Hotel Performance Cruising Technology Photo Album

10 JANUARY 2016 ISSUE 29
10 SHORT BREAK
12
DUBLIN
GATWICK SETS NEW MILESTONE
14
03 Hotel
Performance
04 Cruising
ACCORHOTELS BUYS
29 EUROPEAN PROPERTIES
19 Technology
23 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
AEGEAN SURGES
AHEAD
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Kammitsi
[email protected]
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Maria Kazeli
SENIOR JOURNALIST
Rita Kasziba
JOURNALIST
Pauline Shahabian
CONTRIBUTOR
Ana Mladenovic
PRESS
Maria Demetriadou
Inna Armeanu
AEGEAN Airlines’ results for the first nine months of 2015 revealed that
consolidated revenue climbed eight percent year-on-year to reach EUR792.2
million, while net earnings after tax increased four percent to EUR81.9 million.
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Elena Stylianou
WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Savvas Kammitsis
DIRECTORS
Andreas Constantinides
Mary Kammitsi
T
otal number of passengers carried rose 17 percent to 9.2 million as the company invested in more capacity, boosted frequencies and added new destinations.
Dimitris Gerogiannis, managing director, AEGEAN Airlines, commented, “The third
and most important quarter of [2015] started with unique challenges given the imposition of capital controls which led to a loss in net bookings. Nevertheless, we executed the delivery of three new aircraft […] while net bookings gradually recovered and we have eventually
managed to bring results from our investments in new fleet, network expansion and services.”
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EXCHANGE RATES
as of
8.1.2016
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1EUR=
US (USD)
Dollar
1.08
UK (GBP)
Pound
0.74
Switzerland (CHF) Franc
1.08
Japan (JPY)
128.64
2
Yen
Austrian Airlines carried over 785,500 travellers in November 2015,
corresponding to a 1.9 percent year-on-year increase, despite a 1.5 percent
reduction of available seat kilometres.
R
evenue passenger kilometres rose one percent and load factor stood at 75 percent, an
improvement of 1.8 percent.
During the period between January – November 2015, the airline transported
more than 10.1 million travellers, indicating a 2.9 percent year-on-year drop which
is in line with the company’s expectations. The decline reflects the targeted management of
capacities in European flight traffic which decreased during the course of the year as a result of
weak business in Eastern Europe.
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
NEWS HOTEL PERFORMANCE
With an average occupancy
of 71 percent throughout the
European Union at the end
of the first three quarters of
2015, hotel chains gained
two points over the same
period in 2014.
Based on data compiled by
European Cities Marketing
and MKG, performances on
the continent showed an
increase thanks to a 3.5
percent improvement in
average daily rate (ADR)
and a 6.4 percent surge in
RevPAR.
UK Cities Shine
U
K destinations continued to keep the lead in terms of
occupancy rates with 84.4 percent for London, while
Edinburgh was still in second position. However, from
the beginning of 2015, RevPAR for these two cities followed a
negative trend due to respective decreases in ADR of 4.5 percent and 4.6 percent.
In Germany, only Düsseldorf and Nuremberg recorded a
downtrend in RevPAR. On the other hand, with solid business
tourism, Stuttgart, Cologne and Berlin all saw their RevPAR surge.
In France, only Paris was on a slight downturn, while Benelux states stayed on the right track, with a significant number
of political events and meetings.
Scandinavia and Eastern
Europe Remain Strong
Southern Europe Excels
T
he hospitality industry of San Sebastian, Seville,
Zaragoza and Bilbao, all in the top 10 of RevPAR
growth, had a positive year. Madrid and Malaga followed this trend too, with double-digit RevPAR rise of 11.8
percent and 12.1 percent, respectively.
Meanwhile, thanks to EXPO Milano, the city of Milan expects to welcome over 20 million visitors. For the moment,
the destination experienced the strongest growth in RevPAR
in Europe and other Italian cities witnessed encouraging results, especially Venice and Turin; in Rome however, RevPAR
plummeted 7.5 percent.
10 JANUARY 2016
Stockholm
I
n Scandinavia, all cities were on an upward trajectory with
only Copenhagen and Helsinki showing a relative stabilisation in RevPAR. Oslo and Stockholm recorded a combined
increase in occupancy rate and ADR.
In Eastern Europe, international events improved results;
Warsaw witnessed a 9.5 percent improvement in RevPAR, since
the beginning of 2015. The most impressive growth in this metric was reported from Budapest in this area at 12.5 percent,
while Prague’s results remained stable.
3
NEWS CRUISING
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
River Cruising to Gain
Prominence
GfK, Accord and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) jointly released
Future Opportunities of River Cruising at CLIA’s River Cruise Convention 2015, highlighting the
industry’s promising future.
U
niting their knowledge of the sector, the entities delivered insightful statistics on
the current perception of the segment and how this could change. The publication further elaborates on several key demographics for cruise companies to target in their sales and marketing activities.
Helen Roberts, consumer and retail industry lead, GfK, noted, “Currently, [river cruising] is a small share of the holiday market, but one that has the potential to attract a much
larger volume of travellers.”
Fred. Olsen
Unveils
Fly-cruises
F
red. Olsen Cruise Lines will offer guests five newly-released
exotic fly-cruises early this
year aboard its 804-guest ship Black
Watch.
The itineraries range between
19 – 41 nights and include the Caribbean and Central America, Australia
and the landscapes of Indonesia, India and Myanmar, among more.
Nathan Philpot, director of sales
and marketing, Fred. Olsen Cruise
Lines, noted, “With these very special exotic fly-cruises, there is something for every kind of Fred. Olsen
cruiser. We are pleased to be able
to offer our guests the most costeffective way to see some of these
very expensive and hard-to-reach
destinations around the world, particularly the Polynesia Islands, and
to give them experiences that will
last a lifetime.”
