Breaking Travel News

World Travel Market 2018

World Travel Market 2018

More than 5,000 exhibitors gather for World Travel Market to discuss the latest trends and hear opinion from the industry’s leading executives. Here Breaking Travel News chats with the key players at the 2018 event at Excel, London.

Videos

Ahmed Shiaan, ambassador to United Kingdom, Maldives

Ahmed Shiaan, ambassador to United Kingdom, Maldives

9 November 2018

Having just hosted the World Spa Awards and announced a host of new resorts, Ahmed Shiaan, Maldives ambassador to the UK, speaks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market. Also on the agenda is the completion of the Sinamalé Bridge, expansion at Velana International Airport and optimism around the change of political leadership in the country.

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

9 November 2018

Breaking Travel News finds out more about the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre set to open in Jamaica from tourism minister Edmund Bartlett. He tells us speed and a strong communication strategy are key to quickly overcoming disasters in developing nations.

Issam Kazim, chief executive, Dubai Tourism

Issam Kazim, chief executive, Dubai Tourism

9 November 2018

With the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing recently announcing an ambition to welcome 25 million visitors per annum by 2025, Issam Kazim, chief executive of the organisation, here tells Breaking Travel News where the extra guests are going to come from. Also up for discussion are the impact of the new Al Maktoum International Airport and the developing family travel sector in the emirate.

Sebastian Slobayen, minister, tourism investment, Argentina

Sebastian Slobayen, minister, tourism investment, Argentina

9 November 2018

As low-cost flights with Norwegian from Heathrow open up Argentina to a whole new travelling demographic, Sebastian Slobayen, minister for tourism investment for the country, here tells Breaking Travel News what impact he expects the route to have. With the value of the peso also recently falling, he tells us now is the time to visit during World Travel Market 2018 in London.

María Amalia Revelo Raventós, minister of tourism, Costa Rica

María Amalia Revelo Raventós, minister of tourism, Costa Rica

9 November 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to María Amalia Revelo Raventós, minister of tourism for Costa Rica, during World Travel Market in London. She tells us how the natural attractions of the destination are putting it on the international hospitality map as well as bringing us up to date with the reopening of the Arenal Volcano National Park.

Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism, Saint Lucia

Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism, Saint Lucia

9 November 2018

Breaking Travel News chats with Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism for Saint Lucia, at World Travel Market. On the agenda is the development value of the hospitality sector, the portrayal of the Caribbean in the western media and the importance of the UK as a source market for the country.

Derek Hanekom, minister of tourism, South Africa

Derek Hanekom, minister of tourism, South Africa

9 November 2018

South Africa minister of tourism Derek Hanekom tells Breaking Travel News how new visa regulations will benefit the tourism sector in the destination during World Travel Market in London. Also up for discussion are the messaging around the apparent water shortage in Cape Town and the value of attending the leading European trade show.

Carlos Alonso, president, Tenerife

Carlos Alonso, president, Tenerife

9 November 2018

As Tenerife seeks to move away from its hedonistic reputation, Carlos Alonso, president of the island, gives Breaking Travel News details of how he plans to refashion the tourism industry by 2030. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, he also tells us how important the UK is as a source market for the destination.

Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive, Meliá Hotels International

Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive, Meliá Hotels International

9 November 2018

Meliá Hotels International is the leading hotel group in Spain and has over 50 new hotels in its current pipeline. Here chief executive Gabriel Escarrer tells Breaking Travel News which are due to come to fruition next during World Travel Market in London.

Anil K Gayan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

Anil K Gayan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

9 November 2018

As Mauritius seeks to diversify away from luxury beach breaks, minister of tourism Anil K Gayan here tells Breaking Travel News what else is on offer in the Indian Ocean destination. Speaking at World Travel Market in London he also explains how important the UK is as a source market for the hospitality sector in the country.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, vice chairman, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, vice chairman, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

9 November 2018

As the country continues to surge up international hospitality league tables, Breaking Travel News speaks to Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, vice chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, to discover how far the government has been responsible for an unprecedented period of success. She also tells us how important China is as a source market for the country while revealing how a new e-visa scheme will boost the sector.

