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GCC TO WELCOME 2.5 MILLION CHINESE VISITORS
AIR ARABIA ADDS SHARJAH - IZMIR SERVICE02 11
10 FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 431
ACCOMMODATION07
IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz to Open
10 FEBRUARY 20182
www.traveltradeweekly.travelMARKET UPDATE
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Mario Hajiloizis
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GCC TO WELCOME 2.5 MILLION CHINESE VISITORS
Chinese arrivals to the GCC countires will increase 21 percent by 2021, rising to 2.5 million visitors annually, according to data released ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), set to take place in Dubai between April 22 - 25.
Published by Colliers International, the data predicts Saudi Arabia will experience the highest proportionate in-crease in arrivals from China, up 35 percent on 2016 figures. The UAE will follow at 20 percent, Oman at 12 per-cent and Bahrain and Kuwait at seven percent.
Every year, almost 15,000 Chinese Muslims visit the two Holy Cities, and that number will increase as China’s Muslim population grows to account for 2.1 percent of the total population by 2030. In 2017 Saudi Arabia loaned Arab artefacts to Chinese museums, further enhancing Chinese awareness of Arab culture.
ATM will host a discussion exploring the opportunities surrounding China’s millennials.
SPAIN OVERTAKES US TOURISM
According to World Tourism Organization, Spain has replaced the US, as the world’s second most popular tourism destination.
With an estimated 82 mil-lion travellers visiting the country in 2017, Spain has now leapfrogged the US
and trails only France. The swell in international arrivals
into Spain has fuelled an explosion in the use of private accommodation plat-forms such as Airbnb and HomeAway.
However, the impact of private rent-als on locals, and the broader #Tour-istGoHome movement challenges the popular notion that tourism improves the overall quality of life for full-time residents.
Madrid
10 FEBRUARY 2018 3
www.traveltradeweekly.travel AGENTS
Hotelbeds Confirms New Bedbank Structure
Hotelbeds has confirmed the new departmental structure of its Bedbank business, as part of the integration of Tourico Holidays and GTA into the group.
Following a strategic review, a new departmental struc-ture has been created with the following functions; Commercial Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Global
Business Services, Product Management, Retail Travel Agen-cies, Wholesale, and Sourcing.
Carlos Muñoz, managing director, Bedbank, Hotelbeds, commented, “In just over three months the integration has progressed significantly. I am very proud to be able to con-firm that together we are the global business-to-business bedbank leader with over 170,000 hotels and over 60,000 travel intermediary clients.
"With this new enhanced structure and strengthened team we feel best placed to ensure our partners will contin-ue receiving the best possible service and products, under the best terms and conditions.”
TripAdvisor announced Travellers Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise, for the sixth consecutive year, including the US, Europe and Asia.
Ishigaki, Japan earned the ranking of number one in the world, while the small Hawaiian town of Kapaa, nestled at the base of Nounou Mountain on the island of Kauai, ranked as the top rising spot in the US.
The awards recognise 44 destinations around the world, selected by measuring year-over-year increases in positive TripAdvisor traveller ratings for accommodations, restau-rants and attractions, as well as an increase in search and booking interest.
"Travellers' Choice Destinations on the Rise award winners are a great source of inspira-tion for travellers interested in going somewhere exciting that is emerging in popularity," said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director, communications, TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor Announces Traveller Choice Destinations
TUI Survey Reveals Saturday Bookings are Most Popular
A recent survey from TUI revealed that the first Saturday of the New Year, 'Sunshine Saturday', is the
day that TUI UK books the most holi-days for the whole year.
Business in Germany is also very strongly concentrated on Saturdays in January.
On January 13, TUI expected the booking peak of the year in Germany. According to internal calculations, more than 20,000 Germans would book their holidays through TUI on this single day.
On January 06, around 30,000 TUI customers in the UK signed up for holi-days this year. Almost one million visitors were registered on travel agencies and websites of the British TUI brands, TUI and First Choice, on Sunny Saturday.
This year TUI organisers announced they will focus in particular on Spain, Greece and Turkey.
Ishigaki
Santorini
10 FEBRUARY 20184
www.traveltradeweekly.travelWEEKLY NEWS
Expo 2020 Contracts for Laing O'Rourke
Expo 2020 Dubai has awarded Laing O’Rourke two major construction contracts worth a combined AED670 million (USD182.44 million.)
H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, minister, industry, commerce and tourism, Bahrain, and Zurab
Pololikashvili, secretary general, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), recent-ly met to discuss enhancing corporation between Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) and UNWTO.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khal-ifa, CEO, BTEA.
BTEA’s long-term strategy aims at developing and strengthening the tour-ism sector, which contributes towards Bahrain’s 2030 Economic Vision.
Bahrain, represented by BTEA, has been selected as member of UNWTO’s executive council for 2018-2021.
The UK-headquartered contractor will build Expo 2020’s Leadership and Media Pavilions, and the event’s Hammerhead access road, while also being responsible for carrying out associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing works.
The Leadership Pavilion will accommodate UAE leadership during the Expo and, after the event, both pavilions will be transformed into hotels as part of the District 2020 legacy devel-opment project. Both are anticipated to achieve four-star ratings.
Named for its distinctive shape, the Hammerhead road encompasses ramped access for a sub-terranean truck tunnel running underneath Al Wasl Plaza.
Expo 2020-related construction is expected to reach its peak towards the end of this year and early 2019.
