to romance and talkabout for years to come.

Istithmar World PJSC, agovernment-owned companyin Dubai, bought the 963-ft(294-m) ship from Cunard forUS$100 million in 2007. TheScottish-built QE2 went intoservice in 1969. Dubai has noplans to sell the vessel, whichwill have maintenance costsof about US$2.5 million a year after it goes into operation as a hotel.

A new Dubai-based entity that will fund Queen ElizabethII’s $90 million transformation into a 400-suite luxuryhotel, to be moored in Asia, has taken charge of the iconicocean liner.

Ocean liner gets a revamp

TT BU R E AU

At 54,000 gross-regis-tered tons and accom-

modating just 738 guests,‘Seven Seas Explorer’ will bethe largest vessel in theRegent Seven Seas Cruisesfleet. The ship will boast oneof the highest space ratiosand staff-to-guest ratios everseen in modern cruise shipdesign, enabling us to deliverthe highly personalised serv-ice and extraordinary experi-ence that their clients havecome to expect from Regent.

“We have entered into adefinitive contract with Italy's

Fincantieri shipyard to buildthe most luxurious cruiseship in the modern era cruising. This new ship orderis part of our disciplinedgrowth strategy to expandour footprint in the luxurymarket,” informed AshleyNoronha, Managing Director,Best Orbit Travel & Leisure Services.

Since the purchase ofRegent Seven Seas Cruisesbrand in 2008, the ships have sailed full with industry-leading yields. Nowthe perfect time has arrivedto expand the fleet and meetthe demand of the loyalguests for a greater array of

itineraries. In addition, it was proved that there ispent-up demand for a new Regent ship.

“With the ‘Seven SeasExplorer’, the overall fleetcapacity will grow nearly 40per cent, making RegentSeven Seas Cruises theworld's largest luxury cruiseline,” he further stated.

Seven Seas Explorerwill feature sophisticateddesigner suites, ultra-elegantpublic areas, a wide-range ofdining options, spa & club,Regent's nine-deck atrium,the two-story ExplorerTheater and many otheramenities - all created withthe soul of timeless design.

The use of exotic stonesand polished wood, designerfurniture, rich fabrics andsophisticated lighting com-bined to become an eclecticart collection. It will evidentlyposition ‘Seven SeasExplorer’ as the new standardin luxury cruising.

The next chapter in Regent Seven Seas Cruises history has beenannounced of late. The new all-suite, all-balcony ship will be named ‘SevenSeas Explorer’ with delivery scheduled for Summer 2016.

New ship to boost fleet capacity

TT BU R E AU

Ashley Noronha Managing Director Best Orbit Travel & Leisure Services

The overall fleet capacity will grow nearly40%, makingRegent SevenSeas Cruises the world'slargest luxurycruise line

The project is expected to becompleted in 2014 and becomeprofitable within 10 years ofcompletion

Khamis Juma Buamim Chairman, Drydocks World

Once converted into ahotel, the ship will havesuites ranging in size from 60-150 sqm (648-11,615 sqft)

Floating Hotel

FOREIGN EXCHANGEDIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) (As on 25-07-2013)

Country Currency CN Buy CN Sell

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

UK ............................GBP ..............5.5491............5.7646

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

Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.7623............4.9563

Canada......................CAD ..............3.5137............3.6464

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

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

Kuwait ......................KWD............12.6888..........13.1421

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

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

Australia ..................AUD ..............3.3441............3.4734

Japan ........................JPY................0.3612............0.0378

Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0834............0.0857

Singapore..................SGD ..............2.8517............2.9767

India ........................INR................0.0601............0.0620

Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0358............0.0368

Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0463............0.0479

Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0273............0.0284

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

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

Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.8509............4.0150

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

AVIATION A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 3

With these numbers,DDF is poised to

achieve its 2013 target ofUS$1.8 billion. Moreover,while departure sales

increased by 13 per cent ascompared to the correspon-ding period in 2012, sales inarrivals rose by 15 per cent asagainst figures for public shopsthat were up by 24 per cent.

Colm McLoughlin,Executive Vice Chairman,Dubai Duty Free stated,

“The managementis contended that2013 is shaping upto be a positive yearfor the company,with a healthyincrease inconsumer spendingwitnessed across allcategories.

The average spend perdeparting passenger wasUS$48.”

Perfumes, liquor andgold held sway on the topthree categories. Perfumesales were up by 18 per cent,clocking AED496 million(US$136 million) year to date,while gold at AED 322 mil-lion (US$88 million) – up 13per cent, retained its thirdposition. Sales of tobacco rose

by 13 per cent to AED269million (US$74 million), whileconfectionery at AED258 mil-lion (US$71 million), account-ing for 8 per cent of total rev-enue, was up 15 per cent.

Commenting on thefirst half sales figures,McLoughlin further said,“DDF is looking forward to anequally successful secondhalf. Plans are afoot for theopening of retail operationsat Al Maktoum Internationalin October 2013. With theopening of Concourse D, thecompany was busy workingtowards the planning of itsnew retail area.”

Dubai Duty Free (DDF), in its 30th year of business,announced a sales turnover of AED 3.2 billion (US$874million) for the first six months of 2013; 13 per cent morethan the corresponding period in 2012’s figures.

13% rise in figures over 2012

TT BU R E AU

Colm McLoughlinExecutive Vice ChairmanDubai Duty Free

The FFS, to be based at theAirline's world-class

training academy in the UAEcapital, will support theAirline's growing trainingrequirements.

The deal will see EtihadAirways take delivery ofthree Boeing 787 FFS, oneAirbus A380 FFS, one AirbusA350 FFS, and two AirbusA320 FFS, all of which areCAE 7000 Series models. TheAirline presently has fourCAE FFS, one Boeing 777,one Airbus A320 and twoAirbus A330/340s.

The first of the new FFS,an A320, is scheduled fordelivery November end thisyear. A multi-million dollarextension project, presentlybeing undertaken at thetraining academy, by thenwill be due for completion.The remaining FFS will arriveduring the following year.

James Hogan, Presidentand Chief Executive, EtihadAirways, explained, “Thepilot training requirementsfor Etihad Airways and theirequity alliance members con-tinues to grow. The inductionof the new FFS would ideallyposition them for the nextphase in their expansion.”

He added, “Etihademphasised highly on the effi-ciency of their operations andthe safety of the travellers.

Based on this deal,they would be using the mostadvanced trainingtechnologies for thebroadest range ofthe type of aircraft.”

