sawah on line in DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Lonely Planet, the leading travel publisher, has named Dominican Republic as one of its Top 10 Countries for 2013 in its annually published Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013. Lonely Planet draws upon the input of its staff, authors and online community for recommendations for the book, with the final list being decided upon by an in-house panel of experts. Lonely Planet's top ten countries are chosen based on their diverse activities, exciting adventures, rich culture, off-the-beaten-track credibility or overall X-factor. Dominican Republic and the other nine countries are destinations Lonely Planet thinks travelers should go to due to something special going on that year, recent development, a lot of buzz, or that they are up-and-coming and therefore should be visited before the crowds set in. "We chose the Dominican Republic for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013 as the country has all the elements of a perfect vacation destination," said Catherine Craddock-Carrillo, Commissioning Editor for the Americas. "With sun-drenched beaches, ecotourism, a rich culture of music and dance, influential art galleries and museums, and of course a warm and welcoming people, it's no surprise that the Dominican Republic is about to see a new wave of visitors." "We are thrilled to be recognized by Lonely Planet as a 'Best in Travel 2013' destination. This recognition of our magnificent island nation's pristine nature, unparalleled culture and gastronomy underscores and affirms the growing awareness of the magical beauty and culture found only in Dominican Republic," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Our famously friendly people, rich arts, museums, and dozens of national parks and protected areas attract new visitors each year who return often to enjoy our world-class resorts and refreshing sun, sea and sand." With eight international airports, three major cruise terminals and dozens of international marinas, Dominican Republic is closer than you think with direct two- to three-hour flights from most major U.S. gateways. imgr[3] = 

privatisation of Kuwait Airways Corp-oration (KAC

KUWAIT CITY: The government is expected to issue an em

ergency decree on the privatisation of Kuwait Airways Corp-oration (KAC) in the next few days, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources revealed the decree will include stipulations on the need to protect the rights of the KAC employees, while the engineers and pilots who have been in service for more than 20 years will be given two options - to stay in the job or to retire. Sources explained if these engineers and pilots decide to retire, their indemnity will be paid but the maximum amount should be equal to 36 months salary. Sources said the decree will also obligate the new investors to pay within five years the same salaries granted to the employees prior to the privatization. Meanwhile: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported on Wednesday that the total number of passengers who have used Kuwait International Airport last September amounted to 813962 compared to 767080 passengers in September of 2011. The department's monthly statistic said the number of incoming passengers amounted to 485021 last September compared to 331820 passengers in the same month of 2011. Meanwhile the number of departing passengers amounted to 328941 last September compared to 331820 passengers in the corresponding period of 2011. The statement added that the total number of flights to and from Kuwait International Airport in September was 7,335, compared to 7,232 trips in September 2011. The number of arriving and departing commercial flights reached 6,657 flights last September compared to 6,290 trips in September of the past year. In terms of cargo traffic, the DGCA reported that the total freight last September weighed about 14.152,581 million kg compared to 15.463,548 million kg in September of 2011.

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Time is ripe to invest in UAE, Saudi and Omani hotels say experts

Investment experts at AHIC 2012 highlight opportune offers in GCC hospitality climate – post-Arab Spring resilience indicative of investor sentiment Internationally renowned experts gathered at this year’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) and delivered a clear and consistent message: now is the right time to invest in the Gulf’s growing hotel industry – namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman. Commenting on the common thread to emerge from AHIC’s main sessions which addressed the changing geo-political landscapes in the Middle East, and its ramifications for investors and developers, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO Bench Events, Board Member STR Global said: “Dubai is setting the standard in hotel occupancy rates and sustainability; Saudi Arabia is sagaciously tapping its oil funds to lead the way in religious tourism and prudently diversifying its contribution to GDP away from hydrocarbon revenues; and Oman – the often mentioned ‘dark horse’ at the conference – presents a landscape fertile for hospitality development. “The investment that is now being directed into Oman’s hospitality infrastructure – such as the planned expansion of the Muscat International Airport, with the upgrading of the Seeb International Airport for instance – shows that the country’s ambition to flourish into a tourism hotspot is finally matching its unrivalled natural beauty and un-crowded, serene coastline. Echoing Worsley’s sentiment, Kurt Ritter, CEO and President The Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “With the strong performance of the UAE and Saudi Arabia last year it is clear that now is the time to further invest in these key countries.” Adding further weight to the case to invest in Oman, Salman Haider, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Given the opportunities offered by Oman, we are currently working on three proposed hotels in The Wave – our master-planned community in the Sultanate.” And concurring with the prevailing sentiment from the conference halls, Joe Sita, President, IFA Hotel Investments, promoting the new airport hotel brand YOTEL said: “Throughout the conference we saw interesting possibilities come to light in all three of these markets [UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman] – we see a future for the YOTEL brand in each.” Meanwhile, in his introductory speech to the conference Nenad Pacek, Founder and President of Global Success Advisers Ltd. highlighting that competition is heating up in the Middle East hotel investment sector, saying speed and efficiency are vital for hotel developers and investors in the region. “To accelerate your growth you need to embed speed and urgency into your response to the competitive challenge in high-growth emerging markets in MENA. Speed is of the essence,” he explained. Pacek also said that the oil-exporting markets are doing very well by global standards, adding that the Middle East is not a homogenous region: “They have savings of about $2.2 trillion: a phenomenal amount of money. And their fundamentals are good. “You cannot talk about the region as one entity. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing markets globally: we are seeing growth in some Saudi businesses of more than 30 per cent.” And in a nod to the other major player in the region’s hospitality industry Pacek remarked: “Dubai has recovered well and has been helped by the phenomenal growth in the emirate’s tourism. “The UAE will grow by about 4 per cent in real terms in 2012, and perhaps this year and next we may see a return to some of the investments that have been postponed in Abu Dhabi.” Following the seismic shift in the Middle East’s socio-political landscape in the wake of the Arab Spring, the ‘Investment Climate in the New Arab World’ conference at AHIC 2012 emphasised that the strong tourism fundamentals of the region are still in-place and recovery is only a matter of time. “The fundamentals are the same. Sinai is still a great place to go for diving and the fish have not gone away,” Paul Pisani, Senior Vice President, hotel development, Corinthia Hotels, addressing delegates at the event. Meanwhile at AHIC, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Egypt's Minister of Tourism, discussing the impact of the Arab Spring and the popular uprisings against Hosni Mubarak that have inundated Egyptian society for more than a year now, said in the ‘A hard talk on demand’ conference that tourism numbers to the pharoanic capital are recovering. “The tourism sector is too important for it to be jeopardised by this or that political party. We are hopeful that at the end of the electoral process in June we will see a substantial increase [in tourism numbers]. Our plan is to get back to the figures in 2010 and to get 14.5 million tourists this year and create the environment and capacity to receive some 30 million tourists by 2017,” he said. A highlight at this year’s AHIC was the ‘A Focus on Investment Opportunities Outside of the Middle East’ conference, which considered demographics worth tapping outside the region. During the symposium, Enrique Carillo Lavat, CEO FONTAUR said Mexico will sign a double taxation agreement with the UAE and aims to secure direct flights from Gulf destinations to the South American continent. “Mexico hopes for direct flights from the Gulf – we are working on it,” Lavat remarked, as he noted that Mexico aims to double its number of foreign tourists from 23 million last year. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, organiser MEED Events in partnership with Bench Events attracted more than 80 speakers and over 500 local and international delegates representing more than 40 countries who attended the three-day conference.

