Breaking Travel News

World Travel Market 2017

World Travel Market 2017

World Travel Market is the leading global event for the travel industry, generating more than £2.8 billion of business contracts between attendees. Now in its 37th year, this show attracts a global audience that shape the travel industry. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with the key delegates as they gather in London.

Videos

Vinicius Lummertz, president, Brazilian Tourist Board

Vinicius Lummertz, president, Brazilian Tourist Board

10 November 2017

In a hard-hitting interview Vinicius Lummertz, president of the Brazilian Tourist Board, challenges the perceived image of Rio de Janeiro as unsafe for tourists and explains a new program launched by the government to improve its infrastructure. He also reveals what we can expect from Brazilian tourism in 2018.

Ihab Sorial, senior vice president international sales, Oman Air

Ihab Sorial, senior vice president international sales, Oman Air

10 November 2017

Oman Air senior vice president international sales Ihab Sorial talks to Breaking Travel News during World Travel Market in London. On the agenda is the expanding route network of the airline, how codeshare deals allow it to meet its increasingly globalised ambitions, and a look at the unique on-board service on offer.

Jean-François Laurent, general manager, Anantara Palm Dubai

Jean-François Laurent, general manager, Anantara Palm Dubai

10 November 2017

Jean-François Laurent, general manager at the Anantara Palm Dubai hotel in the United Arab Emirates, talks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market in London. He tells editor Chris O’Toole what we can expect from 2018 and how important it was for the hotel to be recognised by the World Travel Awards.

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels

10 November 2017

With the Anantara, Tivoli, and Avani brands all expanding in the coming months, Michael Marshall, chief commercial officer with operator Minor Hotels, here tells Breaking Travel News what we can expect from the group in 2018.

Rashed Al-Qurese, chief marketing officer, Qatar Tourism Authority

Rashed Al-Qurese, chief marketing officer, Qatar Tourism Authority

10 November 2017

With the destination rolling out visa free access to dozens of new countries in 2017, Qatar is seeking to boost its position in international tourism. With preparations for the FIFA 2022 World Cup also coming under the spotlight, there is plenty to talk about as Breaking Travel News catches up with Rashed Al-Qurese, chief marketing officer at the Qatar Tourism Authority, during World Travel Market in London.

Nilesh Thakkar, chief commercial officer, Satguru Travel & Tourism

Nilesh Thakkar, chief commercial officer, Satguru Travel & Tourism

10 November 2017

As the company launches a new office in London during World Travel Market, Nilesh Thakkar, chief commercial officer with Satguru Travel & Tourism, speaks to Breaking Travel News. Also on the agenda is the growing presence of the company in Africa and the importance of being recognised by the World Travel Awards.

Sasha Ella, group marketing manager, Mantis Collection

Sasha Ella, group marketing manager, Mantis Collection

10 November 2017

The Sharjah Investment & Development Authority has unveiled that Mantis Collection will be managing all hospitality facilities under the Sharjah Collection brand. Here Sasha Ella, group marketing manager for Mantis Collection, tells Breaking Travel News what this will mean for the boutique hospitality organisation.

Tolene van Der Merwe, hub head, UK & Ireland, South Africa Tourism

Tolene van Der Merwe, hub head, UK & Ireland, South Africa Tourism

10 November 2017

With a new tourism strategy being rolled out, new product coming to market, and a renewed government focus on the sector, there is plenty happening in South African tourism. Here Tolene van Der Merwe, hub head for the UK & Ireland for South Africa Tourism, tells Breaking Travel News all about it.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, head of worldwide sales and distribution, SriLankan Airlines

Dimuthu Tennakoon, head of worldwide sales and distribution, SriLankan Airlines

10 November 2017

With a range of new destinations being added to the route map and having been recognised as an industry leader by the World Travel Awards, Dimuthu Tennakoon, SriLankan Airlines head of worldwide sales and distribution, is in buoyant mood as he speaks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market in London.

