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Middle East and North Africa Edition

MARCH 12, 2011 ISSUE 70

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1010IATA: OIL PRICES CUT AIRLINE PROFITSThe International Air TransportAssociation (IATA) has altered its airlineindustry outlook for 2011 due to thesoaring oil prices and their likely impacton net profits and revenues.

In This Issue

CROWNE PLAZA TAKESOVER RENAISSANCE DEIRAInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)has taken over the management of theRenaissance Hotel in Deira, Dubai. Theproperty, now re-branded to CrownePlaza, previously operated underMarriott’s brand and is undergoingintensive renovation.

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Hotel MISSONIDebuts in KuwaitHotel MISSONIDebuts in Kuwait

Hotel Missoni Kuwait, the latest luxury propertyof the Rezidor Hotel Group, has opened, marking

the brand’s first foray into the Middle East.

March 12, Issue 70

The hotel group’s revenueincreased to EUR785.7 million(USD1.087 billion). On a like-for-like bases, revenue showedan increase of 3.2 percent and

the basic and diluted earnings per shareamounted to EUR-0.02 (USD-0.03).Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of RezidorHotel Group, defined 2010 as the year of therecovery, showing a strong performance. “2010has been a very positive year for us,” he claimed.“We experienced a recovery in all geographicalregions and a robust increase in margins as a resultof the RevPAR improvement and the cost savingmeasures initiated in 2008/2009. We also reporteda substantial increase in free cash flow comingfrom good operating results, improved workingcapital and tight CAPEX control. The rest ofWestern Europe led the recovery throughout the

year and we witnessed significantRevPAR increases in key marketssuch as Germany, France andBenelux.”The CEO also touched upon theresult of the fourth quarter of 2010. “The fourth quarter, however,recorded a drop in margins

compared to last year. This was mainly the resultof exceptional costs, such as higher variablesalaries due to better than expected performanceduring 2010, allocation of marketing costs to thequarter and one-off ’s in the Nordics.”Ritter highlighted the hotel group’s intenseexpansion. “The extraordinary costs in the quarter do notrepresent an increase in the cost base goingforward. We have continued with our growthstrategy, and despite the continuation of difficulttrading, 2010 was another record year of newopenings. 7,200 new rooms were added tooperations, and we continue to have one of thelargest pipelines in the industry. Going forwardwe will continue adding new hotels to ourportfolio and invest in further enhancing thequality of the existing hotels.”In the Middle East and North Africa (and in theremaining markets out of the Nordics and Europe),Rezidor recorded a revenue increase of 45.9percent, as it grew from Euro14.6 million (USD20.2million) to EUR21.3 million (USD29.5 million).Saudi Arabia showed the strongest performance inthe region, based on a strong RevPAR developmentof 16.8 percent mainly coming from corporateindividuals and group business.

MARCH 12, 20112

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

Managing EditorMary Kammitsi

JournalistsRita Kasziba

Duncan MacRaeMarianna Keen

Design & LayoutElina Pericleous

Sales & MarketingDimitris Thomaidis

DirectorsAndreas Constantinides

Mary Kammitsi

HeadquartersP.O. Box 25255

Nicosia 1308 CyprusTel: +35722820888Fax: +35722318958

Websitewww.traveltradeweekly.travel

Emailsinfo@traveltradeweekly.travel

editorial@traveltradeweekly.travelsales@traveltradeweekly.travel

COUNTRY CURRENCY 1USD=UAE (AED) Dirham 3.67Egypt (EGP) Pound 5.90Saudi Arabia (SAR) Riyal 3.75Lebanon (LBP) Pound 1500.02Bahrain (BHD) Dinar 0.37Jordan ( JOD) Dinar 0.71Syria (SYP) Pound 46.50Kuwait (KWD) Dinar 0.28Qatar (QAR) Riyal 3.64Oman (OMR) Rial 0.38Tunisia (TND) Dinar 1.40Morocco (MAD) Dirham 8.08Iran (IRR) Riyal 10,313Yemen (YER) Rial 215.24Algeria (DZD) Dinar 71.97Libya (LYD) Dinar 1.23

MENA Exchange RatesAccurate as of 8/3/2011Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