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sw associates joined alliance ictp

International Council of Tourism Partners announces SW Associates in Washington DC has joined alliance The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced today that SW Associates, based in Washington, DC, USA, has joined its alliance. SW Associates, partners, and affiliates have managed and participated in tourism and related development programs and projects around the world. Scott Wayne, President of SW Associates, said: “We are pleased to join the International Council of Tourism Partners. We are an international tourism development consulting practice focused on sustainable development through tourism. SW Associates has worked on tourism development opportunities, issues, and challenges on every continent and continually strives to contribute to well-managed, ecologically- and culturally-sensitive tourism. Mr. Wayne, a former UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel&Tourism Council (WTTC) official, noted: “ICTP’s commitment to quality in all aspects of destination management and development, as well as its emphasis on ‘green growth,’ is very much in line with our focus on sustainability. Solutions come from sharing information and benefiting from the development experiences of destinations around the world. ICTP offers a great platform for accomplishing this. We look forward to contributing to and benefiting from the alliance.” The Chairman of ICTP, Juergen T. Steinmetz, said: “SW Associates has provided destination development for a number of emerging tourist destinations. Currently, Scott is working with our ICTP academy member, Rwanda, and we are so pleased to have Scott and his expertise joining ICTP. We invite private stakeholders in ICTP member regions, or doing business to further tourism in ICTP member regions, to join our alliance. We're gratified that SW Associates is taking this important step and applaud the company for its commitment to green growth for the destinations it has projects in.” For more information about SW Associates, visit www.sw-associates.net .

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TI’ME for an upgrade in Luxor

TI’ME Hotels Management secures contract for Egyptian Nile resort property at Arabian Travel Market and plan major refurbishment to existing infrastructure as Egypt’s tourism industry moves forward TIME Hotels Management (TIME), the new UAE-based hotel group, announced at Arabian Travel Market today (May 2) that they have signed a contract with Edris Group – a major Egyptian-based travel and tourism company – for the management of the Tuthotel property in Luxor, Egypt. The boutique establishment has 79-rooms, and TIME will oversee a complete refurbishment of Tuthotel’s infrastructure, adding 82-rooms – to take its total inventory to 161-rooms – to upgrade it to deluxe four-star status in line with international standards. The former Edris-managed hotel will forthwith trade under the name ‘TIME Tuthotel’. Edris group still own the property, which, after extensive renovation, is expected to be fully-operational by the end of this year. Mr. Mohamed Al Mazroei, Assistant Managing Director of Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) – owner of TIME – said: “I am thrilled to be signing a contract that promises so much for our young company. “This auspicious announcement confirms our strong-minded and positive approach to our expansion plans for the Middle East, and demonstrates our commitment to providing our guests with the very best accommodation options in the region.” Mr. Ahmed Edris, Chairman, Edris Group, said he was looking-forward to working with TIME: “I’m really optimistic about the future of the Tuthotel property now that its management is in the hands of TIME, which in my opinion, is one of the most ambitious brands in the Middle East hospitality industry.” Overlooking the world-famous River Nile, and situated just 25 kilometres from the Luxor International Airport, and a mere ten-minute walk away from the local train station Mohamed Awadalla, Area Vice President, TIME, says the property is ideally situated for regional and international leisure travellers: “Located in Luxor, away from the noise and chaos of Egypt’s big cities, TIME Tuthotel will offer leisure travellers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of ‘the great river’ – remarkable for its centrality to ancient cultures and the modern world. “And being located on the Nile, we will be well-positioned to implement a variety of tourist initiatives in collaboration with local tour operators and businesses including Nile cruises, Luxor and Karnak temple day-trips. “What’s more guests can also access the traditional tourist hot-spots. With the train station in close proximity the property accessibility to the millennia-old Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, and the Sinai Peninsula are only a train journey away.” With its pharaonic antiquities and year-round warm beaches, tourism is Egypt’s top foreign currency earner, and the source of over a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, it represents one of the Middle East North Africa’s (MENA) most important hospitality sectors. Though political unrest has somewhat abated Egypt’s tourism arrivals over the last year, its historic sites remain a major attraction for tourists worldwide, says Mr. Awadalla. “The long-term potential of the Egyptian travel and tourism market cannot be questioned due to its proximity to Europe and its rich abundance of natural and cultural assets. “And despite the declines in the country’s tourism revenue, a recent STR Global Construction Pipeline Report shows that nearly 5,000 rooms are being developed in the country, reinforcing my point,” he added. Indeed, Samy Mahmoud, undersecretary of the ministry and head of Egypt’s international Tourism Sector, recently said Egypt’s tourism ministry expects to see a recovery in tourist figures to between 12 and 13 million in 2012, bringing in $11 billion to the country. -ENDS- Photo Caption: From left to right: Mr. Mohamed Al Mazroei, Assistant Managing Director, GGICO, Mr. Ahmed Edris, Chairman, Edris Group and Mr. Mohamed Awadalla, Area Vice President, TIME Hotels Management sign the contract for the Tuthotel in Luxor, Egypt. About TIME Hotels Management: TIME Hotels Management is well-capitalised with significant management expertise and has ambitions to evolve into one of the leading hospitality businesses in the UAE. TIME Hotels Management are owned by the public shareholding company Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) and Investment Group Private Ltd (IGPL). TIME currently manage the following properties: TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Al Barsha, Dubai TIME Grand Plaza Hotel in Al Qusais, Dubai TIME Opal Hotel Apartments, Dubai TIME Crystal Hotel Apartments, Dubai TIME Topaz Hotel Apartments, Dubai TIME Ruby Hotel Apartments, Sharjah The properties comprise a total of 745 rooms, and employ over 400 staff. Media contact: Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3652711 Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com Website: www.smc-pr.com OR Thomas Billinghurst Account Executive Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3652711 Mobile: +971 55 827 6198 Email: Thomas@smc-pr.com          

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Resilient Japan honored one year on from 2011 devastation

Arabian Travel Market New Frontiers Award recognizes country’s efforts to rebuild national economy and revive tourism demand Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, announced yesterday afternoon that Japan had been honoured with the New Frontiers Award 2012. Last year’s recipient Chile attended the Arabian Travel Market 2012 to present the award to Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Consul-General, Japanese Embassy in Dubai alongside Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. The award, in recognition of Japan’s sustained efforts in rebuilding its physical infrastructure and reviving its tourism product in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the country’s northeastern coast. “The Japanese government and its people have displayed extraordinary resilience in the face of such extreme adversity, and have made significant strides in getting the country’s economy back on track. The sheer determination and concerted efforts of Japan’s people in pushing ahead with such a monumental task is truly inspiring,” remarked Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, addressing the press conference. On March 10, 2011, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the northeastern coast of the country with cataclysmic force, sending waves of up to 40.5 metres 10 kilometres inland across 18 prefectures, causing massive loss of life, the destruction of over 125,000 homes and businesses and three nuclear reactor meltdowns. In addition to significant international aid, Japan’s government has allocated US$167 billion over five years as part of a phased recovery plan. While tourism numbers dipped by at least 50% in 2011, the government has also embarked on an ambitious plan to triple the number of international tourists by 2016 with a strong focus on increasing inbound visitor business from China. In Q1 2012 inbound visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan reached record highs and attractive tour packages targeting European visitors are also slowly yielding results. Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Japanese Consul-General in Dubai, who accepted the award, said: “On behalf of the Japanese people, we are honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Middle East’s tourism industry. Our plans for phased recovery are moving forward, and the efforts of our tourism board and related government bodies are instrumental in reconfirming to the world that Japan is certainly a destination with untold natural beauty and cultural wealth. There is still some ground to be recovered, but we are already seeing a return to normality in many areas of the economy – of which tourism is a major driver - and we appreciate the support and recognition of the tourism industry in this region.” Launched in 2005 by Arabian Travel Market, The New Frontiers Award was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity. As well as the prestigious crystal trophy, the New Frontiers Award comprises ATM exhibition space valued at US$10,000 along with additional marketing support in promoting the outstanding tourism opportunities offered by Japan. Japan was selected as winner of the New Frontiers Award by a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals from across the globe. From an original selection of 10 countries, which was then refined to a shortlist also comprising Australia and Brazil, Japan was chosen after the judges considered a number of decisive factors. These included support from local and national governments, utilisation of international aid packages, tangible signs of recovery and overall effort on behalf of government and citizens. Last year, Chile received the New Frontiers Award in recognition of its efforts to rebuild its shattered post-2010 earthquake tourism industry, which saw 80% of the population, as well as the entire economy, affected. Photo-caption (L-R): Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Japanese Consul-General in Dubai receiving his award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions and Mr Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Chile in United Arab Emirates. --- Ends --- About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors.   Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 Mobile : +971 50 4576525 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com Web site: www.smc-pr.com

