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Middle East and North Africa Edition

NOVEMBER 20, 2010 ISSUE 54 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

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THRIFTY OMANDecember and January are expected to bringan influx of post-summer tourists to Oman,according to Mehdi Jaffer, deputy managingdirector of Thrifty Car Rental Oman. Thriftyis boosting its fleet size by 10 percent inresponse to strong demand; the companyhas also ramped up its road side assistanceservices and opened a new outlet in Ruwi.

In This Issue

OCEAN SKYOcean Sky, an international private jetcompany based in the UK, has set up shopin the UAE, with a representative office inDubai. The new office will serve as a basefor the company’s expansion throughoutthe Middle East.

33UAE’sMonte CarloUAE’sMonte Carlo

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and InvestmentCompany (TDIC) has signed a deal with Monte-Carlo

SBM for a new beach club attraction on Saadiyat Island .Monte-Carlo SBM was established in Monaco nearly 150years ago and has since been responsible for a range of well

known hotels, clubs and restaurants.

W ithin the region, theUAE is a major spender,with consultants Frostand Sullivan indicatingthat UAE airport

security cost AED31.6 million (USD8.6million) in 2009; 23 percent of total MiddleEastern expenditure in the sector. The Middle Eastern market for videosurveillance equipment is also expected to growby 10 percent in 2010, according to IMS

Research. IMS added that the region isforecasted to grow strongly inCCTV and video surveillancetowards 2013. According to Ahmed Pauwels,CEO of Epoc Messe FrankfurtGmbH, airport security will be amajor focus area for the upcomingIntersec trade fair and conference,

set to be held in Dubai from January 16 to 18. “Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International airport,currently underway at Jebel Ali and alreadyopen for cargo flights, will eventually be theworld’s largest passenger terminal,” he said.“This will drive demand for the latest in fool-proof security systems, perimeter security andsurveillance gadgets.“The increase in the levels of internationalterrorism has also necessitated a hard look intothe current state of affairs in this sector bygovernments and security agencies as well as theprivate sector.”

NOVEMBER 20, 20102

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.69Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.75Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1501Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.70Syria (SYP) Pound 46.35Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.42Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.23Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,400Yemen (YER) Rial 214.75Algeria (DZD) Dinar 73.85Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.21

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 18/11/2010Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

EditorLaura Warne

Deputy EditorLouis Dillon Savage

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingMarianna TsiamasDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas ConstantinidesMary Kammitsi

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Middle Eastern Airport SecuritySpending to Top USD57mAccording to the recently released Middle East Airport Security Market AssessmentReport, airport security spending is set to hit AED212 million (USD57.7 million)by 2015.

The increase in the levelsof international terrorism

has also necessitated a hardlook into the current state

of affairs in this sector

Chinese Manufacturer to Challenge Global Air GiantsThe status quo of the global aerospace industry has been challenged, withChinese plans to enter large aircraft manufacturing taking a major step forward.China’s homegrown C919 narrow body passenger liner has taken its first ordersat the recent Zhuhai Airshow.The C919 is under development by the Commercial Aviation Corporation ofChina (COMAC) as a direct challenge to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 midrange models.The project is still in the design stage, with only a replica of the cabin and foresection on display at Zhuhai, but contracts have recently been reached for thedevelopment and supply of major components, including pilot controls, powergeneration and cooling systems.COMAC has announced orders totalling 100 of the jets, from Air China, ChinaEastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, CDB Leasing Company and GECapital Aviation Services. First deliveries are scheduled for 2016.

3NOVEMBER 20, 2010

The UAE’s Monte-Carlo to hit Saadiyat Island in 2011Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) has made a deal with Monte-CarloSBM for a new attraction on Saadiyat Island.

Monte Carlo BeachClub Saadiyat Islandis slated to open inMarch 2011, andwill include a private

beach, children’s area, fitness and recreationfacilities and a restaurant.According to Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC,Monte-Carlo SBM had been selected inrecognition of its established reputationfor luxury offerings.“TDIC is developing Saadiyat Island as anunrivalled destination for culture and acontemporary urban lifestyle, and theMonte-Carlo SBM brand complementsthese aspirations perfectly,” he said.

“Monte Carlo Beach Club Saadiyat Islandwill bring the history and style ofglamorous Monte-Carlo, with its richheritage of culture, sport and tourism, toSaadiyat as the island's unique reputationbuilds.”Monte-Carlo SBM was established inMonaco nearly 150 years ago and hassince been responsible for a range of wellreceived hotels, clubs and restaurants.Bernard Lambert, CEO of SBM (mothercompany to Monte-Carlo SBM), alsoemphasised an affinity between AbuDhabi and SBM’s base in Monaco. “TDIC's focus and passion in developinga social, cultural and tourist infrastructure

here in Abu Dhabi echoes SBM's owndevelopment of Monte Carlo almost 150years ago,” he said.

