Travel and Executive Breaks

Audio: The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is the latest opening by the Dubai based hospitality group, with a style based on Lifestyle and Art. Phil Blizzard talking to the hotel's General Manager, Klaus Assmann, took a tour of the property - starting in the atrium, surrounded by many of the hotel's 480 pieces of art and a long way below the glass bottomed swimming pool.

Audio: Qatar Airways is the first Middle East carrier to receive the 'state of the art' Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Phil Blizzard reports on the reveal of the aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow which was conducted by Akbar al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, who talks about the aircraft, it's participation in the flying display - a first for a Boeing aircraft in the livery of a commercial carrier. Akbar al Baker also talks about the 'courage and stamina' needed in running an airline.

Audio: Travel Talk with Phil Blizzard joining Elisa Grandcourt, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board and Pascal Viroleau, Director of Tourism, Isle of Reunion. The focus is the increased visitor numbers to the Indian Ocean islands, the attractions of their respective destinations and how they are trying to broaden their markets. Did you know, for example, that self-catering guest houses are available in the Seychelles

Audio: Direct flights between the UAE and Salalah in southern Oman will see a tourism boost for this popular summer destination which, during the Khareef monsoon season is considerably cooler than the rest of the GCC. Phil Blizzard talks to Ghasi Humaid Al Hashmi, Assistant D.G. of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism about the impact of these direct flights, the development plans for tourism in the Dhofar region and what visitors may expect.

Audio: Sir Baniyas island is one of several individually distinctive projects from Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and one which allows tourism and nature to co-exist in harmony. Phil Blizzard took the short 30 minute flight from Abu Dhabi to sample the island.

Audio: Rotana Jet, the Abu Dhabi based private jet operator has commenced the UAE's first domestic schedule service with flights from Al Bateen Airport to the island of Sir Bani Yas. Phil Blizzard talks to Rajendran Vellapalath, Director, Commercial and Planning, Rotana Jet about the new service, the business aspects of the company and its future plans.

Audio: The luxury hospitality group Mandarin Oriental, are set to enter the GCC market with the opening of a boutique hotel in Doha, Qatar. Christoph Mares, Operations Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group talks to Phil Blizzard about the property and as well as their UAE entry with a TDIC owned hotel on Saadiyaat Island, Abu Dhabi. He also gives an overview of the trends in this segment of the hospitality industry, in respect to the Middle East outbound market.

Audio: The global airline industry is expected to require a further 460,000 pilots over the next 20 years, with expectations in the Middle East for a further 36,000 flight deck crew. The Emirates Aviation College in Dubai offers an number of courses for future pilots and other aviation industry professionals as highlighted by Dr Ahmed Al Ali, Vice Chancellor in this interview with Phil Blizzard.

Audio: "The convention market will be important to us and Dubai" says Rupprecht Queitsch, GM, J W Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai in conversation with Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Travel Market. He also talks about embracing social media, the logistics of opening a new hotel of this scale, which will be the world's tallest when it opens.

Audio: The first J W Marriott Marquis Hotel outside of the USA will open in Dubai in the later part of 2012. At the Arabian Travel Market Phil Blizzard spoke with Rupprecht Queitsch, GM, J W Marriott Marquis, Dubai to find out more about this brand and what it offers.

With one of the biggest hotel stocks in the world, London with over 140,000 hotel rooms should not be short of accommodation for the summer Olympics says Chris Foy, Head 2012 Games Unit, Visit Britain. At the Arabian Travel Market he talks to Phil Blizzard about the importance of this summer to London, and the United Kingdom, with both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics taking place. He also the looks aim of Visit Britain to boost overseas visitors by 4 million a year in just two years.

A roundup of the key travel and tourism news by Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Travel Market. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths gives an update on their development plans, the UAE apply for full membership status with the UN World Tourism Organisation and Qatar Airways announces new routes. We also hear from some of the 'Travel Oscar' winners from The World Travel Awards.

A round up of the regional travel from Phil Blizzard and this month includes passenger growth for Abu Dhabi International Airport, Flyduabi's foray into Yemen, whilst Emirates says Hello Tomorrow and considers foreign airlines. The big travel related shows - AHIC, ATM and the World Travel Awards are also previewed.

Audio: An important milestone for the Movenpick Hotel group has been reach with 100 properties in their global milestone. Phil Blizzard talks to Toufic Tamim, VP Sales & Marketing - Middle East, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts about their expansion, developments in the Middle East and the importance of events like GIBTM and the Arabian Travel Market. He also talks on how the Dubai hospitality market has bounced back in strength.

A relationship-based consultation service, from the comfort of the office or your home, is the basis of a new joint venture between Dnata and UK based Travel Counsellors. On this occasion, however, Phil Blizzard travels to meet Steve Byrne, MD, Travel Counsellors to find out how tailor-made itineraries are created using a personal, home based travel consultant.