travta

lkmidd

leeas

t.com

ddpp

l.com

n An enduring place in this industry........................................................................04n First boutique hotel launched in Sharjah ..............................................................06n Central reservation system introduced ................................................................12

A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 16Vol. X No. 5; May 2014

The strategic move willcreate a combined com-pany worth over Dhs365

million. Both entities will retaintheir brand names, but willoperate under BK GroupHoldings, and will offer com-plete travel and mobility solu-tions to more than 2.5 millioncustomers of the group.

“The expansion ofDubai’s infrastructure inpreparation for Expo 2020has motivated us to take thisstep and invest for the future,”said Kulwant Singh, CEOand MD of the new group. Hewill share 50:50 ownership ofthe new entity.

Talking about the merger,Singh said, “With this merger,we have grown more than tentimes in size. This brings us alot of infrastructure, a lot of rawmaterial. Worth US$ 100 mil-lion, this makes us one of thelargest travel companies in theregion. Earlier, we had around470 cars, now we'll havearound 3,500 cars. We had

around 20 luxury coaches and50 limousines; we will nowhave 100 luxury coaches and200 limousines, besidesinvesting in another 200 chauf-feur-driven limousines."

Lama Group and Carfare recentlyannounced the signing of anagreement to merge two premierservices in the hospitality industry.

HRITV ICK SEN

A bigger, bettertravel platform

This merger hasmade us growmore than tentimes. It alsomakes us one ofthe largest travelcompanies inthe region

Kulwant SinghCEO and MD, LAMA Group

Contd. on page 8

Middle East is opening doors to a spectrum of travel and tourism sectors throughout the region. New standards of luxury are being offered with the grand opening of hotels, lounges, airlines, airports, announcementsof new development team, brand extension and expansion, etc.

ME Tourism for expansion

SUSMITA GHOSH

Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President & CEO, Millennium and Copthorne Middle East

The Millennium and Copthorne Middle East and Africa (MEA) has announced that it will open 20 newhotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a part of the wider plan to operate 50 properties throughoutthe region by 2017. The market opportunity within the Kingdom has increased through growing domestictravel, a short supply of mid-scale hotels, five-star hotels in second-tier cities, especially for corporate travellersand the significant and sustained growth of religious tourism. In what has proved to be a highly successfulyear for Millennium and Copthorne properties throughout the MENA region, the hotel group witnessed impres-sive growth across its entire Middle East portfolio.

Simon Hickey, CEO, Qantas International

Qantas International has unveiled the new Hong Kong lounge. The new multi-million dollar lounge deliverson Qantas’ ongoing commitment, creating the best travel experiences for its customers. The new Hong KongLounge is a testament to our continued investment in the lounge and in-flight experiences right across ournetwork. The opening of the Hong Kong Lounge demonstrates not only how the Qantas Group continues toinvest where it matters most to its customers, but is also part of a broader commitment to Hong Kong as akey hub for the region. With the A-330 fleet upgrade to start by the end of this year, travellers in Hong Kongcan look forward to the best in-class experience on flights to Australia.

Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO, Rotana

Salalah Rotana Resort opens its doors as Oman’s largest free-standing hotel. We are excited to begina new journey today as the first hotel to be operated by Rotana in Oman. This property is the 50th hotel to beoperated by Rotana and represents the half-way mark in the hospitality group’s plans for 100 hotels by 2020.We pride ourselves in identifying new and upcoming travel destinations people wish to visit and Salalah isdefinitely growing in popularity.

COVER STORY M A Y 2 0 1 4 TRAVTALK 3

Opening doors for tourism sectorLaurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings

Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments on track to open by the thirdquarter of 2014. We are thrilled to see the on-site progress and expectthe Coral sign to go up shortly. The hotel has been conceived to be aconvenient and comfortable address for discerning business and leisuretravellers offering an array of special amenities and privileges in amixed-use complex. Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments is a very signif-icant project for HMH and signals strategic expansion for the group inOman. The Omani government’s Vision 2020 plan aims to increase its room count to 20,000rooms by 2015 and welcome 12 mn visitors annually by 2020, an increase well above2,184,000 visitors in 2013.

Hatem Gasmi, Managing Director, Auris Group of Hotels, Dubai

Auris Group of Hotels, Dubai, which currently operates six propertiesin Dubai and Saudi Arabia, has registered a good start into 2014. Thegroup has announced five properties scheduled to open between 2015and 2017 in Dubai. This increases the units under the Auris brand to over2,400. The consistent growth is intended to strategically position the groupas an ideal industry concept in the MENA region. Our growth has neces-sitated an ongoing improvement process which has seen us split the brandinto four categories; Auris Plaza Luxury Hotels which will encompass 5-star properties, Auris Innwill brand 4-star hotels, 3-star budget hotels will be grouped under Auris Lodge and Auris Apartwill represent our hotel apartments and serviced residences.

Dr. Ali Kasapbashi, COO, Bin Majid

Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts is scheduled to open its doors fornew Santorini on RAK’s Marjan Island, the first man-made island projectin Ras Al Khaimah, by the end of 2014. We have developed a hospitalitylegacy through our current brands, and much of that legacy was builtupon continuing to expand and building a strong brand presence in theEmirates. With the new properties and upcoming ones in the pipeline,we will soon be recognised as a leading hotel and leisure company in

the UAE and the region. The seven-story building comprises 410 stylish guest rooms as wellas an array of facilities and amenities to enhance the luxury design hotel experience. This willbe the fifth property Bin Majid owns in RAK, joining others like Beach Resort, Beach Hotel,Acacia Hotel and Mangrove Hotel. Santorini is an ideal vacation spot within Marjan Island. Thehotel group currently has a total of about 1,020 rooms. Together, the planned new propertieswill take the tally to just under 2,000.