Saadiyat Island is the focus of Abu Dhabi’scultural developments, including anoutpost of the famous Louvre Museumslated for development.

Monte-Carlo Beach Club Saadiyat Island willbring the history and style

of glamorous Monte-Carlo to Saadiyat

NOVEMBER 20, 20104

British Hajj Group Calls For Greater Pilgrim ProtectionHajj and Umrah pilgrims need better protection fromextortion, according to a group representing British Muslims.The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH)describes itself as a national, Hajj specific organisationworking for the welfare and wellbeing of Hajj and Umrahpilgrims.According to ABH, pilgrims from around the world have beentargeted by opportunistic con men, labelled as rogue Hajj tourguides by the group, who have taken travellers’ money anddisappeared.ABH issued a statement condemning the actions and alsoalleging price gouging by businesses aimed at pilgrims.“It is a disgrace that these rogue tour operators are preying onvulnerable pilgrims, cheating and charging them atextortionate and unjustified prices for the Hajj and Umrahpackages, which are a total rip-off compared to travel packagesto other countries around the world, in view that manypilgrims are likely to have spent their life savings to fulfil theirdesires and wishes to perform the pilgrimage,” it read.ABH has called on the British and Saudi governments toaddress the problem. There has been no official response yetfrom either government.

Oman Bracing for End of Year Boost to Road TravelDecember and January are expected to bring an influx of post-summer tourists to Oman, according to MehdiJaffer, deputy managing director of Thrifty Car Rental Oman.

Thrifty is boosting its fleetsize by 10 percent inresponse to strongdemand; the companyhas also ramped up its

road side assistance services and openeda new outlet in Ruwi. “We have experienced an excellent year interms of business revenues anddevelopments in Oman,” said Jaffer.“Tourism has significantly improved in2010 and demand for car rental serviceswill increase with the number of leisureand business travellers set to rise with thecontinued global economic recovery.”Jaffer said the end of the year would be abusy time for the company, following the

hot summer months.“We are expecting a surge in businessduring the next two months, due to thenumber of holidays and also the perfectweather conditions, which will encourageoutdoor activity,” he said. The lion’s share of Thrifty’s new fleetinvestment has been directed at 4WDs,which Jaffer said had experienced highdemand this year, in comparison to 2009. Satellite navigation technology is also aregular request; Thrifty offers Sat Nav forhire with its car rentals. Jaffer said the nature of travel in Omanmade people more inclined to booknavigation technology; he added thatround-the-clock breakdown support was

also an important element.“Services such as these are imperativewith the increased amount of road travelthat takes place in the sultanate during thecooler period,” said Jaffer. In Oman, Thrifty currently has outlets inSalalah, Sohar, Muscat, Ruwi and Al Khuwair.

Mehdi Jaffer

NOVEMBER 20, 20106

- Accommodation

Citymax Brand Launches Second Dubai HotelLandmark Group has opened the second property in Dubai to operate under its Citymax Hotels brand.

The hotel is the latest in aseries of budget hotelsthat have come online inthe Middle East in recenttimes, including the

company’s first property, Citymax AlBarsha.Michael Weyland, general manager ofLandmark Group’s hotels division, saidthe budget hotel market was lookingpromising, despite sharp declines inoccupancy between 2008 and 2009."We are very excited about CitymaxHotel Bur Dubai entering this rapidlygrowing market and have alreadyreceived many online bookings prior tothe opening; we are looking forward to

welcoming these guests and all of ourfuture visitors,” he said.According to Landmark, Citymax AlBarsha has experienced steadily increasingoccupancy rates since it launched inMarch of this year.

We are very excited about Citymax Hotel Bur

Dubai entering thisrapidly growing market

The Waterfront, a luxury resort and residential developmentnear Tripoli, Libya, is officially underway. The project is part of a joint venture, Al-Libya Al-Qataria(ALAQ), between Qatari Diar Real Estate Company and Oyia,a wholly owned subsidiary of Libya’s Economic and SocialDevelopment Fund.The centrepiece of The Waterfront will be a five star resorthotel – according to Qatari Diar it will be the first in Tripoli tooffer a waterfront location as well as first class amenities.The hotel will feature nearly 300 rooms and suites,accommodating both business and leisure tourists. The Waterfront’s serviced residences will offer luxury villas,maisonettes and apartments.Abdul Aziz Al Theyab, chairman of ALAQ’s board of directors,said the development would target the country’s increasingtourist market. “Libya is one of the fastest growing business and touristmarkets in the region, and international travellers are justbeginning to learn about its rich history and vibrant culture,”he said.“The Waterfront is a truly unique development in a remarkableMediterranean setting; we are honoured to bring a new levelof world-class accommodation to Libya in partnership withQatari Diar and Oyia.”The first phase of The Waterfront is expected to reachcompletion by the end of 2012.