John Lynch, chairman, Jamaica Tourist Board

John Lynch, chairman, Jamaica Tourist Board

10 November 2017

With the country seeing record visitor numbers, new airlift, and a host of new attractions, Jamaica Tourist Board chairman John Lynch here tells Breaking Travel News about a great year for the Caribbean tourism hotspot. He also discusses recognition as the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards and what the accolade means to him and his team.

Assumpta O’Neill, leisure sales manager, Titanic Belfast

Assumpta O’Neill, leisure sales manager, Titanic Belfast

10 November 2017

Having been recognised as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2016, Assumpta O’Neill, leisure sales manager at Titanic Belfast, tells Breaking Travel News what the accolade meant for the location.

Spencer Lee, commercial director, AirAsia

Spencer Lee, commercial director, AirAsia

10 November 2017

AirAsia commercial director Spencer Lee tells Breaking Travel News about the airline, how it is seeking to revolutionise travel in the region, and how important the UK has become as a source market. He also tells us how significant it is has been to be recognised by the World Travel Awards.

Paul Mulcahy, senior vice president, commercial, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

Paul Mulcahy, senior vice president, commercial, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

10 November 2017

With the group announcing a radical new property in The Hague as part of a renewed focus on Europe, Paul Mulcahy, senior vice president, commercial, at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, tells Breaking Travel News about the ambitions for the property. Also on the agenda is the importance of technology in the hospitality marketplace.

Tristan de la Porte, general manager, Dukes Dubai

Tristan de la Porte, general manager, Dukes Dubai

10 November 2017

With the new hotel now fully operational on the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates, Dukes Dubai general manager Tristan de la Porte here tells Breaking Travel News about how the property offers a little taste of the UK in the Middle East.

Victoria Bruce-Miller, Lake Kora

Victoria Bruce-Miller, Lake Kora

10 November 2017

With the New York State property having taken the title of North America’s Leading Exclusive Retreat at the World Travel Awards, representative Victoria Bruce-Miller here tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have won.

Denis Dernault, general manager, Radisson Blu Kigali, Rwanda

Denis Dernault, general manager, Radisson Blu Kigali, Rwanda

10 November 2017

Denis Dernault, general manager of the Radisson Blu Kigali in Rwanda, tells Breaking Travel News how important tourism is to the development of the country. He also praises his team at the hotel following their recent success at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony.

Rashmi Verma, secretary, tourism, government of India

Rashmi Verma, secretary, tourism, government of India

10 November 2017

Rashmi Verma, secretary, tourism, government of India, here tells Breaking Travel News why the country decided to focus on spiritual travel in 2017. With adventure tourism next on the agenda, she also details what makes the country suitable for travellers 365 days a year.

Colin Stewart, director, UK & Ireland, Air Europa

Colin Stewart, director, UK & Ireland, Air Europa

10 November 2017

With the Air Europa fleet expanding with the addition of new Dreamliner aircraft from Boeing, and new destinations being added in Brazil, it is an exciting time for the carrier. Here Breaking Travel News chats with UK director Colin Stewart about the impact the new planes will have on the market and his own recent appointment as the chairman of the Latin American Travel Association.

Elizabeth Hakim, senior UK markets coordinator, PromPerú

Elizabeth Hakim, senior UK markets coordinator, PromPerú

10 November 2017

Breaking Travel News talks to Elizabeth Hakim, senior UK markets coordinator, PromPerú, at World Travel Market in London. With concern growing about ‘over-tourism’ she tells why a licence system has been introduced at Machu Picchu, while also explaining that there is much more to the destination that just adventure travel.

Mohamed El Aghoury, general manager, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Mohamed El Aghoury, general manager, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

10 November 2017

Mohamed El Aghoury, general manager, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, talks to Breaking Travel News about World Travel Market in London. He tells us what is on offer at the property and what it brings to the ever-changing hospitality sector in the United Arab Emirates.

Patrick Recasens, general manager, Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna

Patrick Recasens, general manager, Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna

9 November 2017

Having taken the title of Europe’s Leading Island Resort at the World Travel Awards, Patrick Recasens, general manager at Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna in Italy, tells Breaking Travel News how important is has been for the property. He also discusses how Pullman now fits into the luxury portfolio at operator Accor following the acquisition of Fairmont Raffles Hotels.

