An answer to all your queries Rouble trouble hits travel ...travtalkmiddleeast.com/pdf/2015/02-feb-2015.pdf · growing MICE sector,” he added. IBTM Arabia has associated with Abu

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An answer to all your queries ..................................................................................05Now ‘satellite route’ for Air India Express ................................................................11Investment cell for Make in India queries ................................................................17

A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 24Vol. XI No. 2; February 2015

IBTM Arabia is an exclusiveevent designed for

meeting professionals, where Hosted Buyers and

exhibitors are carefully selected using a quality overquantity approach.

The name change alsoprovides synergy with the

other shows within the IBTMGlobal Events portfolio.

“The unique concept forthe Middle East’s leadingMICE event is now similar to

IBTM America, IBTM Indiaand IBTM Africa, although thelatter two are table top events,the content and concept is vir-tually the same,” mentionedLois Wilcox, Exhibition

Manager, IBTM Arabia.“Foremost in this transforma-tion is that IBTM Arabia will bean all-inclusive solution where an innovative meeting

Transformation of the former annual GIBTM show, IBTM Arabia is the new name for the eventwith a new location, The St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.

SU S M I TA GH O S H


Contd. on page 19

After having a heavy influx of tourists from the Russian andCIS countries for the past many years, the UAE faced and

is still facing low occupancy levels in the hotels compared to pre-vious years. Due to the less number of tourists from Russia andCIS countries, the availability with almost all hotels continuedeven during the Christmas/New Year. We, at Al Bustan Centreand Residence, are very well established in other destinationsand have placed our plans much earlier to focus on these mar-kets to compensate for the decline which we witnessed in theCIS Market. We are focusing on the Far East, East Europe,Africa, Indian, Chinese and European markets. We’ve rolled outmany promotions to target these markets suitable to their requirements. Simultaneously, weare also focusing on ‘online business’ to secure our fair share of the market.

Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer, Al Bustan Centre & Residence

MICE spreads wings at IBTM Arabia

Currency fluctuation, political uncertainty and globalrestrictions put on Russian government are taking a toll.Russia was Dubai’s fifth-largest source market. TheRussian tour operators that have closed operations dueto the weakening of Russian Rouble and the crisis inUkraine are IntAer, Labirint and Neva. They had thegreatest number of tie-ups with agencies abroad,including in the UAE. Russian hotel guests in Dubai have dropped drastically.

Rouble trouble hits travel in UAE

Contd. on page 2

Lois WilcoxExhibition Manager, ibtm arabia

WEB:Layout 1 2/2/2015 10:50 AM Page 1

COVER STORY2 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Rouble pounces hard on travel in UAE Contd. from page 1

Everyone in the industry, hotels and tour operations andincentive companies are thinking hard on how to com-

pensate this valuable traffic which we used to have fromRussia and CIS. On the other hand, Dubai has proved itselfagain regardless of the circumstances focussing on sus-taining inbound tourism and ensuring that the numbersdon’t fall. We are collectively looking at the opportunities inGCC, Europe to attract traffic from there. With the additional

flight's capacity from thesetwo regions, we hope to

maintain good num-ber in 2015. Europe has always been good sourceof tourists to Dubai and we are confident that this

market will open up further now thecapacity is available.

Dayana PersanGeneral Manager, Atlantis Holidays

Indeed, UAE is suffering significant financial losses in thetourism industry due to a sharp decline in the flow of trav-

ellers from Russia. This problem is associated not onlywith the economic crisis in Russia but also with the factthat UAE has become very expensive and tourists chooseother destinations for their vacations. Many areas wereaffected quite significantly, including hotels that faced occu-pancy challenges, tourism companies, as well as UAEimmigration that suffered from sharp decrease in visitorvisa’s income. To cover up these financial losses, UAEimmigration raised the cost of tourist visas by AED 40.

Tourism companies, including our company, have started focusing on other markets likeEuropean market since they are easy to work with due to visa-free regime. Experts predictimprovement of the situation over the next year. We certainly hope to see some improve-ment in the situation and do our best to attract more visitors into UAE.

Aya HajiyevaHead, CIS Department, Sadaf Sarv, DMC

Many travel agencies who are handling Russian marketget quite unpleasant losses. As the situation of our

company, our sale was dropped down to 50 per cent com-pared to last year. We can see that in such tough times inRussia, many hotels are trying to push up the market bygiving special prices, different facilities and more opportu-nities to encourage tourists to come. We are trying to con-vince the clients by giving them special prices and dis-counts for different type of services. We have already start-ed our business with Chinese tourists. Chinese market isstill new for UAE and it needs to be explored more. In future,we are planning to get tourists from Turkish and European market. In general, our mainplan is to make the difference for the guests, let them feel value of visiting UAE with goodprices, new programs and special organisation.

Irina FilipenkoReservation Manager, Reservation Department,

Phoenix Tour

As of now, what we have seen and analysed is that Government is just trying to save the power of Rouble and now dollars too are not being acceptedin Russia. So people who are left with dollars are trying to spend it as much as possible but significantly the numbers of this class of people is very

less. Dubai is getting expensive day by day and the hoteliers are not doing any promotions to bring the tourist from Russia except Jumeirah propertiesbut I am confident that they will be back as UAE has a good relationship with Russia that should not be affected by sanctions. What we have seen in the last couple of months is that the hotels in Europe and tour operators are getting benefit out of these sanctions and trying to promoteEurope in Russia as much as they can and some of the hotels are giving 50 per cent discount for Russia market which make people travel to Europeancountries and also Far east and Egypt. Although this trend is picking up again, but again I would say that due to sanctions, we won’t see that figureswhich we used to see earlier.

Muhammad YousufOutbound Manager, Avionics Travel & Holidays

Russia and CIS have been one of Dubai’s top ten sourcemarkets. The challenges faced are certainly evident,

particularly, the finance industry. Trickling into the industrywe operate in, the challenges noted are the fall in the occu-pancy rates at hotels, particularly in the middle market seg-ment. In the five-star category and above, disposableincome levels do permit more travel. However, the thinningout of visitor arrivals has been challenging for the hospitalitysector, in general, as it affects occupancy rates, operationalcosts as well as holding costs. Market expansion effortscould now be focused on the United Kingdom, Norway,Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and far-eastern markets like Malaysia and Thailand. The industry is witnessing an inflow of tourist arrivalsfrom the mentioned markets of Portugal, Spain, Italy and Poland, so we can expect toprepare ourselves to cater to the unique requirements of these. At this juncture, it wouldbe worth to position the appeal of all seven Emirates, so as to offer visitors a truly holisticexperience of the UAE.

Chidrupa RangalaDirector, Product & ContractingPearl of Arabia Travel & Tourism

Ibelieve UAE doesn’t face any major challenge due to thisdecrease but it does affect the hospitality industry, luxury

goods industry and foreign investments. I think this is a goodexample for businesses in this industry to diversify their mar-ket to get prepared for political problems that they have nocontrol over. Abu Dhabi recently held a conference that host-ed 120 travel agents from 20 cities in Russia and Belorussia.It seems their plan is to continue promoting the UAE culture and landmarks worldwide, which has been proven to be successful. There are always new markets totap but focusing on existing markets is more beneficial at this

moment. The right market to focus on is Asia, specifically China. The increase in wealthhas persuaded a lot of people to travel and UAE seems to be the hotspot.

Rinat AbletGeneral Manager, Etakar Tourism

The travel and hospitality industry in UAE have changedtheir strategy and diversified their market with other

countries to offset the loss in CIS arrivals. They are nowfocusing more on China, Africa and South America to tapnew business potentials.

Munir SherwaniDirector, Ena Travel & Tourism

TTME FEBRUARY 2015 FINAL:Layout 1 2/2/2015 10:43 AM Page 2

EXHIBITIONS F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 3

Lois Wilcox, ExhibitionManager, IBTM Arabia,

commented, “We are delight-

ed to have Abu DhabiConvention Bureau on boardas our premier partner foribtm arabia. Abu Dhabi is rap-idly evolving into a world-

class, sustainable meetingsindustry destination and our strong relationship withAbu Dhabi ConventionBureau has really allowed us

to showcase the destination’spotential to prospective meet-ing planners from across theglobe. This year, our exclusiveone-to-one event, will bring a

whole new concept to the region, creating a three day community whereeveryone does everythingtogether; business, educationand networking.”

This new closed-show format will ensure that buyers and exhibitors

can focus solely on their business appointments and the new one-to-one mutual matching format will ensure that exhibitorsattending can select the

buyers that they want to meet with.

IBTM Arabia has signif-icant potential for growth forthe global, regional and localmeetings industry accordingto Mubarak Al Shamisi,Director of Abu DhabiConvention Bureau.

“We are confident that our commitment to ibtm arabia will bring significant benefit to our growing MICE sector,” he added.

IBTM Arabia has associated with Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau for theclosed event, which is set to take place at the St. Regis Hotel Saadiyat IslandResort, Abu Dhabi, from February 10-12, 2015.

Partnering for excellence

TT BU R E AU

We are confident that our commitment to ibtmarabia will bring significant benefit to ourgrowing MICE sector

Mubarak Al ShamisiDirector of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau

Starwood Hotels &Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(NYSE: HOT) announcedthat it has entered Tajikistanwith the opening of SheratonDushanbe Hotel. Owned byCJSC CHL International, asubsidiary of CHL Limited(BSE:CHL), SheratonDushanbe Hotel boasts a central location withinTajikistan’s capital city andfeatures 148 rooms, stateoftheart meeting facilities,three restaurants and all of theSheraton brand’s signatureamenities and services.

Strategically located justfive minutes from Dushanbe

International Airport, the newSheraton offers easy access tothe city’s central business district, government offices andembassies. Nearby attractionsinclude the National Museumof Ancient Art, NationalPalace, Victory Park,Botanical Garden and severaltraditional tea houses. Allguestrooms, including thetopfloor Presidential Suite,boast the allwhite SheratonSweet Sleeper® bed, ShineSpa for Sheraton™ bathamenities, a 42" screen LCDtelevision, inroom safe, welldesigned work station andhighspeed Internet.

Starwood Hotels debuts in Tajikistan

Sharjah’s first The UAE’s first school, library and municipalitywere set up in Sharjah. It was also the first emirate to provide education for women in1942 and the first to establish an airport in the Gulf region.

This year, our exclusive one-to-one event,will bring a whole new concept to theregion, creating a three day communitywhere everyone does everything together;business, education and networking

Lois WilcoxExhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia


GUEST COLUMN

Study reports GCC countries are in anexcellent position to become a global

meeting hub. There is huge untapped potentialfor GCC countries to grab a larger slice of themeeting, incentive, convention and exhibition(MICE) market with just five per cent of annualvisitors presently arriving for large-scalebusiness events.

Its competitive advantages include agrowing trade activity, central geographicallocation, stable political systems and variety of venues, attractions and hi-tech meeting facilities.

Among the GCC countries, the UAE isseen to have the most robust MICE business.The country has transformed itself into theregion's most important travel hub and this isevident with the Dubai International Airportrecently surpassing Heathrow as the world'sbusiest airport. The UAE also provides anincreasing range and quality of leisure offeringswhich has enhanced the country's popularityas a place for meetings.