Emaar Beachfront Successfully Launches Beach Vista
Emaar Development has recorded total sales worth approximately AED1 billion (USD272 million) at the launch of the first residences at Emaar Beachfront, a
restricted island destination in the Arabian Gulf, following an overwhelming response from UAE-based and international investors.
Emaar Beachfront opens to views of the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the emirate's skyline.
Bringing a Miami Beach style of living to Dubai, Emaar Beachfront aims to deliver a new lifestyle choice that fulfils the aspirations of the discerning customers.
The recent launch of Beach Vista, a thoughtfully designed collection of homes set in a twin-tower development of 33 floors and 26 floors, recorded a positive response from cus-tomers with all 375 residences sold out.Emaar Beachfront
BTEA and UNWTO Enhance Cooperation
From left: Al Zayani and Pololikashvili
Expo 2020, rendering
Dubai Airports Strengthens Foreign Exchange
Dubai Airports and Travelex have solidified a five-year partnership
which will see three addi-tional outlet openings, includ-ing the first Travelex at Dubai World Central.
The foreign exchange company, operates in over 30 countries around the world, and reports that Dubai Inter-national is home to two of the best performing stores in the world.
The three new outlets will join the already existing 10 strategically located Travelex stores.
10 FEBRUARY 2018 5
www.traveltradeweekly.travel AIRPORTS
Morocco
Moroccan Airports See Passenger Numbers Rise
Moroccan airports welcomed 20,357,866 passengers in 2017, a rise of around 11.63 percent.
Air traffic from Africa and the Maghreb region saw a slight increase, while other segments also re-corded strong increases; air traffic from Europe increased by 12.17 percent; Middle and Far East in-
creased by 13.08 percent; North America by 28.02 percent; and South America by 106.23 percent.
Mohammed V Airport recorded 9,357,427 passengers, an increase of 8.60 over 2016. Domestic air traffic surpassed two million passengers, with 2,133,287 passengers, an in-crease of 11.23 percent.
Growth was particularly strong for airports in Tangier with 26.11 percent, Fez 24.93 percent, Agadir 15.74 percent and Marrakech 11.96 percent.
10 FEBRUARY 20186
www.traveltradeweekly.travelWEEKLY NEWS
Miral has announced beachfront com-munity space A’L BAHAR is on sched-ule to open at the Corniche, Abu
Dhabi by the end of March.Miral recently revealed the 80,000 m2
mixed-use development will offer a total of 48 retail spaces, comprising food and bever-age outlets, entertainment, leisure, retail, as well as fitness and wellbeing opportunities for both residents and visitors; 80 percent have already been leased.
A’L BAHAR also includes retail space op-portunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, for short-term leasing to support and inspire pop-up entrepreneurial projects.
B.R. Kiran, chief portfolio officer, Miral, commented, “We are on track to launch the groundbreaking leisure, wellness and retail space to the public by the end of March ahead of the Mother of the Nation Festival.”
A’L BAHAR on Track for March Opening
Bawadi Mall Records Impressive Number of Visitors
Aiming to offer visitors unique experiences, Al Ain's Bawadi Mall has created a right mix of shopping and entertainment options to attract loyal customers to
the mall, having welcomed over 10,158,087 visitors in 2017.The mall organised several campaigns and hosted a va-
riety of activities in 2017 for its visitors including FUNtastic Family Park, a fiesta carnival themed event showcasing vari-ous activities such as game booths and giant game boards.
During spring 2017, the mall showcased an interna-tional comedy show and organised kids games and enter-tainment for the whole family to enjoy. As a result, Bawadi Mall witnessed a significant growth in tenants from 2017, attracting 917,810 visitors just in the month of December 2017.
Dubai Tourism and Huawei CBG Join Forces
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Hua-wei Consumer Business Group (CBG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The two companies united their efforts in order to position Dubai as the destination of choice for tourists from Middle East, Africa and China.
The MoU was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tour-ism and Commerce Marketing, and Gene Jiao, president, Middle East and Africa, Huawei CBG, to support the strategic alliance between the two par-ties on various activities.
Dubai
A’L BAHAR, rendering
Bawadi Mall
10 FEBRUARY 2018 7
www.traveltradeweekly.travel ACCOMMODATION
THE INTERCITYHOTEL BRAND IS CONTINUING ITS EXPANSION WITH INTERCITYHOTEL RIYADH MALAZ, DUE TO OPEN BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. R epresenting the company’s first move into Saudi
Arabia, the hotel will be a new build project ac-commodating 86 rooms, including four suites.
The venue’s gastronomic offerings will com-prise a restaurant and lounge, and several con-
ference rooms will also be available. Sporting facilities will include a gym and a roof-top pool.
The property is located in the Al Malaz business district while Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh Zoo and King Abdullah Park are all close by.
IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz, rendering
DAMAC Introduce New Luxury Development
DAMAC Properties has launched Rěva Residences, offering one- and two-bedroom apartments
overlooking Dubai Canal. The property includes a lobby with
a reception and concierge desk, gar-dens, temperature-controlled swim-ming pool, state-of-the-art gym, steam and sauna rooms, children’s play area, and outdoor courtyard.
Tenants can enjoy dining, enter-tainment and retail choices, parks and waterside paths, and designer stores minutes away by foot.
Niall McLoughlin, senior vice pres-ident, DAMAC Properties, comment-ed, "[...] Rěva Residences promises to live up to the neighbourhood’s lavish lifestyle proposition.”
IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz to Open
10 FEBRUARY 20188
www.traveltradeweekly.travelACCOMMODATION
Copthorne Hotel Dubai Sees MICE Growth
Copthorne Hotel Dubai continues to at-tract the meetings, incentives, confer-ences and exhibitions (MICE) sector and
has witnessed a 12 percent increase in book-ings in 2017.
The hotel plans to offer tailor made and flexible packages that address the needs of business and leisure travellers; attend trade shows; change the strategy for the sales team that will focus on corporate and MICE business and upgrade its leisure facilities to provide an even better hospitality experience.
The rooms can be set-up according to the required meeting space and are equipped with audiovisual facilities, Wi-Fi and telecom-munications devices.
Jumeirah Group Launch Zabeel House
Jumeirah Group has launched Zabeel House by Jumeirah which has been created in response to the continuing and growing travel trend for exploration and enrichment through travel experi-ences.
The new brand will offer basics and unexpected extras set in an upscale, casual environment. The core target markets for the brand are both business and leisure travellers who want a lively base from which to explore, therefore each property will be conveniently located to help guests experience the city they are in.
The core design ethos of the Zabeel House brand is inspired by each individual neighbourhood. Each Zabeel House by Jumeirah property will offer an element of personalised design, unique features and architectural details. As such, the design model challenges standardisation but with common fea-tures to anchor the brand and deliver efficiency of scale.
Marriott International announced the opening of the design-led Aloft Palm Jumeirah, marking the brand’s first
opening in Dubai.The hotel offers 206 guest rooms with a
walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss Spa, free Wi-Fi, and LCD TVs linked to a Plug & Play connectivity panel. Rooms are also equipped with SPG Keyless, where guests can utilise their mobile phones as room keys.
The property is home to six dining and social spaces, which includes East & Seaboard Restaurant; Afterdeck Lounge; Aloft’s signature W XYZSM Bar and Re:mix Lounge.
For those on the go, Re:fuelSM by Aloft, and Luchador, are also available, as is a 24-hour Re:charge fitness centre and Splash pool, an in-finity pool, Camp Aloft, treats for kids and two on-site meeting rooms.
Aloft Hotels Makes Dubai Debut
Aloft Palm Jumeirah
Copthorne Hotel Dubai
10 FEBRUARY 2018 9
www.traveltradeweekly.travel AIR
Mövenpick to Open Basra Property Qatar Airways Continues Asia Expansion
Qatar Airways is continuing its expansion in Asia by adding an additional flight to Bangkok, providing its passengers even more flexibility when visiting the Thai capital. T
he new service to Bangkok, which is set to commence on March 25, is part of the airline’s continued expansion in Southeast Asia, following its launch of direct services to Thailand’s Chiang Mai in late 2017, and Pattaya in late January, as well as a service to Penang, Malaysia in February.
H.E. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “Thailand is one of our most popular destinations, for both leisure and business travellers alike, and we will continue our efforts to provide our passengers even more opportunity to experience this captivating country.”
Middle East Airlines Implements Cargo Solution
Middle East Airlines has signed a multi-year contract with IBS, software services, to implement its iCargo solution, in order to manage its world-wide cargo movement.
To best meet the requirements of today’s market, the implementation of iCargo will help the airline to transform its cargo business through definition of new sales and capacity management processes, smarter workflow based deci-sion making, accelerated and fully digitised flow of information between sales, operations and revenue accounting, according to IBS.
Bangkok
Gulf Air’s Retains Top OTP Ranking
Gulf Air has been independently ranked by UK aviation analysts OAG, as the third most punctual airline in 2017, amongst Middle East and African airlines, with an average on-time performance
(OTP) of 80.22 percent. Gulf Air has held the top spot in recent years for OTP, also ranking
as the most punctual airline in 2016 amongst GCC airlines. Addition-ally, Gulf Air ranked first among major airlines from the Middle East and Africa for the fifth Annual Airline On-time Performance Service Awards in 2013. The airline’s network currently serves 42 cities in 25 countries.
Krešimir Kučko, CEO, Gulf Air, said, “Gulf Air is committed to deliver-ing [...] passengers to their destinations in a timely manner.”
10 FEBRUARY 201810
www.traveltradeweekly.travelAIR
Etihad Celebrates Improved Punctuality Performance
Etihad Airways has posted its best operational on-time performance (OTP) results
since 2009.Overall, the airline improved
its network departure punctual-ity in 2017 by three percentage points over 2016.
OTP is calculated on actual flight arrival and departure times within 15 minutes of the published schedule, taking into consideration a variety of external factors.
In 2017, the airline recorded network punctuality of 82 per-cent for flight departures and 86 percent for arrivals; placing Etihad Airways as one of the world’s most reliable airlines in 2017.
OTP for departures at the air-line’s Abu Dhabi hub was 79 per-cent, and 89 percent for arrivals.
The number of passengers carried annually also increased from 2016, with more than 18.6 million air travellers flying with Etihad Airways in 2017.
Royal Jordanian to Launch Copenhagen Service
Royal Jordanian, on June 03, is scheduled to launch a new direct ser-vice to Denmark's capital, Copenhagen.
The airline will operate three weekly flights with Airbus A320 family planes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departing and return-ing from Queen Alia International Airport and Copenhagen Airport.
The three weekly flights are anticipated to give the airline a strong presence in the Scandinavian market. This addition also falls in line with Royal Jordanian’s turnaround plan that includes the continuous assess-ment of its route network in order to enhance traffic to Jordan and im-prove connectivity via its Amman base.