Accor: Strong Growth in RevenueAccor has recorded a compelling increase in revenue as well as in EBIT and netprofit in 2010.The recently announced results show that Accor made EUR5,948 million(USD8,202 million) revenue, a 7.1 percent increase compared to 2009. The hotelgroup’s EBIT rose by 82.4 percent, reaching EUR446 million (USD615 million),while the attributable net profit hit EUR3,600 million (USD4,964 million). Accordeclared a cash dividend of EUR0.62 (USD0.85) per share. Denis Hennequin, chairman and CEO, Accor, expressed the management’ssatisfaction and heralded further improvements. “Accor’s performance in 2010 attests to the effectiveness of its business modeland has laid a firm foundation for the future,” he said.“Strengthened by a new executive committee and a robust financial position, ourobjective will be to accelerate the execution of our strategy, with three priorities: to bemore ambitious for our brands, to promote our services and expertise more effectively,and to step up implementation of our expansion plan in both mature economies andemerging markets. This strategy will be supported by our dynamic asset managementstrategy which will give us additional flexibility to fulfill our ambitions”.

Rezidor: Recovery and Robust IncreaseRezidor Hotel Group has witnessed a prosperous recovery in all markets andrecorded a compelling increase in revenue in the full year ending 2010.

MARCH 12, 20114

Tourism Technology ProviderReveals Strong Financial ResultsAmadeus, a transaction processor and provider of advancedtechnology solutions for the global travel and tourism industry,has reported strong growth in both distribution and IT solutionsbusinesses in 2010.

A djusted profit for the year increased 24.3 percent to reachEUR427.4 million (USD565.5 million). This was backedby a growth in revenue of 10.6 percent to EUR2,683.3million (USD3,736.2 million) and an improvement inearnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and

amortisation of 14.2 percent to EUR1,014.9 million (USD1,412.7 million). The total billable travel transactions processed by the company increased by25.6 percent up to 849.9 million in 2010, rising from 676.6 million. LuisMaroto, president & CEO of Amadeus, said that by reducing debt the companyhad greatly improved its financial position.“Our transaction-based model hasagain proven adaptable and profitable, allowing us to benefit from the significantimprovement in the global travel industry during 2010,” he added.This year, Amadeus will pay a total dividend of EUR134.3 million (USD187million), which represents a pay-out of 35 percent of the reported profit for2010, excluding extraordinary items related to the Initial Public Offering.

Fujairah Shopping Festival toEncourage TourismThe first major shopping festival in eastern UAEhas been planned for March 24-May 2. FujairahShopping Festival 2011 will be held under thepatronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin HamadAl Sharqi, Crown Prince of the Emirate ofFujairah, and in coordination with theMunicipality of Fujairah.Organisers of the event, running under an ExploreFujairah slogan, believe it will help boost tourismand economy in the region.The Municipality of Fujairah believes that thefestival will mark a change of direction for theeastern region’s tourism industry, with the aimbeing to highlight the emirate as a tourist-centralinvestment area.The municipality anticipates the number of visitorsof the festival to surpass 750,000, with a widediversity in attendees from both home and abroad.The festival will consist of “villages” representingindividual nations, including the UAE, Syria,Lebanon and China.

MARCH 12, 20116

Thrifty Relocates Jordanian OfficeThrifty Car Rental, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty AutomotiveGroup Inc., has announced the opening of its new Jordanheadquarters where it is located on Airport Road, close to theairport and downtown Amman. The company has alsoopened branches in terminal 1 and 2 of Amman airport. Majdi Jallad, managing director of Thrifty Jordan, said themove to larger premises was needed in order to accommodatethe increase in business from Jordan tourism. “We cater to leisure and business tourists and non-profitorganisations, but our main business in Jordan is throughinternational embassies, local corporations who receiveinternational guests, congresses, events and tour destinationmanagement companies who expect superior service standardsand the safe, quality cars that Thrifty has to offer,” he said.Thrifty’s business from leisure tourists in Jordan rose by 38per cent in 2010 compared to 2009.“Jordan’s success in tourism comes from its political stabilityalong with government support in terms of tourism projectsand infrastructure development,” added Jallad.Thrifty Jordan has increased its fleet size by 10 percent in linewith its expansion in Jordan.

Yacht Charters Opt for Eden YachtingDubai-based Eden Yachting has been appointed asagent for leading yacht charter brands, Sunsail andThe Moorings, both part of travel and tourismcompany TUI Travel PLC.