4
Blue Wave
Mission Initiated
in Turkey
R
epresentatives from The Travel Foundation, Chamber of Shipping, DenizTemiz
Turmepa and D-Marin launched the
Blue Wave project in Fethiye, Turkey.
As the increasing popularity of marine
tourism puts pressure on the associated environment, the aim of the initiative is to raise
awareness and understanding of threats, improve best practice standards in the country’s
Fethiye-Gocek Special Environmental Protection Area and build capacity to monitor the
effects marine tourism has in order to advance
management.
Fethiye
Jewel of the Seas
to Set Sail Upon
Makeover
R
oyal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas
will embark on its summer
Mediterranean season boasting a
new shine.
The vessel will receive a USD30
million (EUR27.75 million) complete makeover from bow to stern,
unveiling a fresh and contemporary style featuring new staterooms, dining options, entertainment, technology upgrades and
refreshed spa and retail areas.
Michael Bayley, president, Royal Caribbean International, commented, “When the rejuvenated
Jewel of the Seas arrives to Rome in
April, she will boast a perfect blend
of design, amenities, services and
technology that modern world
travellers expect, while immersing
them in some of the most soughtafter-cities in the Mediterranean.”
10 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.
NEWS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
EU Airport Traffic Continues
to Grow
Passenger volumes across the European airport network grew 5.7 percent in October 2015, driven
by a 6.3 percent rise in European Union (EU) member states.
B
ased on data released by Airports Council International Europe, at non-EU hubs, the
increase was slightly lower at 3.7 percent.
Meanwhile, freight traffic at the continent’s airports rose 1.2 percent, and aircraft movements climbed 1.6 percent, reflecting additional airline capacity in the market.
Concerning some of the main hubs in Europe, traveller numbers jumped 13.5 percent
in Madrid and 7.9 percent at London’s Gatwick Airport.
UN Dedicates 2017 to
Sustainable Tourism
Taleb Rifai
T
6
he European Union (EU) has the opportunity
to capitalise on the potential of tourism to fuel
socio-economic development, stressed Taleb Rifai, secretary general, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), while addressing the Committee on Transport
and Tourism of the European Parliament in Brussels.
“I believe that we have many reasons to be optimistic about the future of the tourism sector in Europe,
the most visited region in the world, and its capacity to
deliver economic growth and development,” Rifai said,
calling upon the EU to take the lead in three key areas in terms of tourism development: fight against climate change through sustainability-related initiatives;
entrepreneurship and business competitiveness; and
travel facilitation.
Global decision-makers at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development
UNWTO: Tourism Can
Drive EU Growth
T
he United Nations (UN) general assembly approved the adoption of
2017 as the International Year of
Sustainable Tourism for Development.
“The declaration by the UN of 2017
as the International Year of Sustainable
Tourism for Development is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of
the tourism sector to the three pillars of
sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the
true dimensions of a sector which is often
undervalued,” said Taleb Rifai, secretary
general, World Tourism Organization.
The decision follows world leaders’
recognition at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that well-designed
and well-managed tourism can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable
development, as well as job creation and
trade.
10 JANUARY 2016
NEWS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Britain: Record
Visitor
Numbers
Travelport and QAS
holidays Renew
Deal
nternational visits to Britain during
the first nine months of 2015 reached
an all-time high, according to UK’s Office for National Statistics.
Figures indicated 27.1 million arrivals, a three percent increase over the
corresponding period in 2014, achieving GBP16.5 billion (EUR23.4 billion) in
spending.
China in particular gave the European destination a boost, registering
90,000 arrivals in the first half of 2015,
signalling a 28 percent surge from the
same timeframe in 2014.
Patricia Yates, director, VisitBritain,
commented, ”The continued improvement across our most valuable visitor
markets including the US, France and
Germany, as well as growth markets
such as China […], is […] a great endorsement that our international campaigns and marketing are producing
results.”
ravelport extended its 20-year
relationship with Netherlandsbased QAS holidays.
As part of the agreement, the leisure tour operator, which specialises
in travel to Australia, New Zealand, the
Pacific and Africa, will continue to utilise
the technology provider’s platform to
access its extensive range of content, including fares and ancillaries from both
network and low-cost carriers.
Jaap Zwaanswijk, manager, QAS
holidays, commented, “Expanding our
cooperation with Travelport is an important part of our overall strategy to
maximise growth by utilising the company’s unrivalled content and technology solutions.”
Leeds
Slovenia
Slovenia to
Write
History
I
O
vernight stays in Slovenia are expected to have
exceeded the 10 million
mark for 2015, for the first time in
the country’s history.
Based on preliminary data from
the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, tourist arrivals in the
first 10 months of 2015 rose 11 percent year-on-year, while overnight
stays jumped 7.5 percent, driven by
an 11.8 percent growth in foreign
arrivals.
Tourism contributes more than
12 percent of the national GDP and
accounts for eight percent of the
destination’s total exports and 40
percent of service exports.
10 JANUARY 2016
T
7
NEWS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Brussels: 10 Million
Overnight Stays by 2020
Adjara Targets
Belarus
Brussels
T
he Belgian capital aims to reach the 10 million
mark in overnight stays by 2020, supported by
visit.brussels’ recently outlined comprehensive
strategy.
The tourism body, which includes all non-profit
organisations involved in the destination’s tourism industry, will pursue its affinity tactic with its plan boasting various innovations. In a bid to enhance Brussels’
appeal, new themes will be developed, such as theatre, diversity and geek culture, among others.
The scheme intends to place special emphasis on
tourism for all in order to position the city as an accessible destination for everyone.
Vilnius Hotel Guest
Numbers Up
Batumi
T
he number of Belarusian tourists in
Adjara rises every year, according to
Archil Khabadze, chairman, Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
At a meeting with Belarusian mass media
representatives in Batumi, Khabadze noted
that the destination expects to welcome an
increasing volume of travellers from the European country in the next few years.
Currently, Adjara receives some 500,000
visitors every year, 4,500 of which were from
Belarus in 2014, though this figure is forecasted to have grown to 6,000 by the end of 2015.
