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Rotana Hotels Pt 1 - Foray into India with 20 hotels in 10 years
India is to be the next strategic location for Rotana Hotels as the group expands their portfolio across the Middle East and beyond. Phil Blizzard talks to Omer Kaddouri, COO, Rotana Hotels about their plans for India, which should see 20 hotels opening in just 10 years. Talking at GIBTM, Abu Dhabi the importance and changing trends of the MICE market is also discussed.
Rotana Hotels Pt 2 - Upbeat on UAE occupancy and regional developments
Omer Kaddouri, COO, Rotana Hotels talks to Phil Blizzard at GIBTM, Abu Dhabi on the 'State of the Market' and says Abu Dhabi is going through a period of 'Growing Pains' despite an increase in visitor numbers to the capital. He also talks about their strong occupancy figures, but with a decline in room rates, and concludes with an overview of the new hotel opening across the region in 2012.
Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia - 2011 a significant year
Despite the Arab Spring the Sharjah based low cost carrier Air Arabia continued to operate their hubs in Egypt and Morocco. Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia talks to Phil Blizzard at the Aviation Outlook, MENA Conference about their achievements in 2011 and their development plans for 2012.
Interview with CEO, Royal Jet - 2011 profits soar sky high to 226%
Abu Dhabi based Royal Jet flew more than 3100 VIP charter flights in 2011 to more than 134 countries with their fleet of luxury executive jets. Shane O'Hare, President & CEO, Royal Jet talks to Phil Blizzard about their record breaking year and the growth of their numerous operations and alo their development plans for the future. He also talks about some of the exotic destinations, such as Tahiti, the Easter Island and South America which Royal Jet has flown clients to.
Emirates into USA, Fydubai 50th destination and EU carbon tax
Travel News with Phil Blizzard and the latest regional travel industry news which includes global success at the World Travel Awards for regional travel and tourism operators. Expansion continues unabated for airlines in the GCC with new routes to the USA and Europe, and we also look at the impact on airlines of the EU imposed 'carbon tax'.
Big carbon tax bill for GCC airlines flying into Europe
Etihad Airways are already charging passengers, on flights into Europe, an additional surcharge to offset the carbon tax introduced by the European Union. Phil Blizzard discusses with Georges Hannouche, CEO, Bayanat, an aviation services company, the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme which will cost Emirates Airline around 2.5billion dirhams over the next 10 years
GCC aviation sector implementing green initiatives
Georges Hannouche, CEO, Bayanat, an aviation services company, talks at the Green Aviation & Logistics Conference on the evolution of green aviation in the region. On the sidelines of the conference Phil Blizzard spoke to him about the global consumption of energy by the transport sector and what initiatives are being put in place in this region to reduce carbon emissions.
Kenya enjoys substantial increase in visitors from UAE despite security issues
Despite kidnappings and terrorist attacks Kenya has seen a substantial growth in visitor arrivals from the UAE. To find out what is been done to make the country safer Phil Blizzard joins John Chirchir, Regional Marketing Manager Emerging Markets, Kenya Tourist Board. He also gives an insight to their development plans to grow further the number of visitors from the UAE and GCC.
Dubai International Airports 51 million passengers in 2011
Dubai International Airport (DIA) registered 51 million passengers in 2011, in what was its 51st year of operation. Phil Blizzard talks to Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports about the figures, changing trends, including the No1 destination out of Dubai changing from London Heathrow to Doha.
St Regis Resort Saadiyat is set to open in Abu Dhabi
The St Regis resort on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi marks the arrival of the brand's first hotel into the Middle East. In an exclusive preview of this elegant property Phil Blizzard talks to John Pelling, GM, St Regis, Saadiyat about the history of the brand, what it stands for and some key features of this development, which features residential properties alongside the hotel.
Emirates set to boost trade with new service to Rio de Janeiro
Emirates are adding two more South American destinations to their network and in doing so will create stronger trade connections with Brazil and Argentina. Phil Blizzard talks to Nigel Page, Senior VP Commercial Operations, The Americas about the new service to Rio de Janeiro, and onto Buenos Aires, which begins in January 2012.
Dhs3.4 billion Adventure World theme park for Abu Dhabi
Tourism in Abu Dhabi is set to have a big boost with the development of Adventure World. The year-round theme parks consist of more than 25 attractions for all the family, themed hotels and entertainment, along with a large aqua park. Phil Blizzard spoke with Peter Jan Mulder, CEO & Chairman, Adventure World, Abu Dhabi about the EUR700m project which will employ over 1,000 staff.
Emirates test flexible routes over Indian Ocean
Flexible flight paths are the route to greater operating efficiency of aircraft on long distance flights says Captain Alan Stealey, Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Emirates. Talking to Phil Blizzard he explains the results of their Inspire tests on the Indian Ocean routes between Dubai and Australia. He also talks about the benefits of having a flexible approach to the routes used by the flight crew
Abu Dhabi cruise tourism boost as sailings by Italian operator MSC commence
The deployment of a cruise liner in Abu Dhabi for the winter season, by Italian operator MSC, will offer a significant boost to the emirates tourism industry. Neil Palomba, Corporate Operating Officer, MSC Crociere talks to Phil Blizzard about the decision to use Abu Dhabi as a base, the number of quests expected during their debut season and the ports of calls they will visit.
Ras al Khaimah to embark on cruise tourism
Cruise tourism across the Middle East is growing a significant pace and the northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah, UAE is gearing up to receive liners. At the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention Phil Blizzard talks to Victor Louis, COO, Ral Al Khaimah, Tourism Investment and Development Authority on what they will offer as it becomes one of the newest 'ports of calls'.