Philippe Saad, managing director, Eden Yachting,said the fact that The Moorings’ and Sunsail’scustomers have access to the widest range of sailingholidays in the world’s top cruising areas, was amajor factor in the choice.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to promote these premierbrands within the region,” Saad said. Sunsail offer 30 charter locations worldwide and 800 yachts,while The Moorings offer high-end customer service with thelatest innovations in yacht design and a large choice of sailing andpower catamarans.“Local and international sailing regattas held in the Gulf havepiqued an interest in sailing, and this is slowly being translatedinto the concept of a cruising holiday. Traditional vacationchoices won’t change overnight, but internationally there is amigration towards more individualised and increasinglyadventurous travel options. With affordable and luxurious privateyachts available in some of the most beautiful locations on theplanet, crewed yachting vacations are no longer just for the elite,”Saad added.Emmanuel Allot, director sales & marketing, South Europe, TUIMarine, welcomed Eden Yachting, described the Middle East andIndia as relatively new markets for the company, so theimportance of working alongside established names such as EdenYachting cannot be underestimated.

MARCH 12, 20118

- Accommodation

Hotel Missoni Debuts in KuwaitHotel Missoni Kuwait, the latest luxury property of the Rezidor HotelGroup, has opened, marking the brand’s first foray into the Middle East.

Strong Performance andFuture Projects for IHGPascal Gauvin, vice president ofoperations near east and west Africa forInterContinental Hotels Group(IHG), together with Kirk Kinsell,president IHG EMEA and JohnBamsey, CEO, IHG MEA, visitedJordan where they attended severalmeetings with various tourism bodiesto discuss future projects and strategiesin Jordan.The management team also conducteda check on the ongoing development ofthe soon to open 420-room CrownePlaza Dead Sea Resort. Further to this, IHG has honouredInterContinental Jordan at the annualHotel Stars Awards held in Cairo,Egypt, where the property received theRisk Management OutstandingAchievement Award in recognition tothe hotel and its people commitmentto excellence.

Developed in cooperationwith the Italian fashionhouse; Missoni the hotel issituated on Arabian GulfStreet, beside the

entertainment and shopping centre of Kuwait.Due to its location, the luxury property offersa unique view of the Arabian Gulf and theskyline of the city. It comprises 169 roomsincluding 63 suites; each of them equippedwith the latest technology devices whichincludes a bathroom mirror that can switchinto a TV. Furthermore, the property featuresseveral restaurants and will soon open a spaincluding a fitness centre, yoga studio, separateladies gym, as well as sauna and steam rooms.Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor,highlighted the unique design of the newproperty.

“Missoni has applied its extensive designexperience to create an environment whichis welcoming, luxurious and also inherentlysynergistic with modern Kuwaiti hospitality.Combined with Rezidor’s outstandingmanagement, we believe the Hotel Missonidefies comparison.”Rosita Missoni, creative director, reaffirmedthe individual atmosphere of the hotel. “Hotel Missoni offers a surprising experienceof style, glamour and hospitality,” she said.“The interiors are intended to make our guestsfeel welcome and comfortable. The brilliantgolds, turquoises and sand colours take theirinspiration from the land and sea of Kuwait.”The next Missoni hotel in the Middle East isdue to open in 2013 in Jebel Sifaf, Oman,followed by the brand’s two other propertiesin Brazil and Turkey.

MARCH 12, 201110

- Accommodation

Crowne Plaza TakesOver Renaissance DeiraInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has taken overthe management of the Renaissance Hotel in Deira,Dubai. The property, now re-branded to CrownePlaza, previously operated under Marriott’s brandand is undergoing intensive renovation.

The 281-room hotel, due to its central locationand facilities, will be showcasing the CrownePlaza product by representing the chain’s fastestgrowing upscale hotel brand. John Bamsey, chiefoperating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa,

further emphasises on the management takeover.“The Crowne Plaza brand is a dynamic, international hotel brandthat is on the move. This is our third Crowne Plaza in Dubai andwill add more choice for the 56 million members of our globalloyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards. The newly rebrandedproperty is in alignment with the Crowne Plaza’s “the place tomeet” concept and is undergoing a refurbishment.“We are very confident that our partnership with Mohammedand Obaid Al Mulla will be a long and successful one. The timingof the rebrand to a Crowne Plaza coincides with thecommencement of a USD55 million refurbishment to the roomsand public areas which demonstrates their vision and progressiveattitude.” Bamsy added.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Ahead of E-Concierge EraMövenpick Hotels & Resorts has launched its iPad servicesin its Middle East hotels to accord the latest market andtechnology trends and comply with the changing needs andrequirements of the guests. The newly introduced iPad services, available in each of the24 Mövenpick hotels in the region, intend to incite guestrelations and the concierge teams. It also works as a platformfor potential guests regarding general information orenquiries as well as booking and further services.The Swiss hotel chain aims to give an advanced andpersonalised hotelier-guest relation with the innovativeservices. Roger MacFarlaine, vice president technology,Middle East & Asia indicates the benefits. “Technology mustnot just be there for the wow factor, it must deliver realbusiness value and benefit our guests, this is what we expectto see from this development,” he said.