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NEWS FLASH!! – DAY ONE AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2012 UAE TO JOIN UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai revealed today that the UAE has applied to join the UNWTO. “The UAE is currently the only country within the region that is not a member of UNWTO. The government has been talking to us about becoming a full member following the establishment of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities,” he said. “We have almost concluded an agreement, and I have received news that the cabinet has held discussions, and it is - in principal - approved. We are awaiting official notification and would be delighted to welcome the UAE as a member,” he added. Commenting on this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Rifai remarked: “ATM has grown to be a very important and significant gathering that continues to gain strength. This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification policies have paid dividends. “As well as being an important destination for inbound tourism, it is also a tremendously valuable source market for outbound travellers from the region, who are sought after by many international destinations.” “As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world. Events at the end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are doing very well under these circumstances,” he added. Contact: Stand No. 608, Hall 4 Marcelo Risi, Principal Media Office, mrisi@unwto.org NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! PINK LIMO’ LAUNCHED FOR DUBAI HENS Dubai Exotic Limo Services recently launched the ‘Dubai Pink Limousine’ for female customers to enjoy in special occasions such as bridal showers and birthdays. Their wide range of luxurious services also include the Hawaii inspired “Scoot Coupe”, Yacht Charters and fully equipped entertainment system Limousines. The limousines are part of a wider service offered by Travel Café, a new concept which fuses the traditional travel agency services, but in a modern, personalised and customer friendly manner. All of the waiting staff are in actual fact professionally trained travel agents dressed as flight attendants which complements the theme. Photo attached: Contact: Stand No. 338, Sheikh Saeed Arena Izzat Rustom, Founder and Managing Director – 050 877 4877 rustom@dubaiexoticlimo.com NEWS FLASH!!!! MAJOR PHASED REFURBISHMENT FOR DUSIT THANI DUBAI The flagship Middle East property for Thailand’s Dusit International hotel group – Dusit Thani Dubai – will undergo a complete refurbishment in Q2 2012, after 11 successful years of operation. This spring, Dusit Thani Dubai will begin the refurbishment of its guest rooms as part of a major project due for completion by the end of September. “This is an exciting time for us as a hotel. The property has just celebrated its 11th anniversary and we’ve seen a lot of change in the city landscape around us. While we have done soft refurbishments throughout the hotel over the years, an extensive refurbishment will firmly place us in a more competitive position,” said James Wilson, General Manager. The refurbishment will see the hotel rooms take on a modern, light and crisp appearance, creating a welcoming and relaxed ambience, but still reflecting the hotel’s Thai cultural heritage. “Being a Thai hotel brand, it is important that while we embrace our location and incorporate international design, we remain true to our company DNA. With the Dusit brand expanding internationally we have chosen a design which will put our rooms more in line with international standards while ensuring that there are still strong elements of Thai design throughout the rooms,” added Wilson. Phase two of the project, focusing on the refurbishment of the hotel’s 147 one and two-bedroom residences will start in summer 2013. Photo attached: Contact stand No. HC4170 sheikh Saeed Hall 3 Caroline Tapken – caroline@cttconsultingme.com Mobile: 050 103 0343 Nathalie Viselé Director

UAE TO JOIN UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION

United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai revealed today that the UAE has applied to join the UNWTO. “The UAE is currently the only country within the region that is not a member of UNWTO. The government has been talking to us about becoming a full member following the establishment of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities,” he said. “We have almost concluded an agreement, and I have received news that the cabinet has held discussions, and it is - in principal - approved. We are awaiting official notification and would be delighted to welcome the UAE as a member,” he added. Commenting on this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Rifai remarked: “ATM has grown to be a very important and significant gathering that continues to gain strength. This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification policies have paid dividends. “As well as being an important destination for inbound tourism, it is also a tremendously valuable source market for outbound travellers from the region, who are sought after by many international destinations.” “As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world. Events at the end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are doing very well under these circumstances,” he added. Contact: Stand No. 608, Hall 4 Marcelo Risi, Principal Media Office, mrisi@unwto.org NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! PINK LIMO’ LAUNCHED FOR DUBAI HENS Dubai Exotic Limo Services recently launched the ‘Dubai Pink Limousine’ for female customers to enjoy in special occasions such as bridal showers and birthdays. Their wide range of luxurious services also include the Hawaii inspired “Scoot Coupe”, Yacht Charters and fully equipped entertainment system Limousines. The limousines are part of a wider service offered by Travel Café, a new concept which fuses the traditional travel agency services, but in a modern, personalised and customer friendly manner. All of the waiting staff are in actual fact professionally trained travel agents dressed as flight attendants which complements the theme. Photo attached: Contact: Stand No. 338, Sheikh Saeed Arena Izzat Rustom, Founder and Managing Director – 050 877 4877 rustom@dubaiexoticlimo.com NEWS FLASH!!!! MAJOR PHASED REFURBISHMENT FOR DUSIT THANI DUBAI The flagship Middle East property for Thailand’s Dusit International hotel group – Dusit Thani Dubai – will undergo a complete refurbishment in Q2 2012, after 11 successful years of operation. This spring, Dusit Thani Dubai will begin the refurbishment of its guest rooms as part of a major project due for completion by the end of September. “This is an exciting time for us as a hotel. The property has just celebrated its 11th anniversary and we’ve seen a lot of change in the city landscape around us. While we have done soft refurbishments throughout the hotel over the years, an extensive refurbishment will firmly place us in a more competitive position,” said James Wilson, General Manager. The refurbishment will see the hotel rooms take on a modern, light and crisp appearance, creating a welcoming and relaxed ambience, but still reflecting the hotel’s Thai cultural heritage. “Being a Thai hotel brand, it is important that while we embrace our location and incorporate international design, we remain true to our company DNA. With the Dusit brand expanding internationally we have chosen a design which will put our rooms more in line with international standards while ensuring that there are still strong elements of Thai design throughout the rooms,” added Wilson. Phase two of the project, focusing on the refurbishment of the hotel’s 147 one and two-bedroom residences will start in summer 2013.

