NEWS / REGIONAL
Abu Dhabi Routes to smash records Rapid growth of Middle East’s aviation market inspires 15,000 meetings
Over 15,000 meetings are expected to take place between airline and airport decision- makers at the 18th
World Route
Development Forum from September 30 to October 2 in Abu Dhabi. This year’s forum is anticipated to be a record in Routes’ history with nearly 3,000 delegates – representing 500 international airlines, 1,000 airports and over 200 tourism authorities – gathering at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). Nigel Mayes, Vice President
and Commercial for Routes, said the decision to hold this year’s event in the UAE capital is significant as the Middle East
remains one of the world’s fast- est-growing aviation markets. “The Middle East has
reshaped the global aviation industry over the last two dec- ades. Countries like the UAE understand the value of avia- tion in building a nation and an economy, as well as attracting in inward investment,” he said. The Middle East is home to three of the world’s largest airlines – Emirates, Etihad and Qatar. According to the International
Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic in July slowed to 3.5 percent, but Middle East carriers experienced the strongest growth at over 11 percent, year on year.
Business- and first-class travel in the Middle East was also upbeat in June, recording a 9.6 percent increase from the same period in 2011. IATA data likewise men- tioned that the region has ben- efited from long-haul connectivity. For example, flights from Africa using Middle East as a connecting hub has helped premium traffic on this route grow by a significant 17.5 percent. The annual Routes forum
proves vital to an industry that is facing tough operating conditions from skyrocketing oil prices to lacklustre travel demand due to the economic crisis. “Aviation continues to grow
in many regions across the globe Best Western debuts in Oman market
International hotel chain Best Western International will open its first hotel in Muscat in October 2012 as it taps Oman’s rapidly developing business travel sector. The 203-room luxury Best
Western Premier Muscat will be located in the key business and commercial district of Al Khuwair, close to several embas- sies and government agencies. Ideal for both business and lei- sure travellers, the hotel will
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also be the first Best Western Premier brand to be opened in the Middle East. “The launch of the Best
Western Premier Muscat will offer the perfect combination of superior facilities, exqui- site service and international- standard amenities in the cen- tre of this fast-growing city. I am sure this hotel will prove to be a game-changer, not only for the city of Muscat and the
Sultanate of Oman, but also for Best Western’s develop- ment in the Middle East,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President International Operations – Asia and the Middle East. Corporate guests can take
advantage of the hotel’s four func- tion rooms accommodating 15 to 150 delegates for seminars, business meetings or private dinners and events. The 10-storey Best Western
and there are strong indications in Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and the CIS. Despite the slowdown in growth in established markets such as Europe and North America, there are numerous new routes being launched as airlines continue to re-evaluate their networks and move their aircraft to optimise their schedules,” Mayes explained.
representing 500 international airlines will attend
3,000 delegates
Premier Muscat also offers compli- mentary WiFi, two restaurants, an all-day snack and beverage outlet and a café that also offers free use of computer hubs. The opening of the Best
Western Premier Muscat forms part of a major Middle Eastern expansion strategy for Best Western. In addition to the four existing hotels in Riyadh and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, as well as in Doha, Qatar, the hotel chain plans to add a further 20 properties across the region by the end of 2015.
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