11MARCH 12, 2011

- Air Travel

Gulf Air Lands in BasraGulf Air is building up its presence in Iraq with the introduction four weekly flights to Basra.

The national carrier of theKingdom of Bahrain,debuted its new serviceon 2 March, and willoperate with four weekly

flights to its fourth destination in Iraq. Samer Majali, CEO of Gulf Air,emphasised Iraq’s great importancefollowing the inaugural flight fromBahrain International Airport to Basra.“We are pleased to fly into Basra today, ourfourth destination in Iraq. Gulf Air’srelationship with Iraq goes back to nearly 35years with our first flight to Baghdad in 1976.When we recommenced our services toBaghdad in September 2009, I promised toconnect more destinations in Iraq and I ampleased to say that we have added Najaf, Erbil

and today, Basra. As the largest networkcarrier in the Middle East, Gulf Air’s strategyis to connect Bahrain and importantunderserved markets in the region. Basra, asthe third largest city of Iraq, has great potentialwith substantial petroleum explorationrelated businesses and other trades, but is notadequately served by air currently. Bylaunching our service to Basra, we are notonly enabling the people and businesses ofthis great city to connect to Bahrain, one ofthe fastest growing economies in the MiddleEast, but also opening doors to the entireMiddle East, European, Asian and NorthAfrican markets.”The Basra flights have been scheduled insuch a way to provide very good two-wayconnectivity to all major GCC points such

as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait andMuscat in addition to key destinations inEurope, North Africa and Asia. “I am sure Basra will also be a successfulone like our other routes in Iraq,”concluded Majali.

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MARCH 12, 201112

- Air Travel

Queen Alia Airport: Increasing TrafficQueen Alia International Airport(QAIA) in Amman has recorded 5.6percent growth in its passengervolume, according to the trafficperformance of the month of Januarywhich was recently announced byAirport International Group (AIG).The airport of the capital city ofJordan welcomed 389,000 passengersin January, which represents anincrease of 5.6 percent over the368,462 passengers in January 2010.Aircraft movement reached 4,982,compared to 4,811 in the sameperiod of 2010, which led to anincrease of 3.6 percent. Cargo grewto 6,940 tonnes from 6,515 tonnes inthe first month of 2010, translatinginto a 6.5 percent year-on-yearincrease.

IATA: Oil Prices Cut Airline ProfitsThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has altered its airlineindustry outlook for 2011 due to the soaring oil prices and their likelyimpact on net profits and revenues.

I ATA downgraded its airlines industry prognosis for the year from USD9.1billion estimated in December 2010 to USD8.6 billion. This translatesinto a fall of 46 percent in net profits compared to USD16 billion recordedin 2010. Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO, IATA, explained the alternation

due to the recent turmoil’s impact on fuel prices. “Political unrest in the Middle East has sent oil over USD100 per barrel. That issignificantly higher than the USD84 per barrel that was the assumption in December. Atthe same time the global economy is now forecasted to grow by 3.1 percent this year - afull 0.5 percentage point better than predicted just three months ago. But stronger revenueswill provide only a partial offset to higher costs. Profits will be cut in half compared to lastyear and margins are a pathetic 1.4 percent,” Bisgnani added.One striking feature in the forecast is the likely increase of the oil prices which are expectedto grow 20 percent compared to their levels in 2010, while the report claims that fuelrepresents 29 percent of total operating costs. However, IATA foresees an increase of demand on air transport, and revised its previousprediction from 5.2 percent to 5.6 percent, while cargo is expected to rise by 6.1 percent.