Veronica Sevilla, general manager, Quito Turismo

Veronica Sevilla, general manager, Quito Turismo

9 November 2018

Having successfully defended the title of South America’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, Veronica Sevilla, general manager of Quito Turismo, tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have won. Speaking in London during World Travel Market, she also reveals how a new digital-led brand identity will attract younger travellers and tells us about new airlift coming into the growing airport.

Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai

Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai

9 November 2018

Breaking Travel News chats with Ammar Hilal, general manager of the iconic Fairmont Dubai, during World Travel Market 2018 in London. He tells us about the optimistic mood in the emirate’s hospitality sector ahead of Expo 2020 and reveals all about a number of recent additions at the hotel.

Roberto Santa Clara, executive director, Madeira Promotion Bureau

Roberto Santa Clara, executive director, Madeira Promotion Bureau

9 November 2018

Madeira was recently awarded the title of Europe’s Leading Island Destination at the World Travel Awards and will host the prestigious organisation’s Europe Gala Ceremony in 2019. Here Roberto Santa Clara, executive director of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, tells Breaking Travel News how important the dual honours are and how perceptions of the Portuguese island have changed over time.

Gonzalo Robredo, director, Buenos Aires Tourism Board

Gonzalo Robredo, director, Buenos Aires Tourism Board

9 November 2018

As the falling value of the peso drives tourism to the South American city, Gonzalo Robredo, director of the Buenos Aires Tourism Board, tells Breaking Travel News about how the market is changing. Speaking at World Travel Market he also tells us how much of an impact low-cost flights from London with Norwegian Air has had on travel to the capital of Argentina.

Benjamin Liberoff, vice minister of tourism, Uruguay

Benjamin Liberoff, vice minister of tourism, Uruguay

9 November 2018

With new flights from Air Europa connecting Uruguay to Europe more efficiently than ever before, Breaking Travel News here chats with Benjamin Liberoff, vice minister of tourism for the country, about the likely impact. Also on the agenda is the importance of intra-regional travel in what is fast becoming the most important hospitality destination in Latin America.

Robert Hauck, general manager, Galle Face Hotel

Robert Hauck, general manager, Galle Face Hotel

9 November 2018

Having earlier this year taken over leadership of Galle Face Hotel, which opened in 1864 and is the oldest hotel east of Suez, Breaking Travel News here talks to Robert Hauck about the tremendous sense of responsibility he feels to reinvigorate the property. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, he also tells us about the many connections between the Sri Lankan hotel and the Britain.

Shafiq Nasiruddin, general manager, Regency Travel & Tours

Shafiq Nasiruddin, general manager, Regency Travel & Tours

9 November 2018

Having taken the title of World’s Leading Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards last year, Breaking Travel News here chats with Shafiq Nasiruddin, general manager of Regency Travel & Tours, about what the honour means to him. Speaking at World Travel Market in London he also tells us what the company offers to the fast-developing tourism sector in Qatar.

Donovan White, director, Jamaica Tourist Board

Donovan White, director, Jamaica Tourist Board

9 November 2018

Breaking Travel News gets all the latest headlines from Donovan White, director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, during World Travel Market. He tells us about the new cruise destination under development in Kingston as well as more about the new source markets the organisation is seeking to cultivate.

Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, managing director, Jordan Tourism Board

Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, managing director, Jordan Tourism Board

9 November 2018

As the Jordanian hospitality community celebrates the launch of a new easyJet flight to Aqaba, Breaking Travel News discovers how important the UK is as a source market for the country from Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board.

James Marchant, chief executive, Contiki

James Marchant, chief executive, Contiki

9 November 2018

Stepping into the role of chief executive with youth-focused travel brand Contiki, James Marchant here tells Breaking Travel News about his ambitions for the top job. Speaking at World Travel Market in London he also tells us about the changing outbound markets sought by British travellers.

