25 NOVEMBER 2017 ISSUE 420

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

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traveltradedaily.com 25 NOVEMBER 2017 ISSUE 420

06 ACCOMMODATION ROTANA TO LAUNCH 14 NEW PROJECTS

MINOR HOTELS TO REDEFINE AIRWAYS ADDITIONAL 06 DOHA’S HOSPITALITY 14 FLIGHTS TO CAIRO MARKET UPDATE www.traveltradeweekly.travel

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MANAGING EDITOR IATA FORECASTS DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH FOR 2036 Mary Kammitsi [email protected] International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects 7.8 billion passengers to trav- JOURNALISTS Panayiotis Karanicholas Anna Spyrou el in 2036, a nearly double the four billion air travellers expected to fly this year. The

CONTRIBUTOR prediction is based on a 3.6 percent average Compound Annual Growth Rate noted in Dominique Christou the release of the latest update to the association’s 20-Year Air Passenger Forecast.

DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou

WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis

DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670

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WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515, [email protected]

Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735, [email protected] he Asia-Pacific region will be the source of more than half of the new passengers over the next two decades,

Representative for UK & Ireland and while China will be replacing the US as the world’s largest aviation market. Scandinavia: "Increasing demand will bring a significant infrastructure challenge. The solution does not lie in more com- David Simpson plex processes [...] but in harnessing the power of new technology to move activity off-airport, streamline pro- Simpson Media T Tel: +447900885456, [email protected] cesses and improve efficiency […],” highlighted Alexandre de Juniac, CEO, IATA.

ABU DHABI’S Q3 RETAIL PERFORMANCE MENA EXCHANGE RATES as of According to Jones Lang LaSalle's UAE Real Estate Market Overview, 22.11.2017 ’s office and retail rents have remained stable during this CURRENCY USD1= COUNTRY year’s third quarter (Q3) despite the decline in demand. (BHD) Dinar 0.37 (JOD) Dinar 0.71 (OMR) Rial 0.39 (QAR) Rial 3.64 pproximately 550 units were delivered in Q3, (SAR) Riyal 3.75 bringing the total residential stock to approxi- UAE (AED) Dirham 3.67 mately 250,000 units. Deliveries included Al Algeria (DZD) Dinar 114.84 Jazeera Tower on the Corniche, C34 residen- (EGP) Pound 18.68 A tial tower in Saraya on the Corniche and Abu Dhabi Ma- Iran (IRR) Rial 35,237.30 rina Development in Al Bateen. (IQD) Dinar 1,166.06 Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.30 A further 3,000 residential units are currently sched- (LBP) Pound 1,510.88 uled to enter the market by the end of the year mainly Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.37 within Reem Island, Saadiyat Island and Saraya. (MAD) Dirham 9.44 Aldar's Water's Edge scheme on Yas Island was well re- (SYP) Pound 514.99 ceived at Cityscape Global, setting a new benchmark for Tunisia (TND) Dinar 2.48 good quality waterfront housing at a lower price point. Yemen (YER) Rial 250.15 Abu Dhabi

2 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel MARKET UPDATE

WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE’S Q3 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED PERFORMANCE PASSENGER GROWTH

yndham Worldwide recently According to Dubai Airports, passenger announced results for the third traffic at Dubai International climbed quarter of this year (Q3). The 1.7 percent in September compared W company's results were in line with its prior expectations despite recent hur- to the corresponding month in 2016, ricanes negatively impacting its operations. with the hub welcoming 7.2 million Net income in Q3 was USD203 million compared with USD196 million for Q3 in travellers. 2016. Diluted earnings per share increased 11 percent to USD1.97, versus USD1.78 in 2016. n terms of source markets, South America was the Stephen Holmes, CEO, Wyndham World- fastest expanding segment with 46.2 percent in- wide, highlighted, "While the barrage of crease, followed by Eastern Europe and East Asia, recent hurricanes negatively impacted our I up 18.6 percent and 15.7 percent, correspondingly. results, our efforts to drive revenue and con- Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, emphasised, trol costs successfully mitigated their impact “Dubai International’s growth throughout the first in the quarter. I am especially proud of how nine months of this year has been very satisfying and our employees and affiliates in affected areas we are now well set for a great finish to the year thanks have served our guests throughout a difficult to the internationally popular entertainment and period.” sports events lined up for the upcoming winter season Dubai International here in Dubai.”

MIDDLE EAST HOTELIERS CHALLENGED IN Q3

Based on STR Global's latest report, occupancy in Middle Eastern accommodations fell 2.8 percent to 60.9 percent during the third quarter of this year (Q3), while average daily rate plummeted 8.1 percent to USD145.50. Mean- while RevPAR decreased 10.7 percent to USD88.61.

