2 FIRST PAGE
Semiramis InterContinental Celebrates
From editor’s desk...
A
ccording to some estimates, meetings del-
egates spend on average twice as much as
tourists, usually staying in four and five-star
hotels. Yet there is no official recognised under-
standing of this impact on the tourism sector.
Santiago Guerreiro, an international econo-
mist said there was strong evidence to suggest
that the meetings industry made a significant
contribution to the economy.
According to data from Turespaña 2007, the
average tourists spent Є857, business tour-
ists Є1,081 and meeting participants a total of
Є1,529.
The corporate/association meetings share in
hotels during 2006 was, for example, 70% in
the United States; 61% in Canada; 32% Europe
and 55.9% in Spain.
Speaking at a seminar at EIBTM 2007 in Bar-
celona, Guerreiro added:”We need to convince
governments of the importance and relevance of
the meetings industry, but we will need to man-
age harmonised collection of data to be able to
make it happen.
“Our overall goal is to provide a standard
methodology for measuring the economic val-
ue of the meetings industry, adapting Tourism
Satellite Accounting’s conceptual framework to
identify and measure adequately.”
But he stressed that this can only take place
with a global industry commitment to harmo-
nising concepts and supporting efforts towards
identification of the meetings industry.
Guerreiro and the steering group which is fund-
ing the project – the UNWTO, the International
Congress and Convention Association (ICCA),
Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Reed
Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and EIBTM - met the
six countries which have agreed to take part in
a pilot scheme for the first time at EIBTM. They
are Australia, Austria, Canada, Mexico, South
Africa and Spain.
“It is clear that the meetings industry has
an economic relevance and is a key driver of
growth” added Guerreiro.
“But there is a lack of a harmonised, integrat-
ed approach to measurement which is damaging
the industry’s visibility, recognition and cred-
ibility.”
Aouelwafa Badour
Egypt’s Football Victory
I
n a truly “ winning ways spirit” the man-
agement team of the Semiramis InterCon-
tinental on the occasion of Egypt winning the
African Cup of Nations Ghana 2008, served
breakfast to all staff members coming to work
to the hotel.
Winning Ways defines InterContinental Ho-
tels Group’s culture as a world leading hotel
company. The Semiramis InterContinental
values and trusts its employees. This includes
encouraging their contribution , investing in
their development, and recognizing that they
Kuwaiti
Prime
Minister
at Inter-
Continental
Cairo
CityStars
I
nterContinental Cairo CityStars hosted Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Jabber Al-Sabah
the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait on a business lunch for 120 guests on the honor of
his Excellency at Al Hambra ballroom.
Sheikh Al-Sabah stayed at Karnak royal suite at the hotel and was impressed by the hospital-
ity of the staff and the level of service.
Thierry Perrot, Area General Manager IHG CityStars Cairo & General Manager InterCon-
tinental CityStars Cairo welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival to the hotel.
Travel World Magazine
Inaugural Cornell University School of Hotel
are the company’s best ambassadors . Their
enthusiasm, energy and expertise are essential
to the hotels success.
“ Our people are the core and heart of our ho-
tel and Our Winning Ways are behind every-
thing the hotel does” said Nermine Zakaria,
training manager of the Semiramis InterCon-
tinental.
Photo shows: Group of staff and management
team members celebrating Egypt’s victory in
the African Cup of Nations Ghana 2008 dur-
ing the celebration.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
Travel World Magazine NEWS 3
Administration Program takes off in El Gouna.
E
l Gouna, one of Egypt’s biggest tourism home-
grown success stories, recently played host to
Cornell University School of Hotel Adminis-
tration’s (CU-SHA) ‘Inaugural Senior Executives
Program, ’ the first in a series of programs aimed at
furthering the growth and development of hospitality
professionals in Egypt and the region.
As part of their ongoing efforts to enhance perfor-
mance throughout the tourism industry, particularly
within the hospitality sector, the Ministry of Tourism
and the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) recently
signed a Letter of Agreement with CU-SHA to bring its
exceptional program offerings to both the country and
the region, and it was with this first program that they
kicked off what they hope to be an invaluable opportu-
nity with Cornell. mance by maximizing the use of working capital and measure financial performance and value creation for
As part of their forward vision to develop El Gouna long-term assets in a competitive hotel market’, and hotels and how companies connect these metrics with
into a destination of excellence in education, Orascom ‘Assessing the value of outsourcing and in-sourcing the hotel’s strategic goals ands its managers’ perfor-
Hotels Development (OHD) provided the learning fa- in the hotel industry’, participants learnt how best to mance.
cility, equipment and accommodation for program
participants and Cornell faculty members at various
venues throughout El Gouna, and will continue do so
for the next three years. In addition, OHD will grant
the hopsitality industry one scholarship per year to at-
tend Cornell’s General Manager’s Program in Ithaca,
New York or Brussels, as part of the Egyptian Hoteliers
Award Program.
“The Cornell programs offered in Egypt will provide
high-level strategic seminars for the current leaders of
the Egyptian hotel industry, and critical management
skills development for the industry’s future leaders,”
said Thomas Kline, Director of Executive Education
at Cornell. “These courses will provide opportunities
for Egyptian hotel professionals to learn leading-edge
management theory, industry best practices, and stra-
tegic and tactical application of these elements.”
Cornell’s Inaugural Senior Executives Program took
place from December 9-12th as the first of two in-coun-
try programs to be held in El Gouna annually over the
next three years. The four –days intensive learning
program comprised two separate courses, which were
individually taught by internationally recognized pro-
fessors, Steven A.
The program provided participants with a plethora
of invaluable ideas and strategies, which was what
prompted Mr. Ahmed El-Nahas, Chairman of the
Egyptian Tourism Federation and a highly regarded
expert within the hospitality industry, to participate in
the program himself. “Despite my years of experience
working within the tourism sector, the importance of
continued education has proven essential, especially in
an industry that is perpetually changing and evolving
with the times,” said Mr. El-Nahas.
Forty-four individuals from a select group of local
and regional General Managers of full-service 3 to 5-
star hotels attended this exclusive program, the cur-
riculum of which came straight out of Cornell’s highly
acclaimed General Managers Program.
The first of the two courses offered in the Inaugu-
ral Senior Executives Program, ‘High-Performance
Financial Management for Hotels,” taught by Profes-
sor Steven Carvell is designed to help hotel managers
bridge the gap between business strategy and opera-
tional performance; focusing on value creation from
the perspective of the hotel operator, with the expecta-
tion that getting the most value out of the individual
business units will over time aid in the company’s goal
of value maximization.
Through the discussion of a variety of topics, such as
‘Understanding how to allocate resources within the
hotel to maximize value’, ‘Improving financial perfor-
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
 4 NEWS
The opening of Holiday Inn Cairo CityStars
T he Egyptian Minister of Tourism, H.E. Mr. Zoheir
Garana and Cairo Governor, Doctor Abdel Azim
Wazeer have opened recently Holiday Inn Cairo Cit-
yStars in the presence of the board members of Gold-
en Pyramids Plaza, the owning company of the hotel
and CityStars project; Sheikh Abdul Rahman Turky,
Sherikh Abdul Rahman Sharbatly, Eng. Hassan Shar-
batly and Mr. Yehia Kojek together with Michel Tour-
El Hayat Sharm, a new property for
Ballbaa Group to open this summer
E ng. Ahmed Balbaa, Chairman of Balbaa
Group will attend the ITB with his team to
promote the opening of his new property in Sharm
El Shiek, Nabq area next summer.
“It will be the Pearl of Sharm with its unique lo-
cations and luxury rooms.” Said Mr. Balbaa.
He added that El Hayat Sharm will added a quite
number of hotel rooms and overnights to Sharm
capacity and will help with its luxurious, services
and facilities in encouraging a lot of tourism from
all over the world to visit Sharm El Sheik.
The new resort has a big out door swimming pool
and facilities to use the beach of the sister resort,
Laguna Vista, different restaurants, air-condi-
tioned rooms, luxury suites and other facilities
which make it one of the best resorts in Sharm.
Mr. Saad Attia, the regional Director of Sales
and Marketing in Balbaa Group said that the new
property has a good image now in the Italian mar-
ket after his strong market plan that he did during
the latest BIT tourism exhibition in Milan.
“Our professional marketing team will not leave
any chance to promote this unique Resort, we did
it in Milan and will do it in Berlin during the ITB,
and will go to ATM and WTM and to all interna-
tional big tourism events to let the whole world
niaire, Area Director of Operations Egypt and General
Manager Semiramis InterContinental, Thierry Perrot,
Area General Manager IHG CityStars Cairo & Gener-
al Manager InterContinental Cairo CityStars, Volker
Windhoefel General Manager Holiday Inn Cairo Cit-
yStars and a group of journalists and key members in
the field of tourism.
The Minister of Tourism and Cairo Governor made a
Ahmed Balbaa Saad Attia
knows about El Hayat Sharm.” said Mr. Attia.
Eng. Balbaa said that Balbaa Group for Hotels &
Resorts consist of six joint stock company working 3 cruise ships on the Nile. With 4 offices across
in touristic investment & development projects, Egypt in the tourist towns of Luxor, Aswan,
owned & managing unique four hotels & Resorts Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada Elegant Voy-
(4&5 stars) in Marsa Alam in South Red Sea and age handles the entire range of travel require-
Sharm El Sheikh in Sinai with total investment ments including hotel booking, Nile cruising,
L.E 500 MM and 1200 employee.
Eng. Ahmed Balbaa is the tourism development
pioneer in Marsa Alam and the first one who build
hotels in this area for these he granted the honor-
ary president of Marsa Alam City.
Travel World Magazine
tour around the hotel, then Mr. Garana gave a speech
at the end of his tour thanking the owners of this great
project “CityStars” and all those who participated in
building this brand new modern hotel in Cairo.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sharbatly welcomed the pres-
ence, and thanked them for helping in bringing this
project to reality to serve the tourism in Egypt in order
to cope with the increasing number of tourists every
year.
Holiday Inn Cairo CityStars will offer its guests an
intimate and sophisticated venue for both business and
leisure. It has all the services and amenities guests want
and the value they expect. Holiday Inn is the perfect
choice for both business and leisure travel needs. With
nearly 1,500 Holiday Inn hotels around the world, Hol-
iday Inn remains the most popular hotel brand.
From the entry of this luxury hotel, a gleaming facade
leading to a modern, cosmopolitan lobby and lounge,
to the color theory provocation in each guest room,
Holiday Inn Cairo CityStars Hotel offers a variety of
facilities making guests stay more enjoyable, such as
comfortable guest rooms equipped with coffeemakers,
hair dryers and irons and free hi speed wireless inter-
net throughout the hotel.
Holiday Inn Cairo CityStars adds 311 rooms and
suites to the total numbers of rooms in Cairo, making
a total of 1000 rooms only in CityStars project. It is the
first Holiday Inn hotel in Cairo and is considered the
latest hotel to open for InterContinental hotels group
in the Middle East.
Elegant Voyage launches
e-commerce division
L eading Destination Management Com-
pany and Nile cruise operator in Egypt,
Elegant Voyage has announced the launch of
its new e-commerce division.
“Looking at the way online travel has evolved
we see a huge potential in the online sector.
The e-commerce division will largely focus on
promoting our online presence in addition to
focusing on ways to improve our online ser-
vices,” said Anjana Das, Manager Business
Development for Elegant Voyage. “We have
brought in Naresh Ahuja, who has a strong e-
commerce experience in foreign markets, into
our team.”
Elegant Voyage specialises in inbound tours
to Egypt in addition to owning and operating
city tours, excursions, boat trips as well as do-
mestic and international flight booking.
Elegant Voyage also specializes in handling
last-minute hotel bookings to cater to the on-
line market.
Soon to be launched is our online book-
ing website, HYPERLINK “http://www.el-
egantvoyage.com” www.elegantvoyage.com
through which it will be possible to book ho-
tels in Egypt, Nile cruises, city tours as well as
ready-made holiday packages.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
 6 HOT NEWS Travel World Magazine

