ITB Berlin News Page 34
Rina van Staden, sales, marketing, and reservations director, Legend Lodges & Resorts
With a rapidly growing portfolio of properties, Rina van Staden, sales, marketing, and reservations director at Legend Lodges & Resorts, here brings Breaking Travel News up to date with the latest from the company. Having also been recognise as the World’s Leading Safari Resort by the World Travel Awards, she tells us how important such industry accolades are for the development of the brand.
Marc Bennett, senior vice president, Discover Qatar
With Qatar seeking to boost its reputation on the international tourism scene following a difficult few months politically, Marc Bennett, senior vice president, Discover Qatar, here tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer in the destination. With visa regulation being relaxed, a host of new activities coming to market, and Qatar Airways growing its route network, there may not have been a better time to visit.
Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica
Jamaica minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett enjoyed a successful 2017, welcoming the UNWTO to the Caribbean island and overseeing a sharp rise in visitor numbers. Here he tells Breaking Travel News how he seeks to keep the momentum going into 2018 while also addressing concerns over the impact of tourism leakage in the destination.
Ammar Hilal, general manager, Fairmont Dubai
Breaking Travel News chats with Ammar Hilal, general manager of the Fairmont Dubai, about the hotel’s role as a cornerstone of the local hospitality scene, its plans for 2018, and recent recognition by the World Travel Awards with the World’s Leading Hotel Service Award.
Donald Payen, executive vice president, customer experience, Air Mauritius
With the country celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence from the UK, Donald Payen, executive vice president of customer experience at Air Mauritius, is in a celebratory mood as he chats with Breaking Travel News at ITB Berlin. He tells us about the new aircraft the airline has on order, improvements to its on-board service, and the vital role Air Mauritius plays in local tourism.
Charlie Taylor, communications director, Jumeirah Group
With Jose Silva having recently been appointed as chief executive of the company, the new Zabeel House brand rolling out, and a host of new properties in the pipeline, it is an exciting time for Dubai-based Jumeirah Group. Here communications director Charlie Taylor tells Breaking Travel News more about the latest headlines.
Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager, Hulhule Island Hotel
Having taken the title of World’s Leading Airport Resort at the World Travel Awards, Hulhule Island Hotel has seamlessly taken its place at the top table of global hospitality. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with general manager Utkarsh Faujdar to find out more about the property and what it offers to the hospitality sector in the Maldives.
Haitham Mattar, chief executive, Ras al Khaimah Tourist Board
With the destination breaking new ground in visitor figures, expanding its leading attractions, and welcoming a host of new properties, there is much to discuss as Breaking Travel News catches up with Haitham Mattar, chief executive of the Ras al Khaimah Tourist Board, during ITB Berlin. With the emirate also set to host the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and World Travel Awards, it is an exciting time in the destination.
Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive, Centara Hotels & Resorts
As Centara Hotels & Resorts unveils an ambitious expansion plan, Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive with the Thai-based hospitality company, here tells Breaking Travel News what it entails. Also on the agenda are buoyancy of the Asian hospitality market, the importance of Germany as a source market, and his personal ambitions for the role.
M. P. Mall, chairman, Maharajas’ Express
The only hospitality product directly controlled by the Indian government, Maharajas’ Express is an icon of the domestic tourism market. Here chairman M. P. Mall tells Breaking Travel News what the train offers to luxury travellers from around the world.
Christophe Mousset, general manager, Oberoi Beach Resort, Ajman
With the property coming up to its first anniversary, Christophe Mousset, general manager at the Oberoi Beach Resort in Ajman, here tells Breaking Travel News what the hotel brings to the tourism scene in the United Arab Emirates.
Lim Boon Kwee, chief operating officer, Dusit International
Lim Boon Kwee, chief operating officer at Thai hospitality company Dusit International, speaks to Breaking Travel News at ITB Berlin. On the agenda are the company’s expansion plans around the world, the redevelopment of Dusit Thani Bangkok, and the buoyant mood in Thai hospitality.