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Aviation Ministers will be attending Global Investment in Aviation Summit GIAS2019

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The first edition of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS 2019) will kick off in Dubai with the participation of the largest ever gathering of aviation ministers and heads of civil aviation authorities from around the world.

Taking place on January 28 & 29, 2019, GIAS 2019 will see the attendance of HE Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Board Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Sheikh Salman Al Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication, Abdul Hakim bin Mohammed Suleiman Al Tamimi, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Hadi Sirica, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Volodymyr Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure in Ukraine, Monica Azuba Ntege, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Captain Sameh El Hefny, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Ricardo Fenelon Junior, Director General of Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency.and other decision makers will also attend the two-day aviation event.


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His highness Engineer Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansori the minister of Economy and head of Board of Directors of UAE- GCAA stated “The summit coincides with the remarkable achievement of increasing the number of passengers through Dubai international airport to reach over one billion, as it was stated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the state, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai who expressed his delight over holding the event in Dubai to exchange experiences and information between international experts in aviation sector, as well as holding partnerships that would support investment in aviation. The Global Investment Aviation Summit in Dubai highlights UAE’s leading regional role in aviation sector which is a key pillar in enriching the national economy”.

The Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GCAA confirmed that UAE concerns much with aviation field in terms of using the latest developments in modern technologies and specialized studies and the holding of many specialized events and active participation in local and international conferences, hoping to conclude agreements and deals that would increase the investment opportunities in aviation, stressing that the summit contributes to the promotion of the state’s efforts to attract investments in the aviation sector, to lineup with the state’s strategic position.

HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, said: “The participation of aviation ministers and heads of air transport agencies and airline companies, as well as industry leaders and businessmen from all around the world, is a testament of the importance of GIAS. It also emphasizes the prestigious stature occupied by the UAE in the aviation industry, which is a key driver of economic growth in the country.”

He added: “The UAE’s aviation and air transport sector has made unique jumps during the past few years, where the state managed to reach milestones on a par with the leading countries in this sector, whether in terms of the number of flights taking off or landing every day at Emirati airports or the number of passengers.”

Highlighting the importance of the aviation sector, Al Suwaidi said: “The aviation sector has contributed significantly to cementing the UAE’s position as one of the leading countries that provide the highest quality air transport services, by harnessing the latest technologies and smart services in the aviation industry.”

The engagement of aviation ministers along with key industry leaders confirms the importance of GIAS, given the prestigious status occupied by the UAE in the airline industry regionally and globally.

The UAE is also ranked among top countries in the ease of doing business, in addition to its accumulated expertise in increasing the capacity of its international airports that achieved phenomenal growth rates in passenger traffic. All this has coupled with a massive expansion in its infrastructure and the fleets of its national carriers, use of the latest technological equipment and provision of quality of services, among others. 

The UAE is one of the leading countries in the world’s aviation and air transport sector, where aviation is one of the most prominent sectors that contribute to creating a sustainable economy, which ultimately leads to the country’s overall future sustainable development. The country seeks to become first globally in the airline service quality index after it achieved a unique shift in the size of its air transport infrastructure projects over the past few years.

The UAE focuses on the aviation sector, which contributes 15 per cent to the country’s GDP, and is expected to reach 20 per cent over the next few years. The national carriers are continuing their expansion in various foreign markets, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s position in the global air travel industry. Dubai has increased the capacity of its airports, in terms of the number of passengers and flights taking off and landing, in addition to its ongoing expansion plans to reach new destinations across the world.

GIAS 2019 will offer an ideal platform for ministers of aviation, airline companies and professionals in the air transport sector to keep them up-to-date with the latest developments on the airline industry, and allow them to gain insights into investment opportunities available in local, regional and global aviation markets

The event will focus on guiding investments towards six sectors, including aircraft maintenance, manufacturing and supply, aircraft engineering and technology, defense aviation, duty free markets and airline catering industry.

GCAA is the federal authority that manages and regulates the UAE’s airspace and the aviation sector in order to serve the public in a dynamic and thriving aviation environment.

eTurboNews is a proud media partner of this important event.