MARCH 12, 201114

IHG to Introduce Staybrige Suites in Central AmericaInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is set todebut its first Staybridge Suites hotel in CentralAmerica. The property, which will be located inPanama City, is scheduled to open in late 2012.IHG currently operates more than 180 StaybridgeSuites worldwide; however it will be the first one inCentral America and the second one in LatinAmerica, after signing a 15-year license agreementwith Shakir Investment Group. Alvaro Diago, chief operating officer, Latin Americaand Caribbean, IHG, expressed the group’s highexpectations. “We are thrilled to introduce the first Staybridge Suiteshotel in Central America to Panama. We see tremendouspotential for this extended-stay property with featuresthat set it apart from other hotels in the city." The 122-room Staybridge Suites Panama City, willbe located nearby the bridge to the Americas, besidea convention centre and several tourist attractions.

Starwood to Expand inLatin AmericaStarwood Hotels & Resorts is set to accelerate its expansion inLatin America with six new hotels opening in 2011.

The hotel openings will contribute to the nearly 70 propertiesin 13 countries by year end portfolio. Commenting on thegrowth in Latin America, Osvaldo Librizzi, president ofStarwood, Latin America, commented on the expansion. “Starwood is ramping up across Latin America in response to

the increased demand for high-caliber global brands in a region that is poised togrow more than four percent in 2011. We are capturing more than our fair shareof this fertile market and expect even more hotel deals to follow our current visit.Of particular interest is Brazil, where a flurry of hotel development is expectedin the run-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics." Starwood aims to build up its presence in the region with its Westin Hotelsbrand, by adding four new properties to its Latin-American portfolio.Westin is set to debut in three countries including Peru, Panama and CostaRica, which will present the first all-inclusive resort, Westin Playa ConchalResort & Spa, while Westin Guadalajara in Mexico is scheduled to welcomeits first guests in August.

- International

MARCH 12, 201116

- International

Virtuoso Welcomes Shangri-La Hotel, TokyoShangri-La Hotel, Tokyo, has been accepted intothe Virtuoso Hotels and Resorts programme onMarch 1, coinciding with the hotel’s secondanniversary of its opening on March 2.Virtuoso travel advisers will now have access toexclusive benefits at the hotel, which opened in 2009.Wolfgang Krueger, general manager and representativedirector, Shangri-La Hotels, Japan, said the hotel,which was the first Shangri-La hotel in Japan, is nowgenerally regarded as a leading luxury hotel in thecountry.“We are delighted to be joining the Virtuoso hotelsand resorts program and a group of travel advisers whoare specialists in the art of travel,” Krueger added.The 200-room hotel occupies the top 11 floors of the37 storey mixed-use Marunouchi Trust Tower mainbuilding, located adjacent to Tokyo Station.Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo’s dining facilities include TheLobby Lounge, Italian restaurant Piacere, and Nadaman,which serves authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine.

Hilton Worldwide OpensSecond Seychelles PropertyHilton Hotels & Resorts opened its second property in theSeychelles on March 2.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa will be operatedunder a management agreement with Silhouette IslandResort Limited.Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, saidthe company was delighted to add the property portfolio.

“Recognised as one of the world’s leading leisure destinations, the Seychellesoffers a combination of unique wildlife, cultural heritage and beautifulsurroundings for our guests to enjoy,” he said. “Travellers now have two greatHilton Resorts offering premium experiences across these picturesque islands.”The 111-villa Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, located on SilhouetteIsland, the third largest in the Seychelles, is the only resort on the private islandand is a 40-minute ferry ride from the main island of Mahé.The hotel is made up of 30 garden villas with private terraces, 63 beachfrontvillas, 17 deluxe villas with private pools and one presidential suite with aprivate lounge and swimming pool. The resort also has its own privatebeach, health spa, sports centre and five restaurants.

17MARCH 12, 2011

Michelle NaamanMichelle Naaman has been appointed as director of marketingand communications at Monroe Hotels Group. Previously she

held the position of publicrelations and marketingmanager at MarkaziaMonroe Suites. Prior to thatNaaman worked in the US(Miami, Florida) and inDubai. She has experience inthe aviation industry and astravel agent and restaurantmanager.

Hossein GaranHossein Garan has beenappointed as generalmanager of Doha MarriottGulf hotel. Garan has morethan 30 years of experiencein the hotel industry and haspreviously worked withseveral chains in the US. Hestarted his career at GrandHyatt in New York, beforejoining Marriott as pre-opening banquet manager atNew York Marriott Marquis.Later he was part of severalopening-teams across the US and also held director of eventoperations and director of food and beverage positions. Garanrelocated to the Middle East in 2004 after his assignment atJW Marriott Kuwait City, where later he was promoted todirector of operations. He took on his first general managerrole in 2008 at Marriott Executive apartments in Bahrain.