Peter Blackburn, President & CEO, Cristal Hotels & Resorts, Abu Dhabi

Cristal Hotels & Resorts Abu Dhabi under the Cristal Group willunveil its expansion strategy at ATM 2014. The group aims to triple itsportfolio within two years, operating 13 hotels in the Middle East regionby 2016 with a target of 50 properties within five years, thus doubling itsprevious goal of 25 hotels. In just five years since we opened our firsthotel in Abu Dhabi, we now operate in four countries – the UAE, Iraq,

Lebanon and the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, and will debut in Saudi Arabia next year withtwo hotels in Riyadh, followed by a third property opening in Damman in 2015. In addition tothe two new hotels in Erbil, Iraq, a major addition to our portfolio is the 84-room Cristal GrandKadri at Zahle, Lebanon, a historic landmark hotel located just 45 minutes from Beirut thatoffers 84 rooms and suites as well as an array of leisure and business facilities including apool, spa and conference rooms.

u Contd. from page 1

GUEST COLUMN4 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

TRAVTALK is published by SanJeet on behalf of

Durga Das Publications Private Limited

Printed at System Graphics India Pvt. Ltd. A-1, Naraina Industrial Area,Phase-I, New Delhi - 28 India

Offices:DELHI: 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi - 110 001

Ph.: +91-11-23710793, 23716318 Fax: +91-11-23351503

E-mail: travtalk@ddppl.com

MUMBAI: 504, Marine Chambers, 43, New Marine Lines, Opp. SNDT College,

Mumbai - 400 020, IndiaPh.: +91-22-22070129; 22070130,

Fax: +91-22-22070131, E-mail: mumbai@ddppl.com

UAE : Z1-02, P.O. Box 9348, Saif Zone, Sharjah, UAEPh.: +971 6 5528954Fax: +971 6 5528956E-mail: uae@ddppl.com

TRAVTALK is a publication of Durga Das Publications Private Limited. All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publica-tion, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by thirdparties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific

advice before acting on information contained in this publicationwhich is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. No part of TRAVTALK or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system ortransmitted in any form without the permission of the publicationin writing. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or thearticle is taken from another publication. An exemption is herebygranted for the extracts used for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent to us for ourrecords. Publications reproducing material either in part or inwhole, without permission could face legal action.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged.

This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the Indian and InternationalAdvertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear.

Publisher : SanJeet Director : Sumeera Bahl Editor : Deepa Sethi Assistant Editor (ME) : Susmita Ghosh Desk Editor : Archana Sharma Design : Nityanand MisraBusiness Development Manager : Crisna De Guzman Manager Advertising : Geetika Pathak Sales & Admin Assistant : Eric Gomez Circulation Manager : Ashok Rana Manager Production : Anil Kharbanda

As the leader in this catego-ry of accommodation, we

enjoyed somewhat of amonopoly for a period of time.From the first building, GoldenSands Hotel Apartments(GSHA) has now grown into 10buildings. Out of the 10 build-ings, three are hotel apart-ments and the rest are residential yearly rentals. GS3,5 & 10 with total 616 units offer-ing fully furnished apartments

and budget furnished apart-ments to a wide range of clien-tele – families, tourists, corpo-rate clients, business andleisure travellers.

The hotel apartments areconveniently located within theMankhool – Bur Dubai areawhich is close to shopping,commercial and leisure dis-tricts, thereby offering conven-ience and comfort to bothyoung and adult guests, all-

year round. We have a goodmix of guests who preferGolden Sands over other prop-erties because of our goodlocation, great facilities andgood value for money.

Scoring highThe GCC market is one

of our strongest markets, espe-cially the Saudi market whichhas a very good demand onhotel apartments. Travellers

from Saudi often travel withtheir families, so Golden SandsHotel Apartments is the perfectaccommodation during theirstay. We have different unitconfigurations to suit theirneeds. Also, since GSHA doesnot offer alcohol, this is anadded attraction for Muslim vis-itors to Dubai.

We are also witnessingthe arrival of visitors fromemerging markets such as

Australia and Latin America. After the recent part-nership with Qantas andEmirates, we are receivingmore Australians than before,and because our summer istheir winter so they tend to trav-el during this season.

The Indian sub-continentmarket, especially the Indiantravellers, is a growing market.We have seen growth indemand from groups as well asFIT leisure travellers for both

stopovers as well as holidays.We also receive guests fromIndia who come to visit familymembers living in Dubai.

There has certainly beena dramatic growth in the hotelapartments sector both in sup-ply and demand. As a result,some of Dubai’s major hospi-tality companies have devel-oped their own apartmentbrands like Rotana’s ArjaanHotel Apartments, proving thathotel apartments are also pop-

ular amongst other marketsand demand in this sector isexpected to continue to grow.

Hence, in our continu-ing effort to serve our clients,we have refreshed the look ofour two and three-bedroomapartments with some majorrefurbishment of furnitureand fixtures. We are also nowoffering free WiFi to all ourguests in all our rooms andapartments. We have madechanges to the lobby, restau-

rant and poolside to offergreat service and facilities to our guests. GSHA will have completed refur-bishing all our apartments in Golden Sands 10 by the end of 2014.

We invite everyone tovisit our stand at DTCM’sstand, UAE3210, Hall 3 whereour sales and marketing teamwill connect with both our tar-get market and potential mar-kets. Ensuring that we maintainour customers loyal to theGolden Sands brand is alwaysa key factor in securing yearround business.

Mohammed KhooriGeneral Manager

Golden Sands HotelApartments

Pioneered by A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises as the first hotel apartments in Dubai in 1989, The Golden Sands brand ofhotel apartments fulfilled the need and demand of travellers looking for a ‘home-away-from-home’ environment. Hence,the concept of hotel apartments was created.

An enduring place in this industry

Golden Sands plans to target niche markets that aredeveloping in the region like cruisetourism, healthcare tourism andsports tourism

Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor

With around 3,600 hotels and 460,000 rooms, Accor welcomesbusiness and leisure travellers in 92 countries across all hotel seg-ments. With the planned opening of the first Ibis Styles in Dubai DragonMart, 7 Adagio properties in the pipeline and the successful openingof the first Majlis Grand Mercure in Madinah earlier this year, Accorproves its ability to innovate and come up with new brands/conceptsto adapt to customer’s needs. Accor has 65 operational hotels in the

Middle East with 15,600 rooms. With 28 upcoming properties in the pipeline, 12 of which willbe opened this year mainly in UAE and KSA, Accor will reach its target of 100 hotels in theregion by 2017.