ALAQ Breaks Ground on The Waterfront

Citymax Hotel Bur, Dubai

7NOVEMBER 20, 2010

- Accommodation

GCC Hotels Must Lower ConsumptionWhen it comes to environmental impact, GCC hotels compare poorly with their European counterparts,according to Farnek Avireal – the group that holds the rights to Green Globe certification in the Middle East.

A ccording to the company,average per guest waterconsumption for a fivestar hotel in Europe isaround 490 litres,

compared with a minimum of 650 litres inthe Middle East.Similarly, Middle Eastern hotels useenergy at a rate approximately 225percent higher than similar hotels inGermany and emit more than twice thevolume of carbon.However, Markus Oberlin, generalmanager of Farnek Avireal, said the Gulfwas making progress and gave Mövenpickas an example of one of his clients who

was pursuing compliance with a recentenvironmental audit.He noted the importance of certifyingenvironmental initiatives, citing consumerscepticism about independent greeninitiatives.“In the current climate, hotels must beenvironmentally friendly and needcredible international certification,” hesaid.However, Oberlin also pointed to thebottom line benefits of becoming moreenvironmentally friendly.“Our research has shown that the annualutility costs for a five star hotel in Dubaiare around USD2 million,” he said.

“Reduced energy consumption could savean average 250 bedroom hotel aroundUSD5 per room night.”Oberlin also said that by pursuing greencertification in the Middle East as a group,the brand’s portfolio would have anadvantage over individual properties.

In the current climate,hotels must be

environmentally friendlyand need credible

international certification

NOVEMBER 20, 20108

- Accommodation

Three New Middle East Properties For AnantaraAnantara has included three new Middle Eastern properties in its projection for 2011 openings.

Net Profits Drop for Abu Dhabi National Hotels CompanyAbu Dhabi National Hotels Company (ADNH) hasannounced a net profit of AED237 million (USD64.5 million)for the first nine months of 2010. The results represent a 56.9 percent drop in net profitscompared to the same period last year. However, Richard Riley, CEO of ADNH, said the companyhad taken measures to ensure maximisation of the profits andexpected performance to exceed market trends. Of the total net profits, ADNH’s hotel division accounted forAED130 million (USD35.4 million), while the cateringdivision recorded AED70 million (USD19 million) and non-operating profits contributed AED99 million (USD26.96million).Riley said the company was focused on the expansion of itsportfolio, with new products and brands in the pipeline thatare expected to increase revenue streams in the future. Construction of ADNH’s upcoming The Grand Canal Hotelproject is underway, with an opening scheduled for the secondquarter of 2011. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has signed on to operate theproperty.ADNH is also developing Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas onSaadiyat Island; this property is expected to open in mid-2011.

A nantara will open AlMadina A’Zarqa Resortand Spa, on the coast anhour from Muscat,Oman.

The 122 key property has been designedin the traditional Arabian style.Al Sahel by Anantara and Al Yamm byAnantara represent expansions ofAnantara’s existing operations on AbuDhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island.The two Abu Dhabi properties havealready been flagged by the TourismDevelopment and Investment Company(TDIC), responsible for theirconstruction, in a previous announcement.Both properties will offer private chalets,

with Al Sahel situated within the wildlifepark on the island and Al Yamm set on theeastern coast.Peter Carmichael, senior vice president ofAnantara said the brand had come a longway since its launch nearly 10 years ago.“As we move into our tenth anniversaryyear we will open seven stunning newresorts that will offer guests luxury andtranquillity in surroundings that areculturally and environmentally uplifting,”he said.“As we continue to expand, our initial goalof providing a unique and authenticdestination experience for all our guestswill always remain the same.”Other properties to launch in 2011

include: Anantara Kihavah Villas,Maldives; Anantara Uluwatu Resort andSpa, Bali; and two hotels in China.

Anantara Sanya Resort and Spa will belocated on Hainan Island and AnantaraXishuangbanna Resort and Spa will openin the Hengduan mountains of theYunnan province.The seven new properties represent a 60percent increase of Anantara’s overallportfolio.

We will open sevenstunning new resorts that

will offer guests luxuryand tranquillity

NOVEMBER 20, 201010

- Air Travel

Oman Air Sends Students on Diplomatic MissionOman Air has selected 40 students from Oman to act as international ambassadors for the country.