Adjara is keen on attracting Belarusian
tourism-related investments and is ready to
offer land plots to companies for the purpose
of building resorts to lure more travellers.
Britain Deemed Very
Receptive
A
8
T
Manchester
ccording to statistical data released
by Vilnius Tourist Information Centre, during the first nine months of
2015, accommodation establishments in
the Lithuanian capital welcomed a total of
753,387 guests, clocking over 1.4 million
nights.
The number of visitors and stays grew
six and 4.5 percent, respectively, over the
corresponding period in 2014.
Foreigners represented 83 percent of
all accommodated guests, most of whom
hailed from Belarus, Germany, Poland, Russia and Latvia.
Japan proved to be the largest growth
market, having surged 71.7 percent yearon-year, reaching 12,162 visitors.
During the period under study, room
occupancy stood at 65.8 percent and bed
occupancy at 50 percent.
he percentage of international visitors who said
they felt extremely welcome in Britain has more
than doubled in the last five years, according to
a new report by VisitBritain.
The findings, which are based on a survey of over
5,000 visitors as they departed the country in 2014, indicated that 42 percent felt tremendously welcome, a
notable surge from the 30 percent and 19 percent in
2012 and 2009, respectively.
Overall, 89 percent of surveyed travellers responded positively. Of those, 93 percent said they would also
be extremely or very likely to recommend visiting the
destination to family and friends.
10 JANUARY 2016
NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
VisitScotland
on a Mission to China
T
he national tourism organisation attended Destination Britain China to meet key buyers and also
took part in a three-day road show in Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai to showcase Scotland as a
must-visit location.
China is an important and growing market for the Scottish tourism sector. Edinburgh remains the second most popular UK destination after London, and in 2014, tourism spend by Chinese visitors rose from
GBP34 million (EUR48.4 million) to GBP62 million (EUR88.2 million).
Ireland
to Greet
8.2 Million
Travellers
T
ourism Ireland launched
the focus of this year’s
marketing plans to promote the country overseas.
The organisation aims to
surpass 2015’s record performance in overseas tourism and
to welcome 8.2 million visitors,
representing a four percent
growth and delivering EUR4.4
billion for the Irish economy.
Among the key themes to
underpin the promotional activity are the enhanced usage
of digital and social media,
international publicity programmes, collaboration with
Irish tourism enterprises and
trade partners overseas, targeting niche segments including golfers and incentive visitors, highlighting Dublin, and
more.
10 JANUARY 2016
Beijing
VisitScotland embarked on a business trip to China in a bid to further boost the country’s
increasing popularity with visitors from the Asian destination.
Luxembourg
Produces
New Tourist
Booklets
L
uxembourg’s
National
Tourist Office published
the latest editions of Sites
& Attractions, Hotels & Restaurants and Campings, Rental &
Youth Hostels.
Developed under the slogan Discover the unexpected
Luxembourg, the brochures
provide updated information
on the respective sectors within
the country. The editorial and
design concept is based on former instalments and highlights
the European destination.
Aiming at both travel professionals and the general
public, the timing of the publications, which are available in
German, Dutch, French as well
as English, coincides with several upcoming international
tourist fairs.
9
SHORT BREAK DUBLIN
FULL SPEED
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
PAULINE SHAHABIAN WRITES
Ahead
T
DUBLIN IN BRIEF
he year 2015 proved successful for Dublin’s tourism
industry, having welcomed 4.5 million visitors with
particularly strong growth in the leisure and business
sectors, according to Tourism Ireland.
Overseas arrivals surged nine percent year-on-year, with
significant development from most markets, including Great
Britain, Continental Europe and North America, with nine, 10
and 10 percent, respectively.
Promoting the capital forms part of Tourism Ireland’s main
initiatives of targeting travellers to the country. The tourism
body does this on various fronts, mirroring the city’s ability to
cater to guests with differentiated interests.
Among the organisation’s efforts is a campaign in Great
Britain, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Dublin – a Breath
of Fresh Air aims to reposition the destination as a destination
between the mountains and the sea; while it communicates its
vibrancy and breadth of experiences.
Furthermore, in a bid to attract luxury travellers, Dublin
also took centre stage as one of the tourism body’s key themes
highlighted at the International Luxury Travel Market 2015
held in Cannes.
Country: Ireland
LEVERAGING CULTURE
EFFORTLESSLY COMBINING A MYRIAD OF
OFFERINGS WHILST ENJOYING INCREASED
ARRIVALS, DUBLIN’S TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS
HAVE TAKEN STRIDES TO FURTHER ELEVATE
THE CITY’S STATUS AS A PROMINENT
EUROPEAN TOURIST DESTINATION.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: English, Irish
Population: 1.27 million
Calling Code: +353
Time Zone: GMT 0:00
“Dublin’s key success is in the eclectic mix of things to do; with
a rich heritage, culture, arts and history, vast scenic tourist
spots, yet with a focus on a busy social and nightlife with locals who are friendly by nature and have a great knowledge of
the city,” enthused Caitríona Ní Chonchúir, marketing manager,
Conrad Dublin, who identified the US, mainland Europe, the
UK and the local Irish market as high-level sources for the hotel.
Indeed, Tourism Ireland has immersed itself in leveraging
Dublin’s cultural attractions, with the culturally curious traveller being among the main target audiences.
As Finola O’Mahony, head, Europe, Tourism Ireland, noted,
Dublin is unique in the way it mixes wow-factor attractions
with a plethora of off-radar discoveries, all contributing to the
visitor’s overall cultural experience.
“In Dublin, you will move easily from vibrant city centre life
to the peaceful tranquillity of its charming coastal villages in
less then 30 minutes. You will sample art, culture and nightlife
in a bustling city that is easy to get around, before immersing
yourself in nature and heritage on its stunning outskirts [...],”
stated O’Mahony, highlighting Book of Kells at the Old Library
in Trinity College Dublin, Guinness Storehouse, The Little Museum of Dublin, Croke Park, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and
cruising across Dublin Bay, as just some of the endless entertainment the city offers.
