OBEROI TO ADD TWO QATARI PROJECTS

24 OCTOBER 2015
ISSUE 311
STR GLOBAL: SAUDI ARABIA
WITNESSES HIGH OCCUPANCY
THE OBEROI GROUP HAS ENTERED INTO MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTS FOR TWO NEW LUXURY PROPERTIES
IN QATAR.
02
CITY SEASONS HOTELS
TARGETS BUDGET SEGMENT
11
IN THIS ISSUE
MARKET UPDATE
02
HOTEL PERFORMANCE
03
MUSEUMS
09
ACCOMMODATION
10
AIR
13
INTERNATIONAL
15
RENDEZVOUS
18
WHO'S MOVED
19
TECHNOLOGY
20
AGENT CORNER
21
PHOTO ALBUM
23
NEWS & EVENTS
24
OBEROI TO ADD TWO QATARI
PROJECTS
10
MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Kammitsi
[email protected]
STR Global: Saudi Arabia Witnesses
High Occupancy
According to July data compiled by STR Global, hotels in the Middle East and Africa
region reported a 12.1 percent surge in occupancy to 55.1 percent, a 5.3 percent rise
in average daily rate (ADR) to USD159.10 and an 18.1 percent growth in RevPAR to
USD87.69 when compared to the same month in 2014.
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Maria Kazeli
SENIOR JOURNALIST
Rita Kasziba
CONTRIBUTOR
Ana Mladenovic
PRESS
Maria Demetriadou
Pauline Shahabian
Inna Armeanu
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Elena Stylianou
S
DIRECTORS
Andreas Constantinides
Mary Kammitsi
audi Arabia reported marginal increases across all performance
metrics, however, the 59.1 percent occupancy was the Kingdom’s
highest since July 2012, thanks to levels in Mecca which exceeded
82 percent.
The UAE posted double-digit growth in occupancy and RevPAR,
while ADR declined 0.4 percent to AED533.88 (USD145.35).
Even with regional instability, Lebanon experienced growth over 45 percent in occupancy and RevPAR, while ADR was up 8.8 percent.
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MENA EXCHANGE RATES
As of
23/10/2015
Mecca
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Savvas Kammitsis
Jazeera Airways Reduces Capital
In an extraordinary general meeting, Jazeera Airways shareholders approved a board
recommendation to reduce the company’s capital from KWD42 million (USD139.1 million) to KWD20 million (USD66.2 million) through a share buyback programme.
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2
Extraordinary general meeting of shareholders
Currencies shown in blue
are fixed against the US
Dollar
T
he move aims to readjust capital to match the size of current operations after
exiting the aircraft leasing business.
The company will buy back 220 million shares, resulting in a KWD22 million
(USD72.9 million) stakeholder payout, which will bring the business’ cash disbursement for the year to KWD52.7 million (USD174.5 million).
24 OCTOBER 2015
HOTEL PERFORMANCE WEEKLY NEWS
Softer Demand in Cairo and Doha
D
espite a 4.4 percentage point drop in occupancy levels to 58.8 percent, hotels in the Egyptian capital recorded a 3.2 percent increase in RevPAR to USS72.61,
and a 10.9 percent rise in ARR to USD123.44. The decrease in
overall revenues coupled with a 3.4 percentage point surge in
operating costs, resulted in GOPPAR plummeting 12.5 percent
to USS65.44.
Likewise, hotels in Doha saw RevPAR decline 11.1 percent
to USD111.14, as weaker demand forced hoteliers to drop rates,
thus an 11.7 percent change in ARR to USD190.04 and a 0.3 percentage points improvement in occupancy to 58.5 percent. All
in all, GOPPAR fell 17.7 percentage points to USD80.64.
Jeddah Remains Strong
D
Dubai and Amman hotels continued to feel
the pressure of declining profits in August,
Saudi Arabia on the other hand remained
steady as HotStats’ latest MENA Chain
Hotels Market Review revealed.
emand in the Saudi Arabian city continued to flourish as hotels reported a 4.5 percent rise in RevPAR.
The surge in room revenues was driven by a solid 6.3
percentage point increase in occupancy levels, offsetting a 3.3
percent drop in ARR to USD286.66. The spike in hotel guests
had a trickle-down effect on other hospitality services, allowing total RevPAR to grow 5.6 percent. Complemented by a reduction in payroll expenses, profitability was boosted by the
steady increase in top line revenues with GOPPAR growing by
8.8 percent to USD177.47.
Dubai and Amman Face Challenges
F
our- and five-star hotels in Dubai reported weakening performance levels, with RevPAR plummeting 10.1 percent to USD147.45. Due to a marginal
rise in occupancy levels, the contraction in room revenues was led largely by average room rates (ARR) falling
10.8 percent to USD196.49. Profitability stages remained
under strain causing gross operating profit per available
room (GOPPAR) to decline 9.8 percent to USD69.10.
