Breaking Travel News

Arabian Travel Market 2018

Arabian Travel Market 2018

Arabian Travel Market is the leading, international travel event in the Middle East, unlocking business potential for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. This year ATM is celebrating 25 years and here Breaking Travel News catches up with the key players.

Videos

Christian Hirt, general manager, Raffles Istanbul

Christian Hirt, general manager, Raffles Istanbul

27 April 2018

With Turkey now fully recovered from a brief tourism slump, Christian Hirt, general manager at Raffles Istanbul, tells Breaking Travel News about the property he leads and his ambitions for 2018.

Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai

Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai

26 April 2018

Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole catches up with Ammar Hilal, general manager at Fairmont Dubai, during Arabian Travel Market. Leader of one of the stalwarts of the Emirati hospitality scene, he tells us how booking trends are changing in the destination and how the improvements his team is making at the property will prepare it for the summer ahead.

Bianca Sammut, general manager, Yas Waterworld

Bianca Sammut, general manager, Yas Waterworld

26 April 2018

Having beaten its rivals to the title of Middle East’s Leading Waterpark at the World Travel Awards earlier this month, Bianca Sammut, general manager at Yas Waterworld, here tells Breaking Travel News what the honour means to her and her team. Also on the agenda at Arabian Travel Market is the launch of a new attraction at the park in the coming months.

Ali Abu Monassar, chairman, The Vision

Ali Abu Monassar, chairman, The Vision

26 April 2018

Having played a key role in the launch of Arabian Travel Market a quarter of a century ago, Ali Abu Monassar, now chairman of destination management company The Vision, tells Breaking Travel News how important the show has been for the development of the hospitality sector in the Middle East.

Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group

Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group

26 April 2018

Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole chats with Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, during Arabian Travel Market. He tells us how the recent decision to bring together all the Wyndham brands under one banner benefits consumers while also revealing what the company has planned in the region for 2018.

Jesse Vargas, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Jesse Vargas, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

26 April 2018

Having taken the title of Middle East’s Leading Theme Park at the World Travel Awards, Jesse Vargas, general manager at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have won the prestigious trophy. He also tells us what is happening at the park this year to make sure the attraction stays ahead of the competition.

Juan Uribe, general manager, Bay La Sun

Juan Uribe, general manager, Bay La Sun

26 April 2018

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has been seeking to diversify its tourism industry away from religious travellers. Here Juan Uribe, general manager at Bay La Sun, tells Breaking Travel News how the sector is changing and what the hotel he leads offers to the local hospitality scene.

Sydney Pierre, head of worldwide sales, Lux Resorts & Hotels

Sydney Pierre, head of worldwide sales, Lux Resorts & Hotels

26 April 2018

Speaking to Breaking Travel News at Arabian Travel Market, Sydney Pierre, head of worldwide sales at Lux Resorts & Hotels, tells us about the one-of-a-kind property they offer in Bodrum, Turkey. As it prepares to open for the summer season, we find out just what makes it so special.

Tristan de la Porte du Theil, general manager, Dukes Dubai

Tristan de la Porte du Theil, general manager, Dukes Dubai

26 April 2018

With the hotel now just over a year old, Tristan de la Porte du Theil, general manager at Dukes Dubai, tells Breaking Travel News how this small slice of Great Britain has been received in the market. He also tells us what we have to look forward to as we move into the summer season in Dubai.

Ateeq Mogal, leasing director, Al Khozama

Ateeq Mogal, leasing director, Al Khozama

26 April 2018

With Saudi tourism firmly in the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2018, Phil Blizzard here speaks to Ateeq Mogal, leasing director with hotel development company Al Khozama, about this rapidly expanding market.

Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

26 April 2018

Speaking Arabian Travel Market, Patrick Antaki, complex general manager at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, tells Breaking Travel News how this lesser-known emirate has sought to boost its fledgling tourism sector. With new properties opening all the time, the strategy appears to be paying dividends.

Patrick Moukarzel, general manager, Al Bait, Sharjah

Patrick Moukarzel, general manager, Al Bait, Sharjah

26 April 2018

Patrick Moukarzel, general manager of Al Bait hotel in Sharjah, tells Breaking Travel News about the property, its location in the heart of the local souk, and what it brings to the hospitality sector in this fast-emerging destination.

Timothy Kelly, general manager, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Timothy Kelly, general manager, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

26 April 2018

Phil Blizzard speaks to Timothy Kelly, general manager at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, during Arabian Travel Market in the United Arab Emirates. He tells Breaking Travel News about the expansion of the property, increasing occupancy and RevPAR rates, and how he has high hopes for the summer season ahead.

Christophe Schnyder, general manager, Sofitel The Palm, Dubai

Christophe Schnyder, general manager, Sofitel The Palm, Dubai

26 April 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to Christophe Schnyder, general manager at Sofitel The Palm in Dubai, about the property, how it will develop in 2018, and how it feels to have taken the title of Middle East’s Leading Green Hotel at the World Travel Awards.