Adel Erfan, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Makkah,Saudi Arabia

Mövenpick Hotel Makkah announces improvements in the hotel’sinteriors and furnishings, and new services and perks. The extensive ren-ovations are apparent the minute you walk into the expansive main lobbytill you sit back in the fresh new sofas and furniture placed in the hotel.Along the corridors, a new colour scheme has been implemented and ori-ental paintings by upcoming artists have been placed, complementing theoverall design and Middle Eastern influences of the hotel.

u Contd. from page 3

Emirates reducing flights for 80 daysn Emirates Airline hasannounced that it has to reduceflights to over 40 destinationsand change timings on some ofits flights, during the 80 dayperiod of runway upgradingworks at the DubaiInternational Airport startingMay 1, 2014. However, it willcontinue to serve all of itsworldwide destinations.

These changes will notimpact customers booked to flybetween May and July 2014, asthe flight schedules have beenplanned and implementedmonths ahead of time.Customers or travel agentssearching for flight options onEmirates will only see thoseflights that are available.

Emirates will ground 20aircraft in May, 22 in June, and22 in July, as Dubai Airportslaunch a comprehensive run-way upgrade project which willsee both runways at DubaiInternational close alternativelyfor resurfacing and otherenhancement works.

“As the biggest operatorat Dubai Internationalaccounting for about 50 percent of traffic, of course wehave had to take the biggesthit in reducing flights. Therewill be an impact on our rev-enues to the tune of approxi-mately AED 1 billion.However, we understand theneed for this upgrading workto be done. It will add much-needed capacity to the airport,and having world-class infra-structure ultimately means abetter experience for customers. So we have to take the long-term view andmanage the short term pain,”said Tim Clark, President,Emirates Airline.

Tim ClarkPresidentEmirates Airline

AVIATION M A Y 2 0 1 4 TRAVTALK 5

Dubai Tourism andCommerce Marketing

(DTCM) recently reported a 39per cent increase in Australian

tourists visiting Dubai, attrib-uted to the airlines’ partnership.This increase has meant high-er tourist expenditure, helpcontributing to the hotel andhotel apartment operator rev-enues with DTCM confirming

an increase of 16.1 per centyear-on-year.

“The customers hadgiven the partnership a stampof approval in its first year. Thededicated A-380 terminal hasbecome very popular as thefrequent flyer benefits are avail-able under the partnership,”informed Simon Hickey, CEOQantas International.

“Since Qantasbegan flying throughDubai, there has beenincreased interest fromAustralians in Dubai asa holiday destinationwith travellers now stay-ing on average betweentwo and seven nights,”added Hickey.

Australian travellers arealso reaping the benefits of thepartnership with more than onemillion passengers having trav-

elled through Dubai andonwards to more than 65 des-tinations across the MiddleEast, North Africa, the UnitedKingdom and Europe, in lasttwelve months.

The partnership has alsoopened up 32 destinations onthe extensive Qantas domesticnetwork, making travel to andwithin Australia easy for visitorsfrom the Middle East. Together,

Qantas and Emirates offer 98flights every week to Dubai andonwards to more than 65 des-tinations in the ME, NorthAfrica, the UK and Europe.

As part of its partnership with Emirates, Qantas markedits first anniversary of services from Dubai to Australiaand Dubai to London. Qantas has carried more than onemillion passengers through Dubai in a year.

Celebrating a partnership

Simon HickeyCEO Qantas International

TT BUREAU

The celebratory eveningrecognised travel partners

for their continual support andcontribution. They not onlydrove the growth of passengertraffic from Kuwait, but alsocontributed 23.6 per centincrease in passenger traffic in 2013 across the air-line's 105 countries network,compared to 2012.

Sami Aydogan,General Manager for TurkishAirlines in Kuwait, informed,"We are happy to honour thetravel industry for their contin-ual support and contributionto the airline's robust expan-sion in Kuwait. It led to fre-quencies being doubled fromKuwait city in 2012 and thelaunch of the new route toSabiha airport in Istanbul.""Our position as 'Europe'sBest Airline,' increasing con-

nectivity, enhancing servicesand growing the popularity ofTurkey as a holiday and busi-ness destination continue toattract more travellers fromKuwait," he added.

In addition to plaques ofappreciation, three specificsales achievements wereawarded, with 'Best in Sales,' presented to AlshamelTravel & Tourism, 'BestBusiness Class Sales,' pre-sented to Barakat Travel Co.And 'Best beyond TurkeySales,' presented to Jumbo

Tours & Travel Co, all inKuwait.

In line with the airline'sglobal expansion and recentlylaunched 'Widen Your World'

campaign, Turkish Airlinesadded 20 new destinations in2013 and carried a total of 48.3million passengers.

In ATM 2014, the global carrier will highlight the upcoming campaignsincluding 'Ramadan in Istanbul' promotion.

Turkish Airlines witnessed 35% increase in passengertraffic from Kuwait in 2013 as compared to 2012. Itcelebrates its 80th year of operations, and hosted a galadinner event to honor travel agents in Kuwait.

Honouring the travel trade

TT BUREAU

We are happy to honour the travelindustry for their continual supportand contribution to the airline'srobust expansion in Kuwait

Sami AydoganGeneral Manager, Turkish Airlines in Kuwait

HOTELS6 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

The group, while marketingthe property as an extend-

ed stay business hotel, never-

theless expects 80 per cent ofits business to be of travel forleisure, and the other 20 percent to represent travel for busi-ness. In terms of market diver-sity, GCC, CIS and CentralEurope are highlighted as keyfeeder markets followed by

Indian sub-continent, Far East,Middle East and rest of theworld. As regards to the role oftravel agents in their business,Wael El Behi, GeneralManager of the HawthornSuites, informs, “Travel agentswill definitely represent a good

share of our business and, forthe first quarter of 2014, theyrepresent 21 per cent of ourbusiness mix against 33 percent budgeted for this year.”

The immediate short-term focus for the HawthorneSuites is to gain DTCMapproval to upgrade the hotel

rating from 3 stars to 4, aprocess expected to get com-pleted within a month.

The long-term goal forthe Group corresponds withits strategy for the World Expo2020 and beyond, starting

with the hotel launching itsown state-of-the-art spa,saloon and specialty restau-rant. El Behi added, “We arehaving a prominent and visi-ble location which should beconsidered as a platform forus to showcase our hotelproduct before, during andafter Expo 2020.”

