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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.
Jumeirah Etihad Towers is Abu Dhabi debut for Dubai hospitality group
Dubai based Jumeirah Group are set to make their hospitality debut in the UAE capital with a 596 keys property. Phil Blizzard spoke to Doris Greif, GM, Jumeirah Etihad Towers in this preview to talk about the key features, the positioning in the Abu Dhabi market and their concerns for the environment.
Emirates and Etihad flights hit by European snow
Severe snow in Europe is affecting flights into and out of the Gulf, causing delays for thousands and passengers. In this report Phil Blizzard looks at two of the regions major carriers, Emirates and Etihad, and their advice to people flying into and out of Europe. Tim Clark, President, Emirates hits out at the British Airport Authority on their handling of the closure of London's Heathrow Airport.
Ferrari cars at The Meydan MICE event
Over 140 Ferrari cars alongside the race track at Meydan created a stunning line-up for a prestigious MICE event organised by the Ferrari Owners Association. Phil Blizzard talks to Abdin Nasralla, VP, Meydan Hotel & Hospitality about the importance of Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibition events, their strategy for increasing business in this industry sector and what they can offer.
Budget hotels could prove to be profitable in post-credit crunch Dubai
Layia Hotels recently celebrated its anniversary in the UAE and the opening of a new hotel. Freddy Farid, area vice president of Layia Hospitality, talks to AMEinfo's Peter Ward about the firm's past, present and future move into budget hotels.
British Airways sees first class recovery on Dubai route
Signs of recovery in the load factor for the premium fare paying passenger are being shown on the British Airways flights into Dubai. Phil Blizzard talks to Paolo De Renzis, Area Commercial Manager, Middle East, British Airways about the turn around and their product enhancements.
Dubai scores in sports tourism with world class events
The World Golf Championships, Louis Vuitton Trophy, the World 25m Swimming Championships, plus the Dubai Rugby 7's form an impressive end of year sporting calendar, attracting visitors from across the globe to Dubai. Donal Kilalea, CEO, PromoSeven Sports talks to Phil Blizzard about the economic importance of sports tourism.