Lebanon

n Lebanon, occupancy levels increased 5.5 percent during Q3, marking the highest month and quarter growth for the country since 2011.STR analysts note that the country’s strong year-over-year growth for the quarter was I due to considerably low performance levels over the past several years, caused by political unrest and security concerns.

25 NOVEMBER 2017 3 TECHNOLOGY www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Cleatrip Enables Apple Pay Sabre Poll American Highlights Express Anounced SafeKey 2.0 leartrip, a mobile and online travel company in the Mid- Findings dle East, announced the integration of Apple Pay on its C mobile application. With the launch of Apple’s digital wallet in the UAE, Cleartrip oday’s travellers spend an av- merican Express has recently an- customers can now take advantage of a quicker and safer way erage of 3.5 hours finding the nounced SafeKey 2.0, the next gen- to check out on its mobile app. T perfect flight, according to a A eration of its online authentication “As the preferred travel partner of consumers in the UAE, as consumer poll from Sabre, highlight- tool built specifically to meet the needs of well as the wider region, we are dedicated to building industry- ing the vast array of flight options today’s mobile commerce environment. leading travel solutions. Understanding and addressing our available to travellers today, and the SafeKey 2.0 is one of many tools Ameri- customers’ needs, like easy payment options, is at the heart of potential dilemma of easily finding can Express has made available to help why we launched Apple Pay on the Cleartrip app,” said Stuart an appropriate flight. merchants, issuers and card members fight Crighton, CEO, Cleartrip. The study also found that busi- fraud. Other tools include Enhanced Au- nesses people were more willing thorisation, a service that uses additional in- to share information with in return formation submitted by online merchants, for a more personalised experience. to detect fraud when a card member trans- In addition, almost one in five con- action is submitted for authorisation. sumers expect airlines to offer them [...] “The number of consumers making completely unique travel packages. purchases through mobile channels is con- Almost one in four expect airlines to tinuing to grow, and the expected growth recommend entire flight experiences of Internet-connected devices will further tailored towards all of their individual fuel digital commerce activity,” said Jarom- preferences. ir Divilek, executive vice president, global Cleartrip mobile app network business, American Express.

4 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel AGENTS

Mubadala Partners with Hotelbeds’ Honeywell GTA Drives Strong Presence Growth in Dubai at WTM

TA recently held its third an- uring WTM London, Hotelbeds nual Strategic Partnership Group, provided an update on G Programme (SPP) Dubai D the latest stage of the integra- event at RockOn! themed restau- tion of Tourico Holidays and GTA into rant at Bollywood Parks Dubai. its group, offering clients an even wid- Dubai as an overall destination er choice of hotel accommodation. continues to deliver strong growth Commenting on the occasion, From left, Al-Olama, and Randy Anderson, president, Aerospace, Europe, for GTA with the SPP Dubai proper- , and India, Honeywell, on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow Carlos Muñoz, managing director, ties performing in excess of 30 per- bedbank, Hotelbeds Group, stated, cent year-on-year revenue growth “We are very pleased to confirm to iming to transform the Mid- products and services to the Middle which is ahead of market perfor- our customers that the number of dle East’s aviation indus- East, relating to the manufacturing, mance. unique hotels available has risen – A try, Mubadala Investment development and maintenance, During the event, all SPP hotels with the inclusion of both Tourico Company (Mubadala) has signed repair and overhaul of aerospace enjoyed updates from key GTA sales Holidays and GTA´s offering – from a memorandum of understanding products across the region. figures from the Asia Pacific and around 120,000 to approximately (MoU) with Honeywell Internation- “This MoU is poised to achieve Middle Eastern region outlining the 170,000 […]. Additionally we can al, the Fortune 100 software-indus- greater results than the sum of its various opportunities that exist and now also confirm that we are working trial company that produces con- parts because of the length and some tips on how they can capital- with over 7,000 clients via the whole- nected technologies for aviation. depth of our partnership, [...]” con- ize on driving business into Dubai sale channel globally.” The two companies are set to cluded Badr Al-Olama, director, from these source markets. collaborate to introduce a suite of Aerospace, Mubadala.

