10 News
ABU DHABI’S BUOYANT CRUISE SECTOR HAS HALAL IN ITS SIGHTS
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is focusing on its halal cruise segment. A TCA Abu Dhabi delegation visited the
Seatrade Cruise Global 2017 exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in March to heighten aware- ness of Sir Bani Yas Beach as the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated cruise beach stopover. The group presented its ‘Cruise Abu Dhabi’
proposition, as well as announcing it would encourage cruise lines to offer facilities and holiday packages catering to halal travellers. TCA Abu Dhabi also showcased a promo- tional video which will be offered to cruise lines that stop in the emirate, plus a ‘Cruise Tour Tips’ brochure, featuring a range of itinerary ideas available to passengers.
Recording its busiest ever season between
October 2016 and June 2017, Abu Dhabi is set to welcome more than 250,000 passengers this year, with the sector forecast to grow further still, to reach a total of 450,000 cruise passen- gers by 2020. Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal
Manager, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to developing the cruise tourism industry in Abu Dhabi. “Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach reflects that
commitment, and represents a unique oppor- tunity for cruise liners to offer a beach call in the Arabian Gulf.” ——— Visit stand ME2115, ME2250
NEW ADDITIONS BOOST R HOTELS PORTFOLIO
R Hotels, the hospitality management division of Ajman-based R-holding, has introduced its newest properties during this year’s show. The group has recently acquired The Retreat
Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel, and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, taking its hotel portfo- lio to a total of seven properties in the UAE. “This is a busy year for R Hotels with the launch of our two new hotels. The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel will cater to the grow- ing global demand for spa and wellness tourism. “Meanwhile, Wyndham Garden Ajman
Corniche is set to accommodate the rising number of visitors in the emirate, and to boost our pres- ence in the Northern Emirates with the largest room inventory in Ajman,” says Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels.
REVAMPED RAMADA SHARJAH UNVEILED
A US$6.8 million (AED25 million) renovation of Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah unveiled a plush new property in the emirate. The four-star hotel managed by Wynd-
ham Hotel Group, now offers deluxe rooms and executive deluxe rooms, as well as one- and two- bedroom suites. Additional facilities include an executive
lounge, six meeting and event venues with audio- visual capabilities, two restaurants, a gym and spa, as well as an indoor pool and sun terrace. Dining options at the hotel include Zaafaran,
which offers a broad international menu, and the newly added Sunshine Café, which features an eclectic casual-dining menu.
The 343-key hotel also has an on-site tour
desk with information on local attractions, such as Burj Khalifa and Mall of the Emirates. Sahara Centre, Sharjah’s largest shopping mall, is located just across the street. Cluster General Manager Alper Can Bulcum
said: “At Ramada, we’re focused on helping our guests sample the world, and these renovations have enabled us to completely re-imagine the experiences we offer. “Whatever a traveller’s reasons are for visit- ing Sharjah, our intent is to become their go-to- hotel of choice.” ——— Visit stand HC0605
NEW EXPEDIA PLATFORM HELPS AGENTS EXCEL
A new booking platform released earlier this month by Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) equips agents with a fast and efficient way to handle the full spectrum of customer bookings. Designed for Expedia’s Affiliate Voyager
product, the new module enables agents to make bookings directly on the customer’s behalf and manage customer enquiries. The management portal, used by more than 2,500 of Expedia’s own agents worldwide, is designed to drive revenue and customer satis- faction while making life easier for travel agents. “We estimate that Affiliate Voyager will result
in more efficient sales and customer service expe- riences for agencies. The net effect for travel agencies is improved customer satisfaction and
loyalty,” said Ariane Gorin, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EAN. The new module expands the range of tasks
agents can perform, allowing them to deal directly with customer enquiries and make and manage bookings directly. Agents are also able to make changes to the traveller’s personal information, travel dates and room type, as well as specify and change travellers’ special requests. Gorin added: “We took an agent tool used
by Expedia and enhanced it to give partners’ agents ownership of their customers and also instil those customers with the confidence that the right person is looking after them.” ——— Visit stand TT1355
The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel
will be the first MGallery by Sofitel brand to oper- ate in the region when it opens its doors on Palm Jumeirah this summer. The 255-key property is the UAE’s first holis- tic health and wellness resort, with an offering based around all-inclusive retreat packages and wellness-related services. Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche will follow
later in the year featuring 179 rooms and suites, an executive lounge on the top floor, two restau- rants, an outdoor swimming pool, gym and spa. Tariq added: “On top of the new openings,
the group continuously seeks to strengthen its presence in the GCC region.” ——— Visit stand HC0425
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