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TravelWise pt 1 - Flydubai postpone India, Royal Caribbean to sail from Dubai
TravelWise and the latest travel industry news with Phil Blizzard looking at hotel delays and cancellations, airlines launching new routes and in Travel Talk a look at one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry - cruising, with leaders Royal Caribbean to start sailings out of Dubai.
Flydubai one month old and growing
Dubai's first low cost carrier, Flydubai, is just one month old and is rapidly adding new routes to its network and new aircraft into its fleet. Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai talks to Phil Blizzard about the progress to date and what can be expected over the new few months.
Name your price for luxury at Dubai's Monarch Hotel
On-line bidding for suites, hotel rooms, spa treatments and even dining experiences at No 1 Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai is the innovative way the Monarch, Dubai, aims to tackle the summer downturn. Phil Blizzard looks at what is on offer and makes a bid for the Dhs49,000 per night Monarch Suite.
InterCon Dubai Festival City faces summer challenge
We look at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City and how it aims to beat the summer heat. Hotel occupancy across the region traditionally drops as high temperatures keep visitors away and this year, with the economic downturn, the challenge is even greater, reports Phil Blizzard.
Flydubai announce a trio of Indian routes
Despite the aviation industry being hit by the global downturn, Dubai's low cost carrier, Flydubai has announced it will be flying to India on a trio of routes. Phil Blizzard looks at the service being offered by Flydubai to Lucknow, Coimbatore and Chandigarh.
Cove Rotana Resort, RAK - beating the heat
Hotel occupancy across the region drops as high temperatures keep visitors away and this year the challenge is even greater. In a mini-series we look at several hotels to see how they aim to beat the summer heat, starting with the brand new Cove Rotana Resort, Ras al Khaimah.
IHG Dubai Festival City embraces Twitter
The Twitter message said find 'Paris in Dubai' and off went Phil Blizzard to discover why the Intercontinental Hotel Group are using social networking as a marketing tool. Rob Singleton, PR Executive explains how they are using Twitter and Facebook.
Kenya migration and bargain tickets from Etihad
TravelWise, pt 2, looks at safaris and wildlife migrations, as well as the coastal resorts, in the featured destination, Kenya. Phil Blizzard talks to Betty Ichan, Kenyan Tourism Board for useful travel information to the country and finishes the programme with a hot travel tip - online bargain flights from Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways.
Emirates boosts UK regional traffic
TravelWise features news of what's happening in the industry and in this part offers the latest advice on swine flu and also looks at the impact of daily flights by Emirates into a UK regional airport. Presenter Phil Blizzard talks to Helen Mcloughlin, One North East, UK, about the increase of travel and trade with the UAE and the importance of regional airports.
Mayfair London, Middle East is paramount
'The Middle East is a significant market' says Shadad Jahanbani, Regional Director of Sales, Middle East, Radisson Edwardian Hotels, as he talks to Phil Blizzard about one of London's grandest hotels. With a AED 450 million refurbishment The Mayfair is ready to accept the summer influx of guests from the Gulf who can now experience the latest technology, and even a private cinema, alongside the hotels exemplary service.
Compulsory green initiative for Dubai hotels
The premium hotels of Dubai have until the end of 2011 to cut their carbon emissions by 20% in compulsory initiative from Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing as Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Executive Director, Media Relations, explains to Phil Blizzard.
Dubai launches Green Tourism Awards
The Dubai Green Tourism Awards have been launched by the DTCM as the emirate strives for a 20% reduction in carbon emissions from hotels, by the end of 2011. At the launch of the awards Phil Blizzard spoke to Shaikah al Motawa, Business Development Manager, DTCM about the awards and who may enter.
Mauritius, paradise in the Indian Ocean
Dr A Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Tourism Mauritius talks about the importance of the Middle East with regards to in-bound tourism. He also describes to Phil Blizzard how the Indian Ocean island is expanding its portfolio of attractions and activities for visitors to this idyllic destination, just 4 hours flying time away from Dubai.
InterCon holds steady amidst downturn
John Bamsey, COO, InterContinental Hotels Group, MEA, tells Jeff Florian how the company is coping with the downturn and where it plans to expand. He also explains how the company has adapted practices, such as purchasing, to prosper during the slowdown.
Premier Inn aims high in Middle East
Premier Inn, the UK's largest hotel chain, has set its sights on being the Middle East's leading budget hotel chain. Jeff Florian speaks with the company's CEO Darroch Crawford about its pipeline in the region and its strategy for coping with the downturn.
