30 JANUARY 2016 ISSUE 325

07 ACCOMMODATION

03

TWO NEW RAMADA HOTELS NOW OPEN

UAE RETAIL CONTINUES EXPONENTIAL GROWTH

02 Market Update 14 International

10 CEDAR EXECUTIVE READIES FOR TAKE OFF

17 Rendezvous 22 Travel Channels

MARKET UPDATE

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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS

MORE TRAVELLERS AT QAIA

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST

Queen Alia International Airport

Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis

According to Airport International Group (AIG), Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) saw a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in November 2015.

DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES

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total of 447,610 travellers passed through the facility, pushing the year-to-date figure to 6,562,634 persons – a decline of 0.4 percent. As for aircraft movements, it increased by almost one percent to reach 5,173, while year-to-date, aircraft movements dropped 2.6 percent. “As Jordan’s prime gateway to the world, we look forward to welcoming an exceeding number of visitors from around the globe in the future, generating a positive effect on not only the tourism sector, but also the Kingdom’s economy as a whole,” said Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG.

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

MIDDLE EAST HOTELIERS FACE CHALLENGES

Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 [email protected]

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

as of

2

29.2.2016

COUNTRY

CURRENCY 1USD=

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.39

Qatar (QAR)

Rial

3.64

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

107.28

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.82

Iran (IRR)

Rial

30,182.30

Iraq (IQD)

Dinar

1,107.07

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.30

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,507.50

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.39

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

9.89

Syria (SYP)

Pound

188.81

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

2.03

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.64

The subcontinent’s hotel sector posted mostly negative results for November 2015 with occupancy levels dropping 3.3 percent to 69.2 percent, according to STR Global.

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verage daily date (ADR) was also down 3.3 percent to USD204.97, leading to a RevPAR decrease of 6.5 percent to USD141.90. In Egypt, although both occupancy and RevPAR were lower than in the same month in 2014, ADR improved 13 percent. On the contrary, in Oman occupancy rose 4.8 percent, despite the negative change in ADR and RevPAR. Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia both witnessed declines in all three key performance metrics, nevertheless, Mecca and Medina experienced positive developments.

30 JANUARY 2016

WEEKLY NEWS

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UAE Retail Continues Exponential Growth The retail market in the UAE has not only grown to be the top shopping destination in the region, but also continues to attract global shoppers, as highlighted in Knight Frank's UAE Retail Focus Autumn 2015 report.

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atthew Dadd, head of retail, UAE, Knight Frank, noted, ‘‘Though retail supply per capita in the UAE is one of the highest in the world, the market is still performing well and has a lot of potential over the next decade.” Dadd emphasised that shopping is a popular leisure activity in its own right among locals and GCC visitors and both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have responded to evolving demand by expanding their retail offering and enhancing entertainment attractions.

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or 32 days, Dubai hosted the 21st edition of Dubai Shopping Festival between January 1 – February 1. Held under the slogan One World. One Family. One Festival, the event encompassed a multitude of unique experiences, gathering people from different nationalities in a reflection of the cosmopolitan character of the emirate. Visitors had the opportunity to derive experiences from a mix of over 150 activities built around the tagline Unwrap The Exceptional. The festival’s three main pillars of shopping, winnings and entertainment were elevated through a range of thematic events, celebrity appearances, world-class family activities as well as numerous promotions and raffles.

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Dubai Garden Glow Presents New Experiences

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ubai Municipality recently unveiled a AED30 million (USD8.17 million) project at Zabeel Park, Dubai Garden Glow. The new attraction, to remain open until April, is a theme garden inspired by wonders from across the globe. It features a range of experiences from the wildebeest migration of Masai Mara to the tulips of the Netherlands, live performances by international, regional and local artists and acrobats, a food street, dedicated kids areas, light show and much more. “Dubai Garden Glow is a vision of Dubai’s commitment towards providing continuous recreation, leisure and entertainment to the local residents and tourists visiting Dubai,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general, Dubai Municipality.

Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Unveiled the Exceptional

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Dubai Hailed as the International Event Leader

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Dubai

his year promises to be the best one yet for Dubai as the emirate gears up to play host to a number of prestigious events, further consolidating its status as the region’s top destination. According to Mamoun Hmedan, managing director, Middle East, North Africa and India, Wego, the level of prestige, variety and enthusiasm invested in these happenings is having a major impact on tourism in the entire region. “The city has established a reputation for going above and beyond expectations when it comes to events which continue to entice people to visit Dubai, directly impacting the tourism sector, benefiting both airlines and hotels, and other tourism-related businesses,” added Hmedan. Throughout the year, Dubai will host some 70 major public events.

New Jumeirah Booking Website Launched

Abu Dhabi Ports Basks in Glory

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bu Dhabi Ports set a new annual cargo volume record in 2015. The company witnessed significant surges in all major sectors; a 32 percent rise in container freight, a 20 percent climb in general and bulk cargo, roll-on-roll-off edged up 27 percent, and cruise tourism grew 16 percent, in addition to increased investments in Khalifa Industrial Zone. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, commented, “We are proud to be in a position to support the economic growth being witnessed in the emirate and intend to continuously invest in enabling the nation’s maritime trade and industrial development.”

