hotels staff make me losses sales

Are you frustrated by workplace absence? If you’re a business owner or a manager then absence can be a real pain! It’s inconvenient, it’s damaging to customer service, you lose sales and it costs your business money. And as we all know, not all days taken off work are due to genuine sickness. Many employees ‘take a sickie’ because their morale is low and they just don’t like or can’t do their work. Make people happy The challenge for managers and team leaders is to make people happier at work. And if people are happy at work then they are less likely to take a day off every time they wake up with a stuffy nose. Some bosses think that paying more money, improving job security or working conditions is the answer. It isn’t and it’s also something that can be very hard to achieve. Get on their wavelength People who employ or supervise others need to become more tuned to their employees’ emotional needs and find out what really motivates them. This is also much easier to achieve than paying more money or improving job security, however there is no quick fix. Some years ago I inherited a tele-sales operation with low staff morale and poor sales results. It took nearly six months to fix. The long-term benefits were of course worth it in terms of fewer days lost due to sickness and an increase in sales. To reduce the number of sickies there are 3 steps you need to consider. 1. Pick the right person for the job. You need to get better at interviewing and selecting people. Take more time over it; pay more attention to the applicant’s human side rather than their qualifications or experience. Get to know them better. Find out what makes them happy, how well they get on with other people and how much energy and enthusiasm they have. Make sure they know what they’re getting into and be sure the job suits them. 2. You need to believe in your people. If you’ve interviewed well and picked the right person for the job then you need to trust them to do that job. You need to constantly demonstrate to your people that you trust and believe in them by what you say, your tone of voice and also by your body language. If you believe that your people are not to be trusted, that they’re unable to make a decision without checking with you; that they’ll turn up late and go home early, then that’s exactly what they’ll do. If on the other hand you believe that they’ll do their job well, that they can be trusted to make decisions, and they’ll give you a fair day’s work, then it’s more likely this is what you’ll get. As with all theories there is no guarantee that it will work every time, however the majority of employees are reasonable people and if you treat them as such then they’re more likely to behave in a positive manner. 3. Give feed back and coach. This is probably the most important thing you can do to motivate your team members. This is where so many managers and team leaders fall down in dealing with their people; they’re hopeless at giving feedback. Many managers are uncomfortable telling staff how they feel about their work performance be it good or bad. Most employees want to know how they’re performing in their job; they want to know if they are doing it right or how they could do it better. If you really want to motivate your people then you need to give them feedback on what they’re doing well and also — what needs improvement. When you notice an employee doing something you do like, tell them about it. When you notice something you don’t like, tell them about it. Do it as soon as possible. Acknowledging a job well done is not much good six months later. Also, if you don’t immediately call someone’s attention to something you’re not happy about, then they’ll assume its okay. Either that or they’ll think you didn’t notice or you don’t care. And do it in private; why is it some managers still feel its okay to reprimand someone in front of their colleagues? Even the mildest rebuke can have a negative effect on morale. So there you have it; these steps will take time and thought however they’ll make a huge difference as to how employees feel about their work. If they feel good and gain satisfaction from their work then they are less likely to find a reason to ‘take a sickie’.

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Infrastructure investment key to Lebanon’s meetings and events sector

GIBTM 2013 road show to wrap up in Beirut as government and tourism leaders meet to discuss ways to capitalise on the country’s international appeal Lebanon’s potential as a destination for meetings and incentives industry is under the economic spotlight, with IDAL, the country’s investment authority highlighting the sector as a future driver for foreign direct investment, as tourism representatives come together in the run up to the 2013 Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM). Ahead of the March 2013 event, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of GIBTM, is taking to the road for a series of brand new GCC and Levant-focused education and networking forums for Meetings, Business Travel and Incentive based companies to gain insight and knowledge in order to enhance their trade show experience. Entitled ‘GIBTM Talks: Maximising your ROI’, the road show will commence on 14th October in Muscat and run through 18th October, visiting Doha, Manama, Amman and Beirut. “Travel and tourism investment is forecast to cross US$865 million by 2022, and this is encouraging the country’s tourism leaders and government to seriously address the fundamentals needed to raise Lebanon’s profile on the tourism map,” said Lois Hall, Exhibition Manager for GIBTM, the leading platform for the incentive, business travel and meetings industry in the Middle East, which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on 25-27 March 2013. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates, Lebanon’s tourism sector will contribute US$ 4.3 billion to the economy in 2012, equivalent to around 10% of GDP. WTTC expects direct sector contribution to the economy to grow by 4.5% travel and tourism GDP is forecast to grow by 3.7% per annum in the period 2012 to 2022, reaching US$2.04 in real terms in 2012 and its direct contribution to employment to rise by 3%. Over the period 2012-2022 the travel and tourism economy in Lebanon is expected to grow by 3.2% annually against a Middle East average of 4.2%. The GIBTM road show will reach Beirut on 18h October 2012, offering added value support to Lebanon’s meetings and events sector. The educational and networking forum, which is supported by the Lebanon Ministry of Tourism, will be held at the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut, under the theme ‘Maximise Your ROI’. “Our popular road show events are an invaluable opportunity for existing and potential exhibitors to gain insight and knowledge in order to enhance their GIBTM event experience, as well as pick up some great tips and techniques on using the latest social media tools to maximise business both pre- and post show,” said Hall. “Business travel remains an important factor in augmenting tourism and hospitality revenues and with facilities like the Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center offering flexible tailor-made space, the stage is already set for Lebanon to capitalise on new opportunities,” she added. Rafic Hariri International Airport recorded an 11.9 % increase in passenger arrivals in the first half of the year against 2011 figures, according to a Bank Audi Q2 2012 economic report, boosting hotel occupancies in Beirut by 11% to 65% year-on-year in the same period despite an aggregated 7.89% decline in tourist numbers. Visitors from Iraq accounted for 8.3% of arrivals followed by the US with 7.8% and the French and Saudis tied at 7.4%. The Lebanese tourism ministry is also reportedly talking to low cost carriers including easyJet, Monarch Airlines and Ryanair in a bid to boost tourism. Now in its seventh year, GIBTM attracts in excess of 2,400 industry professionals annually. New for the 2013 edition, and in response to increasing demand for business travel services in the region, GIBTM has launched its first dedicated Business Travel Pavilion. The show also hosts 300 regional and international senior level buyers, through the Hosted Buyer Programme, with a combined budget of over US$827 million, who through 7,600 pre-scheduled appointments over the two and a half-day exhibition, meet with more than 350 exhibitors from 36 different countries. For more information, and to register as a delegate for the ‘GIBTM Talks: Maximizing forum on 18th October 2012, please log onto: http://www.gibtm.com/en/Exhibiting/GIBTM-Talks/ -Ends- Photo caption: A busy show floor at GIBTM 2012 Notes to the editor GIBTM GIBTM forms part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings, Events and Business Travel Portfolio along with AIME (www.aime.com.au), GIBTM (www.gibtm.com), CIBTM (www.cibtm.com) AIBTM (www.aibtm.com) and Business Travel Market (www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk). GIBTM is the annual global meetings and incentive exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. GIBTM is ABC Audited every year to guarantee that the number of visitors promoted is completely accurate and are unique attendees only. 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. 2012 sees the launch of two exciting new events with The Spa & Wellness Summit taking place in Austria Tyrol (10-12 September) and ILTM Americas launching in Mayakoba, Mexico (1-3 October). Furthermore, April 2013 will see RTE launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo, Brazil (23-25 April). In 2011 RTE’s 13 events were the catalyst for £2,807 million worth of travel and tourism business deals. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. Please follow GIBTM on:

