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Oryx Rotana, Doha quests linked to Qatar Airways route expansion
Audio: The Qatar Airways owned Oryx Rotana hotel in Doha is now two years old and is the transit hotel for the airlines business and first class passengers. In this edition of Travel Talk Phil Blizzard meets Kevork Deldelian, GM, Oryx Rotana who talks about their quest profile which is now 90% corporate travellers, the changes in travel trends and the importance of the MICE market. He also the benefits of their check-in service which is available on arrival at Doha International Airport.
'We have problems with the Dreamliner' says CEO, Qatar Airways
Audio: The long awaited arrival of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to a Middle East carrier has been delayed due to "problems, both technical and quality of the cabin" says Akbar al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways. Talking to Phil Blizzard, in Qatar, the CEO outlines those problems and the processes which will, eventually, see Qatar Airways become the first carrier in the region to receive the Dreamliner.
TravelTalk - Anantara opens in Abu Dhabi, new routes for Emirates and Sir Baniyas Island flights
Audio: TravelTalk with Phil Blizzard at the new Anantara Abu Dhabi Mangrove Resort starts with a round-up of regional news which includes new routes for Emirates, the opening of the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, along with record breaking results for both Air Arabia and Dubai Airports. TravelTalk also looks at Rotana Jets and their domestic air service to Sir Baniyas Island.
Dubai Airports and Air Arabia both break records in H1 2012
Audio: Emirates are to recommence flights to Libya and in the second half of 2012 launch flights to Phuket, Washington DC as well as further destinations in Australia and France. Phil Blizzard provides a round-up of aviation news from across the region which includes record breaking figures for both Dubai Airports and Air Arabia, along with Qatar Airways, CEO, Ahmed Al Baker talking about their debut Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Art and Lifestyle theme for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel pt 2
Audio: The latest hotel managed by the Jumeirah Group has opened overlooking Dubai Creek and is one of the first hotels to offer, across all rooms, a 24hr check-in service. The hotel is the first to be owned by Dubai Duty Free and Phil Blizzard continues his tour by joining the General Manager Klaus Assmann up on the pool deck, starting with the arrival of Cuba in Dubai.
Art and Lifestyle theme for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel pt 1
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.
Qatar Airways first Boeing 787 Dreamliner debuts in the UK
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.
Increase in visitors to the Seychelles from the GCC
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
Salalah becomes 75th destination for Air Arabia
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.
Sir Bani Yas Island the jewel in the TDIC crown
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.
Rotana Jet launches only schedule service with-in the UAE
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.
Mandarin Oriental Hotels to enter the GCC with a property in Doha
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.
Emirates drive to train pilots as Middle East demand expected to increase by 36,000 pilots over the next 20 years
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.
J W Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai pt 2 - convention market for world's tallest hotel
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.
J W Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai pt 1 - first outside of the USA
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.
