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New routes and new aircraft for Emirates and Qatar Airways
This round up of Travel News from across the region is dominated by the major airlines Qatar and Emirates launching new routes and aircraft deliveries, plus an interesting development from Abu Dhabi's Etihad as Phil Blizzard reports.
UAE airports see significant passenger growth
Airports in the UAE report significant growth during July, with Dubai International Airport recording a 14% increase in passengers and Abu Dhabi International Airport registering a record breaking 1 million plus passengers. Phil Blizzard reports on the growth, with comments from Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.
Emirates Aviation College open week
The key aviation college in the region has an Open Week, until August 26th, to showcase it's wide range of programmes. Phil Blizzard talks to Phil Blizzard talks to Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor, Emirates Aviation College, about the courses they offer, prospects for students and the development of the college, not only in Dubai, but overseas as well.
Philippines - The Nation of Islands
The award winning Philippines form this featured travel destination as Phil Blizzard looks at what the 'Nation of Islands' has to offer from the perspective of the Middle East traveller. Flying time is around 8 hours and GCC airlines provide around 18,000 seats a week.
Lebua Hotels explore Middle East opportunities
As investment in the Middle East's hospitality sector begins to pick up, Peter Ward talks to Deepak Ohri, CEO, Lebua Hotels, on why the region is once again being viewed as a key destination for luxury hotels.
First Centro in Dubai opens for Rotana Hotels in Barsha
A modern, stylish and affordable business hotel is the philosophy behind Rotana's Centro brand. At the opening of their first Centro in Dubai Phil Blizzard talks to Sherif Madkour, Manager, Centro Barsha, about the hotel, the brand and the large volume of hotels in the Barsha district of Dubai.
Amwaj, Rotana's first beachside hotel in Dubai opens
The Rotana Group of hotels has officially opened its first beachside property in Dubai. Located in the rapidly developing area of Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Amwaj Rotana is aiming to attract not only the leisure traveller, but also the business sector. Phil Blizzard previews the hotel on its opening day with Michael Kempf a director with their management team.
Armani Hotel, Dubai achieves high occupancy
Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts talks to Phil Blizzard about the first month of operation of the world's first Armani Hotel. With suite occupancy reaching 85%, at times, he talks about the allure of the property in Downtown Burj Khalifa and also talks on what is available with-in the hotel for the business professional, including the Armani Club
First flight into Al Maktoum is Emirates SkyCargo
Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International has received its first aircraft landing with the accolade going to Emirates Flight EK9883 and a SkyCargo Boeing 777. Phil Blizzard reports on this piece of aviation history with remarks from HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & Chairman of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports and Ram Menen, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo.
Flydubai first anniversary for world's fastest growing airline
Phil Blizzard takes a look at the flight path of low cost carrier Flydubai, which celebrates its first anniversary and is expanding at such a rate as to make it the fastest start-up airline in the world. The report features HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Flydubai and Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai.
The Palace, RAK pt 2 - investing in a luxury vacation
Investing in a luxury vacation in terms of a ROI is an interesting concept and one not associated, perhaps, with tourism. Philippe M. Rubod, General Manager, The Palace discusses this with Phil Blizzard along with the MICE market opportunities and the challenges on opening a hotel with such high expectations.
The Palace, RAK pt 1 - luxury hotel to open
Hamra Hotels in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah are on track to open a luxurious beachside hotel in 2010. Philippe M. Rubod, General Manager, The Palace, talks to Phil Blizzard about the hotel's location and the various aspects of luxury it will offer.
Flydubai pleased with first-year performance
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of low-cost carrier Flydubai, talks with Jeff Florian about the success that the carrier has achieved in its first year of operation, the new routes it will be adding, and the lessons it learned during the downturn.
Lake Como's CastaDiva Resort targets Middle East
The luxurious CastaDiva Resort, Italy, stands on the side of Lake Como surrounded by Hollywood stars. Steeped in heritage and culture, in particular music, this unique resort caught the ear of Phil Blizzard who spoke to Gregor Zielhardt, Deputy Director of Sales, to hear more about the resort's elegant and refined luxury environment.
Emirates flying high to Prague and Madrid following ash crisis
Emirates will increase their European destinations this summer by adding Prague and madrid to their network, having just commenced a service into Amsterdam. Richard Vaughan, DSVP, Commercial Operations Worldwide, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard about their new services and also how they managed the volcanic ash crisis. They also talk about the FIFA World Cup from a marketing and traffic perspective, along with route expansion in Africa.