David Cochrane, general manager, UK, Philippine Airlines

David Cochrane, general manager, UK, Philippine Airlines

9 November 2017

With the carrier going daily on its route to the London, David Cochrane, general manager for the UK at Philippine Airlines, here tells Breaking Travel News about the destination and what it brings to global hospitality.

Sherin Francis, chief executive, Seychelles Tourist Board

Sherin Francis, chief executive, Seychelles Tourist Board

9 November 2017

With new flights from British Airways and Austrian Airways boosting airlift into the destination, Seychelles Tourist Board enjoyed a strong WTM. Here chief executive Sherin Francis tells Breaking Travel News more and reveals just how important social media has become when advertising the destination.

Abdulrahman Altayeb, vice president corporate communication, Saudia

Abdulrahman Altayeb, vice president corporate communication, Saudia

9 November 2017

Abdulrahman Altayeb, vice president of corporate communication with flag-carrier Saudia, tells Breaking Travel News about the role the airline has to play in the development of Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia seeks to boost its hospitality sector, the role of the carrier is likely to prove vital.

Mohamed Anwar, head of sales, Citymax Hotels

Mohamed Anwar, head of sales, Citymax Hotels

9 November 2017

With a new property opening in Ras al Khaimah and ambitious expansion plans unveiled for Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Citymax Hotels is taking its budget brand to the world. Here Breaking Travel News chats with head of sales Mohamed Anwar to discover more.

Franck Kermarrec, chief marketing officer, Millennium Hotels

Franck Kermarrec, chief marketing officer, Millennium Hotels

9 November 2017

With Millennium Hotels rolling out the new M Social Brand with a property in Singapore, chief marketing officer Franck Kermarrec has plenty to discuss with Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market. He also tells us about the new Leng’s Collection, and the redevelopment of the fabulous Hudson Theatre in New York.

Karl Thompson, managing director, UK & Europe, Sandals

Karl Thompson, managing director, UK & Europe, Sandals

9 November 2017

Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals in the UK & Europe, speaks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market in London. On the agenda is the impending launch of the new Sandals Royal Barbados, the renovations of Beaches Turks & Caicos following the recent Hurricane season, and the impact of winning at the World Travel Awards.

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

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

8 November 2017

With Bench Events confirming it will take the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference to Ras al Khaimah next year, Haitham Mattar, chief executive with the Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, explains how important the event will be for the development of the hospitality sector in the emirate. Also on the agenda are new infrastructure developments and his plans for tourism in 2018.

Gonzalo Fernández, director marketing, Chile Tourism Board

Gonzalo Fernández, director marketing, Chile Tourism Board

8 November 2017

Having taken the title of South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, Gonzalo Fernández, director of marketing at the Chile Tourism Board, tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer in the destination. He also tells reporter Kaye Holland how the changing political situation in the UK is impacting visitor numbers and what the country has planned for 2018.

Massimiliano Zanardi, managing director, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort

Massimiliano Zanardi, managing director, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort

8 November 2017

A former host to the World Travel Awards Grand Final, Massimiliano Zanardi, managing director at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, here tells Breaking Travel News how the association with brand bolsters the reputation of the hotel. He also discusses Moroccan tourism in 2017 and reveals what we can expect from the world-beating hotel next year.

Mohamed Anil, Maldives attorney general

Mohamed Anil, Maldives attorney general

8 November 2017

Mohamed Anil, Maldives attorney general, speaks to Breaking Travel News about a series of infrastructure developments in the Indian Ocean destination that are designed to improve the opportunities on offer to young citizens. He also tells Breaking Travel News how the expansion of the newly renamed airport will allow the country to welcome more holidaymakers.

Roberto Santa Clara, executive director, Madeira Promotion Bureau

Roberto Santa Clara, executive director, Madeira Promotion Bureau

8 November 2017

Breaking Travel News talks to Roberto Santa Clara, executive director, Madeira Promotion Bureau, about what is on offer in the destination, how it feels to have been honoured by the World Travel Awards, and the significance of celebrity endorsements.