Abu Dhabi Ports

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n a bid to enhance the booking experience for those using a mobile or tablet device, Jumeirah Group introduced a new mobile website. The platform offers a three-step booking flow and makes it even easier for guests to complete a variety of reservations during a single visit. As Ross McAuley, group vice president, brand, digital and loyalty, Jumeirah Group, noted, today’s travellers access the Internet in a much wider range of ways than before, thus, it is crucial to stay ahead of the game. Around half of all visitors to Jumeirah Group’s websites rely on a mobile or tablet device.

Dollar Rent A Car Commits to Mai Dubai

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ollar Rent A Car and bottled water company, Mai Dubai renewed their business partnership with the latest delivery of vehicles which will be able to transport bottled water products to homes and offices across the UAE. In response to rising demand, the car rental expert provided its partner with commercial vehicles to deliver its products and transport office staff and personnel. Marwan Al Mulla, general manager, Dollar Rent A Car, expressed his hope to further strengthen the two entities’ relationship in the future.

Jay Andres, CEO, Mai Dubai (left) and Marwan Al Mulla

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Elaf Group Strengthens Relations with Egypt

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SCTH Fosters Ties with Provinces

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audi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) continues to activate the role the Kingdom’s provinces play in the industry’s development and the organisation’s various endeavours. SCTH prepared plans for two decades along with five-year operational programmes for every region, all being linked to the national tourism strategy. The development of tourism councils in areas that are working to outline a common vision for growth in the region prioritise tourism projects to be included in the budgets of the concerned authorities.

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Sharjah Welcomes ITB Berlin Ambassadors

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harjah was selected as one of only 50 cities around the world to receive an ambassador from ITB Berlin as part of the event’s 50th anniversary celebrations. During their visit to the emirate, two ambassadors witnessed the Sharjah Water Festival and the UIM F1H2O World Championship 2015 Grand Prix of Sharjah, plus a three-day tour organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) to the Heart of Sharjah. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA, said, “We look forward to continued cooperation with ITB Berlin as demand remains high from Germany for the tourism offering of Sharjah.”

ITB Berlin ambassadors during their tour

Riyadh

laf Group hosted a meeting with H. E. Hisham Zazou, tourism minister, Egypt, and his delegation to discuss ways to reinforce the role of tourism for both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. During the gathering, both parties conversed how to increase two-way traffic for the group’s customers in the respective countries, and also expressed their intention to explore possible investment and mutually beneficial partnership opportunities. Asim Danish, chief operating officer, Elaf Group, noted, “We are confident that [the] meeting will result in stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially in a move to promote Egypt as a key tourist destination and to position Elaf Hotels as a highly preferred venue for visiting tourists.”

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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

Two New Ramada Hotels

Now Open

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP CELEBRATED THE LAUNCH OF THE 161-ROOM RAMADA RESORT DEAD SEA AND THE 165-KEY RAMADA JEDDAH CORNICHE.

Up next: Bahrain

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ahrain will welcome two new Ramada-branded hotels on March 31: the 162-unit Ramada Hotels & Suites Amwaj Island and the 140-key Ramada Manama City Centre. Upcoming projects, including Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Al Juffair and Wyndham Grand Manama, are expected to bring the group’s hotel portfolio in the market to six properties with a total of 1,197 rooms.

Ramada Resort Dead Sea

ocated between the mountains of Mount Nebo and the Jordan River, Ramada Resort Dead Sea is hailed as the only four-star, chain-affiliated accommodation establishment in the region. Meanwhile, the new three-star property in Jeddah is situated in the downtown district and offers 29 suites and a range of amenities. “The Middle East continues to see strong growth and development thanks to its rising middle class,” commented Dan Ruff, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group.

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yndham Hotel Group is poised to further expand its presence in the UAE with a new property scheduled to open in Dubai in the first half of the year. This was revealed by Milad Andraws, general manager, TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi City Centre, who also disclosed plans to expand family rooms in the UAE capital as well as other hotels in the country and other Gulf destinations. As Andraws noted, occupancy levels at TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi City Centre averaged at 81 percent in its first eight months of operation.

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Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah to Open in March

Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah team

TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi City Centre

Wyndham Hints at UAE Expansion Plans

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ulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah, owned by Action Hotels, is to welcome its first guests in March. The management team, led by Hani Shahwan, general manager, Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah, is on site, working on the final touches. The three-star property will feature 102 rooms, suites and apartments, a sports bar, a restaurant, a cafe-deli, a fitness centre and three meeting venues. “We are adding a budget hotel to Ras Al Khaimah to our existing four-star hotel, Golden Tulip Khatt Springs, offering to local and incoming businessmen and tourists the opportunity to explore Ras Al Khaimah at their convenient budget,” commented Amine Moukarzel, president, Golden Tulip MENA.