10 FEBRUARY 2018
www.traveltradeweekly.travel AIR
Hailed as the first airline to connect the UAE and the Turkish city of Izmir with a direct flight, Air Arabia has announced that it will begin the new service from June 27.
The service will take place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between Sharjah Interna-tional Airport and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Adel Al Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, commented, “[…] Air Arabia’s goal will always be to allow passengers the ability to explore new destinations through affordable travel options. This new flight to Izmir creates an exciting destination for residents in the UAE and GCC to visit just in time for the summer holidays.”
flydubai Adds Aqaba and Thessaloniki Services
flydubai announced that from June it will start flights to Thessaloniki and Aqaba.
The latest additions provide UAE and regional passengers with the option to trav-el to more than 100 destinations through Dubai’s aviation hub.
flydubai is the first UAE carrier to operate flights to Aqaba and Thessaloniki. Services to Thessaloniki will operate three times a week starting from June 15, while flights to Aqaba will operate four times a week from June 16.
The airline earlier announced the launch of several new routes this year, including Tivat, Krakow, Dubrovnik, Catania, Kutaisi, Qabala and Batumi from March onwards.
This brings the number of destinations served in Eastern and Southern Europe to 27, Caucasus and Central Asia to 11, GCC and Middle East to 30.
Air Arabia Adds Sharjah - Izmir Service
Aviation Action Plan Created
An action plan of simple actionable steps that can be adapted by the aviation sector to make it more attractive to the next gen-
eration of talent has been created.It is the result of efforts by World Tourism
Forum Lucerne, together with Korn Ferry and IATA, which saw 50 CEOs and other highly influential
and committed aviation leaders interviewed to evaluate how the industry is rising to their career hopes and expectations. There was also a concur-rent global online study of millennial talents.
The action plan’s results were formally an-nounced at World Tourism Forum Lucerne in May 2017, and the ensuing discussions served as the
basis for the recently published action plan. CEOs interviewed called for greater focus
on talent management within the airline indus-try, while millennials expressed a preference for enterprises in which they would be involved in the decision making process and idea-exchange innovation.
Aqaba
11
www.traveltradeweekly.travelINTERNATIONAL AFRICA
10 FEBRUARY 201812
South African Airways Increase Capacity to Mauritius
INVESTOUR Focus on Brand Africa and Biodiversity
South African Airways now operates a wide-body aircraft on its Johan-nesburg-Mauritius route.
The Airbus A330 generation aircraft offers a two-class cabin
configuration, with increased seat availability. Business class will range from 36 to 46 seats and economy class from 186 to 203. The A340-300 has 38 seats in business class and 215 in economy class.
Tlali Tlali, spokesperson, South African Air-ways, said, “Mauritius is one of our most popu-lar destinations for both business and leisure travel in our route network, which has prompt-ed us to add more seats on those days of the week when demand is at its highest.
“The wide-body aircraft operations serve as a replacement of the narrow body capacity and frequencies that have been adjusted some days on the Mauritius flights.”
Two round tables and a business-to-business component were integrat-ed in the ninth edition of INVESTOUR that took place within the framework of FITUR. The first session, moder-
ated by Thebe Ikalafeng, chairman, BrandAfrica, addressed branding strategies to position the African continent in the travel market.
The second panel evaluated the added value of African biodiversity as a strong com-ponent of its tourism sector.
According to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) research, wildlife watching travel represents 80 percent of total annual tourist arrivals to Africa, however, the contribution of more diverse stakeholders is required.
The UNWTO/Chimelong Programme on Wildlife Conservation and Tourism was also presented, aiming to contribute to the sus-tainable development goals and 2030 agenda through sustainable tourism, particularly wild-life conservation.
Mauritius
Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja Debuts
Radisson Blu has announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja.
The 155-key property offers standard and business-class
rooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom loft suites, all with free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy international and local cuisine at the all-day restaurant, or dine at the steak house restaurant.
For drinks, there is a choice between the lobby café, bar, business class lounge, or pool terrace.
Meeting and events facilities encom-pass an area of 2,047 m2 including a ball-room, and six meeting rooms.
Tanzania Implements TTBL Structure
In an effort to reduce statutory burdens and promote new businesses, Tanza-nia's government has created a small tour operator category; a decision that may lead to a fall in tourist fees.
Reports show that the strategy is incen-tivised through the introduction of the new Tanzania Tourism Business Licensing (TTBL) fee structure.
TTBL will see small tour operators, who were paying a flat rate of USD2,000 per year, now paying USD500 per year, a 75 percent reduction. The government aims to encourage the growth of small tourism businesses and foster the development of new products.
Tunisair to Increase Montreal Service
Tunisair plans to introduce an ad-ditional frequency on the Tunis – Montreal route during the peak summer season from this year.
The change sees the addi-tion of a fourth weekly rotation, from June 18 to September 15.
The airline will operate an Airbus A330-200 for the additional service. This aircraft offers 24 seats in business class and 242 in economy, while passengers can enjoy Wi-Fi and an in-flight entertainment system.
Faouzi Mouelhi, general manager, North America, Tunisair, commented, “We are indeed very happy to serve the world’s second Francophone city.”
10 FEBRUARY 2018 13
AMERICASwww.traveltradeweekly.travel INTERNATIONAL
American Airlines Expands Network
Delta Continues Destination Expansion
American Airlines is to provide their custom-ers with an expanded network by adding more new routes and
better connecting opportunities. With the introduction of 52
new nonstop flights and enhanced schedules, customers worldwide will benefit from new options across the American Airlines network.
