Kurdish problem takes toll on Turkey's tourism

Turkey's troubles with Kurdish separatists and its proximity to the Iraq war have hit its travel and tourism market hard, a devastating blow to a country which depends heavily on an influx of foreign money. It is a trend the country, which straddles Asia and Europe both physically and culturally, is planning to reverse this year. "$8 million was spent last year to advertise Turkish tourism," said Hasan Zongur, Director of the Turkish Cultural and Tourism office in the US. "[The situation] is getting better, but after 9/11, tourism numbers dropped. For this year, it is getting better. This is mainly because of our public relations activities and promotional campaigns carried out in the US market and in the South American countries and Canada."

According to Business Monitor International (BMI), everything from terrorist attacks in Turkey to the war in Lebanon and a bird flu outbreak kept tourism numbers low in 2006 - 6.2 per cent lower year-on-year than in 2005.

"In line with the fall in foreign tourist arrivals, international tourist receipts declined in 2006 by around four per cent year-on-year to $18.6 billion. This followed a near 15 per cent year-on-year rise in international tourist receipts in the previous year," said BMI's third quarter report on Turkish tourism.

"While the country has repeatedly seen annual increases in the number of visitors of 10 per cent 15 per cent over the past 15 years, there have been several significant reversals in growth, such as during the 1991 Gulf War, which saw arrivals fall by more than 20 per cent, and the 2003 Gulf War."

But despite a rocky recent past, the future of Turkish tourism looks promising. The country has the eighth-highest tourism receipts in the world and is benefiting from a steadily strong euro, which gives it an advantage over rival destinations such as Greece.

Arrivals

BMI reported that the number of foreign arrivals reached almost 9.7 million between January and June 2007, an increase of almost 17 per cent of 2006's weak numbers. "Although BMI had anticipated a recovery in the tourism market in 2007, recent data are even stronger than expected," the report said.

Those are the kinds of numbers Turkey needs, considering the economic importance of its tourism market.

The travel and tourism market is expected to generate $62.6 billion in econ-omic activity this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. It also accounts for one in very 14.6 per cent of jobs - about 1.56 million in 2007.

Zongur said Turkey is looking to branch out into areas of tourism new to the country that boasts relics from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires.

"Now we are developing our health tourism facilities," he said. "We also have great facilities for conferences." BMI expects Turkey's medical tourism sector to increasingly draw patients from Europe and the Middle East, but also named golf tourism as a likely growth area.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Alaska, USA.

Emirates IPO will be well received

Dubai: An Emirates initial public offering (IPO) would be welcome news for the market, although the company does not need to raise cash by selling shares, officials said.

"Emirates has more than Dh11 billion cash flow to finance future acquisitions, so it does not need an IPO to support the expansion," a source closed to Emirates told Gulf News.

The airline, which reported a Dh3.09 billion net profits during the last financial year ending March 2007 on Dh29.83 revenues, has Dh37 billion exposure to the financial institutions while its current orderbook stands at Dh110 billion.

"We have raised Dh44.77 billion to finance fleet expansion over the last ten years. Of this, over $2.28 billion equivalent has been in the form of bonds, including a sukuk for $550 million," an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News.

"As of the March 2007 year end, Emirates' bank borrowing stood at Dh1,071 million [of which Dh951.6 million was long term]. Total debt to equity ratio was 103 per cent."

The markets would respond positively to the IPO, officials say. "Emirates is the most successful airline in the Arab world. It would generate a lot of interest in the market," Robert Ziegler, principal at A.T. Kearney (UAE) Limited, said. "It would be well received by the financial institutions. Other regional airlines would see it positively."

Mohammad Yasin, managing director of Shuaa Capital, said, "It will be one of the most sought after IPOs and will be attractive to international institutional investors. Both DP World and Emirates are great companies to subscribe to and I think this is good for the market."

An Emirates IPO would also silence its critics who accuse it of getting subsidies. "I think it's fair to say that this move [if it were to happen] might be considered an attempt to rebut the allegations that the airline's success is the result of unfair subsidies," said Dr. Andreas Knorr, a Germany-based aviation expert.