SUNRISE Mamlouk Palace Resort Teaming Up Experts

now open in Hurghada. T he Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) and
Spanish Secretariat of State for Trade recently
held a meeting aimed at strengthening friendship
and cooperation ties.
José Lorenzo Garcia-Baltassar, Coordinator Gen-
eral of the Spanish Agency for International Co-
operation Office at the Spanish Embassy, met with
ETF chairman, Ahmed El-Nahas; Hisham Zaazou,
First Assistant to Minister of Tourism; Alaa Hafez,
ETF Board Member and head of the ETF Human
Resources Development and Training Commit-
tee; ETF Advisor Hussien Badran, responsible for
Human Resources Development and Training for
Study; and Ayman Altaranissi, ETF Director Gen-
eral.
Recognizing the importance tourism industry has
on further developing the economy of any country,
representatives discussed prospects of coordinating
and joining forces to enhance services in Egypt’s
tourism and the field’s social influence.

T
Training was a central topic and areas of improve-
he SUNRISE Resorts & Nile Cruises has announced lately the opening of SUNRISE Mamlouk ment were discussed.
Palace Resort - Hurghada. To date, the ETF has taken several measures in or-
The resort comprises of 530 luxurious rooms, and three large outdoor pools” one heated during win- der tackle the training issue:
ter“. Additional to our main restaurant the resort provides an Asian A la carte Restaurant, Tex Mex A A vast vocational project already under construc-
la carte Restaurant and different kinds of bars, SUNRISE Mamlouk Palace enjoys a unique location, tion in 6th of October City, 60 licensed accredited
trainers who rotate to train and upgrade existing
entirely overlooking the magnificent view of the Red Sea with a long stretched sandy beach,
employees currently working in hotels around the
SUNRISE Mamlouk Palace Resort Hurghada is the real place to relax , recharge, refresh and enjoy country; and the soon to be launched specialized
a short break , or a relaxing family vacation, and enjoy the variety of restaurants and bars while the center to train 2000 tourist bus drivers per year, in
children having fun at the wave pool, water slides and NEMO kids Club an attempt to elevate road safety for tourists.
On behalf of the International Cooperation Office,
Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Wins Garcia-Baltassar expressed that since tourism is an
area in which Spain is very advanced, they want

Best Sales Team across UKIMEA region

to assist Egypt’s Tourism industry in order to help
combat poverty and unemployment in Egypt.
A proposed idea to curb such social issues is to
set-up a training institute to combat ‘poor perfor-
mance’ and ‘mismatch’ made between the output of
tourism education and market needs – something
which could partially be linked to insufficient train-
ing institutes compared with the growing demand
for skilled labor force.