25 NOVEMBER 2017 5 ACCOMMODATION www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Rotana to Launch 14 New Projects

KEEPING IN LINE WITH ITS TARGET OF OPERATING 100 PROPERTIES BY 2020, ROTANA HOTELS & RESORTS SHOWCASED DURING THIS YEAR’S WTM LONDON ITS 14 NEW PROJECTS WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF 2018. THESE INCLUDE SIX HOTELS IN THE UAE, THREE IN SAUDI ARABIA, TWO IN

AND ONE IN IRAN, IRAQ AND ommenting on the expansion, Omer Kaddouri, CEO, Rotana . Hotels & Resorts, stated, “Saudi Arabia is heading for a phe- nomenal growth with massive scale up in investments and in- frastructure projects. The recent announcements of new ambi- tious projects have made it a more attractive market. CThe [country] will continue to be one of our key markets going forward.” Mondrian Doha to Debuted Redefine Doha’s Hospitality ondrian Doha, Qatar’s excit- ing new lifestyle hospitality M offering made its Middle East- ern debut offering a variety of stylish iming to enhance the and distinct options to cater to event development of the lo- planners needs, along with a cluster A cal hospitality sector and of venues suitable for an array of cor- contribute towards the economic porate and social functions diversification of Qatar as defined Featuring meeting and confer- in its National Vision 2030, Minor ence facilities, the new 270-key prop- Hotels unveiled plans to launch erty encompasses seven meeting three new properties in 2018 un- spaces. Designed in collaboration der its Tivoli and Oaks brands. The with Marcel Wanders, the resort gives three properties will be owned guests the choice to select between by Katara Hospitality, a globally five room categories. Furthermore, recognised hospitality owner, de- Mondrian Doha includes seven cus- veloper and operator. tom bars and restaurants. The addition of the three new hotels in Doha, will bring the total number of properties operated by Minor Hotels in the GCC region to 16 across multiple brands. In addition, the group has a strong pipeline in the MENA region including new properties under development in Saudi Ara- bia, Tunisia and Morocco, three new countries for the group. Mondrian Doha

6 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel ACCOMMODATION

Milestone September for Abu Dhabi’s Hoteliers Arabian Court- yard Presents ccording to the latest figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority the emirate saw a seven percent year-on-year increase in the number of hotel guests Renovations A during the first nine months of the year, with September recording five percent rise compared to the corresponding month in 2016. While September saw a slight drop in domestic tourists into Abu Dhabi, the month was marked by a surge in Chinese hotel guests, recording a highly impressive increase of 133 per- ollowing four months of ex- cent in comparison to September 2016. The rise to more than 28,000 Chinese guests in the tensive renovations, Arabian month under review can be attributed to extensive marketing across China carried out by the Abu Dhabi F Courtyard Hotel & Spa, an authority and the granting of visas on arrival from the start of the year to Chinese nationals. Arabian Heritage themed hotel lo- cated at the heart of Bur Dubai has recently presented its new look to guests inviting them to relax into its new interiors. Covering the refurbishment of the 150 hotel’s guestrooms with modern electronic fitouts, reading lights and multiple device charg- ing sockets to cater for the needs of today’s travellers, the AED5 million (USD1.36 million) project included upgradation of the resort’s pool deck, which now features an out- door Shisha lounge. Other facili- ties that undergone enhancement works are the Pharaoh Café and La Terrasse as well as the VIP lounge.

Citymax Hotels New Brand Identity

itymax Hotels revealed the launch of its new brand C identity, that is being rolled out in phases across the group’s portfolio of hotels. As part of the project, in addi- tion to a new brand image, all op- erating hotels will be renovated to provide guests a more contempo- rary experience while leveraging the brand value of Citymax Hotels. The first property to implement the new identity is Citymax Hotel Al Barsha. The hotel has renovated its reception, lobby, corridors and guestrooms along with bathrooms on first, second and third floors with an imaginative design concept. Other facilities, including the dining outlets, will also be enhanced over the next few months.

25 NOVEMBER 2017 7 ACCOMMODATION www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments TIME Hotels to Wyndham Highlights Upgraded Facilities Launch Saudi Garden

Resort to Debut olden Sands Hotel Apartments highlighted its re-designed website and the new look of the hotel apartments at WTM in G London. The new website features an innovative booking en- uring WTM London, TIME Hotels iming to expand hospitality of- gine, with photos of the property and its facilities including images unveiled plans to launch a mid- fering in Bahrain’s capital city, of the many attractions in Dubai. D market contemporary develop- A Wyndham Hotel Group, in The team also showcased the new look of apartments five and 10 ment on the upper west side of . partnership with Mannai Properties with its new interior design, colour scheme and furnishings that aim Due to open its doors in December, launched a 441-key address that is to appeal to both business and leisure travellers from the UK market. TIME Beach Villas Resort will comprise thoughtfully designed and equipped “[...] Golden Sands Hotel Apartments […] has been a preferred of 61 units with detailed archi- with deluxe amenities for ultimate accommodation for many visitors from the UK so we keep upgrad- tecture encompassing a full reflection comfort and convenience. ing our services and facilities to cater to their ever changing de- of authentic Gulf design. “[...] It is per- Said to be the world’s largest Wynd- mands,” said Mohammed Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands fect for long staying corporate guests as ham Garden property, Wyndham Gar- Hotel Apartments. well as short stay family getaways. TIME den Manama is located in Juffair and Hotels has a great deal of experience just a 10-minute drive from Bahrain In- throughout the GCC, not only manag- ternational Airport. ing these types of properties, but more Commenting on the new launch, importantly we have an in-depth un- Ignace Bauwens, regional vice presi- derstanding of these market segments, dent, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham how to add value and drive in business,” Hotel Group, underlined, “Wyndham stated Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Garden is a brand designed to help Hotels. guests travel at ease […].” Re-designed Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