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Welcome Tanzania! to ictp

International Council of Tourism Partners welcomes Tanzania as destination member The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania, Africa, has become a destination member. Tanzania’s tourism has seen steady growth and currently contributes over 16 percent of the national GDP. Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of ICTP, said: “The addition of Tanzania as an ICTP member adds strength to our growing African membership. It also brings into play a country where the wonders of nature in the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro blend with the exotic spice traditions and architecture of the island state of Zanzibar. This is the very essence of the ecotourism experience that will build the green growth future." Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is responsible for conservation of natural and cultural resources as well as the development of tourism. The importance of Tanzania’s natural and cultural resources lies in the biological value of the species and habitats and cultural sites of the country, as well as the socio-economic and cultural value of the resources and its contribution to the sustainable development of the country. These resources are the cornerstone for its tourism industry. Chairman of ICTP, Juergen T. Steinmetz, said: “It is the vision of the tourism ministry to provide sustainable conservation of Tanzania’s natural and cultural resources, along with the development of responsible tourism. ICTP is pleased to build this alliance with Tanzania’s green philosophy for sustainable tourism growth.” The tourism ministry is charged with the task of ensuring sustainable conservation along with the development of tourism industry by promoting and enhancing participation of different stakeholders. For more information about the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania, visit: http://www.mnrt.go.tz/ . ABOUT ICTP The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is a new grassroots travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and green growth. The ICTP logo represents the strength in collaboration (the block) of many small communities (the lines) committed to sustainable oceans (blue) and land (green). ICTP engages communities and their stakeholders to share quality and green opportunities including tools and resources, access to funding, education, and marketing support. ICTP advocates sustainable aviation growth, streamlined travel formalities, and fair coherent taxation. ICTP supports the UN Millennium Development Goals, the UN World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and a range of programs that underpin them. The ICTP alliance is represented in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA; Brussels, Belgium; Bali, Indonesia; and Victoria, Seychelles. ICTP membership is available to qualified destinations free of charge. Academy membership features a prestigious and selected group of destinations. Members of destinations currently include Anguilla; Grenada; Maharashtra, India; Flores & Manggarai Baratkab County, Indonesia; Kiribati; La Reunion (French Indian Ocean); Malawi; Northern Mariana Islands, US Pacific Island Territory; Palestine; Pakistan; Rwanda; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Sri Lanka; Johannesburg, South Africa; Oman; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Yemen; Zimbabwe; and from the US: California; Georgia; North Shore, Hawaii; Bangor, Maine; St. Louis, Missouri; San Juan County & Moab, Utah; Richmond & Fairfax, Virginia.

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Unique survey reveals travel habits of GCC nationals

Results of new study unveiled at Arabian Travel Market a must-have for destinations targeting Gulf travelers - Qataris are highest spenders abroad with daily average of U.S $4,100 followed by KSA $3,360 and UAE $3,280 The findings of a recent study on the outbound travel habits of GCC nationals were revealed today (Wednesday 2 May) during a session held as part of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012 seminar series. Authored by Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College, the study, entitled ‘The Outbound GCC Travel Market - Unique Trends and Characteristics of GCC Nationals’, interviewed 2,500 GCC nationals about their travel habits over a 12-month period from January to December 2011. “The results of the survey are an invaluable tool for destinations and exhibitors looking to capture increased market share from this affluent and well-travelled market segment,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market. Malhotra surveyed a broad demographic of GCC nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He focused on 20 criteria from travel spend and favored class of travel to destination-specific preferences and decision-maker identification, to present a detailed picture of GCC residents’ habits. According to the study, Qataris spend the most on travel with an average expenditure of US$4,100 per day, followed by travelers from Saudi Arabia at US$3,360 and the UAE at US$3,280. The breakdown of spend across all GCC nationalities includes 54% allocated to airfares (across all classes of travel), 18% on accommodation, 9% on dining and 5% on car rental. Compared to the rest of the world, GCC nationals spend 260% more on airfares and 430% on accommodation, but 13% less on car rental. “The class of travel is also important, with 40% of Qataris interviewed opting for first class, and between 40 and 60% of all GCC nationals booking business class,” remarks Malhotra. The study findings touched on the recurring theme of extended vacations as a major differentiator between this region and the rest of the world, led by Qatari and Saudi Arabian travelers, with stays ranging from 14 up to 56 days. Decision makers also differ across the region and the six Gulf countries are split into two clear camps, with the wife usually choosing the destination in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, while the male head of household has the final say in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. According to the report summary, 53 per cent of survey respondents will travel to between two and five countries for leisure or pleasure within the next 12 months, with Saudi nationals the most frequent travelers, followed by the UAE. “Cultural experiences and family-focus are the two most important factors when planning travel, with 40 per cent of survey respondents looking at taking an extended three to four-week trip in the next 12 months,” said Malhotra. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, ATM 2012 is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre and runs through to Thursday 3 May. --- Ends --- A copy of the ‘unique travel trends of the GCC nationals’ presentation is available upon request. Photo caption: Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College. For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com 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 I Direct : +971 4 3652712 I Mobile : +971 50 4576525 Fax:+971 4 4278703 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com I Web site: www.smc-pr.com

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Katara Hospitality unveils new project in Lusail Marina District