Khaled Shafik promoted

to Director of Sales
T hierry Perrot Area Gen-
eral Manager of IHG
CityStars & General Man-
ager of InterContinental
Cairo CityStars has recently
announced the promotion of
Khaled Shafik from Direc-
tor of sales government to
Director of Sales of Inter-
Continental & Holiday Inn
Cairo CityStars.
Shafik brings with him over 15 years of academic
& professional experience in the hospitality indus-

T he Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort Sharm El Sheikh was recently awarded “UKIMEA Sales and try, concentrated in the area of sales, holding many
Marketing Team of 2007” across the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa (UKIMEA) region, for the ex- positions throughout these years in many interna-
ceptional results achieved during the year. The award was received by Mr. Sameh Nadim, Director of Sales and tional hotel chains.
Marketing, and Gerald Moutte, General Manager, during the closing gala dinner of Marriott Sales & Revenue Khaled has been with InterContinental Hotels
Conference 2007. Group since 1995; he gained international experi-
“The Renaissance Sharm Team is delighted to receive the UKIMEA award and will continue providing our ence by working at InterContinental Miami, then
guests with exceptional, enjoyable and memorable experiences for their leisure and business events. The Renais- moved to Semiramis InterContinental and then
sance Sharm location on OM El Sid Hill is becoming the new hot spot for Sharm lovers who are looking for a joined InterContinental Cairo CityStars in 2004
unique vacation in a warm clean environment, a diving experience to discover the underwater world of the Red and was part of the Hotel opening team.
Sea, or having a special meeting which we provide with a Renaissance touch” said Sameh Nadim. In his new capacity, Khaled will be in charge of the
Photo: From left, Paul Malcom Regional Vice President Sales & Marketing UKIMEA; Gerald Moutte, General sales department of InterContinental and Holiday
Manager Renaissance, Sameh Nadim, Director of Sales & Marketing Renaissance; Jurgen Giesbert Regional Inn Cairo CityStars and he is looking forward to his
Vice President UKIMEA, and Paul Cerula Senior Vice President, International Lodging Sales. new position.

March 2008 ITB - Berlin

 8 RESORTS Travel World Magazine

Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort, Hilton to launch HHonors

A Rejuvenating Experience! Event Bonus programme

P art of the successful and long-running Hilton

HHonors customer loyalty programme, this
tailored offering available at all Hilton Egypt
hotels, now delivers even higher levels of reward
and recognition for those who contract events
and services through Hilton’s sales teams.

“
With Hilton HHonors Event Bonus, more
For sophisticated leisure travelers seeking a unique ex- HHonors points and airline miles can now be
perience, The Renaissance Golden View at Om El Seid earned against each eligible USD spent on an
reef offers an unrivalled access to the underwater world event than ever before. These can be accrued
in Sharm El Sheikh,” says Gerald Moutte, General Manager, against an extended range of events and charges,
Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort, Sharm El Sheikh. and redeemed for airline miles and Hilton stays
“It’s the gateway to discover Tiran Island and the world famous and services.
Ras Mohamed National Park. Through diverse memorable expe- The $1,000 minimum spent condition has also
riences, Renaissance will deliver the feeling of total revitalization been waived till March 2008 for Egypt hotels,
to Discover the Reef,” says Gerald. and redemption points can be claimed by indi-
Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort Sharm El Sheikh, an viduals or event companies through newly intro-
upscale full-service brand of Marriott International, Inc. is also duced ‘Event Credits’.
dedicated to provide its business guests with a unique experience Points can be redeemed for a free night stay
and a new level of “Savvy Service”. This was especially evident at Hilton’s luxurious properties throughout
in the recent large corporate events that were held at Renaissance Sharm by Sanofi Aventis Algeria that hosted the world. For example, Nile Hilton - 30,000
more than 200 rooms, Caterpillar Dubai Conference, and more. HHonors points, Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort -
Photo: Gerald Moutte, General Manager of Renaissance Sharm - Main Pool – Sea-view room 20,000 HHonors points, Hilton Nuweiba Resort
- 30,000 HHonors points.
Azza Serry, Senior Director of Business Devel-
Sonesta Announces New Hotel in Hurghada opment, Hilton Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon & Af-
rica, said: “The Hilton HHonors Event Bonus
has been developed with feedback received from
top event organisers, in recognition of their long
standing association with the Hilton brand. Hil-
ton stands for Hospitality, and we would like to
welcome our loyal clients and guests with in-
creased incentives and added benefits.”
Event organisers can be rewarded in one of
two ways: either one HHonors bonus point and
one airline mile per USD spent, or 1.5 HHonors
bonus points per USD spent. Booking exten-
sions and up selling past initial contract con-
firmation will qualify. Moreover, eligible event
charges have been extended to include meeting
room hire, guest room charges, catering charges
and any other charges associated with the event,

S onesta International Hotels Corporation the Bos-
ton- based operator of stylish hotels has announced
the Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort Hurghada, its 12th
property in Egypt.
As of January 1st 2008, the 360-room resort started
operating under the Sonesta flag, the result of a new
management agreement between Sonesta International
Hotels Corporation and Sheranco for Tourism Proj-
ects. The Resort (previously known as Melia Pharaoh)
is a beach front property with a magnificent view of the
Red Sea.
Resort amenities include: one outdoor swimming-
pool, a children’s pool, an indoor heated pool, on-site
diving center, fitness center, sauna, massage, shop-
ping arcade, bank, hairdresser, 2 floodlit tennis courts,
hockey, golf and soccer pitch. Dining options include
3 restaurants, an oriental café, a pool bar, beach bar,
lounge, amphitheatre and discotheque. Meeting facili-
ties also are available for groups of up to 400 guests.
Sonesta has been operating deluxe hotels in the Mid-
dle East since 1982, primarily in Egypt, and is looking
forward to managing this spectacular beach resort in
Hurghada. Sonesta continues to explore additional op-
portunities in the region.
with the exception of paid out items. Non-resi-
dential meetings also now qualify for HHonors
points and airline miles, as do wedding recep-
tions, family reunions, or conferences.
Points can also be converted into ‘Event Cred-
its’, which can be used by event companies or
individuals to be redeemed against a variety of
products and services at Hilton Hotels in Egypt,
such as corporate holiday functions, conferences
and meetings.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
Travel World Magazine NEWS 11

