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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World Travel & Tourism Council air tax is acting as a brake on the economy

New research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that removing Air Passenger Duty would result in an additional 91,000 British jobs being created and £4.2 billion added to the economy in 12 months. The economic impact of Air Passenger Duty The research comes as Britain is about to face yet another rise in Air Passenger Duty. Increases planned from April mean a family of four flying to Malaga will pay £52 extra on the price of their tickets. This rises to £260 for the same family to fly to Florida and £368 to fly to Australia. David Scowsill, WTTC President & CEO, said “Air Passenger Duty is a completely disproportionate tax on people’s holidays and is hitting business travel hard. When the economy needs help, it is economically illogical to continue with a tax that costs the country some 91,000 jobs and as much as £4.2 billion." In the next 12 months, the UK Government will collect £2.8 billion in extra tax from air travellers, far more than any other country in the world. David continued: "Travel & Tourism grew by 4.1% in the UK last year, but is forecast to slow to 1.3% in 2012. This slowdown is partly due to the impact of Air Passenger Duty, which is dampening demand. This tax is damaging the economy at a crucial time, and is having a negative effect on trade with countries in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. We urge the UK Government to recognise the impact on the overall economy and reduce Air Passenger Duty." Martin Craigs, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), said: "The UK is an island trading nation, air services are the vital lifeblood of modern global commerce. The UK Air Passenger Duty is now the world’s highest by a wide margin. It is certainly turning away tourism and trade from the world’s fastest growing economic region Asia Pacific. Air Passenger Duty started in1994 at £5 and some worthy intentions to offset aviations carbon footprint. Today at £85 to zone D (Asia/Pacific) it's a ‘detention tax’ that's restricting job growth, alienating important trade partners and not being transparently directed to green projects. Air Passenger Duty maybe easy to collect but it's also easy to see its macroeconomic damage.” The research was conducted by Oxford Economics for the World Travel & Tourism Council. The research examined how sensitive passengers are to changes in fares, based on statistics from the Department for Transport and Intervistas. DFT estimates show a lower sensitivity than estimates by Intervistas. Oxford Economics concluded that: Abolishing Air Passenger Duty would raise the UK "gross value added" by between £1.8 billion and £2.9 billion in 2012 due to the boost to aviation and tourism sectors from increased passenger numbers This would create an extra 38,000 to 61,000 jobs The extra income available for consumers from lower airline ticket prices provides a stimulus to consumer spending, and could raise the UK "gross value added" by £1.3 billion and 30,000 jobs. The overall benefit to the UK economy could be up to 91,000 jobs and £4.2 billion The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2011 Travel & Tourism accounted for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6.3 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.

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You’re hired

Second edition of ‘ATM Apprentice’ begins search for talent as Millennium Hotels offers prestigious opportunity in HR Management Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and Millennium & Copthorne Middle East have teamed-up for the second year running to offer an once-in-a-lifetime apprenticeship opportunity at this year’s showcase travel event. Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “Last year’s launch of the apprenticeship scheme was a great success and due to the amount of enquiries we received, we have decided to run the initiative for a second year. This scheme is a fresh approach to recruitment in the travel industry and an exciting and increasingly relevant addition to Careers Day on the Thursday of the show” Aspiring hotel professionals now have the chance to showcase their talent and apply for three fast track positions; Management Trainee, Sales Manager and Assistant Human Resources (HR) Manager by submitting a written application and CV through the ATM website. Drawing inspiration from the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) television series ‘The Apprentice’, applicants for ‘ATM Apprentice’ will have to prove their worth and showcase their flare by completing three tasks in the run-up to the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East (30 April – 3 May). The initial application process, which opened on 20th February, constitutes task one: the deadline is 16th March. The details for task two will then be emailed to the successful applicants, which must be completed between 27th March and 11th April. And the final task – telephone interviews – takes place between 15th -20th April. The triumphant protégé’s contract will be signed before 2 May so the announcement can be made on Careers Day the final day of ATM 2012 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Chris Watson, Regional Head of Human Resources Middle East & Africa, Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings, said: “More than anything else the successful candidate will be selected for his or her passion for a career in hospitality. Any hotel manager will tell you that without passion, a trainee will never succeed.” The Assistant HR Manager will be taken under the guidance of the Director of HR, and will be responsible for overseeing all transactions encompassing employee accommodation, transport and visa issues required to support the Millennium & Copthorne team’s life-cycle with the HR department. The Sales Manager, who will report to the Director of Sales and Marketing will be responsible for the overall achievement of a company's sales goals. Their other responsibilities will include projecting annual sales, tracking sales performance and interacting with other areas of the company to ensure that business orders are executed properly and profitably. Finally, the Management trainee position includes interacting with several departments of the organization in order to learn staff functions and certain aspects of hotel operations. 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. Last year, over 2,200 exhibitors covering nearly 20,000 square metres attracted more than 22,000 attendees. Visitor registration is now online, to register please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com/register For information on The Apprentice, please log on to http://www.arabiantravelmarket.com/apprentices. -ENDS- Photo caption: Chris Watson, Regional Head of Human Resources Middle East & Africa, Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings. For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com About Arabian Travel Market: 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. 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

