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NEWS
DUBAI'S RETAIL AND EVENTS CONTINUE TOBOOM, SAYS DEPE
Dubai has a well-established reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for shopping promotions, family entertainment and winning opportunities according to HE Laila Mohd Suhail, CEO Dubai Events and Promo- tions Establishment (DEPE). "Year upon year, ATM has provided a unique opportunity for DEPE to connect with our regional and international coun- terparts, as well as the world's
leading travel trade representa- tives. The show offers a platform to promote the development of Dubai's burgeoning retail and events sectors, he says." In 2011, DEPE released the results of a massive market research initiative conducted on the 2011 edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The project was directed by global research firm, YouGov. Nearly 900 international visitors were surveyed, as well as 1,981 UAE
residents. Across UAE residents and visitors, a total of four million people enjoyed DSF 2011. More than 885,000 regional and international visitors came to Dubai during the DSF period, with the largest proportion from India, the UK and Saudi Arabia. The recent surge in direct inter- national flights on airlines such as Emirates has also resulted
in a considerable increase in tourism from countries includ- ing China, the CIS and Brazil. Moving with the technology tide that is a theme at this year's Arabian Travel Market, DEPE recently launched a Dubai Calendar mobile app for consumers and a customised widget for Dubai's businesses and government agencies. Both tools are designed to help boost the events sector in Dubai, encouraging more local, regional and international visitors and driving sector growth. The free smartphone application is currently available for iPhone, Blackberry and Android and allows users to access a mobile version of the Emirate's events calendar at any time. Users can customise the application to suit their individual needs. DEPE is also hosting a unique workshop for travel agents and tour operators at this year's Arabian Travel Market.
Visit stand UAE1010 TIÕME FOR AN UPGRADE IN LUXOR
TIÕME Hotels Management (TIÕME) has signed a contract with Edris Group, an Egyptian-based travel and tourism company, for the management of its Tutohotel property in Luxor, Egypt. The boutique establish- ment has 79 rooms and TIÕME will oversee a complete refurbishment of TutohotelÕs infrastructure, adding 82 rooms Ð increasing its total inventory to 161 rooms Ð to upgrade it to deluxe four-star status in line with international standards. The former Edris-managed hotel will forthwith trade under the name ÔTI'ME TutohotelÕ. Edris Group will still own the property, which, after extensive renovation, is expected to be fully-operational by the end of this year. Mohamed Awadalla, Area Vice President, TIÕME, said: ÒI am thrilled to be signing a contract that promises so much for our young company. This confirms our positive approach to our expansion plans for the Middle East and demonstrates our commitment to providing our guests with the very best accommodation options in the region.Ó Ahmed Edris, Chairman, Edris Group, said: ÒIÕm really optimistic about the future of the Tutohotel property now that its management is in the hands of TIÕME, which in my
opinion, is one of the most ambitious brands in the Middle East hospitality industry.Ó Overlooking the world- famous River Nile and situated just 25 kilometres from the Luxor International Airport and a 10-minute walk away from the local train station, the property is ideally situated for regional and international leisure travellers. ÒLocated in Luxor, away from the noise and chaos of EgyptÕs big cities, TIÕME Tutohotel will offer leisure travellers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the great river. Located on the Nile, we will be well- positioned to implement a variety of tourist initiatives in collaboration with local tour operators and businesses, including Nile cruises, Luxor
and Karnak temple day trips,Ó said Awadalla. ÒGuests can also access the traditional tourist hot spots. The millennia-old Pyramids, Sphinx in Giza and the Sinai Peninsula are only a train journey away.Ó Despite the declines in the countryÕs tourism revenue this year due to the unrest around the Arab Spring, a recent STR Global Construction Pipeline Report shows that nearly 5,000 rooms are being developed in the country. Samy Mahmoud, Under- secretary of the Ministry and Head of EgyptÕs International Tourism Sector, recently said EgyptÕs tourism ministry expects to see a recovery in tourist figures to between 12 and 13 million in 2012, bringing in US$11 billion to the country.
SWISS RESORT OFFERS SNOW AND A BEACH
SwitzerlandÕs Crans-Montana, the renowned resort for its high-altitude golf courses and world-class ski pistes, is participating in Arabian Travel Market to promote a third string in its tourism bow Ð its stunning beachfront.
The Crans-Montana resort is home topine woods and five crystal-clear water lakes, offering an ideal alternative to crowded summer beaches.
The Moubra beach is a magnet for tourists and locals and, this summer, the resort will introduce inflatable structures for kids and a sand beach with beach volleyball, a beach bar and a series of live concerts. Renowned since 1893 for its extremely pure air, Crans- Montana enjoys a Medit- erranean climate, is blessed with 300 days of sun and a south-facing perspective.
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BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS ENDS A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IN THE GULF
Royal Caribbean InternationalÕs third and longest season in the Gulf is ending on a high note, according to Helen Beck, Regional Director International Representatives Ð Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean Cruises.
ÓWe are very happy to see the success of Brilliance of the Seas sailing in the region, which attracted large numbers of group bookings from Northern Europe, Russia, South Africa and China. With nearly every sailing fully booked we are proud that we brought around 40,000 guests to the region supporting
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tourism in the ports of calls,Ò she said.
In recent months, cruise- ship safety has been discussed intensively around the world. In Dubai, the Cruise Ship Emergency Response Task Force is a body of national and local emergency response providers which ensures the maritime safety and inspects every cruise ship calling into UAE ports.
ÓOn Brilliance of the Seas, we observed management best practices. We were very impressed by the professional- ism and how safety and security was handled by the captain and
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staff of Brilliance of the Seas,Ò said Ali Al Daboos Ð Executive Director of Operations for Dubai Maritime City Authority. ÓFor Royal Caribbean Cruises safety and security are the high- est priority. It is part of our culture and our DNA. We are pleased with the feedback we received from the task force and would like to express our appreciation in working closely together with the Dubai Marine Regulatory Regime and Department of Tour- ism and Commerce Marketing to make the docking process and berthing as smooth and safe as possible,Ò added Beck.
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