VALUED BUSINESS
The business segment has been on the up and up in Dublin as
well, greatly assisting in its tourism growth.
As a primary convention venue in the area, The Convention
Centre Dublin (CCD) hosted 165 events in 2015, registering
over 275,000 delegate days.
“The CCD works closely with a number of tourism bodies
10
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
SHORT BREAK DUBLIN
to support and promote Dublin as the ideal event destination for business tourism.
The economic benefit to the local and national economy through the expenditure
of visitors, exhibitors and organisers is quite significant, and The CCD prides itself
on the positive impact it creates through hosting international conferences,” commented Adrienne Clarke, head of conference sales, The CCD.
According to Clarke, the site attracts immense interest for what it has to offer as a
European conference facility having already confirmed a host of high-profile events
as far out as 2021 across a number of sectors. These functions are forecast to attract in
excess of 100,000 delegates and generate around EUR130 million in revenues.
INDISPENSABLE PARTNER
In 2014...
Dublin Airport celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015, which proved to be a momentous year in its history, having broken passenger records with over 23.5 million
travellers.
According to Jon Woolf, senior vice president, aviation business development,
daa, Dublin Airport’s management company, traffic enlarged by more than three
million over 2014, to which Continental Europe contributed over half, travel between Dublin and the UK accounted for 35 percent, while long-haul traffic drove
the remaining increment.
Woolf further posited that the growth is due to a combination of 23 new routes,
both long- and short-haul, as well as significant additional capacity on existing services.
Dublin welcomed 4.1 million
overseas visitors
75%
67% stayed
in hotels
of overseas arrivals were
first-time Ireland travellers
TOP THREE ATTRACTIONS
IN DUBLIN IN 2014
1
Guinness Storehouse
(1.3 million visits)
2
Dublin Zoo
(1.1 million visits)
3
Book of Kells
(700,000 visits)
10 JANUARY 2016
One such case of enhanced frequency was
Lufthansa’s tripled capacity on its Dublin – Munich route during the winter schedule.
The itinerary increase was due to rising
demand for the service, suggested Christian
Schindler, regional director, UK, Ireland and Iceland, Lufthansa Group.
“Lufthansa’s Dublin – Munich flights started
as a seasonal summer-only service with three
flights a week in 2008. Since then, we have continued to significantly expand the service to
meet the demands of our Irish customers,” he
added.
In an effort to facilitate continuing growth,
the airfield has set its sights on further development throughout this year, including persistent
route expansion, having already announced 11
new scheduled services, focussing on enhancing transatlantic connectivity, prioritising the
transformation of the airport into a transfer hub,
upgrading Terminal 1 and planning for a northern runway parallel to the existing main path.
“We must focus on continuing to provide
visitors with unique experiences and value
for money in order to ensure tourism growth
continues [this year] and beyond,” concluded
O’Mahony. 
11
NEWS AIRPORTS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Gatwick Sets New Milestone
Exceeding all expectations, London’s Gatwick Airport broke the 40 million annual passengers mark,
nine years earlier than originally estimated by the UK’s Airports Commission.
S
Gatwick Airport
tewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, enthused, “To reach 40 million passengers a year is a tremendous
achievement and sets a global benchmark for a single runway airport.”
He said that business has grown rapidly under new ownership and the benefits of competition are clear for
travellers – more choice, higher standards and lower fares.
In October 2015, the airport welcomed 3.6 million travellers, indicating a 7.8 percent year-on-year increase.
12
Heathrow to Welcome
IHG Hotels
H
eathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 will receive two
properties by InterContinental Hotels Group
(IHG) in 2018, to operate under a franchise
agreement with Arora Hotels.
Both the 300-room Crowne Plaza London –
Heathrow Terminal 4 and the 450-key Holiday Inn
Express London – Heathrow Terminal 4 will be connected to the airport with an air bridge.
Robert Shepherd, chief development officer, Europe, IHG, said, “Dual branded hotel developments
are attractive for hotel investors because of the significant cost savings and operating efficiencies; and
they give guests a choice of two great hotels in one
location depending on their needs.“
F
or the first time ever, Manchester Airport reached the 23
million passengers mark in 2015.
Most popular destinations, in descending order,
were Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam and Tenerife.
The hub is already preparing to welcome new routes over
the upcoming months, including Los Angeles, Boston and
Beijing.
Ken O’Toole, managing director, Manchester Airport, stated,
“Manchester Airport has never been busier and our continued
growth is testament to the role we play in connecting people
across the North to destinations in all four corners of the world.”
The 23 millionth passenger was easyJet customer
Lucy Chaplin.
Heathrow Airport
Patrick Alexander, head of marketing, Manchester
Airport; Lucy Chaplin; and Ali Gayward,
commercial manager, easyJet
Manchester Celebrates
23 Million Passengers
10 JANUARY 2016
NEWS AIRPORTS
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Heathrow Airport
Launches Photo Series
ArrivalGuides Supports
Milan Airport
I
I
Milan-Malpensa Airport
n a bid to boost traveller experience, Milan-Malpensa Airport recently joined ArrivalGuides’ global network of 340 travel
brands.
The Italian hub introduced high-quality
destination content into its digital platform
by making use of ArrivalGuides’ comprehensive library of information from more than
550 global locations.
Magnus Aideborn, CEO, ArrivalGuides,
commented, “We welcome Milano Airport
to our growing network of distribution partners who are using our robust and frequently updated library of destination content to
provide customers and travellers with useful
information about their next destination,
increasing brand loyalty, bookings and conversions.”
n light of the recent United Nations Climate
Change Conference in Paris, London’s Heathrow
Airport released an online series of animated images titled Then, Now, Future to reflect its 70-year
transformation and highlight its environmental
goals.