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Swiss-Belhotel International expands regional presence

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div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Group marks dedicated Arabian Travel Market debut with announcement of four new hotels for Middle East portfolio; duo of Oman signings, foothold in Saudi Arabia, and exciting four-star property earmarked for Iraq as reconstruction drives demand for quality accommodation Swiss-BelHotel International will mark its Arabian Travel Market (ATM) debut by announcing the addition of three new Middle East properties to its rapidly expanding regional portfolio. First off the development block will be The Beach Bay Hotel by Swiss-Belhotel Muscat; a 32-room boutique property located in the heart of the Omani capital’s diplomatic quarter. The property will complete its reflagging programme in June 2012 and will offer two restaurants, meeting facilities and easy access to the nearby Shatti Al Qurum pristine Beaches. Staying in Oman, a deal to develop a new Swiss-Belexpress Muscat, located in the central business district with 95 guestrooms, has also been signed. The property is scheduled to open in Q1 2013. Just a 15-minute drive from Seeb International Airport, it will offer a deli-coffee shop and express business centre. Elsewhere in the Gulf States, the group has more recently signed landmark resort property – the Swiss-Belresort & Spa Sharma – located in the emerging Tabuk region northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. The resort is being developed in phases featuring the main hotel building, 27 fully fitted apartments,17 day-use cabins and the All Day Dining restaurant set to open in late 2012, with phase two comprising 24 apartments Banqueting and Conference centre, SPA & Leisure facilities to be completed late 2013. The Saudi resort will target the fast growing domestic leisure tourism and will offer a dedicated marina with a comprehensive diving centre incorporated into the resort’s footprint. It will feature a ladies beach club and spa built amidst lush landscaping including private BBQ areas, swimming pool and water features. Complementing facilities and services will also include a permanent conference and banqueting marquee, and a mosque on site. Gavin Faull, President and Chairman, Swiss-Belhotel International, says both Oman and Saudi Arabia are key growth markets for the brand: “The addition of two new properties in Oman is confirmation of how strongly we believe in the continued economic growth of the Sultanate and the dynamic national programme put in place to promote large scale quality tourism. “Our first venture into the Kingdom is a direct response to the Saudi government’s significant investment into nationwide tourist infrastructure and targets new emerging regions for tourism and hospitality. “Swiss-Belhotel International is expanding rapidly on a global scale, with almost 25 new development projects in the Middle East and Asia Pacific and expectations of realising a hotel portfolio of close to 100 hotels by the end of 2012. Based on the success of our existing properties in Kuwait and Qatar, this region is a focal point for the brand moving forward,” he explained. Completing the quartet of announcements, Swiss-Belhotel’s fourth project in the Middle East is a 108-key town centre property in the rapidly expanding city Erbil, in northern Iraq. “We have eyed Iraq for quite some time and this hotel is essential addition to our strategic development plans for the Middle East. The team is aggressively focusing on new developments in this region and to soon open our first property in this historic city in Iraq is another milestone for the company,” remarked Faull. Swiss-Belhotel Erbil, which is due to open in 2013, is a five-minute drive from the city’s international airport, and in close proximity to the central business district as well as major local attractions and retail centres. Facilities will include an all-day-dining-restaurant and bar, lounge, deli, speciality restaurant, pool bar, rooftop shisha lounge, 300-square-metre meeting space, business centre, boutique and travel agency. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool and 285-square-metre state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre with a hammam facility. “Erbil is a historic city and the up-and-coming capital of Kurdistan, as well as being home to many government agencies as well as a growing number of international companies involved in the country’s regeneration programme, which presents exciting opportunities within the hospitality sector, and for recognised quality-driven international brands such as Swiss-Belhotel,” said Magdi Samman, Regional Director of Operations & Development, Swiss-Belhotel Middle East. Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages the Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait, a four-star 153-room property located in the Safat central business district; and the 165-room Swiss-Belhotel Doha, situated directly opposite the popular Museum of Islamic Art and within walking distance of the city’s vibrant Corniche and Souk Waqif. Furthermore, the international hospitality company also presently operates six deluxe midscale resorts throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. “Swiss-Belhotel International has grown steadily despite turbulent political and economic times in many of the regions. We have grown by listening to our investors, gauging local issues and opportunities and delivering on our guests’ expectations. Through all this growth our philosophy has been constant: to enfold our guests, exceed their expectations, and drive financial success.” added Faull. -Ends- Photo Caption 1: Gavin Faull, President and Chairman, Swiss-Belhotel International Photo Caption 2: Artists impression of Swiss BelHotel Erbil, Iraq Photo Caption 3: Artist impression of Swiss-Belresort & Spa Sharma, Saudi Arabia Notes to the Editor: Senior executives present at the event to discuss their role in the Middle East hospitality industry include Mr. Gavin Faull, Chairman and President, Swiss-Belhotel International Ms. Linie Palacio, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications and Mr. Emmanuel Guillard, Senior Vice President of Operations and Development, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam & CEO Zest Hotels International. To get in contact with Swiss BelHotel International at ATM, you can visit their stand (HC3825) in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3. About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International is a rapidly expanding international management company with over 80 hotels, resorts and projects globally. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong (SAR), Swiss-Belhotel International manages properties in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East including China, Vietnam, Phillippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Swiss-Belhotel International has twice been awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, and most favourite 4-star hotel. Swiss-Belhotel International’s rapid expansion will see substantial growth in the Middle East as well as a focus on growth in China. For more information, please refer to the Group website, www.swiss-belhotel.com. For media information contact: Thomas Billinghurst Account Executive Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3652711 Mobile: +971 55 827 6198 Email: Thomas@smc-pr.com          

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Tourism, marketing and the convention center expansion

The San Diego City Council recently approved the latest addendum to the agreement between the City and the San Diego Convention Center. This is an important step in helping to grow jobs in our region. The expansion of the convention center will benefit our entire region. This decision was important for many reasons, but for our organizations and our members it was first and foremost about jobs. Jobs and the ability to access jobs is one of the top concerns of not just our organizations, but all San Diegans. The council’s action to authorize the transfer of the sales and marketing function from the Convention Center Corp. to a qualified third party, presumably the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (ConVis), is a critical step in making sure the promised jobs and economic benefit are realized and that the revenue projections associated with the proposed convention center expansion will occur. In short, this is a win-win-win for all San Diegans. It’s a win for the city and taxpayers, because it will assure that the revenue projections will actually occur. “Heads in beds” is important not just to hotels, it is important to every San Diegan because our hospitality sector will pay a significant portion of the cost to expand the facility. The transient occupancy fee (TOT), sometimes called a room tax, goes directly into the general fund to pay for vital services like police, fire, libraries and parks in every San Diego neighborhood. Since its original construction in 1989, the convention center has utilized more than 12 million hotel room nights and created more than $400 million in tax revenue for the city of San Diego. It’s also a win for our current convention center employees because it will assure that the center’s use is maximized, thus providing a more stable flow of business for those who work there now. The expansion will also create new jobs at the convention center. It should be noted that the vast majority of the jobs at the convention center are union jobs, and they would be the primary beneficiaries of an expanded convention center with additional sustained business. Lastly, it’s also a win for our region’s economy. Hospitality and tourism is the third largest industry sector in San Diego, providing over 150,000 jobs. A more effective sales and marketing effort for the convention center will create more room nights in our hotels, more jobs at the convention center, and at hotels, restaurants, retailers, tourist attractions, cultural sites and hundreds of small businesses throughout San Diego. When all is considered, the expanded convention center will create 7,000 new permanent jobs and 4,000 temporary construction jobs. This project will have an estimated economic impact of $698 million on our region, and provide the city with an additional and ongoing $12.7 million in TOT and $800,000 in sales tax per year. The action approved by the City Council puts San Diego on the same competitive level with 80 percent of the municipalities across the country that use a third- party, nonprofit like ConVis for sales and marketing of their convention centers. The City Council’s action allows us to focus on the goal to book the convention center to full capacity and fill as many room nights as possible. Maximizing revenue generation will not only pay for the expanded facility – it will also bolster our economy, create jobs and provide much-needed revenue for essential city services, to the benefit of all San Diegans.