There are few challenges that arehindering the GCC's ability to emerge as ameeting destination. Many of the challengesare amenable to policy changes and maydisappear in the face of better practices. So important it is to use a structuredapproach to allow the GCC to develop thegreat potential of its meetings tourismbusiness and win a greater share of themeetings market.

The unique concept for the Middle East’sleading MICE event is now similar to IBTMAmerica, IBTM India and IBTM Africa, thoughthe latter two are table top events, the contentand concept is virtually the same. IBTMArabia is the new name leading atransformation of the former annual GIBTMshow. The event will definitely bring significantbenefit to the growing MICE sector, expandawareness of the luxury, competitivedestination to global industry players. Around200 Hosted Buyers will approach from MiddleEast, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America,South America and Africa.

Capturing MICEpotential

EDITORIAL

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How have we achievedthis? First of all there is

no magic bullet for us or anyother business. I believestrongly that for a company toprosper it has to do thousandsof small things well throughoutthe year and in the end youwill get your rewards. Ofcourse staffs have to betrained, knowledgeable andmotivated with a clear visionand purpose. But beyond thatthey need to have a passionfor customer empathy, for lis-tening and questioning tounderstand the true issueeven if the customer does notfully understand himself. Howoften have you heard a sales-man push his products with abewildering array of featuresand maybe even some bene-fits, but who is to say thosebenefits are what the cus-tomer is asking for or needs atthat moment in time. We haveall been on the receiving endof such an approach and I amsure most of us are com-pletely put off by it.

The travel industryseems simple on the out-side but in reality is madehighly complex by multipletechnology suppliers who allthink they have the best thing.

In fact the travel busi-ness is becoming more andmore complex as we seek topersonalise our serviceswhich puts greater pressureon everyone involved to keep up to speed with everything that is on offer andto be able to make sense of itin a holistic way.

Against this backgroundand given the low margins inour industry all travel agentsneed to look at their overalloperations and re-invent theirprocesses in order to optimisetheir costs and speed of serv-ice. This is where technology

comes in and Ibelieve our greatestcontribution can bemade. By makingsure we understandour customersbusiness andprocesses,

often through in-depth work-shops with key managers andstaff, we can tailor and pack-age a solution to address thereal problem. This is a com-plex and time consumingapproach but the benefits canbe truly transformational,allowing the customer to grow faster with lower costwhilst providing a better serv-ice to his customers. Themedium and long term bene-fits vastly outweigh highincentives or discounts offered in the absence of atrue solution.

Service is of course alsovery important. We recentlyreceived the results of ourannual customer survey

which is carried out by anindependent third party. It wasparticularly gratifying to seethat our service and support

received very

high marksshowing that customersreally appreciate theefforts we make to han-

dle their queries quicklyand professionally. This goes a long way to

establishing

credibility and support fromthe user community.

We also put a lot of effortin getting to know our cus-tomers better and helpingthem to keep abreast of indus-try trends. We held severalsuch educational events in2014 and towards year-endhosted 700 customers andbooking agents at a galaawards dinner. Recently weheld for the second time theAmadeus Cricket Tournamentwith 10 teams, 6 locally basedand 4 foreign teams fromOman, Bahrain, Muscat andPakistan. This was played atthe Sheikh Zayed CricketStadium in Abu Dhabi andwas extremely well received

by all the players and agencymanagement. I believe thevalues of cricket such assportsmanship, team spirit,competitiveness and profes-sionalism fit well with our own

values and hence is an excellent fit with

our business as well asbeing a lot of fun.

In 2015 we plan manymore product roadshows andfocussed forums on keyindustry topics such asleisure, mobile and socialmedia. We will seek to buildon the approaches describedabove and continue with ourphilosophy of ‘delivering whatwe promise’. Any companythat does that consistently

and can offer truly innovativeand integrated solutions delivered with passion is likely to prosper.

Another year goes by and it was a very successful one for Amadeus Gulf. Wehave grown bookings, increased market share and sold more products thanever before. We retained business with all our large customers and havesuccessfully won key accounts in Dubai. This new business is all fully migratedonto our platform and our customers are already seeing the benefits.

Making travel simpler

The travel business is becomingmore and more complex as we

seek to personalise our services whichputs greater pressure on everyoneinvolved to keep up to speed with

everything that is on offer and to be ableto make sense of it in a holistic way.

Graham NicholsManaging Director

Amadeus Gulf

� For a company toprosper it has to dothousands of smallthings well throughoutthe year and in the endyou will get your rewards

� Staffs have to be trained,and motivated with aclear vision and purpose

� They need to have apassion for customerempathy, for listeningand questioning tounderstand the trueissue even if thecustomer does notfully understandhimself

Tips & Tricks to Grow


NTO F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 5

Khulood Khaled AlNuaimi, ATDD’s Director

of Tourism Development andMarketing informed, “TheCenter is to be set up onAjman Corniche. It will includea reception area to reply allqueries of visitors and offer allavailable tourism informationabout the Emirate.”

“It will also include twocounters for issuing licensesfor tourism establishmentsand activities following the offi-

cial Ajman Government work-ing hours,” she added.

ATDD invited the stu-dents of Engineering College

of Ajman University ofScience and Technology tocontest for a design for thenew centre. During a ceremo-ny at the University’sHeadquarter in Ajman’s Jarfarea, ATDD honoured thewinners of the competition, inpresence of Al Nuaimi, Deanof Engineering College,Professor Fahar Hayati andHead of the College, InteriorDesign Department MohsenEl Fadl. The event was alsowitnessed by members ofATTD’s Marketing and

Promotion team, universitystaff and students.

Al Nuaimi said that thecompetition was initiated upondirectives from ATDDChairman Sheikh AbdulazizBin Humaid Al Nuaimi who believed in the talents of Engineering College stu-dents. Hayati welcomed the students, providing market experience whoexpressed eagerness toparticipate in ATDD futureprojects.

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) discloses plans toestablish Ajman Tourism Information Centre. It announced to establish theEmirate’s first Tourism Information Centre in 2015.

An answer to all your queries

TT BU R E AU

The Centre is to be set up on Ajman Corniche.It will include a reception area to reply allqueries of visitors and offer all availabletourism information about the Emirate

Khulood Khaled Al NuaimiATDD’s Director of Tourism Development and Marketing

Top sales executives fromThe Ajman Palace Hotel willbe present at SATTE travelshow scheduled to take placein New Delhi, India, fromJanuary 2931, 2015.

Ferghal Purcell, GeneralManager, The Ajman PalaceHotel, said, "SATTE is one ofSouth Asia's leading travelshows that offers a fantasticplatform to conduct businesswith over 12,000 travel tradeprofessionals. This year marksthe 21st edition of the showwith more than 640 exhibitorstaking part in the event from 35countries as well as 23 Indianstates. It provides us a fabulousopportunity to showcase our

products to the Indian marketthat is one of the key sourcemarkets for the UAE. Our aimis to increase our share of visitors from the country by primarily targeting leisure groups,families and women travellers,luxury seekers and weddinggroups as well as MICE business. Destination weddings areextremely popular in India andhave got outstanding facilitiesincluding the spectacular ‘AlSaalah’ Ballroom that is thelargest in the NorthernEmirates with a capacity of700 guests. This makes us themost prestigious address for weddings and corporateevents. "

India is among the top 10feeder markets for The AjmanPalace Hotel. In 2014, morethan 8 per cent of hotel's totalguests came from India. Asthe UAE experiences a surgein visitors from the country,this number is likely to go up. The property is alsowitnessing an increase inaverage length of stay ofIndian guests.

Abu Dhabi hotels report 20% increase in guest nights

Ferghal PurcellGeneral ManagerThe Ajman Palace Hotel

Students of Ajman University of Science & Technology with the Directors


NTO6 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

According to the latest sta-tistics by the National

Centre for Statistics andInformation, over 701,311inbound tourists from theGCC visited the Sultanateuntil September 2014.

Moving forward to attractmore tourists during theupcoming tourism season, theevent aimed to reinforce thejoint venture between bothparties to promote Oman asthe leading tourist destination.

The session included inform-ative presentations onOman’s tourism infrastructure

and facilities along with theannouncement of cost-effec-tive holiday packagesdesigned for GCC visitors,including luxury hotel staysand return tickets from OmanAir. The proactive measures

undertaken by theOmani government tosustain the seamlessexpansion in thecountry’s tourismsectors have comple-mented this growth.The country has wit-nessed a spurt indeveloping activitiesin its infrastructuralfacilities, includingairports, roads andrail networks, andmaritime sectors.

Salem Adi Al Mamari,Director General of TourismPromotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, informed,“Compared to other countries,Oman offers a wide range ofvariety in its geographical fea-

tures, making it an attractivedestination for all-year-roundtourism. Besides, ancient fortsto most modern hotels,beaches to mountains, theSultanate boasts of the world-class airports, wide networkof highways, ports to makethe travel smooth. We havepartnered with Oman Air tooffer economical travel pack-ages to attract potential trav-ellers to see our country andremind the existing travellersto visit again.”

Oman Air passengerscan now experience a new level of on-ground serv-ice with the airlines’ front-endcheck-in facility exclusively for First Class and BusinessClass guests, besides Oman Air’s Premium Loungeslocated at MuscatInternational Airport.

Oman has emerged as one of the top destinations among GCC travellers for short breaks.Registering a 17 per cent increase in the number of GCC citizens by the end of Q3 2014, OmanMinistry of Tourism in cooperation with Oman Air recently held a promotional event in Dubai.

Oman leads the competition

TT BU R E AU

Salem Adi Al MamariDirector General of Tourism Promotion,Oman Ministry of Tourism

We have partnered with Oman Air to offer economical travel packages toattract potential travellers to see ourcountry and remind the existing travellers to visit again � Oman Ministry of

Tourism registered a 17per cent increase in thenumber of GCC citizensby the end of Q3 2014

� The tourism board, incooperation with OmanAir, recently held apromotional event inDubai

� According to the lateststatistics by the NationalCentre for Statistics andInformation, over701,311 inboundtourists from the GCCvisited the Sultanate untilSeptember 2014

Stats speak

Al Futtaim’snew car rentallocation

Thrifty Car Rental inOman has announced therecent opening of its newcar rental location in MuscatInternational Airport, capitalising on growing passenger numbers and marking anew direction for the brandin the Sultanate. The newlocation marks a significantstep for the brand in Omanunder new management,having recently beenacquired by the Al FuttaimGroup, marking the start ofa stronger Thrifty presencein Oman. The new branchbecomes Thrifty’s mainOman location and Thrifty’s47th in the GCC among anextensive and growingglobal network. The newThrifty Car Rental in Omanwill be providing exceptional convenience, service andvalue at the main entry pointto Oman for growing numbers of both business &leisure travellers. The totalnumber of passengersrecorded at MuscatInternational Airport at theend of August last yearincreased by 6.8 per centcompared to the same period in 2013.

Recently published CentralStatistics Office (CSO)

figures confirmed growth ofmore than 9 per cent in over-

seas visitors to Ireland for2014, with Northern IrelandStatistics and ResearchAgency (NISRA) figures con-firming a growth of more than

19 per cent in overseas holi-daymakers to NorthernIreland, compared to 2013.