8 25 NOVEMBER 2017

AIRPORTS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

BAC Improves Pas- DCAF to Open Second Hangar sengers’ Experience Airport Improves Daily

ahrain Airport Company (BAC), C Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) and Germany’s DC Aviation, Operations the operator and managing body have confirmed the opening of its second hangar on the in- B of Bahrain International Airport, D augural day of the Dubai Airshow, on November 12. recently inaugurated an advanced Air- The 7,500 m² hangar will be more than double the hangar ca- harjah Aviation Services, the port Operations Centre which promises pacity bringing its total land-side plot area to 24,000 m² and apron ground handler for Sharjah In- improved flight tracking and availabil- area to 13,000 m². The new hangar will enable DCAF to add two S ternational Airport has gone live ity, and reduced departure delays. single-aisle aircraft maintenance bays and provide enough space with a new generation cargo manage- Expected to facilitate the sharing for an additional workshop and equipment storage. ment system, Cargo Flash nGen CMS of accurate and timely information It will also significantly increase the number and size of aircraft from Cargo Flash Infotech. on the progress of flights to and from that can be accommodated at the facility. The new hangar will also The objective of the new warehouse the airport in order to overcome flight see, DCAF further expand its maintenance services. and cargo management suite is to en- scheduling challenges, the new centre sure smooth handling and improve- streamlines communications between DCAF’s second hangar rendering ment of daily operations at the airport, the airport and its partners, allowing by providing real-time shipment infor- each party to understand the other’s mation. operational preferences and con- In addition to assisting teams in run- straints. ning daily operations, Cargo Flash also In addition, BAC has established aims to provide business intelligence an emergency operations centre as a and digital transparency to help Shar- central command and control facility jah’s hub and its airfreight community in responsible for strategic direction and reaching e-freight and operational qual- operational decision-making, as well as ity goals. carrying out emergency preparedness.

10 25 NOVEMBER 2017

AIR www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Jazeera Airways’ Q3 Financial Results Saudi Arabia Etihad Airways to Partners with Virgin azeera Airways reported an operating Stop Serving Dallas profit of KWD8.3 million (USD27.42 J million) during the third quarter of Following American Airlines’ he Public Investment Fund the year (Q3), up 37.8 percent from the (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and same period in 2016, and a net profit of unilateral decision to T Virgin Group, have signed a KWD8.2 million (USD27.09 million), reflect- terminate its codeshare non-binding memorandum of un- ing a growth of 35.6 percent, despite a 25 derstanding (MoU) for a partner- percent increase in fuel costs. agreement, Etihad Airways ship under which PIF intends to Speaking ahead of future quarters, has unveiled plans to suspend invest approximately USD1 billion Marwan Boodai, chairman, Jazeera Air- its Abu Dhabi – Dallas route, into Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship ways, revealed, “[…] On the network front, Company and Virgin Orbit, with an the next two quarters are equally exciting. effective from March 25, 2018, option for USD480 million of future We are launching five new destinations in as it will become commercially additional investment in space ser- November and December, while we con- vices. tinue to develop our exclusive terminal at unsustainable. PIF and Virgin Group’s part- Kuwait International Airport to accept its nership creates a strong platform first passenger in the Q1 of 2018 […]”. to enhance the role of innovative technology within Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for a modern, diversified economy, which is a central part of Vision 2030. Commenting on the MoU, Rich- Kuwait Airways ard Branson, founder, Virgin Group, to Commence revealed, “[…] This investment will enable us to develop the next gen- Kuwait-Taif eration of satellite launches and ac- service celerate our programme for point to point supersonic space travel.”