Source: http://www.gias.ae/  

 

Chinese Celebrity Xu Haiqiao brought diversity of Seychelles to Chinese audiences via social media

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) office in China collaborated with famous reality show actor, Mr. Xu Haiqiao, to increase the visibility of the exotic island paradise among the young Chinese audience.

“Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles” as the project was called, was shot in Seychelles between August 21, 2018 and August 26, 2018.

The actor graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, a public university aimed towards teaching dramatic art in Shanghai, China. Mr. Xu made his name known in his homeland through roles played in television series such as ‘The Dream of Read Mansions’, ‘The Journey of Flower’ and ‘Lost Love in Times’.

The promotional videos started airing on September 10, 2018 on the Chinese celebrity’s social media account on Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website. Mr. Xu has about 10.7 million fans on Sina Weibo. Followers had the chance to watch ‘Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles’ on other social media platforms such as WeChat and TikTok.

Through the vlog ‘The Orange Star Travels’, Mr. Xu shared with his audience his six-day shooting itinerary in the 115-island archipelago. For each of the six days spent in Seychelles, a themed video blog was created, each displaying a different aspect of life in the island nation. He showed the Chinese audience the beautiful nature of Seychelles, its diverse culture, adventures that can be had as well as interacted with the local people.

The audience experienced the country through six chapters: Preview – ‘Xu Haiqiao and Seychelles’, Chapter 1 – ‘Live Somewhere Else’, Chapter 2 – ‘A Nature Tour of 455square meters, Chapter 3 – ‘A tour of Adventure’, Chapter 4 – ‘Unexpected Lucky Gift’ and Chapter 5 – ‘The End of the Journey’.

Over 60million PV (page per view) were recorded after ‘Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles’ finished airing.

Commenting on Mr. Xu’s presence in the Seychelles, STB Director for the Chinese and Japanese Market, Jean –Luc Lai- Lam said that the initiative is in line with the strategy as presented by his office for the year 2018.

“This year, one of our main focus has been creating more visibility on the Weibo Chinese social media, in order to reach a greater number of audience, and this has been very successful in creating more visibility for the destination,” said Mr. Lai Lam

The project follows the one carried out this year by the award-winning Chinese actress, Ms. Dilraba Dilmurat, who showcase Seychelles through ‘Dilraba feels Seychelles’. Close to 1.53 Billion people watched the series of videos advocating the laid-back lifestyle and natural environment of Seychelles.

Lufthansa and Fraport Extend Ground Handling Partnership at Frankfurt Airport

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Deutsche Lufthansa AG is entrusting Fraport AG Ground Services with the provision of ground handling services to all Lufthansa aircraft at Frankfurt Airport for another seven years. On Thursday (December 20), the two companies signed a respective contract, to become effective on January 1, 2019, and run until March 31, 2026. Both partners agreed not to disclose the contract volume.

Fraport AG’s executive board member and Labor Director Michael Müller said: “We are pleased to extend the long-standing and successful partnership with Lufthansa as our most important customer at Frankfurt Airport. Following a series of constructive talks, we submitted a competitive offer. The new agreement contains an extensive package of services and agreed quality standards.”

Under the agreement, Fraport’s ground handling unit will be responsible for a range of services, including loading and unloading of Lufthansa passenger aircraft, baggage and cargo transportation, passenger bus transfers to and from the aircraft, as well as pushback, supply and waste disposal services.

The two partners have defined a number of key priorities in the new agreement, with a focus on punctuality, transfer quality, baggage claim times and standards for process stability. This will contribute to ensuring Frankfurt Airport’s position as a leading aviation hub, now and in the future.

Moreover, Fraport and Lufthansa plan to implement a number of innovations in various processes over the term of the agreement, all aimed to further raise ground handling efficiency and continuously enhance service quality.