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Short-list unveiled for The New Frontiers Award 2012

Arabian Travel Market nominates Australia, Brazil and Japan for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity Arabian Travel Market, the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, has released the names of destinations nominated for this year’s New Frontiers Award, the results of which will be revealed at a special ceremony at this year’s event in Dubai. Launched in 2005 by Arabian Travel Market, The New Frontiers Award was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, helping the chosen destination by donating exhibition space at the event to the value of US$10,000. Making the shortlist for 2012 are Australia, Brazil and Japan, all of which suffered devastating natural catastrophes over the last 12 months, said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Arabian Travel Market – Reed Travel Exhibitions. “Natural disasters occurred on an unprecedented scale across the globe in 2011, causing billions of dollars of damage, significant loss of life and economic challenges impacting every sector, with the tourism industry a major casualty,” he said. “Some of the world’s most popular destinations have seen inbound tourism grind to a halt, with tourism receipts as well as the livelihoods of industry professionals adversely affected at every level, from government tourist boards to local tour guides.” “These devastated regions have to not only clean up and rebuild their communities, but also re-evaluate their strategies – and funding – and embark on comprehensive international marketing campaigns to re-establish market confidence and drive tourist traffic,” said Walsh. “The New Frontiers Award is our contribution to accelerating that process at a critical point in the recovery process, assisting in the creation of positive awareness and highlighting ongoing efforts to rebuild this vital sector of the economy to industry peers during the Arabian Travel Market week,” he added. The 2012 nominees have had to deal with the ongoing social and economic consequences of floods, earthquakes or mudslides in the past year: Australia recovering from the aftermath of a series of devastating floods that began in late 2010 and continued into Q1 2011, with Queensland, and its capital Brisbane, worst affected. Queensland was officially declared a disaster zone with more than 75% of the state affected and saw a virtual shutdown of the coal industry, a major economic mainstay. The state of Victoria subsequently saw more than 50 western and central communities faced with flooding of epic proportions. The floods forced the evacuation of approximately 200,000 people from more than 70 towns and cities, with the resulting damage estimated at over AUS$1 billion, and the country’s GDP left reeling from a mammoth AUS$30 billion hit. A relief fund was swiftly established, the Australian Defence Force mobilized and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority was formed to co-ordinate the long-term rebuilding programme. In the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, a series of floods and mudslides in January 2011 caused significant loss of life and livelihood across the mountain province of Região Serrana, located just 100 kilometres away from the country’s 2016 Olympic city site, as well as in the other south-eastern states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo The worst weather-related natural disaster in Brazil’s history, the economic repercussions were widespread, with popular tourist hotspot, the Serra dos Órgãos national park, declared a disaster zone. With economic losses estimated at, and international concerns about the mid-term impact on the 2014 FIFA World Cup, decisive action on the part of the government saw US$466 million immediately allocated to reconstruction projects and on-the ground teams with experience in Haiti, supporting local municipal government efforts. In Japan, the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the eastern coast of the country with cataclysmic force and waves of up to 40.5 metres, travelled 10 kilometres inland across 18 prefectures causing massive loss of life, the destruction of over 125,000 homes and businesses and three nuclear reactor meltdowns. In addition to significant international aid, Japan’s government has allocated US$167 billion over five years as part of a phased recovery plan. While tourism numbers dipped by at least 50% in 2011, the government has also embarked on an ambitious plan to triple the number of international tourists by 2016 with a strong focus on increasing inbound visitor business from China. In Q1 2012 inbounds visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan reached record highs and attractive tour packages targeting European visitors are also slowly yielding results. Last year, Chile received the New Frontiers Award in recognition of its efforts to rebuild its shattered post-2010 earthquake tourism industry, which saw 80% of the population, as well as the entire economy, affected. Accepting the award on behalf of the government, Jean-Paul Tarud Kuborn, Chilean Ambassador to the UAE, said that it was heartwarming to see that the efforts of the country’s tourism board and related government entities were recognised by the Middle East tourism industry. For more information on the New Frontiers Award or Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com -ENDS- Photo-caption: The 2011 New Frontiers Award recipient - Left to Right: Mark Walsh, Jean-Paul Tarud K (UAE Ambassador of Chile) and Amit Arora (Vice President Sales & Marketing for Emaar Hospitality Group LLC). About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors.   Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Josse Dulka Senior Account Executive Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 Mobile : +971 50 6540229 E-mail: josse@smc-pr.com Web site: www.smc-pr.com

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Tourism to contribute $44 billion to GCC economies in 2012

GCC governments spending heavily on transport infrastructure to support tourism sector - GDP contribution up 27% from 2009 Top industry executives and officials will head to the annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012 (AHIC), which takes place in Dubai on 28-30 April at Madinat Jumeirah, to discuss investment opportunities in a region where governments are ploughing billions of dollars into tourism infrastructure. Flush with petrodollars, with oil prices consistently above $120 a barrel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all embarked on aggressive hotel and transport development programmes as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil and boost revenues from the tourism sector. The total direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in GCC countries is expected to reach US$44 billion this year, up 27% from 2009, the peak of the financial crisis in the Gulf, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. “AHIC provides a platform for investors, government officials, developers, hotel executives and advisors to come together. Investment into the region’s tourism industry is still an attractive proposition despite the Arab Spring and the real prospect of a recession in Europe,” commented Jonathan Worsley, Chairman and CEO Bench Events and Board Director of STR Global. In the United Arab Emirates, this figure is expected to hit $19.9 billion this year, compared with US$16.6 billion in 2009. Some of the Gulf state’s major tourism infrastructure investments include the US$8 billion expansion of Dubai International Airport, as the emirate seeks to increase its capacity from 60 million passengers to 90 million by 2018 to become the world’s busiest airport. Complementing its airport expansion, Dubai added a second Metro line last year to connect the city east to west and is scheduled to open a tramline in 2014. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways continues to expand aggressively as the UAE capital continues to build its reputation as a tourist hub developing projects such as Ferrari World, an amusement park on Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island, home to the planned Louvre and Guggenheim museums. “The economic conditions in the GCC are excellent and hotel revenues are continuing to grow steadily, so we see the region as a key hotel investment destination,” commented Amine Moukarzel, President, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Saudi Arabia’s GDP is expected to reach US$14.9 billion, or 2.9% in 2012, up from US$10.4 billion in 2009, or 2.7%, as the Kingdom focuses its efforts to provide the necessary travel infrastructure to boost religious, business and domestic tourism. Saudi Arabia is spending more than $500 million on expanding its existing airports and is planning a new US$7 billion airport in Jeddah. Well documented but nevertheless still impressive is Qatar’s infrastructure spend which will dominate the next five years as the Gulf state prepares to host the 2022 World Cup and for life beyond, with around US$65 billion due to be invested in new transportation schemes. These include the new US$11 billion Doha International Airport, the US$6 billion Doha port project and a US$25 billion metro and railway. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Qatar’s GDP is expected to reach US$1.1 billion in 2012, compared to US$800 million, in 2009. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, organiser MEED Events in partnership with Bench Events has put together a three-day programme designed to explore the outlook for hotel investment in the Middle East’s changing landscape. As well as focusing on the Middle East’s investment landscape after the Arab Spring, AHIC will hold a session that looks at the issues facing Egypt, while key industry figures will address the challenges of developing and operating in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. There will also be a separate dedicated session exploring investment opportunities outside the Middle East. For more information on the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference: www.arabianconference.com - Ends - Photo caption: Amine Moukarzel, President, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA To pre-register as media please follow the link: http://www.arabianconference.com/index.php/forms/media_registration Notes to the editor The confirmed list of speakers includes: Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels; Alex Kyriakidis, President & Managing Director MEA, Marriott International; Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide; Jan Smits, CEO, Asia, Middle East & Africa, IHG; Bashar Al Natoor, Director, Corporates, Fitch Ratings; Iyad Duwaji, CEO, West Asia Capital; Fergal Harris, Head of Real Estate Middle East, Standard & Chartered; Olivier Ebner, Senior Manager at Project and Structured Finance, National Bank of Abu Dhabi; Alexis Waller, Partner Clyde & Co; Olivier Granet, Director of Development, ACCOR Middle East; Kurt Ritter, CEO & President, The Rezidor Hotel Group; Bassel S.Hamwi, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Audi Syria; Lo’ai B. Bataineh, DGM, Investment & Development, Head of Investment Management Group, Oman Arab Bank SAOC; Nilay Orzral, Director of Real Estate Operations, Aldar Properties PJSC; Sanjay Tanna, Director – Business Development and Investments, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. About MEED Events MEED's comprehensive portfolio of events has been developed over the last decade to cover the region's key business issues and sectors. From large-scale summits and conferences to unique one-to-one networking opportunities, MEED Events provide high-profile speakers, relevant and critical business content and the latest news from across the GCC. About Bench Events Bench Events is one of the founders and organisers of several leading conferences for the hotel investment industry including the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF), the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC), the Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC) and the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) About the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference AHIC attracts over 500 industry leaders annually from over 40 countries, including many of the most influential names within the Middle East’s hotel investment community, as both speakers and attendees. Details of AHIC can be found on www.arabianconference.com Platinum sponsors: The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, IHG, Jumeirah Group, Wyndham Worldwide. Emerald sponsors: Corinthia Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Gold sponsors: Accor, AECOM Design & Planning, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Clyde & Co, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Fonatur, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA, Horwath HTL, Hyatt International, IFA Hotel Investments, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Marriott International, MENA Hotels and Resorts, Orient-Express Hotels, Premier Inn MEA, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investments and Development Authority, Rixos Hotels, STR Global, Turnkey Ventures, WATG. Media contact Jason Benham Account Director PO Box 502701 Office 106 Al Sufouh Tower Dubai Media City Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +9714 365 2711 Cell: +971 50 1897556 E-mail: jason@smc-pr.com