French Hotels the winners of the Rugby World Cup

Confirming MKG Hospitality’s observations after the first week of competition, the “Rugby World Cup” effect on the French hotel industry is clear. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has shown major growth, MKG Hospitality estimates that this event could result in an additional revenue of between 100 and 150 million euros.

On match days, the RevPAR in French host cities was increased by 37.5%, with a clear impact on hotel occupancy rates. The results registered during the quarter-final in Marseille and the semi-final in Paris were among the highest of the competition. The increase in room rates, controlled by the reservation center Mondiresa, remained moderate in comparison with previous sports events, such as the Football World Cup in Germany.

Popular success: the Rugby World Cup fills up the hotels

Despite the disappointment linked to the performance of the French team, the Rugby World Cup was a major success, as much in hotels as in the stadiums. As MKG Hospitality’s daily tracking indicators revealed, hoteliers in France won their competition. The kickoff began with a 43.6% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in France for the opening match of France against Argentina. Performance indicators for establishments in French cities showed increasingly positive results throughout the months of September and October. Over the whole of the competition (except weekends and the final match), the hotel industry in host cities registered an average increase in RevPAR of 37.5% on match nights. Thanks to the number of supporters attending from all over the world and the media, the frequency of establishments also showed a major increase compared with the previous year (+11.3 points).

This influx of clientele enabled hoteliers to increase their average rates, however, the inflation remained moderate. The average rate increased by an average of 20.3% in host cities. The Football World Cup in Germany finished with an increase of nearly 40% in average rates on the whole of the hotel industry in the country during the month of June 2006. Controlled by the reservation center Mondiresa, French hoteliers proved that moderation in rate policy means a win-win situation for all.

Heightened activity on weekends in provincial cities

Since the majority of matches were on weekends, the World Cup created an increase in activity in a number of provincial metropoles where hotels are often less frequented on weekends. Nantes, Montpellier, Bordeaux, and Toulouse all showed high occupancy rates. Nantes, at full capacity on September 22 for the England–Samoa match, also saw revenue per room increase by 234.4%. Similarly, September 23 in Montpellier with the Australia–Fiji match resulted in 159.5% increase in RevPAR. In these cities, the hotel supply is less developed than in major cities like Paris, Lyon or Marseille. The influx of tourists and supporters translated in an inflation of performance indicators even stronger than elsewhere.

Matches during the week, often considered to be of less importance since the teams were considered to have less of a chance (such as Japan-Fiji or Romania-Portugal), had a weaker but yet significant impact on hotels. In Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux or Toulouse, supporters and journalists added to the “business” clientele who traditionally stay in these establishments during months of less economic activity. The results showed that these establishments were at a record 100% occupancy on match nights.

Paris and Marseille, champions of the competition

Paris and Marseille, the two cities which hosted the most matches, benefited most from the competition – especially during elimination matches. Marseille, which hosted two quarter-finals, showed major increases during the weekend of October 6-7. During this weekend, Mondiresa fixed a minimum of 2 nights stay for each reservation. In Paris, because of an influx of British tourist but also thanks to many New Zealanders and Australian supporters who had bet on their teams’ presence in the final, those trying to find a room on the night of the semi-final France–England found it nearly impossible due to a frequency rate of 98% and an average rate above 230 euros.

The observations during practically the whole of the competition confirm the estimation of an additional revenue of between 100 and 150 million euros for hotel establishments in host cities.

After the Rugby World Cup, the fall season continues to show promise for the French hotel industry. Since the beginning of the year, hotel performance indicators show significant progression. Upcoming revenue-generating events which traditionally come with an increased demand for housing, such as the salon Batimat in November, justify the optimism the industry holds for the end of the year. The increase in RevPAR over the whole of 2007 should be between 8% and 10%, as predicted at the beginning of the year by the specialised consultant firm MKG Hospitality.

New global convention alliance has energy focus

The formation of an Energy Cities Alliance between three leading convention bureaux and a convention centre was announced at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) conference in Pattaya today (30 October 2007). The founding alliance partners are: Aberdeen Convention Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and Perth Convention Bureau.

In creating the strategic marketing alliance, the partners are aiming to obtain a competitive edge in the international marketplace, particularly in the field of energy-related conferences.