Qatar-based hospitality giant announces plans for iconic luxury hotel to be constructed in the new urban district of Lusail. – Katara Hospitality, the international Qatar-based deluxe hospitality company, has unveiled their plans to construct what will undoubtedly become an iconic hospitality symbol of the 21st century – the Lusail Marina Iconic Development. Announcing their plans for the Qatar based property at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality said: “This stunning structure matches our aspiration for Katara Hospitality to become one of the world’s most recognised hospitality brand identities. “With an architectural design inspired by the insignia of Qatar, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development’s spectacular architecture is set to become a leading hospitality landmark.” The iconic property, designed for five-star luxurious status, is set to hold approximately 800 units comprising hotel rooms, residence apartments, offices, recreational facilities, specialist boutiques and top-class restaurants. The breathtaking ‘crossed sword’ shape of the towers, which gracefully intertwine, replicates the Qatar seal and, integrated with landscaped gardens, rises from a podium giving the impression that the entire architectural complex is floating on the sea. Al Mulla added: “The modern aesthetic of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development complements the more traditional properties we have in our eclectic portfolio of hotels, which are great examples of classic architecture.” Aiming to be operational by 2016, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development will be constructed in the Marina district of Lusail – the latest planned urban centre in the Gulf State. Lusail is set to be located on the Gulf coast 15km north of Doha city centre and will eventually provide accommodation for up to 250,000 people. “Naturally, the Lusail Marina Towers will be ideally located for travelling football fans, officials and professionals as the Qatar Football World Cup arrives in a decade’s time. “And long after the dust of the world cup has settled, the property will be a perfect getaway for Middle East leisure travelers looking for luxury accommodation as Qatar’s landscape offers more for tourists every year,” remarked Al Mulla. - Ends - Photo Caption: Artist impression and photo of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development model unveiled at ATM. Notes to the Editor: A replica model of the Lusail Marina Towers is displayed on the Katara Hospitality stand at Arabian Travel Market, in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, stand no. HC4230 About Katara Hospitality: Katara Hospitality currently owns five internationally branded hotels in Qatar: Sharq Village & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Doha Marriott Hotel and Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Two Merweb branded hotels – the Merwebhotel Central Doha and Merwebhotel Al Sadd Doha – and a third, the Merwebhotel City Centre Doha, which is scheduled to open in 2013, complete the domestic portfolio. In addition, it also owns and manages the Sealine Beach Resort, one of Qatar’s favourite vacation spots. Katara Hospitality’s international portfolio currently includes the Raffles Hotel Singapore, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Schweizerhof Hotel Bern and Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort in Egypt. International properties under development include Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (opening 2014), Royal Savoy Lausanne (opening 2013), Gallia Hotel Milan (opening 2013), The Peninsula Hotel Paris (opening 2013), another five star luxury boutique hotel in Paris (opening 2013), Comoros Beach Resort (opening 2014), Tazi Palace Hotel Tangier (opening 2014). Katara Hospitality was formerly operated under the Qatar National Hotels Company (QNH) brand. Its new corporate identity was launched at Arabian Travel Market 2012. For media information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director - Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 365 2711 Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 Email: nathalie@smc-pr.com Website: www.smc-pr.com OR Mihaela Tayar Communications Manager - Katara Hospitality Tel: +974 4423 7801 Mobile: +974 3366 3394 Fax: +974 4442 0477 Email: mihaela.tayar@katarahospitality.com Website: katarahospitality.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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ASTA, NACTA study finds independent travel agent sales up for second year

For the second straight year, 57 percent of independent agents saw an increase in business in 2011, according to the 2011 NACTA Independent Agents Report, the latest joint report from ASTA and the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA). “Results from the report confirm that travel is gaining economic ground and independent agents are a critical part of the sales equation for suppliers,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “As this sector of travel agents continues to grow, we want to ensure suppliers are able to get an in-depth understanding of what drives the independent travel agency community.” “Independent agents are strong generators of new business, especially group travel,” said NACTA Vice President Ann van Leeuwen.”This growing segment is not only changing the way travel agents conduct their daily business, but how travel is promoted and sold.” While the sale of cruises remains a primary source of income for independent agents (57%), it is down considerably from 2011, when 75 percent of independent agents said they were cruise specialists. Today, a small but increasing number say they specialize in a specific destination (9%), tours (6%) and honeymoon sales, luxury travel or family travel (5% each). The study, which examines relevant trends within the independent travel agent industry, also found that: - the largest share of agents (56%) have been in the travel business for more than 10 years down slightly from 2011 when 57% reported a similar time in business. - 88 percent of respondents say they work out of their home, compared to 87 percent last year. - 35 percent of respondents reported having employees and/or independent contractors, up from 33 percent last year. - of the 86 percent of respondents who say they split commissions with their host agency, the average host split is 74 percent/26 percent. In 2011, 91 percent of agents split commissions with the same breakout. - for those who pay an annual fee (6%), 47 percent of respondents pay less than $200 annually. In 2011, 50 percent of respondents reported paying less than $200. - most independent agents (70%) do not use a Global Distribution System, up from 67 percent in the year prior. - as in 2011, Royal Caribbean was the top cruise supplier used by respondents. Globus was the top choice for escorted tour operator. Sandals was ranked as the top choice among resort suppliers; Marriot was the top hotel supplier. The report profiles independent agents and provides data on their experience in the travel industry, looking specifically at how they book travel and split commissions, as well as their revenue share across travel segments, and more. Evaluation surveys were distributed via email to 1,762 NACTA members by the ASTA Research Department; responses from 542 were collected online in June 2011. This reply level indicates a minimum of 95% confidence with an error rate +/- 3.5 percent, representing the total NACTA independent agent membership.

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tourism news of 9 feb 2012

Cheapflights.co.uk identifies travel habits based on Smartphone brands
 Cheapflights.co.uk has identified key traits and practices of individuals based on their smart phone choice with its travel habits of mobile phone users infographic combining the results of a recent survey in which more than 700 people took part, along with information based on search data. The comparison of Blackberry, iPhone and Android Phone users produced some interesting results which concluded that iPhone users were the most romantic, Android users the most adventurous and Blackberry users the biggest spenders on holiday. "It might seem like just a bit of fun, but in an age where people are so brand driven, the type of mobile you carry really does provide an insight into aspects of your personality. We took this thinking a step further and applied it to travel behaviour, which enabled us to determine the type of traveller a user is, based on their choice of mobile phone," says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk. Some of the main findings from the survey and Cheapflights.co.uk's user search data: - 14 million hours per year are spent searching for flights while at work, and Blackberry users spend 38 per cent more time searching for flights during working hours than either iPhone or Android users. - Of the three different mobile personalities, Blackberry users appeared to be the biggest spenders with a whopping 50 per cent more likely to splash the cash in a jet set holiday destination like Marbella. - iPhone users' destination choices showed them to be the bigger risk-takers with a love of shopping and romance. The results showed they are twice as likely to gamble in Las Vegas compared to Blackberry users. iPhone users were also four times as likely as Android users and ten times as likely as Blackberry users to choose a romantic break in Paris - they were also 7 per cent more likely to travel for a dirty weekend than Blackberry users. - When it comes to general adventure, Android users came out on top, highlighting New Zealand as one of their favourite destinations. They're also the 'techiest' of the bunch, being 50 per cent more likely to visit high-tech Tokyo than the Blackberry and iPhone users. - While iPhone users have a big appetite for fun, risk and romance, it would appear they have an almost equally big appetite for work as they were 17 per cent more likely to take calls from work while on holiday, compared to 12.9 per cent for Blackberry users and only 7.5 per cent for Android. - When it comes to dining out, Blackberry users were the least likely to take their partner on a business trip and 3.9 per cent more likely to buy their partner dinner on business expenses compared with iPhone users. The results go on to compare a wealth of other information, including CO² emissions produced by smartphones compared with those produced by the travel industry. The figures also reveal the number of users visiting travel websites through a mobile device and a breakdown by phone type of the most popular travel app.