Qatar Airways Hits 100 DestinationsAfter 13 years of business, Qatar Airways’ network hasreached 100 destinations. The latest route will service Aleppo in Syria, with flightsbeginning in April, 2011. Other new flights set to launch in 2011 include Budapest,Bucharest, Brussels and Stuttgart. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said the airline wasthe first Gulf based international carrier to commenceoperations to Aleppo. “Qatar Airways is delighted to commemorate our hundredthdestination by announcing our latest route to a city in ourhome region,” said Al Baker. Al Baker added that Qatar Airways was well placed to takeadvantage of growth in the travel market in the Middle East,with new aircraft on order and increases flagged for capacityand frequency on regional routes. “IATA pegged growth in the Middle East region at over 23percent in 2010, compared to last year,” he said.“Our award-winning service and young and modern fleet willonly propel our position as a leading global carrier.”Qatar’s global network currently spans six continents, withkey destinations including Delhi, London, New York,Washington, Houston, Melbourne, Sao Paulo and BuenosAires.

Philippe Georgiou

The 40 YoungAmbassadors Programmehas been designed in co-operation with the Omanidepartment of education,

and will see the chosen students presentmessages of solidarity at educationalinstitutions around the world.The number 40 was chosen to reflect boththe number of destinations in the OmanAir network and the number of yearssince Oman became a country.Participants have been dubbed Sindbads,after the legendary sailor, claimed bymany Omanis to have originated in theircountry. Philippe Georgiou, chief officer ofcorporate affairs at Oman Air, said the

scheme would help spread awareness ofboth Oman and Oman Air.“These Sindbads are part and parcel of ourmission,” he said.“We have always prided ourselves onbeing the flagship of the nation and itsambassador, representing the core valuesand essence of the country andsymbolising its aspirations whether in theskies or on tarmacs of internationalairports across the world.”

Entrants, who range from 14 to 17 years ofage were selected based on an essaywriting competition and assessed onproficiency in language, conceptualisation,quality and fluency of expression,ingenuity and originality.

We have always pridedourselves on being the

flagship of the nation andits ambassador

11NOVEMBER 20, 2010

- Air Travel

UAE Opens Skies with PanamaThe General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE hassigned an open skies agreement with the Republic of Panama. The open Air Services Agreement (ASA) and memorandumof understanding allows any number of designated airlines ofboth parties the right to perform scheduled air services. From the UAE, the delegation designated Emirates Airline,Etihad Airways, RAK Airways, Air Arabia and FlyDubai. Panama’s selected airlines include Compania Panamena deAviacion SA (Copa Airlines), Parsa SA (Air Panama),Aerolineas Pacifico Atlantico SA (Aeroperlas) and DHLAeroexpreso SA.The above airlines will be allowed unrestricted frequencies,capacity and types of aircraft on the route between theRepublic of Panama and the UAE. Unrestricted non-scheduled operations between the twocountries have also been agreed to.

Panama City

Ocean Sky Enters Middle East with Dubai OfficeOcean Sky, an international private jet company based in the UK, has set up shop in the UAE, with arepresentative office in Dubai.

The new office will serveas a base for thecompany’s expansionthroughout the MiddleEast.

Steve Grimes, CEO of Ocean Sky, said theregion was a natural fit for the company. “There is significant and growing demandfor private aviation services and ourbreadth of activities makes us excellentlyplaced to meet a customer’s entire needs,”he said.“We start in Dubai with a strong offeringin aircraft charter and management, butsee exciting opportunities to introduceother elements of our fully-integratedbusiness model.”

Aircraft acquisition, sales and fixed baseoperations have all been flagged asfuture possibilities for the company inits new base.Industry veteran Neil Backhouse will lead

Ocean Sky’s Dubai office. He joins thecompany from ExecuJet Middle East,where he held the position of charter salesmanager for the company’s managed

aircraft fleet. Backhouse originally moved to Dubai in2001 to introduce Bombardier’s Skyjetbrand to the region. “[Backhouse] brings almost a decade ofexperience of the Middle East, coupledwith insights developed both as a brokerand an operator,” said Grimes.“He is ideally qualified to spearhead ourgrowth in the region.”In addition to the new office, Ocean Skyplans to forge ties with the local market byexhibiting at the Middle East BusinessAviation (MEBA) show, running as partof Dubai’s Airport Expo betweenDecember 7 and 9.

We start in Dubai with a strong offering

in aircraft charter and management

NOVEMBER 20, 201012

- International

MICE Industry Event Set to Bring USD54m to SpainOrganisers of EIBTM, a global meetings and events industry trade show, say the event’s host city of Barcelonais set to see a significant economic boom over the next two months.