A key focus of the alliance is the exchange of sales leads, to be known as the Energy Transfer Advantage that also incorporates a support package for conference organisers.

The major benefits available to planners include lobbying and marketing support within the partner destinations to maximize delegate registrations for their conferences.

A special branding has been established to position the alliance as a group sharing common goals and aspiring to world’s best practice as convention destinations.

Announcing the initiative, the Perth Convention Bureau’s Director of Corporate Services, Christine McLean, said strategic alliances are the way of the future.

She said: “Given today’s competitive environment, it is becoming increasingly evident of the need to develop strategic alliances that enable the partners to leverage their collective knowledge and skills to give them a marketing edge.”

“It is a critical advantage to the participating partners to be able to exchange leads on conferences and assist each other in the securing of these. The ultimate aim is for associations and corporates around the world to recognise our cities as being dynamic leaders with a clear vision for the future, offering clients access to a network of like minded destinations who can assist in delivering high caliber and successful conferences. While the common link that has brought us together is the fact that we are centres for thriving energy industries, the scope of our alliance will extend beyond energy-related conferences.”

A major element of the alliance is a dedicated website that will provide planners with access to the collective support package with links to the partners’ websites.

Ms Jacky Selway, Manager of the Aberdeen Convention Bureau, said her organisation had ‘enthusiastically embraced’ the concept of the alliance when it was mooted.

She added: “Energy Cities Alliance is an exciting forward thinking initiative and I am delighted that Aberdeen Convention Bureau is a partner. I look forward immensely to working in partnership with our international colleagues in raising the profile of our destinations and delivering successful high calibre conferences.”

Mr Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General Tourism Operations with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said that his organisation was “excited to be part of this Alliance with some of the leading, dynamic and most respected meetings industry destinations in the world”.

He added: “Business Tourism is one of the key areas of growth and opportunity that Abu Dhabi intends to capitalise on and we are delighted that our Energy Alliance partners share this same vision, optimism and commitment. We look forward to working closely with them, to sharing with our clients the opportunity to tap into our joint energy and vibrancy, to delivering best practice and to a great future.”

Ms Marcia Lyons, General Manager of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, welcoming the Alliance, said: “What attracted us to the Energy Cities Alliance was the uniqueness of the partnership. One common factor each of us has is a powerful and dynamic energy industry.”

“To take this a step further into our tourism, meetings and conventions sectors is a great strategic move forward. Everyone will benefit from the sales leads, to public relations and destination awareness of our cities. I know our team at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is anxious to get things rolling.”

Europe awards the ten best rural tourist destinations

Vice President Gunter Verheugen awarded the "European Destinations of Excellence" (EDEN) to the ten best emerging rural destinations at the European Annual Tourism Forum in Portugal on 26th of October. The aim of EDEN is twofold: to draw attention to the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations and to promote destinations where commercial success goes hand in hand with social, cultural and environmental sustainability. It also creates awareness of Europe’s tourist diversity and quality, besides promoting Europe as the foremost tourism destination in the world.

Commission Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry policy, said: “The EDEN Project supports European tourism and enhances the visibility of several non traditional destinations. It is a platform for the exchange of good practices at European level while rewarding sustainable forms of tourism and successful business models. It will contribute to creating new and upgrading existing jobs.”

Ten countries participated in the EDEN Awards, for which national juries made the selections. Next year seven additional Member States of the EU (Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Lithuania, Spain and Romania) and Turkey will participate in the EDEN Awards. The ten winning destinations of excellence in 2007 are:

Austria: Pielachtal, Dirndl is the valley’s trademark

The Pielachtal is a valley in the Alpine foothills of the province of Lower Austria. Its culture, nature, way of life, handicrafts and specialty foods are combined to form a network of innovative offers. The Dirndl, or Cornel, popularly known as a cherry, is cultivated as the valley’s “trademark”.

Belgium: Durbuy, the smallest city of the world

The community Durbuy is situated in Wallonia in the Ardennes, and consists of 40 small villages. Durbuy is registered as "city" since the Middle Ages for its efficient justice and trade organization. Thus the old town of Durbuy became "the smallest city of the world".