In Amman occupancy dropped by four percentage points to 65 percent, ARR was down 6.2 percent
to USD152.64, while RevPAR decreased 11.6 percent to
USD99.27, leading to an eight percent negative change
in GOPPAR to USD76.94.
24 OCTOBER 2015
Jeddah
3
WEEKLY NEWS
Falconcity of Wonders Showcases
Investment Opportunities
Falconcity of Wonders, the developer of the multipurpose mega project
of the same name that is being built in Dubai, demonstrated major
investment prospects at The Hotel Show 2015.
4
Falconcity of Wonders
O
ccupying more than 3,800,000m2, the property is a residential, tourist, entertainment
and recreational complex shaped in the
form of a falcon with replicas of famous sites such
as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower and Taj
Mahal among others.
“We were able to emphasise the development’s
potential impact on local and regional hospitality
and tourism in general. Moreover, we were able to
outline our World in a City proposition in front of a
global audience […],” explained H.E. Salem Almoosa,
chairman, Falconcity of Wonders.
Abu Dhabi Ports
Gears Up for New Term
W
ith expectations running high,
Abu Dhabi Ports has started welcoming cruise liners for the new
season at Zayed Port, which will see the
opening of a state-of-the-art terminal by
year-end.
The hub has scheduled over 19 percent
more cruise ship calls for the current winter
than in 2014/2015 and until mid-May 2016,
the port will host 112 vessels.
“These developments describe the significant expansion of Abu Dhabi’s cruise
industry that further boosts the emirate’s
tourism development, a major component
in its economic diversification. […] Abu
Dhabi Ports derives inspiration from these
advancements to offer inventive and unique
services in this sector,” said Mohamed Juma
Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports.
24 OCTOBER 2015
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WEEKLY NEWS XX
O
n the occasion of UAE Civil Aviation Day, H.E. Sultan Bin
Saeed Al Mansouri, chairman, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general, GCAA, and Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports, took an aerial tour of the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), to
review the construction progress made.
“As the MTB building structure takes shape and its presence can
be seen on the city’s horizon, I look forward to the final stages of this
exciting journey as Abu Dhabi Airports moves towards the delivery
of this iconic structure in 2017,” commented Al Mansouri, stressing
the government’s role in the success of the project.
Expo Centre Sharjah Joins Forces
with Air Arabia
E
xpo Centre Sharjah and Air Arabia have signed a threeyear cooperation agreement to maximise visibility and
branding for both parties in the best possible ways.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah,
deemed the deal a significant move at mutually promoting
the growth of two of the emirate’s leading business entities.
“Air Arabia is MENA’s first and largest low-cost carrier,
while we pioneered the exhibitions industry in the region.
We are proud to join forces to boost each other’s growth,”
said Al Midfa.
As Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, explained, the airline
will promote the venue onboard its flights and help raise
awareness of the events taking place there.
Said Mohammed Al Midfa (left) and Adel Ali
Midfield Terminal Building
Midfield Terminal Building Progresses
SCTH: New Tourism Regulations
in Al Qassim
Speakers at the workshop
S
audi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH)’s
Al Qassim branch organised a workshop to introduce the
new regulations issued by the state for supporting tourism and national culture, including rules governing antiquities,
museums and urban heritage.
The three-day event was attended by a number of representatives of public administration bodies together with officials of
the organisation and industry investors to review the new system.
6
24 OCTOBER 2015
WEEKLY NEWS
Hertz Adds Fuel-Efficient Models
Al Musmak Museum
Popular during
Holidays
A
H
ertz Rent-A-Car UAE has completed a significant upgrade to its UAE rental car fleet
with new fuel-efficient models.
The newly introduced vehicles range from budget-friendly sedans and SUVs
to high-end luxury cars.
In response to a changing environment and customer needs, the company has added
over 1,600 new options from a variety of manufacturers that offer some of the lowest CO2
emissions and the highest fuel economy.
“The latest fleet replenishment programme is based on two of our key strategic pillars;
providing great value car rental for customers and supporting the continued ambition of
operating the most sustainable business in the car rental sector,” explained Neil Parkins,
general manager, fleet operations, Hertz Rent-A-Car UAE.
8
l Musmak Museum in
Saudi Arabia welcomed
more than 10,000 visitors
during the recent Eid Al-Adha and
Saudi National Day holidays.
To mark both occasions, the
staff offered guests publications
on tourism and national heritage,
as well as t-shirts, posters, sashes,
flags and caps with the logo of the
Saudi National Day.
Al Musmak is hailed as one
of the most modern and advanced museums in the country
which houses important historical memories associated with the
Kingdom.
24 OCTOBER 2015
MUSEUMS WEEKLY NEWS
Future Leaders Visit Ajman Museum
O
rganised in coordination with Ajman Tourism Development Department, the 20 candidates
hailing from across the GCC toured the facility, one of the most visited historical attractions
in the emirate, where they witnessed the recreation of traditional wells, irrigation systems
and the wooden dhows that Ajman was once famous for.