Christopher Heywood, senior vice president, global communications, NYC & Company

Christopher Heywood, senior vice president, global communications, NYC & Company

9 November 2018

As the destination continues to set new records for visitor numbers, Breaking Travel News chats with Christopher Heywood, senior vice president, global communications, for NYC & Company, during World Travel Market in London. As the ‘A Monumental Year’ ad campaign boosts interest in the city for 2019, he also tells us about his ambitions for the 12 months ahead.

Tolene van der Merwe, hub head, UK & Ireland, South African Tourism

Tolene van der Merwe, hub head, UK & Ireland, South African Tourism

9 November 2018

As the country seeks to allay fears over water shortages and visa restrictions, Breaking Travel News here speaks to Tolene van der Merwe, hub head in the UK & Ireland for South African Tourism, about a return to form for the destination in 2019. Also on the agenda are opportunities created by the falling value of the rand and a fresh tourism push under the new political administration.

Katie King, director of marketing, Queen Elizabeth 2

Katie King, director of marketing, Queen Elizabeth 2

9 November 2018

As the Queen Elizabeth 2 enters a new life as a floating hotel in Dubai, director of marketing, Katie King, here tells us how the project is being received by the local market. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, she also reveals what is on offer on-board this one of a kind location.

Alisson Braga de Andrade, general manager, competitive intelligence, Embratur

Alisson Braga de Andrade, general manager, competitive intelligence, Embratur

9 November 2018

As the falling value of the real sparks interest in Brazilian tourism, Breaking Travel News here speaks to Alisson Braga de Andrade, general manager of competitive intelligence and market access at Embratur, about how the country is reaping the benefits. He also tells us how he hopes the new political leadership in the country will develop tourism in 2019 and reveals what caused visitors records to be broken last year.

Ricardo Dinis, area sales manager, UK & Ireland, TAP Air Portugal

Ricardo Dinis, area sales manager, UK & Ireland, TAP Air Portugal

9 November 2018

As flag-carrier TAP Portugal prepares to welcome the new Airbus A330neo to its fleet, Ricardo Dinis, area sales manager in the UK for the airline, tells Breaking Travel News what advantages it offers. Speaking at World Travel Market, he also reveals how the latest departures from London City Airport have been received by the market as well as telling us how it feels to have won at the World Travel Awards.

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

8 November 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels, as the company completes the acquisition of NH Hotel Group. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, he also tells us about a series of new Anantara properties set to join the portfolio as well as giving us the latest on the growth of the MICE sector in Portugal.

Florian Sengstschmid and Fidan Aliyeva, Azerbaijan Tourist Board

Florian Sengstschmid and Fidan Aliyeva, Azerbaijan Tourist Board

8 November 2018

Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive, and Fidan Aliyeva, brand and marketing director, Azerbaijan Tourist Board, speak to Breaking Travel News during World Travel Market in London. As the destination reveals its new ‘Take another look’ brand campaign, we find out how the country hopes to develop its tourism sector in the coming years.

Jean Francois Laurent, general manager, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

Jean Francois Laurent, general manager, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

7 November 2018

Speaking during World Travel Market in London, Jean Francois Laurent, general manager of Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, tells Breaking Travel News how the Dubai hospitality market is faring in 2018. In a competitive sector, he also reveals what the latest additions to the property will add to keep it ahead of the chasing pack.

Yousef Mohammed AlKhan, director of tourism marketing, Bahrain Tourism

Yousef Mohammed AlKhan, director of tourism marketing, Bahrain Tourism

7 November 2018

Speaking at World Travel Market in London, Yousef Mohammed AlKhan, director of tourism marketing and promotion for the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, tells Breaking Travel News what the destination is doing to carve out a niche in the competitive Middle Eastern hospitality sector.

Sergio Zertuche, chief sales and marketing officer, Palladium Hotel Group

Sergio Zertuche, chief sales and marketing officer, Palladium Hotel Group

7 November 2018

As Palladium Hotel Group launches its brand-new luxury development in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, Breaking Travel News finds out more from Sergio Zertuche, chief sales and marketing officer with the company. He also reveals more details of a new hotel in the Costa del Sol, set to open in July next year, and discusses the new Bless brand from Palladium.