uwait Airways has announced plans to commence two K weekly flights between Ku- RJ to Implement wait and Taif, beginning December 06. Taif will be the airline's fifth des- Ambitious Plan tination in Saudi Arabia after Dam- mam, Jeddah, Madinah and . Meeting the requirements of to- uring a press conference held at day’s challenging market, the airline Fairmont Ajman, Stephen Pichler, has added the new destination to ore than 235,000 travellers have flown on the route D CEO, Royal Jordanian (RJ) presented provide services for more travellers. since its launch in 2014 and almost half of Etihad Air- the carrier’s ambitious turnaround plan. Along with facilitating an improved M ways’ customers have been connected on US code- Aiming to position RJ as the number passenger experience, Kuwait Air- share flights operated by American Airlines. one airline in the Levant region, the turna- ways’ destination addition aims to Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways, highlighted, round plan is based on three key pillars, in- elevate the quality of services across “We are open to American Airlines reversing its decision to cluding sustainable profitability, customer the airline’s expanding network. cancel our codeshare agreement so that Etihad Airways can satisfaction and making RJ the employer continue the route and together protect and support Ameri- of choice by attracting and retaining tal- Taif can national interests and global connectivity while driving ented workforce. commercial value for both airlines.” Pichler also announced the financial The cancellation of the Dallas route is one of Etihad's sev- results RJ achieved in the third quarter of eral adjustments that are being made to the US network in the year, when it registered net profits of 2018 in order to improve system profitability. Further chang- JOD31.8 million (USD44.9 million) against es are possible as the airline monitors the full impact of the JOD12.9 million (USD18.20) net profit at- American Airlines codeshare cancellation on summer 2018 tained in the same period in 2016, and bookings. highlighted that the five-year plan will in- clude major initiatives that are expected to enhance unit revenues by seven percent Dallas and lower unit costs by six percent.

12 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel AIR

Air Arabia Maroc Launches New Operations Centre Qatar Airways

Touches Down in naugurating its operations centre in Agadir, Air Arabia Maroc has linked Bosnia Agadir Airport to seven new European destinations, with a total of 14 week- I ly flights. The airline will operate flights to Dublin, Manchester, Toulouse, Cologne, Munich, Stockholm and Copenhagen, providing a total of 149,292 seats. he first Qatar Airways non-stop This new operational centre in Agadir will expand the airline’s network to flight from Doha to Sarajevo 31 destinations. Agadir is the sixth hub of Air Arabia Maroc after Casablanca, T touched down on October 31 at Tangier, Nador, Marrakech and Fez. Sarajevo International Airport, where Meeting the requirements of today’s challenging market; the airline fea- it was greeted with a traditional water tures these new additional destinations, along with facilitating an improved cannon salute. The newly-launched ser- passenger experience, with the aim to elevate the quality of services across the vice to the capital of Bosnia and Herze- airline’s expanding network. govina will operate a four times-weekly schedule with an Airbus A320 aircraft. “[...] We are excited to be adding Sa- rajevo as our fourth destination in this flydubai Launches Flights to Podgorica region to our global route network. As the capital of , we are confident that this will be a n November 01, flydubai’s inaugural flight landed senior vice president, commercial, flydubai, said, “With popular and much-anticipated gate- in Podgorica, becoming the only UAE-based air- the launch of this new route, we are not only provid- way into the country for both business O line to offer air links to Montenegro’s capital. The ing a direct flight to Podgorica from Dubai, but creating and leisure travellers from across our twice-weekly service includes a regional connection to a regular service between Podgorica and Sarajevo. We network [...].” said H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Sarajevo, a popular destination on the flydubai network. look forward to the new opportunities that these flights group CEO, Qatar Airways. Commenting on the new service, Jeyhun Efendi, will provide creating new flows of trade and tourism.”

25 NOVEMBER 2017 13 AIR www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Oman Air Launches Kuwait Airways Additional Flights to Cairo New Call Centre

s part of its continuous fleet expansion strategy, Kuwait Airways has announced its plans to man Air welcomed the opening increase its Kuwait-Cairo service from December 21. Meanwhile, the airline currently serves of its new call centre in Kuala A this route 14 times weekly and it will introduce two additional weekly flights. O Lumpur, on November 02, beside Meeting the requirement of today’s challenging market the airline will operate the additional the current one operating in Oman and flights with Boeing 777-300ER, operating on Fridays and Sundays. the recently launched centre in India. Along with facilitating an improved passenger experience, the airline’s additional flight aims The newly opened call centre, to elevate the quality of services across the airline’s expanding network. which will be managed by experts In- terglobe Technologies, will provide sup- port in Thai, Malay, Bahasa, Tagalog and Chinese eight hours a day, seven days a week. It will also offer support in Eng- lish 24 hours a day, on a daily basis. The call centre will serve customers from around the world and will be staffed by a professional team, all of whom will of- fer help and advice.

Cairo

Qatar Airways to Fly Airbus A350 to the Maldives

atar Airways has announced that it is the first airline to fly an Airbus A350 to the Maldives. The airline has upgraded its current double-daily Airbus A330 service to an A350, which commenced its Q first A350 flight on October 31, and the second service with the Airbus joined on November 03. H.E. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “We are proud to be the first airline to fly our Airbus A350 to the Maldives. As one of the airline’s most in-demand destinations, we are delighted to be upgrading our aircraft and providing our passengers with the ultimate comfort and services on board one of the most technologically Oman Air’s new call centre staff innovative aircraft in the sky.”

