Breaking Travel News

ITB Berlin 2019

ITB Berlin 2019

Breaking Travel News sits down with key industry players as they gather at ITB Berlin 2019 in Germany. With more than 150,000 delegates, the show is considered the preeminent event in European hospitality.

Videos

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

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

10 March 2019

Breaking Travel News speaks to Haitham Mattar, chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, during ITB Berlin in Germany. He tells about an upcoming tented village project on the Jebel Jais mountain and how important adventure tourism is to the most northerly of the United Arab Emirates.

Najib Balala, minister of tourism, Kenya

Najib Balala, minister of tourism, Kenya

10 March 2019

Najib Balala, minister of tourism for Kenya, tells Breaking Travel News how a focus on beach and safari tourism is paying dividends for the African destination. Talking to editor Chris O’Toole during ITB Berlin, he also reveals how infrastructure development is likely to prove vital for the future success of the country.

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

10 March 2019

Having welcomed record numbers of visitors to the island in 2018, Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, celebrates with Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin. He also tells editor Chris O’Toole about his ambition to return the proceeds of the hospitality sector to the people of the country.

Dimple Singh, chief operating officer, Creative Travel

Dimple Singh, chief operating officer, Creative Travel

10 March 2019

Speaking to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin in Germany, Dimple Singh, chief operating officer with Creative Travel, tells us how the company is seeking to showcase India to an international market. With savvy travellers increasingly able to book their own trips online, he is keen to reveal how the organisation can offer inimitable experiences in the country.

Juliet Williams, tourism manager, St Helena Tourist Board

Juliet Williams, tourism manager, St Helena Tourist Board

10 March 2019

With the island’s airport now fully operational, and the number of flights set to continue at its heightened level, Juliet Williams, tourism manager for the St Helena Tourist Board, tells Breaking Travel News what impact the hospitality sector is having on the remote community during ITB Berlin.

Anil Gyan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

Anil Gyan, minister of tourism, Mauritius

10 March 2019

Mauritius minister of tourism, Anil Gyan, is joined by World Travel Awards founder, Graham Cooke, to reveal the host hotel for the upcoming Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony during ITB Berlin.

Sanjiv Ramdanee, chief executive, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

Sanjiv Ramdanee, chief executive, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

10 March 2019

Sanjiv Ramdanee, chief executive of Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Mauritius, speaks to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin in Germany. As the property celebrates its tenth anniversary, he tells us how winning at the World Travel Awards has boosted its profile across the hospitality industry.

Pip Casey, regional manager, UK & Europe, Tourism New Zealand

Pip Casey, regional manager, UK & Europe, Tourism New Zealand

10 March 2019

Pip Casey, regional manager for the UK & Europe at Tourism New Zealand, speaks to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin. She tells us how the destination is trying to showcase more of its offering, how important Europe is as a source market and what we can expect in 2019.

Shabib Al’Maamari, group chief, sector development, Oman Aviation Group

Shabib Al’Maamari, group chief, sector development, Oman Aviation Group

10 March 2019

With the redevelopment of the aviation infrastructure in the country now complete, Shabib Al’Maamari, group chief of sector development at Oman Aviation Group, tells Breaking Travel News what the feedback from passengers has been like. Speaking at ITB Berlin he also tells us how important the tourism sector is for the Middle Eastern destination.

Thomas Grundner, vice president, sales and marketing, JA Resorts & Hotels

Thomas Grundner, vice president, sales and marketing, JA Resorts & Hotels

10 March 2019

As the company begins a brand refresh, Thomas Grundner, vice president of sales and marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels, tells Breaking Travel News all about it during ITB Berlin. Also on the agenda are an expansion in the Indian Ocean and the redevelopment of the original Jebel Ali property in Dubai.

Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer, Expo 2020

Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer, Expo 2020

10 March 2019

Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer for Expo 2020 in Dubai, speaks to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin. With years of preparation now just over a year away from paying off, he tells us about his aspirations for the mega project and the lasting legacy it will leave on tourism in the Middle East.

John Hanna, managing director, UK, Mantis Group

John Hanna, managing director, UK, Mantis Group

10 March 2019

Having announced an exciting new tented camp project in Ras al Khaimah, Breaking Travel News catches up with Mantis Group UK managing director, John Hanna, to find out more. He tells us how important the tourism sector is to the rapidly growing emirate and his ambitions for the new project.

Christope Schynder, general manager, Sofitel the Palm

Christope Schynder, general manager, Sofitel the Palm

10 March 2019

Christope Schynder, one of the most experienced hoteliers in the Middle East and currently general manager of Sofitel the Palm, speaks to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin. On the agenda is the upcoming Expo 2020 in Dubai and its likely impact on the tourism sector in the popular emirate.

