6
NEWS
CARLSON REZIDOR SIGNS DEAL WITH DOTW
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group yesterday signed a deal with global wholesale travel company Destinations Of The World to provide DOTW customers access to more than 1,100 of the groupÕs hotels through a Direct Connect partnership.
DOTWÕs 150,000 travel-trade customers can now access rates for all brands under the Carlson Rezidor umbrella, including Radisson Blu.
Yigit Sezgin, Global Director Sales & Marketing at Rezidor Hotel Group, said that the process had taken some time, but that the wait had been worth it. ÒThis is a win-win situation,Ó said Sezgin. ÒIt is our first mutual agreement and first technical development.Ó Steve Harrop, Group COO of DOTW, said: ÒAlthough we are traditionally seen as a wholesaler, we have invested a lot of time and energy into our own technologies. That means our speed to market is very quick, as we have a team of developers. ÒRezidor has given us more than 1,000 hotels to represent and they have to be sure we are representing these hotels in the appropriate manner,Ó he added. ÒThe deal covers 1,100 hotels worldwide in the Carlson Rezidor Group,Ó said Olivier Jacquin, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & Distribution,
The Rezidor Hotel Group. ÒThat is a big step. For us, it is a big improvement. We have worked with DOTW for many years and they are professional with a human touch Ð that is healthy for business. ÒFor the client, it should be easy to book, easy to stay and easy to return.Ó
Sezgin added: ÒFor us, the most important thing is that we are able to open our doors to new markets. TodayÕs game is about distribution, distribution, distribution. This kind of connectivity is the way to go.
ÒThere are a lot of areas in the world that today we are not able to reach Ð to have the personal touch, from a sales and visibility perspective. Destinations of the World gives us that visibility. ÒCredit management is also important. [DOTW] is the credit guarantor in the relationship, which makes our life much easier.Ó ÒYesterday, we were only selling 100 hotels from Carlson Rezidor, even after years of working together,Ó said DOTWÕs Harrop. ÒToday, we are selling more than 1,000.Ó
SHUROOQ UNVEILS ECOLOGICAL TOURISMPROJECT IN SHARJAH
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), unveiled plans for the regionÕs largest ecological tourism project at a press conference held yesterday. HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, announced the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, located 15 kilometres south of Fujairah city on the UAE-Oman border. ÒThe multiphase project will see the development of natural resources, the establishment of a centre within the reserve for visitors, as well as the restoration of archaeological sites,Ó said HE Al Sarkal. The second phase of the project will involve the development of Kalba Creek and the construction of a commercial complex overlooking the creek, as well as a number of islands in the creek and recreational spaces to allow holidaymakers to enjoy the areaÕs natural biodiversity without negatively affecting its wildlife. Phase three will see the construction of several hotels and chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman. ÒThe development of natural reserves are given top priority
by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and by the emirate of Sharjah, in line with its strategy to preserve the environmental, social and tourist characteristics and properties of Sharjah,Ó said Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Sharjah EPAA. ÒThe Kalba Eco-Tourism Project will further expand the natural heritage portfolio found within
the umbrella of Sharjah and the UAE natural reserves.Ó Al Suwaidi said one of the most important characteristics of the project, making it the premier environmental effort in the region is that the project includes the largest mangrove forests on the eastern coast. The project is also distinguished by the regionÕs rich biodiversity as it is home to rare marine species including rare birds, fish and green turtles.
Visit stand UAE810 Visit stand HC3834 and TT110
MOTORSPORT FANS HEAD TO FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO
Fairmont Monte Carlo, which offers one of the best views of the annual Monaco Grand Prix overlooking the famous hairpin bend, has announced that at this yearÕs race the bend will be renamed the ÕFairmont HairpinÕ. Originally known as the Station Hairpin due to its location on the fringe of the Monte Carlo train station, it
has also been called the Loews Hairpin and Sun Casino Hairpin. In honour of this yearÕs race, which takes place in late May, the Fairmont Monte Carlo will be installing 200 VIP stadium seats from its rooftop panoramic terrace, putting hotel guests at the heart of the action along with balcony views from some of its best suites.
Gulf residents travelled to Kuala Lumpur during 2011 Source: World Trade Organisation
100,000 TENT TOURS ADDS OPTIONS
A new authentic tourism experience debuts this week, as Abu Dhabi-based Mohamed Al-Ameri, licensed tour guide and founder of Tent Tours, targets clients looking for authentic experiences in the emirate.
Tent Tours offers tailormade tours, which take visitors to the heart of Emirati culture. Seven tour options include the ÕBe EmiratiÕ experience, which is aimed at a VIP clientele and includes a visit
Visit stand HC3750
The 602-room Fairmont Monte Carlo is promoting its F1 packages at this weekÕs show, which include buffet breakfast, access to the rooftop terrace overlooking the renamed hairpin bend, a mega-size plasma screen for watching the race, welcome amenities and access to Grand Prix in-house activities.
Visit stand UAE710
to MohamedÕs own home. ÓIt is aimed at visitors wanting to experience the Emirati lifestyle. They get the chance to learn more about our culture and heritage by tasting local food, wearing the clothes and joining in our leisure activities. It is all built around the understanding that our rich culture will bring joy to touristsÕ hearts and increase their knowledge of Emiratis and the UAE,Ò he said. Other Tent Tours products include taking visitors to attractions in the emirateÕs heritage heartland of Al Ain, a tour around Abu DhabiÕs islands and the ÕStarry Starry NightsÕ experience, which introduces visitors to the beauty of the UAE desert on an overnight excursion.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36