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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Rotana Unveils Second Doha Hotel

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Al Shaqab Hotel Brings New Concept to Doha

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otana celebrated the soft opening of City Centre Rotana Doha, the company’s second property in the Qatari capital. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, the five-star hotel is located in the West Bay area and features 284 rooms and suites and 94 serviced apartments. Guests at the 52-storey property can also take advantage of a bouquet of dining venues, a leisure and fitness club as well as and conference and seminar facilities. As Omer Kaddouri, CEO, Rotana, noted, the second quarter of the year will also witness the launch of Centro Capital Doha.

City Centre Rotana Doha

Ramada Ajman Boasts High Occupancy

Al Shaqab Hotel

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oised to redefine the boutique hotel experience in Qatar, the newly-opened Al Shaqab Hotel promotes a healthy and active lifestyle in Al Shaqab’s equestrian complex in Doha’s Education City. Managed by AMLAK, the 70-key property features an array of amenities including a private-members club, Marwan Club and its facilities. “Al Shaqab Hotel is not just a lodging facility – it is an unprecedented, ground-breaking hospitality concept designed to promote wellness, serve as a catalyst for an active lifestyle and entice guests to appreciate the benefits of healthy living,” commented Karim Abdelhamid, director of operations, hospitality, AMLAK.

OMRAN Signs USD103 Million JW Marriott Deal

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man Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) joined hands with Bank Sohar for a JW Marriott hotel within the upcoming Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) precinct, part of the emerging Al-Irfan City developed by OMRAN. The deal, which is valued at OMR39.68 million (USD103 million), will finance the development of the five-star property with 304 units, food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities and health and leisure club. Sasi Kumar, group general manager, business, Bank Sohar, commented, “As a local bank, we endeavour to support the government’s objective of promoting the growth of the hospitality sector and the diversification of the nation’s economy.”

JW Marriott project

O Iftikhar Hamdani

n 2015, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman achieved an average occupancy of 92 percent, surpassing its 2014 performance by three percent. Ranking top in the emirate, the 388room hotel’s occupancy reached 90 percent even during the traditionally lower summer season, and RevPAR also increased by seven percent year-on-year. Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, commented, “We are positive that [this year] will bring us better results. New segments and markets have been signed to attract more tourist arrivals in Ajman and we are diligently working hand-in-hand with Ajman Tourism Development Department to boost tourism in our emirate.”

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WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

Sharjah: 100 Percent Hotel Occupancy

Burj Al Arab Reopens Restaurant

30 JANUARY 2016

Bab Al Yam

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otels and hotel apartments in Sharjah reported an alltime high of 100 percent occupancy rate for December 2015. Demand during the month under review proved to be particularly strong due to a number of highprofile programmes across the emirate, noted H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. “Sharjah hotels welcomed around two million guests in 2014, led by the strong tourist arrivals during the various festivals and events, and we are set to surpass it in 2015,” added Al Midfa, stressing that positioning Sharjah as a world-class destination for families is one of the most important pillars of the tourism body’s strategy.

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ollowing a significant upgrade to both its interior and exterior design, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah relaunched its all-day dining Bab Al Yam restaurant. Boasting a contemporary look, the outlet features a spacious terrace, shisha lounges and a brick kitchen oven. The newly created menu focusses on fresh, seasonal produce and is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern accents.

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WEEKLY NEWS AIR

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Cedar Executive Readies for Take Off MEA Group took delivery of the first Embraer Legacy 500 Private Jet, which will inaugurate the VIP charter services at Cedar Executive, Middle East Airlines’ subsidiary dedicated to private jet travel.

Embraer Legacy 500

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he mid-size aircraft can carry nine passengers and will operate on routes across Europe and the Middle East. According to Fouad Fawaz, CEO, Cedar Executive, the plane helps guarantee a premium travel experience. “The onboard features and amenities make this aircraft the ideal charter jet for our market and our customers. For example, the Legacy 500 allow our clients to fly direct from Beirut to London City Airport,” concluded Fawaz.

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Emirates Goes Twice Daily to LA

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arking yet another milestone in its expansion strategy, flynas commenced services between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi with nonstop flights being operated between the capitals five times a week. “Adding Abu Dhabi to our GCC route network is an important strategic step for flynas due to multiple reasons, including our codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways as well as the long-standing friendship and the strong bilateral business and economic ties shared by the two nations,” commented Bander Al Mohanna, CEO, NAS Holding, adding that the UAE capital’s growing prominence as both a leading family-friendly tourism destination and a strategic business hub makes the new route highly attractive to Saudi travellers.

A Los Angeles

flynas delegation

flynas Links Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

s of July 1, Emirates will operate a second daily service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) onboard an Airbus A380-800ULR aircraft in a three-class configuration. As Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, west, Emirates, noted, the existing flight alone provides some USD677 million in annual economic benefit to the American city and its surrounding area, contributes over USD270 million in annual visitor spending and supports nearly 6,000 US jobs. “So, our additional service to LAX not only doubles our capacity to meet demand for our award-winning service, but also increases our positive economic impact to the Los Angeles area,” added Frach.