Tourism Irelandannounced that Northern

Ireland attracts 21 per cent of all visitors to theIreland, keen to see rise in2015. Amanda Burns,General Manager - Middle

East, Asia & South Africa for Tourism Ireland commented, “Following a very positive year regardingvisitor statistics for the Gulfregion in 2014, TourismIreland is keen to continuefocusing on the GCC as a keymarket in 2015.”

“Gulf visitors are knownfor their appreciation of natu-ral landscapes and destina-tions like the Giant’sCauseway have strong appealfor the region’s travellers, pro-viding perfect opportunities foradventure and exploration in2015,” added Burns.

Following continued year-on-year increase in the number of visitors fromthe Gulf region, GCC will remain a key part of Tourism Ireland’s marketingplans for 2015. The tourism authority plans to promote Ireland in the region.

GCC on Tourism Ireland’s radar

TT BU R E AU

� Tourism Ireland is now the fourth most popular tourism boardin the world on Facebook, number three on Twitter andnumber two on YouTube.

� Major Northern Ireland themes and attractions in 2015 willbe central to Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans – includingthe Causeway Coastal Route, Titanic Belfast, the Giant’sCauseway, National Trust properties.

� Tourism Ireland sets to welcome almost 1.9 million visitorsto Northern Ireland in 2015, six per cent more than in 2014and delivering an estimated £552 million to the Northern Irisheconomy next year.

Digital growth

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

Under the patronage of HisHighness Sheikh Ahmed binSaeed Al Maktoum, Presidentof Dubai Civil AviationAuthority (DCAA),Chairman

of Dubai Airports andChairman and ChiefExecutive of Emirates Airlineand Group, Dubai will host aninternational conference onthe ‘Future of Borders’ fromMarch 11 to 12, at the RitzCarlton Hotel, DubaiInternational FinancialCentre. Major General ObaidMuhair bin Suroor, DeputyDirector General, GDRFADubai, said, “The conferenceprovides an ideal platform to

present UAE’s successfulborders management experiment and its expertise in harnessing the latest technologies, smart gates, smart travel

solutions and biometricdevices to accelerate andfacilitate travel.”

The conference’s agendais on sharing information,knowledge and best practicesin managing borders control,the role of advanced technology and travel smart solutionsand the importance of intensifying international cooperation among all the stakeholders in borders, travel andtourism domains.

Dubai to host global conferenceon the Future of Borders

Following a very positive year regardingvisitor statistics for the Gulf region in 2014, Tourism Ireland is keen to continue focussing on the GCC as a key market in 2015

Amanda BurnsGeneral Manager - Middle East

Asia & South Africa for Tourism Ireland


AGENTS F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 7

In 2014, dnata became theUK’s largest long-haul travel

services provider, with theacquisitions of Gold Medal

Travel Group and Stella TravelServices. The investments,made across the globe, alsoincluded new halal kitchens,enhanced cargo infrastructurein the UK, and continuedinvestments for the company’soperations in Dubai.

Challenges are also not far to seek - instability inIraq, security threats in

Pakistan, airport runwayupgrades in Dubai andincreased economic pres-sures around the globe, dnatahad to respond quickly, deliv-ered high quality services.

“We faced several chal-lenges last year and thoughour teams were tested, wehave kept our focus to deliverto our customers,” said GaryChapman, President, dnata.“There will always be shortterm challenges for which wehave to be responsive.”

“In 2014, dnata contin-ued to strengthen its business

footprint, adding capacity andnew complementary compe-tencies, which will pay divi-dends for both dnata and ourcustomers,” added Chapman.“We remain committed toinnovation, while never com-promising on safety and oper-ational excellence. Safety andsecurity remained top priori-ties for dnata,” he said.

Interest from internation-al airlines to fly to Dubai

remains high, as the worldrecognises the city’s positionas a key connector for global destinations.

Al Maktoum Inter-national airport at DubaiWorld Central (DWC) markedits first full year of passengeroperations in 2014. DuringDubai International airport’s(DXB) 80-day runwayupgrade from May to July,more than 300 flights a week used Al MaktoumInternational airport. dnataensured the tight schedule ransmoothly at both the hubs,handling over 20.2 millionpassengers and 45,000 flights between the two airports over the period.

In addition, to the run-way upgrades, dnata alsoworked closely with DubaiAirports and other stakehold-ers on other expansion work at DXB. In response

to customer demand, dnataalso launched its LineMaintenance services at DXBand DWC. To support the con-tinued growth of the tourismindustry in the Emirate, dnata partnered with international sightseeing oper-ator, City SightseeingWorldwide to Dubai.

The year 2014 was full of opportunities, milestones and a few challenges for dnata. It invested more than AED545 million to enhance its service offerings in travel, cargo, ground handling and catering.

dnata and Dubai – A good fellowship

TT BU R E AU

Gary ChapmanPresidentdnata

In 2014, dnata continued to strengthen its business footprint, adding capacity and new complementary competencieswhich will pay dividends for both dnataand our customers

7.36% jumpin DDF salesin 2014

Dubai Duty Free usheredin the New Year byannouncing record-breakingsales of Dhs6.999 billion(US$ 1.917 billion) for 2014,representing a 7.36 per centincrease over the previousyear. The sign that aremarkable year was comingto an end was evident inDecember 2014 when anew monthly sales record of Dhs749.13 million(US$205.24 million) wasset, representing a 7 percent increase over lastyear’s sales of Dhs700 mil-lion (US$192 million). TheDecember high was fuelledby Dubai Duty Free’s 31st

anniversary celebrationswhen the operation offereda 25 per cent discountacross a wide range of mer-chandise from theDecember 18-20, whichresulted in a shopping spreeby passengers of Dhs188.86million (US$51.74 million)during the 72-hour period.Over the anniversary week-end, the cash registersrecorded a total of 405,407sales transactions with205,485 sales transactionsalone on the anniversaryday itself, Dec 20.

� In 2014, dnata becamethe UK’s largest long-haul travel servicesprovider, with theacquisitions of GoldMedal Travel Group and Stella TravelServices

� In addition, to therunway upgrades, dnataalso worked closely withDubai Airpor ts and other stakeholders onother expansion work at DXB

All About Fame


HOTELS8 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

The official opening tookplace recently and was

led by a special event for busi-ness partners of the travel andtourism industry who visitedthe project. They havereceived first-hand informa-tion about the variousaspects, facilities and services offered at this newluxury property.

“DAMAC Properties isextending our hospitality offer-ing regarding quantity andquality for the visitors ofDubai,” confided NiallMcLoughlin, Senior VicePresident, DAMACProperties. ‘DAMAC MaisonCour Jardin, along with allDAMAC Maison projects, willoffer various options to clientssearching for the best experi-ence in town, be it for leisureor business.”

Strategically located inthe heart of the business, din-ing and shopping district ofDubai, this plush hotel is anideal place for both businessand leisure travellers alike.

Spreading across 19 floors,with more than 350 apart-ments, DAMAC Maison CourJardin offers stay in comfort-able deluxe rooms.

“The opening of‘DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin’’couldn’t have been timed bet-

ter, especially during this verybusy period as the festive sea-son and the Dubai ShoppingFestival around. It will generate a substantialincrease in the number of

visitors coming to Dubai,” he further informed.

One of the special fea-tures of DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin is the ‘ChrysalisSpa’, the second in town after the one launched atDAMAC Maison – Dubai

Mall Street. DAMACProperties’ hospitality portfoliowill extend within the coming three years to reacharound 10,000 units of hotelrooms, serviced hotel apart-ments and villas.

DAMAC Properties has opened its third luxury serviced hotel apartments,‘DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin’ in the Burj Area of Dubai, managed by thecompany’s hospitality arm, DAMAC Maison Hotels and Resorts

DAMAC rises in number

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� ‘DAMAC Maison CourJardin, along with allDAMAC Maisonprojects, will offervarious options to clientssearching for the bestexperience in town

� Strategically located inthe hear t of thebusiness, dining andshopping district ofDubai, this plush hotel isan ideal place for bothbusiness and leisuretravellers alike.Spreading across 19floors, with more than350 apartments

Luxury Talk

Katara Hospitality, theleading global hotel developer, owner and operator basedin Qatar, has confirmed itsglobal portfolio has grown to30 hotels in operation or underdevelopment, achieving thecompany’s long establishedgoal of 30 properties by 2016two years ahead of schedule.The achievement of this goalhas been complemented bythe accomplishment of majormilestones in acquisitions,

investment and developmentduring 2014. Over the pastyear, Katara Hospitality hasadded six international properties to its collection of iconichotels. Katara Hospitality hasalso expanded its footprintinto the London market this year with an investmentin The Savoy, AFairmontManaged Hotel. Thepast year has also witnessedseveral important hotel openings for Katara Hospitality.

Katara Hospitality ahead of time

Jannah Hotels and Resortsgroup is planning to open 30new hotels by 2020 while itsBurj Al Sarab by Jannah willbe inaugurated in the firstquarter of 2015, according tothe group's VP OperationsAbu Dhabi. Richard Haddadsaid the 18floor Burj AlSarab is located in Mina areaand is one of the most luxuri

ous hotels in the city. Thehotel also includes royal suites comprising two andthree bedrooms and has an area of up to 210 square metres each. It comprises 224 deluxe rooms, 66 junior suites, 22 executivesuites four 3bedroom penthouses, and two 2bedroom penthouses.

Jannah to open 30 hotels by 2020

Located on Mohammed BinRashid Boulevard, known

as ‘The Centre of Now,’ the197-room Manzil DowntownDubai is a haven that providesan imaginative interpretationof Arabian culture for Arabguests and a cultural experi-ence for international visitors.

Philippe Zuber, ChiefOperating Officer, EmaarHospitality Group, informed,“Arabian hospitality serves as the fundamental growthdriver of Dubai’s tourism sec-tor. With Manzil, born andbred in Dubai, we are integrat-ing our region’s cultural ethos

with the convenience ofmodernity to offer distinctivevalue. Manzil DowntownDubai stands apart across all touch-points – from design to décor and service standards, focus onengaging guests assuring

them authentic must-return lifestyle experiences.”

“The addition of ManzilDowntown Dubai to the VidaHotels and Resorts portfolioalso reflects our goal of con-necting with the new gener-ation of global travellers,especially local Emirati andGCC guests, who are dis-cerning in their preferencesand cherish a fuss-free hos-pitality choice,” he added.The Courtyard, a social desti-nation, serves as a differenti-ating factor of Manzil

Downtown Dubai. It featuresBoulevard Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant thatserves food from across theMiddle East.

Short for New Zealand,South Africa and Australia,Nezesaussi serves as the ulti-mate sports hub in DowntownDubai, and serves food fromthe tri-nation countries. Fümé,a truly unique concept, offersuncomplicated, delicious foodwith an international twist,served in a unique vintage-style setting.

Emaar Hospitality Group, recently opened doors to a lifestyle boutique hotel,Manzil Downtown, Dubai. The hotel is an ideal place for the new generationbusiness executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers.