Ricardo Dinis, UK sales manager, TAP Portugal

Ricardo Dinis, UK sales manager, TAP Portugal

8 November 2017

TAP Portugal UK sales manager Ricardo Dinis here tells Breaking Travel News about the airline’s expanding Stopover Programme, new planes, and how it feels to have taken a series of top prizes at the World Travel Awards.

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

8 November 2017

With the UNWTO set to arrive in Jamaica later this month, minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett here tells Breaking Travel News how signification the event will be for Caribbean hospitality. He also tells us about the growth in visitor numbers to the island and a host of new products that are set to come on to the market in 2018.

Skuli Mogensen, chief executive, WowAir

Skuli Mogensen, chief executive, WowAir

8 November 2017

Breaking Travel News talks with Skuli Mogensen, chief executive of Icelandic carrier WowAir, as the airline reveals ambitious plans to expand with a series of new routes in the United States. Also on the agenda is the arrival of a series of new planes.

Enrique Martin, vice president, business development, Hard Rock Hotels

Enrique Martin, vice president, business development, Hard Rock Hotels

8 November 2017

Breaking Travel News hears from Enrique Martin, vice president, business development, Hard Rock Hotels, at the hospitality industry gathers in London for World Travel Market 2017. On the agenda are the hosting of the World Travel Awards, the mood in Mexican tourism, and his plans for the coming year.

Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed, principal secretary, tourism, Kenya

Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed, principal secretary, tourism, Kenya

7 November 2017

With a series of large infrastructure developments coming online, including a new trainline linking Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenyan tourism is set for a bright future. Here Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed, principal secretary for tourism in the country, speaks to Breaking Travel News about her ambitions for the sector.

Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

7 November 2017

With the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi now just days away, a fantastic events programme lined up for the coming months, and visitor figures reaching new heights, it is an exciting time for tourism in the emirate. Here Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, tells Breaking Travel News the secrets of their success at World Travel Market in London.

Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager, Hulhule Island Hotel

Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager, Hulhule Island Hotel

7 November 2017

With the property having been recognise as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Leisure Hotel by the World Travel Awards earlier this year, Utkarsh Faujdar, general manager at Hulhule Island Hotel in the Maldives, here tells Breaking Travel News what the honour means to him and his team.

Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive, Melia Hotels

Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive, Melia Hotels

7 November 2017

Following the devastating hurricanes which swept the Caribbean earlier this year, Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive with Melia Hotels, tells Breaking Travel News how the rebuilding has offered an opportunity for the company to boost its offering in Cuba. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, he also tells us how Melia has signed its 45th property as it continues to expand in the Asia Pacific region.

Omer Kaddouri, president and chief executive, Rotana Hotels

Omer Kaddouri, president and chief executive, Rotana Hotels

7 November 2017

With the brand celebrating its quarter century in 2017 and moving towards its goal of operating 100 hotels by 2020, there is much to discuss with Omer Kaddouri, chief executive of Rotana Hotels. Taking a minute at World Travel Market in London, he also tells Breaking Travel News about the expansion in Africa and the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination.

John Jefferis, managing director, Coco Reef, Trinidad & Tobago

John Jefferis, managing director, Coco Reef, Trinidad & Tobago

7 November 2017

Having been recognised with a lifetime achievement title by the World Travel Awards, Breaking Travel News here talks with John Jefferis, managing director at the famed Coco Reef in Tobago, about the honour. Also on the agenda is the appointment of a new tourism minister for the destination and what we can expect in the year ahead.

Dimitris Kosvogiannis, general manager, Melia Braco Village

Dimitris Kosvogiannis, general manager, Melia Braco Village

7 November 2017

With much of the Caribbean hit by a series of hurricanes earlier this year, Dimitris Kosvogiannis, general manager at Melia Braco Village, tells Breaking Travel News that Jamaica escaped largely unscathed. Looking to the future, he enthuses about the coming UNWTO event in the Caribbean hotspot and what it means for the development of the tourism sector.