All Roads Lead to ITB Berlin As the World Meets on One Platform in the City from March 4-8, 2020
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Vol. XVI No. 3; March 2020 A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 36 Scan & Share m om .c East TravTalkMiddleEast.com 43.6% growth in Oman’s cruise tourists ..... 09 Top 5 tips for a smooth visa process .......... 23 Turkish Airlines soars high ...................... 10 Smart tourism at ITB Berlin ..................... 31 March 4-8, 2020 1st lady GM in KSA at Radisson ................. 14 RAKTDA unveils Jais Adventure Peak ......... 33 Media Partner ME focus on tech @ITB Berlin All roads lead to ITB Berlin as the world meets on one platform in the city from March 4-8, 2020. Travel trends have witnessed different changes over the past year with technology and digital mobility taking centre stage, and the contingent from ME will be focussing on how this contributes towards travel and tourism businesses. We are looking forward to our coming participation at ITB Berlin, the ideal platform to shine the spotlight on the emirate’s latest plans and strategies, driving in more growth for the local tourism industry, including the strong focus we have placed on outdoor leisure, eco-tourism and the growth of the hospitality industry. In fact, the main objective of our presence is to showcase Sharjah’s unique tourism product and distinctive projects, reinforcing the emirate’s position as an ideal regional and global family-friendly destination as we head towards our target H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of attracting 10 million visitors by 2021. Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority We very much look forward to ITB Berlin has always been an We are excited to grant participating in ITB again this year excellent platform to reinforce our international visitors a first look at as it provides a great opportunity to presence among the German and two of our recently opened eco- engage with the industry in one of western European markets and our retreats, Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha our strongest source markets. participation this year is exceptionally and Al Badayer Retreat in Al Germany continues to be one of significant due to Expo 2020. Apart Badayer desert, along with our our leading international source from networking, ITB Berlin presents Kingfisher Retreat at Kalba, markets, driven by a strong appetite opportunities to learn the latest exhibiting for the first time all three Raki Phillips Iftikhar Hamdani Ahmed Al Qaseer CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism for the destination’s year-round Cluster GM- Ramada Hotel & trends in travel and hospitality and Chief Operating Officer world-class hospitality properties Development Authority offering. Our presence in Berlin will Suites by Wyndham Ajman, gain valuable knowledge and - Shurooq under our Sharjah Collection brand, Ramada by Wyndham Beach serve to reinforce the diverse appeal of Ras Al Khaimah Hotel Ajman and Wyndham insights from our industry peers. Our at ITB Berlin this year. Exhibiting alongside our nature- as a destination to existing and potential trade partners Garden Ajman Corniche properties have attractive and inspired eco-retreats, we aim to push our agenda on through on-stand collaborations with some of our competitive offers especially designed for the German sustainable and responsible tourism investments and activity, adventure and hospitality providers as well as visitors, throughout the year. We ensure to provide them experiences through our eco-tourism and heritage local tour operators. the best value for money. tourism projects, in the MENA region. Inputs by Shehara Rizly NTO MARCH 2020 TRAVTALK 3 3.6 mn overnight stays by GCC to Germany GCC market has been increasing their number travelling to Germany year on year. This year the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) launched its global campaign celebrating the famous Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary. Nermin Abushnaf - Communications Manager – GNTO, Gulf countries shares with the importance of the GCC market and their initiatives for the year. ated numerous activities to Gulf region is to promote market this important event ‘Germany as a year-round on a cultural tourism level. travel destination’ for the In addition, further global GCC nationals as well as campaigns are launched in inspire travellers to explore various markets by GNTB the diversity of the country. featuring ‘German Sum- Germany has great cit- mer Cities’, showcasing the ies from Berlin, Frankfurt, country’s diverse summer Hamburg and Cologne to activities as well as ‘Wan- the breath-taking natural derlust Germany’ as a top landscapes of the North TT Bureau showed greatest growth markets being UAE, Saudi destination for adventures. Sea Coast. among overseas market Arabia and Kuwait. Moreover, GNTO launch- Nermin Abushnaf Communications Manager – German How was 2019 for and GCC nationals visiting ing ‘Destination Germany’ Could you share National Tourist