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WEEKLY NEWS AIR

Qatar Airways Flies Daily to the City of Angels

Emirates Deploys A380 to Washington

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Los Angeles

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30 JANUARY 2016

atar Airways introduced a new daily nonstop service between Doha and Los Angeles, California. The route features the airline’s Boeing 777-200 and represents its first passenger itinerary to the West Coast of the US. The inaugural arrival was marked with a gate ceremony and an official celebration. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “Los Angeles and Doha have much in common. As passionate homes for sport, fashion, art and world-class entertainment, this new Qatar Airways service forms a bridge spanning continents and cultures, which will further strengthen our cultural and commercial bonds.”

mirates is to upgrade its Dubai – Washington route with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 on the route, effective from February 1. Replacing the existing Boeing 777-300ER used between the destinations, the new aircraft will serve the strong customer demand and restore route capacity following United Airlines’ planned withdrawal from the route. Tim Clark, president, Emirates, deemed the flight to the US capital one of the carrier’s most successful and profitable routes.

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WEEKLY NEWS AIR

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Emirates to Boost Philippines Services

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ffective from March 30, Emirates will launch a daily circular service from Dubai to Cebu and Clark International Airport in the Philippines. Utilising a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the new route will strengthen international connectivity to two of the southeast Asian country’s fastest-growing international hubs. Thierry Antinori, chief commercial officer, Emirates, commented, “With the opening of this service, Emirates will enhance the choice for travellers in the Philippines, who will be able to conveniently connect to 39 cities in Europe, 16 in the Middle East as well as a number of destinations across our extensive network in Africa and the Americas, including Panama from February 1.”

Philadelphia

Qatar Airways Brings Airbus A350 to Philadelphia

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atar Airways is hailed to be the first airline to offer a regular scheduled Airbus A350 service to the US following its new itinerary from Doha to Philadelphia. The carrier’s move reinforces its commitment to strong investment in technology and its dedication to maintaining an advanced fleet. The aircraft features a host of eco-efficiency tools, which result in a 25 percent reduction in emissions and an overall capacity of 283 passengers, with 36 business class seats. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, enthused, “At Qatar Airways, we never cease searching for new ways to enhance the passenger experience and with the A350, we have the ideal platform to take global aviation into the next decade.”

Mahan Air Expands Global Reach

Kiev

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n line with its strategic plan, Mahan Air is poised to further grow its international coverage. Following the recent launch of services between Tehran and Moscow, the carrier is now gearing up to commence operations to Kiev in February with more routes, especially to European and Asian countries, expected to follow in the coming months. The move comes after the inauguration of flights to Munich, Milan and Athens in 2015, and frequency increases to Ankara, Istanbul, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Almaty, Yerevan, Kabul and Kuala Lumpur.

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WEEKLY NEWS AIR Turkish Airlines Expands Horizon

Fiji Airways: New Aircraft and New Route

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urkish Airlines increased its African operation with the addition of two new destinations. The airline now also serves Port Louis and Antananarivo, the capitals of Mauritius and Madagascar. The new flights are offered thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in both directions. Effective from February 8, operations between the cities will increase to four weekly frequencies. The carrier now serves 48 destinations in 31 countries in Africa.

San Francisco

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iji Airways ended 2015 on a high note, having added a new Airbus A330 to its fleet. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional Rotuman ceremony attended by state dignitaries. Jioji Konousi Konrote, president, Fiji, stated, “This aircraft is more than just another addition to the fleet of our national airline. It is a symbol of a modern, progressive nation, which remains proud of its roots, culture and identity, while moving with the times to embrace the opportunities of the future.” In June, the airline will commence twice-weekly direct services from Nadi to San Francisco.

Antananarivo

DC Aviation to Enhance Business

Gulf Air: Improved Passenger Satisfaction

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Al Maktoum International Airport

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C Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) expanded its operations at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport following the recent announcement at Dubai Airshow from its joint venture partner, Al-Futtaim to lease an additional 10,000m2 of land at Dubai South. The new plot will drastically increase the operational potential of the company, enabling it to expand its existing VIP lounge and hangar facility. Holger Ostheimer, general manager, DCAF, commented, “This agreement will ensure that DCAF will remain the number one service provider for business and private jet operations in aviation district at Dubai South.”

ulf Air’s quarterly Customer Satisfaction Survey for the July – September 2015 period revealed an overall 31 percent increase in compliments, a six percent decrease in complaints and a 26 percent growth in the distribution of Staff Appreciation Vouchers, compared to the same period in 2014. Moreover, feedback showed that Gulf Air passengers choose Bahrain’s national carrier for its convenient departure/arrival times, nonstop flights, lower fares and good value for money offerings. “We have embarked on an aggressive revamping of our products and services over the past year that has received excellent feedback from customers, as reflected in these survey results,” said Ahmed Janahi, acting chief commercial officer, Gulf Air.