Now in its third year, ALP is designed to impart the principles of effective strategy and management to students in practice and in theory, as well as to provide essential training around intellectual,
emotional and physical well being.
Participants at Ajman Museum
Participants of the third Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Leadership Program (ALP) visited Ajman Museum to discover
the history of the emirate as part of the six-month initiative aimed at preparing them to become successful
future leaders.
Record Visitors at Doha’s Museum
D
uring the Eid Al-Adha holidays, Sheikh Faisal Bin
Qassim Al Thani Museum attracted over 7,000
residents, locals and regional tourists, setting a
new record.
The achievement was mainly due to a full programme
of family activities and distinct events, in addition to six
fun-filled workshops for children.
Visiting kids and parents had the opportunity to enjoy special tours accompanied by experienced guides
around the museum’s collection and explore the various
exhibits.
Visitors at the museum
24 OCTOBER 2015
9
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
OBEROI TO ADD TWO QATARI PROJECTS
The Oberoi Group has entered into
management contracts for two new
luxury properties in Qatar.
A
Doha
250-key hotel will be developed in the West Bay area of Doha,
while a 148-unit luxury serviced apartment will emerge in the
Qatari capital’s Lusail City.
With construction set to commence in early 2016, both developments are scheduled for completion by mid 2018.
As P.R.S. Oberoi, executive chairman, The Oberoi Group, explained, the
hotelier will assist its partner Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance
Company in the design and management of both properties.
Coral Al Madina Hotel
Coral Al Madina Hotel Nears
Completion
H
aving entered the final stages of construction, Coral Al Madina Hotel is on schedule to
launch in the third quarter of 2016.
Laurent Voivenel, CEO, Hospitality Management
Holdings (HMH), commented, “The developers have
done a fantastic job and we are confident Coral Al
Madina Hotel will turn out to be a preferred address
for travellers to the city.”
Featuring more than 400 rooms and suites
spread across 10 floors and five basements, the
property is owned by Mobarak Hotels Group that
has appointed Designs Company, specialised in
providing integrated hotel solutions, to oversee its
growth and expansion.
10
24 OCTOBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION WEEKLY NEWS
City Seasons Hotels Targets Budget Segment
Carlson Rezidor Firms
Presence in Algeria
C
A
s City Seasons Hotels celebrates its 10th anniversary, it looks to establish a
strong presence in the budget hotel sector.
With a portfolio of six operating properties in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain
and Muscat, the company is now gearing up to launch its third project in Dubai in
the coming months on the Burjuman Mall side.
The hotelier is also branching into the budget category with another three hotels planned for Dubai by 2020.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ham, vice president, City Seasons Hotels, pledged to prolong the past decade’s success well into the future.
arlson Rezidor Hotel Group embarked on its second project in Algeria with the 168-room Radisson
Blu Hotel, Tipaza.
Scheduled to welcome its first guests in
late 2017, the property will join Radisson Blu
Hotel, Algiers Hydra, set for a 2016 opening.
According to Elie Younes, executive vice
president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, the
North African country offers huge potential
for the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson core brands as well as compelling investment opportunities in hotel real estate.
“Our objective is to unlock value for
both our partners and shareholders. We
are pioneers at many destinations – also
in Tipaza where Radisson Blu is the first
internationally-branded hotel in the city,”
he added.
H.
Sebastien Bazin (left) and H.E. Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah
Action Hotels Focusses on Midscale
Properties
E. Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, chairman, Action Hotels, and Sebastien Bazin, chairman, AccorHotels, reaffirmed their commitment to the further roll-out of midmarket projects.
Al Sabah noted that six properties are already operating and another
five are in the pipeline representing AccorHotels’ ibis, Novotel and Mercure brands including new units in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sohar.
“There is strong demand for economy and mid-economy hotels
throughout the region, a trend we recognised way back in 2005 and
stand committed to today. Indeed, we founded Action Hotels to address this very clear market opportunity to develop midscale and economy hotels in the Middle East, whilst others focussed on the luxury end
of the market,” Al Sabah added.
24 OCTOBER 2015
11
WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Riyadh to Welcome New Development
W Hotels to Debut in Egypt
Company representatives seal the deal
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roperty developer and real estate investment company, Cayan
Group collaborated with Al Ajlan Holding and Al Saeed for a
new mixed-use project in the north of Riyadh.
Worth SAR1 billion (USD267 million), the development will join the
group’s extensive portfolio that includes a number of residential complexes, commercial towers, hospitality projects and multipurpose gated communities such as Silverene Towers, Cayan Cantara, The Jewels,
Dorrabay, Cayan Tower and Cayan Business Center in the UAE; Layaly
Compound, CMC and Samaya in Saudi Arabia; and Broumana Lands
in Lebanon.