Opened five months before, Hawthorne Suites by theWyndham Hotel group is participating ATM 2014 underthe Wyndham Hotel Group Stand to interact and lookforward to the market.

‘Agents help us to grow’

Wael El BehiGeneral Manager Hawthorn Suites

TT BUREAU

Distinctly designed, ‘72 ByHues’ continues a tradition

of contemporary architectureand smart luxury design thatHUES Hotels are famous for.

H.E. Mohamed Ali AlNoman, Chairman, SharjahCommerce and TourismDevelopment Authority, hasunderscored the importance ofpublic-private sector partner-

ship in tourism sector. He said,“Such partnership has alreadycontributed to the developmentof quality tourism products ofSharjah, strengthening its position as a pioneering and distinguished tourist destination in the region.”

Al Noman said that ‘72By Hues’ is a welcome additionto Sharjah that has seen anumber of hotels and tourismprojects launched recently.

The hotel boasts restau-rants like Equation that offers private dining and

authentic Arabic and interna-tional cuisine and coffee shop Quadrant.

“This is in tune with thegrowing number of touristarrivals in the Emirate and spe-cial events and activities host-ed throughout the year inSharjah. While the hotel occu-pancy rate shot up above 70per cent in the first quarter ofthis year, it had crossed morethan 90 per cent during special

events like the Sharjah LightFestival,” expressed Al Noman.

“Remarkable develop-ments and a paradigm shift inhospitality has been witnessedin the Emirate in recent years.A number of new hospitalityprojects are part of theEmirate’s strategic plan andvision for the industry and willbe announced in the nextphase of development,” notedAl Noman.

Hotel ‘72 By Hues’ is an attractive addition to Sharjah’s hotel industry. Dedicated to business and leisure travellers inthe Emirate, it is the first boutique hotel and offers view of Khalid Lagoon and Buheirah Corniche.

First boutique hotel launched in Sharjah

TT BUREAU

Mohamed Ali Al NomanChairmanSharjah Commerce and TourismDevelopment Authority

We have a prominent and a visiblelocation to properly showcase our hotel product before, during and after the Expo 2020.

Regarding business in thefirst quarter of 2014, the

Group has reported a growth across all its markets except Syria andBeirut where political instabilitymakes such gain implausible.

With regard to the partic-ipation in Arabian Travel Market2014, Guy Hutchinson, ChiefOperating Officer, RotanaHotel Management Company,informed, “We are not doingsomething remarkably distinctfor ATM 2014 if compared toprevious one. The group hassix property openings in 2014and wishes to use ATM as aplatform to advertise its brandand connect with the partners- new and old.”

But ITB Berlin 2014 wasdifferent as Rotana was in des-tination stand before and it wasthe first year in ITB 2014 thatRotana represented as a com-

pany that took a brand name.It has announced the openingof Salalah Rotana Resort, thefirst five-star property inSalalah Beach, Oman. Theproperty is the largest freestanding hotel in Oman and

boasts 400 rooms and suites.It’s the 50th hotel to be operatedby Rotana and represents ahalfway mark for the group’sgoal of 100 hotels by 2020.

Expanding its globalpresence, Rotana is not only

opening new hotels but alsoexpanding in new countries,like opening of the hotel groups properties in Oman,Afghanistan and Turkey. Whenasked about the role travelagencies play in bringing busi-ness to the company,Hutchinson informed,

“The travel trade isextremelyimportant for us asthey are ourpartners and havea lot of value.

They represent in multi-ple segments. In certain desti-nations like resorts in Salalah,RAK and Fujairah, the traveltrade is dominant and thusconstitutes a vital part in our year-by-year strategy.”Hutchinson stated that besidesthe previously stated goal of100 hotels by 2020, the groupwill also add new infrastructureand related accompanimentsbetween now and 2018.

Rotana Hotel Management Group largely operates in theMiddle East and Africa with present portfolio of 85properties in 26 cities spread across five sub brands.

100 hotels ready by 2020

SUSMITA GHOSH

Guy HutchinsonChief Operating OfficerRotana Hotel Management Company

Remarkabledevelopments anda paradigm shift inhospitality hasbeen witnessed inthe Emirate inrecent years

HOTELS M A Y 2 0 1 4 TRAVTALK 7

Mohamed Awadalla, CEO,TIME Hotels, elaborated

“Arabian Travel Market is theperfect platform to showcaseour existing and upcomingproperty portfolio to regionaland international buyers. Wealways generate solid leadsand strengthen our existingpartnerships. I believe thisyear’s ATM will be larger thanever before, and promote morebusiness for the entire UAE.”

Moving on to the launchof new upcoming services andproperties, the group hasadded four new locations to itsregional portfolio with addition-al properties planned for Luxor,Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Ajmanto be developed over the next18 months.

In Luxor, the hotel groupis managing the 154-roomTIME Tut Hotel. In Abu Dhabi,the TIME hotel group is to

launch the 42-storey AlJawhara in 2015. In DowntownAjman, the 120-unit TIME

Capital Hotel Apartments hasbeen handed over in March2014. The nine-storey, 144-room TIME Rako Hotel will belaunched in Doha in mid-2015.

By 2015, the TIME port-folio will expand to encompassthree countries with 11 properties. To support such anexpansion, the group hasmoved to new offices in theGarhoud area of Dubai, closeto Dubai International Airportand has also opened a region-al office in Cairo.

On the comparative per-formance of the group over2012-14, Awadalla informed,“Our financial performance in2013 exceeded our resultsthan 2012. Also, 2014 will beour best year till date. This hasbeen made possible by thetremendous efforts from the Dubai Government, contin-ually enhancing key events like the Dubai ShoppingFestival and Dubai Summer

Surprises as part of theirtourism vision strategy whichincreases visitors to theEmirates year-on-year.”

The travel agents,Awadalla asserted, haveplayed a vital role in this steadygrowth of business and hesees no reason for this tochange in the future.

The group’s plans for theWorld Expo 2020 have alreadystarted working to expand itsportfolio to capitalise on thedemand the World Expo isexpected to bring.

A major part of the TIME hotel group strategy is its visibility. Thus, the group hasbeen regular in its participation in every edition of the Arabian Travel Marketsymposium, ever since the hotel group’s inception.