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WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Courtyard by Marriott Penetrates Taiwan

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Expands in Southeast Asia

Starwood Celebrates New Phuket Signing

Phuket

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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide penned a deal with Grand Bay Hotel for a new Thai property due to open in January 2019. The 200-key Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort will boast a private beachfront, three dining venues, 1,326m2 of meeting and event space, spa and fitness hubs and an outdoor pool. “With its idyllic beaches and lush rainforests, Phuket draws an unwavering number of inbound and domestic travellers, making it a strategic market for Sheraton and further driving formidable growth for Starwood in Asia Pacific,” said Rajit Sukumaran, senior vice president, acquisitions and development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei

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ourtyard by Marriott debuted in Taiwan with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Taipei in the centre of the Nangang district. Owned and operated by Leofoo Tourism Group, the 465-room hotel is the 36th property for the brand in Asia Pacific and offers scenic views from all sides of the building, six room types, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a 500m2 ballroom and three dining options. Henry Lee, chief operations officer, greater China, Marriott International, commented, “We are extremely pleased to work with Leofoo Tourism Group, a prestigious organisation with great experience in the travel industry, to open our first Courtyard in this emerging hub in Taiwan.”

Holiday Inn Express Debuts in New Delhi

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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signed an agreement with Radius Developers to rebrand what is hailed as India’s first airport terminal hotel into a Holiday Inn Express property. The 93-room Eaton Smart – New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel at Indira Gandhi International Airport will become Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport Terminal 3 at the end of this year, celebrating the brand’s entry into the city. Ujjval Desai, director, Radius Developers, enthused, “It is important for us to have the right brand offering transit guests exactly what they need; a fuss-free, convenient stay and great night’s sleep before they take off the next day.”

Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3

Mövenpick Hotel Kota Bharu

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övenpick Hotels & Resorts announced new hotels in Malaysia and Vietnam, both due to open in 2018. The 30-storey Mövenpick Hotel Kota Bharu will offer 453 rooms in Kelantan, Malaysia, while Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh Bay, an integrated beachfront resort in Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam, will boast 250 rooms, 100 residences and 100 villas. This year, the group is also preparing to unveil a new Thai hotel, Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya; Mövenpick Resort Boracay in the Philippines; and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran in Bali, Indonesia.

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30 JANUARY 2016

Travel Trade Luxury is a worldwide luxury travel trade publication. Travel Trade Luxury is brought out monthly. It is published both in digital and printed format. Its digital readership is based on the 150,000 readers which the Travel Trade Publications platform enjoys. Readers include agents specialising in individual luxury travel, group luxury travel, travel counsellors and advisors, luxury travel DMCs and all other luxury products and services. Travel Trade Luxury is also distributed to the major travel trade exhibitions and specialised luxury shows and events. Travel Trade Luxury contains informative current news on luxury destinations and products. It also includes specialised luxury destination reports with in-depth analyses of issues related to the luxury segment.

WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Dusit Thani Debuts in China

New MANATHAI Surin Phuket Showcases Island’s Heritage

MANATHAI Surin Phuket

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huket’s Surin Beach welcomed a new resort by MANATHAI Hotels & Resorts, MANATHAI Surin Phuket. The property, inspired by the Sino Portuguese origins and heritage of the island, features a fresh design palette of colours, themes and styles, with details such as oversized birdcages, lotus ponds and high hedges. ”One of MANATHAI Hotels & Resorts’ core philosophies is to give its resorts a sense of place so guests can feel and experience the destination in the resort. They can certainly feel intimately connected here,“ said Rudrojit Deb, general manager, MANATHAI Surin Phuket.

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China. Featuring 160 rooms and suites, the hotel is situated in Dongtai’s newest economic development zone, providing easy access to the central business district. “We are proud to launch the Dusit Thani brand in China to deliver the finest service rooted in gracious Thai hospitality. The hotel is set to meet the increasing demand of high-end accommodation for business and leisure travellers to this historical and vibrant city, and we aim to exceed our guests’ every expectation,” commented Peter Gan, general manager, operations and hotel openings, China, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts.

Novelties Abound at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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our Seasons Resort Chiang Mai boasts several new and improved facilities and services, including 64 reinvented pavilions graced with custommade fabrics and furniture and original art, specially crafted for the property. In addition, the resort also has a brand new catering venue, Orchid Garden, ideal for private dining experiences. Plus, new activities have been crafted for those seeking adventure: a guided exploration of the resort’s tropical grounds and rice planting experience, complete with a traditional farming costume.

Orchid Garden

Park Inn by Radisson, Albany

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usit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu celebrated its official opening, becoming the first internationally-branded deluxe property in the city and the first Dusit Thani project in

Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu

Rezidor Expands Midscale Brand in the US

arlson Rezidor Hotel Group opened Park Inn by Radisson, Albany, in Georgia, US. The 61-room property is located in the city’s entertainment district, within walking distance of local shops, eateries and attractions, and boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and sauna. Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, midscale brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, noted, “This hotel is a welcome addition to our portfolio as we continue to explore strategic growth opportunities for the brand in the Americas.”

