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South Korea invites Arab tourism
South Korea, the world's leading broadband country, already enjoys strong MICE links with the Middle East. Chang-Yong Lee, Director Dubai, Korea National Tourism Org, says recent developments such as increased flights between Korea and the Gulf will encourage more visitors to discover South Korea's leisure attractions.
Saudi opening up to tourists
Saudi Arabia, a World Travel Awards winner, is continuing its plans to develop tourism in the Kingdom, with the traditional emphasis on religious tourism expanding to historic and leisure tourism. Abdul Aziz bin Fahad bin Abdulla, Dep Sec Gen, Saudi Tourism, says the Kingdom is trying to welcome more inbound tourists, including women, with visas available through Saudi Airlines.
Gulf Air increased premium load
Gulf Air used ATM2005 to showcase its new first and business class seats, which it says have led to increased passenger load since their introduction. John Butler, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Gulf Air, says the World Travel Awards won by the airline are an acknowledgement of its improved services and customer satisfaction.
Arabs Down Under
Arrivals from Gulf countries to Australia were up 26 per cent in 2004, compared to 2003. Lynne Hocking, international marketing relations manager, Tourism Australia says the increase is expected to continue, with strong growth also taking place in educational links and tourism between Australia and the Middle East.
Foreign airlines court Dubai
The expansion of Dubai Airport is due for completion in 2006, with the first phase of Jebel Ali airport opening in 2007, according to Anita Mehra Homayoun, Marketing Director, Dubai Civil Aviation. Dubai Airport was voted the Middle East's leading airport in the World Travel Awards 2005, and is seeing strong interest from international airlines wanting to operate there.
Emirates ever expanding
In challenging times, an airline needs to expand rather than retreat, according to Ghaith Al Ghaith, Exec VP Commercial Operations, Emirates. Al Ghaith says that Emirates' World Travel Award-winning first class cabin has doubled seat load on New York flights.
Staff secret to success
Staff selection and training is critical to the success of a hotel, according to managers at Dubai's Le Royal Meridien. The World Travel Award-winning hotel enjoys strong repeat trade, with some guests returning up to five times a year for holidays.
Grosvenor goes for gold
Attention to detail and flawless service is what helps a hotel thrive amid fierce competition, according to Pam Wilby, General Manager, Grosvenor House. Wilby says the hotel's nomination for a World Travel Award is very encouraging.
Etihad soaring ahead
The Middle East aviation market still has plenty of room for growth and consolidation is not likely at this stage, according to Ian Ferguson Brown, Marketing Director, Etihad. Ferguson Brown says Etihad's newness gives it an advantage, as it has a brand new fleet and no legacy systems to support.
A right royal holiday
The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi's newest hotel and conference centre, has attracted guests worldwide since its opening in March 2005. The hyper-luxury property has already been nominated for three awards in the World Travel Awards 2005.
Hotel investment networking
The recent Arabian Hotel Investment Conference has been an important opportunity for the industry to network and study the strong growth in the region, according to Serge Zaalof, Resort General Manager at the Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah International's latest property. JI is a nominee for Leading Hotel Brand in the 2005 World Travel Awards.
ME hotel demand outstrips supply
Demand is still strongly outstripping supply in the Middle East hotel market, according to Russel Sharpe, Senior VP Sales & Marketing, Le Meridien. Le Meriden won the Middle East's Leading Hotel Group in the World Travel Awards 2004, which Sharpe says is significant as a vote of confidence by travel agents worldwide.
Abu Dhabi tourism strategy
With sun, sea, sand and several spectacular new hotels, Abu Dhabi is hoping to attract more tourists to experience its city and desert. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTB, says the government is strengthening partnerships with hotel chains, travel companies and airlines.
UAE-Thailand ties strong
Tourism and trade remain strong between Thailand and the UAE, with 60,000 tourists visiting Thailand every year, according to Apichit Asatthawasi, the Thai Consul-General in Dubai. The Dusit hotel in Dubai is holding a month-long celebration of Songkran, the Thai new year, with dancers, musicians and fruit-carvers flown over from Thailand.
Falcon flies through fuel hikes
Gulf Air's three year plan is still on track, despite the severe setback of soaring oil prices. James Hogan, CEO & President, Gulf Air, says if fuel prices don't at least stabilise, it will place the airline under considerable pressure. But investment continues, with refurbished craft and new partnerships with other airlines.
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