Aly Sharrif, chief operating officer, Citymax Hotels

Aly Sharrif, chief operating officer, Citymax Hotels

24 April 2018

Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, Aly Sharrif, chief operating officer at Citymax Hotels, tells Breaking Travel News about the refreshed brand and what it offers to hospitality in the United Arab Emirates. Joined by outgoing chief operating officer, Russel Sharpe, they also reveal the location of the latest property from the brand.

Darren Darwin, general manager, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Darren Darwin, general manager, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

24 April 2018

Speaking to Breaking Travel News Darren Darwin, general manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, tells us about the hotel and its unique position in Omani hospitality. Having recently been featured by the BBC, he explains how he plans to leverage the exposure generated as the property heads into the summer season.

Haitham Mattar, chief executive, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Haitham Mattar, chief executive, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

24 April 2018

Having hosted the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, Breaking Travel News speaks to Haitham Mattar, chief executive at the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, about the events. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, he tells us about he plans to maintain momentum for the summer season ahead.

Mehdi Othmani, general manager, Hilton Salalah Resort

Mehdi Othmani, general manager, Hilton Salalah Resort

24 April 2018

Mehdi Othmani, general manager at the Hilton Salalah Resort in Oman, talks to Breaking Travel News about the importance of sustainability in the hospitality sector. Having been recognised with Green Globe certification, he tells us responsible tourism is vital for the future of the industry.

A U M Fawzy, chief executive, Trans Maldivian Airlines

A U M Fawzy, chief executive, Trans Maldivian Airlines

24 April 2018

A U M Fawzy, chief executive of seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airlines, talks to Breaking Travel News during Arabian Travel Market 2018. He tells us about the vital role his company plays in this rapidly developing destination.

Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager, Hulhule Island Hotel

Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager, Hulhule Island Hotel

24 April 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager at the Hulhule Island Hotel in the Maldives. Located next to the international airport, he tells us about how important the Middle East is as a source market for the property and how the changing hospitality landscape will benefit the people of the country.

Alessandro Cabella, general manager, Rome Cavalieri

Alessandro Cabella, general manager, Rome Cavalieri

24 April 2018

With the property have completed an extensive renovation, Alessandro Cabella, general manager at Rome Cavalieri, tells Breaking Travel News what the changes will mean for guests. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, he also tells us how important the Middle East is as a source market for the property.

Jaan Albrecht, chief executive, Saudia

Jaan Albrecht, chief executive, Saudia

24 April 2018

With a new airport weeks away from opening, new planes arriving, and new on-board services rolling out, it is all change at flag-carrier Saudia. Here chief executive Jaan Albrecht tells Breaking Travel News all about it and explains how the carrier fits into the changing hospitality sector in Saudia Arabia.

Slim Zaiane, general manager, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

Slim Zaiane, general manager, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

24 April 2018

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates general manager, Slim Zaiane, tells Breaking Travel News about the heritage of this one-of-a-kind property and how a series of recent investments have prepared it for a bright future in the United Arab Emirates.

Abdul Aziz Saud Al Raisi, chief executive, Oman Air

Abdul Aziz Saud Al Raisi, chief executive, Oman Air

23 April 2018

Newly appointed chief executive of Oman Air, Abdul Aziz Saud Al Raisi, tells Breaking Travel News how the new terminal at Muscat International Airport will transform operations at the carrier. Also on the agenda is the arrival of a new fleet of planes, a range of new routes, and improvements to on-board services.

Aurelio Giraudo, general manager, Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi

Aurelio Giraudo, general manager, Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi

23 April 2018

Aurelio Giraudo, the newly appointed general manager of the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, tells us about the hotel, what it brings to the Kenyan hospitality sector, and how it is the perfect base to explore the local safari opportunities.

David Wilson, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

David Wilson, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

23 April 2018

David Wilson, general manager at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, talks to Breaking Travel News at Arabian Travel Market. He tells us about the property, the changing composition of its source markets, and how the appointment of a new director of operations will improve the hotel.

Guy Hutchinson, chief operating officer, Rotana Hotels & Resorts

Guy Hutchinson, chief operating officer, Rotana Hotels & Resorts

23 April 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to Guy Hutchinson, chief operating officer with Rotana Hotels & Resorts, about its expansion plans in the Middle East and wider world. Also on the agenda at Arabian Travel Market is the recent recognition of the company as the Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards.

Michael Nugent, regional director, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

Michael Nugent, regional director, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

22 April 2018

With Mövenpick celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, regional director Michael Nugent here tells Breaking Travel News how the company is celebrating the event. Having also recently been recognised for its green credentials, he tells us how important sustainability is for the future of the hospitality sector.

Con Korfiatis, chief executive, flyadeal

Con Korfiatis, chief executive, flyadeal

22 April 2018

Launching just seven months ago, Con Korfiatis, chief executive with flyadeal explains how the Saudi-based low-cost airline plans to expand from domestic to international operations this year. With an order of up to 50 narrow-body planes on the horizon, it is an exciting time for aviation in the region.

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

22 April 2018

Breaking Travel News chats with Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels as the Thai-based group signs for its third Avani property in Dubai. With new hotels also opening in Tunisia and Lebanon there is plenty to discuss at Arabian Travel Market 2018.