A perfect TIME for showcasing

TT BUREAU

Arabian TravelMarket is theperfect platformto showcase ourexisting andupcomingportfolio tobuyers

Mohamed AwadallaCEOTIME Hotels

� In Luxor, it is managingthe 154-room TIME TutHotel.

� In Abu Dhabi, TIME isto launch the 42-storeyAl Jawhara in 2015.

On The Cards

As far as product and serv-ice launches go, the resort

primarily looks to bring focus on itself in 2014. KhalidMotik, Executive AssistantManager, Marjan Island Resortand Spa, explained,

“There will beintense focus on our newly-opened resort with its variousfacilities andattractions for ourcustomers.”

The resort has 301 room and suites with 8 restaurants. Being a new property, the resort is relying heavily on travel agents to push their brand name to national and

international markets andworking on various strategiesfor the same particularly inFAM trips, press trips and ori-entation programs.

Motik informs, “WorldExpo 2020 is a golden opportunity for every single property within UAE to do great business duringthat period.”

The Marjan Island Resort and Spa isset to become the unequivocal centreof luxury hospitality in the Emirate ofRas Al Khaimah.

TT BUREAU

At the centre ofluxury hospitality

Khalid MotikExecutive Assistant ManagerMarjan Island Resort and Spa

HOTELS8 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

As far as upcoming productsand service launches are

concerned, the group is planning to launch multipleproperties across Cairo,Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Iraq in the coming years. They will also be opening the156-unit Gloria Downtownhotel in the last quarter of 2014in Abu Dhabi.

Regarding travel agentsand their role, Freddy Farid,Area General Manager,Gloria Hotels and Resortsinformed, “Travel trade havehelped us in generating morethan 35 per cent of our totalbusiness in 2013. We areexpecting to retain the sameshare in 2014 and improveour industry relations.”

“If we compare our busi-ness and occupancy levelfrom 2012 to 2014, we have

seen a 12 per cent rise in theoccupancy and 8 per cent inRevPAR,” he added. The hotel group had a financiallyfortuitous 2013 with the retention of their GCC, CIS,Asian and European clienteleas well as expansion intonewer South American andAfrican markets.

With regards to theWorld Expo 2020 and thegroup’s action plan for thesame, Farid stated, “As the

Expo 2020 approaches, therewill be high demands andexpectations by the exhibitorsthat we have to look after. Wewill have to develop packagesto suit the inquiries of theexhibitors in the most conven-ient way.

We plan torenovate ourExecutive floorsand upgrade our conventioncentre facilities to matchexhibitors’expectations.”

In addition, the groupalso plans to provide market-ing and support to DubaiDepartment of Tourism and Commerce Marketing forthe promotion of the World Expo. The hospitalitygroup plans to provide 5-starbusiness services at a 4-starprice point.

The 2014 iteration of the ATM is set to be the first in whichthe Gloria Hotels & Resorts will take part as exhibitorsunder their own stand.

Expansion spree on track

Freddy FaridArea General ManagerGloria Hotels and Resorts

TT BUREAU

He continued that withthe merger, their offices in UAEwill increase from six to 40."With the new merger, we willbe investing in moreresources, more verticals, andwill be starting the new LAMAVisa Express service centres.”

“Both our companieshave witnessed high growthand success over the years,so it made sense to combineour strengths. We will be ableto significantly broaden ourreach in the UAE, and contin-ue to take substantial marketshare from existing competi-tors. This merger gives us theadvantage to create a trulyglobal company, a marketleader in providing completetravelling solutions for bothindividual and corporateclients,” said Jasbir Bassi,MD of both the Groups.

The merger will allow thecompanies to diversify growthopportunities while continuingto invest in its current business.Nearly Dh50million will beinvested in infrastructure proj-ects in the next six months tosupply the demand that will begenerated after the merger.The expansive network anddiversified portfolio of productsand services of the combinedorganisations will strengthenthe company’s ability to servea large number of resident cus-tomers and arrivals from India,the GCC and other markets.

Both companies willexhibit at this year’s Arabian Travel Market toinform business partnersabout the merger and seekpotential clientele.

The company will have650 employees workingacross a network of 14branches in the UAE and nineabroad. BK Group HoldingsCo., will expand both compa-nies operations into a newhead office in DubaiInvestment Park, spread overnearly 40,000sq ft.

This merger gives us an advantage tocreate a truly global company, amarket leader in providing completetravelling solutions for both individualand corporate clients

Jasbir Bassi, MD, LAMA and CarFare

u Contd. from page 1

Consolidate and conquer

Fiji and Etihad sign interline agreementn Fiji Airways and EtihadAirways announced a newand far reaching interlineagreement between the two carriers. This agreementwill allow reciprocal salesfrom and to 12 cities inEurope, 17 cities in the

Middle East, five cities inAfrica, five cities in NorthAmerica, 29 cities in Asia andthree cities in Australia to and from Fiji. The agreementcomes into place with immediate effect and is the starting point of further

negotiations between the two airlines. Etihad Airways joins Fiji Airways' listof code-share or interlinepartners, which includesAmerican Airlines, CathayPacific, Qantas and Air New Zealand.

The hotel, which is situatedin one of Iraq’s most visit-

ed cities, opened inNovember 2013 andannounced 64 per cent occu-pancy in Q1 2014.

“Occupancy has exceed-ed our initial projections, withour largest guest segmentcoming from domestic Iraqiguests and Kuwait. The healthyfigures bode very well for theupcoming quarters which weanticipate to be busy, with keyreligious travel seasons suchas the Holy Month ofRamadan, Arafa, Eid AlGhadeen and Arbeeneya,” saidNader Mobader, GeneralManager.

The hotel, Rotana’s sec-ond in Iraq following Erbil, hassucceeded in quickly establish-ing itself as the superior hospi-

tality option in a city lacking 5-star accommodation.

“Our guest profile is a mixof tourists and pilgrims and wehave had an encouragingstart,” added Mobader.

“We expect tofurther consolidateour performanceas the yearprogresses with afocus onpromoting outsuperior servicesand facilities.”

