Travel and Tourism

"The biggest challenge is finding the right staff," says Paul Bell, Managing Director, Aldar Hotels and Hospitality, as it races against time to finish its Yas Island developments in time for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1st. Speaking with Phil Blizzard at AHIC, he also talks about the other hotel projects in the Abu Dhabi developer's portfolio.

As the company races to open 67 hotels by 2012, including two close to Abu Dhabi's new Formula 1 track that must be ready in time for November's inaugural race, Michael Marshall, Corporate VP, Sales & Marketing, Rotana Hotels, outlines the group's strategy in the tough economic climate. Speaking to Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) about its marketing strategy, he discusses the opening of new Dubai and Abu Dhabi properties, the Cove in Ras Al Khaimah, the challenges the company faces and its pipeline of new hotel developments.

Jean Claude Baumgarten, President, World Travel & Tourism Council talks to Phil Blizzard on how to survive the economic storm, how the Gulf region is in a stronger position than most, plus the imapct of swine flu. He also provides a few tips on economical survival.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts in the Arabian Peninsula region derive 50% of their revenue from the MICE sector. Guy Epsom, Regional Director, Sales & Marketing, Hilton Hotels, talks to Phil Blizzard on how this is achieved and the way trends are changing.

With a downturn in leisure tourism many hotel groups are looking at the MICE market to boost revenues. Toufic Tamim, VP Sales & Marketing, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East talks to Phil Blizzard on the ways they will increase their MICE business.

Mohammad Obaid al Mulla, CEO, Marine Agency, RTA takes us on a tour around one of their new style abras and talks to Phil Blizzard about the new services they plan to operate on the waters of Dubai.

The closure last November 2008 of Bangkok international airport by domestic demonstrations had a major impact on tourism to the "Land of Smiles'. Phil Blizzard talks to Pasan Teparak, Royal Thai Consulate General, Dubai, about the measures for safe travel and the importance of visitors from this region to the tourism and MICE industry in Thailand.

The world's leading travel technology solution provider Sabre recently signed a 10 year deal with EmQuest, the travel distribution unit of Emirates airline. Phil Blizzard talks to Naz Nizari, Snr VP - EmQuest about the benefits and usage of such technology, as well as the services offered by EmQuest.

Andrew Cowen, CEO of Saudi Arabian airline Sama, talks about Islamic aviation and how the company geared up for Hajj. Phil Blizzard reports on how the airline is trying to make visiting Saudi Arabia easier.

Hilton Hotels are embracing technology to enable swifter and smoother booking options for their clients, as Guy Epsom, Regional Director, S&M, Arabian Peninsula, Hilton Hotels, explains to Phil Blizzard at the Business Travel Show, Dubai, plus the offer of some nice gadgets for MICE bookers.

Marhaba the popular 'meet and greet' service at Dubai International Airport launched an on-line booking service at the Business Travel Show, Dubai. Phil Blizzard logged on and clicked away to discover more about this on-line facility with Jon Conway, DSVP, Airport Operations, DNATA.

Take a tour of the new terminal at Dubai International Airport which has opened for passengers flying on Emirates. Phil Blizzard gives you an insight to the exciting Emirates Terminal 3 - coming across , gardens with flowing water, two hotels with swimming pools plus a multitude of check-in facilities.

Emirates Terminal 3 opens at Dubai International Airport providing Emirates passengers with a 'state of the art' facility. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports talks to Phil Blizzard about the testing prior to opening, what passengers can expect and future developments.

The lower deck of the Emirates Airbus A380 has 399 seats in 3-4-3 configuration in what is the widest cabin in the world. In this feature Phil Blizzard looks at what economy passengers, flying on the main deck, can expect from Emirates.

"The A380 flight was exciting, but I was struck by the onboard experience", HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum told the VIP audience at a special ceremony in Hamburg, as Emirates Airlines received their first Airbus A380. The Chairman of Emirates also announced another big order, 60 more aircraft, from the European manufacturer.