Flash Group continuous expansion

A fter having been awarded once more for their ef-
forts and success in the Egyptian tourism trade,
the Flash Group has put their plans of expansion on
the Nile as well as on the Red Sea into action. On the
Nile their fleet of high quality cruise vessels has been
extended.
Mrs. Britta Hoff, Vice President Flash Tour announc-
es: “We added another 5 star superior cruise called M/
S Lady Carole operating mainly for our Italian partner
Phone & Go, offering 3, 4 and 7 nights cruises.
She further explains: “A new category of Nile cruise
boat within the fleet of Flash International has been es-
tablished with the launch of M/S Lady Karine `The
Royal Club`, with only 23 well appointed suites, this
boat is following the new trend on the Nile - Less cab-
ins, therefore spacious and more luxurious, with ample
space on board for no more than 50 passengers, the
floating version of a boutique hotel. As the market is
responding very well to such a product we will add an-
other ‘floating boutique hotel’ to our fleet before the
end of this year.”
FLASH International, is accommodating on weekly
basis clients from all around the world. The Group has
always been one of the leaders in the Nile cruise busi-
ness and Mrs. Britta Hoff, states once more:” The re-
cently launched new products show that we still focus
on the Nile. We are very passionate about our boats,
due to our background and company history, as it was
here where the history of the Flash Group started near-
ly 25 years ago.”
But not only the continuous development on the Nile
supports the growth of the Flash group. Flash Tour also
has successfully increased their number of clients visit-
ing Egypt every year and has concentrated very much
on improving their market mix. “One of the important
steps in regard to the development of new markets has
been the opening of a representation office in Beijing,
China. This office is the first one of a total of three
planned offices in this region. Beside Asia, we have
managed to form new alliances in the eastern block
countries and expect a healthy growth as well from this
market. Soon we will open a further representation of-
fice abroad covering the eastern European countries
as for example Rumania, Ukraine and Bulgaria.” says
Mrs. Hoff
Asking her about any developments at the Red Sea
she confirms that:” Business here has been extremely
good during 2007, especially from the German and
English market, another very positive surprise as well the Italian based TTO Phone & Go, also part of the
is the development of the Scandinavian business that Group, Flash International is running two hotel prop-
has increased the flight capacities already substantially erties on the island of Zanzibar. Mr. Magdy Takla, Vice
for this 2007/08 winter season and is planning a further President Flash International, has recognized the great
increase of capacities towards Sharm El Sheikh and the potential of this island, being one of the favorite desti-
Nile for the season 2008/09. Offering the destination nations in the Italian market, and has further plans of
Sharm El Sheikh for the first time as of this winter, it expansion within the next coming year. However that
has proved to be a good choice and clients from various does not mean we have not thought of increasing our
Scandinavian countries are enjoying their ‘break in the bed inventory within our own beach destinations and
sun’ from dark and cold Scandinavian winters.” very soon you will hear more news from that side.”
To make the most out of this growth for all divisions Mrs. Hoff finally adds: ”Having seen a continuous
of the Flash Group, Flash International has increased growth within the corporate sector and outbound travel,
their bed capacity with additional 180 rooms in Sharm our division of corporate & leisure focusing on the local
El Sheikh, with the opening of the newly constructed market has been reinforced, and will launch its newly
‘Sea Garden Resort’, in the middle of December last created ‘service calendar’ soon. This project is strongly
year. When we ask her if beside Sharm El Sheikh the supported by the new fleet of limousines & busses that
hotel division of Flash Group has any further devel- have been acquired over the past 10 months.”
opment plans she told us that:” Flash International, So indeed the Flash Group continuous to ensure their
the hotel management part of Flash Group, went in- position in the tourism field by keep on developing new
ternational. In order to support the steady growth of plans and projects.

Mövenpick Hotels Returns to Sharm Champion of Champions

T T
he Swiss premium hotel company has just signed a manage-
ment agreement with the owning company Integrated Devel-
aba Heights Golf Resort is delighted to an-
nounce the 2008 Champion of Champions
Amateur Open.
opment and Tourism Investment (IDTI) for two upscale hotel proj-
ects in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Both holiday resorts are already The tournament on April 4-5 will be a 36 hole
under construction and are scheduled to open by 2008 and 2009. Stableford open to all amateur golfers holding
“A long history of success unites Sharm El Sheikh and Mövenpick an official club handicap.
Hotels & Resorts,” explains Josef Kufer, Senior Vice President Africa All golfers with a handicap can enter but maxi-
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted to be returning to this mum allowance for men will be 24 and ladies
key Egyptian destination in 2008 thanks to Integrated Development 28.
and Tourism Investment, and to be able once again to offer our loyal Golfers from all over Europe and Middle East
clientele a high quality of service and products.” are expected to enter the two day tournament.
The 5-star Mövenpick Resort & Spa Sharm El Sheikh will open in Excel Travel has been chosen as the preferred
summer 2008 over a total surface area of 103,000 sqm. The resort with its 327 spacious rooms and suites, including 30 luxury Tour Operator for golfers from Egypt.
apartments, is situated in a prime location in Nabq Bay, on the shores of the Red Sea. It is a mere 7 km to Sharm El Sheikh In- The Champion of Champions Itinerary:
ternational Airport, and the centre of Sharm El Sheikh is 15 km away. The culinary choice consists of a main restaurant with an Thursday April 3rd: Official Practice Day,
open show cooking island, an Italian speciality restaurant, a beach front grill and lounge restaurant, and a total of four bars. Welcome cocktail party at Hyatt Regency Taba
For night-life enthusiasts the hotel’s own discotheque is the place to be. The extensive choice of leisure activities includes Heights Presidential Suite open 7.00 pm Fri-
three swimming pools and two kids’ pools. It is rounded off by floodlit tennis courts, a multi purpose court, beach volleyball, day.
a fitness centre, water sports as well as diving and snorkelling supervised by professional instructors. April 4th: Round 1 (full handicap Stableford)
The spa and health centre with sauna and steam room offers guests a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy a wide range Round 2 (full handicap Stableford)
of massages and beauty treatments. The 278 sqm Cleopatra ballroom and the business centre are available for banquets and Gala Dinner at Hyatt Regency Bedouin Arena
conferences. 07.30 p.m.
“We very much look forward to co-operating with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and are convinced that the two new hotels For all details - information:
will complement each other ideally,” says Mohamed Abu Eleinen, Managing Director of Integrated Development and Tour- golf@exceltrvl.com
ism Investment. “There is no doubt that these exceptional projects will enable us to assume a leading position in Sharm El
Sheikh.”
Only 7 km from Sharm El Sheikh down town area, again in a prime beach-front location, is the Mövenpick Resort Um El
Sied, which is scheduled to open in spring 2009. The 268 modern rooms are 30 to 36 sqm in size. The culinary offer and the
choice of swimming pools are moulded on those of its sister hotel. This resort will also cater for Mövenpick’s youngest guests,
with a Kids’ Club, a Teenager Camp and a special children’s restaurant.
There will be plenty of opportunities for sports activities, with a scuba diving and water sports centre, floodlit tennis courts,
beach volleyball and football, and mountain biking.
Guests will be able to relax at the spa and wellness centre with its sauna, steam room and therapy rooms for massages and
beauty treatments. An open-air theatre with seating for up to 500 persons will provide the perfect setting for events of all kinds
under open skies. A multifunctional conference room, three meeting rooms and a business centre are available for business
executives.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
 12 INTERVIEW
Hilton Luxor Interview Q&A for Simon Hasdell,
VP Hilton Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan & North Africa
QWhen did Hilton Hotels first open in
View from Hilton Luxor
AHilton’s heritage in Egypt stretches back 48 AHilton Luxor Resort and Spa is 650 miles
Egypt?
years, when it became the first international hotel
brand to open a property in Egypt, which was the
QWhen is the new Hilton Luxor scheduled QCan you tell us more about the renova-
Nile Hilton in 1959.
AThe new-look Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
to open?
was launched at the WTM last November and was
announced to open this October 2008, following a
complete renovation and a facelift.
QWhat will the new Hilton Luxor add to the
ALuxor
magnificent Luxor city as well as to its guests?
contains nearly one third of the
world’s antiquities. There is hardly a place in
Luxor which has not a relic that reflects the great-
ness of ancient Egypt’s 7000-year-old civilization.
Impressed by its magnificent and huge edifices the
Arabs called it Luxor - “the city of Palaces”, and
Homer described it as “the city of one hundred
gates.” Because of the grandeur and the magnif-
icence of Luxor, we are very enthusiastic about
the renovation of the resort and, with the new spa
facilities, we will be able to maintain our commit-
ment to our guests by providing quality accommo-
dation and superior service. Hilton Luxor Resort
and Spa has a capacity of 236 world class rooms,
it is the first world-class resort in Luxor. After its
facelift and renovation, it will be the first world
resort and spa opened in the biggest museum in
the world: Luxor.
QWhere is Hilton Luxor located?
south of Cairo just a short flight away and only
15 minutes from Luxor Airport, and five minutes
drive from downtown city center.
AThe Hilton Luxor has been designed to have
tion?
a special character reflecting the city’s Phara-
onic spirit. The resort’s comprehensive renova-
tion project will transform the physical design of
the resort’s public areas and its rooms, giving it
a fresher and trendier look. Being a part of the
Hilton Worldwide Resort concept, Hilton Luxor
Resort and Spa will offer its guests a variety of
services and facilities to soothe the most discern-
ing and seasoned traveler.
The new concept resort will provide guests a wider
view of the River Nile with its open and spacious
landscape.
The Lobby area will be enlarged to feature a sepa-
rate check-in reception for groups and a lounge in
addition to a variety of food and beverage outlets,
QWith Hilton Luxor hosting the first Spa, A As the newest addition to the collection of
and an exclusive section for deluxe rooms.
AHilton Luxor Resort and Spa will introduce
can you tell us more about it?
“the world’s greatest open-air museum” – Luxor
– to the world as well as the first spa in Luxor
city.
We are proud to be the first international Hotel
Travel World Magazine
Simon Hasdell, VP Hilton Egypt, Lebanon,
Jordan & North Africa
Brand to open a spa facility in Luxor. The spec-
tacular Spa will have its own entrance separate
from the main resort, with its own spa suites and
treatment rooms.
In addition, there will be a dedicated lounge and
sun deck relaxation area, as well an infinity relax-
ation pool. With the new spa facilities, we will be
able to maintain our commitment to our guests by
providing quality accommodation and superior
service.
QWhat kind of outlets will be available at
Hilton Luxor?
AThe variety of outlets will include the Sunset
Lounge and Terrace overlooking the River Nile
serving drinks and snacks, as well as Rosetta, the
resort’s main dining venue with indoor and out-
door seating.
Will the resort maintain any of the dining experi-
ences prior to the facelift?
Yes, the resort will continue to offer an unforgetta-
ble dining experience on a “Felucca’- a traditional
sailing boat with catered meals upon request.
Q Will Hilton Luxor maintain the same stan-
dard and quality best known to Hilton Family
of Brands?
Hilton Resorts, the Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
will not only offer guests an array of upscale ame-
nities and personalized services in a magnificent
setting, but rather it will reinforce the Hilton phi-
losophy that travel should be relaxing, pampering
and invigorating guaranteeing the best in luxury,
service and quality.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
 14 NEWS Travel World Magazine