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30 JANUARY 2016

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RENDEZVOUS

The reason behind this development is the increase of housing demand from multiple projects in the city, along with the ever-growing internal demand for leisure destinations from Central Province citizens and residents from the eastern part of the country.

Q & A with

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the main dynamics driving the tourism industry’s growth in Al Khobar?

BASEL TALAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR, SAUDI ARABIA, THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP

HAILED AS THE ‘PEARL OF THE ARABIAN GULF’, AL KHOBAR HAS GROWN INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS AND TOURISM DESTINATION, AS BASEL TALAL, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, SAUDI ARABIA, THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP, EXPLAINS HERE.

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has Al Khobar’s image and perception changed over the years? BASEL TALAL: Al Khobar emerged during the last century as the business hub and residential city for the contractors and workforce of the leading oil and gas company, Saudi Aramco. During that time, only a few multinational hotels existed and operated in the market, along with some local inns. This situation did not change up until 10 years ago. [Today,] every international four- and five-star hotel chain has a branch or operates a hotel in this part of the world. The Rezidor Hotel Group took part of that change and Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar checked in its first guest in 2009. 30 JANUARY 2016

port. Saudi Arabia is ranked among the largest users of social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, among many other applications, which is impacting the hotel industry through online reviews. Capitalising on this, our hotels use tools to track and manage social mentions about our properties and services to manage our respective hotels’ online reputations.

BASEL TALAL: Tourism in Al Khobar is mainly driven by local demand from the Central Province during weekends, and especially over Eid breaks. With three operating hotels in the Eastern Province, including Park Inn by Radisson Dammam, Radisson Blu Hotel Dhahran and Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar, we […] see a considerable number of last-minute bookings and many walk-in guests which remains a challenge, especially during peak seasons. We also see an increased dependency on third-party booking engines. TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How have your markets changed in recent years? BASEL TALAL: Our main feeder market is Riyadh. Many families in the city look at Al Khobar as a leisure destination, especially since the capital lacks access to the sea. They like the fact that Al Khobar is a modern city in close proximity to Bahrain. Many corporate entities have their head offices in Riyadh, so there is constant traffic from the capital towards Al Khobar. There are also many international markets linked to Al Khobar due to the fact that this region is a tax-free market platform […]. The rest of the GCC is also a strong feeder market as are industrial countries such as the UK, France, Germany and the US. […] TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you see Al Khobar’s tourism industry developing over the coming years? BASEL TALAL: […] Over the coming years, hotels in Al Khobar will be focussing more on the ever-developing needs of the international and local guest. One of the modern traveller’s needs is online connectivity and sup-

Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What issues need to be addressed in order to support the destination’s growth? BASEL TALAL: Many developing opportunities have been announced for Al Khobar city, such as the investment in modern beach resort facilities on the corniche, especially in the Half Moon area, as well as the upgrade of the railway connection to Riyadh and the enlargement of the causeway to Bahrain. Overall, the country is [on] the path towards tourism modernity and Al Khobar city, along with Dammam and Dhahran, remains an ideal location for touristic investments, especially [in light of the fact] that this part of the country is relatively modern and new compared to other provinces. I believe that Al Khobar city is among the [most promising] markets in Saudi Arabia.

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Quizon has experience in various departments

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ENAD TANNOUS

ELIZABETH QUIZON has been appointed cluster revenue director for Carlton Hotel Group in Dubai. Quizon, who holds a university degree in business administration, has worked in the Philippines and Bahrain before moving to the UAE in 1996. She has since worked her way up through the ranks of Carlton Hotel Group. Over the years, she has gained valuable experience in various departments such as reservations, front office and e-commerce, before assuming her current position. In her capacity, she will be in charge of the newly rebranded Carlton Palace Hotel and Carlton Tower Hotel, Dubai.

MOUSTAFA SAKR

MARTIN SCHNIDER

MARTIN SCHNIDER has been named general manager at Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Schnider joins the property, which is due to open later this year, from Mandarin Oriental, Macau where he held the same position since 2008. Prior to that, he worked as hotel manager at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. He began his career with the company in Singapore in 1994, progressing from there to assistant food and beverage manager of Mandarin Oriental, Manila, before joining Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur in 2000. It was here that Schnider moved from food and beverage to a resident manager position in 2005. He then oversaw Mandarin Oriental Majapahit, Surabaya as the property’s general manager.

ELIZABETH QUIZON

WHO’S MOVED

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ENAD TANNOUS is the new general manager of Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi. In this capacity, he will oversee the offerings of the hotel to ensure the highest level of services. Tannous has extensive experience in hospitality management and was brought on board at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana as pre-opening general manager to spearhead its successful launch into the market. Prior to this role, he served as general manager at Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach Residence Dubai, and was instrumental in guiding the hotel to new levels of achievement. His previous appointments have seen him providing oversight in managerial appointments in Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

MOUSTAFA SAKR has taken the helm at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi as general manager. Sakr joined the property in 2011 as one of the founding members of the pre-opening team in the position of deputy general manager, and has since played an integral role in the development of the hotel. With 17 years of hospitality experience and 15 years in the Middle East, he has extensive knowledge of the market and the industry and a proven ability to deliver record results. Prior to joining the brand, Sakr worked with a variety of hospitality groups, including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts and AccorHotels across Australia, Egypt and the UAE.