Qutiaba ZahdeQutiaba Zahde has been appointed at Etihad Airways ascountry manager in Iran. He takes over the position fromNabil Matarweh, who has moved to Kuwait as countrymanager. In his new roleZahde has been tasked tooversee the airline’scommercial activities andsales growth in the Iranianmarket. He has more than 25years of experience in theaviation industry andpreviously held positions atSwiss International Air Linesand Kuwait Airways andspent more than 10 years inthe Gulf region.

Cesar MasriCesar Masri has been appointedas director of rooms at MonroeHotels Group. Prior to joiningthe group, Masri worked in thecorporate office of Rotana Hotelsin Abu Dhabi, before beingpromoted to director ofreservations to spearhead 27hotels in terms of training,reservation channels and qualityassurance. In August 2009 hemoved to Beirut and took on theposition of director of revenue atRiviera Hotel.

Cesar Masri

Hossein Garan

Michelle Naaman

Qutiaba Zahde

MARCH 12, 201118

Travel Talk is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hearfrom you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

Marwan FadelArea Director of Sales & Marketing, Dubai & Abu Dhabi New DevelopmentsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.“With the new destinations opening up to Dubaiand the continuous focus on the emergingmarkets, we are anticipating that this growth inoccupancy levels will remain for the remainder

of the year. The economic growth of UAE is certainly strong and withthe export of oil and gas this will create a low risk environment andstability. The market is expected to continue growing and we believeit’s not saturated yet. The continuous world known sports events inUAE from horse racing to formula one, to golf tournaments and notto mention the new developments in Abu Dhabi such as Saadiyat,will definitely boost the tourism business, and will for sure create thedemand for travellers leisure and business.”

Abdul ShukoorGeneral Manager, Sealine Beach Resort, Qatar“Qatar is a place where people see thingsdifferently, where citizens embrace newideas and welcome visitors as honouredguests and dear friends. Qatar is a bridge between tradition and global innovation.It is a high quality destination that attracts premiereleisure, business, medical, sport and education tourism,while properly preserving, maintaining and highlightingits authentic heritage and rich past.Qatar offers business oriented tourism, combined withunique leisure attractions. We preserve our past and ourheritage, while installing pride in our future. We do not seekto attract people just for the sake of getting more people. Wewant to attract them and make them discover and catch ourindependent spirit and our progressive orientation, as Qataris a destination that changes the way people see things.”

The market is expected to continue growingand we believe it’s not saturated yet

Marwan FadelAbdul Shukoor

MARCH 12, 201120

Name: Aline GhanemPosition: Operations ManagerCompany: Anastasia TravelLocation: Lebanon

Who are you?First of all, I am simply a person who knows and lovesLebanon. I work as a travel expert, specialising in incomingbusiness to Lebanon. I studied tourism science and I am also alicensed tourist guide. Although I don’t work as a guide at themoment, I still use this knowledge and experience  whilepreparing packages and tours for our clients. As a part timeactivity, I also teach tourism science at some Lebaneseuniversities. Anastasia Travel, which I have joined in 1998, wasestablished in 1992 and grew to be one of the leading travelcompanies in Lebanon. 

What is your favourite thing about working in thetravel industry?What I like the most is the possibility to communicate withpeople from all around the globe, getting to know differentnationalities, languages and perspectives. Furthermore,nowadays MICE business is a real hit in Lebanon and I reallyenjoy working on these activities. Actually, working in thetravel industry is way beyond a job. After a while it becomesyour lifestyle.

When is the best time to visit Lebanon?I don’t exaggerate when I say all year round. Lebanon offers awide range of attractions, so all seasons are great. Summeroffers sandy beaches, green mountains and internationalfestivals, while in winter Lebanon appeals with snow coveredmountains, advanced ski stations and the cosy atmosphere ofthe capital city, Beirut. Spring is the season of  beautifullycoloured scenery, fresh air, and wonderful natural attractions,while autumn due to its average temperature is ideal foroutdoor activities.

Where would you like to travel for your next holidays?I wish I could visit Italy or Sri Lanka. I really would like toexplore both of these countries.

Why should people come to you for travel advice? Simply because we are different. We combine our expertisewith the best prices and we care about our clients.  