Etihad’s deal with CAEincludes update services forthe FFS and an exclusive 10-year agreement for supplyof training equipment andservices. The flight trainingdevices include CAE SimfinityAirbus Pilot Transition trainers and CAE SimfinityIntegrated ProceduresTrainers. Construction work atthe training academy, eventu-ally housing 11 FFS, woulddouble its size and make itamong the best in the world.Additionally, CAE will continueto update Etihad Airways'existing four CAE-built FFS tothe latest aircraft configura-tions and technology.

A deal inked between Etihad Airways and Canadianmanufacturer CAE, worth over US$200 million, entailsthe supply of seven state-of-the-art full flight simulators(FFS) by the Canadian firm to the Abu Dhabi Airline.

Etihad shops for 7 simulators

TT BU R E AU

James HoganPresident and Chief ExecutiveEtihad Airways

Perfumes, liquor and goldheld sway on the top threecategories. Perfume saleswere up by 18 per cent,clocking AED496mn(US$136mn) year to date,while gold at AED 322mn

Shopping Spree

GUEST COLUMN

EDITORIAL

ME tourism flies onthe wings of festivityThe world is at the verge of the Holy

Month of Ramadan and the ensuingEid Al Fitr, a time for spiritualawakening, giving and rejoicing. Theglobal travel industry, especially in theGulf Co-operation Council States, wellin advance at the advent of the HolyMonth, had come out with a slew ofpromotions. It has aimed at attractingglobal travellers to the region tocelebrate the true spirit of the blessed season.

From the airlines industry to travelagents, from hotels to shopping, all have risen to the occasion to make this Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr extra-memorable.

Tourists have arrived in hordes fromAsia and other countries in North Africaand the Levant. However, travellersfrom European and GCC countries aretop of the list, as they have been overthe past two years.

With the Holy Month overlapping themonth of July this year, Turkey, with itspleasant climate and warm hospitality,makes the country a leisure destinationof choice. Turkish Airlines has geared upfor the anticipated influx of tourists bylaunching special promotional round tripfares from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul for the period spanning the Holy Monthand beyond.

Turkish Ministry of Culture andTourism figures reveal 80.34 per centincreased visitors to Turkey from theUAE and 107.81 per cent from Bahrain.It has received 104.32 per cent ofvisitors from Kuwait and 101 per centfrom Qatar, and the trend is expected tocontinue this year.

Showcasing Dubai’s diverse offeringsas a leading family tourism destinationwhile retaining its Islamic values androots, is ‘Eid in Dubai.’ It’s all set toentertain visitors with extravagant treats.

Publisher : SanJeet Director : Sumeera Bahl Editor : Deepa Sethi Assistant Editor (ME) : Susmita Ghosh Desk Editor : Archana Sharma Sub Editor : Ramya J.S. D’Rozario Design : Ruchi Sinha / NN Misra Manager Advertising : Geetika Pathak Circulation Manager : Ashok Rana Manager Production : Anil Kharbanda

TRAVTALK is published by SanJeet on behalf of

Durga Das Publications Private Limited

Printed at System Graphics India Pvt. Ltd. A-1, Naraina Industrial Area,Phase-I, New Delhi - 28 India

Offices:DELHI: 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi - 110 001

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E-mail: uae@ddppl.com

TRAVTALK is a publication of Durga Das Publications Private Limited. All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publica-tion, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by thirdparties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific

advice before acting on information contained in this publicationwhich is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. No part of TRAVTALK or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system ortransmitted in any form without the permission of the publicationin writing. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or thearticle is taken from another publication. An exemption is herebygranted for the extracts used for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent to us for ourrecords. Publications reproducing material either in part or inwhole, without permission could face legal action.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged.

This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the Indian and InternationalAdvertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear.

Sponsored by MalaysianTourism Board and

Emirates NBD as bankingpartners, this year's show hasdrawn our long-standingexpertise in sourcing andplanning. It has a strongglobal network to provideholiday-seekers with viable travel options across the continents.

Al Rais Holidays has awide range of internationalholiday and in-house tailor-made packages to worldwidedestinations. We are focussedand aware of what our cus-tomers need, evident from theturnout of repeated and newvisitors we had in our TravelShow. We made it a point tohave different venues eachtime to tap in more visitors.

This year’s three-daytravel show received theopportunity to meet worldtravel and tourism profes-sionals. They have providedassistance in getting first-hand knowledge of thetourist destinations of theirchoice with value-added trav-

el packages at the most lucra-tive rates.

The Travel Show aimedat promoting destinationsthrough Tourism Boards andTourism Authorities fromacross the world like Europe,GCC, Australia, Asia andMiddle East. We always havea positive and visionary

approach which has made usorganise this event everyyear since 2010, irrespectiveof the market trends.

Al Rais Rent-A-Car pro-vides a smart fleet of top-model economical and luxuryvehicles. With Dubai evolvinginto a major commercial hub,Al Rais has expanded itsactivities to add cargo andfreight forwarding to theirportfolio of services.

Landmark Tours &Travel business philosophy isto compete with better qual-ity services with valid costand highly advanced resultoriented solutions. This hasmade Al Rais acceptLandmark Tours & Travel

from India as its representa-tive to provide sales, market-ing and operational supportfor the region.

Landmark has becomean extension of Al Rais officein India where the clientsacross the subcontinent getfirst-hand information of allAl Rais products and servicesoffered to the UAE. The Indiatourism market is hugewhere we have employed acautious approach, and nowwe feel the right time has come to shake hands with a partner to make Indian travellers explore theUnited Arab Emirates andother Gulf countries further,with affordable choices andprofessional service.

India has emerged asthe world's fastest-growingoutbound market. The UAE isalmost an extension of Indianow, with the vast number ofIndian expatriates living inthis country and the growingnumber of Indian tourists vis-iting UAE for leisure in addi-tion to the ever increasingbusiness travellers.

The expertise and expe-rience gained over the yearswill help us stamp our namein the Indian tourism marketand provide Al Rais as a firstchoice for tourists, businesstravellers (MICE), and thosewho wish to visit their friends and relatives, withexcellent product and services which will be wellreceived in the subcontinent.

We, Al Rais Travel andShipping Agencies, GeneralSales Agent (GSA) for 20reputed airlines, have 20 strategically located IATA branches throughoutthe UAE.