Croatia: Sveti Martin na Muri, preserved natural heritage

The district of Sveti Martin na Muri is located in the North, close to the tri-border with Slovenia and Hungary, where the River Mura enters the territory of Croatia. The destination has been profiled as a rural as well as a spa destination. It has a thermal spring of medicinal water and is the largest and one of the most beautiful spas in Croatia.

Cyprus: Troodos, A relaxing break away from cosmopolitan coastal resorts

Troodos has five distinct regions, grouped around Mount Olympus. The area offers an abundance of things to do and see: walking or cycling through forest nature trails, attending local village festivals, experiencing the local traditional cuisine and discovering the cultural treasures of UNESCO World Heritage sites are among the main pursuits.

Greece: Florina, Conciliating tourism and rural environment

The region of Florina is located in Northern Greece in West Macedonia. Geographically, it consists of mountainous and semi mountainous areas and lowlands. The mountains of Varnoutas, Vernon and Voras contain the ski centre and European Alpine routes whose peaks reach out to the fertile valleys and the six lakes of Prespes.

Hungary: Orseg, Characteristic landscape in harmony with nature

The Orseg region is located in the most western corner of Hungary. The unique landscape is characterized by a variety of natural beauties: hills and valleys, deciduous and coniferous woodlands, green hayfields, moors, springs and streams. Besides these beauties, the unchanged folk traditions and customs, traditional crafts and the products of self-sufficient farming and lifestyle also attract visitors.

Ireland: Clonakilty District, amenities of natural beauty

The Clonakilty District is situated on the coast in South West Ireland. There are many amenities of natural beauty which are easily accessed. In addition to an abundance of activities on land and sea, music sessions and fresh local produce there are also a full range of heritage sites, galleries, pubs, walking routes and fishing points.

Italy: Specchia, Tradition meets innovation

Specchia is located in Southern Italy (Province of Lecce, Puglia Region). It is a site of great natural and cultural value and an important centre for the rural economy in the region. Specchia is a shining example of a place where tradition meets innovation. For example, there is the Protonobilissimo castle, which dates back to the XV century, as well as a public access Centre for advanced digital services.

Latvia: Kuldiga, The Latvian Venice

Kuldiga town in the Kurzeme region with its historical part and Valley of the River Venta is known as “The Latvian Venice”. Its tourism recourses are based on its historical and cultural heritage and the Venta River which is one of the largest and most picturesque rivers of Latvia. “Ventas Rumba” is the widest waterfall in Europe (240m).

Malta: Nadur, Scenic beauty which are unique and rather rare

Nadur is situated on the easternmost hill of the island of Gozo, Malta's sister-island. Fresh fruit such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, oranges, lemons and melons from the fields of Nadur are distributed around Malta and Gozo. Nadur also has a plenty of cultural heritage and offers a number of areas of scenic beauty which are unique and rather rare.

New worldwide partnership to reduce global warming

A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway has yesterday (29 October 2007) in Lisbon, Portugal announced the formation of the International Carbon Action Partnership (www.ICAPCarbonAction.com) to fight global warming.

ICAP will provide an international forum in which governments and public authorities adopting mandatory greenhouse gas emissions cap and trade systems will share experiences and best practices on the design of emissions trading schemes. This cooperation will ensure that the programs are more compatible and are able to work together as the foundation of a global carbon market. Such a market will boost demand for low-carbon products and services, promote innovation, and allow cost effective reductions so as to allow swift and ambitious global reductions in global warming emissions.

The ground-breaking international and interregional agreement was signed yesterday (29 October 2007) by U.S. and Canadian members of the Western Climate Initiative, northeastern U.S. members of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, as well as European members including the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and the European Commission. New Zealand and Norway joined on behalf of their emissions trading programs.

Leaders attending the summit included: President Jose Socrates, Council of the European Union and Prime Minister of Portugal; European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso; Governor Jon Corzine, New Jersey; Governor Eliot Spitzer, New York and Premier Gordon Campbell, British Columbia. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, participated with video messages.