“Heathrow has so many great stories to tell of how
the airport has evolved to meet our environmental
challenges and improve passenger experience and
efficiency over many decades,” said Matt Gorman, director of sustainability and environment, Heathrow
Airport.
The series features historic photos dating back
to 1946, as well as current images and renderings of
its planned future look.
In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, the airport
invested GBP11 billion (EUR15.15 billion) in its infrastructure over the last 10 years.
Oulu Airport to Add
Hotel
10 JANUARY 2016
DID YOU KNOW...
Oulu Airport is the
second busiest
airport in Finland?
Heathrow Airport future look
Oulu Airport
F
inavia and Kiinteistö Oy
Oulunsalo signed a preliminary agreement to lease a
land for a hotel project at Oulu
Airport in Finland.
The accommodation establishment is set to expand the airport area’s range of services and
increase the appeal of the overall
Oulu region.
”We are currently selecting
the hotel operator,“ commented
Mikko Junttila, managing director, Kiinteistö Oy Oulunsalo.
Construction is expected to
begin this year with the completion date set for 2017 or 2018.
13
NEWS ACCOMMODATION
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
AccorHotels Buys
29 European Properties
AccorHotels' ibis budget concept
In a bid to further transform HotelInvest, AccorHotels purchased EUR284 million worth of asset
portfolios from three European investors: AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets, Invesco and
Deutsche AWM.
T
he transactions spann 29 hotels – 19 in France; four in Spain; two each in Germany and Italy; and one
each in the Netherlands and Austria. With a total of 3,677 rooms, the properties belong to the ibis budget, ibis, Novotel and Mercure brands.
"The transformation of HotelInvest is continuing at a fast pace, with close to EUR1 billion worth of real-estate transactions secured in 2015. We are on track with our roadmap and with the completion of our three-year
plan to significantly increase the group’s performance,” noted John Ozinga, chief operating officer, HotelInvest.
New Crowne Plaza
Announced for Novi Sad
Design Hotels
Expands Horizon
Alila Seminyak, Bali
14
I
nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
penned a deal with Plaza AGNS for
the new-built Crowne Plaza Novi
Sad in Serbia’s second largest city.
Scheduled to open this year, the
144-key property will be close to the
central business district and key attractions. It will feature extensive
business facilities, an all-day restaurant and a sky bar, as well as a rooftop
lounge, and a spa and fitness centre.
Hylko Veersteg, director of development, Southern Europe, IHG,
said, “The Crowne Plaza brand has
cemented its reputation as one of the
top business hotel brands globally so
we are thrilled to be establishing our
presence in yet another key city with
Plaza AGNS.”
Novi Sad
S
even new properties have joined Design Hotels’ roster of 296 member establishments.
The latest worldwide additions underscore
the company’s commitment to challenging hospitality norms with each bringing its own voice and philosophy, unified in authentic expressions of individuality.
The newcomers include Vila Monte Farm House,
Algarve, Portugal; Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast, Italy;
LA MAISON Hotel, Saarlouis, Germany; Elma Arts
Complex Luxury Hotel, Zichron Ya’akov, Israel; Alila
Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, Australia; and Casa Fayette, Guadalajara, Mexico.
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
NEWS ACCOMMODATION
East London Awaits
Hotel Indigo
T
Tower of London
he UK capital is to welcome a new hotel by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the 207-key Hotel Indigo London –
Aldgate in 2017.
The property will be close to Canary Wharf, the City of London and Liverpool Street, as well as to popular tourist
attractions, including Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, the Tower of London and Southbank.
Anna Corkill, director of development, UK and Ireland, IHG, said, “London is one of the most popular travel destinations in
the world and is therefore a key global city for everyone. With so many unique neighbourhoods, it is the perfect location for
the brand and this latest signing is very much in line with our growth plans for the city.”
AccorHotels Opens
Parisian Airport
Properties
A
ccorHotels unveiled two new projects
at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, namely Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport and
ibis Styles Roissy CDG Airport, each with 305
rooms.
The openings bring the company’s number
of rooms to 500,000.
Sophie Stabile, CEO, HotelServices France,
AccorHotels, stated, “AccorHotels is the leader
in France, where it operates 1,500 hotels, and is
planning to bolster its position in strategic spots
such as airports, where the group is already operating more than 10,000 rooms. In 2014, for example, we signed an agreement with Aéroports
de Paris to build three hotels in Paris-Orly airport,
the largest economic centre south of Paris.”
The company is planning to open more than
160,000 additional rooms worldwide by 2020.
Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport
10 JANUARY 2016
Meliá
Renovates
Madrid Hotel
H10 Hotels
Boasts Lanzarote
Destination
F
ollowing the renovation of Las
Palmeras Apartments on the
island of Lanzarote, with the intention of splitting the property into
two hotels, H10 Hotels unveiled the
new 200-key H10 Ocean Suites.
The suite-only property boasts
several bars and restaurants, as well
as landscaped gardens, two adult
and two children’s pools, a tennis
court and a multipurpose sports
court. All suites span 35m2 and have
a bedroom, lounge and a balcony or
terrace.
The second hotel, H10 Ocean
Dreams will feature 94 rooms and will
be dedicated to adults once it opens
later this year.
Playa Francesca, Lanzarote
S
hining the spotlight on the Spanish capital, Meliá Hotels International is renovating the historic Ambassador Hotel, and
plans to reopen it later this year as Gran Melia
Palacio de los Duques.
The 180-key property exudes the passion
for art of its former residents, Dukes of Granada
de Ega and Villahermosa, who were renowned
art collectors in the 19th century. Facilities include a central staircase, private lounge and 10
meeting rooms, plus RedLevel Service – a hotel
within a hotel experience, a wellness hub and
several dining options.
Gabriel Escarrer, chairman, Meliá Hotels
International, stated that the company is committed to helping Madrid become a destination
of choice, a title that it deserves with its unique
hospitality products.
Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques patio rendering
15
NEWS AIR
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
New UK Airline to Change
the Market
Start-up carrier, Firnas Airways is set to introduce an innovative concept to the aviation market by
offering world-class premium service at economy prices on unserved or underserved routes.
T
he management aims to raise some USD50 million (EUR46.4 million) to buy or lease three aircraft to commence operations with plans to expand the company’s fleet to at least 10 planes by 2020.
The focus will be on flights to high-demand destinations, such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran, West
Africa and Saudi Arabia from the US, Canada and Europe via a UK hub, for which the full-service airline is already in
talks in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Brussels Airlines
Launches Nuremberg
bmi regional and Brussels
Airlines Deepen Links
b
Nuremberg
E
16
ffective from February 15, Brussels Airlines will operate six flights a week between the Belgian capital and Nuremberg. Bavaria’s second largest city will be
added to the carrier’s German network
following the recent launch of services to
Bremen.
“The new route is very good news for the
large number of businessmen, European Union officials and lobbyists who so far could
not travel between Nuremberg and the European capital,” commented Lars Redeligx, chief
commercial officer, Brussels Airlines.
DID YOU KNOW...
Strasbourg is the
official seat
of the European
Parliament?
mi regional started operating
additional flights for Brussels
Airlines between the Belgian
capital and Strasbourg, timing them
so as to connect with its East Midlands – Brussels service, which is now
a full codeshare operation by the two
carriers.
In addition, the UK airline plans to
link the Belgian city to Nuremberg as
of February.
“Always listening to our customers, this new agreement has also facilitated a change in schedules resulting
in flight times between East Midlands
and Brussels, optimised for business
requirements in both markets,” said
Jochen Schnadt, chief commercial officer, bmi regional.
10 JANUARY 2016
NEWS AIR
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
British Airways to Operate
Dreamliner to Jeddah
B
ritish Airways’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with a new first-class cabin, will start flying to Jeddah from July.
The European carrier also confirmed that as of the same month, a Dreamliner will also be deployed on the Dubai route.
Paolo De Renzis, head of sales, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, British Airways, commented, “We launched our first 787-9
Dreamliner to the Middle East on the Abu Dhabi and Muscat routes [in November 2015], and already we are receiving great feedback from
our customers. The new first generation cabin is particularly popular with our customers who are looking for that bit of extra luxury when
flying, which is complemented by our quintessentially British service.”
Wizz Anticipates
Enhancements
W
Skopje
izz Air expanded its low-fare route network from Skopje with three new services.
The carrier will connect the capital with Berlin Schönefeld Airport from March 21, while
the routes to Copenhagen and Bratislava will commence on March 22 and 28, respectively. All
itineraries will operate twice a week.
Meanwhile, the airline is also gearing up to launch its 23rd base on July 1, in Iasi with a new Airbus A320
being stationed there, making the destination Wizz Air’s sixth Romanian airport with base operations.
airBaltic Receives Bombardier
CSeries Display
a
irBaltic recently welcomed a Bombardier CSeries aircraft to Riga as part of CS100 demo tour to Northern Europe.
Martin Gauss, CEO, airBaltic, said, “Bombardier CSeries will be the backbone of our jet fleet beyond [this year]. We are thrilled to
have this CS100 in Riga for display.”
The carrier will be the first customer to operate the CS300 aircraft when it takes delivery of it in the second half of this year. It has 13 of
these planes on order and retains options for seven CS300s.
Fred Cromer, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, enthused, “airBaltic’s modern Bombardier fleet is an expression of its innovative strategy to provide state-of-the-art travel experiences to its passengers, and we wish the airline much success in the future.”
10 JANUARY 2016
17
NEWS AIR
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Copenhagen Welcomes
Emirates A380
Finnair Recognised for
Climate Change Efforts
E
mirates expanded its network of destinations served by its
Airbus A380 fleet with the launch of the first A380 service
to Copenhagen.
Denmark’s capital is the first Scandinavian city to welcome this
kind of aircraft and the 36th in the UAE-based airline’s operations.
Emirates will fly daily between Dubai and Copenhagen,
which is also the carrier’s first route to be operated with an A380
in a two-class configuration, with a capacity of 615 passengers in
each direction.
F
Blue Air Receives IOSA
Certification
H
aving successfully undergone the International Air Transport Authority’s operational safety
audit (IOSA), Blue air is now IOSA registered.
The programme is a globally recognised evaluation system created to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines.
As Gheorghe Racaru, general manager, Blue Air,
explained, the audit, which involved some 900 standards and recommended practices, was a long and rewarding process that resulted in increased safety and
operation alignment within the organisation.
18
Aigle Azur Connects Paris
with Faro
F
rench carrier, Aigle Azur
opened a new permanent
route between Paris-Orly
Airport and Faro.
The service had been seasonal since 2008, and will now be
offered year-round with twiceweekly flights on Thursdays and
Sundays.
The airline had already increased capacity between the
French capital and Lisbon, raising the number of weekly frequencies from seven to 12. It
also flies to Porto and Madeira’s
largest city, Funchal.
Faro
Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, west,
Emirates (left) and Troels Lund Poulse, business and growth minister, Denmark (centre)
innair is one of the leading Nordic corporations to disclose climate change-related information to investors
and the global marketplace, according to CDP Worldwide, the international non-profit organisation driving sustainable economies.
The carrier was listed in the Nordic Disclosure Leadership
Index, which comprises companies that have scored within
the top 10 percent in the region.
“This recognition from CDP validates our efforts and ability to measure and disclose information related to climate
change,” enthused Pekka Vauramo, CEO, Finnair, stressing
that aviation is an energy-intensive industry, thus, it is important to understand the impact Finnair as an airline has on
climate change to be able to take well-planned steps towards
more sustainable aviation operations.
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
NEWS TECHNOLOGY
Travelport Teams Up with Eurostar
Travelport launched Travelport Seat Map App for 9F, a new option for booking
Eurostar International seats.