3 HILTON RESORTS RECEIVE WIDE Spirit To Serve Our Community

RECOGNITION FOR HEALTH & SAFETY

M agdy Naguib, the General Manager of the JW

Marriott Hotel Cairo, invited all the SOS Or-
phans, Hotel’s Executive Committee and the Sales
and Marketing Team over breakfast to celebrate the
inauguration of the second Orphans villa at the SOS
Children’s Village.

T hree Hilton’s coastal resorts have been recognized
for their consistent effort and dedication in mak-
ing their hotels the safest and most hygienic places to
stay for visitors from all corners of the globe.
The UK based Check Safety First Company has
recognised Hilton Nuweiba, Hilton Dahab and Hilton
Hurghada Resort by awarding each of them with a
Cristal Certificate of Recognition for the attainment
and maintenance of excellent hygiene and safety stan-
dards.
Mr. Magdy Metwally, General Manager of Hilton
Nuweiba, Mr. Hany Gamal El Din, General Manager
of Hilton Dahab and Mrs Soha El Torgoman, Gener-
al Manager of Hilton Hurghada Resort accepted the
The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser
awards on behalf of their deserving teams.
“ We are very proud of the achievement of these three
Hilton resorts accomplishment. This widespread rec-
ognition by the Check Safety First Company of Hilton
resorts only goes to show how dedicated the team of
each hotel is to the comfort of its guests. These awards
are a direct result of great effort and sincere reliable
teamwork,” said Azza Serry, Hilton’s Senior Director
of Business Development, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and
Africa.
Check Safety First is a risk management and guest
safety organization, which audits hotels on over 250
health and safety control points to ensure the general
well-being of hotel guests.
Under the slogan of “Spirit To Serve Our Com-
munity”, the JW Marriott Cairo’s team completed
a massive renovation for the Villa.
The rebuild of these villas, has taken six months
and has included structural and decoration work.
“Making these kids live in a healthy environment
is our aim behind this renovation” Said Magdy Na-
guib the general manager of the JW Marriott Hotel
Cairo.
Photo shows Magdy Naguib the General Manager,
Sally Ismail, Assistant Marketing Communications
Manager with the kids.
Wake Up! With Sheraton Hotel’s
New Signature Room Amenities
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts Introduces Exciting
New Offerings to Enhance the Guest Experience

continues Oberoi Hotels’ tradition W HITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Feb. 4, 2008--Guests of Sheraton(R) Hotels &
Resorts are waking up to new comforts as the most

T he Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of offering the highest
standards of hospitality. Luxury as a unique, memorable and personal experience is core to the Oberoi phi-
losophy and encompasses every element of the guest’s stay onboard this all-suite cruiser, offering the most spaces
recognized hotel brand in the world introduces sev-
eral new signature room amenities.
Sheraton properties throughout North America
accommodation on the Nile. are rolling out new bath amenities, through an ex-
The 25 Luxury Cabins are spread over 30 square meters and the two Luxury Suites over 50 square meters. The clusive partnership with Bliss(R), and serving up
mutedly elegant interiors of the suites are complemented by expansive views of the river framed by large windows Starbucks(R) products, both coffee and Tazo(R) teas.
in the suites and the en suite bathrooms. The guest room refresh is one component of a larger
The Luxury Suites feature the additional amenity of a separate living room, private terrace and an outdoor effort to revitalize the guest experience at Sheraton’s
Jacuzzi. The Oberoi Zahra is also the only boat with a full-service spa with four massage suites, each including 408 hotels across 75 countries, and is currently roll-
an en suite steam and shower. Additional facilities on the cruiser include a theater, Library and Cigar Lounge, ing out nationwide.
outdoor swimming pool and a well-appointed gymnasium. “Shine by bliss,” a bath amenities line created ex-
The restaurant onboard offers an extensive selection of international and Egyptian cuisine, offering a new gour- clusively for Sheraton, features fresh Mandarin and
met menu every day and an elaborate á la carte service. mint-scented shampoo, conditioner, soap and body
The Oberoi Zahra sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan allowing guests the opportunity to lei- lotion and is offered in Sheraton’s standard guest
surely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture. rooms. A refreshing shower gel and an exclusive
The cruiser also enjoys private docking facilities in most ports, allowing guests an almost private viewing of the body sponge will also be offered in upgraded rooms
magnificent sites. for Starwood Preferred Guests, in Sheraton Club
The menu onboard The Oberoi Zahra features an extensive selection of international cuisine and also includes rooms, at Sheraton Resorts and to VIP/Suite guests.
Egyptian specialties. The restaurant onboard offers a new gourmet menu every day and an elaborate á la carte Bliss thermal shaving cream from Bliss’ new ‘Hom-
service. me’ Improvement line will also be provided to Club
and VIP/Suite guests.
Sheraton guests will perk up with the familiar
Excel and the first foot race in the Western Desert roasts and favorite flavors of Starbucks(R) coffee