Tourism Ireland Teams Up with Etihad Airways Emirates Unveils Aircraft Expo 2020 Dubai Livery

mirates has unveiled the first aircraft in its fleet with a new E livery dedicated to Expo 2020 Dubai. The decal was installed on an Airbus A6-EPK and a Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft. Since Emirates is the official airline partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, the livery is based on the expos Ireland logo inspired by an ancient gold ring excavated in Dubai and it underlines ourism Ireland has teamed up with Etihad Airways in Australia, to promote flights to Dublin via Abu Dhabi the airlines’ support for the vision of and to highlight holidays in Ireland for 2018. Expo 2020 Dubai. T The aim of Tourism Ireland’s latest campaign is to keep Ireland as a prime choice for Australian travel- The airline will be installing three lers considering a trip to Europe in 2018. different decal designs to reflect the Sofia Hansson, manager, Australia, Tourism Ireland, said, “In 2016, we welcomed more than 200,000 visitors different themes of Expo 2020-name - from Australia and New Zealand. Tourism Ireland is determined to ensure that success continues and we have an ly, opportunity, mobility and sustain- extensive programme of promotions under way in Australia this autumn – aimed at boosting late-season travel ability. to Ireland and at positioning us well for 2018.”

14 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel AIR

Qatar Airways Kuwait Airways Additional Flights to Cairo Germania Takes Etihad, Alibaba and Ant Strengthens Links Off to New Financial Sign MoU to Greece Destinations iming to further expand their existing partnership while also delivering superior products and services to Chinese atar Airways recently unveiled plans ermania will be flying to Sharm A customers, Etihad Aviation Group, Alibaba Group and Ant to launch four weekly flights to Thes- el-Sheikh, over the winter sea- Financial signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Q saloniki, effective from March 27, G son, reviving a flight path be- Under the agreement, Alibaba Group and Etihad Guest, the 2018. tween Berlin and the Red Sea resort, loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, will explore enhanced Marking the airline’s second destina- which has remained unused for four programme benefits and opportunities for cross-acquisition of tion in Greece, Thessaloniki is well-known and a half years. loyalty points. In addition, the two parties will enter into a brand for its many archaeological sites and his- The airline will be improving the partnership agreement that will integrate the Alibaba Group of toric structures, including its well-preserved connections between Schönefeld air- Brands with Etihad Airways’ premium leisure travel experience Byzantine mosaics and walls. The relatively port and Hurghada by increasing the across its global route network. small city is considered an open-air muse- frequencies from once to three times a um of Byzantine history, and offers a truly week. unique cultural experience for everyone. Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria Commenting on the new service, H.E. are also on the winter flight schedule Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, for the first time, while Tenerife and highlighted, “[…] By adding Thessaloniki to Paphos can be accessed via Cyprus. our global network, we are pleased to offer Germania is also offering several our Greece-based passengers a gateway flights a week to Tehran and this

to more than 150 destinations worldwide winter and remains firm partners in in- From left Lindsay White, vice president, Asia Pacific, Etihad Airways, presenting through our hub, Hamad International Air- tercultural aviation with them. an Etihad aircraft model with special 11.11 livery to Jerrry Hu, vice president, port.” Alibaba Group.

25 NOVEMBER 2017 15 RENDEZVOUS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

WITH GREECE BECOMING A PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION AMONGST MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN TRAVELLERS MANOS VATZOLAS, DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING, LEDRA HOTELS & VILLAS EXPLAINS HOW THE GROUP CATERS TO THIS CLIENTELLE BY INVESTING IN PRIVACY AND HALAL FOOD.

Q&A with MANOS VATZOLAS DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING LEDRA HOTELS & VILLAS