The 14-storey hotel fea-tures 185 rooms and suites,designed in a contemporarystyle, complete with high-speed wireless internet, in-room entertainment with multi-channel satellite television,complimentary coffee and teafacilities and IDD telephone

and voicemail. The hotelboasts three excellent restau-rants, a fully-equipped meetingroom and a state-of-the-artBodylines Leisure and FitnessClub with massage rooms,Turkish Bath, steam room,sauna and Jacuzzi. In addition,the hotel presents guests withexcellent connectivity options,being accessible from bothNajaf Airport (80km) andBaghdad Airport (130km).

Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana, the first 5-star hotel to open in Karbala, Iraq, announced that occupancy figures topped expectations during its first few months of operations.

Topping expectations

TT BUREAU

STATISTICS1 0 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

The Middle East has become increasingly fertile ground for low-

cost airlines to extract profits. The low-cost model is now well

established in the Middle East. In a decade, the low-cost market has gone from zero to 9.4 per

cent of international seats offered to/from the region and 15.8 per

cent of seats within the region.However, despite the success of the LCCs in the region, the Middle

East lags behind when compared to the rest of the world, in terms

of the maturity of its LCC market. In Europe and North America,

LCCs have around 30 per cent; in Asia-Pacific it is approaching 50

per cent.

There are a number of countries in the Middle East ripe for LCC

penetration, provided the governments in the region are willing to

liberalise and subject their state-owned national carriers to

intensified local competition.

n Arab World-Within (International) nArab World-Outside

50%40%30%20%10%0%

-10%-20%-30%-40%-50%

2013

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

20%

UAE Egypt Saudi Arabia Qatar

18%

16%

14%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

n Domestic n International

Oil prices have stabilised, local economies are growing

and regional travel & tourism is expanding thanks to expanding

incomes and an increasing propen-sity to travel. Regional tourism markets are also expanding, benefiting from the heavy invest-ment by regional governments over the past decade. The Arab Air

Carriers Organisation reports that international traffic within the Arab world has sustained double-digit growth rates over the first half in 2013, after an uneven end to 2012. The

Middle East market is due forgreater LCC development. Withyoung populations, a high level ofpersonal mobility and growing disposable income, the propensityto travel within the Middle East is

growing. A few nations are begin-ning to heed the lessons from otherdeveloping markets such as Asiaand South America where LCCshave been the major engine for traf-fic growth.

Despite some localised unrest, overall market conditions in the Middle East have been beneficial for low-cost carriersin H2 of 2013.The region’s point-to-point market is seeing significant pick-up in passenger demand this year.

Profitable year for Middle East LCCsTT BUREAU

ÀMiddle East LCC seats to/from andwithin the region

Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation & OAG

ÀSelected Middle East countries by LCC penetration(domestic and/or international markets)

The low-cost model has beeninstrumental in pioneering newroutes into Eastern Europe,Central Asia, Southern Asia andAfrica. However, low-cost carrierpenetration in the market remainslimited, accounting forapproximately 13.5% of all seatsoffered in the region.

ÀTop 15Middle East regional routesand LCC market share: week to 08-Aug-2013

1 Dubai-Doha 85,896 26.84%

2 Jeddah-Riyadh 77,303 24.92%

3 Dubai-Kuwait 62,287 50.71%

4 Dubai-Riyadh 54,988 32.61%

5 Dubai-Jeddah 49,092 29.54%

6 Dubai-Bahrain 35,770 25.36%

7 Dubai-Muscat 32,476 31.43%

8 Doha-Bahrain 31,399 4.21%

9 Jeddah-Dammam 29,241 10.40%

10 Mashad-Tehran 24,923 0.00%

11 Riyadh-Abha 23,293 7.39%

12 Dubai-Tehran 22,940 0.00%

13 Dubai-Dammam 21,686 41.83%

14 Abu Dhabi-Bahrain 21,594 0.00%

15 Dubai-Amman 21,330 31.90%

ÀArab world passengertraffic growth

With demand outgrowing supply,load factors and yields have beenrising in the region. This led IATA torevise its 2013 profit outlook for theregion’s airlines to USD1.5 billion,well up from the USD900 millionprofit recorded in 2012. Profit mar-gins in the region are expected tobe around 3.5%.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

n To/from Middle East n Within Middle East

30,000,000

25,000,000

20,000,000

15,000,000

10,000,000

5,000,000

2012

HOTELS M A Y 2 0 1 4 TRAVTALK 1 1

The hotel plans to re-launchits authentic Emirati cuisine

restaurant, Al Mashrbia.Multiple F&B promotions canbe held across the outlets likebusiness lunch at the Atriumcafé and the family and friends’barbeque lunch by the pool.

Regarding the hotel’s per-formance in 2012 through 2014,Daniel Mathew, GeneralManager, Millennium PlazaHotel Dubai, informed, “I believethat our hotel, along with others,have definitely increased occu-pancy rates from 2012 to 2014.The announcement of Expo2020 along with the variousother exhibitions taking place inDubai has driven more busi-ness into the hotel.” The hotelcredits a significant part fromindividual travellers to groups.The travel agents provide a sub-stantial amount of businessfrom the leisure sector. Theyalso promote the product within

the country and internationally,creating further promotionalreaches for the brand. The hotel

constantly works on increasingcorporate clientele to as many companies from various sectors, opening theiroffices in Dubai due to the thriving business.

Among others, the hoteloutlined the plans to capitaliseon the World Expo 2020. On theeffect of hospitality industry, ingeneral, and the hotel in specif-ic, Mathew elucidated, “We areconstantly on the move trying toincrease our corporate clienteleby launching initiatives, meet-ings and events as well as pro-moting our room packages toattract both business andleisure clientele, based bothlocally and within the region.”Ever since the bid for Expo2020 was won, many hotelsand leisure attractions havestarted their plans of expansionwithin the country. This createshealthy competition within theindustry, which means, allhotels need to work hard tostay ahead.

Participating in ATM 2014 under the group of MillenniumCopthorne Hotels and Resorts, Millennium Plaza HotelDubai expects a good feedback for their participation.