S
tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s W Hotels
brand will launch in Egypt in 2020 with the opening of W Sharm El Sheikh and The Residences at W
Sharm El Sheikh.
The hotel will offer 350 stylish guest rooms, including
two presidential suites, while the residential building will
feature 50 units with an exclusive lounge and its guests
will enjoy access to the facilities and services at W Sharm
El Sheikh.
“W Hotels, with its outstanding international reputation as an innovative lifestyle brand, will reinforce the importance of Sharm El Sheikh as a world-class destination,”
suggested Mohamed Gamal Abdelwahab Omar, CEO,
Tower Prestige for Hotels, owner of the property.
Jumeirah Steps Up Emiratisation
J
umeirah Group has launched a new Emiratisation initiative on
social media to encourage UAE nationals to pursue a career in
hospitality.
“Hospitality is an excellent career choice that enables its workforce to develop new professional skills,” explained Nabil Ramadhan,
group chief human capital officer, Jumeirah Group, adding that the
campaign, dubbed #BeTheHost, is set to illustrate that the industry is
diverse in which anyone can follow personal ambitions.
UAE national colleagues, including members of the group’s Emiratisation programmes, will share their career development stories
across the company’s Instagram account.
12
24 OCTOBER 2015
AIR WEEKLY NEWS
Turkish Airlines to Unveil Top 20 Destinations
Turkish Airlines has joined forces with Monocle to provide travellers with a cutting-edge guide to some of the
world’s most desirable locations.
U
nder the title The Voyager, the new radio programme on Monocle 24 station will focus
on the top 20 most dynamic cities that visitors can easily reach with the airline. Monocle editors and correspondents will record a series of broadcasts on-site from places
such as Guangzhou, Antalya, Casablanca and Sarajevo, highlighting must-see and must-do
options.
An emerging cities series will also be published with the articles giving details of travel
and business opportunities as well as other aspects of the destinations.
HMH Cooperates with Saudi Airline
Gulf Air to Fly to Faisalabad
and Multan
H
ospitality Management Holdings (HMH) has joined
Alfursan, the loyalty scheme of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
The deal will give Alfursan members staying at
participating hotels within the HMH portfolio the opportunity
to earn two miles for every US Dollar spent.
“With Alfursan’s vast reach and popularity as a frequent
flyer programme, it is a very strategic tie-up for us and will
increase our brand exposure globally as well as in our top
source market Saudi Arabia,” commented Laurent Voivenel,
CEO, HMH.
He added that being a leading Halal-friendly, alcohol-free
chain of hotels, the group is uniquely positioned across MENA
to offer travellers the perfect choice in a safe environment.
24 OCTOBER 2015
Multan
HMH’s The Ajman Palace Hotel
G
ulf Air is to further extend its reach in
Pakistan with the addition of Faisalabad and Multan to its network.
Starting this December, the airline will offer four weekly direct flights from Bahrain to
Multan and three weekly services to Faisalabad.
“We are committed to serving the Pakistan market, as we have done since our first
entry in 1960,” commented Ahmed Janahi,
chief commercial officer, Gulf Air.
The addition of the two routes will complement services to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Sialkot, and will take the
carrier’s network in the country to seven destinations.
13
WEEKLY NEWS AIR
Adelaide to Join Qatar Airways Route Map
Air Seychelles Partners
with Etihad to Groom Talent
Adelaide
A
14
Q
atar Airways continues its major expansion drive in Australia with
scheduled services to Adelaide due to commence on May 2, 2016.
The cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia will become
the first destination in the country to which the Gulf carrier will operate its
Airbus A350 aircraft, for which it is a global launch customer.
With the addition of daily flights to Adelaide, the airline’s Australian capacity will rise to 28 frequencies per week, spread across four key cities, including Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
According to H.E. Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, 2016 is going
to be yet another exciting year for the company.
ir Seychelles celebrated the graduation of 12 Seychellois nationals who
successfully completed career development programmes with Etihad Airways.
The group of four graduate managers,
seven cadet engineers and one cadet pilot
were presented with certificates at a ceremony by James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.
This was the first of numerous similar initiatives of the carrier which aim to embed local talent back into management positions in
the years ahead.
Roy Kinnear, CEO, Air Seychelles, noted,
“As the national airline of the Seychelles, one
of our top priorities is to train and develop
home-grown talent across all areas of the airline business and we are delighted to partner
with Etihad Airways to achieve this important goal.”
24 OCTOBER 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS
W
Radisson Expands in New York
yndham Hotel Group celebrated a new milestone, becoming the first global hospitality company to have 1,000 hotels in Greater
China.
“[This] serves as an incredible testament to the strength
of the Wyndham Hotel Group portfolio and highlights the
increasing significance that China continues to play, not
just for our organisation but the industry as a whole,” said
Geoff Ballotti, president, Wyndham Hotel Group.