Lifestyle boutique hotel for GenX

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This addition to our portfolio also reflects our goalof connecting with the new generation of globaltravellers, especially local Emirati and GCC guests

Philippe ZuberChief Operating Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group

Delegates at an inaugural function of the hotel

FAM by RezLive.com toTurkey, UK, Estonia & Finland

RezLive.com rewarded patronageof their travel agents in Kuwait by extending oppor tunity tofamiliarise on their upcomingdestinations in par tnership withairlines and hotels in form of famtrip. The FAM trips wereorganised to countries likeTurkey, UK Estonia & Finland.

DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin, along with all DAMAC Maison projects, will offervarious options to clients searching for the best experience in town, be it for leisure or business

Niall McLoughlinSenior Vice President, DAMAC Properties


AVIATION F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 9

The deal will see the exist-ing principle shareholder

of Petra Airlines, RUM Groupmaintain a 51 per cent stake.The new partnership will alsolead to the creation of AirArabia, Jordan. Following the

acquisition, Air ArabiaJordan’s operation is expected to commence in thefirst quarter of 2015. Thenewly established carrier,managed by Air Arabia, will follow the carrier’s busi-

ness model serving as Air Arabia’s fifth hub in theArab world. Air Arabia Jordanwill provide direct service to a range of destinationsacross the Europe, MiddleEast and North Africa region from Queen AliaInternational Airport.

“Partnering with anestablished airline like PetraAirlines provides this agree-ment with an advantageousposition in terms of opera-tional and commercial sup-port, which will enable Air

Arabia Jordan to reach itsfull potential in a shorter timespan. We thank the localauthorities and theJordanian Ministry ofTransport for granting all thesupport to launch this newproject.” said SheikhAbdullah Bin MohammadAl Thani, Chairman of AirArabia. The establishment ofa new hub in Jordan extendsAir Arabia’s operational foot-

print into the heart of theLevant and brings us a step

closer to achieving our stat-ed goal of connecting the

platform for growth throughdirect contributions to thelocal economy”.

Riad Khashman,Chairman of RUM Groupand Petra Airlines, said, “Ourpartnership with Air Arabiarepresents an important nextphase in the progression ofPetra Airlines and will be thecatalyst for a new era ofgrowth for the low cost avia-tion sector in Jordan and thewider Levant region.Alongside offering greatlyincreased flexibility for pas-sengers, Air Arabia Jordanwill also be an importantcontributor to the local econ-omy through the creation ofskilled jobs and by increas-ing the number of leisureand business travellers visit-ing Jordan. We look forwardto launching Air ArabiaJordan operations in thecoming months.”

Air Arabia is all geared up to open a new international hub at Amman Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan,its fifth fixed-based operation globally, following the acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Petra Airlines.

Another feather in Air Arabia’s cap

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Partnering with an established airline likePetra Airlines provides this agreement with anadvantageous position in terms of operationaland commercial support, which will enable Air Arabia Jordan to reach its full potential

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al ThaniChairman of Air Arabia

Delegates at the press conference

• RUM Group, principal shareholder of Petra Airlines, partners withUAE-based low-cost carrier

• Move follows acquisition of 49 per cent stake in Petra Airlines,which will be re- launched as ‘Air Arabia Jordan’

• Located at Amman Queen Alia International Airport, ‘Air ArabiaJordan’ to serve Europe, Middle East and North Africa markets

How this partnership works


AVIATION1 0 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Announcing the new desti-nations, Maher Salman

Al Musallam, Acting ChiefExecutive Officer, Gulf Airmentioned, “Bahrain’s rela-

tionship with the Kingdom ofSaudi Arabia is a long-stand-ing one and our national car-rier’s ties to our neighbourdate back to our maiden serv-ice to Dhahran in 1950. TheKingdom of Saudi Arabia is an

important market for us andthe launch of services toGassim and Taif, supplement-ing our Dammam, Jeddah,Riyadh and Medina opera-tions, further demonstratesour commitment to connecting

people to various destinationsacross Gulf Air’s network. I extend my warmest thank tothe Saudi authorities for facil-itating this new developmentthat will be well-received bythe travellers.”

In response to growingdemand Gulf Air has alsoincreased its direct servicesbetween Bahrain and Muscatwith an additional 4 weeklyflights. The new schedule hasstarted from Jan 20, 2015.

The additional flights willenhance connectivity forOman-based travellers to therest of the Gulf, Middle East, India and beyond viaBahrain facilitating same-day travel between the two countries with the newflight timings.

Commenting on theenhanced flight schedule, GulfAir’s Acting Chief CommercialOfficer, Ahmed Janahi said, “We are pleased to announce the four additional frequenciesbetween Bahrain and Muscat, further strengtheningour position as one of the

largest regional networks, pro-viding convenient schedulesand enhanced connectivity.”

Flights to Muscat haveincreased from 21 to 25 weekly flights, adding 4 week-ly flights on Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays departing from Bahrain InternationalAirport at 09:00, arrivingMuscat International Airportat 11:30 and departingMuscat at 12:15 to arrive Bahrain International Airport at 12:50.

Gulf Air has announced further growth of its network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia flying to two new destinations – Gassim and Taif, making the total number of Saudi Arabian cities serviced by the airline to 6. Services to Gassim and Taif have begun from Jan 10,with 4 flights to each city every week.

Gassim, Taif in Gulf Air’s kitty

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an importantmarket for us and the launch of services toGassim and Taif, supplementing our Dammam,Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina operations, furtherdemonstrates our commitment to connectingpeople to various destinations

Maher Salman Al MusallamActing Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air

We are pleased to announce the four additionalfrequencies between Bahrain and Muscat,further strengthening our position as one of thelargest regional networks, providing convenientschedules and enhanced connectivity

Ahmed JanahiGulf Air’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer

Emirateslaunchessecond dailyAirbus A380

Emirates has announcedthat as of February 1, 2015, its EK019/020 service between DubaiInternational Airport andManchester Airport, cur-rently operated by a Boeing777, will be replaced withan Airbus A380. The intro-duction of the second dailyA380 means that half of

Emirates' 16 daily flights tothe UK will be operated byan A380 from February. Thesecond daily A380 willincrease Emirates' capacityfrom Manchester by 13 percent, with over 20 per centof this increase in the pre-mium cabins. Emiratesflight EK019 will departfrom Dubai InternationalAirport at 1435hrs andarrive in Manchester at1835hrs. The outboundflight, EK020, will departfrom Manchester Airport at2025hrs and arrive in Dubaiat 0740hrs.

Now, US preclearanceopens for the early

morning EY103 to New YorkJFK and EY183 to San

Francisco flights, both ofwhich conveniently connectwith inbound services fromMumbai, Delhi and othercities in India and the IndianSubcontinent.

The new early morningUS preclearance operationcomplements the mid-morn-ing one, which caters toEtihad Airways passengerson flights to Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, NewYork JFK, and Washington,D.C., who all proceed through the facility.

Peter Baumgartner,Chief Commercial Officer,Etihad Airways said, “We’redelighted that all air travellers

flying to the United Statesfrom Abu Dhabi will now enjoythe benefits that US customsand immigration preclearanceoffers. Since its opening inJanuary last year, the US pre-clearance has been extremely

popular with air travellers, par-ticularly those from the IndianSubcontinent and Middle East region. More than325,000 people have passedthrough the facility, arriving in the United States asdomestic passengers.”

The preclearanceprocess provides passen-gers with the unique oppor-

tunity to pass through allrequired checks includingUS customs, immigrationand security convenientlywhile in Abu Dhabi before they board their flight to the US, enabling

them to avoid queues onarrival. Another key benefitof US preclearance is that baggage securityscreening meets UnitedStates TSA security stan-dards, allowing air travellerswho connect onto a USdomestic flight to have theirbaggage checked throughfrom Abu Dhabi to their final destination.

Air travellers on all Etihad Airways flights to the United States can now experience the benefitsof arriving in the US having precleared US Customs and Border Protection at Abu Dhabi Airport.

US preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport

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Peter BaumgartnerChief Commercial OfficerEtihad Airways

We’re delighted that all air travellersflying to the United States from Abu Dhabi will now enjoy the benefits that US customs and immigrationpreclearance offers

• US preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport is the only one of its kind in the Middle East

• The United Arab Emirates’ capital is one of a small group of airports around the world to offer passengers preclearanceinto the US

• During its first 12 months of operation, the US preclearance inAbu Dhabi has improved the passenger experience throughthe introduction of automated passport control (APC) kiosksand greater numbers of officer processing desks.

• The self-service APC kiosks expedite the US entry process forAmerican, Canadian, and eligible visa waiver program (VWP)for international travellers, by providing an automated processthrough US preclearance’s primary inspection area.

First-of-its-kind

MoU for knowledgeexchange

Air Arabia and Bee’ah,the Sharjah EnvironmentCo., the Middle East’s lead-ing and award-winning fullyintegrated environmentaland waste managementcompany, on Jan 10announced the signing of a Memorandum of

Understanding. The MoUwill have Air Arabia andBee’ah collaborate andshare knowledge andexpertise in a number of keyareas relating to both com-mercial activities and corpo-rate social responsibility(CSR) projects. As part of itsdedication to the environ-ment, Air Arabia will workwith Bee'ah to enhance itsgreen credentials, augment-ing its programme of recy-cling and waste disposal. Itis anticipated that the MoUwill encourage sustainableenvironmental practices inorder to help engender amore prosperous and green-er Sharjah.

� In response to growingdemand Gulf Air hasalso increased its directservices betweenBahrain and Muscat withan additional 4 weeklyflights

� Flights to Muscat haveincreased from 21 to 25weekly flights, adding 4weekly flights onMondays, Tuesdays,Wednesdays andThursdays

Strengthening Position


AVIATION F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 1 1

Flight FZ817 departs Dubaiat 3.25pm and arrives at

Najran Aiport at 5.30pm localtime. The return flight departsNajran at 6.40pm and arrivesat Dubai International at10.30pm local time.

“The launch and growthof flydubai has been signifi-cant in helping Dubai to

achieve its year-on-yeargrowth when it comes to visi-tors’ figures. We are delightedthat flydubai has launched thisnew route, connecting Dubai

to Najren city directly for thefirst time. Saudi Arabia is con-sistently our top source mar-ket for the visitors to Dubai,”asserted Issam Kazim, Chief

Executive Officer of the DubaiCorporation for Tourism andCommerce Marketing.

Passengers from Najranwill now be able to traveldirectly to Dubai while UAEresidents will have the opportunity to explore aregion rich in local historicalheritage, traditions and envi-ronmental diversity.

Najran Airport wel-comed flydubai’s first flight.The Saudi Authorities effortstowards developing domesticairports in the Kingdom haveresulted in having modernfacilities like Najran Airportavailable for its citizens. Thesedirect flights will not onlyenhance trade and tourismflows between the two cities,but enable the people ofNajran to travel anywhere inthe world via Dubai.

flydubai’s inaugural flight on Jan 10, 2015 to Najran, oneof Saudi Arabia’s most culturally and historicallydiversified centres, marks the start of the first direct linkbetween the region and Dubai.

Najran & Dubai connected

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We are delighted that flydubai has launchedthis new route, connecting Dubai to Najrencity directly for the first time. Saudi Arabiais consistently our top source market

Issam KazimChief Executive OfficerDubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing

The new satellite office inSharjah, which is aimed at

enhancing service levels, isequipped to cater all reserva-

tions and ticketing require-ments including sale of ancil-lary services on Air IndiaExpress services. More suchoffices are planned to be com-

missioned in other parts in thenear future.