ICAP will open lines of communication for sharing valuable information, such as research, effective policy initiatives, lessons learned and new developments. By working together to establish similar design principles, ICAP partners are ensuring that future market systems, in conjunction with regulation in the form of enforceable caps, will boost worldwide demand for low-carbon products and services, provide a larger market for innovators, and achieve global emissions reductions at the swiftest pace and lowest cost possible. The new partnership supports the current ongoing efforts undertaken under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which all ICAP members agree has a central role in fighting global warming.

Global warming is a problem that requires a global solution. ICAP will facilitate such a global solution by:

• Rigorously and accurately monitoring, reporting and verifying emissions and working to determine reliable sources appropriate for inclusion in a globally linked program.
• Encouraging common approaches and furthering partners/ability to link together to expand the global carbon market, helping to prevent leakage.
• Creating a clear price incentive to innovate, develop and use clean technologies.
• Encouraging private investors to chose low carbon projects and technologies, generating the flow of money needed to support a shift to a low-carbon future.
• Providing flexible compliance mechanisms that ensure reliable reductions at the fastest pace and lowest cost.

AIRPORT NEWS

Copenhagen Airport passes 2 million mark

Copenhagen Airport has increased its passenger throughput during the first nine months of the year by 2.5% to 16.3 million passengers. The number rose by 1.4% in September to almost 2 million. Scheduled traffic increased by 0.8% in September while charter traffic went up 5.8%.

The outlook for the rest of the year is a bit uncertain since SAS Airlines has decided to withdraw Dash 8 operations permanently following some near-crashes. The airport says it is working hard with SAS to minimise any disruptions this may cause for passengers. However, it is most likely that the cancellations will affect the airport’s traffic performance for the last quarter.
With regard to its terminal operations, the airport has put in use a new central security checkpoint this summer that significantly improved passenger screening time, as 98% of all passengers were being screened within 10 minutes. Furthermore, the airport’s sale per passenger increased due to the opening of a new duty free shop.
As of October 2007 passengers travelling to and from the Danish capital can use a Metro connection to more conveniently travel between Copenhagen’s city centre and the airport. The new airport station is above ground with access from Terminal 3. It is expected that the daily throughput at the Metro station will be around 6,500 passengers by 2010.
The new Metro connection will make Copenhagen one of the most accessible airports in the world, the Danish believe. “We have the Øresund bridge, the motorway, regional and intercity trains and, from 2007, also a Metro service directly to the airport,” said Mogens Kornbo, vice-president with Copenhagen Airports.

Steady growth for Prague Airport

Over 1.2 million passengers travelled via Prague Airport in September, a year-on-year increase of 4.8%. Most passengers flew internationally, while the airport handled just over 11,000 domestic passengers. As the airport handled 9.4 million passengers during the first nine months of the year, it is well on track to exceed last year’s total throughput of 11.6 million passengers.
Prague airport forecasts a seat capacity increase of 13% per cent for the upcoming winter season. Higher frequencies of flights and the deployment of higher capacity aircraft will contribute to this increase. The winter timetable will also see three carriers commencing scheduled services to Prague. Ryanair will fly seven times a week between the Czech capital and Dublin while Iberia of Spain will fly every working day between Prague and Madrid. Cimber Air will operate a daily flight to Copenhagen.
As of October 28, Prague airport designated Terminal 2 exclusively for Schengen flights. Although passport control continues until the end of the winter season, non-Schengen flights will be handled at Terminal 1 in the future.
To facilitate the increasing number of passengers flying via Prague, the airport opened Terminal 2 in early 2006. This terminal has been designed so that its capacity can be progressively increased with the addition of further boarding bridges and the construction of new handling piers (Pier D, and if necessary Pier E). The airport development study envisages an annual capacity of 20 million passengers in the future.

Official Libo opening

According to a Libo County official, the Libo Airport will officially start operation on November 5th after getting approval from the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China.
The total investment in the airport is RMB396.36 million (US$ 52.85 million). The construction work started in August 2003 and the airport is designed to handle 220,000 passengers annually.
It has a 2,300m long, 45m wide runway which is able to serve Boeing 737 series planes. The whole Libo airport project passed its final inspection in August this year and is now fully ready for operation before the opening of the Second Guizhou Tourist Summit to be held in South of GuiZhou Province (Qiannan) in November.
Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with the government of Qiannan Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province on purchasing the 100% stake in the Airport.