In late September, the company announced the 227room Wyndham Urumqi North in Wajaiqu City and the
389-key Wyndham Qingdao. Later this year, it also plans
to introduce its TRYP by Wyndham, Wyndham Garden and
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham brands to the region.
Radisson Hotel Albany
Wyndham Urumqi North façade
Wyndham Boasts 1,000 Hotels
in Greater China
C
arlson Rezidor Hotel Group has launched
Radisson Hotel Albany, New York, marking
the brand’s first project in the city.
Conveniently located in close proximity to
Albany International Airport and the downtown
area, the 312-key property offers a restaurant,
lounge, fitness area, indoor and outdoor pools and
a business centre.
“As one of the most refreshed hotel brands in
North America, we are excited to continue to expand our presence with the opening of Radisson
Hotel Albany […],” commented Javier Rosenberg,
chief operations officer, Americas, Carlson Rezidor
Hotel Group.
Hyatt Place Tegucigalpa
Hyatt Place Enters Honduras
H
24 OCTOBER 2015
onduras has welcomed its first Hyatt Place hotel with the opening of the 126-room Hyatt Place Tegucigalpa introduced
by Hyatt and LatamHotel.
“As business and leisure travel grows in Honduras, we believe Hyatt Place hotels offer travellers style, innovation,
24/7 convenience and every modern comfort to create a seamless stay in the city,” said Fernando Paiz, president, LatamHotel.
Over the next three years, four more Hyatt Place properties are planned to open in Central America in partnership with the
Latin American hotelier, in Managua, Nicaragua; Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Salvador, El Salvador; and San Pedro Sula,
Honduras.
15
WEEKLY NEWS INTERNATIONAL
Dusit Reaffirms Partnership with
Prince Hotels
Best Western Unveils New Identity
Dusit Thani Bangkok
T
A
akashi Goto, president, Seibu Holdings, the parent
company of Prince Hotels, Dusit International’s marketing alliance partners, was welcomed at Dusit Thani
Bangkok by Chanin, Donavanik, CEO, Dusit International.
The visit followed Donavanik’s trip to Tokyo in August,
where the two parties met to discuss the different ways in
which the companies can continue to grow their collaboration.
“We are confident that together, we can take both
brands to greater levels of success, each supporting the
other in its home market. We are especially looking forward
to jointly promoting Dusit Thani Guam, our newest hotel,
where we expect the majority of our business to come from
Japan,” noted Donavanik.
fter more than two decades, Best Western International has introduced a completely new look that
better represents the brand’s recent development
and upcoming enhancements.
“With our investments in this 69-year old brand during the
last 10 years, we need to make consumers aware of the exciting improvements in our brand,” explained David Kong, president, Best Western International, adding that the company is
embracing its future with a completely re-imagined identity.
The launch of a new masterbrand name and separate
logos for each brand communicates to travellers and developers the changes that have taken place to contemporise
the hotelier.
Taipei Marriott Hotel rendering
Marriott Penetrates Taiwan
16
M
arriott International debuted in Taiwan with the
opening of Taipei Marriott Hotel.
The property is hailed to be the city’s largest
integrated destination complex with a five-star international hotel to enter the dynamic Dazhi area of the capital city,
boasting 320 rooms, a modern convention centre, five dining
options, a health club with a 24-hour fitness centre, a highend shopping mall and luxury apartments.
Henry Lee, chief operations officer, Greater China, Marriott International, pointed out, “Our close proximity to important landmarks, gorgeous settings and modern facilities
make the Taipei Marriott Hotel the ideal choice for business
travellers and vacationers who want a high-end experience
and easy access to commerce, culture and recreation.”
24 OCTOBER 2015
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWS
Aloft:
100th Hotel Opens
A
loft Hotels has reached its 100th
hotel milestone with the opening
of Aloft College Station in Texas.
Currently operating in 16 countries
across the globe, the company has experienced vast growth since it emerged
in 2008. With recent openings across the
US and Germany along with eight more
properties set to launch by the end of this
year, the brand continues to expand in
key markets.
Brian McGuinness, global brand leader, specialty select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, noted, “When
we think about development, we look for
places where today’s – and tomorrow’s –
travellers not only want to be, but need
to be.”
24 OCTOBER 2015
Tribute Portfolio
Launches in California
T
ribute Portfolio, the newest collection of independent hotels
by Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, will be debuting on the US
West Coast in November with the addition of Riviera Palm Springs in California.
Located in Palm Springs, the resort
features 398 rooms, vast indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, fitness
and business centre, three outdoor pools
and a spa with 18 treatment rooms.
Ahead of its unveiling as Riviera
Palm Springs, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, the property will undergo a multimillion dollar upgrade, that will include
the addition of a new pool bar, wedding
pavilion and enhanced lobby.