 European hoteliers lag their U.S. counterparts in social-media adoption 



 A study from eHotelCheck.com shows that hoteliers in the U.S. and Middle Eastern cities take the lead in social-media adoption. For the second year in a row, San Francisco topped the ranking while hotels in Dubai surged to the second spot, up nine places compared with last year. Selected major destinations were ranked based on their ‘Tripadvisor Top 10’ listed hotels’ adoption of and the internet users’ response to the main social-media tools. Social Media use by hoteliers becomes a global phenomenon Wide use of the online social-media tools within the hospitality industry definitely does not only belong to the innovators in San Francisco anymore. The results of eHotelCheck’s 2011 global scan show that over the last year many more hoteliers from around the world turned to social media to attract and retain customers, and started using tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tripadvisor – the main global social-media tools used in the tourism industry, to interact with internet users – their (prospective) guests. Guests of European hotels are active online reviewers The hotels in Europe may lag behind their U.S. and Middle Eastern counterparts, however, measured by the number of online reviews on Tripadvisor, their guests are active contributors within the virtual community. Especially London, Paris, and Rome have active online guests, but their most appreciated hotels make only limited use of social media. Major increase in Facebook adoption “The results of our global scan show that presentation through social-media tools is becoming more and more the norm for hotels and their guests”, says Niels Schipper, the founder of eHotelCheck.com. “Particularly Facebook has seen a huge increase over the last year, with an astonishing 84% increase in its adoption by hotels and more than a tripling of the number of Likes by its users”. Currently still only 59% of the hotels included in the study have a Facebook account. Adoption rate of Twitter is slower Compared to Facebook and Tripadvisor, Twitter shows lower and slower adoption by hotels as well as internet users. The share of hotels with a Twitter account increased by 46%. Over the period of one year, the top 10 hotels in the selected 33 destinations as ranked on Tripadvisor increased their online audience by 172.000 Followers, currently averaging 3.500 Followers per account. At the moment, it is the hotels in Las Vegas that are setting the bar in Twitter adoption.




 UAE tourist arrivals forecast to hit 9 million in 2012


 The number of foreign tourists heading to the UAE this year is expected to reach almost 9 million, according to the latest industry forecast issued by international industry consultant Business Monitor International (BMI). The BMI report forecasts that overseas arrivals in the UAE during 2012 will climb to 9 million, a healthy 9% increase on the 8.2 million tourists that arrived in the UAE last year. Echoing that sentiment, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, is witnessing strong online visitor interest ahead of this year’s event, with the number of pre-registered visitors already up 132% from the same time last year. “With unrest particularly in Egypt and North Africa last year, the UAE experienced an influx of tourism, boosting its status as a regional safe haven,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “With Emirates and Etihad opening-up at least ten more destinations between them this year, not including low cost options FlyDubai, and Air Arabia, future tourism growth is assured. ATM not only provides a platform for the travel and tourism industry, it acts as a barometer and the massive increase in our online registrations certainly supports BMI’s forecast,” he added. Guest numbers at Dubai hotels rose 10% year-on-year to nearly 4.6 million for the first half of 2011, BMI said, as more visitors from the Middle East travelled to the UAE. A record number of guests also checked into hotels in Abu Dhabi last year, according to latest figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). Over 2.1 million guests checked into hotels in the country’s capital, beating an official target by 100,000 and the previous record high of around 1.8 million in 2010. Despite a large increase in the number of available rooms, Dubai was the sole tourist destination in the region that has shown a rise in both occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in 2011, with increases of 4% and 4.5% respectively, according to a recent report by Ernst & Young. According to another report by STR, the UAE is leading the region in development projects with 21,238 rooms under development and tourism initiatives underway across all the emirates including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. “With oil prices stable at around $100 per barrel, the oil-exporting Gulf states are witnessing greater fiscal stability and investing billions of dollars into tourism infrastructure,” he added. Indeed, Walsh’s point is reflected in the online visitor registrations for this year’s four-day Arabian Travel Market show, which opens on 30 April 2012. Nearly 2,000 visitors have so far registered for the event. In addition, the number of pre-registered visitors from the UAE has reached 1,201, representing an increase of 156% from the same time last year. Meanwhile, the number of visitors interested in buying products and services is up 126% to 1,868. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and approaching its nineteenth year, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. In 2011, 2,232 exhibitors covering floor space of just under 20,000 square metres attracted more than 22,000 attendees. The line-up for this year’s Arabian Travel Market will bring together annual favourites and a number of brand new events including the inaugural UNWTO regional tourism ministers’ conference and the WTM Vision forum, which will focus on Middle East travel trends and the online travel market. Covering the entire week, the popular Seminar Theatre series of sessions will address industry hot topics from developments in the aviation sector and hotel branding to Sharia-compliant travel. The all-new Tech Theatre is a dedicated platform that provides an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into leading edge industry-related technologies including social media and GDS. For the second year running, Arabian Travel Market will once again host its own unique industry version of The Apprentice to uncover the best emerging regional talent. Other regular features include the New Frontiers Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, and the perennially popular industry Careers Day will wrap up the week.

اخر الاخبار

خوزية يقول ماليش دعوة انا عايز ديبا

بدأ النادي الأهلي التفاوض مع نادي نجران السعودي من أجل الحصول على خدمات مهاجمه الكونغولي ديبا ايلونجا خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية.


وقد علم El-Ahly.com أن الساحر البرتغالي مانويل جوزيه قد أبدى رغبته الشديدة في التعاقد مع المهاجم الكونغولي لضمه الى قائمة الفريق من أجل دعم خط الهجوم.