With the ongoingendeavour to make our cus-tomers get the best servicesand satisfaction, we havebecome an ISO 9001 certifiedorganisation. We guaranteeour customers consistent sat-isfaction where we use a set ofprinciples that ensure a com-mon sense of approach to themanagement of our activities.This has given us more effi-cient working practices andfocusses on the organisation’sbusiness objectives to improvecustomer satisfaction.

Mohamed Jassim Al RaisDeputy Managing

Director, Al Rais Holidays Al Rais Travel &

Shipping Agencies

‘Explore & Experience’, the 3-day long 4th Annual Travel Show from AlRais Holidays which was held recently, brought the world closer and underone roof to provide all the information to choose a holiday destination forthis summer and beyond.

We are focussed and aware of whatour customers need, evident from theturnout of repeated and new visitorswe had in our Travel ShowMohamed Jassim Al RaisDeputy Managing Director, Al Rais Holidays Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies

Offering feasible travel options

Emirates has recentlyunveiled new expansionplans for Eastern Europe,with the launch of dailyservices to Kyiv BoryspilInternational Airport inKiev from January 16,2014, marking its firstroute to Ukraine.

Offering adaily service,operated by anAirbus A340-500,the new flight willprovide conven-ient global connec-tions via Dubai, tothe country’s popu-

lation of 45 million, fur-ther enhancing thenation’s burgeoning economy.

The launch of thisroute will follow on fromthe launch of Stockholmon September 4, Clark inthe Philippines on October1, and the Trans-Atlantic service from Milan toNew York, also commenc-ing on October 1. InAfrica, Emirates willexpand its Dakar opera-tion with a linked serviceto Conakry in Guinea fromOctober 27, 2013.

Emiratesto launchservicesto Kiev

NTO A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 5

The top destinations forfrequent domestic and

foreign tourists belong to religious or spiritual shrines.Muslim architecture andmonuments of the Mughalperiod and other emperorsare protected and often decorated.

Several travel agenciesoffer tour packages to visitthe shrines of religious spotsin India. Domestic tourism ispopular for Muslim sites like

Jama Masjid in Delhi, KhwajaMoinuddin Chishti - Ajmer,Haji Ali - Mumbai, ImamBadas of Lucknow, etc.

“The internationaltourism industry is graduallydeveloping into an emergingtravel market, giving an optionto the affluent Arab holiday-makers to spend,” stated Vikas Rustagi, RegionalDirector (West Asia & Africa),India Tourism, Dubai.

India has several attractions for the Arabtourists. The Taj Mahal among

the Seven Wonders of theWorld in Agra by Mughal kingShajahan is most popularamong tourists. The famedGolden Triangle Tour takes into account all the bestof Muslim art and culture asyou travel to Delhi, Agra,Ajmer and Jaipur.

Apart from religious link-ing, two Muslim dominatedstates, Jammu & Kashmir andLakshdweep are famous fortheir beautiful landscapes.Lakshadweep, one of theisland states of India withnearly 95 per cent Muslims, is one of the world’s most spectacular tropicalisland systems.

Besides, meetingdietary requirements, theneeds of the Arab travellersrange from offering prayerrooms, prayer rugs, pre-sun-rise breakfast services duringRamadan to family-friendly,dry hotels with separate wellness areas for women.

“India has more than50,000 people with Arabicas their mother tongue.Since it is difficult to believethere are so many ethnicArabs living in India, we canonly presume they must beelite Muslims, many ofwhom proudly claim thatthey can trace their ancestryto the Arabs,” Rustagi further informed.

India isn't just a landwith a significant Arabic-speaking population, but alsoone with close to 12,000 people whose mother tongueis Persian, whereas Urdu iswidely spoken.

Many sects of Muslimslike Barelvi, Deobandi,Qadyani, Naqshbandi, Sufismhave started and developedtheir legacy and heritage onIndian soil. India is thus, trulyan ideal destination forMuslim tourists all over theworld, and especially for theArabs from Middle East.

With the symbols of cultural modernisation, India is known for its ancient and religiousheritage. Religious pluralism is a unique feature of Indian culture which strengthens itssocial, political and economic fabrics. Besides these, religious tourism is an emerging sectorin India, enhancing the philosophy of coexistence and mutual respect.

India caters to Arab holiday-makers

TT BU R E AU

The internationaltourism industryis graduallydeveloping intoan emergingtravel market foraffluent Arabs

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

The Holy Month is a timewhen Arab tourists,

especially from the GCCnations, book into Istanbul’shotels in droves. TurkishAirlines has geared up for theanticipated influx of touristsby launching special

Ramadan promotional round-trip fares from Abu Dhabi toIstanbul for the period span-ning the Holy Month.

Sedat Gonulluoglu,Turkish Cultural andInformation Attaché inDubai, explained, “'Ramadanin Istanbul' is one of severalpromotional campaigns that

tour operators and trade-related agencies haveput in place to reinforce thecity, being among the mostattractive destinations forMuslims during the HolyMonth. In line with the trendof the past several years, thisyear too, the nation’s tourismsector was ready to receive

increasing numbers of Arabtourists into the country during this season.”

Arab tourists feel comfortable immersingthemselves in the spiritualfestivity in Istanbul and other neighbouringTurkish cities during theRamadan season.

“The heavy GCC trafficdrove to Turkey due to thecountry’s unmatched geographical beauty, itsefforts at enforcement ofHalal tourism and religiousand cultural similarities withthe nations of the MiddleEast,” Gonulluoglu added.

The burgeoning growthin Turkey-bound travellersfrom the Middle East in 2012as compared to 2011 is borne out from the official figures provided by the Turkish Ministry of Cultureand Tourism.

It reveals 80.34 per centincrease from the UAE, 107.81per cent from Bahrain, 104.32per cent from Kuwait and 101per cent from Qatar. The trend is expected to continuethis year, according to industry sources.

With its natural beautyalong with its mosques andhistorical sites, Istanbul andBursa in recent times haveemerged as top cities for Arabtravellers during theRamadan season, a destination younger Arabsare visiting as well.

With the Holy Month overlapping with the month of July,when the heat is at its worst, Turkey, with its pleasantclimate and warm hospitality, makes the country adestination of choice for GCC travellers during Ramadan.

Turkey beckons GCC tourists

TT BU R E AU

flydubai began operat-ing flights to Medina onJuly 25, 2013, making itthe 65th destination for theDubai-based Airline and15th addition this year.

Ghaith Al Ghaith,CEO, flydubai said, "Theholy month of Ramadan is a perfect time to commence flights to theholy city of Medina, andwe are most grateful to theSaudi authorities for theirsupport and assistance inenabling us to establish adirect air link from Dubai."