New security measures at Abu Dhabi

New aviation security measures will be implemented at Abu Dhabi International Airport beginning on 1 November 1, 2007. The new measures, which apply for flights departing from Terminals 1 and 1A, including passengers transiting at these terminals, restrict the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers can carry onboard in their hand luggage. The new measures are in line with guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the directives of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The new security measures have already been implemented at Terminal 2. The Airport Operations Department described the implementation as generally smooth. “Traffic flow was smooth, and all flights left on time, thanks to the collective efforts of all organizations operating at the airport” it said in a statement.
To aid passengers, the airport will deploy airport ambassadors at both terminals to assist with queries, and information panels will be set up in different locations to remind passengers of the new restrictions.

Sacramento celebrates 40 years

As the airport celebrated its 40th anniversary last week, officials looked ahead to the next forty years. They are going to make some big changes to the airport.
County and airport officials plan to take down aging Terminal B and will build a new one that will sit in the middle of where terminals A and B are now. There will be a new hotel for the structure as well as a new Starbucks near the gates.
The biggest changes include an automated people mover and an above ground train that should make it easier for passengers to travel in between the terminals and parking areas.
Terminal A is also getting a few new restaurants and shops, including Brooks Brothers and a Quiznos.

Poll shows worst airports

Heathrow’s reputation took a further knock yesterday when it was voted the world’s joint least favourite airport. It shared the title with Chicago in a survey of 2,500 travellers by the travel organisation TripAdvisor. The poll asked respondents to rate 36 airports in terms of how easy they were to navigate, cleanliness of their lavatories and the quality of their parking facilities.
TripAdvisor’s findings echoed the criticisms of Heathrow voiced by political and business leaders over the past year, who said the airport shamed London. News of the airport’s poor placing emerged as American Airlines started a New York service from Stansted while British Airways continued its search for continental slots for transatlantic flights.
Passengers have frequently faced delays of up to an hour to negotiate security and check-in queues before reaching their planes. Getting into the country has often been just as bad with new scanning equipment doubling the time needed to process passports.
Slots at Heathrow remain in demand however and other airlines, such as Continental, plan on using the airport for transatlantic flights. However, at the same time, the open skies agreement between the European Union and the US will make it possible for airlines to operate from airports outside their home base. British Airways has earmarked a number of continental airports for potential transatlantic flights, including Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan and Madrid. A spokesman for BA said the move was not a vote of no confidence in Heathrow, but a desire to take advantage of the business opportunities offered by open skies, which comes into force next March.
Other poor performers in the poll included New York’s JFK, Atlanta Hartsfield and Los Angeles International. They were followed by Miami, New York’s LaGuardia and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Chinese outbound travelers like to travel in comfort

Chinese tourists from the three key cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou like to travel in comfort when they travel overseas, according to a report released by The Nielsen Company. The Nielsen China Outbound Travel Monitor 2007 found more than one third of Chinese outbound travelers choose to stay in four-star hotels, with a further 10 percent opting for five-star luxury accommodation when heading overseas.

A preview of the Nielsen China Outbound Travel Monitor was launched recently at the PATA Travel Mart in Bali, Indonesia. Conducted in October 2007 via a combination of telephone and online interviews, the Nielsen Travel Monitor provides insight into Chinese travelers from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The Nielsen Travel Monitor highlights Chinese travelers' behaviour, attitudes and opinions towards various destinations, and provides insight into decision making processes, information sourcing, booking choices, accommodation and more – across both leisure and business travel. Findings of a further 23 cities throughout China will be released in early 2008.

The comprehensive Nielsen research study has been conducted in partnership with PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).

According to the Nielsen China Outbound Travel Monitor 2007, Chinese outbound travelers spent an average close to US$3,000 per trip per person (including expenses prior to the trip, such as prepaid packages, airfares and accommodation). Travelers to Europe were the biggest spenders, splashing out an average US$5,253 per trip, while travelers to Asia spent just a bit more than a third the amount of those Europe-bound, outlaying US$1,904 a head, with the exception of those headed to Hong Kong and Macau, where the average spend was US$2,185, reflecting these destinations’ status as shopping and entertainment meccas.