Troon’s Kiva Dunes
Golf Course Returns
I
n celebration of its 20th anniversary, Kiva Dunes Golf and
Beach Resort in Alabama has
undergone a USD3.5 million enhancement.
The project included renovations to the 18-hole championship
golf course and the addition of a
new pool amenity overlooking the
Gulf of Mexico. The main aim was
to further improve the playability
of the course for the average golf
enthusiast, while also maintaining
the challenges and shot-values
enjoyed by more experienced aficionados.
The destination is managed by
Honours Golf, a division of Troon.
17
RENDEZVOUS
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has the
popularity of golf grown at your club
and in the region in general over the
past years?
RAY STOPFORTH: Muscat Hills Golf &
Country Club is known as the members
club in Muscat, Oman. This is where a
full schedule of activity happens for our
members every weekend, be it through
corporate days or members competitions, there is a real positive and competitive vibe amongst the members.
Since opening all 18 holes in 2010 and
the establishment of our membership
in the same year, we have seen loyal
members remain at the club and the
membership numbers grow year-onyear which is positive in general for golf
in the Sultanate. Golf rounds at Muscat
Hills have grown 22 percent from 2013
to 2014 figures and this year is looking very positive for further growth
with the best months of the year still to
come. We attribute the rise in popular-
Q & A with
Ray Stopforth
DIRECTOR OF GOLF, MUSCAT HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
“
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How has
Oman managed to transform into a
key golfing destination?
RAY STOPFORTH: Arguably, golf is a
popular recreational activity for some
and a competitive sport for others all
over the world. In Oman, golf started
by an enthusiastic group of people, notably the late H.H. Sayyid Kais bin Tariq
Al Said along with many of his Omani
and expatriate friends who are still playing this great game today only now on
green golf courses. It was the vision of
the late H.H. Sayyid Kais bin Tariq Al Said
to have a green golf course in Oman,
hence the construction of Muscat Hills,
the first of its kind in the country.
Since its opening in early 2010, there
18
“
OMAN HAS
BECOME A GOLFING
DESTINATION
NOT ONLY TO THE
SURROUNDING MENA
COUNTRIES BUT
ALSO TO EUROPE
channels, Oman has become a golfing
destination not only to the surrounding MENA countries but also to Europe
and Eastern Europe. Focussing on tourism is a priority and gratitude must go
to the sponsor of the Challenge Event
the National Bank of Oman who have
done wonders in bringing this event to
the Sultanate and making the rest of the
world aware of it.
GOLF IS
A POPULAR
RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITY FOR SOME
AND A COMPETITIVE
SPORT FOR OTHERS
ity to personal and friendly service by
management and staff and a happy and
healthy club environment.
has been three other green courses constructed, adding to the popularity of the
game and the enthusiasm among the
people playing golf in Oman. With this in
mind, through creative marketing, with
the Ministry of Tourism and other media
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: How do you
think the prestigious sporting events
and high-profile guests will help further improve the Middle East’s perception as an attractive tourist and
investment destination?
WITH A KEEN FOCUS ON ECONOMIC
DIVERSIFICATION, SPORTS TOURISM
CONTINUES TO PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE
REGION’S STRATEGY WITH GOLF IN OMAN
BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR, AS RAY
STOPFORTH, DIRECTOR OF GOLF, MUSCAT
HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, EXPLAINS.
RAY STOPFORTH: International sporting events attract attention from all
over the world. [It] is a platform for the
media and general public to observe
and give their opinion, while at the
same time promote the country. There
are many examples that prove this theory and it is how we handle ourselves
as professionals is what determines the
success of the event. I am a firm believer
that Oman has so much potential and
all the right ingredients to be a world
sporting destination in whatever sport
chosen as we have the expertise at our
disposal locally and internationally to
host such events at the highest levels.
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY: What are the
benefits (and challenges) of the regional sports tourism sector?
Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club
RAY STOPFORTH: Sport in all sectors
brings nations together in a competitive yet peaceful way and let so continue forever.
24 OCTOBER 2015
WHO'S MOVED
NEERJA
BHATIA
JAY
PENNO
Neerja Bhatia has been appointed vice president for
India and the Indian subcontinent at Etihad Airways.
Bhatia started working for
the airline in 2004 as a sales
manager in western India.
She then progressed to become manager for western
and southern India, before
being promoted to the role
of general manager for India
in 2007.
Over the past 11 years, she
has played a key role in Etihad Airways’ growth in the
country and has gained a
wealth of experience and expertise which will be crucial
to the continued alignment
of the company’s activities
with its strategic partner Jet
Airways.
NAVEED
MOHAMMED
Naveed Mohammed is now
part of Rocco Forte Hotels’ Middle Eastern executive team as
assistant director of global sales
for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Based in Riyadh, Mohammed will aim to contribute
creatively towards the company’s organisational growth
through the implementation
of his analytical skills, consumer insights, and pursuit of
business opportunities.