Flights to Medina willoperate between Terminal2 of Dubai Internationaland Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina.

flydubai now flies toMedina

Ghaith Al GhaithCEOflydubai

‘Ramadan in Istanbul’ is apromotional campaign that touroperators have put in place toreinforce the city during the Holy Month

Sedat Gonulluoglu Turkish Cultural and Information Attaché in Dubai

HOTELS6 TRAVTALK A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3

An amount of AED 200million has gone into the

exercise. The whole processof developing and upgradingthe hotel, which took twoyears from May 2011 till May2013, was driven by theimmense tourism potential of Khorfakkan's beautifulcoastline, mountains and natural reserves.

“The decision reflectsthe desire of the SharjahNational Hotel Corporation toenhance the tourism landscape in the Emirate,along with its eagerness to provide the highest standards of service. It willboost the authentic Arabianhospitality climate inKhorfakkan and attract hugenumber of tourists and holidaymakers who wish to spend their holidays at Sharjah’s premier leisure destination,” revealed Emad Saeed, Director ofSales & Marketing, OceanicKhorfakkan Resort & Spa.

While making inroads ininternational markets likeRussia, CIS and Germany,

besides the UK, the hotel’spresence felt at many a traveltrade roadshow. The aim is toposition Khorfakkan andOceanic as a destination and property of choicerespectively in the globalarena. “Sharjah Commerceand Tourism DevelopmentAuthority (SCTDA) hasalways extended support to each of the Group’s properties by facilitating their participation at major travel and trade events,” he added.

With the focus onDubai, the Group’s propertiesare being positioned asleisure destinations of choice.

The renovation pro-gramme involved the hotel's177 suites and rooms, includ-ing 18 luxurious suites.Presently, the hotel's man-agement is putting the finaltouches in preparing theexpected last quarter of 2013opening of Al Dana GrandHall, Al Andalus villas andBab Al Bahr Restaurant.

The Sharjah National Hotel Corporation opened its newly-renovated Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa aftergiving it a complete modern makeover, highlights ofwhich include a beach, villas, chalets and diving centres.

New look for Sharjah resort

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Opening its first tower toguests in November

2012, with 804 rooms, ninerestaurants, five bars andlounges, the hotel also houses

a world-class spa, health cluband two ballrooms.

In its initial eightmonths, the JW MarriottMarquis Dubai posted impressive numbers in bothindividual and group bookings,establishing itself as a preferred hotel for internation-al business travellers.

“The hotel is the first inDubai capable of hostinggroups, meetings and conven-tions of up to 1,000 people,where delegates can meet,sleep and dine in one locationand in doing so, filled a percep-

tible gap in the market,”informed Rupprecht Queitsch,General Manager, JW MarriottMarquis Dubai.

The hotel is proving to bea pioneering force at a numberof levels. It’s the vision to builda convention hotel with scaleand facilities, at par with mostof the major Meetings,Incentives, Conferences and

Events (MICE) destinationcities, thus making Dubai aviable option for high volumeinternational conferences.

While gushing over theobvious benefits for the UAE,Queitsch said, “What’s evenmore exciting is the hugepotential for further growth.The hotel would continue totarget convention and groupplanners to support the gov-ernment in establishing Dubaias a preferred MICE choice.”

The World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) fore-casts that travel & tourism inthe UAE would be contributing17.2 per cent to the economyin 2013, indicative of the sec-tor’s increasing importance inthe country’s overall economicdevelopment. The JW MarriottMarquis Dubai is gearing up tomeet this demand directlywith the introduction of a sec-ond tower, bringing the totalroom count in the hotel to1,608, adding two furtheroptions to a portfolio of 16 F&B outlets.

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, within eight monthsof its opening, is already making a significant contributionto the UAE’s travel & tourism sector. The hotel is drivinggrowth in the lucrative MICE market in the UAE.

UAE MICE sector in focus

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Emad Saeed Director of Sales & MarketingOceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa

The decisionreflects thedesire toenhance thetourismlandscape in the Emirate

Around 40 per cent of thetravellers cited this as

their biggest stress factor,ahead of difficult transportlinks (26 per cent) and noisylocation (24 per cent).

The research covering10,000 worldwide businesstravellers was aimed at helping IHG, the first andonly hotel group to offer freeInternet access globally to allits loyalty members, under-stand hotel guests' prioritieswhile travelling.

Richard Solomons, CEO,IHG, informed, “It’s trulyimportant for our guests to beable to stay in touch whiletravelling, along with greatexisting benefits like pointsthat never expire. Hence, wehave introduced free Internetfor our members as part ofIHG Rewards Club.”

This new benefit, whichwas started with ‘Elite members’ at the beginning ofJuly, will be extended to all

members from 2014,whether they are staying thenight at a hotel or coming infor a coffee or even animpromptu meeting.

The study’s other find-ings list that 61 per cent saidthat the Internet was themost important additionalfacility in their hotel room,above television (17 percent), bath (5 per cent), fridge(3 per cent) and mini-bar (1per cent). Logging onto theInternet in their room uponarrival topped the list ofthings that help travellersfeel most at home in theirhotel room (31per cent),above exploring the room (25per cent), taking a hot shower(14 per cent) or even unpack-ing (13 per cent).

Nearly 64 per cent oftravellers prefer to commu-nicate with people back homeover the Internet rather thanover the phone. Around 53per cent felt connecting withfamily at home was the beststressbuster at the end of aworking day. About 89 per

cent said free Internet wouldmake them happier whiletravelling away for business,while 65 per cent said theywould be very unhappy trav-elling if they had no way ofconnecting with the lovedones back home.

Connectivity, mean-while, is anticipated tobecome increasingly impor-tant in this fast growing travel hub. The region'sstrong MICE market attractsintra-regional and interna-tional business travellers who rely on connectivity to keep their finger on the pulse of their business and stay in touchwith the family while on the road.

The global research, commissioned to mark the recent launch of IHG’s(InterContinental Hotels Group) renamed loyalty programme, IHG RewardsClub, reveals that the biggest travel shortcoming for people away on businessis not being able to contact home due to lack of Internet connection.