E
xcel Travel is organizing a foot race in the
Western Desert near the oasis of Bahariya on
April 25 - 28.
The race is aimed at young people with the ob-
jectives to increase awareness of Egypt’s magnifi-
cent, but fragile desert environments, to encour-
age students in challenging their abilities to the
full through an unconventional sportive activity
set up as a competition among friends.
The reward is a great experience for everyone
taking part in the event and a monetary award for
the winners.
Excel Travel is looking forward to hold this activ-
ity twice per year in one of Egypt’s remarkable
deserts.
The next foot race is planned for October 3 - 6,
again in the Western Desert, while 2009 will fea-
ture the Sinai desert.
and Tazo(R) teas, to be offered in one cup brewers
that enable users to prepare a single serving tailored
to their current craving.
“We know that amenities such as quality bath
products and premium brands of coffee and tea are
important to our guests, the road warriors,” said
Hoyt Harper, II, Senior Vice President for Sheraton.
“These are small, but vital, daily perks and Sheraton
is excited to take these comforts to a new level with
Shine by Bliss, and Starbucks.”
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
12 Travel World Magazine NEWS 17

Sol Meliá is constantly developing new products

and services to anticipate the needs of its guests

Mohamed Ali Fawzi Arafa

S ol Meliá is the largest Spanish hotel and resort

management chain founded in 1956 at island of
Mallorca in Spain. Now it is the leading Spanish hotel
chain in both city and resort markets, the third larg-
est hotel chain in Europe, and the twelfth largest hotel
chain in the world.
Sol Meliá is also the world leader in resort hotels and
number one in the ranking in Latin America and the
Caribbean.
The company provides almost 350 hotels with 85,000
rooms in 32 countries on 4 continents.
The company operates hotels under the Meliá Ho-
tels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, TRYP Hotels, Sol Ho-
tels, Paradisus Resorts and Sol Meliá Vacation Club
brands, each of which has been designed to satisfy the
needs of the most discerning customers seeking both
an excellent location, superior quality and personalized
service.
The different Sol Meliá hotel brands offer a great
choice of products for visitors both for business and for
leisure travel commented Mr. Mohamed Ali Boukot-
taya the director of Operation for Solmelia Hotels &
Resorts Egypt & Tunisia.
With more than 50 years of experience in hotel’s in-
dustry and unique hospitality Africa was the latest ex-
plosion for Sol Meliá to successfully manage magnifi-
cent hotels at Egypt’s most dreamy beaches and exotic
nature.
Meliá Sinai, Sol Sharm, Sol Cyrene and Sol Verginia
are sol Meliá Hotel’s in Egypt presents a complete en-
tertainment programs for families, couples and singles
Fakher Khalifa Tamer Mohamed
designed for the active and energetic peoples as well
as for those seeking rest and relaxation. Said Fakher The Meliá Sharm will be the perfect place where to
Khalifa the General Manager of Melia Sinai /Sol Sharm combine the leisure with business.
/Sol Cyrene and Tamer Mohamed the Hotel Manager Also, to enhance the Sol Meliá development projects,
for Sol Verginia a Sol Brand Hotel will open soon in 2008 in Hurghada
“Sol Meliá is constantly developing new products and at the Soma Bay area the ultimate holiday resort des-
services to anticipate the needs of its guests” said Faw- tination on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera and the ideal spot
zi Arafa the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing. for superior scuba diving and snorkeling with some of
Within 2008 Sol Meliá will announce the newest jew- the best dive sites in the Red Sea.
elry in it’s African crown , the Meliá Sharm hotel which Mohamed Ali Boukottaya finally commented that Sol
excessively provide all the excitement vacation’s leisure Meliá Hotels & Resorts is doing its utmost in terms of
along with a successful business opportunities, with its development, quality and guest satisfaction in order to
huge conference and convention center. help the growth in the incoming tourism to Egypt.

Golden Jubilee and warm welcome at Sheraton Cairo

B ased on Starwood’s continuous efforts to present unique services for its

loyal customers, Sheraton Warm Welcome initiative was designed. The
program mainly aims at creating an arrival experience that make guests
feel connected to the brand, to our associates, and to all what is important to
them.
All guests upon their arrival are warmly welcomed by the “Lobby Ambassa-
dor”, who is selected from top executives and department heads. Leadership’s
presence in the Lobby at peak arrival and departure times provide a more
personal warm welcome to guests and support for associates. Sheraton Warm
Welcome seeks to transition our guests from the rigors of travel to the warmth
of Sheraton.
Seen in the picture Sameh Abdel Wahab, Hotel Manager & Director of
Operation, Mahmoud El Sheihk, Deputy Director of Finance, Mrs. Nesreen
Shawky, Director of Sales & Ms. Renee Refaat, Towers Manager who have
been chosen as Sheraton Cairo Lobby Ambassadors
S heraton Cairo Hotel, had the greatest pleasure and honor to welcome, Lady
Delice Claire and her husband Prince George Arthur Joseph and McQuaker
Penelope Anne Galt at Sheraton Cairo Hotel, on the occasion of celebrating her
50th visit to Egypt.
Since the inauguration of Sheraton Cairo Hotel, it has been their choice for ac-
commodation every time they come to Egypt
Sheraton Cairo Hotel is celebrating their Golden Jubilee which is a perfect
example for Customers Brand Loyalty. Their Choice came due to the outstand-
ing location of Sheraton Cairo, exclusive services and warm, connecting and
comfort experience Sheraton Cairo offers.
Seen in the picture, Said Andraus, Director of Residential & VIP Services, Re-
nee Refaat, Towers Manager & Rania Mahdy, Towers’ Guest Relations, wel-
coming the guests and wishing them a pleasant enjoyable accommodation.

