Arabian Travel Market News
ATM 2020: GCC tourism looks to Russia for future growth
Russian tourists travelling to the GCC are expected to generate an estimated US$1.22 billion in travel and tourism revenue by 2023, an increase of 19 per cent when compared with figures from 2018.
Henk Meyknecht, chief operating officer, Middle East & Africa, Kempinski
Speaking to Breaking Travel News at Arabian Travel Market, Henk Meyknecht, chief operating officer in the Middle East and Africa for European hoteliers Kempinski, tells us about his plans for expansion in the region. With the new Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai on the Palm Jumeirah receiving top reviews, the company seems well placed to grow further.
Thomas Willms, chief executive, Steigenberger Hotels
Breaking Travel News reporter Phil Blizzard catches up with Thomas Willms, chief executive of Steigenberger Hotels, during Arabian Travel Market. He tells us about plans to double the number of properties under operation by the company over the next five years and what role the Middle East will play in that process.
Muzzammil Ahussain, executive vice president, consumer travel, Seera Group
Following a recent re-branding, Muzzammil Ahussain, executive vice president of consumer travel at Seera, tells Breaking Travel News that the new identity reflects the company’s global ambitions. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, he also tells us the Saudi-based brand is well-placed to exploit the rapidly developing hospitality sector in the country.
Aurelio Giraudo, general manager, Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
Breaking Travel News chats with Aurelio Giraudo, general manager at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, about the property, the Kenyan hospitality market and what we can expect from the hotel during Arabian Travel Market 2019.
Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels
Speaking to Breaking Travel News during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer with rapidly growing Minor Hotels, tells us about the latest properties on offer from the company. He also tells us about his confidence in the future of the hospitality market in the Middle East.
Tim Cordon, senior vice president, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group
Breaking Travel News takes a moment to chat to Tim Cordon, senior vice president for the Middle East and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, during Arabian Travel Market. He tells us about the company’s plans for the region and Radisson’s expectation that there is still plenty of space for growth in the United Arab Emirates.
Mark Gsellman, vice president, theme parks, Farah Experiences
With Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld all now all fully operational in the United Arab Emirates, Mark Gsellman, vice president of theme parks for Farah Experience, tells Breaking Travel News about his long-term vision for tourism in the destination.
Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Having recently welcomed an F1 Grand Prix to capital Baku and with the UEFA Cup final just weeks away, Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive officer with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, is keen to showcase how sports tourism can boost a destination. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, he also tells Breaking Travel News about plans to grow visitor numbers from key GCC markets.
Cherian Chacko, corporate sales and marketing director, hotels and resorts, Al Khozama
Cherian Chacko, corporate sales and marketing director for hotels and resorts with Saudi Arabia-based Al Khozama, tells Breaking Travel News how the rapidly changing hospitality market in the country benefits private sector investors.
Anthony Ross, chief executive, JA Resorts & Hotels
Having taken over the role of chief executive with JA Resorts & Hotels last year, Anthony Ross here tells Breaking Travel News about his ambitions for this stalwart of the hospitality sector in the Middle East. With a series of renovations taking place at its properties in Dubai, and Expo 2020 just around the corner, the future appears bright for the brand.
Mark Kirby, area general manager, Emaar Hospitality Group
Having recently assumed the role of area general manager with Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group, Mark Kirby here tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer at the flagship property from the company, Address Downtown.