FROM THE EDITOR 03 JULY/AUGUST ISSUENEXT UP...


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Steve Hartridge EDITOR


june


welcome S


WE TRAVEL FURTHER TO BRING YOU MORE


elling travel in the turbulent world we live in certainly brings its challenges. Rarely a month goes by without one hotspot or another taking its share of negative publicity, whether it be


political ructions, civil strife, natural disasters or terror threats. All breed uncertainty with the public and trigger headaches for the travel industry. In the past month, operators to Kenya, Thailand and the Ukraine have, for example, faced particular challenges but if their difficulties, or others, have affected you, it is perhaps worth looking at the bigger picture for some solace. South Africa (page 14) was once a no-go destination for many during the apartheid era. Now it is joyously celebrating 20 years of democracy, with growing numbers also inspired to visit by Africa-wide value (page 56). Likewise Myanmar (page 54) and Central America (page 34) are moving


gulf states 50 FEATURE


STABLE MATES


GULF STATES


Year-round sunshine, improved fl ight connections and sector-leading hotels should make the Gulf States an easy sell for agents, says Martin Ferguson


T


he ruling authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Doha have poured millions into attracting tourists,


with new attractions, airport upgrades and other infrastructure improvements, and the region is the darling of most international hotel chains. Moreover, fl ying times (six to seven hours) from the UK and Ireland are much shorter than those to most other year-round sunshine destinations and the time difference doesn’t leave travellers struggling with jet lag. There are, however, two challenges for these destinations and the travel trade to overcome if the region is to fulfi l its potential: fi rstly, there’s a perception that the Middle East is only high-end luxury and expensive. Secondly, that geo-political tension across


the Arab world makes it dangerous to travel. You can alleviate customer concerns on both fronts with some simple facts. The Gulf States are not just for the super-


rich. Brendan Maguire, Managing Director of tour operator If Only…believes there is much to offer those working to a budget. “In the [UK] summer months some resorts


offer complimentary half-board and free child places – and with swimming pools galore, free passes to water parks and air- conditioning just about everywhere, it can be a great time for your customers to experience true luxury at amazing prices.” Maguire added that his company also works with a handful of resorts in the UAE (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) that now offer all-inclusive packages, a relatively new concept in the Gulf but one which addresses customers’ concerns about holiday spending. Ruth Hilton, Head of Sales and Business


Development for Gold Medal, recommends half-board options in larger hotels. “Their value is incredible, especially when you’re looking at upward of ten


www.sellinglonghaul.com restaurants to choose from.”


David Thomson, Chief Operating Offi cer of JA Resorts & Hotels, recommended that agents should focus on selling the great beaches, shopping malls, leisure attractions such as theme parks and waterparks, and cultural activities like touring the souks and desert safaris.


Christopher Jordan, a Key Account Manager for Rotana, says agents should also capitalise on the growing events business across the Gulf States. “The UAE is one of the world’s biggest entertainment destinations. This year Lionel Richie, Justin Timberlake, Kings of Leon and Black Sabbath will all be there.” But has the Arab Spring, fi ghting in Syria and instability in Egypt put people off travelling to the Middle East?


Mark Hibbert, a Director at Lusso Travel, thinks not. “Our business to the Gulf increased by 64% from 2012 to 2013 and we are experiencing similar increases for 2014. It is


fair to say Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman have benefi ted from instability elsewhere.”


And Karen Munro, Product Manager for Travel 2, added: “The tourist-driven areas of UAE and Oman have not been affected by the political changes in the Middle East and tourism continues to grow from strength to strength.”


What’s new


 Airlines: On May 15 Qatar Airways (qatarairways. com/tradepartners) started an all-business class Heathrow-Doha service. On May 28 the airline launched an Edinburgh-Doha service, while on June 17 it will introduce an Airbus A380 to one of its six daily fl ights out of Heathrow. A number of agency incentives and competitions are being run this summer. Emirates Airlines (emirates.com) has introduced an A380 onto its Gatwick-Dubai service to complement superjumbos already operating out of Heathrow and Manchester. Meanwhile Gulf Air (gulfair.


“Families always ask for accessible child-friendly activities. With the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is ideal”


CHRISTOPHER JORDAN, KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER, ROTANA


com) is retrofi tting the A330s that operate its Heathow-Bahrain service. Flat-bed seats are now available in Falcon Gold class and the economy cabin has been revamped to include state-of-the-art in-fl ight entertainment systems.  Luxury Accommodation: Asian-themed hotel Anantara (anantara.com) in Dubai is ready to sell through various operators. There has been a rush of new hotels in the tiny emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, including the Hilton Al Hamra (hilton.com), which offers an all-inclusive upgrade option, and the much sought after Waldorf Astoria (waldorfastoria.hilton.com/Dubai) on The Palm.  Operators: This summer Gold Medal (goldmedal.co.uk) is running an incentive, which will culminate in 40 top-selling travel agents winning a place on a Mega Fam. The winners will be sent to different destinations on the Emirates network before being brought back to Atlantis, The Palm (atlantisthepalm.com), for a few nights fun and learning in Dubai.


www.sellinglonghaul.com Tourism talk


“The British and Irish are visiting Oman in increasing numbers. Last year 133,529 Brits made the trip, up


10% on the previous year. “There were 7,452 from the Emerald Isle, a 21%


boost. This year in Oman’s capital city, Muscat, more than 720 new rooms will be available to sell. “A new aquarium, ports and a national railway project are under construction. The Salalah Rotana Resort and the Alila


Jabal Akhdar hotel have already opened this year. The Azaiba Hotel in Muscat and the Khasab Hotel in Musandam will open in the coming months. The Views, a newly refurbished eco-retreat near Al Hamra with unique pod- style rooms, opened at the end of 2013. “Before the end of 2014 Oman expects to open


new terminals at its airports in Muscat and Salalah. “This year Oman is promoting niche markets like bird watching and scuba diving, and the


gulf states FEATURE 51


INDUSTRY COMMENT “People comment the Falklands are an expensive destination yet clients should know that they are 100% guaranteed to see


great wildlife here all day, every day .” Sally Ellis, Manager, International Tours & Travel– see The Falklands, page 11


"Up-sell by suggesting that clients add on a beach stay. Myanmar's beaches match Thailand - with fewer people, but the


beach season lasts only between October and April." Manda Churchill, General Manager Travel Indochina - see


Myanmar, page 50


on from troubled political times to position themselves as perfect places for the more adventurous. The Falklands too (page 41) is now better known for its legions of penguins, than invading forces. Consumer studies show that travellers increasingly want


experiential activities and are in fact inspired by destinations with stories to tell; witness the growing interest in culturally-different destinations such as Japan (page 23), in unique environments like The Galapagos (page 38) and in multi-stop river cruising (page 60). A nation's birth pangs can become cultural gold and emergence from a chequered history can even stimulate a country's transition from trouble-spot to 'must-see' destination. Turbulent times somewhere in the world seem inevitable and for our industry one thing is certain, the help and informed advice of quality agents will always be essential to allay travellers' fears and help rebuild business beyond the headlines.


WHERE WE'VE BEEN STEVE


HARTRIDGE Steve attented Rendez- vous in Vancouver and hopped aboard the Rocky Mountaineer


ANDY HOSKINS Andy jetted to Dubai for the Advantage Travel Conference and to Marrakesh for the GTMC Conference


LAURA GELDER Explored South Africa's Garden Route post- Indaba and joined the finalé of the Brand USA mega-fam in Texas


JO AUSTIN Jo attended Australian Tourism Exchange in Cairns and drove north to discover tropical north Queensland


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