Networking to tap new markets

The travel and tourism trade professionals share their thoughts on seeking new potential markets in the biggest networking event of the trade where all continents meet under one roof, the Arabian Travel Market 2016.

We are seeking opportunities to expand our footprint into another 14 countries by the end of this financial year. When it comes to the UAE, apart from our focus on technology enhancement and market penetration, one of our key focus is consolidation of leisure and inbound tourism into the UAE. We hope to enhance our brand positioning, reconnect with our suppliers, travel partners and clients, showcasing our new product offerings and learn from the market segment, upcoming new technologies. Albert Fernando Chief Operating Officer, Top Travel Trip

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Jumeirah Beach Residence will target family travellers, especially from the GCC region, during the annual Arabian Travel Market. Highlighting its newly-launched room categories – the Family One-Bedroom Suite and Three Bedroom Suite, the property aims to tap the growing family travel segment and reinforce its position as the preferred hotel accommodation in JBR. ATM goes from strength to strength every year and we are going to meet travel agencies, DMCs and tour operators for the leisure business/ inbound to Abu Dhabi and discuss the rates that would offer to book them and to meet new TPIs to broaden our online GDS’ channels. We will meet new wholesale and tour operators for new business opportunities. Samir Arora Cluster GM, Ramada Downtown and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

We will be visiting our local travel trade partners, overseas trade partners, MICE operators, online distributions to enhance our business relationship and to gain industry insight. It is a much looked forward to event which enhances our business opportunities and provide us new market potential as well. Thameem Razick Hotel Manager, Rose Garden Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha

In our region, ATM is the key event for Middle East’s travel industry and as such it’s a fundamental platform for Travelport to engage with our stakeholders and share important updates on our business and how we are redefining travel commerce. Our industry is growing: Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020 plans to attract 20 million visitors per year by 2020, and international tourism arrivals or overnight visitors hit a record of just over 1.1 billion worldwide in 2011 with demand continuing to be strong. ATM provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate how we are truly at the heart of this industry, how we have evolved past our competitors and the traditional GDS model and how every moment travel is searched, bought or sold, we are there. Matt Powell Acting Regional Director, Travelport — Middle East and South Asia

We will reveal our latest loyalty rewards program that will be launched officially at ATM 2016.The TIME Rewards Extra loyalty program will incorporate a conclusive solution for all guests and TIME Hotels users. The Arabian Travel Market has played a major role for TIME Hotels in the previous years to drive great exposure and presence among the GCC and European markets which was translated into long term relations across the chain portfolio. This year we look forward to having a better feedback and response as we are competing in a value demand market that have we mastered in for the past years, while offering exquisite services and facilities within prime locations. Mohamed Awadalla CEO, TIME Hotels

Ajman continues to add new attractions like the Al Zorah Golf Club, and we are maximising these developments to expand our reach by targeting golf enthusiasts and corporate travellers from different regions. 2015 has been a successful year for us and we seek to maintain, if not surpass our achievements by proactively looking for new partnerships. Iftikhar Hamdani Cluster Manager, Ramada Hotel and Suites, Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel, Ajman

Currently Oman and GCC are the main feeder markets with Germany and France also contributing to our growth. We will be showcasing all the different properties, as ATM is the best platform for us. Whilst we expect stronger presence from the GCC and ME markets we hope to tap into new markets in the Far East such as India and China as well. Ashraf Eid Group Director of Sales & Marketing Ayla Hotels

As Danat Hotels & Resorts, we are going to promote our group summer promotion for UAE/GCC resident only which is expected to be very strong. This year we are expecting domestic tourism to be very active. The campaign will start on May 1st till end of August 2016. This year the Holy month of Ramadan would fall on June 6 or 7, 2016, our Danat Hotels & Resorts will take advantage and prepare special Ramadan packages for rooms including Iftar or Sohour and special rates for Ramadan nights events. Moreover, we will inform our hosted buyers about the new development/product that is coming up to Abu Dhabi market. Manoj Kanwal Operations Director, Danat Hotels

Golden Tulip Al Barsha is participating under Louvre Hotels Group expressing the company’s modern image where we show our upcoming hotels in the Middle East Region in addition to our existing hotels, company plans. Golden Tulip Louvre Hotel participates as sponsor for the event. ATM 2015 was definitely successful and we met new business partners from around the world and we have successful business stories for the past season. We are here expecting more in 2016. Therefore, we are very interested to participate in this year event with stronger existence and showing our capability to continue the story of the success we are having in the region since we start. Tarek Lotfy General Manager, Golden Tulip Al Barsha