New York’s JetBlue Connects to EmiratesJetBlue Airways, based in New York, US, has announced aninterline agreement with Dubai’s Emirates, offering globalconnections via New York’s John F Kennedy ( JFK)International Airport. JetBlue is a premium low fare carrier, serving dozens of citiesthroughout the Americas. Emirates currently offers two daily nonstop flights to Dubaifrom JFK in New York. Under the agreement, JetBluecustomers will be able to take advantage of Emirates’ networkof 108 cities around the world.Scott Resnick, director of airline partnerships at JetBlue, saidEmirates was part of JetBlue’s growing portfolio ofinternational partners.“We are pleased to partner with Emirates as we continue toexpand JetBlue’s global reach,” he said.

He added that JetBlue operates one of the country’s youngestairline fleets, servicing customers with 157 Airbus andEmbraer aircraft.The airline operates from its new 26 gate Terminal 5 at JFK,while Emirates operates from the adjacent Terminal 4.

Held from November30 to December 2,EIBTM is expected todraw more than14,000 people, with

EUR40 million (USD54 million) inexpenditure before and during the show. Additional bookings for new MICEbusiness placed in Barcelona as a result ofthe show was cited as an immediate andongoing economic driver by the event’sorganisers. More than 3,300 exhibiting companies,representing 90 countries, have signed upfor the show, with more than 20 newexhibitors coming onboard for the 2010event.

Graeme Barnett, exhibition director forEIBTM, said the event was wellestablished in the industry.“For the last 21 years, EIBTM has beenseen as a must-attend event for themeetings industry,” said Barnett.

“Acting as a business barometer for2011, it brings suppliers and buyerstogether at an ideal time of the year todevelop and grow their businesses forthe year ahead.”

The 2010 event will include a new formatfor the EIBTM CEO Summit, featuringhigh profile guests from around the world. Key speakers will include: DominicSwords, a regular financial commentatoron CNBC and BBC, who will discusspost-recession growth; Marc Wright, whowill present The Power of Live Events;and Felix Haas, who will discuss theimpact of social media on the meetingsindustry.“We are delighted with this new format tothe EIBTM CEO Summit, which is partof our longer-term vision to providemembers with valuable thoughtleadership that is unique to EIBTM,” saidBarnett.

[EIBTM acts] as abusiness barometer

for 2011

We continue to expand JetBlue’s global reach

13NOVEMBER 20, 2010

- International

Australia Targets Doubled Overnight ExpenditureA new joint strategy between Tourism Australia and the Australian Government has been unveiled; thestrategy is aimed at doubling overnight expenditure for the tourism industry by 2020.

JacTravel Merges Global OutletsInternational travel company JacTravel has rebranded itsgroup of travel agencies and has begun the process of mergingall of its individual businesses. The group formerly comprised JAC Travel Ltd, Jacob OnlineLtd, JAC Travel Scotland and JAC Travel Canada. Thesebusinesses will now be rolled into a single operating unit,JacTravel, with all other corporate names to be dropped. JacTravel has been operating in the UK and Ireland for more than35 years and now operates a number of international offices. It was originally founded as an inbound tour operator, butexpanded to outbound services in 1980; JacTravel specialisesin both group and frequent independent traveller (FIT) sales.In anticipation of the merger, JacTravel has invested heavily inupgraded IT infrastructure and has been undergoing internalreorganisation. The company has flagged further IT investment and anexpanded product portfolio, following the merger.JacTravel has forecast positive results for 2010; the companyexpects to serve 1.2 million passengers this year, with annualturnover of GBP100 million (USD158.9 million).

UK

A ndrew McEvoy, managingdirector of TourismAustralia, said the strategy,labelled 2020 TourismIndustry Potential, is

designed to improve the industry’sperformance and competitiveness.He pointed out that global tourism hadbecome much more competitive over thepast decade, affecting Australia’s share ofthe worldwide tourism market.“The 2020 Tourism Industry Potential isa rallying call to the Australian tourismindustry and all levels of government tofocus on increasing the returns generatedby tourism,” said McEvoy.

“Through a shared common goal forAustralian tourism we aim to growovernight expenditure to as much asAUD140 billion (USD137 billion) by2020, and with domestic day tripsincluded to as much as AUD160 billion(USD156 billion).”Tourism Australia will focus on buildingdemand by targeting high spending globalcustomers who are predisposed toAustralian travel, as well as working withindustry to insure investment and qualityproducts. According to the tourism board, thereis the potential requirement forbetween 40,000 and 70,000 rooms (at

75 percent occupancy rates) if the newscheme is successful.

It is also expected to boost tax revenuefrom tourism, increase aviation capacitybetween 40 and 50 percent forinternational travel and contributebetween 56,000 and 152,000 additionaljobs.