ويبلغ ديبا ايلونجا من العمر 24 عاماً وطوله 181 سم ويتميز بالبنية الجسدية القوية وسجل مع فريق نجران سبعة أهداف حتى الأن في الدوري السعودي بالرغم من أن فريقه يحتل المركز الأخير في قائمة الدوري.

كما يشارك ايلونجا مع منتخب بلاده حيث لعب خمسة مباريات أحرز خلالها أربعة أهداف وكانت أول مباراة دولية له مع منتخب الكونغو ضد نظيره المصري يوم 11 أغسطس 2010 في اللقاء الودي الذي فازت فيه مصر بستة أهداف مقابل ثلاثة وأحرز خلال اللقاء أول أهداف فريقه.


وسيعني التعاقد مع ايلونجا أن يقوم النادي الأهلي بالإستغناء عن أحد الثنائي الأجنبي فرانسيس دو فوركي أو أمير سعيود خاصة وأن الموريتاني دومينيك دا سيلفا سيشغل مقعد اللبناني محمد غدار الذي تم الاستغناء عنه وسيتم قيده في قائمة فريق الشباب لتتاح الفرصة للأهلي للتعاقد مع لاعب اخر في قائمة الفريق الأول بجوار عماد متعب.

1. قطر وافتتاح 6 فنادق جديدة
2. ستارود وعرض ايام الخريف
3. جرانة وتسويفات المهانة
4. تونس وخط طيران مباشر مع انجلترا
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9. هيلارى والسياحة السياسية ،،،عبد الرحمن الذاكر
10. الاردن والمسارات السياحية

1. رومكو المصرية وستيلا شرم
2. اجراءات التلطيش السياحى المصرى
3. هوليداي إن إكسبريس تفتتح فندقين جديدين بدبي والمنامة
4. MAGAZINE TRAVELوالفنادق
5. التسويق العقارى المصرى
6. قف وافعل شيئا ضد الفقر ،،،نمبادرة منظمة السياحة العالمية
7. اليونيسكو و رابطة للمدن الكنعانية والفينيقية والبونية
8. الازمة الاقتصادية فرصة للسياحة المصرية اذا ادارها محترفين السياحة وليس المتطفلين عليها
9. الحزب الوطنى: انفجار الحسين محاولة إجرامية للإساءة لاستقرار مصر
10. مترو أبو ظبي ينطلق في موعده المحدد بحلول عام 2016

باى باى يامنتخب الكويت

الان المنتخب الكويتي الأول لكرة القدم قاب قوسين أو أدنى من توديع بطولة كأس الأمم الآسيوية بعد الهزيمة أمام نظيره الأوزبكي بهدفين مقابل هدف في الجولة الثانية من مباريات المجموعة الأولى في الدور الأول للبطولة التي تستضيفها العاصمة القطرية الدوحة حتى الـ29 من الشهر الجاري.


وأحرز ماكسيم شاتسكيخ هدف التقدم لأوزباكستان في الدقيقة 41 ثم تعادل بدر المطوع للمنتخب الكويتي في الدقيقة 49 من ضربة جزاء قبل أن يسجل سيرفر دجيباروف قائد المنتخب الأوزبكي هدف الفوز لفريقه في الدقيقة 65 .


ووضع المنتخب الأوزبكي قدماً في دور الثمانية حيث يتصدر مجموعته برصيد 6 نقاط، وينتظر نتيجة مباراة قطر والصين في نفس المجموعة في وقت لاحق اليوم.


وتعد هذه هي الخسارة الثانية للمنتخب الكويتي بطل الخليج الذي أصبح في المركز الرابع بالمجموعة ولكنه لا يزال داخل دائرة المنافسة على التأهل طبقا للوائح البطولة التي تطبق قواعد المواجهات المباشرة بين الفرق محل النزاع في حالة تساوي فريقين أو أكثر في عدد النقاط بعد الجولة الأخيرة وذلك قبل تطبيق قاعدة فارق الأهداف العام في البطولة.


ومن أجل حجز بطاقة التأهل للدور المقبل، يحتاج المنتخب العربي الشقيق إلى فوز قطر على الصين اليوم ثم فوزه على المنتخب القطري في الجولة الثالثة على أن يخسر المنتخب الصيني أمام نظيره الأوزبكي ثم يتم الاحتكام إلى عدد الأهداف

مانشيستر يفوز على ليفربول 1-0

عمق مانشستر يونايتد جراح غريمه التقليدي ليفربول، عندما أخرجه من الدور الثالث لمسابقة كأس إنكلترا لكرة القدم، بالفوز عليه (1-0) الأحد 9-1-2011، وسجل الويلزي راين غيغز هدف المباراة الوحيد في الدقيقة الثانية من ركلة جزاء.
ولعب ليفربول بعشرة لاعبين منذ الدقيقة 33 إثر طرد قائده ستيفن جيرارد، بعد مشاحنة مع لاعب وسط مانشستر يونايتد مايكل كاريك.


وهي ثاني مسابقة محلية يودعها ليفربول بعد مسابقة كأس رابطة الأندية المحترفة، والتي ودعها من الدور الثالث أيضاً على يد نورثامبتون بركلات الترجيح، وبالتالي سيخرج خالي الوفاض هذا الموسم، كون حظوظه ضعيفة في المنافسة على اللقب حيث يتخلف بفارق 19 نقطة عن المان يونايتد المتصدر وشريكه في الرقم القياسي في عدد الألقاب في الدوري (18 لكلاً منهما).


وتبقى لليفربول مسابقة واحدة لإنقاذ موسمه، وهي يوروبا ليغ حيث بلغ دور الـ 32 وسيلاقي سبارتا براغ التشيكي في 17 و27 فبراير/شباط المقبل.


وكان ليفربول يخوض مباراته الأولى بقيادة مدربه الجديد نجمه السابق الاسكتلندي كيني دالغليش، خليفة روي هودجسون الذي أقيل من منصبه السبت 8-1-2011، بسبب النتائج المخيبة التي حققها مع الفريق منذ استلامه مهامه بداية الموسم الحالي، وقاد دالغليش ليفربول إلى إحراز لقب الدوري ثلاث مرات وكأس انكلترا مرتين في الفترة من 1985 الى 1991.


وحضر المباراة 9 آلاف من مشجعي ليفربول، كانوا شهودا على العهد الجديد للنادي بقيادة دالغليش، لكنهم صدموا جراء قرار الحكم الدولي هوارد ويب باحتساب ركلة جزاء مشكوك في صحتها بعد 35 ثانية فقط، إثر عرقلة المهاجم البلغاري ديميتار برباتوف من قبل المدافع الدولي الدنماركي دانيال فانبرى لها غيغز بنجاح مسجلاً الهدف الوحيد لفريقه الساعي إلى استعادة اللقب الغائب عنه منذ عام 2004.