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Investors eye UAE prospects as hotel revenues soar

UAE spends heavily on transport infrastructure to support tourism sector - GDP contribution set to reach US$19.9 billion this year Top industry executives and officials will head to the annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012 (AHIC), which takes place in Dubai on 28-30 April at Madinat Jumeirah, to discuss investment opportunities in the Gulf where governments are ploughing billions of dollars into tourism infrastructure. Flush with petrodollars, with oil prices consistently above $120 a barrel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all embarked on aggressive hotel and transport development programmes as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil and boost revenues from the tourism sector. In the United Arab Emirates, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP is expected to hit $19.9 billion this year, or 6.1%, compared with US$16.6 billion, or 6.6%, in 2009, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. “Hotel revenues in the UAE are growing steadily despite the economic and financial uncertainties in Europe. GCC governments are cash rich and we see the UAE as a key hotel investment destination,” commented Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud, Executive Vice President and Head of Hotel Advisory, Middle East & Africa, at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. Some of the Gulf state’s major tourism infrastructure investments include the US$8 billion expansion of Dubai International Airport, as the emirate seeks to increase its capacity from 60 million passengers to 90 million by 2018 to become the world’s busiest airport. Complimenting its airport expansion, Dubai added a second metro line last year to connect the city east to west and is scheduled to open a tramline in 2014. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways continues to expand aggressively as the UAE capital continues to build its reputation as a tourist hub developing projects such as Ferrari World, an amusement park on Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island, home to the planned Louvre and Guggenheim museums. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, organiser MEED Events in partnership with Bench Events has put together a three-day programme designed to explore the outlook for hotel investment in the Middle East’s changing landscape. As well as focusing on the Middle East’s investment landscape after the Arab Spring, AHIC will hold a session that looks at the issues facing Egypt, while key industry figures will address the challenges of developing and operating in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. There will also be a separate dedicated session exploring investment opportunities outside the Middle East. For more information on the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference: www.arabianconference.com - Ends - Photo caption: Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud, Executive Vice President and Head of Hotel Advisory, Middle East & Africa at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels To pre-register as media please follow the link: http://www.arabianconference.com/index.php/forms/media_registration Notes to the editor The confirmed list of speakers includes: Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels; Alex Kyriakidis, President & Managing Director MEA, Marriott International; Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide; Jan Smits, CEO, Asia, Middle East & Africa, IHG; Bashar Al Natoor, Director, Corporates, Fitch Ratings; Iyad Duwaji, CEO, West Asia Capital; Fergal Harris, Head of Real Estate Middle East, Standard & Chartered; Olivier Ebner, Senior Manager at Project and Structured Finance, National Bank of Abu Dhabi; Alexis Waller, Partner Clyde & Co; Olivier Granet, Director of Development, ACCOR Middle East; Kurt Ritter, CEO & President, The Rezidor Hotel Group; Bassel S.Hamwi, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Audi Syria; Lo’ai B. Bataineh, DGM, Investment & Development, Head of Investment Management Group, Oman Arab Bank SAOC; Nilay Orzral, Director of Real Estate Operations, Aldar Properties PJSC; Sanjay Tanna, Director – Business Development and Investments, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. About MEED Events MEED's comprehensive portfolio of events has been developed over the last decade to cover the region's key business issues and sectors. From large-scale summits and conferences to unique one-to-one networking opportunities, MEED Events provide high-profile speakers, relevant and critical business content and the latest news from across the GCC. About Bench Events Bench Events is one of the founders and organisers of several leading conferences for the hotel investment industry including the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF), the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC), the Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC) and the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) About the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference AHIC attracts over 500 industry leaders annually from over 40 countries, including many of the most influential names within the Middle East’s hotel investment community, as both speakers and attendees. Details of AHIC can be found on www.arabianconference.com Platinum sponsors: The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, IHG, Jumeirah Group, Wyndham Worldwide. Emerald sponsors: Corinthia Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Gold sponsors: Accor, AECOM Design & Planning, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Clyde & Co, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Fonatur, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA, Horwath HTL, Hyatt International, IFA Hotel Investments, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Marriott International, MENA Hotels and Resorts, Orient-Express Hotels, Premier Inn MEA, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investments and Development Authority, Rixos Hotels, STR Global, Turnkey Ventures, WATG.