A
s the rail company prepares to unveil a new state-of-the-art fleet between London, Paris and Brussels, the technology provider has upgraded its tool in order to make booking quicker and easier for UK travel agents.
The feature enables professionals to easily determine what services are available on which type of train. Users are presented with an interactive, colour-coded map displaying layout, including the seating plan for each coach within the relevant class
of service booked.
Nigel Richardson, GDS distribution systems manager, Eurostar International, noted, “In collaboration with Travelport, we have
been able to improve the way we present our services to customers [...].”
Amadeus Partners with Airport
Express Providers
prizeotel Allies with
ASSA ABLOY
10 JANUARY 2016
Heathrow Express train
erman-based prizeotel has chosen ASSA ABLOY
Hospitality to enhance security and convenience by
implementing Mobile Access at its three hotels in
Bremen, Hamburg and Hannover.
The tool allows guests to use their own smart devices as
digital room keys.
Marco Nussbaum, CEO, prizeotel, noted, “ASSA ABLOY
Hospitality’s Mobile Access has greatly enhanced our ability
to offer state-of-the-art security and services at our hotels. [...]
Guests are able to receive a convenience-enhancing experience from the very moment that they begin to interact with
one of our properties.”
Hamburg
G
A
new airport express module has been embedded in Amadeus Selling Platform allowing
travel agencies to easily add an airport express
train ticket to a traveller’s flight or hotel room at the
moment of booking, bringing the door-to-door experience one step closer to reality.
Heathrow Express is the first to implement the service in the UK, France, Germany, Scandinavia and Russia, with the global roll-out expected later this year.
Fraser Brown, director, Heathrow Express, noted,
“Using the Amadeus system helps us reach a large,
worldwide customer base.”
19
TRAVEL TALK
SECRETARY
GENERAL,
WORLD TOURISM
ORGANIZATION
“Security should and is a priority to us all; yet, despite current challenges, Europe can
and should continue to lead
the way in travel facilitation,
particularly from the growing
markets of China, Brazil and
many others in Asia, Latin
America and Eastern Europe.
It makes no sense to invest
millions in promoting Europe
as a number one destination
to the world, if then Europe’s
doors to the world are closed.”
GLOBAL BRAND
LEADER, LE MÉRIDIEN
AND WESTIN HOTELS &
RESORTS, STARWOOD
HOTELS & RESORTS
WORLDWIDE
BRIAN POVINELLI
TALEB RIFAI
Europe can and
should continue to
lead the way
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
MAJA PAK
FRITZ JOUSSEN
CEO, TUI GROUP
“More than two-thirds of our
guests look at family programming when making
hotel booking decisions, and
increasingly, they value educational and cultural activities
that promote outdoor play.
The goal of our partnerships
is to foster togetherness and
broaden a child’s perspective
of the world. Whether unlocking a destination with Le
Méridien or connecting with
nature at Westin, we hope to
strengthen bonds and create
memories among families
and our youngest guests that
are sure to last.”
2015 [was] the year of
a new record
We are headed in the
right direction
“With the support of our
76,000 employees in 130
countries, we implemented
our post-merger integration
and delivered growth despite
various geopolitical challenges. We have delivered on
our promises, outperforming
our ambitious targets. Our
integrated business model
and the new structures have
strengthened our group and
accelerated growth. We are
headed in the right direction.
I am confident that we will
continue to deliver sustainable profitable growth for our
group.”
We hope to
strengthen bonds
ACTING
DIRECTOR,
SLOVENIAN
TOURIST BOARD
“2015 [was] the year of a new
record: we will exceed 10 million overnight stays for the
first time. The 12 percent increase in the arrival of foreign
guests in Slovenia significantly exceeds the numbers
recorded by European tourism in general. [The year’s] realisation of the most intense
promotional campaign in the
history of Slovenian tourism –
involving communication between digital and classic media marketing – and which
was financed by European
Union funds, undoubtedly
contributed to the positive
results.”
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]
20
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
TRAVEL CHANNELS
AVIATION SAFETY TAKES
CENTRE STAGE
ACCORHOTELS
SUPPORTS
ENERGY OBSERVER
I
n a bid to facilitate energy transition, AccorHotels
partnered with Energy Observer, an experimental
multi-energy research catamaran developed by
two skippers and the French Alternative Energies
and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
Energy Observer is currently being built in Saint
Malo, an energy-sufficient boat intended as an openair laboratory. It will sail around the world to 50 countries, with 101 stopovers during 2,000 days carrying
technicians of HotelInvest, AccorHotels’ property asset
management business, CEA tech scientists, renewable
energy specialists and the skippers.
Sébastien Bazin, chairman, AccorHotels, explained,
“Our partnership with Energy Observer reflects our desire, as a sustainable hotel constructor and operator, to
stimulate a long-term virtuous approach.”
A
ir travel safety issues are a common concern that need to be addressed by all stakeholders, emphasised Patrick Ky, executive director,
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) at the organisation’s meeting
with its international partners, authorities and other industry bodies.
“Aviation risks and safety issues know no borders, therefore, it is
important to strengthen and further develop our cooperation links with Asia and
other world regions,” stressed Ky.
In line with its endeavours, EASA recently signed a cooperation arrangement on
aviation safety with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
I
IBERIA AND AMADEUS JOIN
IN UNICEF SUPPORT
10 JANUARY 2016
beria, Amadeus and the Spanish Committee
of UNICEF renewed their agreement to collect
customer donations for the charity organisation’s 100% Vaccinated Children programme.
The movement strives to provide vaccinations against polio, measles and pertussis for kids
in high-risk countries such as Afghanistan, Angola,
Nigeria and Yemen.
The technology provider’s platform makes it
easy for the Spanish carrier’s clients to donate from
EUR3 – 20 with a single click when purchasing flight
tickets.
Thus far, over 87,000 contributions totalling
EUR500,000 have been collected under the collaboration.
21
RABIH SAAB has assumed
additional responsibilities at
Travelport as president for Europe, Africa, Middle East and
South Asia.