The carrier recently announced international services to Budapest, Hungary, Prague, Czech Republic and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting this summer. It also began selling more than 40 new routes from its nine hubs, including seven routes from Philadelphia International Airport and eight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
On January 22, the airline an-nounced the newest additions to its schedule for travel beginning June 07.
In response to healthy de-mand from Boston business customers, Delta Air Lines is set to introduce more flights and an enhanced service
this year, beginning June 08. These additional flights are
expected to offer more conveni-ent morning and evening travel options.
Delta Air Lines will offer one daily round-trip to Charleston International Airport on a CRJ-900 aircraft. Meanwhile, the airline is enhancing its existing service to Buffalo, New York, also effective June 08.
Delta Air Lines will offer a Saturday service nonstop to Aruba beginning June 09 through August 18.
Additionally, the previously announced seasonal service to New Orleans begins February 10, and Savannah on March 03.
Global Air Freight Demand Rising Up
San Francisco Airport Welcomes Icelandair Service
WestJet Prepares for Global Expansion
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) re-leased data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne km, climbed 8.8 percent in November 2017, compared to the same pe-riod in 2016.
This was an increase from the 5.8 percent annual growth re-corded in October 2017. Despite indicators pointing to air cargo having passed a cyclical growth peak, demand remains strong.
Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne km, rose by four percent year-on-year in November 2017, which is positive for industry load factors, yields, and financial performance.
November 2017's robust performance achieved its strongest operational and financial performance. In conclusion, the Purchas-ing Managers Index for manufacturing and export orders reached a seven-year high.
Icelandair announced plans to launch a nonstop service from Reykjavik to San Francisco International Airport in June.
The airline plans to operate be-tween San Francisco and Keflavik Inter-
national Airport four times per week, using Boeing B767-300ER aircraft, which feature 25 business class seats, 21 economy com-fort seats, and 216 economy seats.
“We are proud to be the airport of choice for Icelandair’s expansion on the US West Coast,” said Ivar Satero, director, San Francisco International Airport. “We have a shared passion for making air travel en-vironmentally sustainable, having each set aggressive goals for reduced greenhouse gas emissions [...].”
WestJet has announced three new vice presidents who will be joining the senior leader-ship team.
Gandeephan Ganeshal-ingam joins as vice president, lean and continuous improvement; Stuart McDonald as vice president and chief technology officer; and Scott Groh as vice president, crew resources.
Groh will help the airline prepare for the chal-lenges and opportunities of deploying its Boeing B787 Dreamliner fleet and global network plans.
McDonald will work to build out the global technology footprint
Ganeshalingam joins WestJet from GE Cana-da, where he worked on improving dispatch reli-ability for WestJet's Boeing 767s.
San Francisco
www.traveltradeweekly.travelINTERNATIONAL AMERICAS
10 FEBRUARY 201814
Hilton Arrives in Lake Como
IntercityHotel Agreement with Intercity Hotels South America
To mark its 30th anniversary in 2017, IntercityHotel instigated a spe-cial new link by entering into a cooperation agreement with Brazilian brand, Intercity Hotels. The cooperation arrangements, which were officially launched, will see the two companies working together in the fields of sales and marketing.
The two virtually identically named hotel brands will endeavour to achieve synergies by providing mutual presentations and links on their respective web-sites with immediate effect. In the future, guests will be able to use the two Internet presences to access the relevant booking screen in their own language.
Hilton Lake Como opened its doors on Janu-ary 11, marking Hilton’s first property in the region.
As reportedly the largest hotel in Lake Como with 170 rooms, guests can enjoy a
variety of gourmet offerings from the hotel's various dining outlets, namely Satin, as well as a rooftop bar.
Guests can also experience a rooftop infinity pool and a massage or treatment at the hotel's eforea Spa and Health Club. There is also an indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre open 24 hours for guests.
Additionally, the property offers meeting space for up to 300 guests across six different meeting spaces and a pillar-free ballroom.
Hilton Lake Como
Country Inns Announces Name Change
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson has announced it has changed its name to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. This name change will allow the brand and the individual hotels to leverage the global recognition and strength of the Radisson brand. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
The consumer-facing changes will be made in stages throughout the first half of this year. Changes will include a new visual identity, updated logo and refreshed marketing and hotel collateral.
New Pittsburgh TRYP by Wyndham
TRYP by Wyndham, Wyndham Hotel Group’s urban lifestyle brand, has announced its next US destination will be a former school building in
Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh.The 108-key TRYP by Wyndham Pitts-
burgh/Lawrenceville is being developed by Century Group and designed by Pitts-burgh firm Desmone Architects, and is expected to open early 2019.
Building on the creative space and central location, the hotel’s design will celebrate the nearby community incor-porating the work of local artists and designers.
In addition to the 185 m² of meeting and event space, the hotel will feature a street-level restaurant and rooftop patio, featuring collaborations with local chefs.
Grand Opening of Esports Arena Las Vegas Date Revealed
Allied Esports announced the grand opening date and a major partnership for Esports Arena Las Vegas, and the first stop for its new mobile arena, Esports Arena Drive.
Esports Arena Las Vegas, the strip’s first dedicated Esports arena, is scheduled to officially open its doors at Luxor Hotel and Casino on March 22 with a series of events, including an invitation-only, multi-day, live-streamed tournament.
