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  • Shaza reveals expansion plans at Arabian Travel Market

    Shaza Hotels has confirmed it is going to increase its presence within the Middle East with a brand new project set to open in Doha.

    Opening in spring 2016, Shaza Doha, shall be located within the heart of the cultural district, within walking distance of major tourist attractions, including the famed Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar National Museum and Souq Waqif.

    The property may have 180 rooms and suites, three dining venues, an executive club, the signature Shaza Hammam & Spa, an innovative Kids’ Club, and the country’s first art gallery to be integrated into the lobby.

    Shaza Doha will boast one of many country’s first business clubs for leaders of society, with membership being by invitation.

    The club comprises of a cafe, where celebrity chefs shall be flown in from worldwide offering the final word dining experience.

    It will offer members quite a lot of privileges including private meeting rooms, exclusive suites, cigar lounge, library lounge and access to the hotel’s recreational facilities.

    The dining venues at Shaza Doha stands out as the most innovative concepts brought into the rustic, inspired by the cuisines of Silk Route.

    The hotel may even have two ballrooms, media centre and the Shaza signature Shalimar lounge.

    Announcing the project at Arabian Travel Market, Shaza chief executive Simon Coombs said: “We are very excited to announce the signing of Shaza Doha.

    “Doha is eager to develop and showcase the region’s arts and heritage.

    “This complements Shaza’s vision, to recognise and embrace the values and cultures of this region.”

    Shaza Doha will complement Shaza Hotels’ existing portfolio of nine hotel projects in operation or under development.

  • News: Norwegian launches cargo operation

    Low-cost carrier Norwegian has established a cargo company so as to coordinate and utilise the capacity of the airline’s route network.

    In addition, the hot company aims to draw more business partners.

    Norwegian Cargo AS is a Norwegian-owned company so as to administer a few of the international markets through a large network of General Sales Agents agreements.

    The market inside the Nordic countries may be managed directly by the corporate, which also enables the likelihood for more direct agreements.

    “With Norwegian’s continual growth and the launch of flights to america and Thailand, that is the correct time to ascertain a separate entity inside the company to preserve and develop the transportation of products and to make sure optimal utilisation of the available cargo capacity,” said Bjørn Erik Barman-Jenssen, director ground operation & in-flight services.

    Today, Norwegian only transports cargo within Scandinavia.

    The establishment of Norwegian Cargo signifies that Norwegian’s entire route network with over 120 destinations can be available for purchasers who should transport goods.

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  • Qantas and northerly Territory sign tourism deal

    The Northern Territory government and Qantas have reached a landmark $7 million cooperative agreement to advertise the territory within Australia and at the international stage.

    Minister for tourism and major events Matt Conlan said the agreement will market the Northern Territory as a number one tourist and event destination to the arena.

    “This is the largest airline marketing partnership within the Territory’s history,” Conlan said.

    “The three-year agreement will target key markets including Australia, US, Japan, Uk and America, and other international regions using a number marketing strategies.

    “The Qantas story has its roots within the Northern Territory and it is just fitting that this partnership will result in growth for the airline and for the NT,” Conlan added.

    “The agreement will attract more visitors to the Territory, create more jobs and boost the economy.

    “The Country Liberals Government vision is to draw 1.7 million visitors to the Territory annually by 2020, about 400,000 greater than we receive currently, and this partnership can assist deliver that outcome along with one of the vital world’s most precious airlines.

    “The partnership will make the NT more visible with the Qantas Group in international and domestic markets all year round.

    “The deal also allows the Northern Territory to work with other states which have partnered with Qantas to advertise Australia and inspire further regional visitation to the NT.

    Qantas Executive Manager International Sales Stephen Thompson said the agreement will deliver huge dividends for the Northern Territory, particularly for inbound tourism.

    “Tourism is a large economic driver for Australia, creating jobs and promoting investment and development and Qantas plays a big role in supporting that economic contribution,” he said.

    “We are extremely happy with this new partnership on the way to increase visitor numbers and tourism spending around the Northern Territory.”

    The partnership will include campaigns advertising special air fares and promotions around major events and activities, and there’ll be a powerful concentrate on digital platforms including online and social media.

    Today’s announcement follows similar deals between Qantas and New South Wales and Queensland, and takes the airline’s total joint investment in tourism to $49 million over three years.

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  • Marriott reports strong increase in Middle East sales

    Together with the Marriott International, 2013 first quarter results, which reported a 31 per cent increase in comparison to first quarter 2012, the corporate has announced an 11.2 per cent increase in RevPAR figures around the Middle East and Africa for first quarter when compared with an analogous period in 2012.

    Driven predominantly by a 4.1 per cent growth in first quarter occupancy for the region, the company’s quarterly results clearly demonstrate global traveller’s like to stay at Marriott International properties, comprising the various world’s strongest and most precious brands.

    Marriott International has played an important role in fuelling regional travel – the selection of visitors expected to rise from over 70 million in 2011 to 195 million by 2030.

    New figures that highlight Marriott International’s remarkable regional development with plans to double its footprint inside the Middle East and Africa by 2017, which currently has 45 announced hotels with 10,875 rooms as a result of join regional portfolio by 2018

    Commenting at the company’s positive first quarter results, Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Marriott International, Middle East & Africa, said: “These remarkable results clearly re-emphasise Marriott International’s commitment to the center East and Africa region, continuing to contribute to the continued growth of the region’s hospitality industry.

    “Our system continues to enhance, and with our discuss the company’s flagship brand, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, in addition to the extended stay sector and mobile technology, there’s a lot more to return in 2013.

    “Marriott International shall be perfectly placed to house the increasing variety of visitors to the region.”

    Marriott International’s portfolio inside the Middle East and Africa currently comprises 43 properties in 12 countries, offering 12,919 rooms across seven lodging brands.

    It is determined to expand by 45properties and 10,875 rooms by 2018.

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  • News: Top appointments at WAYN continues to grow

    WAYN has announced the recruitment of Kai Herzberger, previously chief marketing officer at DailyDeals, a member of the Google Family, to go up operations as chief operating officer.

    The company has also employed Ben Andrews, previously global product manager at Yahoo! Answers, as director of product management.

    WAYN has over 21 million members in 193 countries with over 50 global tourist boards, airlines, hotels and travel operators as partners.

    WAYN has become one of several world’s leading platforms for driving user engagement and influencing travel decisions.

    In December 2012 WAYN won the title of World’s Leading Travel Social Network’ on the World Travel Awards.

    Peter Ward, chief executive, WAYN said: “We’re delighted to have Kai and Ben on board.

    “Kai will head up operations through a period of great transformation following the hot re-launch of the positioning.

    “Kai brings to the table a wealth of expertise growing and managing fast growing internet start-ups and eCommerce businesses, including DailyDeals and BuyVIP, with an exceptional pedigree of strategic and operational excellence.

    “Ben is an exceptionally experienced product manager, having helped Yahoo! Answers grow to over 250 million unique visitors a month on web and mobile.

    “We now have a wonderful A-Player team and are committed to building a culture of excellence. This would help us to deliver upon our vision to assist people better discover where to move, what to do and who to fulfill.”

    WAYN has recently undergone a whole transformation of its platform, generating over 70,000 tips, reviews, trips and activities daily.

    The site partners with over 50 global tourist boards, airlines, hotels and travel operators as partners and has become probably the most world’s leading platforms for driving user engagement and influencing travel decisions.

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