The 2020 TourismIndustry Potential

is a rallying call to the Australian tourism industry

NOVEMBER 20, 201014

Agent’s InsightName: James HamlynPosition: Senior Travel ConsultantCompany: Silk Road and Beyond Location: London, UK

Travel Agents Bidding for BusinessA US-based travel planning service has launched a new globalwebsite for travel agents to find travel leads and offer their servicesthrough a bidding process.Travelection.com invites travellers to provide details of theirproposed trip, including destinations, itineraries, dates anddesired accommodation on its website; registered travel agentscan then customise packages to offer the client. Kevin Thompson, chief technology officer at Travelection.com,said the service was free for both travellers and travel agents – thecompany charges a fee of USD50 to the winning travel agent.“People have this general idea that the business of being a travelagent is largely dead,” said Thompson.“While that notion is definitely untrue, there are travel agents outthere who need a helping hand in finding new travel leads.He added that while the internet has changed the way peoplemake travel arrangements, independent bookings are not alwayssuccessful.“We are trying to level the playing field, making it easier for thetraveller to shop around for expert travel agents and for travelagents to develop more business,” he said.

What are the challenges of working with the MiddleEast as a destination?The different time scales are one. Iran for instance will closedown on a Thursday afternoon and so the weekends don’tmatch up, but mainly it has been a pleasure.Often you have to double check things, because there isperhaps not the same focus on getting everything nailed downthat we have in the west, if that doesn’t sound too patronising.One thing we haven’t found to be a problem though islanguage. So what you might think would be a problemreally isn’t.

Who visits the Middle East from the UK?Well, the market that we deal with as a cultural touroperator is people interested in cultural tours.It can really be people of all ages, but it tends to be oldercouples around 40 plus.

Where do they go within the region?Our number one selling destination, that is worldwideincluding all the destinations that we cover, has been Syria.Jordan has also always been a strong market.Iran has suffered a bit from recent events but it was alwaystraditionally quite strong too.The one that we are really seeing a lot of new interest in isLebanon. Lebanon has just grown hugely this year.

When is the peak time?There are two peak times: Spring and Autumn.Winter gets surprisingly cold and summer is very hot, sothe main periods are April, May and June, then Septemberand October.

Why do travellers choose the Middle East for theirholiday?Obviously for the cultural aspect and the sights in Syria,Jordan and Egypt are just unsurpassed, things you can’t seeanywhere else in the world.Also, perceptions have changed and people are no longerbelieving the Bushisms about terrorism and such.They are now coming to see the Middle East as very safedestinations with very friendly, hospitable people.

I ncreasingly, businesses arecoming to see these programs asthe route to tapping the hot-topic trend of mobile booking.However, according to a user

experience expert, the application modelis a short-term solution that will soon bereplaced by more flexible alternatives.Giles Colbourne is the managing directorof CX Partners, a UK company engagedin usability testing; matching thefunctionality of products and services tothe way consumers use them in the realworld.Speaking at the recent World TravelMarket exhibition in London, he arguedthat despite their popularity, business-specific mobile applications will have alimited lifespan.Part of the reason is the great expense ofdeveloping an application – a booking appfor a hotel, for instance.“Applications cost between GBP20,000(USD31,777) and GBP100,000(USD158,855) to develop and a good oneis at the top end of that range,” he said.“I think apps are something that are goingto grow but then be replaced bysomething else.”Colburne said the new HTML 5 internet

coding language is one contender;providing many of the benefits ofapplications (such as offline access)without requiring development separatefrom a business’ main website.HTML 5 is still emerging, however,leaving companies in the difficult positionof deciding between costly investment ina potentially short-lived app, or waitingindefinitely for the next big thing.Marko Balabanovic, head of innovationfor Lastminute.com, pointed out thatmobile bookings were a trend tooimportant to ignore.According to Balabanovic, Accor recentlydoubled its rate of mobile bookings in a

two month period, while TripAdvisorreported a tripling of mobile usage.He said the importance of mobile wasgrowing alongside a trend towards moreimpulsive behaviour; like customersbooking hotels on their mobiles whilestanding in the lobby.“One of the more extreme cases we havestarted to see is people looking extremelylocal and extremely soon and theinteresting thing for us to think about isour relationship with suppliers,” he said.“The way the travel industry works is thatwe won't necessarily have a lot of productsfor this but people with mobile devicesare creating expectations around it."

15NOVEMBER 20, 2010

Stumbling Block for Mobile BusinessesAs consumers are using their mobile phones to access more sophisticated web content than ever before,applications, or apps, for smart phones have been growing in popularity within the travel industry.