The airline is also in theprocess of developing onlineUAE visa service facilities for

customers. This online serviceis expected to launch shortly.

“Presently, we operateover 100 flights every week

from UAE connecting to 9cities in India. In the Summer’15 Schedule, we haveplanned to restructure the 4times weekly round-robinoperations on the Mangalore-Muscat-Abu Dhabi-Mangaloreinto terminator services. Insummer schedule 2015, theairlines’ passengers will havenon-stop flights between AbuDhabi- Mangalore andMuscat- Mangalore and viceversa. The flights from AbuDhabi to Mangalore operatingon Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday and Sunday willdepart Abu Dhabi at 2.20 AMand reach Mansgalore at 7.35AM,” informed K. ShyamSundar, Chief ExecutiveOffice, Air India Express.

With a fleet size of 17aircraft, Air India Expresshas carried about 2 millionpassengers in the currentfinancial year till Dec 2014.It is projected that passengercarriage will touch 2.6

million by the close of this fiscal year.

“UAE is a major marketfor us, accounting for about 60per cent of our capacity andrevenues. The airline has

achieved load factor of closeto 85 per cent on the servicesto UAE. We are thankful to ouresteemed clients especially tothe expatriate Indian commu-nity in UAE who have helpedus in achieving high occupan-cy factors. AIE is committed in

maintaining the high degreeof punctuality and reliability ofservices achieved in the cur-rent year,” he further stated.

Air India Express plansto increase its fleet size from

the current 17 aircraft to 20 inearly 2016. The process ofleasing these three aircrafthas been finalised to inductthem during the summerschedule of 2016. In addition,five more aircraft will be added in 2016.

As part of Air India Express strategy to commission more number of outlets to reach out to valued clients in UAE,the airline opened on Jan 18, 2015, a new dedicated satellite office located at Al Aruba Street, Sharjah.

Now ‘satellite route’ for Air India Express


K. Shyam SundarChief Executive OfficeAir India Express

UAE is a majormarket for us,accounting forabout 60 per centof our capacityand revenues. The airline hasachieved loadfactor of close to85 per cent

Opening of the new sattelite office

K Shyam Sundar addressing the press


REPORT1 2 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

The ‘Strategy &’ study iden-tifies the meetings sector

as one of the most lucrativeniches within the tourismindustry. Since business peo-ple who travel to a country toattend a trade show or confer-ence tend to spend far more than other travellers, acountry that positions itself as a good place for large-scalemeetings, conventions, andexhibitions (MICE) can attracta high volume of foreign busi-ness visitors.

The study reveals thatpresently, only about 5 percent of travellers in any givenyear, fall into the MICE cate-

gory, also known as meetingstourism market. MICE touristsaccount for about US$11 ofevery US$100 that touristsspend an excessively high fig-ure compared to the 5 percent of tourist arrivals theyrepresent. The study high-lights the steady progress thatGCC has made as a destina-tion for business travel. Totalbusiness-tourist arrivalsreached around 10 million in2012, representing 5 per centannual growth from 2009. Theproportion of business touristsas a whole is higher, probablycloser to one-third of all touristarrivals. This validates the factthat business travellers in theGCC represent a unusuallyhigh percentage of total tourist

arrivals compared to the restof the world.

Richard Shediac,Senior Partner with Strategy

&, informed, "Despite thepotential of the meetings mar-ket, most emergingeconomies have not devel-oped a good understanding ofthis part of the tourism indus-try, nor do they have a well-considered strategy for gettinga larger share of the pie.These gaps have contributedto a situation in which emerg-ing markets like GCC lag farbehind the west in terms ofMICE market share. Onlyabout 2 per cent of all theexhibitions in the world takeplace in the Middle East andonly about 4 per cent takeplace in South America. Bycontrast, Europe and North

America, combined, are hometo more than 80 per cent ofthe world's exhibitions,according to the most recentdata.” “However, this imbal-ance presents an opportunity

for emerging markets includ-ing the GCC to attract a largeshare of MICE business, ifthey improve their tactics in the meetings market," added Shediac.

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Only about 2% of all the exhibitions in theworld take place in the ME and only about 4%take place in South America. By contrast,Europe and North America, combined, arehome to more than 80% of the world'sexhibitions, according to the most recent data

Richard ShediacSenior Partner with Strategy &

According to the study, for GCCcountries to tap into opportunities in themeetings market, it is important for gov-ernment and policy makers to have a clearunderstanding of the MICE tourismecosystem, which comprises four parts.

The first is the basic set of MICEproducts and a clear economic strength that is likely to attract MICEtourists to a country. MICE tourism tendsto be often correlated with the level of tradein a country and built around a country'strade and economic activities. The secondconsists of MICE services, both core andancillary. Core services consist mainly of

intermediaries such as professional con-gress organisers (PCOs) - firms thatarrange meetings for international associ-ations and destination management com-panies (DMCs) that bid for meetings, planevents and handle on-site logistics. Thethird is composed of the MICE sector-enablers, which refer to a variety of differ-ent factors involving planning, marketing,sales and research.

The ecosystem's fourth element issystem enablers which refer to a nation's handling of security, health andsafety, environmental sustainability and infrastructure.

Understanding the MICE Tourism ecosystem

Roadblocks to GCC's emergence as a meeting hub

Capturing MICE market share

Antoine Nasr, Principal at Strategy &, said: "Among the GCC countries, the UAE is seen to have the most robust MICE business. The country has transformed itself into the region's most important travel hub and this is evident with the Dubai internationalairport recently surpassing Heathrow as the world's busiest airport. The UAE also providesan increasing range and quality of leisure offerings which has enhanced the coun-try's popularity as a place for meetings." GCC countries have five major compet-itive advantages as MICE destinations like - central geographic location, con-siderable tradeactivity andexpanding eco-nomic and corpo-rate bases, stablepolitical systems, ahost of emergingancillary services(such as restoredancient sites andrapidly improvingmuseums) and new and technolog-ically advancedmeeting facilitiesthat can host siz-able gatherings.

GCC's MICE strengths

The study outlines a few challenges that are hindering the GCC'sability to emerge as a meetings destination. These include - a higherconcentration of MICE tourists from other GCC countries which limitthe possibility of longer stays, a limited market for congresses (the

exchanges of ideas organised by international associations) dueto inadequate local participation in such associations, lack of

unconventional venues, lack of internationally active intermediarieslike the PCOs and DMCs and poor public transportation systems

which impacts accessibility to the venues. Most GCC countriesdo not provide ancillary leisure products with the excep-

tion of UAE and Oman.

Many of the challenges are amenable to policychanges and may disappear in the face of better prac-

tices. Hence, it is important to use a structured approachto allow the GCC to develop the great potential of its meet-ings tourism business and win a greater share of the meet-ings market. The study suggests the use of a three-stepapproach - assessing the MICE tourism ecosystem, forging a strategy to win more MICE business and devel-oping a governance model for MICE tourism efforts.

Among the GCC countries, the UAE is seento have the most robust MICE business.The country has transformed itself intothe region's most important travel huband this is evident with the Dubaiinternational airport recentlysurpassing Heathrow as the world'sbusiest airport

Antoine NasrPrincipal at Strategy &

According to a study by management consultancy, Strategy &, formerly Booz & Company, GCC countries are inan outstanding position to become a global meetings hub. The contributing factors are growing trade activity, central geographical location and increasing status as prospecting spots for business travellers.

Meetings market makes the most in GCC

Dubai World Trade Centre


VISA F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 1 3

While VFS Global willaccept visa applica-

tions, the Embassy will continue to make the assess-ment and decisions regardingall visas.

The new visa applicationcentres are located at WafiMall in Dubai and ShiningTower in Abu Dhabi. TheAmbassador of Sweden to theUAE, Jan Thesleff, along with

Ajit Alexander, COO - MiddleEast and Africa, VFS Global, on January 14 inaugu-rated the Sweden VisaApplication Centre in Dubai.This was followed by a launchof Visa operations in AbuDhabi on Jan 15, 2015.

While inaugurating thecentre, Ambassador JanThesleff expressed, “I amdelighted to offer a substan-tially increased service-levelfor Sweden visa applicants.

VFS Global has presenceboth in Abu Dhabi and inDubai and as visa applicantscan turn to them to apply, weare getting closer to our cus-tomers and hopefully also

shortening handling times.VFS Global handles applica-tions for Sweden visa appli-cants in many places aroundthe world and I am confidentthat doing so in the UAE will

further increase our exchangewith this important country.”

This launch will offer a convenient visa application submission expe-rience to the residents in thecountry. VFS Global started

operations for theGovernment of Sweden in2008, and now serves theclient in 23 countries from 58Visa Application Centersglobally,” confided AjitAlexander, COO Middle Eastand Africa, VFS Global.

People willing to apply for Schengen visas to Sweden can now carry out thisat two new centres managed by VFS Global – one in Abu Dhabi and one inDubai. The Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi has outsourced its visaapplication process to VFS Global.

Schengen Visas@VFS Global in Abu Dhabi, Dubai

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VFS Global has presence both in Abu Dhabiand in Dubai and as visa applicants can turn to them to apply, we are getting closer to our customers and hopefully alsoshortening handling times

Jan ThesleffAmbassador, Sweden Visa Application Centres

Jan Thesleff, Ambassador , Sweden Visa Application Centre and Ajit Alexander,COO Middle East and Africa, VFS Global at the ribbon cutting ceremony

The centre in Dubai will accept applications forvisas to Sweden from applicants and travel agentsresiding in the UAE. The service would attract anominal service fee, payable at the Centre at thetime of submitting applications. The key features of the Centre facility include –

Priority facilitation for disabled, senior applicants andpregnant womenProfessional and responsive staff with local languagecapability dedicated to handle visa queries and appli-cationsAutomated queue governance for smooth flow ofapplicants, providing better crowd management Dedicated website for easy access to informationincluding visa categories, requirements, check-listand applicable fees Call centres and email support to answer queries andstatus of applicationSMS alerts for visa status update Door-step delivery of passportsVisa enquiry desks in English and Arabic


AGENTS1 4 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

‘UAE Coach tour’ packageincludes 7 night accom-

modation at 4 star hotels,breakfast, transfers andEnglish speaking tour guide.Cozmo Travel has beenappointed as the PreferredSales Agent (PSA) for CostaCruises in UAE, KSA, QatarBahrain and Kuwait.

As part of ‘fixed depar-ture’ package Cozmo Traveloffers more than 30 group tourproducts to Europe, SouthEast Asia, Africa, Australia,New Zealand and America.The guests can choose spe-cially designed, an all inclusive packages including airfare, all taxes, travel insurance, visa hotel accommodations, meals, tourtransfers and more.

“We have seen tremen-dous potential by negotiating

with the airlines, securingrate inventories from hotelsand other land players at the beginning of the year for rest of the season espe-cially for the peaks. We have kept our margins rea-sonable and focus more onvolumes,” explained Jamal

Abdulnazar, GeneralManager, Cozmo Travel.