He has valuable expertise in
sales, development, and team
management, having honed
his career with leading brands
in the hospitality industry
in the region. Having lived
in Saudi Arabia for the past
eight years, Mohammed has
developed excellent relationship with key contacts.
Jay Penno has been named
general manager at BEST
WESTERN Patong Beach.
A 20-year veteran of the
industry, Penno brings a
wealth of experience to the
Thai property. His career has
taken him to some of Australia’s leading hotel and resort
brands, including Hayman Island Resort in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as Hyatt and
Rydges-branded establishments in Queensland.
Most recently he served as
executive assistant manager and food and beverage
manager at Daydream Island
Resort & Spa in Whitsunday Islands. Prior to that, he
worked as regional general
manager for Coral Sea Hotels
in Lae, Papua New Guinea
where he spent four years
managing two hotels.
Penno brings a wealth
of experience to the
Thai property
24 OCTOBER 2015
19
WEEKLY NEWS TECHNOLOGY
GDSs Boost Hotel Bookings
Travel agents are reporting a record use of global distribution systems
(GDS) to make hotel reservations, according to a study conducted by
TravelClick and Phoenix Marketing International.
M
ore than 900 professionals from 48 countries, who benefit from
the technology of Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, responded to
the survey with half of them claiming that they now rely on GDSs,
moreso than in the past two years. Over a quarter of them use GDS shopping displays more often, while nearly two-thirds said they are aware of the
promotional text messages.
As John Hach, senior industry analyst, TravelClick, noted, this year is
likely to be a record year for GDS hotel bookings.
Sabre TripCase to Send
One Billion Messages
Report Underlines Airline
Financial Management
T
S
abre predicts that its customers, including airlines, hotels and travel management companies, will send more than
one billion targeted messages to travellers
this year through the TripCase open messaging platform.
By accessing the tool, travel agencies and
suppliers can build brand loyalty with on-thego customers, merchandise services and provide better service beyond the booking. The
instrument allows partners to target travellers with the right message at the right time
by segmenting more than 200 different variables, including itinerary elements, location
and time. This capability allows for agent and
supplier brand building and unique services
to consumers.
20
he airline industry faces a number of
challenges when it comes to financial management, including revenue
leakage, complex income streams, and tax
reporting and compliance across multiple
markets. Coupled with an often-traditional
approach to financial processes, according
to Amadeus, it is clear that financial management remains an area for innovation.
Against this backdrop, Streamlining
Airline Financial Processes, a new report
commissioned by Amadeus, highlights a
window of opportunity for airlines to boost
their top- and bottom-line by integrating
financial processes, increasing automation
and exploiting predictive analytics.
Travelport
and AXESS
Adress Agency
Desktop
T
ravelport and Japanese
global distribution system, AXESS International
Network are on schedule to roll
out a new agency desktop in
Japan.
The upgraded product,
which will be powered by Travelport Smartpoint, will be available
exclusively to AXESS-connected
travel agents and will be known
as AXESS CREA Advance, replacing the current CREA desktop.
The two companies have also
partnered to launch a new business travel management solution, powered by Locomote technology, to meet the needs of the
Japanese business traveller.
According to Mark Meehan,
president, Asia Pacific, Travelport,
the cooperation opens the pathways for further opportunities in
the future.
24 OCTOBER 2015
AGENT CORNER
Agent’s Insight
NAME:
Reno Augellone
POSITION:
Managing director
COMPANY:
Vacanza Destinations
LOCATION:
Canada
WEBSITE:
www.vacanzaitaly.com
Seychelles Exposed to Travel
Agents
Seychelles
When and how did you get involved in the tourism industry?
I have been involved in the travel industry for over 15 years, specialising in tours
and travel plans for destinations in Italy.
What are the most important attributes of a good travel agent/tour operator?
One of the attributes is to think outside the box and obtain results from places or
services as if you were the traveller. Try to find [the clients’] needs and desires and
invent the best plan possible in line with their budget.
What is the most frequently asked question that your company receives from
customers?
“How can you plan our dream vacation or help us?”
What are the must-visits and must-dos in Italy that noone should miss?
While in Italy, a visitor should take in the history, art and cultural life the country
has to offer.
Rome, Florence and Milan are the common destinations and should be incorporated in some fashion. However, the natural beauty and food experience is
unmatched. For example, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, great spots for natural
beauty and natural settings; but savouring the food that the land offers is an unforgettable experience.
Which destination is on your bucket list?
Visiting the ruins and volcanoes of Sicily.
24 OCTOBER 2015
S
eychelles Tourism Office Middle East and
Destinations of the World (DOTW) strengthened ties with a recently concluded familiarisation trip for top DOTW travel agents to Seychelles
from key areas of the UAE.