The way the travelindustryworks isthat wewon't

necessarilyhave a lot

of productsfor this butpeople with

mobiledevices are

creatingexpectations

around it

NOVEMBER 20, 201016

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 editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

Michael WeylandGeneral Manager, Landmark Group - Hotels Division“A decade ago the UAE may have beenconsidered a stopover option; today it hasfirmly established itself as a holidaydestination in its own right. Once focusedon the five star properties, recently therehas been a sharp increase in the numberof mid-market hotels coming online,making the UAE a more affordableoption. This is supported by theintroduction of new low cost carriers andnew routes, thereby making the UAEeasily accessible to all market segments. Since the opening of our first property wehave experienced a high volume of visitorswith both international tourists and GCCresidents staying at the hotel. This figurehas increased on a monthly basis, clearlyshowing the need for a greater mid-marketoffering in the region and as suchhighlighting a trend in occupancy levelsthat we see continuing in the future”

There has been a sharpincrease in the number

of mid-market hotels coming online

Dubai

Soha Moussa Head of Promotions, Qatar Tourism Authority“As we meet with UK travel professionals to tell them what Qatar has to offer, wefind that many know Qatar as a nation prosperous in oil and gas, but they are learningabout Qatar as a travel destination for the first time. The rapid expansion in Qatar'stourism industry – the increase in the number of hotel rooms, the addition ofcultural attractions – positions Qatar as a new and exciting destination to offer theirclients. They are very interested in considering Qatar as a stopover option.”

Many know Qatar as a nationprosperous in oiland gas, but arelearning about

Qatar as a traveldestination for the

first time

Thierry BertinVP Sales and Marketing, Hyatt International, South West Asia‘‘[World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi] is a great opportunity for key leaders inhospitality and tourism to meet and discuss the challenges facing the industry andhow green initiatives can be integrated into our future business. Any opportunitythat provides a platform for industry executives to get together and debate, discusshow we can form, implement and promote a greener society in line with the visionof the Abu Dhabi Government on sustainable practices is always a good thing as itwill help shape the future of the hospitality and tourism industries.”

It will help shape the future of the hospitality and tourism industries

Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

Qatar

NOVEMBER 20, 201018

Will Owen HughesTravelport has appointed Will OwenHughes as senior director of airlineservices for the Middle East andAfrica. Owen Hughes will takeoverall responsibility for managingexisting airline relationships andidentifying new commercialpartnerships that supportTravelport’s global distributionsystems business. He will alsocontinue to oversee Travelport’sglobal low cost carrier strategy. OwenHughes has worked with Travelportfor the past 11 years; prior to joiningthe company, he worked in varioussales and marketing roles with BritishMediterranean Airways.

Will Owen Hughes

Frédéric Bardin Emirates Holidays has appointed FrédéricBardin as senior vice president, takingover from John Felix as the new head ofthe group. Bardin has more than 30 yearsof experience in the international anddomestic tourism sector. His most recentposition was senior vice president ofArabian Adventures.

Frédéric Bardin Alaa MohsenCar rental group Hertz Egypt has appointed Alaa Mohsen as sales andmarketing executive, based at the company’s head office in Cairo. Mohsen willfocus on targeting the growing investor market in Egypt, by providingtransportation solutions to new arrivals in the country. Mohsen has recentlycompleted his MBA at EF Britain College University in London, UK.

Peter PayetEmirates has appointedPeter Payet as senior vicepresident of ArabianAdventures. Payet hasworked at ArabianAdventures since thebrand’s launch in 1992 andhas strong business andmanagement experiencewithin the destinationmanagement company. Inaddition to his new rolewith Arabian Adventures,he will also take on theposition of senior vicepresident of CongressSolutions International(CSI), Emirates’ full serviceprofessional congressorganiser.

Peter Payet

Travel Trade Weekly: Our publicationis aimed primarily at the Arabicmarket. Is your destination anattractive one to this demographic?Christos Papamiltiadous: I would sayyes. They come to Paphos because it is aquality destination, it is safe, it is very nearto the archeological sites and it is a townthat offers many options: walking, nicehotels, spas, etc.There are also lots of cultural interests likeancient monuments, especially for peoplewho love culture and history.The Elysium Hotel is right next to theTombs of the Kings and within half anhour’s walk you can go down to theharbour and see the mosaics and theoldest antiquities there, which are goingback thousands of years.Of course you can understand that with thenew marina – that is, now in Paphos theyare establishing a new marina – there is newpotential to attract people who seek luxury.

Travel Trade Weekly: Cyprus hasmore of a reputation for attracting themass market, rather than luxurytourism. What attracts high spendingcustomers to the area?Christos Papamiltiadous: Ok, butmaybe it has things that other destinationsdon’t have, which is luxury.It’s a safe place, it is easy to walk and haslots of sunshine throughout the year.Today we had people sunbathing.In Cyprus it is the whole package.

Travel Trade Weekly: Is the idea ofluxury travel in Cyprus growing?Christos Papamiltiadous: Yes. It’sgrowing because of all the things thatcome with it.