كما هو الهدف الثاني لغيغز هذا الموسم والحادي عشر له في مسابقة الكأس مع مانشستر يونايتد، كما تجنب مانشستر يونايتد سيناريو الموسم الماضي عندما ودّع المسابقة من الدور الثالث على يد ليدز يونايتد.


وأجرى دالغليش 5 تعديلات على التشكيلة التي خسر بها ليفربول المباراة أمام ضيفه بلاكبيرن روفرز 1-3 في الدوري، وكان فريقه قريباً من التعادل في مناسبتين إثر تسديدتين للارجنتيني ماكسي رودريغيز (19) وجيرارد (30) بيد أن الحارس البولندي توماس كوتشاك تألق في التصدي لهما.


وكاد الدولي المكسيكي خافيير هرنانديز الملقب بـ "تشيتشاريتو" أن يضيف الهدف الثاني بضربة رأسية، مرت بجوار القائم الأيمن للحارس الإسباني رينا، ورد البرازيلي فابيو اريليو بتسديدة قوية من ركلة حرة من 25 متراً تصدى لها كوتشاك ببراعة (65).


ويلتقي مانشستر يونايتد، حامل الرقم القياسي في عدد الألقاب في المسابقة (11 لقبا)، في الدور المقبل مع مضيفه ساوثمبتون.


وفي مباراة ثانية، بلغ توتنهام الدور الرابع بفوزه الكبير على ضيفه تشارلتون اتلتيك من الدرجة الأولى بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة تناوب على تسجيلها اندروس تاونسند (49) وجيرمان ديفو (58 و60)،


ويلعب توتنهام في الدور المقبل مع مضيفه وجاره فولهام، ويلعب لاحقاً تشلسي حامل اللقب مع ايبسويتش من الدرجة الأولى، وليستر سيتي مع مانشستر سيتي.
تشيلسي يمطر ايبسويتش بسباعية
وفجر تشلسي حامل اللقب جام غضبه في ايبسويتش تاون وسحقه بسباعية نظيفة، تناوب على تسجيلها العاجي سالومون كالو33 ودانيال ستاريدج 34 و52 وكارلوس ادواردز41 خطأ في مرمى فريقه، وفرانك لامبارد (78 و79).


ويلتقي تشلسي في الدور المقبل مع مضيفه ايفرتون الذي حجز بطاقته على حساب سكونثورب يونايتد 5-1 السبت 8-1-2011.


وبلغ توتنهام الدور الرابع بفوزه الكبير على ضيفه تشارلتون اتلتيك من الدرجة الاولى بثلاثة اهداف نظيفة تناوب على تسجيلها اندروس تاونسند (49) وجيرمان ديفو (58 و60)، ويلعب توتنهام في الدور المقبل مع مضيفه وجاره فولهام.


وفشل مانشستر سيتي في حسم تأهله وسقط في فخ التعادل امام ليستر سيتي 2-2، وبالتالي سيضطر الى مواجهته مجددا في 18 كانون الثاني/يناير الحالي على ملعبه في مانشستر، وكان ليستر سيتي البادىء بالتسجيل عبر الفرنسي العاجي سليمان بامبا في الدقيقة الاولى، ورد مانشستر سيتي بهدفين لجيمس ميلنر.

اقتراب الاهلى من التعاقد مع السيارة بنتلى النيجيرى

أعلن سيد عبدالحفيظ مدير الكرة بالأهلي عصر الأحد أن ناديه يقترب من التعاقد مع المهاجم النيجيري تشوكووما اكابويزي الشهير باسم "بنتلي" خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية.


وأوضح مسئول الأهلي أن الجهاز الفني للفريق الكروي الأول بقيادة البرتغالي مانويل جوزيه قرر صرف النظر عن ضم أي من الثلاثي أمادو فلافيو ومايكل انيرامو وتراوري.


ويلعب بنتلي في نادي اود جرينلاند النرويجي، وكان مدير النادي قد أعلن في وقت سابق أن المفاوضات مع الأهلي تسير في الطريق الصحيح.


ويسعى الأهلي إلى التعاقد مع مهاجم أجنبي من العيار الثقيل نظراً للنقص العددي الذي يعاني منه الفريق في هذا المركز.


ويبلغ بنتلي من العمر (21عاما) أي أن الأهلي سيقيده مع فريق الشباب، على أن يتم التعاقد مع مهاجم آخر يتم قيده بالفريق الأول.

مصر تفوز على اوغندا واحد صفر

حقق المنتخب المصرى فوزا صعبا على نظيره الأوغندى فى المباراة التى أقيمت على ملعب المقاولون العرب ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية للمجموعة الأولى بدورة حوض النيل الودية التى تستضيفها مصر حاليا بهدف لمحمد ناجى جدو جاء قبل نهاية الوقت بدل من الضائع بدقيقة واحده .
تشكيل مغاير
و شهدت المباراة اشراك الكابتن حسن شحاته المدير الفنى للمنتخب المصرى ل 3 لاعبين لم يبدأوا المباراة الماضية امام تنزانيا و هم محمود فتح الله مدافع الزمالك و حسنى عبد ربه و عبد الله الشحات لاعبا الاسماعيلى، فيما غاب عنها محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا لاعب الزمالك و عمرو السليه لاعب الاسماعيلى للاصابه .
تأمين دفاعى
وكان المنتخب الأوغندى قد لجأ إلى خطة دفاعيه بحته جعلت المنتخب المصرى يستحوز على الكره وعلى منطقة وسط الملعب تماما و لكن دون خطوره حقيقيه على المرمى الأوغندى سوى فرصه مهدره من أحمد بلال فى الدقيقه 28، لينتهى الشوط الأول من عمر اللقاء بالتعادل السلبى بين الفريقين .
الشوط الثانى
و مع بداية الشوط الثانى أجرى الكابتن حسن شحاته عدة تغييرات تنشيطية للهجوم حيث شارك وليد سليمان بدلا من أحمد بلال مهاجم نادى سموحه، وأحمد علي بدلاً من عبد الله الشحات و أيضا أحمد عيد عبد الملك بدلا من محمد أبو تريكه و كذلك محمد ناجى جدو بدلا من السيد حمدى .
أما على صعيد التغييرات فى خط الدفاع الخلفى فقد شارك وائل جمعه بدلا من محمد نجيب الذى خرج مصابا، ومحمد عبد الشافى بدلا من أحمد سمير فرج .
هدف الانقاذ
و ألغى حكم المباراة هدفا لمحمود فتح الله من ضربة رأسيه فى الدقيقه 47 بداعى التسلل، تلاه فرصة ضائعه للسيد حمدى الذى سدد كرة قوية مرت بجوار القائم، واستمر مسلسل اهدار الفرص فى الشوط الثانى حتى الدقيقه 93 حيث أحرز محمد ناجى جدو هدف المباراة الوحيد من تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء .
و بذلك رفع المنتخب المصرى رصيده ل 6 نقاط فى صدارة المجموعه الأولى و سيختتم مبارياته فى دورى المجموعات يوم الثلاثاء القادم امام بوروندى .

