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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dubai-based Dnata is showcasing Britain as destination of the month at its travel centre, offering English-style afternoon tea, Scottish bagpipers and Beefeater guards. Rashid Al Noori, Senior Vice President, Dnata, says the UK has a lot to offer Middle Eastern visitors.
Trade and tourism continue to enjoy strong growth between the UAE and the UK, despite increased competition from other markets. John Hawkins, British Consul General, Dubai, says the Embassy tries as far as possible to make same-day decisions on visas for travel to Britain.
Gulf Air used extensive passenger research to create its new first and business class cabins. Shane O'Hare, Head of Marketing, Gulf Air, says a growing number of executives go straight to the office for a day of work after a night flight, so a proper sleep is critical, as well as services such as showers and shirt-laundering.
Landor created the new first and business class cabins being installed in Gulf Air's Airbus A330s. John Brash, Creative Director, Landor Dubai, says as well as comfort, a high level of technology is involved, with more enhancements still to come over the next few months, such as on-demand entertainment.
With Dubai International Airport expanding fourfold, and a new airport under construction at Jebel Ali, the emirate's passenger capacity could reach 200 million, more than the combined total Europe's four biggest airports. Anita Mehra Homayoun, Director Marketing, Dubai Civil Aviation, looks at the prospects for Dubai as the regional aviation industry grows at a rapid pace.