Connectivity keeps clients happy

TT BU R E AU

Richard Solomons Chief Executive OfficerIHG

It’s trulyimportant for ourguests to be ableto stay in touchwhile travelling,along with greatexisting benefitslike points thatnever expire

The study’s other findingslist that 61 per cent said thatthe Internet was the mostimportant additional facilityin their hotel room, abovetelevision, bath, fridge andmini-bar

Report Highlights

The hotel will continue to targetconvention and group planners tosupport the government inestablishing Dubai as a preferredMICE choice

Rupprecht Queitsch General Manager, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

follow. Akbar Al Baker, CEO,Qatar Airways said, “A dedi-cated service for the Airline'sholiday-makers across theGCC will ensure that theyreceive the best customercare, information and adviceas well, that will make theirholidays extra special.”

The UAE capital is thethird Middle East destinationfor the African carrier, KenyaAirways. The Airline flew intoAbu Dhabi InternationalAirport from Nairobi recently,marking its 3rd Middle Eastdestination. Kenya Airwayscodeshare agreement withEtihad Airways will allowKenya Airways' passengers toseamlessly connect to EtihadAirways’ destinations and forEtihad Airways, originatingpassengers to seamlesslyreach new destinations in Africa.

Abraham Joseph, AreaManager - South Asia, MiddleEast and North Africa, KenyaAirways, confided, "Abu Dhabiwas a natural choice for us asthe second destination in theUAE, since it adds to EtihadAirways’ codeshare, thusexpanding the Airline's reachinto the region and catering to

travellers from other parts ofthe world travelling to Africa.I am sure this will give ourcustomers a wider choice ofconnectivity between theMiddle East and Africa."

Etihad Airways’ second-quarter revenue jumped 7per cent on the year to reachUS$1.33 billion (AED4.9 billion) as income from codeshare and alliance partnerships grew. “Etihadalso saw passenger revenuesrise despite stiff competitionon fares that squeezedyields,” stated James Hogan,CEO, Etihad Airways. Etihadis among a number of MiddleEastern airlines vying for agreater share of global long-distance passenger and cargoflights, while also promotingthe UAE as a destination.

The uptick in second-quarter revenue was helpedby partnerships Etihad hadstruck with other airlines. Ithas codeshare agreementswith about three dozen air-lines, including AmericanAirlines and Air New Zealand.Revenue from codeshare andequity partners was US$184million in the second quarter,up 25 per cent from the sameperiod last year.

ME aviation sectorin full swingContd. from page 1

COVER STORY

ANALYSIS A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 7

These properties havereceived the Green Globe

Certification (GGC), theworldwide sustainability sys-tem based on international-ly-accepted criteria for sus-tainable operation and man-agement of travel andtourism businesses.

GGC is the premierworldwide sustainabilitystamp for the tourism indus-try and more than 800 busi-nesses in 50 countries haveso far met the 337 exactingstandards. The certificationby the independent interna-tional organisation, GreenGlobe follows a meticulousaudit of sustainable practice.

Among hotels in theregion, Mövenpick Hotels &Resorts in Jordan leads thegreen charge. All five of theirproperties in Jordan haveachieved GGC for the thirdstraight year, underlining theGroup’s commitment to sus-tainable practice excellence.

Peter Hoesli, GeneralManager, Mövenpick Resort& Spa Dead Sea and RegionalManager for Jordan said,“Sustainability at the Group’shotels was an on-goingprocess.” The hotels wereconstantly challenging them-selves to find new ways toimprove standards, he added.

Their commitment isillustrated by the introductionof a range of energy-savinginnovations, including water-saving devices andenergy-efficient lighting inrooms and public areas. Solarpanels, replacement of lampswith LEDs, the installation ofa new key system and anenergy-efficient cooling system for chillers are someof the green measures thehotels have put in place.

The Iberotel Miramar AlAquah Beach Resort inFujairah, has demonstratedleadership and innovation inthe fields of operational efficiency and sustainable

management. This up-marketproperty was recently awardedGreen Globe re-certification.

Ashraf Helmy, GeneralManager and Area BusinessDevelopment Manager,Iberotel Miramar Al AquahBeach Resort informed,“Being awarded the GreenGlobe re-certification is aproud achievement. Lastyear, we had launched a newcleaning campaign in WadiWurayah, a government-pro-tected tourism area in themountains, and home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.”

In addition, everySaturday the hotel’s ‘KidsGardening Programme’invites children of guests toengage in activities and learnabout the importance ofkeeping the environmentgreen. The resort grows itsown organic fruits and vegetables, and their ownirrigation system recyclesgreywater for garden use.

Awarded internationalGreen Globe Certification(GGC) following an in-depthsustainability audit, the ParkRegis Kris Kin Hotel Dubaimarks another milestone inthe success of the 390-room5-star property.

Scott Butcher, GeneralManager, Park Regis Kris KinHotel Dubai explained thatthe recognition reinforces thehotel’s commitment to theEmirates’ transition towardsa greener economy.

He added, “By way ofbuilding on its newly-certifi-cated status, the hotel isrolling out a number of newcarbon footprint-reducing ini-tiatives in 2013, besides cre-ating an internal forum togenerate further ideas andproposals in this regard.”

UAE-based hospitalityfirm, TI'ME HotelsManagement, proved itscommitment to sustainablepractices after two of its

For environmentally conscious companies and travellers, whose numbers are thankfully on the increase, taking thegreen route is a key consideration these days when choosing hotels. And there are many hotels that are rising totheir expectations. Middle East observes hotels in the region for which sustainability is an ongoing quest.

ME hotels chart a ‘green’ future

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Peter HoesliGeneral ManagerMövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea andRegional Manager for Jordan

Ashraf HelmyGeneral Manager and Area BusinessDevelopment ManagerIberotel Miramar Al Aquah Beach Resort

Scott ButcherGeneral ManagerPark Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai

Mohamed AwadallaVice-PresidentTI'ME Hotels Management

Contd. on page 9

STATISTICS8 TRAVTALK A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3

The Middle East is one ofthe smallest, yet fast

growing, tourist generating

regions in the world. With theregion’s population estimatedto grow from 277 million in2011 to 335 million in 2025and hit 418 million in 2050,

this creates an ever expand-ing source tourism market forcountries around the world.With the region’s touristarrivals around the world

having hit 37 million in 2010,figures project the number tosoar upto 81 million touristarrivals in 2030. This showsan estimated increase of 44

million within a gap of 20years. The report lists top 10travel destinations (as seenin figure 5) of which SaudiArabia tops the list, followed

by Jordan and Syria. SoutheastAsia countries of Malaysia andThailand do not figure in thetop 10, but make it in the top20, along with China.