هدف المباراة

لقاء السحاب فى كاس انجلترا

تتجه أنظار عشاق كرة القدم العالمية إلى قمة لقاءات الدور الثالث من مسابقة كأس إنكلترا بين الغريمين مانشستر يونايتد حامل الرقم القياسي بعدد الألقاب (11) وضيفه ليفربول يوم الأحد في مباراة مصيرية لمدرب الأخير روي هودجسون المهدد بالإقالة.






وتحمل مواجهة اليونايتد وليفربول أهمية مضعفة للمدرب هودجسون لأن الفوز بها سيمنحه فرصة أخرى لمواصلة المشوار مع "الحمر"، أما الخسارة فقد تتسبب بإقالته من منصبه خصوصاً بعد الخسارة أمام بلاكبيرن في منتصف الأسبوع ضمن الدوري المحلي، ما جعل فريقه يتراجع إلى المركز الثاني عشر بفارق 19 نقطة عن مانشستر المتصدر.


لكن مهمة أبناء المدرب هودجسون لن تكون سهلة أمام كوكبة النجوم التي يمتلكها المان يونايتد، فضلاً على أن الأخير عازم على تجنب سيناريو الموسم الماضي عندما ودع المسابقة من الدور ذاته على يد ليدز يونايتد.


وألمح مدرب مانشستر الاسكتلندي أليكس فيرغوسون أنه يعتزم إشراك تشكيلته الأساسية في هذه المباراة لأن فريقه يريد مواصلة المشوار في المسابقة بهدف استعادة اللقب الغائب عنه منذ 2004.


وفي لقاء أخر، يعيش مدرب تشلسي الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي وضع مماثل لهودجسون في حال فشل النادي اللندني في تجاوز حاجز إيبسويتش الأحد على ملعب "ستامفورد بريدج".


أما بالنسبة لآرسنال الفائز باللقب 10 مرات فهو يلتقي مع ليدز يونايتد، فيما يلعب مانشستر سيتي مع ليستر، وبولتون مع يورك، وفولهام مع بيتربورو، ووست هام مع بارنلي، وأستون فيلا مع شيفيلد يونايتد، ونيوكاسل مع ستيفيندج، وبرمنغهام مع ميلوول، وبلاكبول مع ساوثمبتون، وسندرلاند مع نوتس كاونتي، وايفرتون مع سكانثورب، وويغان مع هال، وتوتنهام مع تشارلتون.


يذكر أن تشلسي أحرز اللقب الموسم الماضي بفوزه على بورتسموث في المباراة النهائية بهدف سجله العاجي ديدييه دروغبا.

قطر تبدا بطولة اسيا بخسارة محلاجة

وضع منتخب أوزبكستان نظيره القطري في مأزق وذلك يعدما تغلب عليه بهدين نظيفين في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما مساء الجمعة في أفتتاح مباريات كأس الأمم الأسيوية الـ15 لكرة القدم.


وانتهى شوط المباراة الأول بين الفريقين بالتعادل السلبي، قبل أن يفتتح عادل أحمدوف التسجيل للمنتخب الأوزبكي في الدقيقة 59 من عمر المباراة، قبل أن يضيف سيرفر جيباروف الهدف الثاني للمنتخب الأوزبكي.


وبدى دفاع المنتخب القطري هشاً طيلة أحداث المباراة، وكاد المنتخب الأوزبكي أن يفتتح التسجيل مبكرا خلال أحداث الشوط الأول لولا منع العرضة لتسديدة ألكسندر جينريخ بعد مرور سبع دقائق فقط من البداية.


وتألق قاسم برهان حارس مرمى المنتخب القطري ومنع هدفين مؤكدين من اللاعب جينريخ الذي أضاع فرصة أخرى بعد أن خلت الشباك القطرية من حارسها برهان، إلا أن الأوزبكي أخرج الكرة خارج الملعب.


وجاء الهدف الأوزبكي الأول بعد تسديدة صاروخية أرتطمت بالقائمة واتجهت نحو الشباك، قبل أن يأتي الهدف الثاني من خطأ دفاعي قاتل من اللاعب خلفان إبراهيم الذي منح الكرة لجيباروف الذي لم يجد صعوبة في إيداع الكرة بالمرمى.


وسنحت عدة فرص تهديفية للمنتخب القطري عن طريق حسين ياسر المحمدي لاعب الزمالك المصري وعن طريق اللاعب سباستيان سوريا إلا أن اللاعبان لم يتمكنا من ترجمة تلك الفرص إلى أهداف.


جدير بالذكر أن دولة قطر تستضيف البطولة الأسيوية الجارية على أرضها وهي البطولة التي ستمتد إلى 22 يوماً قادما، وجاءت خسارة العنابي اليوم لتضعه في مأزق قبل المبارتين القادمتين.


جدير بالذكر أن المنتخبين القطري والأوزبكي وقعا سويا في المجموعة الأولى إلى جانب منتخبي الكويت والصين اللذان سيلتقيان غدا في ثاني مباريات المجموعة بالجولة الأولى من دور البطولة الأول.

اوغندا لاتمانع لقاء مصر فى دورة حوض النيل

أبدى المدير الفنى لمنتخب أوغندا الأول لكرة القدم بوبى وليامسون استعداده للقاء الفريق المصرى بطل أفريقيا السبت كما أبدى أعجابه بأداء اللاعب المصرى محمود عبد الرازق "شيكابالا" فى مباراة فريق المنتخب المصرى أمام منتخب تنزانيا فى أفتتاح البطولة.


وصرح وليامسون لموقع الإتحاد المصرى لكرة القدم أنه مستعد لملاقاة الفريق المصرى السبت الذى يعرف قوته جيدا لأنه أفضل فرق القارة فى السنوات الأخيرة وأنه سيلعب على تحقيق أفضل نتيجة.