Agent’s Insight

Thomas Cook Hikes Fuel ChargesThomas Cook has announced fuel surcharges on flights andholiday packages from the UK due to the sequential increase ofthe oil prices. The tour operator applies the fuel supplement for all newbookings made from March 1 on its charter flights and holidaypackages, however, bookings made before the announcement arenot affected. Ian Ailles, CEO mainstream, Thomas Cook UK & Ireland,emphasised the company’s efforts to absorb the impact of thesoaring oil prices. “We’ve worked hard to keep the impact of the rising fuel costs onour holidaymakers to a minimum but the fuel levy is anunavoidable result of the rising price of oil,” he said.The fuel surcharges raise short haul prices with GBP15(USD24.5) per person, while the cost of medium haul trips is upGBP25 (USD40.8) and GBP40 (USD65.2) in case of long haulflights.Thomas Cook claims that fuel surcharges add less than fourpercent to its average prices.

We’ve worked hard to keep the impact of the rising fuel costs on our holidaymakers to a minimum

Aline Ghanem

MARCH 12, 201122

MEA Tourism To Flourish Despite Traveller AnxietySurveys conducted towards the end of 2010 suggested that would-be travellers, still feeling the effects of theglobal recession, would be on the lookout for cheap and cheerful holidays without sacrificing quality.

W ith the recessionpast its peak andbudget airlinesreopening andintroducing routes

to the likes of Cyprus and Africa, thisshould certainly be viable.Travel website TripAdvisor polled morethan 6,200 Europeans and found that theyintend to travel more this year than theydid in 2010. A total of 66 percent of Britspolled, for example, also plan to have atleast one long-haul holiday. With the Sterling remaining fairly weakagainst the Euro, the UK is one particularmarket that African and Middle Easterntravel organisations will be keen to takeadvantage of.

A poll conducted by the Association ofBritish Travel Agents (ABTA) concurredthat value for money but not necessarilycheap prices was a top priority, with 74percent of respondents noting that this isvital when it comes to making travelarrangements.Despite recent political unrest in asmattering of African and Middle Easternnations, North African countries are stillbeing championed as ideal destinationsthat can offer such value for money.At the end of 2010 Ryanair revealed a newroute from Madrid to Marrakech and then,in January, fellow budget airline BritishMidlands International announced newservices from London to Casablanca andMarrakech.

Meanwhile, heavy investment in thetourism infrastructure in Tunisia, Syriaand Abu Dhabi should also begin to reapdividends this year.ABTA said travel from Britain to Syria in2010 increased by 49 percent in 2009,with growth expected to continue. Travel company Cox and Kings noted thatneighbouring Jordan has also been in moredemand, and with easyJet launching itslongest ever route from the UK to Amman,it is a destination that is becoming evermoreaccessible.Although some anxiety remains withregards to visiting countries where politicalprotests have been well publicised, the likesof Egypt are eager to welcome tourists backsooner rather than later.

Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell usabout the Park Regis brand, and KrisKrin as a company?Scott Butcher: The Park Regis brand isthe upper tier brand of the StayWellHospitality Group from Australia.Typically the brand is positioned as a fourstar product. However in the case of thePark Regis Kris Kin Hotel the propertywill be positioned higher than other fourstar products in the area due to the qualityof product and the range of facilities.

Travel Trade Weekly: We understandKris Krin is still relatively small – whywas Dubai chosen for this early stageof your expansion?Scott Butcher: The StayWellHospitality Group is a relatively younggroup with currently 24 hotels. Howeverthis will soon grow dramatically withhotels in the pipeline for Malaysia, China,Morocco, New Zealand and India. Dubaiwas chosen for StayWell’s first entry intothe Middle East market because of itsrecognised position as a destination ofchoice within the region. It is a perfectstopover destination for visitors from Asiaand Oceania en route to Europe or viceversa. It is also a great end destination dueto the number of attractions that havebeen developed over recent years. We alsobelieve that it is an excellent location toshowcase our product and act as aspringboard for further hotels for ourgroup in the region.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are yourplans for the Middle East and NorthAfrica in the future?Scott Butcher: We have actively beeninvolved in discussions for several hotelsand we are looking for opportunities inDoha and Abu Dhabi as well as other

prime locations. In North Africa aspreviously mentioned, we do havedevelopments in the pipeline forMorocco.