The report, ‘The Middle East Outbound Travel Market’ presented at the 6th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends andOutlook last year, showcases the region’s thriving outbound travel market, estimated to touch 81 million by 2030.

A promising future for ME’s outbound sectorTT BU R E AU

Saudi Arabia JordanSyria

KuwaitTunisiaEgypt

TurkeyFranceQatar

United Kingdom

Thailand, Malaysia and China figure in Top 20

Arrivals generated worldwide (million) Tourism expenditure (US$ billion)

1990

10

1995 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010

15 1825

2937

4350

Per capita expenditure: US$1871990

8

1995 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2020 2030

9 1423 25 27

32 33 37

57

81

2010-2030: 2 million additional arrivals/year

Source: Report by Kumud Sengupta, Director, Market Vision Research & Consulting Services

Sour

ce:U

NWTO

Sour

ce:U

NWTO

277

2011

million

335million

418million

2025

2050

Middle East Outbound Potential:

Population growth

19900

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

4.5 4.4 4.5

3.5

4.7

6.8

1995 2000 2005 2006 2010

ME tourism to Asia and the Pacific: Arrivals generated to Asia and the Pacific (% of total ME outbound)

Middle East Outbound Tourism:

Top 10 travel destinations

Middle East Outbound Potential:

The Arab Aviation andMedia Summit 2013,

organised by Air ArabiaGroup, took place from June 25-27, 2013 in Salalah, Oman.

Speaking at a panel discussion that was part ofthe Arab Aviation and MediaSummit 2013, AntoineMedawar, Vice-President,Middle East and North Africa,Amadeus, explained, “It wastechnology that was empow-ering the word of mouth, andthe consumers had rightfullygained control and access totravel price comparison.”

He added, “Today’straveller has taken a leadingrole in the booking process,and the customer is constant-ly looking for options that willsave time, money and theeffort that goes into planningand booking a trip.”

At the panel discussiontitled ‘Travelling online –influence of technology andsocial media on modern trav-el’, experts from the technol-ogy, tourism and media land-scapes came together to dis-

cuss the latest trends in avia-tion and technology and thelatter’s role in driving compe-tition and consumer demand.

While the discussion wasmoderated by Tariq Qureishi,Founder and CEO, VantageHolding, among the otherexperts on the panel wereSubhodeep Pal, Head ofOperations and Innovations,Simpliflying and AlanDevereux, Managing Director,CaveChalk Social Media.

“Technological innova-tion has undoubtedlyemerged as the enabler facil-itating online travel bookingsand as such should bedeployed to streamline andenhance the consumer expe-rience,” Medawar stressed.

Topics that were also onthe panel’s agenda includethe ‘Impact of social media ontravel’ and the ‘Global competitiveness of the Arabregion in terms of technologyadvancement’. Amadeus’participation at the summitwas aimed at reinforcingefforts to contribute to industry-shaping discussionsthat influence the growth ofthe tourism sector in theMiddle East, in view of thegrowing importance of theregion as a global dominanttravel hub.

The role and impact of technology on online travel, whichby default positions today’s traveller in a leading role inthe booking process, was highlighted by Amadeus at theArab Aviation and Media Summit 2013.

Net-savvy tourists in power

TT BU R E AU

Antoine Medawar Vice-President Middle East and North AfricaAmadeus

Today’s travelleris constantlylooking foroptions that savetime, money andthe effort thatgoes intobooking a trip

Specifically over the next12 months, Travelport, a

leading distribution servicesand e-commerce provider for the global travel industry,will be introducing a range ofnew products for Africa’stravel trade.

Since the beginning of2013, it included its pioneer-ing technology for airline dis-tribution, business intelli-gence suite and its uniquerevenue management toolamong others.

Studies show that thetourism industry in sub-Saharan Africa has registereda 4.7 per cent increase inarrivals in 2012, higher thanthe global average of 4.3 percent and second only to AsiaPacific with 5.1 per cent. Atthis rate, tourist arrivals tosub-Saharan Africa areexpected to reach 42.6 mil-lion by 2017. In light of thisencouraging growth scenario,Mark Meehan, ManagingDirector, Travelport Africainformed, “The continent has been identified as a

strategic investment region.Accordingly, a robust busi-ness strategy for the continent has been unveiled,

emphasising it as the compa-ny’s focus on the continent.”

There are also plans to further strengthenTravelport’s East Africa hubin Nairobi. Since April, itsteam in Kenya has beenstrengthened by its on-the-ground expertise and supportin commercial, product andcustomer training. Besides,Travelport will continue toinvest in online and mobiletechnologies to complementexisting products alreadyavailable in the region.

“In the last 18 monthsalone, Travelport has added10 new countries to itsAfrican network and presently, it operates in 47countries with more in thepipeline,” Meehan revealed.Recent positive feedbackreceived from its customers,who had assembled at itsfirstever East Africa customerconference in Zanzibar, indicates the company is definitely on the right trackin this region.

In response to the projected 7 per cent growth in East Africa’s GDP, a fastgrowing economy in Africa, Travelport has unveiled investment plans forEast Africa. It reinforces the GDS provider’s commitment to the region.

East Africa promises good growth

TT BU R E AU

New product empowers agentsTravelport has announced the global launch of its new SearchControl Console, a tool to customise search in real-time. Theapplication is the latest innovation in intelligent flight search,enabling agencies to centrally control over 35 rules andparameters to fine tune the relevancy of search results to theirtraveller’s needs and to quickly capture business opportunities.“We are convinced our travel agency customers will see thevalue in this highly efficient tool as it really does enable themto offer an enhanced customer experience,” said ReginaldWarlop, VP - Fares, Search and GDS Cores.

The continenthas beenidentified as astrategicinvestmentregion

Mark Meehan Managing DirectorTravelport Africa

STNME was established asa joint venture between

Gulf Air and Sabre in 2005 andhas considerably grown. Sincethen, it has become the lead-ing provider of travel technol-ogy services in the Middle-East, operating in 23 officesacross 13 MENA countries.

Over the past eightyears, STNME provided thelatest technology services tothe travel agents in theregion. It included web,mobile and ancillary solutionsand exclusive products,which helped agencies createmore revenue, reduce costsand be more productive inshopping, booking and man-aging travel.

Gulf Air 's partnershipwith Sabre Travel NetworkMiddle East has seen strongmarketplace growth. It’s atrue strength of collaborationbetween a pioneering nation-al carrier and a global traveltechnology giant.

