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Travelport signs MoU with Al Yamamah University
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, announces that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Yamamah University to provide travel technology that will help prepare Saudi nationals for careers in the travel trade.Recognizing the importance of education and skills development within Saudi Arabia’s growing travel industry, Travelport is working with the institution to equip its students with global distribution system (GDS) technology, including the Galileo reservation system widely-used by travel agencies in the Kingdom.

Learning important technology skills required for employment within the travel trade, students enrolled in the University’s IT and travel programme will receive specialized instruction by a certified Galileo trainer, including hands-on training in the diverse functionality of the platform.

Through the development of these important technology skills, Travelport believes that the next generation of Saudi nationals can enhance their employability within the Kingdom’s evolving travel industry, which is leveraging the latest GDS technologies to create operational efficiency and better serve customers.

“Travelport is committed to skills development and employment among Saudi nationals and is proud to be partnering with Al Yamamah to provide its students with the tools to succeed,” said Faris Azzee, Travelport’s general manager for Saudi Arabia. “GDS technology is vital to a travel agency’s operations, therefore it is important that students are up-to-speed on the latest systems so that they can enter the industry seamlessly and excel in their new careers,” he added.

With one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world, providing employment opportunities for youth has become a top priority within Saudi Arabia, with new initiatives being introduced by the government to help integrate the Kingdom’s young citizens into the labour force.

“The travel industry is set to grow significantly over the next few years and requires qualified people to fuel its growth,” said Mr. Abdulmalik Alesnani, vice-president for administrative affairs at Al Yamamah University. “Knowledge of global distribution systems is important for anyone interested in working in the travel industry today, therefore we are delighted to be joining forces with Travelport to offer our students such a valuable skill set.”

One of the world’s leading providers of global distribution systems (GDS), Travelport has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia that includes state-of-the art training centers in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam and a round-the-clock Galileo GDS service and support structure for KSA travel agents.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

European passenger traffic up 5.3% during February
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

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Source: Travel Daily News Feed

Winners of Excellence in Tourism Awards announced
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The winners of the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA) were announced last week in a ceremony held as part of the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh, by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).While handing out the trophies, HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman SCTA's President congratulated the winners, and hoped that the prize would give them a fresh impetus for developments and achievements in the Kingdom's tourism sector stating: “SCTA will always support the tourism industry with all possible means.”

With 25 categories across eight different groups of activities the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards aims at recognizing outstanding achievements by individuals and organizations involved in the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry. In an effort to achieve the highest possible standards of products and services and to further develop tourism for the benefit of holiday makers in Saudi Arabia.

• The President Award went to HRH Prince Mansour Bin Miteb Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, for his significant contribution to the development of tourism in the Kingdom.
• The Old Council Souk in Al-Mozanab in Al-Qassim won SETA’s Best Tourism Attraction award for giving the visitors an authentic Saudi heritage experience. The Old Council Souk attracts thousands of tourists each year and is an example to other organizations of the benefits of quality tourism projects.
• Khalid Al-Toug won the Best Tourist Guide Award
• Al-Khobar Heritage Village won SETA’s Best Traditional Food and Catering award. The Village provides visitors with an insight into Saudi culture and heritage. During 2010 Al-Khobar Heritage Village obtained ISO international quality certification.
• Hesham Mohammed won Best customer Service award.
• Jawlah Tours Company was the winner of SETA’s Best Tour Operator; which offers an extensive range of historical and geographical heritage tours to tourists.
• Al-Faisaliah Hotel won the award of the Best Luxury Hotel, where as Al-Faisaliah Shopping Mall won Best Shopping Experience, and The Globe got the award as Best Fine Dining Restaurant.
• Steak House and Herfy Best Mid-market Restaurant
• Makkah-based Mobarrat Shohada, managed by AKMC and Avail Grand Hotel & Suite shared SETA’s Best Domestic Hotel award.
• Park Inn Hotel Best Mid Market hotel.
• Abdul Mohsin Al-Hokair Group won the Special Recognition award.

       

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

Al Diar Siji Hotel to strengthen online strategies
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The five-star Al Diar Siji Hotel in Fujairah is geared up to strengthen its online strategies following a 32% increase in online booking in 2010.“Online booking is fast becoming the biggest trend in the region and global travel sector and it will be the focus of Al Diar Siji hotel’s marketing strategy this year, explained Mr. Fouad Melhem, the hotel’s General Manager who also heads the Siji Hotel Apartments, a luxury serviced property..

“With the burgeoning online travel market & web booking portals that are expected to flood the market in 2011, online booking is indeed a fast growing channel of the tourism industry.  With this, increase in internet booking is inevitable and we want to get a share of that,” Mr. Melhem continued.