Courtyard Burlington, Ontario: Innovative design and flexible space

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In Canada Courtyard by Marriott Hotel has opened its doors in Burlington, Ontario and ready to serve you. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard’s latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1110 Burloak Drive, the 135-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Burlington Hotels Group Inc. and managed by Burloak Hospitality Management Ltd. Both of Burlington, Ontario.

Adjacent to the Burlington Convention Centre, the Courtyard Burlington is located 40 minutes from downtown Toronto and offers guests convenient access Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, Burlington Botanical Gardens and the scenic waterfalls of Hamilton. Rates begin at $169 per night.

Courtyard constantly researches trends and evolves to meet the changing needs of its guests. The latest room design offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing and getting ready. Indirect lighting and a neutral, tone-on-tone color palette makes for a soothing and calm environment.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to business travelers,” said Janis Milham, senior vice president and global brand leader, Classic Select Brands. “Today’s technology has changed how people travel. Our guests want a room that has purpose and flexibility that enables a seamless transition between relaxing and working. Courtyard is designed to offer them a relaxing and functional space to work the way they want to, when they want to.”

The new room design is intuitive and thoughtful, offering flexible yet comfortable spaces that enable technology. Upon arrival, guests can store bags on the “Luggage Drop” and plug personal devices into the “Tech Drop” ledge for seamless technology integration.

Signature furniture and architectural elements replace traditional art in the new guestroom. The “LoungeAround” sofa offers a pop of color and a comfortable area for relaxing or for working. The new design also features a light desk on wheels, allowing guests to work from anywhere in the room.

An upgraded, more spacious layout creates an enhanced bathroom experience. A “Shower Nook” housing shampoos and towels, makes amenities accessible without having to leave the shower.

The Courtyard Burlington features the brand’s latest lobby design, where guests can enjoy an open and modern environment outside of their rooms. The newly designed Bistro is the epicenter of the lobby, which fosters social connections and collaboration with more flexible and informal seating options. The Bistro offers guests a wide variety of “made to order” breakfast, lunch and dinner items, “grab and go” options, and also features an array of specialty cocktails, beer and wine for guests to unwind at the end of the day.

Frank Vismeg, Managing Director for Burlington Hotels Group and Burloak Hospitality Management Ltd., who is overseeing the hotel operations, has extensive international experience with Hilton Hotels, Sheraton and InterContinental Hotels Group, and a strong network of relationships with government, industry and service organizations. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will bring new jobs and guests to our city, which is good for our local economy and good for Burlington.”

The construction of the hotel was developed by TriAxis Construction Limited, a well-respected construction management firm with over 25 years of experience and expertise in the industry.

“As Development and Construction Manager for the hotel, our professional and committed team has ensured that every aspect of the hotel was built to the highest quality and with utmost attention to detail, to meet or exceed the highest standards set by Marriott,” said Domenic Fuda, President of TriAxis Construction Limited and an equity partner in Burlington Hotels Group Inc.

“With this exciting Courtyard by Marriott project, we will be offering one of the world’s leading hotel brands to the Burlington, Oakville and QEW corridor, consisting of upscale facilities, impeccable accommodations, excellent culinary experiences, and professional and friendly service with a European flair,” said Sandra Stewart-Fearnside, General Manager.

“We are very proud to be the first to bring the very successful Courtyard by Marriott brand to the Burlington/Oakville area and to finally meet the extraordinary demand for a first-rate hotel next to the Burlington Convention Centre,” said Jack Moreira, Owner of Burlington Convention Centre.

Throughout the hotel, guests can connect with ample electrical outlets. The business library features a separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

Green has been Courtyard’s signature color since Marriott launched the brand 30 years ago. Now it is even greener with the introduction of a guest recycling program for the environment. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal are conveniently located by side exits.

The six-story hotel features a heated indoor saltwater pool, a fitness centre and guest laundry, and offers 1,800 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 120 people. The hotel is adjacent by a heated and covered walkway to the Burlington Convention Centre that features an additional 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space accommodating up to 1,200 guests.

www.marriott.com/yhmbu or Call: 1.888.236.2427

About Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 1,100 locations in over 50 countries and territories, Courtyard is proud to participate in the company’s award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The programs, operating under one set of unparalleled benefits, enable members to earn points toward free hotel stays, achieve Elite status faster than ever, and seamlessly book or redeem points for stays throughout our loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 129 countries & territories. To enroll for free or for more information about the programs, visit members.marriott.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or folloourtyardHotels on Twitter and Instagram

In Paris another Courtyard by Marriott opened bringing new design to the French Capital.