Of launches and offerings

TT BUREAU

We are trying toincrease ourcorporateclientele bylaunchinginitiatives,meetings, eventsand packages

Daniel MathewGeneral ManagerMillennium Plaza Hotel Dubai

The group which added twomore properties to its port-

folio in 2013, Xclusive CasaHotel Apartments andXclusive Clover HotelApartments, is looking aheadto add two more by 2015. Inregards to Arabian TravelMarket (ATM) 2014, NishchayDheer, Group GeneralManager Xclusive Group ofHotels, Dubai asserted that the event is central totourism industry in the UAEand the Middle East. It allowsinteraction between varioustravel trade partners fromacross the globe; helping pro-mote UAE as a prestigiousdestination for travellers fromworldwide. Hence, the groupwhich only visited the event in 2013 is set to take the role of exhibitors in the 2014 symposium.

“Xclusive Group ofHotels has enjoyed a fair share

in the market throughout 2013by maintaining an averageoccupancy of 87 per centwhich is quite similar to 2012.However, a growth on dailyaverage rate has been seen

overall in comparison to 2012.So far, 2014 has been better incomparison to 2013 not only inoccupancy levels but also inachieving better daily averagerates,” informed Dheer.

As regards to the role oftravel agents in bringing busi-

ness to their brand, theXclusive Group attests 7 per cent growth in 2013 incomparison to 2012. 2014 isalso witnessing a similargrowth attributable to travelagents and agencies.

The Groupcontinuouslyencourages all the travel trade partners to enhance their business by variousmethods.

It includes familiarisationtrips by foreign travel agents, staying in touch with all the local agents based in Dubai.

Based on the World Expo2020 bid and its effect on futurestrategy, the group welcomesthe taxing demand which thisevent brings in its lead up.

The Xclusive Group of hotels markets its properties asan experience that combines the familiarity and comfortof home with the service of a contemporary luxury hotel.

Spreading out its wings

Nishchay DheerGroup General Manager Xclusive Group of Hotels, Dubai

TT BUREAU

HOTELS1 2 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

It’s a very important tool forthe hotels as it’s more effi-

cient, user-friendly andappealing to the end user,hence can drive good volumeof business in this region.

When questioned on therole travel agents play inattracting potential revenue forthe group, Amine EMoukarzel, President GoldenTulip Hotels, informed, “Thetravel trade is the most impor-tant aspect for our hotel busi-ness. There should be a sup-port and understandingbetween the supplier and theprovider. I think there should bea more comprehensive, endrespect approach for eachother to work together, betterdeal with and to better servethe customers and not to go fora lower product and sell thetraveller to come to a hotel. Butrather to perceive a product forthe value for money that’s

offered to ensure that future business is generatedbetween travel agents andthird party providers.”

“Travel agency businessgenerates up to 28-34 per centof our all-in-all business in2013. We expected to jumpbetween 35-42 per cent in2015 with the increase of theattractions in the UAE and thesecurity, peaceful atmosphere

of business and economy envi-ronments that the country iswitnessing. In addition to thewinning of the Expo 2020, thepreparation will also boostmore business to the countryand more interest for the trav-ellers,” expressed Tarek Lotfy,Regional Director of RevenueGolden Tulip Hotels.

According to Lotfy, theideal location of Golden Tulip

Al Barsha makes benefit fromall type of travellers and suit-able destination to mix bothbusiness and leisure. “We arewitnessing a high demandfrom the first quarter of 2014 and we are glad to work in such successfulcreative country under theflagship of leaders that caresabout the success of theircountry and push for bettertomorrow and support for bet-ter today,” he stated.

The guests pour in fromall over the world preferablyLevant (Syria, Jordan,Lebanon and Iraq), N Africa,Europe and Saudi Arabia asthe Group has existence ofnearly 30 hotels there and alsofrom GCC countries.

Discussing the futureplans, Moukarzel expressed,“Most important to us is tomaintain our relationship withour owners, enhancing deliver-ables to our hotels. This will

give us long-term relation andstrengthen our plans to devel-op new hotels.”

“Especially it’s a positivemarket where positive econo-my exists and where we should have better yielding toour properties that will reflectin our employees like salaryreviews bonuses and alsohealthy profitability to the own-ers,” he added.

Golden Tulip is a well-known international brandin hotel business for 52 years,8th largest hotel group in theworld and 2nd in Europe.

Owned and managed by Golden Tulip and Golden Tulip Louvre Hotel Group worldwide, a centralreservation system ‘GoldRes’ has been introduced in April 2014. Its reservation network is connectedto more than one million points around the globe, to airlines system and major travel agencies.

Central reservation system introduced

SUSMITA GHOSH

Amine E Moukarzel, President Golden Tulip Hotels and Tarek Lotfy, Regional Director of Revenue Golden Tulip Hotels.

� To maintainrelationships with theowners

� Enhancing deliverablesto their hotels

� To strengthen theirplans to develop newhotels

Future Plans

n Six new destinationsand 71 extra flights aweek to India are thehighlights of Abu DhabiInternational Airport'ssummer 2014 flyingschedule for air travellers,the busiest in its history.The number of weeklyflights available for busi-ness travellers and holidaymakers has increased by18 per cent compared tolast year's summer from1,052 to 1,242.

New routes includenon-stop flights from AbuDhabi to Los Angeles inthe USA, Zurich inSwitzerland, Belgrade inSerbia, Perth in Australia,Jaipur in India andYerevan in Armenia.

Hyderabad, Chennaiand Bangalore will eachwitness 14 extra flights aweek from Abu Dhabi -the greatest growth in theIndian market. There willbe 10 new services toMumbai, eight to Cochinand seven to Delhi on aweekly basis. The newroute to Jaipur operatedby Abu Dhabi-basedEtihad Airways will oper-ate once a day.

Record flightsat Abu DhabiInt’l Airport

NEWS1 4 TRAVTALK M A Y 2 0 1 4

Five Continents Hotels &Resorts sees the majority

of its business from Germany,CIS market, East Europe, LatinAmerica and GCC countries. Ithas seen a steady increase inoccupancy over the past 3years tuned to 25 per cent in2013 over 2012 and a project-ed gain of 32 per cent in 2014,started with 22 per cent in Q12014, anticipate increase of 7per cent in Q2 2014. TheGroup will inaugurate 7 proj-ects from Mamzar till SheikhZayed Road, Dubai.