March 2008 ITB - Berlin

18 NEWS
Sama announces Alexandria as it’s
eighth international destination
Fares starts from SR 375 from Jeddah and 400 from Riyadh
Another key milestone towards Sama reaching it’s one million passenger
S ama, the newest Low-Fares airline in Saudi Arabia,
is pleased to announce Alexandria in Egypt as it’s
eighth new international charter destination. The first
flight was in Monday 25th of February from Jeddah,
and had been followed on 26th February by the first
flight from Riyadh.
This announcement came during the Gulf Investment
and Tourism Forum, which had been holding in Jeddah
under the sponsorship of HRH Khaled Al-Faisal.
Mr. Andrew Cowen, CEO of Sama, said: “the addi-
tion of Alexandria as Sama’s eighth international des-
tination, and our twentieth destination overall, is part
of our strategy to meet the requests of our honoured
guests, for low fares and improved frequencies between
Saudi Arabia and Egypt. I am glad to also announce
that Sama is approaching the achievement of one mil-
lion passenger bookings within the next few weeks.
The millionth passenger to book with us will receive
free travel on Sama to anywhere on the Sama network
for him and his immediate family for a year. This is a
fantastic prize, so please book now to maximise your
L
chances of being the winner”
An Award for Egypt Air manager in Jeddah
A
Cooperation Agreement had been signed
between the UNWTO represented by Dr.
Taleb Al-Refaee, the DSG of UNWTO, and
the Arab Tourism Organization represented
by its head, Mr. Bandar Al-Fuhaid.
HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul
Aziz, the Secretary General of the Supreme
Commission for Tourism in Saudi Arabia
commended the focus of the Arab League to
enhance tourism as a promising economical
sector which is manifested in its support of
this occasion, which in its turn sheds the light
on the important role that the private sector
has in tourism development.
Mr. Bander Al Fehaid awarded Mr. Mam-
douh Khalaf, Regional Manager - Egypt Air
during the Welcome party which was held at
Coral Village for his efforts in the tourism in-
dustry in the Kingdom.
The number of travellers from the Kingdom to Egypt
in the year 2006 was more than 2 million travellers.
This is ranked Egypt as a first preferred destination
for Saudi Travellers. Alexandria is the pearl of the
Mediterranean, and the gateway to the northern coast
of Egypt.
Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Commercial of Operational,
said: ‘’We are pleased to be starting services to Egypt,
being one of the most important travel and tourism
destinations in the Middle East.
We chose Alexandria as the first destination in Egypt,
because of its important location, and because it is
considered to be the gateway to the northern coast of
Egypt. We are hoping to support increased tourism be-
tween Arab countries.
In addition, with the large number of Egyptians work-
ing in Saudi Arabia, and many Saudi students studying
in Egypt, they now have much increased opportunity to
travel at significantly lower fares than currently avail-
able. We also expect those travelling on business, visit-
ing families and friends, or for Umrah, to be delighted
with the increased opportunities to travel that Sama is
now offering.
Fares start from SR 375 from Jeddah, and from SR
400 from Riyadh. Departure day will be every Satur-
day and Tuesday from Riyadh, and every Sunday and
Thursday from Jeddah. The return flights to Riyadh
will be on Mon and Thursday, and Saturday and Tues-
day to Jeddah”
Sama’s international destinations increase to eight
(Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia,
Aleppo, Beirut, and Alexandria) departing from the
international airports at Dammam, Riyadh, and Jed-
dah. Sama offers various way for booking, such as the
website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588,
or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dam-
mam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or
our authorised Travel Agents (inside Saudi Arabia and
outside). With various options for paying (Cash, Credit
Card, Sadad).
Travel World Magazine
Int’l news
ITTFA Welcomes THETRADE-
SHOW, First in New Guest
Membership Scheme
I TTFA, the International Tourism Trade Fairs
Association, welcomes THETRADESHOW
(Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) as its first
Guest Member. Sixteen of the travel industry’s
leading organizations have partnered to form
THETRADESHOW, bringing travel sellers, tour
operators, wholesalers and media together in one
convenient and affordable location. THETRADE-
SHOW 2008 will take place this September 7-9 in
Orlando, Florida.
Last year’s THETRADESHOW attracted 5000+
attendees (including buyers and suppliers) from
over 70 countries. With more than 400 companies
exhibiting and over 500 booths in the exhibit hall,
last year’s show was the largest North American
show in the industry. Global and inclusive, THET-
RADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppli-
ers, media and buyers from all over the world.
ITTFA is dedicated to underlining the continued
development of the travel trade show industry,
across Europe and worldwide. The new Guest
Membership scheme allows travel trade shows to
try out the Association for a period of three months
and experience many of the benefits of this profes-
sional body. Guest Members will have use of the
ITTFA stands at current member shows as well
as featuring on the website and access to current
members and media partners.
Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts
Re-Launches LeMeridien.com
A Re-Designed Website Is the
First in the Hotel Industry to
Introduce Image Based Naviga-
tion Guests Control Their Hotel
Experience Through Their Own
Interactive Platform
e Meridien announced the launch of the re-
designed LeMeridien.com, a website created
for guests interested in traveling to discover a new
perspective in arts, music, fashion, design and cui-
sine.
The re-designed website offers a unique image-
based navigation system, allowing guests to cre-
ate a personalized interactive experience in those
fields.
Since being purchased by Starwood Hotels & Re-
sorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) two years ago,
Le Meridien has been committed to transforming
the functional and transactional-driven hotel expe-
rience into a lifestyle one connecting with its guests
emotionally. Designed as a global community for
those that appreciate creativity, LeMeridien.com
offers a discovery experience that starts with the
guests.
Based on Le Meridien’s core values of Chic, Cul-
tured, Discovery, the creative concept for the re-
designed website is ‘Discovery Starts with You’.
The aim of the website is to let its guests take an
interactive journey into the world of Le Meridien
by placing them in control of their own experi-
ence.
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
20 INTERNATIONAL Travel World Magazine Travel World Magazine INTERNATIONAL 21

Modern African Design for the Mövenpick

TOM NUTLEY APPOINTED
Royal Palm Hotel in Dar es Salaam PRESIDENT OF REED
TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS

T om Nutley is retir-
ing in March after
more than 25 years
as chairman of Reed
Travel Exhibitions
(RTE). He has been
appointed to the new
part-time consultancy
position of non-execu-
tive president of RTE,
Mohsen Shousha Suite Lounge starting in April.

T he Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar es Salaam in
Tanzania has recently completed an extensive USD
4 million refurbishment. From the impeccable service,
the exquisite cuisine to the stylishly redesigned rooms
and suites, public areas, conference centre and restau-
rants, no effort has been spared to enhance the com-
fort, convenience and enjoyment of the guests.
“This leading 5-star hotel for corporate and leisure
travellers epitomises the finest standards of hospital-
ity, and remains the hotel of choice for top government
officials and presidential delegations.” said Mohsen
Shoush, the hotel Director of Sales and Marketing.
Located in the centre of Dar es Salaam in midst of
lush tropical gardens, the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel
offers marvellous views of the turquoise waters of the
Indian Ocean and the greenery of the adjacent sporting
club and golf course.
The warmth of the welcome begins from the moment
one first steps into the extensively renovated lobby
area, which is infused with African designs, textures
and carvings.
All 230 rooms have been completely upgraded and
feature new furnishings and harmonious lighting. 193
spacious Club Rooms, with additional room and bath
amenities, are also illuminated with a modern look to
enhance the convenience of the guests.
A bedroom, a living room, an office, a private dining
room with a fully-equipped kitchen and a guest bath-
TRAVEL AGENTS WORLDWIDE CONTINUE TO RECOGNISE
TRAVELPORT GDS AS THEIR “GDS OF CHOICE”
Latest Awards in UK and Ireland Add To Recent Accolades
from Agents in Asia, North America and Australia
room are part of the elegant Presidential Suite.
The Presidential Suite, as well as three Diplomatic
Suites with marble flooring in the entrance area, in-
spire guests with their turquoise and light and dark
beige colour accents.
The Executive level on the 7th floor offers 24 spacious
Executive rooms and Junior Suites with a stunning look
and an African colour scheme. The Executive Lounge,
which is for the exclusive use of 7th floor guests, has
been doubled in size, and now offers a private buffet
breakfast area, a new bar facility, a private meeting
room and two additional lounges, one for smokers and
one for non-smokers, each equipped with a flat-screen
television, as well as butler service.
Fine dining and an extensive wine list are now pro-
vided in the new L’Oliveto à la carte restaurant. The
Italian chef spoils his guests with specialities from the
heart of Italy, as well as the seafood dishes.
Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel has many years of ex-
perience in catering for conferences and banquets, and
now offers a full range of newly decorated and refur-
bished state-of-the-art facilities for up to 440 partici-
pants in theatre style. A large outdoor marquee in the
garden for up to 600 guests is the ideal venue for special
functions and entertainment.
The wide range of facilities is rounded off by a large
swimming pool with pool bar, a modern fitness centre
with sauna, a shopping arcade and a coffee shop.
His role will be taken
over by Richard Mortimore, RTE’s managing
director.
Alastair Gornall, CEO of Reed Exhibitions
UK said: “Tom has made a huge contribution to
Reed Exhibitions and has been responsible for
developing 14 new exhibitions as well as helping
to establish the spectacular and continued suc-
cess of World Travel Market, the flagship event
of the travel division.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Tom for all his efforts over the past quarter of a
century and wish him a well earned retirement.
“The RTE portfolio is well positioned to meet
the challenges for 2008 and Richard Mortimore
and his team will manage and drive the strategic
direction of the division.
“I am also delighted that Tom has accepted a
part time consultancy role as president of RTE
and will continue to assist us in developing and
growing the travel business”
Tom Nutley said “I have tremendously enjoyed
the last 25 years with Reed and am extremely
proud of the way Reed Travel Exhibitions has
developed and the team with whom I have had
the privilege to work.
“I am delighted Reed has offered me the op-
portunity to continue to be involved in the future
development of RTE”.
RTE is the world’s largest global organiser of
travel trade events, including Arabian Travel
Market in Dubai for the Middle East and Pan
Arab region and EIBTM in Barcelona, the an-