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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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TI’ME Hotels secure six management contracts

New Dubai-based hospitality company TI’ME Hotels Management announces six contract wins as UAE hospitality industry continues to soar – nine million visitors expected in 2012 TIME Hotels Management, a new Dubai-based hospitality company has announced that it has successfully secured the management contracts for six hotel properties in the UAE. The properties include two hotels: TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Al Barsha, and TIME Grand Plaza Hotel in Al Qusais, and four hotel apartments: the Opal, Topaz and Crystal Hotel Apartments in Dubai, and the Ruby Hotel Apartments in Sharjah. The properties comprise a total of 745 rooms, and employ over 385 staff. 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. Mohamed Awadalla, Area Vice President of TIME, said: “TIME Hotels is an ambitious, forward-thinking hospitality company with plans to expand and strengthen our brand identity by using these six properties as a platform for further growth in the region to target business and leisure travellers, particularly those from neighbouring GCC states. “Although all six properties will continue to operate as a matter of course, we will of course be looking to improve efficiency and raise quality standards wherever possible, putting guests first.” TIME Hotels Management are owned by the public shareholding company Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) and Investment Group Private Ltd (IGPL), and estimate a turnover of approximately $27 million (AED 100 million), during the current financial year. Mr. Mohamed Al Mazroei, Assistant Managing Director of GGICO, said: “This seamless transition in management is an important chapter in our long-term business strategy, and one which means we can now look towards our future with a new impetus.” TIME’s entrance into the hospitality industry comes at a time when the travel and tourism, and hospitality industries are thriving in the UAE. “Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Economic Sector Committee, said recently that the region’s future prosperity relies upon the ‘three t’s’ – tourism, trade and transport – underpinning the long-standing commitment the Dubai government is giving the tourism and hospitality industries, as visitor numbers to the region continue to increase. “And as unrest continues in some parts of the Arab world, the UAE, and in particular Dubai, is now considered a safe haven for both regional and international travellers seeking an alternative destination,” added Awadalla. According to the latest industry forecast issued by international industry consultant Business Monitor International (BMI), the number of foreign tourists heading to the UAE this year is expected to reach almost nine million. Furthermore, despite the continuous additional supply in the number of hotels throughout the UAE, STR Global’s ‘Middle East/Africa Hotel Review’ shows that for the full year 2011 hotel average occupancy rose to 71.4% - up from 66.2% in 2010. Occupancy in Dubai, for the same time-period, increased to 75.4% - up from 70.5% in 2010. It was a similar story in Dubai for average room rates and revenue per available room (RevPar). Average room rates were up AED26 per night and RevPar was up an impressive AED59, per room per night. And according to the latest industry projections from leading international consultancy – TRI Hospitality Consulting – the current financial year is showing promising signs for Dubai. Room rates and occupancy levels at hotels throughout the emirate are registering statistics comparable to the pre-recession figures of 2008, with a 5-10% boom in average daily rates (ADR) expected due to sustained high-levels of hotel occupancy. -ENDS- Photo Caption: Mr. Mohamed Awadalla, Area Vice President TIME Hotels Management LLC About GGICO: Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) is a leading listed company in the UAE. Over the last 39 years, GGICO has built a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning manufacturing, financial and real estate investments and a range of different service activities including insurance, retail, hotel management & hospitality, freight transport and trading. GGICO has leveraged its base in the UAE and Dubai in particular, as a trading and financial services centre for the Middle East region, to successfully develop and grow its diversified business. The GGICO Group consists of GGICO and its 25 subsidiaries, of which nine are wholly-owned. About IGPL: Investment Group Private Ltd (IGPL) was established in 1982 as a limited liability company in Sharjah. Since its inception, the Group has grown to become one of the largest business houses in the UAE. IGPL is licensed to carry out business activities including: Investment activities including the setting up of Industrial projects Trading, including oil and oil related products Real estate, both commercial and residential The Group is actively managed by Mr. Abdalla Juma Al Sari, Mr Majid Al Sari and Mr. Mohammed Al Sari supported by an experienced team of professionals. 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          

