Amadeus
Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, saw hotel bookings increase by 7.5 percent in 2007. Hotel occupancy during 2007 increased in every region of the world, according to a survey by Deloitte1 (Asia Pacific, Central and South America, Middle East and Europe). Unlike previous periods of high occupancy, in 2007 hotels invested more in revenue management technology, which helps hotels increase occupancy and revenue per available room (revPAR), a standard performance measure in the industry. Over 1,000 properties are now claimed to be using Amadeus revenue management solution. Deloitte also reported that average room rates and revenue per available room increased by at least 10 percent in all regions of the world. Offering direct access to 90,000 travel agency offices through over 400,000 points of sale in 217 countries, Amadeus’ GDS distribution brings the “most value” to a hotel targeting mainly international guests. Now, 77,000 hotels are listed in the system, an increase of close to 30 percent in two years. The average stay booked through Amadeus has increased to two nights. In 2007, Amadeus re-engineered its hotel distribution platform, doubling the flexibility with which a travel agent can search for hotels.
Landmark
Landmark Public Relations recently had its annual management meeting in Jeddah, headed by its Chairman and CEO Talal Dhulaymi, in the presence of Nasry Abou Zaki, GM, Dubai office, Anoir Adra, GM, Saudi Arabia offices, and Riad Hamoui of Riyadh office. Dhulaymi said: “Landmark will be looking at new heights in 2008, fulfilling its commitments to meet the world-class PR services for its growing client portfolio across the Gulf and Middle East region.” The meeting discussed the achievements of 2007 that range from a 40 percent increase in terms of billings to the landing of a number of prestigious brands, which rendered an increase in the size of the staff and openings of a new office in Riyadh and soon to open office in Kuwait. “We aim at growing Landmark PR and Events as a regional network beyond the existing offices in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo and Kuwait to better serve our recently won prestigious clients including Salama, Cayan, Wild Discovery and Samsonite in the Gulf; Mobily, SBM and renewed agreement with LG for the third year in the Kingdom. Landmark also aims to grow its business, size and offices across the Gulf and the Middle East region.”
TBWA
TBWA was the only agency that participated in the “Open Career Day” at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran. Ghasan Qasabji the executive director of TBWA, said: “We wanted to participate in the open career day program at KFUPM in Dhahran to select the best Saudi students to work for our agency after their graduation. Major companies always prefer graduates from this university due to the distinguished level of education they receive at this university, which qualifies them to get jobs that require creativity and innovation.”
Pampers
Pampers, a major name in baby care for more than 40 years, recently launched the “first and only diaper with a dual layer system that helps lock in wetness.” Inspired by babies’ unique needs throughout their various stages of development, Pampers has created this new technology for the “Active Baby” diaper. Babies can fall on their bottoms up to 300 times before they actually manage to learn how to stand and walk, and with each fall the diaper is challenged to keep babies dry. The Pampers active baby diaper, with the new dual layer system locks liquid in and keeps wetness away from the baby’s skin. The baby’s bottom stays dry even with repeated falls. Dr. Majed Al-Sayed, a consultant of pediatrics at Erfan Hospital in Jeddah, said: “Babies don’t just grow up, they grow and develop in stages. It is during these stages that a baby will experience a number of changes that will trigger signs of discomfort such as fatigue, fussiness, or out of sorts.” To bring the dual layer system diaper to life, Pampers has set-up an interactive baby’s station in Aziz Mall in Jeddah which runs till March 28. During this period, mums will experience Pampers’ superior absorbency and dryness capacity at live demo stands, while babies are invited to participate in a “pushing the walker race” contest for prizes, said Karim Kamel, Pampers brand manager.
Rolex Awards
A record 138 individuals from 16 countries across the Gulf, Levant and North Africa have entered the 2008 series of the world-renowned Rolex Awards for Enterprise, highlighting the innovation and social enterprise under way across the region. From Morocco to Oman and from Turkey to Egypt, individuals working to advance human knowledge and well-being in the Arab world have responded strongly to the regional outreach campaign directed by the Rolex Awards, the global philanthropic program that recognizes individuals working in science and medicine, technology and innovation, exploration and discovery, the environment and cultural heritage. The applications for 2008 represent a 294 percent increase in regional entries compared to the last awards series two years ago, nearly a three-fold jump, Rebecca Irvin, head of the Rolex Awards secretariat, said. “We believe the diversity and richness of the entries prove that the Arab world’s tradition of innovation, discovery and rich heritage is alive and well,” she added. Entries for the 2008 awards include five from Saudi Arabia. The majority of regional entries are in the field of the environment, followed by cultural heritage, technology, medicine and science.
Balubaid
Balubaid Automotives, one of General Motors (GM) dealers in the Kingdom, held a ceremony for its fleet owners and representatives in Jeddah recently. Ahmed Balubaid, the company’s vice president, and Khaled Omar Balubaid, deputy CEO of the Balubaid Group, as well as GM representatives were among those present. “The achievements the company has made could not have been possible without the support of our clients,” said Khawaja Siddique, executive director of Balubaid Automotives. “The company has managed to garner the Chairman’s challenge award for the fourth consecutive year. The company’s gross sales of vehicles has risen by a whopping 44 percent and fleet sales of 144 percent in 2007 compared to 2006, “the highest growth rate in the Kingdom and the Middle East.” Shares in GM sales in the Kingdom rose by 14.3 percent in 2006, compared to an increase of 9.4 percent in 2006,” Siddique added that Balubaid Automotive will open two new branches in Jeddah this year.” Atef Talili, regional manager for private sales at GM, said that 2007 was a very fruitful year for Balubaid Automotives, which emerged in first position among GM dealers in the Kingdom in terms of sales and the quality of service.
Nomas
Bahrain-based Nomas revealed its first real estate project recently. The project under way at Al Fateh neighborhood and is considered to be a premium site with an expansive waterfront to boast of. The development occupies an area of over 35,000 sq. meters. The mixed-use and residential towers act like beacons with more than 60 floors heights. The slim towers of elliptical form means that all apartments gain seaviews. With an under process capital increase to approximately 200 million Bahraini dinars, Nomas is expecting the project to be completed by year 2010. With such a massive project in the making, it is said that ample job opportunities will be created in the hospitality and retail sector for one and all. The company is looking forward at an internal restructuring to keep pace with growing demand. Rashid ibn Abdulla ibn Hamad Al-Khalifa, chairman, Nomas, mentioned the contribution a project on this scale can make to the economic development of the Kingdom. He also indicated that this property would be the first and one among many future landmark projects that Nomas, which in Arabic means ‘top distinction,’ was working on.