In Europe, a new territory for
the travel industry veteran,
he will be in charge of further
accelerating the company’s
growth.
Saab joined Travelport in 2005
and led the set-up of the technology expert’s new direct
operations for travel agents
across the Middle East. Prior to
that, he held senior executive
roles in a number of international organisations including
the French company, Chantelle, Japan Tobacco International and Procter & Gamble.
LORI CASSIDY has been
promoted to associate vice
president of global corporate,
incentive and charter sales at
Royal Caribbean International.
In her capacity, Cassidy will be
responsible for all sales, service,
and marketing efforts pertaining to global meeting, incentive
and full-ship charter business,
as well as the company’s loyalty
gift card and individual incentive certificate programmes.
Cassidy joined the cruise line
in 2008 as director of corporate incentive and charter
sales, and has since taken on
increased responsibility and
successfully grown the meeting, incentive and charter
sales channel.
NIAMH O’CONNELL
Mayr has been with the
hotel since 2013
Saab is now also in
charge of Europe
22
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
NIAMH O’CONNEL has been
appointed to the newly created position of group vice president of wellness development
at Rosewood Hotel Group.
In her role, O’Connell will lead
and supervise the strategic,
global development of spa,
wellness and recreational operations for the company’s
existing properties and new
projects.
O’Connell, who has 22 years of
spa industry experience with
hotel groups and independent spa brands, previously held
various senior positions with
Hyatt, including vice president
of spa, corporate director of
spa and area spa director for
the Greater China region.
In addition, she was also vice
president of operations in Asia
Pacific for ESPA International
and spa director of Steiner
Transocean.
ALBERT MAYR has been
named deputy director of
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof.
In his new role, Mayr will support general manager Moritz
Klein by taking on primary
responsibilities for the operational departments.
He joined Steigenberger Hotels in 2009 and has been
based at Frankfurter Hof, the
group's flagship property,
since 2013. In his previous
capacity as director of business development, he was in
charge of the hotel’s commercial management and made
major contributions towards
highly successful business
development.
LORI CASSIDY
RABIH SAAB
ALBERT MAYR
WHO’S MOVED
Cassidy has eight
years of experience
with the company
10 JANUARY 2016
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
Winter in full force at Berlin Airport
PHOTO ALBUM
Lion dancers at Helsinki Airport ahead
of Finnair's departure to Beijing
Eco-friendly parade with Aéroports de Paris
Take
a Shot!
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activities and let your colleagues know
what you have been up to.
The 10 millionth passenger at Budapest
Ferenc Liszt International Airport
It was all about the holidays in Budapest
10 JANUARY 2016
Send your photos to
[email protected]
Because a picture is worth a thousand
words...
Holiday spirit with Belavia staff
Jet2.com celebrated 10 years to Chambery
23
NEWS & EVENTS
EVENTS
FERIEN-MESSE WIEN
Vienna, Austria
January 14 – 17
www.ferien-messe.at
An international event and a
leading tourism trade fair for
holidays, travel and leisure.
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
IMEX FRANKFURT TO
INTRODUCE PCMA
I
n April, IMEX Frankfurt will host the debut edition of PCMA Business School Session, tailored to provide valuable insight to executives of both buyer and supplier companies.
The event will feature an interactive session titled The Outthinker Playbook – Devising Disruptive
Strategies, with Kaihan Krippendorff, renowned business strategist, consultant and best-selling author.
Deborah Sexton, president, PCMA, noted, “The goal of each PCMA Business School session is to challenge our participants to consider different perspectives that will ultimately enhance their business acumen.”
GERMANY TO ASSIGN
EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK DELEGATE
J
erome Simpson, member, European Secretariat, EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK, recently met representatives from German environment agency, UBA, the new coordinating organisation for the
campaign in Germany, in hopes of appointing a national coordinator in early February.
“This is a major step forward,” said Simpson at the meeting in Berlin. “Since 2011, Germany has been without a national coordinator, and the levels of participation have inevitably
plummeted. To have someone dedicated almost full-time to EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK is practically
unheard of.”
FITUR
Madrid, Spain
January 20 - 24
www.ifema.es
The show will host an extensive
programme of seminars and
gatherings, and a full agenda of
business-to-business forums.
THE ADVENTURE TRAVEL SHOW
London, UK
January 23 – 24
www.adventureshow.com
Inspiring itineraries and off the
beaten track experiences will take
centre stage at the programme.
TT WARSAW: STRONG
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
W
arsaw’s MT Polska Trade Fair and Congress Centre hosted the 23rd edition of the International Travel Show TT Warsaw, which gathered over 20 national organisations including those from Slovakia, Malta, Italy, Slovenia, Georgia, Montenegro, Palestine, India,
Mexico and Sri Lanka, among others.
More than 80 tour operators from across the world also took part in the event,
alongside Polish and foreign regions, towns, health resorts, spas, tourist attractions, carriers and other
industry members.
The event featured meetings, talks, conferences and workshops, enabling exhibitors to meet and
network with current business partners and find new ones, as well as to present their offer to the
customers.
MATKA FORECASTS
RECORD VISITORS
3RD ANNUAL AFRICA HOTEL
EXPANSION SUMMIT
Lagos, Nigeria
January 28 – 29
africa.hotelandresortsummit.com
For the third consecutive year,
Noppen is organising the
Africa Hotel Expansion Summit,
bringing together hotel chains,
developers and architects with
hospitality institutions.
24
T
he 30th instalment of Matka Nordic Travel Fair will gather travel buffs and professionals from
across the world between January 21 – 24 at Messukeskus Helsinki.
The event will kick off with a workshop on January 20, bringing travel industry buyers and
sellers together for pre-scheduled meetings. The number of anticipated participants has already exceeded 2015’s figures, which registered 5,700 meetings.
The following day will also be dedicated to registered professionals, whereas from January 22 – 24, the
doors will open to the general public.
10 JANUARY 2016