وقال إن فريقه الذى سيخوض به المباراة غدا أمام مصر ليس متكاملا لأن لديه لاعبين أساسيين جميعهم يلعبون فى أوروبا ولم يستطع أحضارهم .


وأضاف المدير الفنى الاسكتلندى الجنسية أنه سعيد رغم غياب عناصره الأساسية بالمشاركة فى هذه البطولة لأنها فرصة هامة جدا ومفيدة ليس فقط لفريقه ولكن لكل الفرق الأخرى المشاركة فى بطولة الأمم الأفريقية المحلية المقرر اقامتها بالسودان الشهر القادم ومع مشاركة مصر والكونغو الديمقراطية بطل النسخة الماضية من البطولة الأفريقية فى هذه الدورة يجعل دورة دول حوض النيل بطولة قوية جدا واستعداد قوى ولكن يجب التفكير فى تعديل موعدها.


وكان مقررا أن يقوم الفريق الأوغندى صباح اليوم بزيارة سياحية لمنطقة الأهرامات ولكن تم الغائها وتقرر تأجيلها لتقوم جميع الفرق بالزيارة فى وقت واحد وفضل الفريق الأقامة والراحة فى الفندق اليوم ويجتمع المدير الفنى مع لاعبيه اليوم فى الخامسة لمشاهدة مباراة مصر وتنزانيا مرة أخرى.


ومن جهته صرح الكابتن محمد حسام الدين رئيس لجنة الحكام بدورة دول حوض النيل أنه وصل أمس الحكم الدولى موسنجا أمبانجا ومساعده مويس موبوتى من الكونغو للأنضمام لأطقم التحكيم المشاركة فى الدورة وبذا يصل عدد الحكام والمساعدين إلى 14 حكما ومساعدا بواقع سبعة لكل منهما.


وأضاف رئيس لجنة الحكام أنه قد عقد اجتماعا لمدة ثلاث ساعات بجميع الحكام المشاركين وتم تحليل المباريات الثلاثة التى أقيمت يوم 5 يناير فى افتتاح الدورة وقد قام كل حكم بشرح قراراته ونقد نفسه نقدا ذاتيا ثم تم بعد ذلك تحليل أداء الحكام ومشاهدة الحالات باستخدام الوسائل الحديثة.


وأعلن الكابتن محمد حسام الدين أنه يبدأ خلال اليومين القادميين فى نفس الوقت ورغم تتابع الأحداث والأنشغال بالدورة فى تصحيح أوراق اختبارات الترقى للحكام المحليين من الدرجة الثالثة إلى الثانية إلى الأولى وذلك بعد أن تم تشكيل وأعتماد لجنة بهذا الغرض.


ويستغرق ذلك حوالى شهر من الآن حيث يبلغ الممتحنين حوالى 550 حكما وتراعى اللجنة منتهى الدقة فى التصحيح ضمانا لحصول جميع الحكام على حقوقهم .

الدوحة وانطلاق كاس اسيا الخامس عشر

نطلق اليوم في الدوحة العاصمة القطرية وعلى ملعب خليفة الدورة الخامسة عشرة لنهائيات كأس آسيا لكرة القدم، وتستمر حتى الـ29 من الشهر الحالي برعاية أمير قطر الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني وبحضور دولي رياضي كبير يتقدمهم رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم جوزريف بلاتر ورؤساء الاتحادات القارية والأمير سلطان بن فهد رئيس الاتحادين السعودي والعربي لكرة القدم، وقد تغيرت ملامح العاصمة القطرية الدوحة في الأيام السبعة الماضية استكمالاً لاحتفالات بدأتها في الرابع من ديسمبر الماضي عند حصولها على حق تنظيم كأس العالم 2022 حيث تريد الدوحة من احتفالها المميز اليوم بعث رسائل لكل المنظمات الدولية بأنها بدأت العمل للمونديال من الآن، ورغم أن القطريين يتحفظون على موضوع فقرات حفل الافتتاح إلا أنه سيكون أكثر بهجة من دورة الألعاب الآسيوية 2006 بفقرات مبهرة جدًا تجمع مابين الثرات العربي والآسيوي والحضارة العالمية، وتتكلم بعض صور حفل الافتتاح عن الدول الـ 16 المشاركة في البطولة التي تحل في الدوحة للمرة الثانية اذ كانت الاولى عام 1988 وفتحت أمامها آفاق استضافة البطولات العالمية حيث يستمر حفل الافتتاح زهاء ساعة كاملة. وتفتتح الدورة بمباراة البلد المنظم (قطر) مع أوزبكستان على ملعب خليفة الذي يتسع لنحو خمسين ألف متفرج الساعة 19:15 بالتوقيت المحلي، بينما تلعب الكويت والصين السبت (16:15) ضمن منافسات المجموعة الأولى.
ويشارك في نهائيات هذه البطولة 16 منتخبا، تم تقسيمهم على أربع مجموعات، ويتأهل أول وثاني كل مجموعة إلى الدور ربع النهائي.
وتعد منتخبات السعودية، اليابان، كوريا الجنوبية، الكويت، إيران أبرز المرشحين للتنافس على اللقب يضاف لهم منتخب استراليا. وتزينت شوارع الدوحة ومبانيها بملصقات تروج للبطولة والتعويذة الخاصة بها المتمثلة في “السبوق”. كما زينت الحافلات المخصصة للمنتخبات الـ16 المشاركة بشعار خاص بكل فريق.
يُذكر أن رمز كأس آسيا جاب شوارع العاصمة القطرية الاثنين، وسط استقبال حافل من حوالي ثلاثين ألف شخص اصطفوا على امتداد كورنيش الدوحة.
البطولة الأفضل
وفي السياق ذاته، أعرب رئيس الاتحاد الآسيوي لكرة القدم محمد بن همام عن ثقته في أن تكون هذه النهائيات الأفضل في تاريخ دورات البطولة.
واعتبر بن همام خلال حديثه إلى أعضاء المكتب التنفيذي للاتحاد أمس الأربعاء في الدوحة، أن النهائيات "ستضع مستوى جديدًا لمعايير الكمال والإبداع".
وقال ابن همام: “ستنطلق منافسات كأس آسيا قريبًا وأنا أتمنى أن نكون جاهزين من أجل متابعة أحداثها.. ستشاهدون التغيير الذي ستشهده البطولة وكيف تطورت خلال الثمان سنوات الماضية”.
وأضاف: “بذل الجميع جهودًا كبيرة، وأنا واثق أن البطولة ستكون الأفضل على الإطلاق، وستكون النموذج بالنسبة للأحداث المستقبلية”.