Managed by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) under its Al Diar Hotes Division, Al Diar Siji Hotel is in the process of revamping its website which is expected to be operational by first week of April.

“In order to remain competitive, especially now that competitor hotels have recently opened here in Fujairah, we must continue to invest in technology to sell through the web.  Our new website will have more user-friendly features & will allow direct bookings,” Mr. Melhem continued.

Together with the Al Diar Hotel Division, Al Diar Siji Hotel will also be present in all 4 GDS and will be accessible in more websites with booking portals.

Al Diar Siji Hotel will also maximize social media including Facebook & Twitter as avenues for presenting the hotel’s facilities & services, as well as establishing contact with previous & potential clients.  Online marketing initiatives including activity campaigns with Yahoo & Google, email marketing, and online advertising are also lined-up.

Although the online booking has increased by more than 30% in 2010 compared to 2009, the figure only comprised less than 5 percent of the total hotel booking.

“Our goal is to increase this figure by 15% to 20% by yearend.  Considering the increase in our room production through internet booking month by month, the rise in internet booking globally, and our online marketing strategies, this would be attainable,” said Mr. Melhem.

Al Diar Siji Hotel features spacious rooms & suites, banqueting facilities, world-class restaurants, recreational facilities including tennis courts & bowling centre.  The hotel also boasts of two international certifications: the HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point System) certification for its food & beverage; and the BS EN ISO 9001:2008 certificate for management efficiency.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

After Paris in 2012, Dublin to host world leading PCOs for their Annual Meeting in 2013
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) will hold its Annual Meeting in Dublin, 14–17 February 2013, bringing some of the industry’s leading lights to the shores of Ireland. The conference will be organised by three of Ireland’s foremost PCOs, MCI Dublin, Conference Partners and Keynote PCO.

Jean Evans, European Director of Association Relations for MCI, said ‘The decision of IAPCO to bring their Annual Meeting to Ireland is a major boost for the indigenous industry and another tangible sign of the progress made in the raising of standards within the Irish meetings industry over the last decade. We are now one of Europe’s top meetings destinations and can offer the best in the industry the best service available.’

Nicola McGrane, Managing Director of Conference Partners, added ‘Ireland has changed dramatically and has rapidly become not only a prime tourist destination but also a top-class business destination for international travellers. This combination of social activities and business facilities make Ireland an ideal host for IAPCO 2013 and we are delighted to have the opportunity to show what this country can do.’

Keith McCormack from Failte Ireland, the prime sponsor of the event, said ‘We are delighted that Ireland has been awarded this prestigious conference. These are some of the biggest decision makers in the industry and we will support this eminent group of PCOs to help them showcase the best of Ireland. We treat every guest that comes to Ireland with warmth and professionalism and IAPCO 2013 will be no different.’

‘It’s exciting to have so many of our industry peers arriving on our shores’ added Noel Mitchell, Managing Director of Keynote PCO, ‘The PCO partnership that has been created will be working closely together over the next two years to deliver a world-class event to the IAPCO 2013 attendees.

“We are thrilled to go to Ireland in 2013! says Philippe Fournier, IAPCO President. The bid we received was of excellent quality and our members in Ireland want to showcase to all their colleagues the assets the country has to hold international meetings”.

The meeting will take place in The Westbury Hotel, one of Dublin’s premier meeting establishments located right in the heart of the city. Completely renovated over the last few years, The Westbury Hotel is a symbol of the work done in Ireland to raise standards across the sector and is a model of five-star luxury in an historic setting.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

Carlson opens Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 hotel
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        Carlson announced the expansion of its Thailand portfolio with the opening of the 125-room Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 hotel. The stylish and contemporary hotel is conveniently located near Sukhumvit, the city’s most sought after entertainment and shopping district. It is minutes away from the Nana and Asoke Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrains and the Sukhumvit Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and the Thai Stock Exchange.“This is our second Park Plaza hotel in Thailand. The first Park Plaza Sukhumvit in Bangkok has set the benchmark high by being consistently rated as one of the city’s top hotels on TripAdvisor,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.

“The Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 hotel will deliver the same warm, engaging, smart and spirited service that guests have come to expect of the Park Plaza brand,” added Barlow.

“The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city and will appeal to both corporate and leisure travelers in Bangkok,” said Martin Fabiano, general manager, Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18.

Designed by the award-winning, multidisciplinary firm Hassell, Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 is a sophisticated, modern hotel that blends contemporary design with traditional Thai-inspired decor. Each room features complimentary wireless Internet, and an iPod and iPhone multi-port media hub.