tourism news 11 feb 2012-middleast

Airline lets fliers vet seatmates through Facebook

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has introduced a social-media service that enables passengers to pick their seat buddies based on their profiles on Facebook and LinkedIN. When a passenger shares his or her profile via a ‘meet & seat’ service, KLM notifies the person via email about whether other passengers on the flight have shared their details. The service is currently available for flights from Amsterdam to San Fracisco, New York and Sao Paulo, with plans to roll the initiative out to other destinations 
“ JW Marriott Marquis to be world's tallest hotel

The 355m JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will become the world’s tallest hotel when it opens in quarter four, taking the title from the existing holder, the Rose Rayhaan Rotana. The 1608-room twin-tower development on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road will open in two phases; the first phase features 804 rooms as well as numerous restaurants and lounges. The property will target business travellers and the “growing” MICE market, the hotel’s general manager revealed at a press conference on Wednesday. “The potential to cater for the growing needs of the global business community is huge and we believe the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is uniquely placed in that regard,” said Rupprecht Queitsch. “The hotel will fill a long identified gap in the market where groups, meetings and conventions of up to 1000 people can meet, sleep and dine under one roof, in one location. There are businesses of this size choosing various cities around the world in which to meet, but until now, Dubai has not had a single location of this size to accommodate this type of group. In simple terms, we will establish Dubai on the global conference market landscape." Queitsch said that to give the local market some context, the United States’ MICE segment, which will be one of the key targets of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai team, contributes US $106 billion to that country’s GDP – higher than automotive manufacturing ($78 billion), performing arts/spectator sports/museums ($71 billion) and information and data processing services ($76 billion). He explained: “As for general business, Dubai is perfectly positioned, with its proximity to huge growth markets such as India and the fact it has literally billions of people within a five-hour flight range. What those business travellers are looking for is a hotel that has everything they could possibly need under one roof and we truly believe this iconic new property will set a new standard in business hotels, not just in the region but globally." Alongside its 5000 sq m of events space, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will have nine restaurants and five lounges, as well as a spa, health club and two ballrooms.

مؤتمر افريقيا والهند فى شرم الشيخ

ر--لاشك ان ايمان العديد من خبراء السياحة العالمية بمقدرة مصر وقدراتهافى ان تعود اليها السياح بالقوة والدعم الكافى وخاصة بان التنوع السياحى المصرى قلما يوجد فى بلد اخر فى العالم وهذا ما دفع جراهام كوك رئيس منظمة جائزة السفر العالمى فى عقد مؤتمر افريقيا والهند السياحى فى مدينة شرم الشيخ فى 16 سبتمر المقبل، بالتعاون مع فندق سافوى شرم الشيخ كما اكد عماد عزيز مدير الفندق لسواح اون لاين


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المطلوب من منظمة السياحة العالمية لمصر وتونس الان

هل الاكتفاء بالانضمام لتلك المنظمات الدولية هو مجرد انتماء لالاسرة الدولية دون تحقيق استفادة منا ودور حقيقى قد تلعبة تلك المنظمات وخاصة منظمة السياحة العالمية ، فى تجاوز الازمات والحفاظ على المكتسبات السياحية للدول والخاصة العربية ام ان الامر مقصور على استفادة الغرب وتمثيل فقط للشرق

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