Breaking Travel News

Arabian Travel Market 2019

Arabian Travel Market 2019

As the Middle Eastern hospitality sector gathers in Dubai for Arabian Travel Market 2019, Breaking Travel News chats with the key players from across the region. Take a look as we hear from industry leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and elsewhere.

Videos

Henk Meyknecht, chief operating officer, Middle East & Africa, Kempinski

Henk Meyknecht, chief operating officer, Middle East & Africa, Kempinski

3 May 2019

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

Thomas Willms, chief executive, Steigenberger Hotels

3 May 2019

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

Muzzammil Ahussain, executive vice president, consumer travel, Seera Group

3 May 2019

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.

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

3 May 2019

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

Tim Cordon, senior vice president, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

2 May 2019

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

Mark Gsellman, vice president, theme parks, Farah Experiences

2 May 2019

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

Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive, Azerbaijan Tourism Board

2 May 2019

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.

Anthony Ross, chief executive, JA Resorts & Hotels

Anthony Ross, chief executive, JA Resorts & Hotels

2 May 2019

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

Mark Kirby, area general manager, Emaar Hospitality Group

2 May 2019

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.

Don Strickler, general manager, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Don Strickler, general manager, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

2 May 2019

Having hosted the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, Don Strickler, general manager of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, tells Breaking Travel News how the event has put the destination on the hospitality map. Having been open for just a few months, he also tells us how the location is being received by guests.

Leander de Wit, general manager, Yas Waterworld

Leander de Wit, general manager, Yas Waterworld

2 May 2019

Recognised with the title of Middle East’s Leading Waterpark at the World Travel Awards for the second year in success, Breaking Travel News here asks Leander de Wit, general manager of Yas Waterworld, how it feels to have taken the top title.

Kevork Deldelian, chief operating officer, Millennium Hotels & Resorts

Kevork Deldelian, chief operating officer, Millennium Hotels & Resorts

2 May 2019

With more than a dozen hotels set to open in the Middle East over the coming year, Kevork Deldelian, chief operating officer of Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the region, here tells Breaking Travel News which markets excite him the most. Having seen Millennium properties recognised with a series of World Travel Awards, he also tells us how the titles will help the company welcome more guests to its hotels.

Timothy Kelly, managing director, Atlantis the Palm

Timothy Kelly, managing director, Atlantis the Palm

2 May 2019

Timothy Kelly, managing director of Atlantis the Palm and Royal Atlantis Resorts & Residences, tells Breaking Travel News how this icon of Middle Eastern hospitality strives to continually improve. Having been recognised with a total of five World Travel Awards, he also tells us how the prestigious trophies further develop the reputation of the hotel.

Anil Gyan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

Anil Gyan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

2 May 2019

With the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony set to visit the destination for the first time next month, Anil Gyan, minister of tourism for Mauritius, here tells us about his ambitions for the event. Speaking in Dubai at Arabian Travel Market, he also shares that the people of Mauritius are the secret to its tourism success.

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

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

2 May 2019

Chatting with Breaking Travel News at Arabian Travel Market, Haitham Mattar, chief executive of the Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, brings us all the latest headlines from the destination. With MICE tourism joining the adventure sector as a key target for the emirate, it appears well on course to meet its ambitious arrivals targets.

Matthew Dixon, area managing director, Corinthia Hotels

Matthew Dixon, area managing director, Corinthia Hotels

2 May 2019

With Corinthia Hotels preparing to make its debut in the Middle East early next year, Matthew Dixon, area managing director with the company, here tells Breaking Travel News all about the property planned for JBR Beachfront. He also offers a vote of confidence in the luxury hospitality market in the United Arab Emirates.

Thomas Peruzzo, general manager, Armani Hotel Dubai

Thomas Peruzzo, general manager, Armani Hotel Dubai

2 May 2019

Recently appointed general manager of the Armani Hotel Dubai, Thomas Peruzzo, speaks to Breaking Travel News during Arabian Travel Market. He tells us just what it is that makes this hotel so special and reveals all about what guests can look forward to in 2019.

Karim Bizid, general manager, the Oberoi, Dubai

Karim Bizid, general manager, the Oberoi, Dubai

2 May 2019

Breaking Travel News catches up with Karim Bizid, general manager at the Oberoi, Dubai, to discover more about this unique property. Having recently taken the title of Dubai’s Leading Luxury City Hotel at the World Travel Awards, there is much to discuss.

Datuk Musa HJ Yusof, director general, Tourism Malaysia

Datuk Musa HJ Yusof, director general, Tourism Malaysia

2 May 2019

With ambitious plans in place for 2020, Datuk Musa HJ Yusof, director general of Tourism Malaysia, here chats with Phil Blizzard from Breaking Travel News to reveal more about what guests to the destination can expect.

Slim Zaiane, general manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Slim Zaiane, general manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

2 May 2019

Chatting at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Slim Zaiane, general manager at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer at the property, assesses the mood in Emirati hospitality and reveals what we can look forward to at the hotel this year.

Ghaith al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai

Ghaith al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai

2 May 2019

Catching up with Breaking Travel News’ Phil Blizzard during Arabian Travel Market, Ghaith al Ghaith, chief executive of flydubai, tells us how the low-cost sector is developing in the Middle East and all about his plans for the year ahead.

David Wilson, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

David Wilson, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

2 May 2019

Breaking Travel News catches up with David Wilson, general manager at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, during Arabian Travel Market. He tells us why the luxury sector is flourishing in the United Arab Emirates and how recent investments have improved this one of a kind property.

Paul Gardiner, managing director, Bear Grylls Survival Academy

Paul Gardiner, managing director, Bear Grylls Survival Academy

2 May 2019

Having signed a partnership with the Rad al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to bring the Bear Grylls Survival Academy to the United Arab Emirates, Paul Gardiner here explains the significance of the decision to Breaking Travel News during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Bianca Sammut, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Bianca Sammut, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

2 May 2019

Having been recognised as the best in the business by the World Travel Awards, Bianca Sammut, general manager of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have won during Arabian Travel Market.