A chic and diverse variety of dining options awaits hotel guests. There is Mezza, an all-day dining restaurant featuring an interactive show kitchen with different styles of cuisine such as Western grill, local Thai delights and specialty Mediterranean tapas dishes. Guests can take in the city sights at Sway, the hotel’s rooftop pool bar or enjoy freshly baked cakes and pastries at Chai, the lobby cafe.

The Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 offers private meeting spaces for small-to-medium sized events, a fully equipped business center with a suite of administrative and secretarial support, and complimentary wireless Internet in all public areas.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

2.5% passenger growth for Europe’s regionals
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) which represents some 70 intra-European airlines, has recorded an average 2.5% scheduled passenger growth for its reporting members in 2010, and the highest passenger load factor on record of 66.2%, indicating cautious recovery and a managed response to a second tough year.

A record number of delegates have gathered in Malta for the Association’s annual spring regional airline conference. Memories of last year’s event in Edinburgh are still fresh in people’s minds. It coincided with the Icelandic volcano eruption and major operational disruption. The unlimited liability imposed on airlines by the wholly inept Regulation 261/2004 lead, in turn, to a massive financial burden for many carriers.

“These figures, and particularly our highest ever passenger load factor of 66.2%, are encouraging.  They demonstrate the resilience and flexibility of intra-European airlines to respond swiftly and strategically to changing markets,” said ERA director general, Mike Ambrose. “However, while demand may be gradually recovering, yield remains low and European air transport recovery lags behind the rest of the world. The current situation strongly underlines the need for the policies advocated by Commissioner Kallas in the Bruges Declaration (that additional burdens, eg taxes on aviation) should be rigorously applied if European carriers are to remain internationally competitive.”

       

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

DoubleTree by Hilton debuts first hotel in the UAE
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the United Arab Emirates. Located in the heart of the Al Nakeel business district and just minutes away from the beach, this newly built, upscale, full-service hotel offers modern ambiance; extensive amenities; and warm, welcoming hospitality.



“DoubleTree by Hilton proudly marks its commitment to growing our brand in the Middle East with this second hotel opening in the region in less than one week. The United Arab Emirates continues to build upon an already successful tourism industry that is vibrant, growing and continues to show tremendous potential. The DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah is an excellent example to mark our brand’s premiere in the U.A.E and encourages the world’s travellers to discover this outstanding leisure and    business destination,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

Ras al Khaimah, the U.A.E.'s northernmost Emirate, offers incredible diversity in geography with its white sandy beaches, majestic mountains and breathtaking desert sand dunes as well as in cultural heritage and recreational activities. Just 45-minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, the hotel is centrally located adjacent to the Expo Centre and only minutes away from all major business establishments and tourist attractions.

“The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah continues to build upon Hilton Worldwide’s strategic growth in the U.A.E with this opening of our 10th hotel across the country. With two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in key destinations across the Middle East and many more development deals under negotiation in our robust development pipeline, the brand continues to gain momentum as a lucrative branding opportunity for owners and developers in the upscale, full-service hotel segment,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president - Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

DoubleTree by Hilton has a longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect their destination and create a rewarding experience for their guests in 17 countries across five continents. DoubleTree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors

2010 total tourism spending reaches all-time high of over HK$200b. in Hong Kong
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that the Total Tourism Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism (TEAIT) in 2010 reached a historic high of HK$209.98 billion, 32.7% more than in 2009. Also showing increase was the per capita spending of overnight visitors, which surged by 16.6% to HK$6,728, while that of same-day, in-town visitors rose by 2.7% to HK$1,846.HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “Last year, we welcomed 36.03 million visitor arrivals to Hong Kong, 21.8% more than 2009. The increase in arrivals, along with the strengthening of most currencies against the Hong Kong dollar, which stimulated visitors’ spending, led to remarkable growth in the total tourism expenditure. Looking into 2011, we expect further growth in arrivals to 39.64 million, provided that the global economy remains stable and the Mainland maintains its robust economic growth. Another contributory factor would be the implementation of measures to facilitate individual visits by both non-Guangdong and Guangdong residents in Shenzhen. All these are projected to give a further boost to the tourism receipts to around HK$244.40 billion in 2011.”

Total Spending by Overnight and Same-Day Visitors

In 2010, the total spending by overnight visitors amounted to HK$135.14 billion, which represents a significant growth of 38.4% over 2009. As for the per capita spending of overnight visitors, this increased by 16.6% year-on-year to an average of HK$6,728.

All market regions achieved remarkable growth in their respective overnight per capita spending figure in 2010, with especially outstanding performance by the long-haul regions, which showed increases of 30% or more. Furthermore, the per capita spending figures of individual long-haul markets were either close to or above the average of all overnight visitors. As for the short-haul regions, the per capita spending of overnight visitors from North Asia and from South and Southeast Asia also made an impressive leap of 27.8% and 17.7% respectively.