“Our guests also havean option to pay in install-ments using their CreditCards. As an introductory offerCozmo Travel has a ‘BookNow with AED 500 and pay

later’ for its first 100 guests.Our inbound fixed departureshave already brought in closeto 4000 travellers to the UAEin 3 months,” he added.

Besides ‘fixed depar-tures,’ Cozmo has also intro-duced ‘Beyond the

Classroom’ an exclusiveaffordable educational pack-age aiming not only schoolsin UAE but anywhere inMiddle East keeping in mindtoday’s holistic approach in

education to develop stu-dents. They have handpickeddestination rich in culture,heritage, adventure architec-ture history nature andwildlife providing studentswith the opportunity to see feel and learn. A unique opportunity wherelearning begins while experi-

encing and exploring,‘Beyond the Classroom.’

“We are definitely look-ing at the business growth of30 per cent in next 3 years

and more thereafter. Lookingahead to work with India andbeyond in near future,” confid-ed Jamal. In addition CozmoTravel has become an‘Austrian Certified TravelSpecialist’ certified by AustrianNational Tourist Office provid-ing attractive packages to dif-ferent parts of Austria.

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Cozmo Travel’s latest product offerings are the ‘Fixed Departures’ – guest oriented tour packages and ‘Beyond the Classroom’ – educational packages. It’s the first travel management company in the UAE, which help guests to book complete tour online through their web portal and also ‘UAE Coach tour’ help travellers explore Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK and Al Ain in luxury coaches…

UAE Coach Tour with Cozmo

The program is formed of 5unique modules each pro-

viding the travel agents withan in-depth look at the widevariety of tourism productsavailable throughout MagicalKenya. The program will trainagents on many key aspectsof Kenya’s tourism industryfrom visa information to vari-ous national parks and otheraspects of Kenya that are notas well-known across theregion. It includes the divingavailable of the coast and thevarious UNESCO WorldHeritage sites.

Speaking at travel tradenetworking events held in

Dubai and Abu Dhabi hostedjointly by Kenya TourismBoard and Kenya Airways,Fatma Bashir, RegionalMarketing Manager GCCregion for Kenya TourismBoard expressed, “We havelaunched our online trainingprogram to help remind trade

of the beauty of MagicalKenya. Many people have abroad idea of the destinationand focus mainly on thesafari product. But throughthis training program, wehope to show a whole new side of Kenya to the travel trade in the region,

from world class beaches to the second highest peak in Africa.”

Agents who register andcomplete the course willreceive preferential selectionon future FAM trips carried outby Kenya Tourism Board.

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Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Airways jointly officially launched the new travel agents online training programheld in Dubai and Abu Dhabi designed specifically for the Middle East market.

KTB & KA partner for a training programme

We are definitely looking at the businessgrowth of 30 per cent in next 3 years and morethereafter. Looking ahead to work with Indiaand beyond in near future

Jamal AbdulnazarGeneral Manager, Cozmo Travel

Jamal Abdulnazar, General Manager, Cozmo Travel (3rd from left) with his team

We have launched our online training program to help remind trade of the beauty of Magical Kenya

Fatma BashirRegional Marketing Manager

GCC region for Kenya Tourism Board

Fatma BashirRegional Marketing Manager GCCregion for Kenya Tourism Board

Glimpses from the launch of Agents Online Training Programme held in Dubai

� The program will trainagents on key aspects ofKenya’s tourism industryfrom visa information tovarious national parksand lesser knownaspects of Kenya

Training Agents


NEWS F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 1 5

Mashreq, the UAE’s bank-ing institution, launched

the first miles card that allowscustomers to fly for free,instantly, with over 300 airlines including all domesticcarriers of the UAE.

Mashreq sMiles is free-for-life, helps earn miles fromthe very first Dirham - notiers, no caps, no thresholds,no complicated calculations.The new card is designedspecifically to meet the travelneeds of the large expatriatepopulation in the UAE.Speaking on the occasion,Farhad Dhun Irani, Head ofRetail Banking Group atMashreq, informed, "AtMashreq, we pride ourselveson offering products andsolutions that are innovative,relevant and set new stan-dards in customer experi-ence. The new Mashreq

sMiles Credit Card hits thebull-eye on all counts – cus-tomer value, convenienceand choice and is one moreexample of how we makethings possible."

Cardholders also get aguaranteed give-back of 1.25 per cent on everydomestic purchase and

3.25 per cent on all international spends andhave the flexibility to instantlyredeem accumulated sMilesfor free air tickets for anyone(self, friends and family),from anywhere (not just forflights originating from theUAE) and at anytime (noblack-out dates), with over300 airlines.

sMiles can alsobe redeemed for hotelstays at more than180,000 propertiesacross the globe, holi-day packages to exoticdestinations and a hostof ancillary services likecar rentals, Marhaba‘Meet & Greet’ and visa assistance.

Nimish Dwivedi,Head of Payments at

Mashreq, emphasised, “Withzero annual fees, it’s a simpleyet powerful "what you see iswhat you get" proposition and

a memorable experience. Ournew card democratises airtravel by doing away withentry barriers, making it sosimple to get that free flight. Ina market where the typicaltravel card is either co-brand-ed with a specific airline, hasa high fee, strict eligibility cri-teria or very limited redemp-tion options, Mashreq sMilesliterally brings smile on yourface and Miles in your pocket."In 2014, Mashreq has

launched a new corporateidentity that builds on its his-tory of innovation and illus-trates to the wider world.

Mashreq sMiles Credit Card – the first miles card in the UAE is set to change the rules of travel forever. It offers the fastest, easiest and simplest way to earn free flights, hotel stays and holiday packages around the world.

Be a globejetter with sMiles Credit Card

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With zero annual fees, it’s a simple yetpowerful ‘what you see is what you get’proposition and a redemption experience

Nimish DwivediHead of Payments at Mashreq

The launching of Mashreq sMiles Credit Card

Banana IslandResort Dohaby Anantara in Qatar

Kickstarting 2015,Banana Island Resort Dohaby Anantara’s first propertywas opened in Qatar.

Located 20 minutes byluxury ferry off the coast,Banana Island Resort Dohaby Anantara is stunning –from the Maldivianstyleover water villas to the magnificent wellness centre. Thefacilities for families are outof this world – from ten pinbowling, a huge soft playjungle gym, a luxury goldclass cinema to the surf poolwhich is the first and only inQatar with a professionalsurf instructor from theMaldives, and the nine holegolf putting course nestled inlush green tropical gardens.Special touches include theoxygen garden and hydropool at the wellness centre,an 18 carat gold manicure atAnantara Spa, an expensiveshisha pipes and the 1kghamburger at the Americanstyle diner Ted’s.

Airbus has officiallylaunched the A321neo

with 97 tonnes Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) having secured the first commitment from Air LeaseCorporation (ALC).

Making it ideally suitedto transatlantic routes, theA321neo 97t will have

4,000nm, the longest range ofany single aisle airliner avail-able. It will allow airlines to tapinto new long haul marketswhich were not previously

accessible with current singleaisle aircraft.

“We are delighted to offi-cially launch the A321neo 97t

option with ALC,” expressedJohn Leahy, Airbus ChiefOperating Officer, Customers.“ALC, once again demonstrat-ed its confidence in Airbus' latest innovations just sixmonths after being a launchcustomer for the A330neo.”

“The longer haul singleaisle market is a lucrative onethat the A321neo will nowdominate, thanks to the air-craft’s superior comfort andrange. This new version of theA321neo is a high revenuegenerating aircraft which will open up many new opportunities for our cus-tomers,” he added. Under the assumption that ALC’s MoUs for 30 A321neo aircraft plus 25A330neo Family become firmorders, ALC’s total orders for Airbus aircraft would stand at 258.

At the 2014 Farnborough Airshow, the Los Angelesbased lessor signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for 30 more A321neo, from 60 to 90, becomingthe launch customer for Airbus’ increased ranges option.

Airbus launches A321neo

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ALC, once again demonstrated itsconfidence in Airbus' latest innovations just six months after being a launchcustomer for the A330neo

John LeahyAirbus Chief Operating OfficerCustomers


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Amadeus bats for tourism

Amadeus held Cricket Tournament for the second time with 10 teams, 6 locally based and 4Amadeus held Cricket Tournament for the second time with 10 teams, 6 locally based and 4foreign teams from Oman, Bahrain, Muscat and Pakistan. This was played at the Sheikh Zayedforeign teams from Oman, Bahrain, Muscat and Pakistan. This was played at the Sheikh ZayedCricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and was well received by all the players and agency management. Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and was well received by all the players and agency management.


NTO F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 1 7

Invest India is the nationalinvestment promotion and

facilitation agency for India. Itacts as the first point of reference for foreigninvestors, handholding themthrough the pre-investmentphase, execution and aftercare phases.

The objective of theInvestment cell is to handle‘Make in India’ queries as wellas attract FDI to India. TheMinistry of Tourism has alsoset up an Investment Cell to

coordinate queries related totourism sector. The Ministryof Tourism, Government ofIndia has launched ‘Tourist

Visa on Arrival’ on Nov 27,2014 enabled by ElectronicTravel Authorisation’ (ETA). Itsapplicable only for the ordi-nary Passport holders for the

nationalities of 43 countries inthe world. UAE, Oman andJordan are the ones from theMiddle East. Discussing on

the nature of activities execut-ed after the announcement,IRV Rao, Assistant Director,India Tourism, Dubaiexpressed, “In association

with Indian missions in UAE,Oman and Jordan and nowwith Air India, India TourismDubai has organised presen-

tations to reach the travelagents for rest of theEmirates, help create aware-ness about these facilitiesamong them.”

This is a hassle freescheme. A tourist sitting athome can upload his image,first page of the Passport andthrough his credit or debitcard, can pay online visa feesof US$60. The confirmation ofvisa approval reaches themin 72 hours. Lot of interest isgenerated as India has a very close proximity with the Gulf region.

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The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has recently launched a web portal, ‘Make in India’and the officers from various Ministries have been nominated as Nodal Officers.

Investment cell for Make in India queries

IRV RaoAssistant DirectorIndia Tourism, Dubai

India Tourism Dubai has organisedpresentations to reach the travel agents forrest of the Emirates. This helps createawareness about these facilities among them

� eVoA is a hassle freescheme

� A tourist sitting at homecan upload his image,first page of thePassport and throughhis credit or debit card,can pay online visa feesof US$60

� The confirmation of visaapproval reaches themin 72 hours

� Lot of interest isgenerated as India has avery close proximitywith the Gulf region

India Cell-ing Design


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To suit every interest, the United States is a diverse country with thrillingTo suit every interest, the United States is a diverse country with thrillingadventures and delightful locations. Tourism in the United States is a largeadventures and delightful locations. Tourism in the United States is a largeindustry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists every year. industry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists every year.

“In doing so, we introducetravellers to different partsof the US that they mayhave never known exist-

ed. By making travellers aware ofthese ‘Beyond the gateway’ expe-riences, we introduce entirely newleisure products and invite theworld to rediscover USA,” updatedJay Gray, Brand USA’s VicePresident, Global PartnershipDevelopment.