Office, Gulf Countries GNTO in terms of traffic Germany are expected to What is the theme for with its different angles any other plans and from the Gulf region? increase to 3.6 mn over- this year to attract including nature, sightsee- initiatives for this year Germany. Furthermore, The GCC travelling audi- night stays by 2030, com- travellers from the GCC? ing, entertainment, culture, to attract the travellers sustainable experiences ence is of major importance pared with 1.8 mn guest GNTB launched in 2020 its shopping as well as health, from the Middle East have become essential for the German tourism nights from Gulf nationals worldwide campaign ‘Dis- recreation and wellness to with a focus on the Gen for them when travelling industry and the local hos- recorded in 2018 with key cover Beethoven’ and initi- the GCC nationals. X, millennials, etc.? and we are proud to of- pitality industry is very well- The Millennials and the fer cultural landscapes in equipped to cater to visitors Are there any specific Generation Z in the Gulf unspoiled nature, environ- from the region. According GCC nationals visiting Germany are expected areas in Germany being region are more adventur- mental-friendly transporta- to the latest forecast from to increase to 3.6 mn overnight stays by 2030, with key promoted this year? ous and keener to explore tion links throughout the the GNTB, the Gulf region markets being UAE, Saudi Arabia & Kuwait The aim for GNTO for the the lesser known parts of entire country. 4 TRAVTALK MARCH 2020 GUESTCOLUMN DCT Abu Dhabi partners with Sojern and Personalised travel experiences Spark Foundry to drive tourism in the Emirate As we ring in this new year, we will also be welcoming a new decade. It’s a time to not only place bets for the Wyndham Hotels & years ahead, but for a retrospective to show how far our industry has come. Abhijit Pal, Head of Research, Resorts introduces La Travel Partners Group, Expedia Group, shares some predictions to help remove friction for travellers. Quinta to EMEA market with hotel in Istanbul hile the ‘OK Boomer’ In college and/or work- resources into employ- elling for healthcare – all local airport in their town or Sabre and dnata Wmeme may be a bit ing, they’ll be making their ees’ well-being and pro- factors drive diversifica- city. As such, to lure these Travel renew GCC Partner extreme, it does illustrate own travel decisions. Ex- vide more flexible travel tion in accommodations. travellers, airports in the Network agreement a widening gap among the pect them to crave a fully and ‘work from anywhere’ With travel demand on for coming years will increas- ages – unique perspec- digital, frictionless travel policies, employee satis- houseboats, yachts, RVs ingly reevaluate their offer- TIME Express Hotels tives, interests and values experience – exploring new faction and productivity and airstreams up 30 per ings – ultimately redefining makes its debut in Sharjah define the generations, destinations via their virtual are getting a boost. The cent year-over-year, the next the airport experience. Sabre collaborates changing the face of travel reality sets at home as they art of business travel will wave of unique accommo- with Accor to create and how travel providers shop for their next trip. become more important dations has arrived. Diversi- technology platform are expected to engage as companies grow and fication is important, as trav- for more personalised with each other. Changing face of work look to carve out a com- ellers should always have services While the 9-5 desk job petitive advantage. the choice in what best fit According to Expedia may still be a norm for their travel needs. GCC tourism spend Group Media Solutions re- many, it’s increasingly be- Diversity in in Egypt will increase by search, younger travellers coming less of an occur- accommodation Redefining the 11% in 2020 generating crave unique experiences rence for employees. As Business travel to leisure, airport experience $2.36 bn and adventure, fully em- companies invest more family travel to those trav- It’s the age of the swing 39% increase in bracing the #YOLO men- traveller – people who vacation rental income tality. In a decade, mem- prioritise better fares and during Dubai’s events: bers of Gen A – which is It’s the age of the swing traveller – airport amenities, like Abhijit Pal expected to be the most shorter security lines and Head of Research, Travel Partners Group GuestReady people who prioritise better fares and airport Expedia Group formally educated and better dining options, even Ireland organises its amenities, like shorter security lines and better (The views expressed th wealthiest generation – will if it means passing on a are solely of the author. 10 UAE Sales Mission The publication may or may not be turning 20 years old. dining options (much) shorter drive to the subscribe to the same.) A word from stalwarts Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) continues to demonstrate its long- standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and contributing positively to society.