The excursion was the first joint project of the
two companies opening doors to build demand
from the market to the destination. As one of the vital cogs in the travel industry, it exposed professionals to different ways of how to buoy up interest for
the Indian Ocean country through various activities
and site inspections. The event allowed the participants to familiarise themselves with the location in
a bid to better sell it to their clients.
21
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Youth Represents Quarter of
Global Arrivals
Young and student travellers aged between 15 – 29 account for 23 percent of
all international arrivals worldwide according to estimates by the World Youth,
Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation and the World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO).
A
s Taleb Rifai, secretary general,
UNWTO, pinpointed, over time,
the proportion of youth travellers has not only increased,
but also diversified due to the
growing volumes from emerging economies.
“This is very good news as young travellers tend to look for lesser known destinations and be more resilient in moments of
crises,” highlighted Rifai.
According to David Chapman, director
general, WYSE Travel Confederation, these
globetrotters are pursuing knowledge and
skill-building activities through travel.
Emaar Hosts Senior Citizens
Marriott Brings
Renaissance to
Shengze
M
arriott International
celebrated the opening of Renaissance
Suzhou Wujiang Hotel in the
ancient city of Shengze, a major stop along the ancient Silk
Road, nowadays known for its
modern and thriving economy.
Alex Tse Kam Chiu, general
manager, Renaissance Suzhou
Wujiang Hotel, noted, “The
area has great potential for further growth as a tourism destination and commercial centre."
The property houses 296
rooms and suites, half of which
offer lake views and also has
four Club Floors with access to
the Club Lounge, three restaurants, a bar, fitness centre and
3,800m2 of meeting and event
space.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan Joins
Humanitarian Mission
E
maar Community Management (EMC) organised a
tour to At the Top, Burj Khalifa for 27 members of the
Golden Age Group, consisting of elderly residents of
Emaar Properties’ The Greens and The Views communities.
The aim is to engage senior citizens through events,
outings and discussions. It has a dedicated office in The
Greens and The Views, and a special budget has been allocated from the community service fee funds to maintain
their office.
ECM also made provisions for a priority counter at the
community supermarket and special discounts at the area’s
pharmacy.
The hotel’s heads of department with the children
K
Participants of the tour
22
halidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana paid a visit to a Zayed Higher
Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs centre in
Abu Dhabi.
The hotel’s heads of department showed their support to children
with special needs and learned more about their life, the organisation’s
services, treatments and entertainment.
Mark Timbrell, general manager, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, said, “It was a great pleasure to spend time with the children and
make them forget, for a moment, their difficulties.”
24 OCTOBER 2015
PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot!
Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues
know what you have been up to.
Send your photos to [email protected]
Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Announcement ceremony of ADIB Rotana
Rewards Exclusive Card
An Ajman government delegation visited the city of Parma in Italy
Participants of Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Leadership
Program visited Ajman Museum
24 OCTOBER 2015
Babylon Warwick Hotel celebrated its first year
anniversary with a special cake
Emirates’ Official Store unveiled a new apparel,
home and travel collection in collaboration with
Dubai-based British artist, Hatty Pedder
Children from the Disabled Children Association King
Abdullah Center entertained at Red Sea Mall
23
WEEKLY
NEWS
& EVENTS
NEWS XX
European Trips on
the Rise
C
ity trips in Europe and those taken internationally by Europeans
have been among the top booming tourism segments in the last decade,
according to results from the World Travel
Monitor from IPK International, commission by ITB Berlin.
Europeans took nearly 70 million
urban treks to international locations
in 2014, surging 60 percent over 2007
which indicates that this sector has developed twice as fast as the total market
for foreign holidays.
The hike of short trips and the rise of
popularity of all seasons attribute to the
advancement of this trend.
EVENTS
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
London, UK
November 02 – 05
www.wtmlondon.com
Now in its 36th year, the event
generates more than USD3.9
billion in travel industry
contracts.
IBTM WORLD
Barcelona, Spain
November 17 – 19
www.ibtmworld.com
A leading global event for the
MICE and business travel industry,
which gathers over 15,500
professionals of the sector.
Dubai to Host Retail
Congress
M
ajid Al Futtaim Holding has
been named as the official
partner of World Retail Congress 2016.
The 10th edition of the event, to be
held in Dubai marks the first hosted presence in the Middle East which will create
a platform for retail leaders across the
region to join and share views and showcase the potential of the sector.
SAUDI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
TECH EXHIBITION
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 30 – December 02
www.saudihoteltechexpo.com
A show aimed at bringing
together the latest hotel
equipments, security procedures,
interior and exterior providers
and information technologists to
empower the advancement of
hotel technology.
4TH GLOBAL SUMMIT ON CITY
TOURISM
Marrakech, Morocco
December 14 – 15
www.unwto.org
International experts in city
tourism, representatives of
local authorities, municipalities
and international and regional
associations will discuss
challenges and create a platform
for the exchange of ideas.
24
24 OCTOBER 2015