“Asia remains the most popular destination for Chinese travellers because of the region’s proximity; however, trips to Europe and America are increasing rapidly in numbers, particularly when it comes to business travel,” commented Dr. Grace Pan, head of Travel & Leisure Research for The Nielsen Company, China.
“We also found that while mass-market travellers focus on budget travel, there is a fast-emerging affluent market segment prepared to indulge themselves in luxury travel.”

With China now supplying millions of visitors to overseas destinations, operators in destination countries will need to shape their strategies accordingly, to cater to this unique and high potential group of ‘customers’, and benefit from the growing opportunities presented by Chinese tourists.

“Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and the travel industry needs to monitor changes and trends in their travel preferences, attitudes and perceptions towards various destinations,” Dr. Pan said. “While Chinese travelers appear to seek comfort, they are also becoming wise and well-prepared as they plan their trips leveraging all the information available to them on the Internet.”

Historic night race for F1 Singapore grand prix receives approval

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has granted approval*, via the Singapore Motor Sports Council, for the FORMULA ONETM Singapore Grand Prix to hold the first night race in the sport’s history.

Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said: "The in-principle approval by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for Singapore to host a night race is yet another positive step in our preparations to present to the world a truly unique Formula OneTM race. Subject to final safety approvals, FORMULA ONETM fans worldwide will be able to enjoy a race experience like no other in Singapore from next year - a dramatic night street race set against our beautiful city skyline."

“We are well on our way to creating history – with two positive lighting tests under our belt, we are on track to delivering the first night-race in Formula Onetm history,” commented Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP.

The electric night-time atmosphere will deliver a different perspective for FORMULA ONETM fans around the globe. The later start time will also ensure maximum exposure of the race to the important European television markets.

“Given that one of our objectives is to showcase Singapore to FORMULA ONETM fans around the world, our late start-time will help us achieve this. The stunning city skyline backdrop will be an added bonus” added Mr Syn.

Gulf Air Expands Cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines

Responding to increasing demand and to provide enhanced customer service as part of its new network strategy, Gulf Air has extended its cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines by operating two weekly non-stop code-shared flights on the Dammam-Katmandu route.

Served by Airbus A340-300 aircraft, the flights will, for the first time, link King Fahad International Airport in Dammam with non-stop services with the Capital of Nepal. These two flights are part of the existing successful code-share arrangement with the national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia effective from Gulf Air’s winter 2007/2008 schedule.

In addition to above code-share arrangement, Saudi Arabian Airlines has added its code on the Gulf Air-operated two flights on Riyadh-Bahrain–Bangkok route as well as on the two flights on Riyadh-Bahrain-Katmandu route. Moreover, Gulf Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines have a comprehensive code-share arrangement, which covers all flights and routes between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabian Airlines is a very important and key strategic partner to Gulf Air,” says Acting Executive Vice President Network Hashim Mahmood.

“This code-share agreement will further improve and enhance our services to our customers. The expansion is part of our new network strategy and I am very pleased we can begin to see results so quickly.”

Gulf Air introduced a complete revamped flight schedule beginning July 2007, which was received very positively by the trade and the customers. Gulf Air plans to continue this success story for the winter 2007/2008 schedule and onwards. The Gulf Air new network offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other Middle Eastern airline.

“This new agreement means that travelers will have more travel options throughout the week to and from Katmandu. With these two non-stop services to Katmandu we are bringing the total number of Gulf Air frequencies to 11 per week making Gulf Air to be one of the dominant players serving the highly sought- after Kathmandu market,” concludes Mr. Mahmood.

Airasia enters Laos market

AirAsia has placed another flight to its ASEAN network with Vientiane. The airline has carried over 40 million passengers to date, grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 62 today and now, the final ASEAN country has given the airline the approval to enter the city as part of the airline’s extensive route network – all within the grasp of six years in operation. The airline is set to commence its inaugural flight into the capital of Laos on 1 December 2007.