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Keep Egypt back on track

Egypt is eager to get back on track with its depressed tourist sector which took a nose dive since "revolution" took hold of the country, just over a year ago. Tourism dropped 33% in 2011, over 2010 figures. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Egypt's Minister of Tourism has benchmarked 2017 as the year to surpass the 30 million visitor mark – up from last year's drop of about 10 million. At the ITB Berlin, the minister underlined the country's strong potential at diversifying its tourism sector. He put focus on attracting religious and adventure travellers – boasting Egypt's ancient religious sites that are holy to both Christians and Muslims. Furthermore, he told reporters that his country was going to invest more into eco-tourism projects. Egypt expects future growth in incoming tourism to be fueled by Argentina, Brazil, China and India. However, currently, most visitors to Egypt hail from Europe and Egypt's tourism authorities know how imperative it will be to find ways to attracting visitors back to the Nile valley – if the country is to have any kind of fiscal sustainability – being extremely dependent on tourism capital. A round-table discussion at the ITB Berlin brought together Egypt's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zaasou and Amr El Ezabi, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority together with some of the biggest names of the tourism industry - namely: Paul Schwaiger, Sun Express; Peter Fankhauser, CEO Thomas Cook; Peter-Mario Kubsch, Managing Director of Studiosus Study and Language Travel; Volker Boettcher, Managing Director TUI; Detlef Altmann, AirBerlin; and Soeren Hartmann, Head of Rewe Touristik. All present were very optimistic about Egypt's future in tourism. They applauded the Egyptian government's offer to instill financial incentives to attract tour operators back into the country. Hisham Zaasou promised that the government would review the country's extremely high airport tax and make efforts at lowering it – an issue which was most pressing for Paul Schwaiger of Sun Express, a smaller destination-based carrier. Both Schwaiger and Detlef Altmann of Air Berlin, Germany's second largest carrier with the highest frequency of flights to Egypt were optimistic that their current capacity of 80% would go up in the near future, if political demonstrations stayed at a minimum and if airport taxes could be lowered or offset by subsidies. Both lamented that the combination of the Egyptian landing tax and the newly year-old German departure tax – as well as a proposed EU tax – were detriments to their business. Thomas Cook's CEO, Peter Fankhauser believes that if the Egyptians will find a way to offset these costs, then tourism will be back on track sooner than expected – although he was not as optimistic as Hisham Zaasou, who suggested that 2010 levels could be achieved again by the end of this year. Airlines such as Air Berlin and Sun Express were able to maintain modestly filled flights – but only due to their service to destinations on the Sinai Peninsula – far from the Cairo demonstrations. However, tourism to the Nile Valley, including Cairo was rock-bottom. Air Berlin and the TUI Group were able to offset a lot of these losses by encouraging would-be Egypt travellers to go to the Canary Islands instead – a medium haul destination attractive to Central European travelers. However, Peter-Mario Kubsch, Managing Director of the Studiosus Travel Company was less optimistic than most other members of the round table discussion. Studiosus, which offers a combination of study and language travel, is very dependent on cultural and urban centers such as Cairo. His company's segment of the Egyptian tourism market dropped dramatically – despite the fact that incidences against tourists were low to non-existent, even in the Nile valley. "There is still too much uncertainty," Kusch believes. He underlined that a study trip to Egypt simply needs to include Cairo – adding that resort holiday attracts a completely different segment of travellers. Despite his uncertainly, Kusch was optimistic that those people not going to Egypt now were only postponing their trip there rather than cancelling it all together. Volker Boettcher of TUI agreed with Kusch in sustaining that resort tourism would be the first segment to recover – being far away from the political unrest and demonstrations that have occurred frequently over the past year in the urban centers of the Nile, primarily Cairo. The steady rise in resort tourism, on the Sinai, supports this view, according to Boettcher. Boettcher's confidence was also underlined in his company's current investment in their properties located in Egypt. "We would not be investing millions into our properties in Egypt if we did not see a bright future there," Boettcher said. Although Soeren Hartmann of Rewe Touristik does not agree that 2010 levels will be reached by the end of 2012, he does agree with Boettcher about the bright future. "Bookings are going up steadily. Also, it is amazing how fast customers forget about unrest which canvassed our television screens... As soon as political issues are out of the news, the traveler will come back," Hartmann believes. Hartmann does agree that business will grow dramatically by the 2012/2013 winter season – perhaps not as high as the Egyptians anticipate. He believes that needs to go up because the only other mid-haul destination available to his customers, the Canary Islands, cannot compete with the cultural heritage of Egypt. "You can only recommend them to detour to the Canary Islands once or twice – but not indefinitely," Hartmann said. Both Hisham Zaasou and Amr El Ezabi were confident that Egypt’s current role as ITB-Berlin "Partner Country" would give their country the necessary boost to regain confidence among the tourist operators. "In 2011, we have clearly segmented Egypt tourism between 'Red Sea' and the 'Rest of Egypt'. Losses were around the Nile valley. But increases are very evident at the Red Sea – a resort destination. Now we need to invest and communicate that that things are stable in the Nile valley and that demonstrations are completely contained at one square in Cairo. If people can understand that, then they will return with confidence," El Ezabi believes. For now, all agree: business for the resort sector, mostly based in the Sinai will see significant growth continue. "If these numbers can go up further, if tour operators will come back in droves, then this will be good for us," Detlef Altmann said. "We only hope that they will share their growth with us," Peter Fankhauser added, tongue and cheek.

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tourism news

EC and the Danish EU Presidency cooperate with the IRU to further green road transport

Discussions at the 2nd IRU/EU Road Transport Conference brought about a common approach and concrete solutions to further greening road transport. Participants also agreed that road transport can and must contribute to driving economic growth in the EU. To this end, it was agreed to set up a High Level Group to determine the appropriate actions to effectively double collective passenger transport by bus and coach. The 2nd IRU/EU Road Transport Conference on “Efficient solutions for making road transport greener” held yesterday in Brussels, brought together some 400 political, transport and trade leaders from all 27 EU Member States. The conference, jointly organised by the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the International Road Transport Union, focused on the main challenges facing the road transport industry, and in particular how to effectively reduce even further, through coordinated action at political and industry level, the environmental footprint of road transport activities, while allowing road transport to drive the EU growth agenda. Keynote speakers included the Danish Transport Minister, Henrik Dam Kristensen, the Head of Cabinet, Henrik Hololei as representative of the Vice President of the European Commission responsible for transport, Siim Kallas, the IRU President, Janusz Lacny and DG MOVE Director General, Matthias Ruete, among others. Conference participants agreed that cooperation will have to be strengthened in order to achieve rapid and sustainable growth in the EU, as well as ensure an even more efficient and greener road transport sector, notably through the increased use of all trade facilitation instruments, measures and technical innovations that can support the objectives outlined during the conference. The first steps towards achieving the EU growth agenda and further greening road transport were taken within the framework of this conference, as the conference organisers, speakers and panellists agreed to: - focus on amending weights and dimensions rules to allow aerodynamic and road safety improvements for vehicle and equipment, and to promote connections between modes; - to establish a strategic Public-Private Partnership, involving all relevant European Institutions and road passenger transport industry’s representatives, with the aim to set an action plan within the next 12 months that should lead to doubling the use of collective passenger transport by bus and coach in the next decade. The Vice President of the European Commission Mr. Kallas highlighted: "Today's event clearly demonstrated that greening road transport and contributing to economic growth are not two incompatible objectives. Quite the contrary: during our discussions, we identified a number of options to make the sector more efficient and to support growth. These include further integration of the internal market, reducing congestion, support to innovation and provision of quality infrastructure, four fields where the Commission has been and will remain very active. The renewed emphasis on road passenger transport will also facilitate economic exchanges. Finally, this event has shown that the Commission and other policy-makers can rely on a constructive cooperation with the industry to reach these objectives, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the IRU in the future." Welcoming the reinforced public-private partnership between the road transport industry represented by the IRU and the European Union, both at the level of Member States and the EU institutions, IRU President, Janusz Lacny, noted: “It should be remembered that commercial road transport is the only transport mode which provides door-to-door service and complements all other modes. I thus call upon all decision makers and relevant industries to cooperate to support the EU growth agenda by applying, without delay, all the available trade and road transport facilitation instruments in the EU, as well as implementing the decisions agreed upon during this conference. In fact, it is the IRU’s firm belief – and I am sure this is a shared belief – that any EU growth objective cannot be successful without including the facilitation of an efficient transport system, where commercial road transport today is and will remain a key driver of economic development
.” 2011: Cologne sets new tourism record