Lot of travel agents and thetour operators in the market areinterested to get informationabout the country, but they alsoneed proper education andawareness. While discussingabout the future plans, Grayexpressed. “We are interested toroll out online training pro-gramme, education awareness forthe travel trade, help learn moreabout US and the strategies of selling their products.Roadshows, familiarisation tripsclubbing up East and West coast– all are included in the pipeline.”

Brand USA is currently devel-oping several cooperative and mar-keting initiatives and strategies.Focussing on educational programfor the traditional travel trade theorganisation has planned onlinetraining program like USA discov-ery program in Q3 2015 designedas one under 2015 expansionplans establishing a physical foot-ing by opening a representativeoffice in UAE.

The Middle East continues tobe an important and growing mar-ket for US, observing trafficgrowth of 14 per cent in 2013 and 17 per cent in 2014. In the last seven years, the number of visitors from this region has almost doubled, withleisure travel outpacing businesstravel. These tend to be high-spend travels with shopping and fine dining as some of their top activities.

New York City is by far thenumber-one destination in the USfor the travellers from the MiddleEast with nearly 5 out of 10 MiddleEastern travellers to the US mak-ing NYC stop on their itineraries.

A large and diverse predomi-nantly is the leisure market with anaverage share for business. Thisrelatively high percentage is largelydriven by a significant share of

Middle East professionals /man-agers and convention goers.

Makiko Matsuda Healy, VicePresident Tourism Development,NYC & Company is confidentabout the awareness created moreof late. “The knowledge about USproduct is gaining gradually, henceobserved an increase of 6 per centtravellers graph from the region in2014 over 2013, foreseeing morein 2015,” she elucidated.

NYC is the patchwork of 5 dif-ferent boroughs and each one hasdistinctive characteristics. NYC &Company has plans to create vig-

SU S M I TA GH O S H I N USA

We have observedan increase of 6%travellers graphfrom the region in2014, foreseeingmore in 2015

By ‘Beyond thegateway’experiences, we invite the world to rediscover USA

Jay GrayBrand USA’s Vice PresidentGlobal Partnership Development

Makiko Matsuda HealyVice President TourismDevelopment, NYC & Company

� The Middle East continues to be an important andgrowing market for US, observing traffic growthof 14% in 2013 and 17% in 2014

� In the last seven years, the number of visitors fromthis region has almost doubled, with leisure traveloutpacing business travel. These tend to be high-spend travels with shopping and fine dining assome of their top activities.

� New York City is by far the number-one destinationin the US for the travellers from the Middle Eastwith nearly 5 out of 10 Middle Eastern travellersto the US making NYC stop on their itineraries.

� A large and diverse predominantly is the leisuremarket with an average share for business. Thisrelatively high percentage is largely driven by asignificant share of Middle East professionals/managers and convention goers. Patterns do varybetween hotel guests and an important segment

US and ME

Photo Credit: Fashion Island

orous awareness through mediaand travel agents FAM tripsbesides various marketing strate-gies. NYC is Muslim travelers’ fam-ily friendly destination opting forproper food requisites and prayeroptions. It’s a diverse and optimisticplace where travelers visit no mat-ter from where they come from,become a part of the culture.

While enquiring as regardsMiddle East travellers' if they termDelta Airlines as the seamless gate-way to US, as it offers more than15,000 daily flights worldwide,Manoj Kuriakose, CommercialDirector, Middle East, Delta Airlines

informed, “We offer Middle East trav-elers connections from Dubaithrough our Atlanta hub to morethan 230 cities in North America,Latin America and the Caribbean.The overnight timing of Dubai toAtlanta service enables customersto take advantage of the unspoiledconnectivity through Atlanta.Moreover, trans-Atlantic joint ven-ture with Air France-KLM and Alitaliafacilitates Delta customers travellingto and from the Middle East the ben-efit of connecting via Amsterdam,Paris and Rome to additional UScities, including New York,Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis, LosAngles & Salt Lake City.

We offerconnections to morethan 230 cities inNorth America, Latin America andthe Caribbean

Manoj KuriakoseCommercial DirectorMiddle East, Delta Airlines


NEWS F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 1 9

TIME Hotels & Resortsensures high standards

across every facet of theguest experience. TIME HotelApartments deliver a cost-efficient accommodation solu-tion, which is a home-away-from home. The properties inUAE include TIME Oak Hotel& Suites and TIME GrandPlaza Hotel and four hotelapartments as the Opal,Topaz and Crystal HotelApartments in Dubai and the Ruby Hotel Apartmentsin Sharjah.

TIME also has a newbusiness property underdevelopment in Doha, Qatar

and the pipeline of hotelsincludes Wafi, Dubai, UAE -TIME Royal Hotel (2016),Luxor, Egypt - TIME TUTHotel (2015), Doha, Qatar -TIME Warka Hotel (2015) andAbu Dhabi - JouharaaResidence (Q1 2016).

Discussing on the busi-ness scenario, GhassanFarhat, Hotel Manager, TIMEHotel Apartments informed,“Demands are always moredue to the significant location

of the three hotel apartmentsand hence observed anincrease of 7 per cent busi-ness in 2014 over 2013 andexpect more in 2015. Theguests, preferably long termbusiness travellers, pour in

from Italy, US, Europe andsome from GCC.”

“Apart from our participa-tion in all the internationalevents like ITB Berlin, ATM,

WTM, we take part in most ofthe GCC roadshows in collab-oration with Dubai Tourism.We invite all our travel partnersand the loyal bookers once ina year and in appreciation oftheir support,” he added.

The year 2015 had been an active year for the flagship brand of TIME withits continued expansion plans. The new five-star hotel in the Wafi, HealthcareCity, Dubai, TIME Royal Hotel intends to move closer to 14 hotels by 2016.

Standards set with TIME

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Ghassan FarhatHotel Manager TIME Hotel Apartments

W Doha Hotel &Residences recently launcheda SnapChat account to reachglobal travellers and the localcommunity with engagingcontent. The hotel is not onlythe first business in Qatar tostart communicating with followers via the App, but alsothe first hotel to launch theplatform globally. Dedicatedto offering instant communication, W Doha is also activeon other platforms includingTwitter, Facebook andInstagram and messagingservices, Whatsapp andBlackberry.

By signing up to the Appand adding the hotel’s profilename ‘w.doha’, followers willenter a world of instant communication. SnapChat userscan keep uptodate with allthat is happening at thevibrant hotel, including anarray of regular behind the

scene pictures, competitions,restaurant offers and more. Byproviding insider access towhat’s new and next, W Dohais committed to offering innovative and exciting experiences for all to enjoy.

The SnapChat campaignalso brings to an end anextremely successful year forW Doha, having carved out a niche for itself as a

technology trendsetter. From the moment of arrival, only the highest levelof service is offered to guests,to create more than just a hotelstay, but a luxury lifestylehotel. In November 2014, WDoha was the first hotel inEurope, Middle East andAfrica to launch mobile, keyless room entry with SPGKeyless the hospitalityindustry’s entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone as a key.

Now a Snapchat portalto tap global travellers

pod design customised withthe exhibitor’s corporatebranding will give privacy tomeetings between hosted

buyers and exhibitors.Exhibitors only pay one priceand their meeting pod will beready upon their arrival so thatthey can go straight into busi-ness meetings. Everything isincluded in the price, no addi-tional stand costs, freight, orbuild costs,” added Wilcox.

In all, up to 200 HostedBuyers will come from MiddleEast, Europe, Asia Pacific,North America, SouthAmerica and Africa. All arequalified under strict criteriaincluding their purchasingauthority, their annual MiddleEast and international MICEbusiness organised, confirma-tion of their annual budget and

future business to place atIBTM Arabia. In addition, eachof these Hosted Buyers havenot attended GIBTM 2014.Some 30 appointments will beprovided to each exhibitor

and Hosted Buyer on a one-on-one ratio over the duration of the event.

IBTM Arabia is held withthe support of Abu DhabiConvention Bureau - a dedi-cated entity of Abu DhabiTourism & Culture Authority(TCA Abu Dhabi) chargedwith stimulating the meetingsindustry in the emirate.

“Given that this alter-ation has been achieved inassociation with the industryit serves - both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. We believe IBTM Arabia has sig-nificant potential for growth and look forward to it

helping to stimulate the glob-al, regional and local meet-ings industry,” informedMubarak Al Shamisi,Director, Abu DhabiConvention Bureau.

“We are confident thatour commitment to IBTMArabia will bring significantbenefit to our growing MICEsector, expand awareness ofour luxury, competitive desti-nation to global industry play-ers. As the premier partner forthis year’s inaugural event, we will demonstrate a commitment to supporting our

public and private sector part-ners, ensure Abu Dhabi remains front of mind as aleading regional MICE destination,” he asserted.

Commenting on hisplans to attend IBTM Arabia,Noushad KP, Founder & MD, Access Worldwide

Destination Management,Ras Al Khaimah explained,“Participating GIBTM helpedme to find some valuable sell-ers from the industry,achieved latest knowledgeand trends in MICE industry.IBTM Arabia will bring a freshformat with quality meetingsand exclusive one-on-oneratio closed community expe-rience for elite exhibitors and Hosted Buyers who are in business venture inArab world.”

“The event will play amajor role for MICE business

and overall travel trade. It willopen more doors for businessin MICE and travel tradeindustry when the decisionmakers meet global businessadventures,” he added.

According to SajiChacko, General Manager,Belhasa Global Tourism and

Travel, “Attending GIBTM overthe past few years, has helpedus to get connected with newbusiness partners, henceachieved growth in our busi-ness. With by and large newconcept now, I feel it will con-vey a message to make itmore global and widelyacclaimed.”

“The biggest advantageabout IBTM Arabia would be the quality of exhibitors and participants. It is more ofa personalised or one-on-oneway of doing business andbuilding relationships. All willexperience an overall positive outcome out of it,” he highlighted.

IBTM Arabia in line with the biz trends Contd. from page 1

IBTM Arabia will be an all-inclusive solutionwhere an innovative meeting pod designcustomised with the exhibitor’s corporatebranding will give privacy to meetingsbetween hosted buyers and exhibitors

Lois WilcoxExhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia IBTM Arabia will

bring a freshnew format withquality meetingsand exclusiveone-on-one ratioclosedcommunityexperience

Noushad KPFounder & MD, Access WorldwideDestination ManagementRas Al Khaimah

The biggestadvantage aboutIBTM Arabia wouldbe the quality ofexhibitors andparticipants. Allwill experience anoverall positiveoutcome out of it

Saji ChackoGeneral ManagerBelhasa Global Tourism and Travel

Demands are always more due to thesignificant location of the three hotelapartments and hence observed anincrease of 7 per cent business in 2014over 2013 and expect more in 2015

We believe IBTM Arabia has significantpotential for growth and look forward to ithelping to stimulate the global, regional andlocal meetings industry

Mubarak Al ShamisiDirector, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau


CRUISES2 0 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

It was the maiden visit of the cruise ships. The

Sharjah Commerce andTourism DevelopmentAuthority (SCTDA),Khorfakkan port officials andlocal tourism industry playerswelcomed with traditionalAyala band playing on the quay.

The visitors also got anopportunity to learn about theEmirati customs, traditions,food, culture, traditional attire and the beautiful art ofhenna painting.