Allied Esports and Esports Arena have partnered with Luxor to transform the former night-club space into a multi-level arena with a competition stage, LED video wall, telescopic seating, daily gaming stations, and state-of-the-art streaming and television-quality production studios.
Esports Arena Las Vegas
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ASIA PACIFICwww.traveltradeweekly.travel INTERNATIONAL
10 FEBRUARY 2018
Centara Begins COSI Pattaya Naklua Beach Construction
Centara Hotels & Resorts is curently working to build another COSI hotel in North Pattaya, set to open in 2019.
COSI is a new brand designed for the modern, connected lifestyle of a growing travel market segment. It aims to offer friendly, simple and affordable accommodations, with innovations like smartphone
integration, self-service check-in, and a unique 24-hour lifestyle café concept with more freedom and flexibility.
COSI Pattaya Naklua Beach is being designed to offer 282 hi-tech rooms, with smart TVs, free Wi-Fi and convenient USB ports in every room and throughout the hotel. COSI also features a swimming pool and an all-hours lounge, with an inte-grated café where guests can enjoy complimentary food and drink.
Condor to Connect Frankfurt - Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airports and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) have announced that Condor Airlines will be commencing its Frankfurt - Kuala Lumpur route during this year's
winter period.In relation to this, Tourism Malaysia has inked
a Memorandum of Marketing Collaboration with Condor Airlines in a ceremony held at Condor Flugdienst, marking the beginning of a joint mar-keting initiative utilising a promotional fund set up between Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports.
The airline will commence a thrice-weekly ser-vice in November, operated by an Airbus A330-200.
The COSI Pattaya Naklua Beach construction team
ONYX Signs Shama Zijingang Hangzhou
ONYX Hospitality Group is con-tinuing Shama’s expansion with the signing of Shama Zijingang Hangzhou.
The 384-key property will include signature Shama facilities such as the Shama Wired business centre, a fully equipped Shama Gym, and multi-function Shama Den lounge area.
Developed in partnership with Yaojiang Group, the property is scheduled for opening during the second quarter of 2019.
Tommy Lai, vice president, North Asia, ONYX Hospitality Group, commented, “[...] This project plays a significant part in the growth of ONYX, raising the brand aware-ness of Shama and strengthening our posi-tion within China [...].’’
HKCYIA Offering Free Cruise Talks
Hong Kong Cruise & Yacht Industry Asso-ciation (HKCYIA) is offer-ing free talks on cruise careers to promote public
awareness of the industry and its con-tributions to the economy.
The new talks will be held until March at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, where most international cruises berth in Hong Kong, and conducted in English by Lau-ra Escobar, purser trainer, HKCYIA.
Aimed at youths, they will cover international cruise information, inter-national structure, an introduction to cruise travel and industry career devel-opment. Participants will also get the chance to visit the cruise terminal.
Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys Opens
Located between Parramatta and Penrith, and near the Blue Moun-tains, the 119-room Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys has opened its doors.
The property features a business centre, gym, meeting rooms, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Finished by FDC Constructions & Fitout, the hotel is situated adjacent to the popu-lar St Marys Rugby League Club and is con-nected via a covered landscaped walkway, an addition to the Club’s offering.
Guests can enjoy all St Marys Rugby League Club Complex facilities, including four restaurants, multiple bars, lounges, function rooms and free entertainment, as well as modern accommodation options.
Kuala Lumpur
10 FEBRUARY 201816
www.traveltradeweekly.travelRENDEZVOUS
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How was 2017 in terms of business, and how does this compare to the previous years? Who is your main source market?
THOMAS FEHLBIER: This year has proved to be one of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara’s most successful yet, becoming the resort of choice for many families in Qatar looking for a luxurious week-end or holiday getaway.
Occupancy rates exceeded all expectations and the resort was fully booked during Eid al Adha, one of the major local holidays in Qatar.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How important is the MICE sector to your business and in your opinion to the ongoing success and ambitious targets of Qatar’s tourism industry?
THOMAS FEHLBIER: MICE and business travellers are one of the client segments that we welcome at our resort and we employ our extraordinary hospi-tality and customer service practices to ensure that we cater to their every wish.
In terms of Qatar’s tourism industry, we believe that the country’s ambitious plans for increasing tour-ism activities and spending, call for attention to the MICE sector as one of the key ways to have a thriving tourism and hospitality sector and achieve the na-tion’s tourism vision and its long-term objectives.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: Qatar Tourism Authority aims to triple the number of business events tour-ists by 2030, contributing at least half of the coun-try’s revenue from tourism spending. What is it that makes Qatar stand out as a MICE destination?
AREA GENERAL MANAGER, BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA
Q&A with Thomas Fehlbier
QATAR IS TRANSFORMING INTO A UNIQUE BUSINESS AND LEISURE DESTINATION ACCORDING TO THOMAS FEHLBIER, AREA GENERAL MANAGER, BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA,WHICH AIMS TO CULTIVATE A BALANCED BUSINESS AND LEISURE HOTEL ENVIRONMENT
THOMAS FEHLBIER: Qatar has rapidly grown in im-portance in the region and around the globe.
As a MICE destination, Qatar combines solid in-frastructure, a well-established hospitality industry, huge ballrooms and conference halls, leisure facili-ties, convenient air links, good weather and a rich hospitable culture. Combined, those factors are being leveraged through the concerted efforts of Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar MICE Development Institute, and Qatar Airways, to turn the country into the region's ultimate MICE destination.