“The hotel prides itself onbeing adaptive, deliveringexactly what the guestrequires, be it business orleisure, the hotel strives todeliver in the most impressiveyet understated fashion,”asserted Elia Timani,Managing Director & CBDO,President of Sales andMarketing Five ContinentsHotels and Resorts & HansaHotels. When asked about the

role of travel agencies in thesegains, Timani informed“Despite the rise of onlinebookings and such, travelagents and classic tour opera-tors dominate the majority ofthe business. Hence, FiveContinents group plans to pur-sue a transparent and strong partnership with classi-cal tour operator and travelagencies by protecting theirinterests and help maintainingtheir upper hand.”

“Our selected traveltrade partners put our hotelcompany at the advantageedge compared to ourrespectful, classical competi-tors from the hotel manage-ment companies. We havereceived business increasemore than 17 per cent fromtravel trade in 2013 over2012,” he added. Discussingon the establishment else-where, Timani informed thatthey have a branch office inBerlin, Zurich, UK andBelgium, all existing andoperational.

In ATM 2014, Five Continents will come up with the conceptof budget hotels, Hansa Hotels, with an option of 4-starservices available in 3-star hotels.

4-star services in 3-stars

SUSMITA GHOSH

Apart from renovating thefront lobby, reception and

check-in counters, there will bean addition of a signaturerestaurant offering specialtycuisine, high capacity ball-room, pool lounge at the recre-ation area, ATM machines anda gift shop at lobby level thatwill cater the hotel’s diverse

portfolio of guests. The whole new look will be ready to welcome its guests byOctober 2014.

Nadia Shah, GeneralManager of Grand MidwestGroup, said, “We are commit-ted to offer excellence beyondwhat a four-star hotel can offer.The renovation plan reaffirmsour competitive position in the

market and makes uswell prepared in timeto welcome theEXPO 2020 tourismrush.” A new team ofprofessionals in mar-keting and sales divi-sion has beenappointed ensuringthe brand is well per-ceived with the stake-holders and within theindustry. To ensureguests an enhanceddining experience,the hotel has alsoappointed an experi-enced chef who willdish out array ofcuisines under the

same roof at its international allday dining restaurant.

The prestigious interiordesigning firm Frances Studiofrom Ireland has been appoint-ed to undertake the re-design-ing project. Sculptural glassfeatures designed and manu-factured by Frances Studio’swill be significant componentadding to the aesthetic valueof the new look and harmoniz-ing with it, the brand will makestrategic image changesthrough a streamlined colortheme across its properties.

Living up to their motto ‘Assuring Comfort’, Grand MidwestTower Hotel in Dubai announced major renovation andmodernisation plans to provide enhanced services.

Upgrading for EXPO 2020

TT BUREAU

Despite the riseof onlinebookings,travel agentsand classictour operatorsdominate themajority of thebusiness

Elia TimaniMD & CBDO, President of Sales andMarketing Five Continents Hotels andResorts & Hansa Hotels

Emirates Airlines currentlyoperates to 10 Indian

cities, while flyDubai operatesto three, with Ahmedabad andHyderabad common to bothcarriers’ networks. The addi-tional 11,000 weekly seatswould allow Emirates to intro-duce A-380s on the majority ofits five daily services toMumbai and four daily servic-es to Delhi, currently operatedby A330/A340/777 aircraft.Some of the entitlements mayalso be allocated to flyDubai toopen additional points of callin India. The current 55,000weekly seat entitlements foreach side by approximately 20per cent on a staged basisover the next 13 months.

The first tranche of 5,500additional seats available fromthe upcoming summer 2014schedule would allow Emiratesto ramp up to four daily depar-tures from Delhi and/or

Mumbai. Permission to oper-ate the A-380 on Indian routesis timely for Emirates, whichwill face temporary slot con-straints at Dubai Airportbetween May-2014 and July-2014 due to runway upgrades.

India has separate bilat-erals with different emirates ofthe UAE. As a result of the

expanded bilateral agree-ments that India has signedwith Dubai and Abu Dhabi overthe past 12 months, weeklyentitlements for UAE carrierswill increase to over 135,000seats by 2015/16.

Including the points ofcall available to Indian carriersfrom which Jet Airways will be

able to operate to Abu Dhabi,hubs in the UAE can be fedfrom 26 points in India. Thisrepresents a massive increasefrom the 10,400 seats avail-able to six cities in 2003/04.And it dwarfs the accessoffered to any single othercountry; it is almost as muchas all European countriescombined, which have just

over 160,000 seats availableto them.

In addition, the majorityof the Indian bilateral entitle-ments to Abu Dhabi areexpected to be utilised by JetAirways operating a coordinat-ed network and schedule withEtihad. As a result the numberof weekly seats feeding hubsin the UAE is likely to be closerto 170,000-175,000.

Indian LCCs are current-ly averaging load factors in therange of 70-75 per cent onroutes to Dubai and are notfaced with an urgent need tofurther expand capacity. Andindeed the viability of servicesfrom Delhi and Mumbai may come under further pressure as a result of compe-tition from Emirates A380s on these routes.

However, SpiceJetreportedly submitted a planseeking an additional 12,000

weekly seats to Dubai, 10,000seats to Abu Dhabi and22,000-24,000 seats to Doha- although it has yet not fullyutilised the seats to Dubai allo-cated to it previously. The pro-posed growth in operations tothese three points alone isalmost three times the size ofSpiceJet’s total internationalseat capacity at present.

In February, India and Dubai agreed to liberalise their bilateral air services agreement, increasing weekly seatentitlements for each side by 20%. This makes the UAE the largest market for India, far above the UK, Germany,Singapore and Thailand, according to a recent CAPA report.

Clearing the skies for UAE carriers

TT BUREAU

Increasing Capacity

� The current 55,000 weekly seatentitlements for each side byapproximately 20 per cent on astaged basis over the next 13 months

� This increase is almost as much asall European countries combined,which have just over 160,000 seatsavailable to them.

Nadia ShahGeneral Manager, Grand Midwest Group

� Emirates Airlinescurrently operates to10 Indian cities

� flyDubai operates tothree, with Ahmedabadand Hyderabadcommon to both

� The first tranche of5,500 additional seatsavailable from theupcoming summer2014 schedule wouldallow Emirates to rampup to four dailydepartures from Delhiand/or Mumbai

At Present