More than 71 calls by 17major international cruise lin-ers are expected atKhorfakkan Port during theupcoming two cruise sea-sons, carrying more than157,000 international cruise passengers.

HE Khalid Jasim AlMidfa, Director General,Sharjah Commerce andTourism DevelopmentAuthority informed, “Sharjahis looking forward to a strongcruise tourism season withthousands of internationaltourists in the months ahead.2015 is going to be an impor-tant year for us on many lev-els, particularly when the emi-rate is getting ready to becrowned as the Capital ofArab Tourism for 2015.”

Sharjah is workingclosely with various destina-tions, government and privateentities involved in the cruisetourism sector to attract moreinternational cruise shipsand tourists to theEastern Region.

The East Coasthas a number of world-class tourism

projects and hotels like theChedi Khorfakkan. Kalba eco-tourism initiative has beenunveiled to bolster the tourismindustry in the region. Al Midfaadded, “We are seeing moreand more internationalinvestors and hospitalitychains showing interest in the East Coast. Hence many new tourism and hospi-tality projects have startedtaking shape.”

With the arrival of two new cruise ships, Sharjah welcomes the start of abusy 2014-2015 cruise tourism season. MV Mein Schiff 2 and Aida Auraoperated by German cruise companies (TUI Cruises and Aida Cruises)arrive at Khorfakkan with 3,400 passengers on board.

Sharjah: High on cruising

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HE Khalid Jasim Al MidfaDirector General, Sharjah Commerceand Tourism Development Authority

2015 is going tobe an importantyear for us.Emirate is getting ready tobe crowned asthe Capital ofArab Tourism for 2015

� More than 71 calls by 17major internationalcruise liners areexpected at KhorfakkanPort

� K a l b aecotourisminitiativehas been

unveiled

Busy Season

Lakshmi Durai, a cruiseindustry professional with

20 years of experience in theMiddle East announced theestablishment of her owncompany, Travel Matrix inDubai. The new entrant will beengaged primarily in promot-ing cruise holidays to theguests with the support of thetravel trade partners.

“We are extremely excit-ed to announce the newlyestablished company. Ourfocus is on familiarising cruis-ing as the most preferredvacation choice for ourguests. I would like to expressour thanks to CelebrityCruises for giving us theopportunity to represent themin the Middle East. With moreships in the pipeline, new andexciting itineraries in 2015

and, more importantly sailingout of Abu Dhabi in 2016-17,we are confident of takingCelebrity Cruises to the nextlevel,” said Lakshmi Durai,Chief Executive Officer ofTravel Matrix.

Since the first sailing ofCelebrity Cruises in 1990, ithas evolved into being recog-nised as an industry leader,

praised for providing spa-cious, stylish and sophisticat-ed interiors; dining experi-ences elevated to an art form;personalised service, with aguest-to-staff ratio of nearly2:1 and interesting, trendset-ting onboard activities, all

designed to provide anunmatchable experience forvacationers.

Helen Beck, RegionalDirector, Royal CaribbeanInternational, CelebrityCruises, Azamara ClubCrises, EMEA said, “In line

with our global strategy ofidentifying key markets whichreally have a great fit with ouraward-winning cruise line,Celebrity Cruises, I’m pleasedto be starting this new chapterfor Celebrity in the region withLakshmi Durai and her newly-

formed company, TravelMatrix. Celebrity Cruises’combination of cool sophisti-cation, outstanding serviceand excellent family programsappeal greatly to this regionand we’re looking forward towelcoming ever more MiddleEastern guests onboard.”

Travel Matrix has been appointed as the sole Middle East Representativeof Celebrity Cruises, the cruise line that has a perfect blend of luxury and quality for the globetrotters.

More tides in cruising waters

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Lakshmi DuraiChief Executive Officer Travel Matrix

I would like to express our thanks toCelebrity Cruises for giving us theopportunity to represent them in theMiddle East

Oman registers 17 per centincrease in GCC tourists in2014 with 701,311 visitors inthe first three quarters.Moving forward to attractmore tourists during theupcoming tourism season,Oman Ministry of Tourism,in collaboration with OmanAir, has recently held a promotional event at the ConradHotel Dubai, United ArabEmirates. The event aimed toreinforce the joint venture

between both parties to promote Oman as the leadingtourist destination for shortbreaks. The session includedinformative and interactivepresentations on Oman'stourism infrastructure andfacilities along with theannouncement of attractiveand costeffective holidaypackages designed for GCCvisitors, including luxuryhotel stays and return ticketsfrom Oman Air.

Oman promoted as atourist destination

Qatar Airways has revealedits first new destination in2015, to the capital city of theNetherlands, Amsterdam,starting from June 16. TheDoha – Amsterdam route willoperate with a Boeing 787Dreamliner, one of the latestnextgeneration aircraft in the

airline’s fleet, offering 254seats configured in two classes, with 22 fullyflatbed seatsin Business Class and 232 inEconomy Class. Flying nonstop, the total journey time between Doha andAmsterdam is six hours and35 minutes.

Amsterdam: New route for Qatar Airways

SweetBeam, the leadingmarketing specialist focusedexclusively on the inhouseguests of luxury hotels andresorts, has announced that itexpects the number of guestnights it serves to nearly double during 2015 to 3.4 million, compared to 1.8 millionguest nights across all its partner hotels in 2014. Since thecompany was established in2009, SweetBeam has offeredits bespoke, individual marketing services to a cumulative total of nearly 5 millionguest nights at partner properties. SweetBeam is currently partnering with 11 leadinghotels and resorts in Dubaiand more than a dozen othersin top tourist destinations

across the world to boost thecapture rates and averagecheck of inhouse guests. By2020, the fastgrowing firmwill expand its operations toover 50 million guestnightsacross partner properties.SweetBeam has set its sightsfirmly on the London marketas part of its global expansionplan and has recently startedproviding its personalisedcommunication services totwo highend luxury hotels inLondon, with more in thepipeline. By consistentlyincreasing capture rate andaverage check, SweetBeamhas a proven track record ofuplifting inhouse guestspending across hotel outletsand services by 23 per cent.

SweetBeam, expects guestnights to swell to 90%

When Dubai was a small fishing village One of the United Arab Emirates' seven emirates, Dubai

has transformed from a small fishing village and pearling centerto a regional transport and tourism center for the Middle East.Set on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, Dubai’sdevelopment took off with the discovery of oil there in the 1960s.Now it has a well-developed tourist infrastructure.


FAMILY ALBUM F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 TRAVTALK 2 1

Trending with lifestyle boutique hotelEmaar Hospitality Group has officially opened the doors of Manzil Downtown Dubai, a lifestyle boutique hotel.Managed by Vida Hotels and Resorts, the lifestyle hotel brand is described as ‘The Centre of Now.'


FAMILY ALBUM2 2 TRAVTALK F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

India calling with eVoA

India Tourism, Dubai conducted a workshop/seminar on Visa on Arrival (eVoA) on Dec 29, 2014 in Al Ain. IndiaTourism, Dubai graced the occasion with power point presentation. 50 travel agents were present for the presentationand eVoA brochures specially printed based on the guidelines of MOT and other tourist promotional material with giveaways were distributed among them.


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GenNext tutored on sustainability

On December 14th, 2014, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa hosted a one day conference for school students to create awareness on the impact of global warming and the importance of sustainability. The conference “My Planet, MyLife”, the first initiative of its kind in the region, had the objective of encouraging the future generation towards caring and saving the environment.

Cathy Mead, Director of Sales and Marketing, will be responsiblefor driving all sales and marketing activities to establish the hotelon the global map and the competitive UAEmarket. Mead enters into the position withmore than 20 years’ experience in thefield, including overseeing a number ofhigh-profile Luxury Hotel Brands acrossEurope and the Middle East. She willbring her enthusiastic, creative style ofmanagement to InterContinentalDubai Marina.

Michael Martin has been appointed as the General Manager,InterContinental Dubai Marina and Regional General Manager ofInterContinental Hotels Group. AsGeneral Manager and Regional GeneralManager of InterContinental Hotels, hewill oversee the overall operation ofInterContinental Dubai Marina and aportfolio of 10 hotels within the UAE.With more than 30 years of industryexperience, 22 of which have been with IHG, Martin is well placed to lead the InterContinental DubaiMarina and the UAE teams.

Four Seasons Amman JordanIbrahim Kharman has been promoted to Director of Sales FourSeasons at Hotel Amman as of January 1, 2015 where he will

develop and implement dynamic and creativesales strategies that support the successof the hotel. Graduating with a BusinessAdministration Degree, Kharman kickedoff his career in 1999 when he joined theHoliday Inn Hotel Amman as a Sales

Manager for 4 years. He quickly foundhis calling and his perfect fit

at Four Seasons Amman in2003 where he joined theteam as a Sales Manager.

Manish Banerji has been appointed as Assistant ExecutiveHousekeeper for Ramada Hotel and Suites. As Assistant ExecutiveHousekeeper, Banerji’s role is to assist theExecutive Housekeeper in the supervisionand smooth operation of the department.He is also responsible in ensuring that theguests are provided with high standard ofcomfort by inspecting the rooms andhotel’s common areas, and coordinatingwith the respective departments includingengineering and food and beverage.

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa DubaiThe Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa has announced the appoint-ment of Mohamed Ramadan as Front Office Manager of the luxuryfive-star beach resort. Ramadan brings 15years of international hospitality managerialexperience with him, most recently servingas Front Office Director at the 396-roomRiver Rock Casino Resort in Richmond,Canada where he also managed the prop-erty’s pre-opening. Prior to that he wasService Express Manager of theWestin Bayshore Hotel inVancouver, Canada, andfor six years was FrontOffice Manager at theRitz-Carlton Doha.

James Worthington has been appointed as Director of Food &Beverage, InterContinental Dubai Marina. A 17-year veteran of the

food and beverage industry, Worthingtonwill be in charge of overseeing the food& beverage team, ensuring excellentoperation and delivery standards. Prior

to joining InterContinental DubaiMarina, he worked in various seniorroles at leading restaurants in

Australia, UK and the UAE.

Antje Sahling has been appointed as Hotel Manager atInterContinental Dubai Marina. Sahling will be responsible for the

day-to-day management of the hotel andits staff. With more than 15 years’ expe-rience in luxury resorts and city hotelsacross Europe, the Middle East, Chinaand Asia, her career highlights includethe establishment of the firstInterContinental resort in Europe and the

debut Crowne Plaza resort in Asia.

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman announces the appointmentsof Prabath Chaminda as Recreation Manager. Chaminda’s mainresponsibility as Recreation Manager is toensure efficient and smooth day-to-dayoperations of the beach and health clubfacilities. He is also tasked to help max-imise revenue-producing opportunitiesrelating to the beach and health club byestablishing relationship with its existingclientele and securing new leads.

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah BeachDubaiAntoine M. Lhuguenot has been appointed as the new GeneralManager of Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, a 5-star luxury hotellocated in the très chic heart of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), “The Walk” promenade and thenew low-rise beachfront leisure and retaildestination “The Beach”. Bringing withhim more than 30 years of extensive hote-lier and General Manager experience,Antoine M. Lhuguenot is focused on trans-lating the brand vision, while promotingquality service and driving revenuefor the property.

InterContinental Dubai MarinaDubai

Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman Ajman



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