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AGENT CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry? I got involved in the industry back in 2010 and I currently work as a tour officer for Sharjah Airport Travel Agency, also known as SATA. What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator? To be honest and offer a quality product that can positively surprise the customer.

NAME:

Claudiu Caldare

POSITION:

Tour officer

COMPANY:

Sharjah Airport Travel Agency

LOCATION:

Sharjah, UAE

WEBSITE:

www.satatravels.com

What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from customers? Since the UAE is a very hot country, customers often ask us about the best season to travel to Sharjah. They also want to know if it is cheap to travel there and whether there are direct flights to Sharjah International Airport from their native country.

Elaf Group Unveils New Winter Packages

Which markets are you dealing with? With all countries visiting the destina-

E Which destination in on your bucket list? My dream destination is China due to its rich cultural heritage that is completely different from what I experienced in the Middle East and Europe. 30 JANUARY 2016

Cape Town

tion, however, our main customers come from European markets, Russia, Norway, Australia, China and Japan.

laf Group, part of SEDCO Holding Group, launched new winter tour packages to key destinations around the world, adding new options, like Cape Town, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Jordan, Turkey and South Korea to its offering. The packages include accommodation, transportation, guided tours and high-level services, and come in response to the growing demand and current market trends in the Saudi outbound market. “We are sure that these new winter offers will receive positive response in the local market. We look forward to providing more services that elevate the levels of excellence and efficiency in the sector at the local, regional and global levels,” said Mohammad Bin Mahfouz, vice president, travel and tourism, Elaf Group.

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CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER, AL BUSTAN ROTANA DUBAI AND AL MUROOJ ROTANA DUBAI

“Our team is proud to be the first hotel in Ajman to receive Agoda’s Gold Circle Award. We would like to thank Agoda for this recognition; this will further inspire us toward providing better accommodation and upholding high standards of service to our guests. We also like to express our gratitude to our guests for their positive reviews and ratings on the website.”

CHAIRMAN, ABU DHABI TOURISM & CULTURE AUTHORITY

H.E. MOHAMED KHALIFA AL MUBARAK

This will further inspire us toward providing better accommodation

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“Securing [the ISO 14001 environment management system and OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system] international certifications for Al Murooj Rotana Dubai is a highly significant achievement and we take great pride in being the second Rotana property to be certified following Al Bustan Rotana Dubai in 2014. [...] This achievement [...] is indeed another manifestation of our strong commitment to be at par with international standards.”

These are exciting times for Abu Dhabi’s cruise industry “These are exciting times for Abu Dhabi’s cruise industry. The opening of the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal marks a step-change in how Abu Dhabi is perceived as a cruise destination, and the collective effort of all partners involved in this achievement underlines the important role the cruise sector has in the expansion of our tourism industry. Our global cruise marketing activity has built awareness of the depth and diversity of the emirate’s shore excursion opportunities to stimulate demand for Arabian Gulf cruises.”

We pride ourselves on […] authentic experiences and excellence

We take great pride in being […] certified

JAN IFCIC

HUSSEIN HACHEM

GENERAL MANAGER, RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES AJMAN

IFTIKHAR HAMDANI

TRAVEL TALK

GENERAL MANAGER, INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN

“It is an honour for us all here at InterContinental Regency Bahrain to have reached such a significant milestone, [our 35th anniversary], in our journey in the Kingdom since November 1980. We pride ourselves on the rich culture of delivering authentic experiences and excellence that is part of InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s legacy. It was a privilege to celebrate our 35th year anniversary with our esteemed partners, United Hotels Company and our honourable guests.”

TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to [email protected]

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TRAVEL TALK

MARKET DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING, SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL AND THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

We operate to the highest standards of food safety

MONA WALID

“Receiving [an appreciation certificate from the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority] confirms that we operate to the highest standards of food safety as we apply best practice processes and procedures with the highest specifications. Amongst our business units, the catering operations are one of the largest in the UAE in every emirate so our quality standards are of paramount priority.”

Etihad […] is committed to developing women in the workforce

VICE PRESIDENT, TALENT ACQUISITION, ETIHAD AIRWAYS

“We differentiate ourselves through the personalised service we provide. A number of hotel companies today provide great facilities, but it is really the quality of the overall experience that matters most to guests and that is what our ladies and gentlemen so warmly and thoughtfully deliver on a daily basis.”

“Etihad Airways is committed to developing women in the workforce and the alignment of our sports sponsorships with our business goals is an important part of driving our wider company strategy. Over 1,000 female employees already take part in our sports clubs in the UAE, and we will continue to utilise our involvement in the world of sport to engage our current and future employees.”

