Travel News Europe - #83 - May 2008 - (Page 14)

n world destination UAE TNE: What are your main markets? Have you seen any new markets emerging? EA: A key target segment for us in the UAE is the corporate and MICE market, which has evolved strongly over the past few years. Primary source markets for our hotels include GCC (intra-regional travel), the UK, Germany (and Germanspeaking countries), and Russia (and Russian-speaking countries). Our clientele is a mix of corporate and leisure, and we have witnessed an increase in visitor numbers from France (and Benelux) and the USA. TNE: TNE What are you doing to promote Hilton’s brands in the UAE internationally? EA: EA An integrated campaign and a combination of sales, marketing, advertising and public relations in our key source markets; our international acGertivity is centred around the UK, Ger many, France, Spain and Russia. This exhibiincludes participation in trade exhibi tions, such as WTM and ITB, and the sumannual Hilton Nights Plus One sum intermer online promotion, media inter views and fam trips. TNE: How do you see tourism developing in the U.A.E. in the future? casEA: The high quality, and in many cas leies, unique nature of tourism and lei develsure attractions that are being devel oped, the rise of intra-regional travel, initiatives such as aggressive marketing strategies, festivals, and hosting trade fairs and major regional events, all serve as magnets, attracting both business and leisure clientele from all over the globe. Tourism is set to increase exponentially over the next few years. In order to accommodate and maintain those sheer numbers, we in the hospitality industry must take advantage of these growth opportunities. We at Hilton are committed to this region’s hospitality ambitions and our development plans are in sync with the exponential demand being generated in the region. The GCC has been earmarked as one of our top 10 markets for global development. One of the focal points of our aggressive development strategy will be the mid-range brands – DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn. Another key target segment in the UAE will be the corporate and meetings market. Our signed pipeline is evidence of our objective to bring consumer choice to the industry forefront; HHC will provide a multitude of products, each catering to a specific market segment. Our Conrad brand will champion contemporary luxury in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence will cater to the rising demand for long-stay accommodation. The extension of our Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa and the Mina Al Arab Resort projects will further our RAK ambitions. We are also looking for opportunities for the new Family of Brands. In doing so, we will strengthen the tourism market, ensuring that its future does not rely on one group of visitors. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence (371 rooms and apartments) will open in November 2008. Hilton Dubai Beach Club, will open in Q1 of 2009. The second phase of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa (160 rooms) will open in January 2009 opening January 2009, with the final phase (165 rooms) opening Q2 2009. Conrad Abu Dhabi (500 rooms) will open in Q2 2010. Conrad Dubai (500 rooms) will open in Q3 2010 and Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort Ras Al Khaimah (400 rooms) will open in December 2010. Interview Travel News europe Talks To essaM abouda, vice presideNT, operaTioNs HilToN, arabiaN peNiNsula & iNdiaN oceaN abouT TourisM developMeNTs iN THe uae TNE: How has tourism developed in the UAE in recent years? EA: Hilton Hotels Corporation was the first international hotel brand to open a property in the UAE; the Hilton Al Ain in 1971. We currently operate nine hotels in the UAE; 2 in Dubai, 3 in Abu Dhabi, 2 in Ras Al Khaimah, 1 in Fujairah and 1 in Al Ain, with more in the pipeline. According to a recent World Travel and Tourism Council report, the UAE topped the list of 11 countries in the Middle East in terms of the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product. The UAE is reported to be the 4th most visited region in the world and intends to surpass this position with a strong focus on destination development in key cities. Apart from Dubai, emerging markets of Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah will be the focus for the next stage of the country’s tourism development. Ras Al Khaimah is poised to become a leisure haven for both intra-regional and international tourists. An hour’s drive from the Mussandam fjords, its unspoiled scenery is some of the best in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah’s government wants to develop and position the emirate as a unique and authentic leisure destination. Hilton fully intends to take the lead in its destination development; last year, to add to our city hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, we opened the first phase of the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa with 151 villa suites on the beach. The second phase will open next year. Mega investment projects such as Mina Al Arab (where Hilton will open the Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort in 2010) are attracting major players. TNE: Have you seen an increase in European arrivals in the UAE? EA: The UAE’s dollar peg not only makes it a wise and good value travel destination for European travellers, who are currently enjoying longer, richer holidays, but also for visitors from the USA. We have seen a 14% increase in total revenue from Europe into the UAE (Jan – Feb 08 versus same period last year). The uae is reported to be the 4th most visited region in the world and intends to surpass this position with a strong focus on destination development in key cities. TRAVEL NEWS EUROPE May 2008 www.travelnewseurope.com http://www.travelnewseurope.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #83 - May 2008

Cover & Contents
NEWS
DES TINATIONS - UAE
BUSINESS - Luxury Travel
EXHIBITIONS

Travel News Europe - #83 - May 2008