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Hospitality companies withdraw project bids as unrest continues
As unrest in the Middle East continues, companies and organisations in the tourism sector are facing challenging times. Peter Ward talks to Tarek Elsherif, MD, Five Continents Hospitality Group on how their plans have changed.
Buddha Bar looks at Dubai as location for hotel
Buddha Bar, the renowed chill out bar and restaurant, is considering Dubai as a location for their new brand of hotels. At the Arabian Travel Market Phil Blizzard spoke to Nabil Souhail, Director, Business Development, Buddha Bar Hotels, Resorts & Spas about their hospitality developments following the opening of their first hotel in Prague.
Emirates Group profits up 42.9% on last year.
For the 23rd consecutive year The Emirates Group has announced record profits and for 2010 - 2011 the group profits are up 42.9% on the previous year. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group talks to Phil Blizzard about how their record profit was achieved and how the Dubai-based carrier is riding the various challenges facing the airline industry.
Rocco Forte's first Middle East hotel to open in Abu Dhabi
Rocco Forte, the European luxury hotel brand, has announced that its first hotel in the Middle East will open in Abu Dhabi in the fourth quarter of 2011. Richard Power, the firm's brand managing director, talks with Jeff Florian about the strength of the Rocco Forte brand and the new hotel opening in the UAE.
St. Regis to open its first hotel in the Middle East
The first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East is scheduled to open in Abu Dhabi on 1 November 2011. John Pelling, the hotel's GM, speaks with Jeff Florian about the strengths of the St. Regis brand and the unique features of this hotel.
Challenges abound for Middle East carriers
As soaring oil prices and political unrest continue to weigh heavily on carriers in the region, London-based aviation consultant John Strickland talks with Jeff Florian about the strategies carriers are using to combat these obstacles and the likelihood that some airlines may shut down for good.
MICE sector growth for Shangri-La hotels, Abu Dhabi
An integrated approach by the tourism stakeholders in Abu Dhabi is generating significant results says Levent Tekun, Director of Sales & Marketing, Abu Dhabi. He talks to Phil Blizzard at GIBTM about changing trends with-in the MICE sector and how the Shangri La Hotels are appealing to different segments of incentive and conference tourism.
Cathay Pacific to commence flights from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong
The first direct flights connecting the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with Hong Kong will commence in June 2011. The four times a week service to this important gateway to China will open a new route for both tourism and business travellers, says Tom Wright, GM, Middle East, India, Africa & Pakistan, Cathay Pacific in this interview with Phil Blizzard.
Mandarin Oriental say Middle East unrest may benefit their European properties
Mandarin Oriental Hotels in Europe may benefit from the present unrest in the Middle East with an increase in suite bookings, says Michael Hobson, CMO, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the development of their hotels on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi and in Doha, Qatar which are scheduled to open in Q1 2014.
Gatwick Airport, London looks at Middle East carriers to boost trafffic and eyes F1
Airlines in the Middle East are well suited to match the requirements of passengers living with-in the rich catchment area of South London's Gatwick Airport says Commercial Director, Guy Stephenson. At the Aviation Outlook MENA Conference he also talks to Phil Blizzard about how they are enhancing the passenger experience at the airport and how an F1 team are collaborating in an air side feasibility study on aircraft turnaround.
Emirates Holidays optimistic at ITB Berlin
Regional strife has "no significant impact on Emirates Holidays" says Frederick Bardin, Senior VP, Emirates Holiday as he talks to Phil Blizzard from ITB, Berlin. He talks about the mood of the European travel industry as it moves on from the recession, discusses trends and what he perceives to be the key European destinations for Gulf travellers this summer.
Middle East hotels face challenges finding talent
Hotels in the Middle East are finding it harder to attract talent as salaries for employees in the hospitality sector across South Asia are rising, says Raj Bhatt, Director, Hozpitality group. Speaking with Jeff Florian, Bhatt discusses the opportunities and challenges facing hiring managers at hotels in the Middle East.
Middle East unrest is Dubai tourism's gain
Dubai has benefited from the turmoil in the Middle East as tourists have avoided regional hotspots and flocked to the emirate, says Guy Wilkinson, managing director of hospitality consultancy, Viability. Speaking with Jeff Florian about the fallout from the protests, he also forecasts a swift recovery for Egypt's tourism sector.
Emaar Hospitality closes 2010 with a strong Q4 says CEO
At the opening of At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa Phil Blizzard joined Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group to talk about the group's last quarter performance. Located on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa At.mosphere is the world's highest restaurant, with-in a building, at a height of 442m.
2010 a year of expansion for Gulf airlines
A round up of the region's travel and tourism news from Phil Blizzard and a look back at 2010. The year saw significant expansion for airlines in the region and growth of low cost carriers. Dubai Duty Free had a record breaking day on their 27th anniversary and it was also a record breaking MEBA for business jets.