Chinese visitors to GCC will increase 81% by 2022 says ATM report

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The number of Chinese tourists travelling to the GCC is expected to increase 81% from 1.6 million in 2018 to 2.9 million in 2022, according to data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April – 1 May 2019.

The latest research from Colliers International, in partnership with ATM 2019, reveals that the GCC countries currently attract just 1% of China’s total outbound market, however positive trends are expected over the coming years as 400 million Chinese tourists are expected to go abroad in 2030 – up from 154 million in 2018.

Looking at the economic drivers, China’s links with the GCC have strengthened in recent years due to the introduction of additional and direct airline routes; the strong growth of the Chinese economy and Chinese tourists’ increasing disposable income.

Keen to capitalise on this potential, figures from ATM 2018 show 25% of delegates, exhibitors and attendees were interested in doing business with China.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “China is set to account for a quarter of international tourism by 2030 – and owing to its many business and investment opportunities, as well as a new generation of leisure attractions and retail destinations, the GCC is set to capitalise on this growth with millions of Chinese tourists about to make their first international trip.

“Last year, the number of Chinese exhibitors participating at ATM almost doubled and this trend looks set to continue as we look ahead to ATM 2019.

“Over the years, sentiment at ATM has reflected the growth in Chinese tourists to the GCC and today we have seen more hotel and travel professionals than ever before eager to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the Chinese market.”

The Colliers data shows Saudi Arabia will experience the highest proportionate increase in arrivals from China, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 33% between 2018 and 2022. Both the kingdom and China’s cultural and educational exchanges have been cited as one of the key elements driving this influx.

Looking at the remainder of the GCC, the UAE will follow with a forecasted CAGR of 13%, Oman at 12% and both Bahrain and Kuwait will steadily increase their Chinese visitor arrivals with a growth of 7%.

In the UAE, China is the fifth largest source market behind India, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Oman. Over the last 12 months, the UAE has stepped up its efforts to attract more Chinese visitors with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently signing an agreement with Chinese internet giant Tencent to promote the emirate as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers.

Meanwhile, in Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait passport holders from the People’s Republic of China can now receive a thirty-day visa on arrival.

“It is interesting to note that just 7% of the total Chinese population possess a passport, compared to approximately 40% of Americans and 76% of British. The outbound Chinese market therefore represents a vast, untapped pool of affluent and adventurous travellers and the GCC is stepping up its efforts to ensure it remains a destination of choice,” Curtis added.

Over the last 10 years, airports in the Middle East and China have shown the fastest increase in hub connectivity worldwide with Emirates, Etihad, Saudia, Gulf Air, China Eastern and Air China all providing direct flights between the GCC and various destinations in China.

Emirates, the leading passenger service provider from the GCC to China, now offers 38 weekly flights between both destinations.

During 2018, China Eastern announced plans to launch three-times weekly direct flights between Shanghai and Dubai – further complementing the airline’s three existing flights between Shanghai and Dubai, which have a stopover in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province.

ATM – considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2018 event, showcasing the largest exhibition in the history of the show, with hotels comprising 20% of the floor area.

ATM 2019 will build on the success of this year’s edition with a host of seminar sessions discussing the ongoing unprecedented digital disruption, and the emergence of innovative technologies that will fundamentally alter the way in which the hospitality industry operates in the region.

ENDS

 

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2018 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, with representation from 141 countries over the four days. The 25th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.  Arabian Travel Market 2019 will take place in Dubai from Sunday, 28th April to Wednesday, 1st May 2019. To find out more, please visit: http://arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com/

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 30 countries, attracting more than seven million participants.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have over 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.