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How popular is Greece a small sample of our product. The easy transfer vacy when combined with luxury hotel services is a to travellers from the Middle East and North Af- from Crete’s airports, our private helipad, our fusion unique selling point to the MENA guest and this is rica (MENA) region? local cuisine and our private chef and butler service where we will continue investing. on demand, all complete the setting and cover the MANOS VATZOLAS: I am afraid that the number of needs of the most demanding MENA guests. The TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: According to the Greek our guests travelling from the MENA region is still company heavily invests in the villa sector. Villa pri- Tourism Confederation (SETE), more than 30 not as high as expected. However, we do experi- million people visited Greece in 2016, which is ence an increase [compared to the corresponding an all-time record for the country. What are you period in 2016], which is mainly justified due to the doing to further increase arrivals, especially fact that two of our properties, Domes of Elounda from the MENA region, in the long term? and Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection have recently joined Marriott International, which MANOS VATZOLAS: This is the result of the col- has a strong presence in these markets. We have lective work of SETE, the Ministry of Tourism and more expectations from our MENA guests and a number of active hotel groups in the country, the locations where we operate are very unique all working together to properly reposition the for the luxury market. It is not a secret however, Greek product abroad. Our number one priority is that this year’s forecast is also directly connected to exceed our guests‘ expectations and indirectly with the geopolitical situation of our neighboring, promote Greece, Domes Resorts and Autograph competitive markets as well the expensive pricing Collection Hotels by Marriott International. We will of more traditional destinations, including Spain, then continue our multiple international expo- Italy, Southern France. Greece, this year provides an sure and also invest in less traditional markets for amazing proposition, a safe and excellent value for us including MENA, Australia, Asia, India and Latin money offering! This season Greece has a unique America. More exposure and participation to MENA opportunity, to deliver up to standard and exceed trade shows is for sure in the agenda. Should things visitors’ satisfaction! go according to plan, and more MENA visitors in- vest in their holidays in Greece, there are more to TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you cater to consider, including medical tourism investments, your MENA visitors in order to satisfy their service changes as to target more religious guests, unique requirements? female spa and gym. Halal is a future consideration for us and we are in the stage of further research. In MANOS VATZOLAS: We believe our offering fully the meantime we are happy to co-operate closely covers the MENA customers’ needs. Our private with our VIP’s and local suppliers, prepare our kitch- natural sandy beach, international high standard ens accordingly, offer unused utensils and go the luxury services, enhanced privacy, cultural sensitiv- extra mile to the extend needed, as to offer an ex- ity and villas with private swimming pools, are only perience as close to home as possible.

Domes of Elounda

16 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel WHO’S MOVED

EKTA GANDHI has taken on HAITHEM ASSEM has taken on the role of manager of mar- the role of multi-property direc- keting and communications tor of marketing and communi- of Oman Convention & Exhi- cations of The St. Regis Dubai, W bition Centre (OCEC). Dubai Al Habtoor City and The Bringing with her eight years Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City. of experience in the tourism Bringing with him more than industry working in luxury 15 years of expertise in the hos- hotels and resorts, Gandhi has pitality industry, Assem held a solid understanding of mar- a number of senior marketing keting and communications and communications positions. within Oman. In 2013, she Before joining Al Habtoor City joined the pre-opening team Hotel Collection, he served as for Anantara Al Jabal Al Akh- complex director of marketing dar Resort where she served of The Westin and Le Méridien as head of the department, Bahrain City Centre. and successfully opened the In his new role, Assem will be resort as manager of market- responsible for introducing and ing and communications, at- strengthening further the mar- tracting media recognition ket position of the three prop- from all corners of the globe. erties. In her new role, Gandhi will be responsible for oversee- Ekta Haitham ing OCEC’s marketing de- partment while also support- Gandhi Assem Assem brings more 15 ing its business development years of expertise team.

MUHAMMAD MUJTABA HAID- TILL KLAUSS has recently ER has been recently appoint- taken on the role of new hotel ed as new general manager of manager of Four Seasons Ho- ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira. tel Alexandria at San Stefano, Bringing with him over 15 Egypt. years of experience in the Klauss started his Four Sea- hospitality industry, Haider sons career as an intern in the served as project manager food and beverage division of of ibis Styles Jumeira during the flagship Four Seasons Ho- its pre-opening stage and tel George V, in Paris in 2001. was later appointed as hotel Since then, he has worked at manager when it launched Four Seasons in Hampshire, in 2015. Prior to his new role, Damascus, Prague, Toronto he served as the executive as- and Punta Mita. sistant manager for sales and In his new role, Klauss will as- marketing at Hawthorn Suites sist in uplifting the Alexandri- by Wyndham JBR. an culinary scene in addition In his new role, Haider will to elevating the guest experi- continue to lead the daily op- ence at the Egyptian property. erations of the 191-key prop- erty to guarantee excellent Muhammad guest experience. Till Klauss held various Mujtaba senior roles and has a Klauss wealth of experience in Haider will lead the Haider the luxury hospitality resort's operations segment