This has so far translated into the hosting of several key regional and renowned international events, including Moto GP, Moscow International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference, G77 Summit, and many more. A growing number of regional and international organisations and institutions are now choosing Qatar as one of their favourite MICE destinations.
More recently, the extraordinary facilities and efforts of QTA have turned Qatar into the region’s most open tourist destination. Thanks to a number of visa, entry and travel-oriented initiatives and more automated systems, including the free entry visa waiver programme for nationals of more than 80 countries, a visit to Qatar, has become more streamlined, hassle-free and smoother than ever before.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What kind of facilities / services do you offer to cater for MICE clients?
THOMAS FEHLBIER: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara offers attractive full- and half-day meeting packages that include everything any corporation
may require to conduct effective meetings, incen-tive trips, or team building activities.
To add excitement to the mix, Banana Island Resort is bringing visitors a vast choice of activi-ties to inspire, relax and thrill at the resort’s rec-reation centre. Both above and below the water, the centre presents guests with a myriad leisure activities, such as a fully-equipped fitness centre, surf and swimming pools, children and teen clubs, Velo-Taxi tours, Racing Simulators, and a range of sports activities. In addition to that, the resort boasts the first and only wellness centre of its kind in the Middle East, its own helicopter pad, marina, and dive centre.
Moreover, we work with our travel partners to offer sightseeing trips in Qatar for them to ex-plore the nation and enjoy the diverse sights and sounds the country offers.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are your future plans which aim to further boost Qatar's MICE sector and attract more corporate travellers from regional and international markets?
THOMAS FEHLBIER: We will continue to strongly contribute and participate in more focused and business oriented events, and engage in a number of activities and programmes that promote the country as a favorable MICE destination. We will also highlight its advantages as such, in addition to shedding a spotlight on our resort as a unique property for B2B events, corporate getaways and networking activities – as the resort is very well prepared to manage such events and provide a perfect blend of business and leisure.
ASIA PACIFICwww.traveltradeweekly.travel INTERNATIONAL
10 FEBRUARY 2018 17
HK Express Celebrates New Year with Traffic
Hong Kong International Airport Achieves Record
IHG to Debut Hotel Indigo in Ho Chi Minh City
Hong Kong International Airport recorded continuous traffic growth in 2017, with all three air traffic catego-ries reaching new annual heights.
During 2017, the airport handled 72.9 million pas-sengers and 420,630 flight movements, representing
yearly rises of 3.3 percent and 2.2 percent respectively. Cargo throughout also increased by 9.2 percent year-on-year
to 4.94 million tonnes. Together with 112,000 tonnes of airmail handled during the year, total cargo and airmail exceeded the mark of five million tonnes for the first time.
Fred Lam, CEO, Airport Authority, Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong International Airport is the first airport in the world to have ever handled over five million tonnes of cargo and airmail in a year. This achievement is particularly remarkable as we are concurrently handling over 72 million passengers annually.”
Responding to Vietnam’s growing market, InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Eu-rope Trading Investment Company for Hotel Indigo Saigon The City.
This is the second Hotel Indigo to be signed in Vietnam, and will be the country’s first when it opens its doors in 2019.
The 150-room Hotel Indigo Saigon The City, which has been named in homage to the city’s history, will be specially designed to reflect the character and stories of its neighbourhood.
The hotel will also feature a unique street-front destination neigh-bourhood cafe serving Vietnamese-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
Guests will also be able to explore famed attractions just a short walk away, including Saigon Opera House and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.
HK Express celebrated New Year’s Eve at Hong Kong International Airport with Li Dianchun, president, HK Express, and the senior management team, surprising guests on the airline’s last arriving flight of the year, which flew from Osaka-Kansai to Hong Kong.
As 2017 came to a close, HK Express celebrated dramatic growth; 3,787,000 passengers flew across its route network by the year’s end, representing a 30 percent increase compared with the same period in 2016. During the peak Christmas trav-el period, the airline welcomed roughly 345,000 passengers in December 2017. HK Express expects to fly over 4.35 million people this year.
Between January and November 2017, Hong Kong Interna-tional Airport welcomed 66.5 million passengers, marking a 3.3 percent increase compared with the same period in 2016, ac-cording to Airport figures.
Hotel Indigo Saigon The City
Hong Kong International Airport
10 FEBRUARY 201818
www.traveltradeweekly.travelTRAVEL CHANNELS
The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) is launching a study on turtles in collabo-ration with Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS-WWF).
The purpose of the research is to discover more about the living and feeding habits of Ju-venile Green Turtles that can be found in the Al Qurm mangroves.
In order to carry out the study, environmen-tal specialists from both organisations set out to capture and tag the turtles at Khor Kalba, Sharjah. Once captured, the turtles are fitted with a tag that transmits information on movements to a satellite. EWS-WWF is providing the satellite trans-mitter with EPAA collaboration, and will use this information to gather more data for their long-term turtle research projects throughout the UAE.
Fairmont Dubai partnered up with Make A Wish Foundation to help a 13-year old Emirati girl named Najla, who has type one diabetes, turn her dream of becom-ing a fashion designer into reality.
Najla visited Juri Fashion studio for a full day lesson by Arwa Baitelmal, fashion designer, Juri Fashion.
The culmination of the week was a family invitation for a two-night stay at Fairmont Dubai’s suite, followed by a fashion-themed private party for her friends, where she demonstrated all the skills she learnt.
The party concluded with revealing a princess-like dress, gifted to Najla by Arwa, in addition to a sewing machine, leather sketching books and sketching pencils from Fairmont Dubai.