From year to year we make more golfcourses, for example.There is a new one that opened last monthand other new things are built up on this idea.

Travel Trade Weekly: I understand youhave been chosen by several celebritiesfor their accommodation in Cyprus.Christos Papamiltiadous: We do getmany celebrities. The ones who give usthe right to publicise it, we will, but withthose who don’t, we prefer not to do it.There are those who let us know beforethey arrive, there are many who just comeand we learn about it from guests.We have presidents coming over fromdifferent states, and last week we had JeanClaude Trichet, who is president of theEuropean Central Bank.I mean grand VIP.And we hosted one of their annualconferences with all of the bank governorsof the central European banks.

Travel Trade Weekly: Why do youthink these high profile visitors cometo Cyprus?Christos Papamiltiadous: For change.When you have the money you can gowherever you like.

They like it. Cyprus is a nice place forsummer holiday, for winter.They are just holiday people like all the rest.Usually, they take rooms with the privateswimming pools to keep away from all thepeople.Those rooms are called garden villas. Theyhave their own swimming pool there, soyou don’t have to come out, it is verysecluded, you can enjoy your breakfast onthe patio, there is also a large pool just fortheir exclusive use, the sunken Roman pool.People come at different times fordifferent reasons. In summer you get the pure holidays,people come who, to put it simply, justwant beer and sunbathing.Also, for families it is a very safedestination, kids can play around and theycan walk safely.Because, you know, safety for the family isvery important, people feel that if somethinghappened there is medical care, etc.Later on through the year and according tothe season, the type of tourism changes.Now for instance in October or November,you have conferences.Also now is a good period for golfers,because the summer is maybe a little toohot for that.

19NOVEMBER 20, 2010

Q &A with Christos PapamiltiadousCyprus has always been a crossroads for the cultures of Europe and the Middle East. In recent years, the islandhas gained a reputation as a party destination, but according to the resident manager of its youngest luxuryresort, Elysium Hotel, Cyprus has much more to offer. Travel Trade Weekly spoke to Christos Papamiltiadousabout Cyprus’ appeal to Arabic travellers, high-spending clients and luxury-seeking celebrities.

Elysium Hotel

NOVEMBER 20, 201020

EventsWorld Green Tourism Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae)Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourismauthorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, propertydevelopers, airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers,universities, museums and heritage site organisations.

EIBTMBarcelona, Spain, November 30 – December 2 (www.eibtm.com)Global event for the meetings and events industry, includingnetworking opportunities, professional education seminarsand a trade show platform for exhibitors, hosted buyers andtrade visitors.

International Luxury Travel MarketCannes, France, December 6-9 (www.iltm.net)Annual business to business event for the global luxury travelindustry. Showcases destinations and travel experiences, with aprogramme of networking events and pre-scheduled meetings.

Moroccan Travel MarketMarrakech, Morocco, January 12-15, 2011 (en.mtm.ma)Exhibition for international travel professionals.

Blossom JapanTokyo, Japan, January 18-21, 2011 (www.blossomjapan.com)A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on theJapanese market.

Fitur International Tourism Trade FairMadrid, Spain, January 19-23, 2011 (www.fitur.es)Fitur is a meeting point for tourism professionals to establishlines of action, strategies and business alliances.

HobexTripoli, Libya, January 25-27, 2011 (www.wahaexpo.com/hobex)International hotel business exhibition.

Dubai Gets Boost for Medical Tourism with Allergy ConferenceDubai Department of Tourism andCommerce Marketing (DTCM), willsupport the upcoming World AllergyOrganisation’s (WAO) upcomingconference, as part of its long-term strategy tobuild Dubai as a global medical tourism hub. The inaugural scientific conference will runfrom December 5 to 8 at Dubai InternationalConvention and Exhibition Centre, bringingtogether 60 internationally renownedexperts to discuss the diagnosis andmanagement of asthma. Around 1,500 delegates from more than50 countries are expected to attend, with24 post graduate courses to be conductedduring the event.

In addition to DTCM, the conference willbe supported by Dubai ConventionBureau, Ministry of Health, Dubai HealthAuthority and Sheikh Hamdan Award forMedical Sciences. Organisers say Dubai was selected as thevenue for this inaugural conference due toits strategic location and world classinfrastructure. Local medical professionals and healthauthorities expect to benefit from ties toglobal organisations such as WAO. Dubai Health Authority has listedinternational accreditation and partnershipsas a major focus of its strategy to put theemirate on the global healthcare map.

The World Medical Tourism and GlobalHealthcare Congress, held in Los Angeles,US, earlier this year, listed the Middle Eastas an untapped market for medicaltourism – a fact that Dubai is keen to takeadvantage of.