Donald Payen, executive vice president, Air Mauritius

Donald Payen, executive vice president, Air Mauritius

10 March 2019

Breaking Travel News catches up with Donald Payen, executive vice president of Air Mauritius, to find out more about the currently ongoing fleet overhaul taking place at the airline. Speaking at ITB Berlin in Germany, he also tells us how the refreshed business class product will improve the passenger experience.

Martin Cramer, general manager, Emirates Palace

Martin Cramer, general manager, Emirates Palace

10 March 2019

Emirates Palace general manager, Martin Cramer, tells Breaking Travel News about the one-of-a-kind hotel and what it brings to the hospitality industry in Abu Dhabi. Looking ahead, he also tells us about his plans for the upcoming year.

Rogier de Jager, vice president, Europe, Oman Air

Rogier de Jager, vice president, Europe, Oman Air

10 March 2019

Rogier de Jager, European vice president for Oman Air, tells Breaking Travel News how the new terminal at Muscat International Airport has been received by passengers. Speaking at ITB Berlin, he also tells us about plans for new flights to Greek capital Athens.

Matt Berna, general manager, global sales, Peak

Matt Berna, general manager, global sales, Peak

10 March 2019

With a network of destination management companies around the world, Matt Berna, general manager of global sales for Peak, tells Breaking Travel News a little more about the company during ITB Berlin 2019.

Irina Hebner, associate director of sales, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Irina Hebner, associate director of sales, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

9 March 2019

Considered the Middle East’s Leading Resort Residences by the World Travel Awards, Breaking Travel News here speaks to Irina Hebner, associate director of sales for the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai, about what is on offer at the fabulous property.

Suphajee Suthumpun, chief executive, Dusit International

Suphajee Suthumpun, chief executive, Dusit International

8 March 2019

Breaking Travel News speaks to Suphajee Suthumpun, chief executive of Thailand-based hospitality brand Dusit International, during ITB Berlin. She tells editor Chris O’Toole about the growing importance of China to the company and how renovation work will improve flagship property, Dusit Thani Bangkok.

Vincent Smarrella, general manager, One&Only The Palm

Vincent Smarrella, general manager, One&Only The Palm

7 March 2019

Breaking Travel News chats with Vincent Smarrella, general manager, One&Only The Palm during ITB Berlin. He tells us how Expo 2020 has galvanised the tourism sector in the emirate while also discussing what is on offer at this one of a kind property.

Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive, Centara Hotels & Resorts

Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive, Centara Hotels & Resorts

7 March 2019

As Centara Hotels & Resorts continues to expand from its base in Thailand, Markland Blaiklock, deputy chief executive with the company, here tells us which markets will be key in the future. Speaking at ITB Berlin, he also reveals all about the recent opening of the first hotel on Doha, capital of Qatar.

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

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

7 March 2019

With Emerald Palace Kempinski opening on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, Henk Meyknecht, chief operating officer in the Middle East & Africa for the European hospitality leader, here tells Breaking Travel News what it offers to the market. Speaking during ITB Berlin in Germany, he also tells us more about his plans for development in Africa.

Saeed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager, Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi

Saeed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager, Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi

7 March 2019

Speaking to Breaking Travel News during ITB Berlin, Saeed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager with the Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi tells us about the source markets for the record visitor numbers the emirate saw in 2018. Also on the agenda is the growing popularity of the cruise sector and the recent visit of pope Francis to the Middle East.

Rebecca Nachanakian, general manager, Jumeirah Al Qasr

Rebecca Nachanakian, general manager, Jumeirah Al Qasr

7 March 2019

Following an extensive renovation of the property, Rebecca Nachanakian, general manager at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai, here tells Breaking Travel News what has changed at the hotel. Also up for discussion is the robust demand for tourism in the United Arab Emirates.

Amber Kumar, head of sales, leisure, CityMax Hotels

Amber Kumar, head of sales, leisure, CityMax Hotels

7 March 2019

Amber Kumar, head of leisure sales for Dubai-based CityMax Hotels, tells Breaking Travel News about a recent expansion in Egypt, the growing importance of the mid-market sector to the leading Middle East destination and plans for the upcoming Expo 2020.

Naseer Thodi, general manager, Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights

Naseer Thodi, general manager, Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights

6 March 2019

Naseer Thodi, general manager of Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights, tells Breaking Travel News about the currently ongoing renovations at the property. The largest Mercure-branded hotel in the world, he tells us what it brings to the hospitality market in the Middle East.