EPAA Launch Study with EWS-WWF to Protect Green Turtles
Fairmont Dubai Grants Child’s Fashion Designer Wish
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Launches Career Programme
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has launched a new exclusive training programme for a select group of Saudi Nationals, those working in management positions with the com-pany, who demonstrate strong leadership potential.
The Mövenpick Saudi Development Centre initiative, which supports the Saudi Gov-ernment’s long-term plans for boosting employment and increasing the number of na-tionals working in the private sector, includes key economic growth industries such as hospitality and tourism, and was launched between January 21 – 22, in Jeddah.
All candidates selected for the initial training programme took part in role plays, group discussions presentations and information analysis activities followed by one-to-one coaching designed to help them create a personalised career development plan.
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman’s green commit-tee, together with Wyndham Garden Ajman Cor-niche’s pre-opening team, recently harvested or-ganic produce at the property’s urban farm.
Covering 430 m², Ramada Ajman’s urban farm grows seasonal crops which are used in the ho-tel’s in-house kitchen. Yielded crops include egg-plants, radishes, tomatoes, rocket, mint leaves, and chilli peppers.
The activity is aimed to highlight the impor-tance of sustainability among senior management and staff of the newest hotel, led by Iftikhar Ham-dani, cluster general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman.
Hamdani commented, “At this early stage, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche is already in-volved in the green and sustainable movements of the hospitality industry. It is vital to instill and share this value within our group [...].”
Ramada Ajman Organic Crops Harvest
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman’s urban garden
Mövenpick Saudi Development Centre participants
EPAA and EWS-WWF turtle tag
From left: Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai, Najlas brother, Samar,
Make A Wish Foundation, UAE, and Najla
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Etihad Airways partnered with Mercedes-Benz to chauffeur travellers through Abu Dhabi International Airport
Yoga enthusiasts rejoiced at the newly launched weekly Hatha Yoga programme by Yoga Studio at Millennium Plaza Dubai
Multan flight launch was attended by SalamAir with H.E. Ali Javed, ambassador, Pakistan to Oman (centre left), Mohamed Ahmed, CEO,
SalamAir (centre right) and other team executives
H.H. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed visited Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island
Abdulaziz Al-Raisi, acting CEO, Oman Air and airline personnel celebrate the inauguration of Oman Air’s new Boeing 737 MAX
10 FEBRUARY 2018 19
10 FEBRUARY 201820
www.traveltradeweekly.travelNEWS & EVENTS
EVENTS
IMEX
Frankfurt, GermanyMay 15 –17 www.imex-frankfurt.comIMEX opens its doors to 5,200 global decision makers with qualified buying power, including the valuable German outbound market.
ILTM - ASIA PACIFIC
SingaporeMay 21 – 24www.iltm.com/asiapacificTargeting the Asia outbound market, ILTM Asia Pacific will bring international suppliers face-to-face with the very best regional buyers and key international agents.
ATM
Dubai, UAEApril 22 – 25arabiantravelmarket.wtm.comB2B exhibition showcasing over 2,800 products and destinations from around the world to over 28,000 travel trade visitors.
ITB BERLIN
Berlin, GermanyMarch 07 – 11www.itb-berlin.de/enHailed as a leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin is the foremost business platform for global touristic offers.
Fourth Edition of Shop Bahrain Launched
Record Breaking Participants at FITUR
Shop Bahrain, the Bahrain Shopping Festival, has been launched in the heart of Bahrain Bay’s Festival City.
Organised by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Au-thority, in cooperation with public and private sector partners, the family-oriented event features a wide range of exciting activities, live performances, carnival games, prizes, an outdoor market, and food options.
The 30-day Shop Bahrain runs until February 10,
with related events at Festival City continuing until January 27, where they will be a fun-filled schedule of entertaining activities for the family and a chance to win valuable prizes.
Shop Bahrain’s loyalty system, meanwhile, allows shoppers purchasing directly from any participating outlet and partner the chance to win a wide range of prizes including one of 20 cars and over 80,000 other valuable prizes.
FITUR this year enjoyed the most impressive figures in the event’s history.
It welcomed some 251,000 participants, representing growth of around 2.5 percent com-pared to 2017.
Some 140,120 professionals from all over the world participated, an increase of three percent, while more than 7,700 journalists from 59 countries covered the trade fair.
The greatest recorded growth was in international
participation, showing an increase of 13 percent.The movement of people across the city gen-
erated an economic impact of EUR260 million (USD320.794), while 200,000 evening activities, promoted by Festitur, accounted for EUR14.2 mil-lion (USD17.51 million).
The agenda organised by the fair, through its International Buyers programme, generated more than 6,800 business meetings, and more than 38,000 online requests.
SSDF Champions Crowned
In an intense day of international off-road racing at Al Badayer Desert, spectators were recently treated to some of the tightest battles and closest finishes in the closing
stages of the second Sharjah Sports Desert Festival (SSDF).Winners were presented with prizes and awards by
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, deputy ruler, Sharjah.Themed Become a Desert Hero, the popular off-road com-
petition was held under the patronage of Al Qasimi and or-ganised by Sharjah Sports TV which broadcast the gruelling races and results live.
A crowd of motorsports fans and families cheered on more than 65 of the most experienced and successful dune-bashing riders and racers who travelled from as far as the UK, Germany, India, South Africa and around the GCC.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi crowning the winners in the presence of
senior Sharjah officials
Festival City