Safety and security […] is our top priority

It is really the quality of the overall experience that matters

RABIH ZEIN

JOSEPH HAGOPIAN

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, ARMED FORCES OFFICERS CLUB & HOTEL

PETER FREEMAN

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CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER, PARK INN MUSCAT AND PARK INN DUQM

“[Receiving the first Safehotels Premium Certificate by Safehotels Alliance in Oman] is another milestone for Park Inn Muscat, adding this achievement to our existing Green Key and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point certifications. I am proud of my team for working hard to attain such accomplishments. The safety and security of our guests and employees is our top priority.”

TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to [email protected]

30 JANUARY 2016

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

IHG EMPLOYEES SHOW HUMANITARIAN FACE

CROWNE PLAZA AMMAN SUPPORTS THE DEAF ASSOCIATION

T

wo employees from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) completed a paddling ultra-marathon, dubbed the Capital Paddle, covering 230km over three days in aid of the company’s disaster relief programme, IHG Shelter in a Storm. Damian ten Bohmer, director, commercial, Middle East and Africa, IHG, and Angelo Vassiliades, commercial marketing executive, Middle East and Africa, IHG, began the task at Crowne Plaza Sohar and finished at Crowne Plaza Muscat. Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, commented, “Damian and Angelo have once again demonstrated tremendous drive and strength […] and the money they have raised will have a real impact on the lives of those in need.”

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Inauguration of the bazaar

C

rowne Plaza Amman hosted a workshop and charity bazaar of the Jordanian Women’s Development Association of the Deaf as part of its ongoing commitment to help and support the local community. The association gathers a large number of deaf girls to offer them training and qualifying courses and help them fulfill their roles in the society. During the event, a special thank you and a trophy were given to Oussama Massoud, regional general manager, Intercontinental Hotels Group, for his continuous support.

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP ON ABU DHABI UMRAH TRIP Abu Dhabi International Airport

bu Dhabi Airports hosted a group of 60 special needs individuals and orphans who embarked on an Umrah pilgrimage from Abu Dhabi International airport. The visit formed part of the Zayed in Our Hearts initiative, which aims to help those in need of special assistance take part in the pilgrimage. Reaffirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Abu Dhabi Airports provided various hospitality services and gifts to the guests, and offered terminal 1A as a dedicated facility to finalise their departure procedures, in corporation and coordination with all relevant airport agencies at the hub.

H HAWTHORN SUITES EXTENDS SUPPORT TO DCSN Samir Arora (second from right) handed over the cheque

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Damian ten Bohmer and Angelo Vassiliades

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awthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai reinforced its ongoing partnership with Dubai Centre for Special Needs (DCSN), handing over a cheque donation of more than AED10,000

(USD2,700). The property, which has been supporting the centre for the past two years, rolled out various campaigns to raise funds, and placed donation boxes at the reception and restaurants for voluntary guest contributions. “We are delighted to give back to our society through this campaign,” commented Samir Arora, general manager, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dubai.

30 JANUARY 2016

PHOTO ALBUM

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Park Inn by Radisson Muscat employees marked Oman Environment Day

Etihad Airways’ crew is good at selfies

Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.

Kempinski Hotel Ajman hosted the emirate’s second kite-flying festival

Visa’s Impossible Deals promotion for this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival had a winner

30 JANUARY 2016

Send your photos to [email protected] Because a picture is worth a thousand words...

flydubai recently sponsored Croatian football team HNK Rijeka, for a winter training sessions in Dubai

The Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel hosted a special event, The Parade of Arts

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NEWS & EVENTS ATM Exhibitors Back African Project

T

he 23rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will once again provide a platform to raise funds for international water aid programme Just a Drop, with a focus on the Mpumpule Community Borehole initiative in Zambia, which aims to provide the community with permanent access to clean and safe water. Jointly sponsored by ATM and World Travel Market London, the project raised combined exhibitor donations of USD30,632.

Michigan Targets the World

I

n a bid to attract international leisure travellers to Michigan, US, Pure Michigan installed a photo experience at the international arrivals halls of McNamara Terminal and North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The campaign aims to increase inbound tourism and features large artwork with images of Detroit’s cultural landmarks and the state’s natural beauty. Videos will also play on monitors throughout the customs area in the near future.

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EVENTS IBTM ARABIA Abu Dhabi, UAE February 09 – 11 www.ibtmarabia.com With a new format, the event is ideal for meetings, events and incentives industry decision-makers to meet for global business adventures.

TEHRAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION Tehran, Iran February 16 – 19 www.titexgroup.com The newest edition covers an area of 21,000m2 divided into six different halls showcasing Iran’s tourism attractions.

ILTM JAPAN Tokyo, Japan February 29 – March 02 www.iltm.com/japan Reflecting on the 35 percent yearon-year boost Japan witnessed in 2015 in luxury visitors, the event opens for the first time in Tokyo, and will be bigger than ever.

ABU DHABI AVIATION AND AEROSPACE WEEK Abu Dhabi, UAE March 06 – 12 www.adaaw.ae The inaugural event, which aims to become a biennial fixture, will take place across multiple locations in the emirate and will converge six trade, defence, entertainment and sports components under one umbrella.

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