25 NOVEMBER 2017 17 TRAVEL CHANNELS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Saudi Arabia to Display Saudi Archaeology Rare Objects Convention Launched Official Saudi Commission of Tourism and National Herit- Website age (SCTH) is offering a set of rare glass and ce- ramic utensils dating back to the first millennium BC. Found in Al Fau archaeological village, which is located about 700 km south-west of Riyadh, the artefacts are believed to have been imported from major manufacturing centres such as Alex- andria and Bagram in Afghanistan. Highlighting the development and richness of the past civilisations of the Arabian Peninsula, the objects were part of the relics of Roads of Arabia exhibition which was will be at the fore- Leading the Way to front of the first Saudi Archaeology Convention which took place on November 07 – 09. On October 30, Saudi Commission for Improve Excursions Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) pre- sented the official website of the first Saudi Archaeology Convention on the A new online training course, called Leading the sidelines of a press conference held to way, enables tour guides to improve the impact announce the details of the forum. of their excursions on local communities and the The website offers all the required environment. information on the accompanied events The training, developed by the Travel Foun- and programmes of the convention, in dation in partnership with the Dutch Travel Asso- addition to the information related to ciation, ANVR, has been completed by over 500 the scientific programme and workshops guides and managers across 17 countries to date. that will be organised by SCTH during its At least 95 percent of guides who have com- session. pleted the course have said that they intend to Aiming to establish a scientific gath- build better relationships with communities, in- ering of specialists and interested peo- crease the positive contribution of tours to the ple in the field of antiquities to raise local economy and minimise environmental im- awareness, promote national sentiment pact. among citizens, and educate the pub- Gerben Hardeman, manager, travel and tour- lic about the significance of national ism, ANVR, said, “In the end, it is all about creat- antiquities, the first Saudi Archaeology ing better places and experiences for locals and Convention took place on November holidaymakers.” 07 – 09 in Riyadh.

Glass and ceramic utensils from Al Fau

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness in Doha

Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank and Silatech, in collaboration with Asmaa Al Hammadi, ambassador, Qatar Cancer Society, held a discussion session at Market Café in Doha, with the contribution of a brave cancer survivor Asma Bu Jassoom. The talk was to create awareness about the importance of early examination and screen- ing to avoid the disease. During the session titled, Prevention… A small step that goes a Long way, Jas- soom spoke about her journey with the disease and concluded her discussion by talking about her experience with breast cancer, her treatment trips and the fam- ily support during all the stages of her recovery.

Prevention… A small step that goes a Long way

18 25 NOVEMBER 2017 www.traveltradeweekly.travel PHOTO ALBUM

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H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, tolerance Nakheel clocks up 130 hours of sporting activity Abu Dhabi concludes successful participation at World minister, visited the ninth edition of Abu Dhabi Art and through 135 events as Dubai Fitness Challenge passes Travel Market London toured the fair’s galleries halfway mark

Oman Air launched new control centre in Romania

25 NOVEMBER 2017 19 NEWS & EVENTS www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Department of EVENTS Culture and Tour- ILTM (INT'L LUXURY TRAVEL ism Abu Dhabi MARKET)

Attends Forum Cannes, France December 04 – 07 www.iltm.net The ILTM Cannes presents the world's most desirable destinations, luxurious accommodations, and he Department of Culture and unique travel experiences. Tourism, Abu Dhabi, took part in T the second edition of Prolight + Sound Middle East, an industry trade fair dedicated to the entertainment, event, media and creation industries. BEST CITIES GLOBAL FORUM 2017 The Fair ran from October 17 – 19 Tokyo, Japan at the Dubai International Convention December 04 – 07 and Exhibition Centre, where a series www.bestcities.net of product launches, new conferenc- The Global Forum is the ideal es, and technical certification courses opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting an event in a shared centre stage. BestCities’ destination, to meet all Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting execu- the partner cities. tive director, Tourism Sector Depart- ment of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, attended on the opening morning of the three-day event, to take part in a panel discussion focus- ing on what factors are instrumental in shaping cultural projects from a government perspective.

Dubai to Host IATF TRAVEL TURKEY TOURISM FAIR AND CONGRESS

Izmir, Turkey he 32nd edition of the Interna- December 07 – 10 tional Autumn Trade Fair (IATF), www.travelturkeyexpo.com The Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair T a general consumer goods trade and Congress is the ideal platform fair, organised by Al Fajer Information for the development of business and Services will be held from Decem- relations, establishment of new ber 17 – 19 at Dubai International Con- connections and partnerships. vention and Exhibition Centre. Featuring an extensive array of products from home décor to life- style and more, the three-day event is GREEK TOURISM EXPO 2017 hailed to be the only trade exhibition in the MENA region offering a com- Athens, Greece prehensive platform for the global December 08 – 10 www.greektourismexpo.gr consumer goods industry. The Greek Tourism Expo is a trade “[…] Looking at the exhibitor and fair for travel and tourism in and visitor participation for the upcoming for Greece where buyers of travel fair, we are optimistic that trade in the services meet with suppliers from UAE will continue to witness an up- the domestic and abroad. tick,” disclosed, Rupashree Singh, ex- hibition manager, Al Fajer Information and Services.

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