T ravel agents across the globe continue to nominate Travelport as their preferred global distribution system nual global meetings and incentives exhibition.
(GDS) partner, following the first travel industry awards of 2008 recently announced in the UK and Ireland. Nutley founded RTE and became its first ever
Acknowledging Travelport GDS’s unique global presence and technology leadership, travel agents throughout chairman in February, 2003. He pioneered RTE’s
North America, Australia, Asia and now Europe have all honoured Travelport’s GDS brands Galileo and World- Meridian Club, a major new concept in custom-
span with almost 20 “best-in-class” awards over the past twelve months. er relationship marketing, allowing senior exec-
The latest European awards for Travelport GDS, voted for by travel agents and announced at ceremonies in utives to negotiate major buying contracts in a
January are: concentrated business-to-business environment.
“Best Technology Provider” – Galileo – Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards 2008 (15 January 2008)
He has been actively involved with lead-
“Best Global Distribution System” – Worldspan – Irish Travel Trade News (ITTN) Awards 2008 (23 January
2008)
ing travel and tourism industry organisations
These latest awards for Travelport add to the international accolades recently received from travel agents all worldwide, including the World Travel & Tour-
over the world including: “Favourite GDS” – Galileo – Canadian Agents’ Choice Awards 2007 and “Best GDS” ism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Orga-
– Galileo – Travel Weekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2007 and “Best Agency Support Service” – Galileo – Australian nization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel As-
Federation of Travel Agents’ Industry Awards 2007. sociation (PATA) and the Institute of Travel &
Gordon Wilson, president and chief executive officer for Travelport GDS, commented, “Travel agents world- Tourism (ITT).
wide are recognising that Travelport GDS is uniquely positioned to help them drive business by delivering in- Nutley will continue as treasurer and trustee of
formed travel choice. Through the combined strengths of Worldspan and Galileo, we can deliver the most robust Just a Drop, the international water-aid char-
technology, greater depth and breadth of content and innovative tools to drive efficiency and growth. ity, founded by World Travel Market on behalf
We are setting the pace with new faring and shopping options, unmatchable low cost carrier content and huge
of the international travel and tourism industry
depth in hotel and ground choice – its true value add for our travel agency customers and it’s fantastic to see them
recognising it with these latest awards!”
nearly ten years ago
March 2008 ITB - Berlin
22 LAST PAGE Travel World Magazine

Gulf region ranks fourth in German tourism

From the publisher ...
A Successful German Road Show in the region
T his to say THANK
you for Mr. Tom
Nutley who we knows
for a long time.
Mr. Nutley is retiring
in March after more
than 25 years as chair-
man of Reed Travel
Exhibitions. He has been appointed to
the new part-time consultancy posi-
tion of non-executive president of RTE,
starting in April.
His role will be taken over by Richard
Mortimore, RTE’s managing director.
Alastair Gornall, CEO of Reed Exhibi-
tions UK said: “Tom has made a huge
contribution to Reed Exhibitions and has
been responsible for developing 14 new
exhibitions as well as helping to establish
the spectacular and continued success of
World Travel Market, the flagship event
of the travel division.
“I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Tom for all his efforts over the
past quarter of a century and wish him a
well earned retirement.
Tom Nutley said “I have tremendously
enjoyed the last 25 years with Reed and
am extremely proud of the way Reed
Travel Exhibitions has developed and
the team with whom I have had the priv-
ilege to work.
“I am delighted Reed has offered me the
opportunity to continue to be involved in
the future development of RTE”.
Nutley founded RTE and became its
first ever chairman in February, 2003.
He pioneered RTE’s Meridian Club, a
major new concept in customer relation-
ship marketing, allowing senior execu-
tives to negotiate major buying contracts
in a concentrated business-to-business

environment.
He has been actively involved with lead-
ing travel and tourism industry organi-
sations worldwide, including the World
Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC),
the World Tourism Organization (UN-
WTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Associa-
tion (PATA) and the Institute of Travel
& Tourism (ITT).
Nutley will continue as treasurer and
trustee of Just a Drop, the international
water-aid charity, founded by World
Travel Market on behalf of the interna-
tional travel and tourism industry near-
ly ten years ago
EmanShaaban
J
eddah,18 February 2008: Tourism is one of the strongest increasing sectors in Germany contributing
more than 6 per cent to the GDP, according to Horst Lommatzsch, director of German National Tourist
Board’s (GNTB) destination management, Asia.
Mr. Lommatzsch said during a one-day workshop for Saudi travel industry that till November last year
Germany registered more than 750,000 overnights from the Gulf region alone, most of them between 35
per cent to 40 per cent being from Saudi Arabia, which is a 9.5 per cent increase compared to 2006.
“The number is increasing rapidly, and the target is to have a million visitors in the next five to eight
years. Besides the Asian market, Gulf is the strongest overseas market we have. Gulf countries now rank
fourth after the United States, Japan and China” he added.
Abdulaziz A. Shaheen, senior manager-tours programmes, Saudia, organiser of the workshop said that
25 people are taking part from the airport authority, medical clinics, top sales agents, shopping companies,
Alpine and tourist sightseeing.
“They are mainly from Munich and surrounding areas and also from Vienna to promote tourism from
and to these two destinations.” he said.

T R AV E L W O R L D M A G A Z I N E
The Egyptian Travel Magazine since 1990
Publisher: Eman Shaaban Chief Editor: Abouelwafa Badour
Head office: Travel World Publications - Patric’s Team P.O. Box 1462 CH-1820 Montreux 1 switzerland Tel. +41 21 963 27 47 Fax: +41 21 963 27 48 a.badour@yahoo.com
Cairo office: 7 Abdalla Taher st. Nasr City, Cairo - Egypt Tel. & Fax: +202 274 35 13 & +202 6715 794
Saudi Arabia: P.O. Box 118799 Jeddah 21312 Saudi Arabia
Fekkra Print House
Tel. +966 55 686 1916
E.mail: travelworld@bluewin.ch

March 2008 ITB - Berlin