Among all overnight visitors, those from Mainland China continued to have the highest per capita spending at HK$7,453, 12.6% more than in 2009. The higher spending not only reflected the rapid economic growth of the Mainland, which stimulated spending and outbound travel, but also underlined Hong Kong’s position as one of the first-choice destinations among Mainland travellers.

In 2010, the total spending by same-day, in-town visitors reached HK$29.35 billion, 29.4% more than in 2009. As for the average per capita spending, this increased by 2.7% to HK$1,846.

Again, same-day visitors from Mainland China made the highest spending per capita. Most of them came from southern China, some of whom made use of the “one year, multiple endorsement” measure under the Individual Visit Scheme to come to Hong Kong for consumption visits (with shopping as the main purpose). Given that they made frequent visits to Hong Kong, their spending levels were relatively stable. In contrast, same-day visitors from other market regions tend to make brief stops in the city for business purposes or transit to other destinations via various transport means. As a result, their per capita spending figures were relatively lower than that of the Mainland.

Spending Patterns

In 2010, the total spending on shopping by visitors to Hong Kong surged by 33.5% year-on-year to HK$109.59 billion. For both overnight and same-day visitors, shopping took up the largest share of their spending, which stood at 61.7% and 89.4% respectively.

The proportion was even higher for overnight and same-day visitors from Mainland China, which reached 73.6% and 92.2% respectively. Among the overnight Mainland visitors in 2010, 46% purchased ready-made wear during their stay. Other popular shopping items included cosmetics and skin care (44%), snacks / confectioneries (31%), shoes / other footwear (22%) and medicine / Chinese herbs (19%).

Calculation of TEAIT

As in previous years, the tourism expenditure figures have been calculated according to methodology recommended by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The two components of TEAIT are: (1) Total Destination Consumption Expenditure – the sum of all payments made by visitors for goods and services consumed in Hong Kong, including accommodation, shopping, meals and entertainment. The information is collected from HKTB’s Departing Visitors Survey; (2) Passenger International Transportation Expenditure – receipts of Hong Kong-based carriers for cross-boundary transportation of non-resident passengers by air, sea or land. The data is provided by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government.

The HKTB conducts surveys among departing visitors at eight control points (exit ports) in Hong Kong throughout the year. The total annual sample size for these surveys in 2010 exceeded 260,000. During the survey, respondents would be asked a number of questions concerning their visits to Hong Kong, such as their tour itineraries, the places visited, the spending and items purchased, as well as their satisfaction rating of various aspects.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed

MyCEB industry partner programme as catalyst for business tourism growth
6 April 2011, 11:00 pm

        The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has recently launched its Industry Partner Programme (IPP) to further strengthen Malaysia’s competitive position in the global business tourism  market.MyCEB will be rolling out a series of cooperative programmes across the country to provide business opportunities for partners and to increase Malaysia’s success rate in securing international business events.

Mr Rashidi Hasbullah, Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Tourism who represented the Minister of Tourism Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen at the launch said, “The business tourism segment has been identified as one of the Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and is targeted to contribute significantly to the overall national Gross Domestic Product. Business tourism arrivals are estimated to grow from five percent to eight percent of overall tourist arrivals, an increase from 1.2 million to 2.9 million by year 2020.”

“To achieve these objectives and to secure more business events for the country, we need the collaborative voice of the Malaysian business tourism industry. It is crucial that we collectively strengthen our knowledge, expertise and quality of service delivery in order to compete effectively globally. Our goal is to provide world’s best practices in service delivery as well as product innovation and development,” commented Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

“The Industry Partner Programme has been launched to act as a platform to engage with and to encourage cooperation amongst the industry players,” added Mr Zulkefli.

“Becoming an industry partner can be highly advantageous for a local player. Besides enhancing its company profile, the IPP’s wide range of sales and marketing initiatives can help propel companies into the lucrative international business tourism market,” he said. “Partners will also be privy to vital market intelligence, gain valuable professional networks and be featured in various promotional activities initiated by MyCEB.”

Key highlights of the IPP include:

• Business opportunities through cooperative sales and marketing platforms under the destination umbrella
• Access to sales leads and business referrals
• Professional development opportunities
• Knowledge, ideas and market intelligence sharing platforms
• Product development programmes.

The Industry Partner Programme is opened to Malaysia-based business tourism product and service providers including venue and accommodation providers, conference and event management companies, transport operators, tour and leisure companies as well as industry associations.        

Source: Travel Daily News Feed