Travel Trade Weekly: What havebeen the challenges you have faced inentering the Middle East?Scott Butcher: The challenges that wehave faced so far is that there are obviousadjustments to the local businessenvironment and customs. In addition,Dubai currently is seeing a number of newhotels coming on line in all categories andthis does put pressure on the rates.However there are many positiveindicators that Dubai Tourism isresponding well by targeting growingmarkets like China and Asia. We alsobelieve that given our Group’s origin andbase in Australia, that we can contributeand grow this market as Dubai furtheremerges as an alternative stopover fortravellers to Europe.

Travel Trade Weekly: We understandthat lower star and budget hotelsrepresent a relatively new market inDubai. Can you tell me about this?Scott Butcher: I think that the Dubaimarket is now more multi dimensional asyou attract guests from new and emergingmarkets such as China and Asia. Thesetravellers are not all at the luxury end.Likewise with the lessons of the globalfinancial crisis in mind, travellers are nowfar more cost and benefit minded. If theaccommodation available is of good

standard and repute, why go right to thetop end of the market and I believe thatthis applies to all segments, leisure orbusiness and from all sources.

Travel Trade Weekly: Park Regis islocated close to the airport: howimportant is the stopover market toyour hotel? Does this reflect the widermarket?Scott Butcher: The stopover market isvery important to us and we see furtherpotential from this market as Dubai is anideal break for long haul destinations. Asmentioned previously, Australia is asource market for this type of businessand of course likewise for travellers toAustralia and New Zealand from Europe.We are working closely with our salesoffices and agents in Europe and Australiato exploit this opportunity.

23MARCH 12, 2011

Q & A with Scott ButcherAs general manager of the recently opened Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, Scott Butcher explains how thebrand has been welcomed in the Middle East and how further growth will take place.

Scott Butcher

Travellers are now far more cost and

benefit minded

MARCH 12, 2011224

EventsITBBerlin, Germany, March 9-13, 2011(www.messe-berlin.de)One of the world’s major travel and tourism exhibitions for allaspects of the travel industry.

GIBTMAbu Dhabi, UAE, March 28-30, 2011 (www.gibtm.com)International event for the business travel and meetingsindustry in the Gulf and Middle East region.

China Outbound Travel and Tourism MarketBeijing, China, April 13-15, 2011 (www.cottm.com)Dedicated business to business event targeting the growingmarket for outbound travel from China.

Arabian Travel MarketDubai, UAE, May 2-5, 2011 (www.arabiantravelmarket.com)The Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition.

Bahrain International Travel ExpoManama, Bahrain, May 12-14, 2011 (www.meembahrain.com)Travel expo for travel professionals in Bahrain and theMiddle East.

IndabaDurban, South Africa, May 7-10, 2011(www.indaba-southafrica.co.za)Showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourismproducts.

International Pow Wow 2011San Francisco, USA, May 21-25, 2011(www.ustravel.org/events/international-pow-wow)U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow is an internationalmarketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA.

IMEXFrankfurt, Germany, May 24-26, 2011(www.imex-frankfurt.com)Worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings & events.

The UAE has continued to lead the wayin home-grown hospitality brands due toits advanced technological infrastructureand dedicated hotel management.Internet penetration in the UAE since2000 has grown from 23 percent to 76percent according to online industryexperts, Nielsen, which favourablycompares with the GCC average of 55.8percent. Increasingly sophisticated and intelligentreservations systems such as Opera,developed by MICROS-Fidelio, allowslocally owned and operated hotels tocompete with international brands such

as Starwood, Hilton and Inter-Continental, who between them manage167 hotels regionally.Frederique Maurell, exhibition director,The Hotel Show, which takes place at theDubai World Trade Centre on May 17-19,said that in the UAE there has been a shiftaway from international brands over theyears.“Traditionally, hotel owners in the regionwere drawn to the international brandsdue to their global presence, qualitystandards, loyalty programs, marketingexpertise and more importantly,connectivity with Global Distribution

Systems (GDS) such as Worldspan,Amadeus, Galileo and Sabre, to accessglobal travel agencies.” As internet penetration has increased andtechnology has advanced, own-brandhotels can now engage directly with theirtarget markets and process onlinebookings in real time. Hotels can also easily connect with a GDSand online travel agencies, such asExpedia.com and Booking.com, thanks toUAE-developed software solutions, andfacilitate direct bookings via their ownwebsites, which therefore take directbookings via their own websites.

Local Technology Aids UAE Hospitality Market