Highlighting the impor-tance of Gulf Air - STNME partnership, DanielNaoumovitch, CEO, STNME,

informed, “Our renewedpartnership re-affirms ourcommitment to the industryand our valued customers.We have evolved our partner-ship over the years, growing

from our home in Bahrain tothe entire MENA region andincreasing our investmenteach year to serve the needsof the growing industry."

STNME provides theentire region's travel tradeindustry with matchlessaccess to world-class products and services, facilitating bookings and producing cost savings.

The renewal of theagreement reaffirms theintention of Gulf Air toremain constantly at the fore-front of all industry technolo-gies, delivering solutions thatmake travel more convenient.

Following continued strong growth in a 30-yearpartnership, Gulf Air and Sabre Holdings (Sabre), a traveltechnology firm, renewed their joint venture partnershipfor Sabre Travel Network Middle-East (STNME).

Trade leaders strengthen bond

TT BU R E AU

TECHNOLOGY A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 9

Daniel Naoumovitch CEOSTNME

Our renewedpartnership re-affirms ourcommitment tothe industryand our valuedcustomers

Since 2005, STNME hasbecome the leadingprovider of traveltechnology services in theMiddle-East, operating in23 offices across 13MENA countries

It’s a true strength ofcollaboration between apioneering national carrierand a global traveltechnology giant

Close Ties

Dubai properties were awarded the GGC, followinga sustainability audit.

Mohamed Awadalla,Vice-President, TI'ME HotelsManagement, who also head-ed a 'Green Team' establishedto drive the Green Globe proj-ect at each property, detailedthe sustainability proceduresthat were adopted.

These procedures rangefrom energy-saving steps suchas swapping to low-wattageLED lighting and installing an 'Energy ConsumptionMonitoring and BenchmarkingSystem' to engage in cultural-awareness activities and incor-porate questions regarding thehotel's 'Green Initiative'

in the guest satisfaction questionnaire.

Awadalla revealed, “The'Green Team's' mission for2013 at TI'ME Grand PlazaHotel was to reduce waterand energy consumption by 2per cent, general waste by 2per cent and CO2 emissionsby 2 per cent, as compared to2012.”

He added, “Also, sustainability awarenesstraining for departmentheads is being conducted ona weekly basis and for all staffon a monthly basis. Thisensures that the hotels notonly continue to meet GreenGlobe criteria, but improve onthem wherever possible,” he added.

Hotels in ME take up energy-saving stepsContd. from page 7

ANALYSIS

Marriott International haslaunched a new Arabic version of its website in a bidto build on the $100m ofrevenue booked annuallythrough the site each year bycustomers in Arabic speak-

ing countries. The new por-tal offers real time contentand booking facilities inArabic and allows Arab customers to search for hotelrooms and make a reserva-tion in their mother tongue.

Arabic site for Marriott

FAMILY ALBUM1 0 TRAVTALK A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3

Kuwait’s travel trade attends India seminar India Tourism, Dubai along with the Embassy of India, Kuwait jointly organised ‘Incredible India Tourism Presentation’ for the travel & tourism industryin Kuwait on June 11, 2013. Tour operators from India and Kuwait were present. Air India, Jet Airways, Etihad Airlines, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways& Oman Airways, all took part in this B2B networking session. Medical Tourism to India was also promoted as Kuwait has potential for this sector.

MOVEMENTS A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3 TRAVTALK 1 1Muriya Tourism Development Oman Hamza Selim has been appointed Chief Executive Officerof Muriya Tourism Development, a joint venture between

Orascom Development Holdings andOmran. He will now spearhead growthand be responsible for the operationsof the Jebel Sifah and Salalah Beachdevelopments as well as futureprojects. Prior to his current position,

he worked with Orascom Developmentin Egypt for eight years. Selim is well

versed in GCC hospitlality,having worked with

Hyatt International for27 years.

Al Bustan Centre and Residence Dubai Arun Kumar has been appointed as the new ResidenceManager for Al Bustan Center and Residence, and will be incharge of the day-to-day operations.With over 22 years of experience inthe hospitality sector in Middle Eastand India, Kumar has worked invarious international hotel chains.Prior to joining Al Bustan, he wasthe General Manager at Safeer Groupof Hotels in Muscat, Oman. A hotelmanagement graduate, healso worked with FloraGroup, Taj Group of Hotelsand others.

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Holger Schroth has been appointed as the GeneralManager of Emirates Palace. He brings 30 years’ ofinternational experience in the hospitalityindustry. Prior to his appointment at theEmirates Palace, Schroth spent three yearswith the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok,where he oversaw the opening of the hoteland held a dual role as General Manager andArea Director of South East Asia. Fluent inGerman, English, French and Spanish,Schroth holds a EuropeanExecutive MBA from ReimsManagement School in France.

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi UAE Daniel van der Heijden has been appointed as the newDeputy General Manager of the Le Royal Meridian Abu Dhabi.He hails from Netherlands with a businessdegree from the Hotel Business School(SVH), Netherlands, and brings with himmore than two decades of experience inthe hospitality industry. His most recentassignment was the conversion andbranding of Sheraton hotel, Mall of theEmirates, Dubai, fur ther toStarwood hotel’s take over.

Len Tobias has been named as the Director of Sales –Leisure of Raffles Dubai. Philippines born, Tobias started

her hospitality journey 15 years agoin the Convention & Banquets

department. She then moved toDubai to gain experience inBusiness Development at theWorld Trade Centre Hotel. Shejoined Raffles Dubai in 2010as Senior Sales Manager –

Leisure where she reached herlast position as Assistant

Director of Sales -Leisure.

Ahmed Adam is the new Assistant Director of Sales – Leisure.A Sudanese national, Adam’s 13-year career spans the Middle

East. He began in Front Office andReservations, and then moved into Saleswith renowned hotels such as SheratonJeddah Hotel & Resort in Saudi Arabia,Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort in Qatar,

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai in UAE, RadissonBlu Hotel Media City Dubai in UAE. He has

a strong background inmanaging tour operators’

online systems anddistribution channels inthe GCC markets.

Tamer Refaat is the new Assistant Director of Sales –Corporate. He began his career as a journalist for Al Ahram

Hebdo, an international Frenchnewspaper in his home countryEgypt. He then moved to Dubaiin 2004 and began his hospitalityjourney in the Renaissance DubaiHotel (Marriott) as a Front Desk

Agent. He joined Raffles Dubai in2010 as Sales Manager – Corporate

and was promoted to Senior Sales Manager

- Corporate inOctober 2011.