Helena Bennett, director of tourism, St Helena

Helena Bennett, director of tourism, St Helena

7 November 2018

Breaking Travel News finds out how the new runway on the island has transformed the hospitality sector from St Helena director of tourism Helena Bennett. She also tells us a little about the accommodation options on offer to guests who make the journey to the remote south Atlantic destination.

Rogier de Jager and Kelpesh Patel, Oman Air

Rogier de Jager and Kelpesh Patel, Oman Air

7 November 2018

Breaking Travel News speaks to Rogier de Jager, regional vice president, Europe, and Kelpesh Patel, UK country manager, Oman Air, at World Travel Market in London. They reveal how the new terminal at Muscat International Airport has transformed operations at the carrier while also revealing more about new destinations currently being added to the route map.

Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive, Centara Hotels & Resorts

Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive, Centara Hotels & Resorts

7 November 2018

Centara Hotels & Resorts is currently undergoing a period of expansion, with an ambition to double its portfolio of 67 hotels over the next five years. Here deputy chief executive Markland Blaiklock tells us where he plans to locate the new properties and a little about the brands they will fall under.

Marie Venus Tan, chief operating officer, Philippines Tourism Promotions Board

Marie Venus Tan, chief operating officer, Philippines Tourism Promotions Board

7 November 2018

Breaking Travel News catches up with Marie Venus Tan, chief operating officer of the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board, during World Travel Market in London. With the destination at the forefront of overtourism, following the closure of Boracay, she tells us how the country is protecting the environment while meeting the needs of the hospitality sector and reveals what is on the agenda for 2019.

Ramsey El Saarany, director of operations, Sofitel The Palm, Dubai

Ramsey El Saarany, director of operations, Sofitel The Palm, Dubai

6 November 2018

Breaking Travel News catches up with Ramsey El Saarany, director of operations at Sofitel The Palm, Dubai, as the property celebrates its fifth anniversary. Speaking and World Travel Market in London, he tells us how important it is to visit the show to connect with partners in the industry and reveals what we have to look forward to over the next 12 months.

Elisabeth Hakim, marketing coordinator, PromPeru

Elisabeth Hakim, marketing coordinator, PromPeru

5 November 2018

Having been selected as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards for the sixth consecutive year, Elisabeth Hakim, marketing coordinator at PromPeru, tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have taken the honour. Speaking at World Travel Market in London she also tells us how important the UK is as a source market for the Latin American destination.

Matthew Joslin, marketing and communications manager, Japan National Tourism Board

Matthew Joslin, marketing and communications manager, Japan National Tourism Board

5 November 2018

Tourism in Japan has come into sharper focus recently, with the Rugby World Cup taking place next year and the Olympic Games to follow in 2020. Here Matthew Joslin, marketing and communications manager in the UK for the Japan National Tourism Board, tells Breaking Travel News how the local hospitality sector is preparing to welcome travellers from across the globe.

Naresh Punjabi, regional director, Satguru Travel & Tourism

Naresh Punjabi, regional director, Satguru Travel & Tourism

5 November 2018

Speaking during World Travel Market, Naresh Punjabi, regional director with Satguru Travel & Tourism, tells Breaking Travel News how the company has recently expanded in Europe. Having also recently picked up the title of Africa’s Leading Business Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards, he tells us how the honour helps develop the brand.

Dagmo Ahmed Jama, aviation marketing manager, Oman Airports

Dagmo Ahmed Jama, aviation marketing manager, Oman Airports

5 November 2018

With the new terminal at Muscat International Airport new operational, Dagmo Ahmed Jama, aviation marketing manager for Oman Airports, tells Breaking Travel News what impact the facility will have on the tourism sector in the country. With World Travel Awards also preparing to host its Grand Final in Oman next year, we find out more about the prestigious event.

John Jefferies, owner, Coco Reef, Tobago

John Jefferies, owner, Coco Reef, Tobago

5 November 2018

Breaking Travel News chats with John Jefferies, owner of the Coco Reef resort in Tobago, about conditions in the Caribbean hospitality sector during World Travel Market in London.