Tourism to Cologne continued to increase in 2011, achieving a new record by beating the previous record from 2010. Last year a total of 2.84 million hotel guests came to Cologne and altogether spent 4.97 million overnight stays. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 9.7 per cent in terms of guest arrivals and 8.6 per cent in terms of overnight stays. In comparison, Germany had an overall increase in overnight stays of 4 per cent and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia had an increase of 5 per cent. Elisabeth Thelen, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Cologne Tourist Board, says: “Once again Cologne was able to further consolidate its position as one of the most popular destinations in Germany and to achieve significant growth in the most important source markets. The year’s results demonstrate that Cologne Tourist Board’s strategies are bearing fruit. With a total turnover of 6.8 billion euros, tourism represents a major source of income for Cologne and brought the city's coffers more than 170 million euros in returns.” Foreign guests made up 874,443 visits and a marked increase of 11 per cent, continuing to represent an overall share of 34 per cent of visitors to the city. Josef Sommer, Managing Director of Cologne Tourist Board, explains: “Special events such as the Carnival, the Christmas markets or successful large trade fairs such as imm or Anuga FoodTec continue to attract more international visitors and business travellers to Cologne. In 2011, the tourist trade in Cologne developed more dynamically than in any other German city. Our goal for 2012 is to surpass 5 million overnight stays.” 2011 source market results A look at the visitors' home countries reveals several interesting facts. The trend of vacationing at home remains strong - with 1.97 million visitors (a rise of 9.1 per cent), Germany is still the most important source market for Cologne. Most of the foreign visitors in 2011 came from Great Britain (109,488 / up by 10.5 per cent) and the United States (81,802 / up by 24.3 per cent). The number of guests arriving from these countries has greatly increased with the more stable economic climate. Cologne also attracted a lot of visitors from its neighbouring countries. The number of visitors from the Netherlands rose by 11.4 per cent to 92,634, while Belgium (59,823) and France (52,129) increased their share of visitors by 11.5 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively. One reason for this is the surging popularity of the high-speed Thalys train connection from Paris and Brussels. The number of guests from Switzerland also rose significantly to 42,625 visitors - an increase of 12.2 per cent. Cologne also boasted a tremendous increase in visitors from Turkey (up by 34.4 per cent) and Russia (up by 35.7 per cent). The Russian market represents 3.5 per cent of international overnight stays - a considerable share for one country. The statistics for tax-free shopping showed that Russian guests spent 22.6 per cent more than they did the year before. In Russia, as in the Arab Gulf states (9,962 visitors / up by 24.9 per cent), health tourism is a particularly big draw. The emerging markets of India (5,462 visitors) and China (20,875 visitors) are particularly noteworthy, with a rise of 11.4 per cent and 27.5 per cent respectively. Since 2006, Cologne Tourist Board has been actively promoting the city to the Indian market via the India Pool of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), and many years of active market placement in China are now also having an impact. The tourist office's efforts in Brazil have also proved to be fruitful, resulting in a rise in visitors of 28.7 per cent. Compared to 2005, when the Confederations Cup took place in Cologne, the number of visitors from Brazil has actually doubled. Cologne Tourist Board visited several Brazilian cities as a part of a GNTB road show in 2011 and was able to expand its contacts there considerably - especially in line with the new town twinning of Cologne and Rio de Janeiro. Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) In June 2011, results from the “Cologne Conference Barometer”, which was commissioned by the Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB), were presented for the second time. According to the study, in 2010 Cologne hosted 42,750 events attended by 3.3 million participants. In general, Cologne has become increasingly important for event organizers and is one of Germany's leading conference destinations. This positive trend is confirmed by the nationwide study “Meeting & Event Barometer”, which ranks the Cologne-Dusseldorf region as the third most popular location for events after Berlin/Potsdam and the Rhine-Main region surrounding Frankfurt. Potential for future development can be found in the numerous research institutes, universities and other academic institutions of Cologne, which use events as a common instrument for sharing and exchanging knowledge. That is why CCB intensified its contacts with universities and academic institutions in 2011 and will continue to cultivate these partners in 2012. Together with KolnKongress, CCB aims to attract more academic conferences to the city. One of these is the World Congress of Pathology, which will come to Cologne for the first time in 2016. In order to compete internationally, CCB works closely together with the convention bureau DUSSELDORF. The two cities along the Rhine placed successfully in the 2011 state-wide competition Erlebnis.NRW with their project “KOLNDUSSELDORF - The Meetropolis”, which was extended in 2011 and will implement a new marketing campaign in time for IMEX 2012, which will focus on international markets. Another highlight of the Cologne MICE industry in 2011 was the 10th Cologne Congress and Event Day, which was organised by CCB, KolnKongress and the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce and attracted 50 exhibitors and 700 trade visitors. Outlook for 2012; Focus on “Business Destination Cologne” After last year’s focus on the theme “City of Water”, Cologne Tourist Board is introducing its 2012 marketing activities under the motto “Business Destination Cologne”. Inspired by the German National Tourist Board’s motto for this year, “Business Destination Germany”, Cologne Tourist Board - under the leadership of the Cologne Convention Bureau - aims to highlight the city’s activities in the business segment. One marketing measure is the Cologne BizzBox, a portfolio combining six different magazines that showcase various facets of Cologne as a business destination. Similar information will also be gathered and showcased on the website www.conventioncologne.de. In addition, shared activities are being planned with the German Convention Bureau, including a joint event for the Austrian meeting industry. Activities and projects On the occasion of the 25-year anniversary of the partnership between the cities of Cologne and Beijing, Cologne is celebrating a special China Year in 2012. Featuring a broad programme of events, it represents a forum for exchanging new impulses and fostering future cooperation. One highlight will be the “NRW-China Celebration” from 14th to 16th September 2012, which is being organised by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Cologne. Cologne Tourist Board is highlighting the 2012 China Year in its marketing activities and also supported the City of Cologne in developing the promotional website www.chinajahr-koeln.de. Since spring 2009, the health pool “Health Cologne” project, which is led by Cologne Tourist Board, has been active in the health tourism sector. Once again the project has been able to attract numerous partners from the clinic, hotel, tourism and high-end retail sectors for 2012. With the help of the Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, these partners will appeal to customers in the markets of Russia, the Arab Gulf states, the USA and the UK. Accordingly, the popular brochure “Health Cologne” will once again be published in Russian, Arabic and English this year and will be distributed at all leading trade fairs and road shows in the source markets. Activities on the German market will be intensified by developing an even closer cooperation with Deutsche Bahn. One instance of this was a multi-page Cologne special in the Deutsche Bahn customer magazine DB mobil, which was distributed in all trains across Germany at the beginning of the year. More than 20,000 train travellers took part in the accompanying competition to win several trips to Cologne. In terms of online activities, the website koelntourismus.de boasts a steady increase in visitors and page views and will be relaunched in 2012 with optimized design, content and technical features. The online shop “der-koelnshop.de” was relaunched at the end of 2011 and is already experiencing a significant increase in turnover. Within the area of mobile internet activities, the “Koln-Guide” app will soon be released in a bilingual version. And finally, Cologne Tourist Board has been active on web 2.0 platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As a result, the community of “VisitKoeln” fans and followers has grown steadily since 2010. Further targeted social media campaigns are in the pipeline for 2012.

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