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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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  • News: IAG places Airbus order to modernise long-haul fleet

    International Airlines Group has confirmed it’s ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group’s long-haul fleet.

    For British Airways, there are 18 A350-1000 firm orders, plus 18 options. These are along with 18 Boeing 787 options which IAG announced previously that it plans to transform into firm orders.

    The A350 and Boeing 787 firm orders may be used to exchange 30 Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2023 while the choices may be used to switch aircraft or provide opportunities for growth.

    For Iberia, IAG has also reached agreement with Airbus in addition to Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that may result in firm orders for A350s and/or Boeing 787s.

    Firm orders will only be made when Iberia is able to grow profitably, having restructured and reduced its cost base.

    The A350 shall be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

    The order contains a comprehensive maintenance package with total care agreement.

    Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: “The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet.

    “Its size and range shall be an even fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there’s a possibility to function a brand new range of destinations profitably.

    “This shouldn’t only bring greater flexibility to our network but in addition more choice for our customers.

    “Both aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of greater than 20 per cent.

    “This order will even secure jobs in Britain and Spain.

    “The A350’s wings are made in Britain while its horizontal tail plane, horizontal tail plane boxes and lower wing covers are made in Spain. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are assembled in Britain.”

    The fleet order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.

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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 NT within Australia and at the international stage.

    Minister for Tourism and Major Events Matt Conlan said that the agreement will market the Northern Territory as a number one tourist and event destination to the area.

    “This is the most important airline marketing partnership within the Territory’s history,’’ Mr Conlan said.

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

    “The Qantas story has its roots inside the Northern Territory and it’s only fitting that this partnership will result in growth for the airline and for the NT,” Mr Conlan said.

    “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 may also help 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.

    “This agreement joins some of the world’s best airlines with among the world’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a win win for Qantas and the Territory.”

    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 big 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 pleased 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 sturdy deal with 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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  • News: DoubleTree by Hilton expands in Australia

    Hilton Worldwide has announced it might introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it re-brands four Northern Territory hotels on May 1st.

    The country’s first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin inside the Territory.

    “We are delighted in order to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and so as to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort within the region’s most vital areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice chairman, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide.

    “We was seeking to enter into the Northern Territory for a while and are committed to creating these properties the leading full-service hotels out there.”

    The Northern Territory hotels are each located at the doorstep of a few of one of the most incredible tourism experiences Australia has to present, in addition to being in prime locations for business travellers within the mining and resources sectors.

    Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations equivalent to the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge.

    With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and large natural harbour – bigger than Sydney’s.

    Alice Springs is found within the ‘red centre’ of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia’s famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from the town centre.

    “The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia – our 30th country and sixth continent – marks the start of an exceptionally exciting expansion for our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

    “We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia’s extraordinary Northern Territory and sit up for introducing Australian travellers to the very best level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton – epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for each guest at check-in.”

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