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The Java World Travel Fair had strong participation by the UAE, including the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, and Dubai’s Emirates Airlines. The World Tourism Congress organized the JATA fair and it took place in Tokyo between September 17th and September 20th. More than 100,000 people visited the UAE booths, which…
Hoteliers in Dubai are seeing a brighter future as the summer season comes to an end. Monarch Dubai director of business development said “Hopefully for Dubai, summer is a turning point, and Marriot Middle East and Africa sales director Jeff Stracchan said “We believe there is room for optimism.” The Atlantis Resort on The Palm Island in Dubai doubled their rates last week from a promotional offer of Dh800 per…
The Elaf Group of Companies announced they will build four new five star hotels in Abu Dhabi – two in Jeddah and one each in Makkah and Madinah over the next three years. The company’s president, Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, said they currently have 15 hotels and plan to double that number in the short term. He said “the kingdom remains a significant growth market and an important consolidating force in the region’s…
Wataniya Airways received a bomb threat hoax forty minutes into its flight to Damascus, and returned to Kuwait. Chief of Operations at Wataniya International Airports said a passenger made the threat during during an argument with a flight attendant. The male passenger refused to stow his hand luggage in the overhead compartment, claiming it contained a bomb. The captain immediately returned to Kuwait,…
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, based in Canada, will operate the new Dh800 million luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi when it opens on 1 October 2009. A source close to developments said “It’s a five star property, owned by the Al Fahim Group unit Rmal Hospitality.” Fairmont is seeking to establish a presence in one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi aims to have over 26,000…
A top Kerzner International official said plans for the $1.5 billion Atlantis Dubai on Palm Jumeirah are still in the pipeline and will move forward after economic conditions improve. Managing Director Alan Lieberman said he is very comfortable about prospects for 2010, but noted that it is difficult to make predictions because “Our business continues to be very, very short term”. He said consumers tend to wait…
A new report by STR Global shows that revenue per available room (RevPar), and occupancy rates fell dramatically during Ramadan. STR Global Managing Director said “With Ramadan taking place from August 21 to September 19 2009, the Middle East/Africa region dropped 21 per cent in RevPar for August.” Elizabeth Randall said this is the first time RevPar for this region has fallen behind Europe and the…
New figures released on Sunday show aircraft, cargo, and passenger traffic increased at Abu Dhabi International Airport in August, but the rate of growth slowed. The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said there was a 12.5 per cent rise in aircraft traffic in August compared with the same month last year, a 6.2 per cent increase in cargo movments and 2.5 per cent increase in passenger movement – compared to 10.3…
India’s Taj Hotels joined Etihad Airways ‘Etihad Guest’ loyalty programme. Taj Hotels is a leading Indian hospitality group. ‘Eithad Guest’ was launched in August 2006 and now has over 650,000 members. The program lets members accumulate miles then redeem them against a wide selection of up to 1,600 flight and non flight rewards from over 200 partners. The rewards include car rental, hotel accommodation,…
The UAE will host the three day “Low Cost Airlines World MENA 2009 Conference” from October 12 to October 14 2009 in Al Ain. The event is being sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC). Aviation industry specialists from the Middle East and around the world will meet and discuss new routes and ways of increasing revenues. Sharjah based Air Arabia was the first low cost carrier (LCC) to launch in…
The hotel industry in Saudi Arabia will expand massively over the next few years as the Kingdom’s multi pronged initiative to boost tourism revenues is implemented. The Elaf Group of Companies has announced they will build an additional four five star hotels in the Kingdom over the next few years. The ambitious plans by Saudi Arabia’s pioneering tourism company are another indication that “the worst is over”…
The Sharjah compliant five star all suite Tamani Hotel in Dubai Marina is flourishing during the economic downturn because of its Sharia niche. The 240 suite hotel doesn’t serve alcohol, all food is halai, and there is a floor reserved exclusively for woman and only female staff are allowed to enter. The female staff are dressed conservatively and consistent with Islamic tradition. General Manager for…
Stargate Resort has opened its doors in Zabeel Park, Dubai, after four years of construction. The ‘eductainment center’ which was initiated by real estate company Osus and Dubai municipality, features state-of-the art interactive play and parent pleasing education. The center will teach visitors about the far reaches of the solar system. CEO of Osus said “Stargate is a one-of-a-kind interactive learning…
The hotel industry believes customers will be more loyal if there is value added to their stay with courses like language classes, golf lessons, and culinary arts training. An increasingly common mantra among those in the hospitality industry is there should be focus on the basics and enhancing people’s skills. Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group said he believes that there is a clear change in hotel guests…
Perfumes Y Diseno (PYD) invested Dh11 million to establish headquarters for its Middle East Unit at the Dubai Airport Freezone. PYD said they are expanding their market in the region by developing tie-ups with retail chains in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Gulf region. Managing director for the PYD Middle East Unit, PYD Middle East Distribution FZCO, said “Growth in cosmetics and perfumery…
Dubai Malls highlighted traditional Arabic dancing during the Eid celebrations. Large crowds watched dancers perform the Tanoura and Khaligi with Dabkeh in Palestinian and Syrian styles. More visitors were attracted by discounts offered by outlets. Shoppers at the Reef Mall in Deria enjoyed their outing with the festive backdrop of traditional Arabic musicals and dance acts. A Tanouri dance show followed…
Dubai Hotels are promoting their brands and increasing business by using social media websites. Revenues have dropped due to the slowdown in international travel and more competition, so hotels are looking for less expensive ways to attract guests. The Monarch Hotel used the twitter social networking website to launch its Eid promotion this month, and this was responsible for around 12 per cent of its…
Airbus is projecting that Dubai will be the world’s fourth largest aviation hub after Hong Kong, London Heathrow, and Beijing. Airports Council International statistics show that Dubai overtook Singapore Changi Airport last year to become the world’s sixth largest aviation hub. By 2028 around 14 of the world’s biggest airports will be located in Asia Pacific. Dubai Airport Chief Executive Paul Griffiths…