Kempinski Hotels Abu Dhabi Bugra Berberoglu is the new Senior Vice President ofRegional Operations for India, Middle East & Africa for

Kempinski Hotels. He has been promotedfrom his position as the General Managerof the Emirates Palace. In his new role,he is expected to work with all the hotelsin the region to ensure consistentdelivery of Kempinski luxury standards.

A graduate of the Ecole Hotelière deLausanne, he joined Kempinski

in 2004, when he wasappointed GeneralManager at KempinskiHotel N’Djamena in Chad.

Wego Singapore Joachim Holte is the new Chief Marketing Officer of Wego.Holte will manage all demand generation and brand marketing

activities worldwide including SEO,SEM, display, affiliate and par tnermarketing, PR, CRM and offlineadver tising. With 13 years ofspecialised online experience, most

recently as Executive General Managerwith the Wotif Group in Australia, where

Holte managed the product, marketingand online strategy.

Raffles Dubai UAE

UAE’s RAK Airwaysrecently announcedIslamabad and Amman to beits first two destinationlaunches in 2013. Murabit AlSawaf, President and CEO,RAK Airways stated that the airline is visualising a strate-gic growth path with newdestinations and increase inits fleet size, and that withinthe next few weeks theAirline will announce fivenew destinations.

The launch of theIslamabad service will be onAugust 5, 2013 and to

Amman on August 7. RAKAirways has seen a strategicgrowth path since itsrelaunch in 2010 and therehas been no turning back.

The Airline saw passengernumbers to the tune of300,000 in 2012 and in thefirst quarter of 2013, thenumbers have jumped to 40 per cent.

Islamabad is RAKAirways' third entry pointinto Pakistan. In 2011, theAirline made its first entryinto Pakistan with two-weekly flights to Lahore andPeshawar. In the first half of2013, the Airline increasedits frequency to Lahore andPeshawar from two to threeflights a week.

Murabit Al SawafPresident and CEORAK Airways

RAK Airways launches new routes Sofitel announces new committee

Sofitel The Palm Dubai, currently in its soft opening phase, recently welcomed new additions to theirExecutive Committee (EXCOM). Headed by Christophe Schnyder, General Manager and supported byMarc Sittl, Hotel Manager, the other members of the EXCOM team include David Hirber, Director of Foodand Beverage, Olivier Chaleil, Executive Chef and Emmanuel Comble, Director of Sales and Marketing.Rounding out the EXCOM team are Navin Shah, Director of Finance, Karim Shawky, Director of Rooms,Sayed Edroos, Director of HR and Rohit Salunke, Director of Engineering.

HIGHLIGHT1 2 TRAVTALK A U G U S T , 2 0 1 3

DFW InternationalAirport’s participation at

the Arabian Travel Market2013, now for the 2nd year,under the umbrella of BrandUSA following its solo partic-ipation in 2012, has served topromote the airport as thegateway of choice for MiddleEast carriers into America.

“DFW is centrally locat-ed in the United States ofAmerica and as such, anymajor North American city iswithin four hour’s reach,”explained Mitzi Chollampel,International MarketingManager, Dallas/FortWorthInternational Airport.

“Travellers takingMiddle East airlines likeEmirates had many options toeither stay in Dallas itself orTexas, or connect to any othermajor city in North Americabecause of the Airport’s cen-tral location in the US.”

As DFW Airport experi-ences the fastest growth forinternational air service in itshistory, its Board has agreedto build a federal inspectionsservices corridor to allow forinternational travellerarrivals at Terminal B aboardAmerican Eagle. “The newFIS corridor will lead directlyto Customs and BorderProtection (CBP) facility inDFW Airport’s adjacentTerminal D.

Work on the nearlyUS$223,000 FIScorridor constructionproject, is expectedto continue throughsummer.

The corridor is sched-uled for an October opening,”she further said.

The DFW Board hasagreed to spend US$222,000to expand the security check-point at Terminal E33. The expanded capacity fortraveller check-in will helpaccommodate the dramaticincrease, especially in peak-hour traveller traffic, resultingin more convenience. Over2012, the traveller trafficaboard low cost carriers hasincreased 42.6 per cent as low-cost airlines have expandedtheir service significantly atDFW, reflecting the opportuni-ty for any carrier at the airportto expand.

Dallas/FortWorth (DFW) International Airport joininghands with its tourism partners has ensured a rise inEmirates’ flights since 2012. A US$2 bn investment hasbeen made on the proposed building of new terminals.

ME traffic into DFW soars

SU S M I TA GH O S H

Mitzi ChollampelInternational Marketing ManagerDallas/FortWorth International Airport

Beginning August 6, 2013,the Dubai-Kuala Lumpur

return service will take offeveryday via MH163 andMH162 using the Boeing777-200 aircraft that offers atotal capacity of 282 seats oneach flight, equivalent to3,948 seats weekly.

Attractive promotionalfares starting from AED1,765 for an all-inclusiveeconomy class return travelwere offered by the nationalcarrier in conjunction withthe re-introduction of serviceon this route, whereas theall-inclusive business classreturn tickets were availablefor AED 7,265. Bookingswere open till July 22, 2013for the travel period fromAugust 6, 2013 tillSeptember 30, 2013.

Ahmad Jauhari Yahya,Group Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Malaysia Airlines,

said, "Dubai was one of theroutes that were suspendedin our route rationalisationexercise in January 2012.

We continuouslymonitor marketdemand and ar ehappy to be able to add Dubai backinto MalaysiaAirlines network toextend our reach and strengthen our offering tocustomers.”

Offering direct non-stopservice to Malaysia, theAirline offers connectivity toamongst other destinations,the Philippines, Indonesia,Australia and New Zealandfrom Dubai.

“The past year has seenMalaysia Airlines steadily

grow in its reach and capaci-ty. The new aircraft belongingto its A380 fleet, which theAirline introduced in July

2012, will be put in serviceon routes to London, Parisand Hong Kong,” he furtherinformed.

Al Rais travel & ship-ping agencies is the GeneralSales Agent for MalaysiaAirlines in the UAE.

Effective August 5, 2013, Malaysia Airlines will be addingDubai back to its network. This development effectivelycancels its January 2012 suspension, which wasattributed to a route rationalisation exercise.

Dubai to rejoin MAS network

TT BU R E AU

Ahmad Jauhari YahyaGroup Chief Executive OfficerMalaysia Airlines