AirAsia will start with three (3) direct flights per week to Vientiane from LCC Terminal, Kuala Lumpur using its new Airbus aircraft. Situated on the Mekong river, Vientiane is an unassuming city reachable within two hours and 35 minutes flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, “There is a latent demand for this route to be established from the first day we started the airline, and now to see us launching direct flights to Vientiane is like a missing jigsaw puzzle to be fitted into the AirAsia chapter. We are now a truly ASEAN airline, covering all the 10 countries serving over 80 routes within the region.”

“We strongly believe that our amazing low fares will help to stimulate travel in Laos and its surrounding areas especially tapping the backpacking travelers looking for an adventurous trail through Indochina and Thailand. We are also very happy to be able to serve the Malaysians working in Laos who have been very excited with our announcement. We trust our entry into Laos will further strengthen our position as the preferred airline of the region in enabling more people to fly,” added Kathleen.

Air France KLM highlights expansion in the Gulf region

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France are participating in the Business Travel show these coming 2 days at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai. At this occasion, both airlines are taking the opportunity to highlight their added frequencies from UAE with their winter schedule which has already started.

KLM will have 4 more weekly frequencies and a total of 14 weekly flights from Dubai to Amsterdam this winter until 29th March 2008. All flights are operated by a Boeing 777-200ER.

Air France will have 1 added weekly frequency from Dubai to Paris from 30th October 2007 and a total of 13 weekly flights from Dubai to Paris Charles de Gaulle until 29th March 2008. All flights are operated by a Boeing 777-200ER and an Airbus A330-200.

Air France and KLM combinable product offers 4 daily flights from Dubai to Paris or Amsterdam and 1 daily flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam connecting to 728 destinations worldwide with the Skyteam network.

Air France and KLM will have a total of 79 flights from the region to their respective Hubs in Paris and Amsterdam from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Tehran.

KLM has announced the launch of the route Muscat – Amsterdam from 3rd December with 5 weekly frequencies. The flights will be operated using an A330-200 aircraft and will be transiting via Kuwait.

“We are proud to resume service to Muscat and at this occasion we will thank our frequent flyer members with a double miles promotion in Economy Class and triple miles promotion in Business Class between Muscat and Amsterdam until 31st March 2008” says Mr. A.M. Vasudevan, Commercial Manager for Air France KLM - Northwest Airlines in Oman & Yemen.

Royal Jet sings new aircraft management deal

Royal Jet has sealed another aircraft management deal to operate a luxury long-range Gulfstream GIVSP on behalf of a GCC national owner. “The GIVSP will have considerable appeal with its ability to accomplish flights of up to 5,000 nautical miles making it a time-saving option for travel from the Gulf to many European destinations, such as Abu Dhabi to London” said Shane O’Hare, President and CEO, Royal Jet.

“We believe Royal Jet will have significant impact in the aircraft management sector with further negotiations currently under way with individual owners. We intend to devote serious effort and resources to ensuring Royal Jet becomes the preferred operator for private owners.”

The GIVSP, which is powered by Rolls Royce engines, can carry up to nine passengers in a VIP configuration and is serviced by two pilots and two of Royal Jet’s highly trained cabin crew and can carry up to 18 standard suitcases.

Aircraft management is one of Royal Jet’s five product lines, the others being VIP charter, the Royal Med aeromedical evacuation service, Guest Flight Control Centre and FBO operations for executive aircraft landing in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The GIVSP is the third major addition to the Royal Jet fleet in as many months. In August the company, which is the Middle East’s largest private jet operator with a 16% market share, took delivery of its fifth Boeing business jet.

Royal Jet is the largest operator of BBJs in the world. One month later the Abu Dhabi-headquartered operator launched the region’s most cost-effective Learjet service with a newly-acquired two twin-engined Learjet 35 offering inter-regional, point-to-point travel.

“Fleet expansion is paying dividends with demand for the BBJ in particular increasing long haul utilisation. From a previous average of four charters each quarter we are currently averaging four a month,” explained O’Hare. “We are now flying clients to a variety of long haul destinations such as the USA and Swaziland.”

Fleet expansion is part of Royal Jet’s ongoing development plan which is targeting 25% growth this year on its 2006 performance.