Saudi tourism pavilion key attraction at Dubai show

The four-day Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has opened with the active participation of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and many other countries.
Top dignitaries and tourism leaders including Prince Sultan bin Salman, president and chairman of the Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates, and hundreds of ministers and diplomats were present at different venues during the first day.
Organizers said that the four-day event has broken all previous records with more than 2,700 exhibitors; 68 national pavilions; 40 seminar and technology theater sessions and over 21,000 trade visitors.
The event heard major announcements from different organizations including Qatar Airways, Brand USA and Abu Dhabi Tourism.
Addressing a press conference, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker-revealed details of its first A380, the first of 13 aircraft on order that will be delivered on May 31.
Introducing the new A380 first class seat for the first time, Al-Baker said it would be more than 2.2 meters in length and the widest in the industry, convertible into a fully flat bed, and with a 26-inch television screen, a privacy screen, increased personal storage as well as a facility for two passengers to sit across from each other when dining.
He said the airline will move its hub operations to the new Hamad International Airport in Doha on May 27.
Confirming network expansion, Al-Baker said new services were scheduled to be launched to Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia on May 15, followed by Istanbul Sabiha Gokçen, Turkey on May 22; Edinburgh and Scotland on May 28.
The vibrant presence of US Tourism officials also become an attraction this time.
Brand USA has brought 20 hotel and tourism organizations for Arabian Travel Market to capitalize on increased air links between the Middle East and the US and the new pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport which streamlines the immigration process.
According to Jay Gray, Brand USA’s vice president, global partnership development, better access will help to accommodate pent-up travel demand from the region.”We realize the potential, need and importance for us to proactively engage with the Middle East tourism industry in order to maximize these opportunities,” he said.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) unveiled its exciting, fun and show-packed summer season to date at ATM.
Abu Dhabi Summer Season — featuring headline, blockbuster international theater, ballet, comedy and illusionist shows, regional film premieres, World Cup extravaganzas and a host of locally-produced activities in hotels, malls and attractions — will run from June 5 to August 31.
The authority has teamed up with leading UAE event organizers to deliver a program jam packed with headline shows and loads of action, including concerts and performances by artists from throughout the Middle East, Russia and the US, hosting comedy nights, live kids’ shows, theater spectaculars and a regional film premiere.
“We are hoping to attract visitors from throughout the GCC and India,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of TCA Abu Dhabi.
Royal Rose, the first 5-star property of the Bin Ham Group and its flagship property in Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, officially announced the opening of the AED700 million property
“The Royal Rose Abu Dhabi took four years to completion because we wanted to present a unique property that will cater to a niche market who demands luxury and comfort. We all know that there are a few luxury accommodations in the UAE and Royal Rose Abu Dhabi will be one of them,” said Sheikh Ahmed Musallem bin Ham, vice president of City Seasons Hotels.
The other interesting news was from Kempinski Hotel.
They launched a summer wedding package aimed at providing a stress-free personalized dream wedding day.
The wedding package includes accommodation in a sea view room, complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom in the Presidential Suite on the wedding day, a daily buffet breakfast at The View restaurant, wedding menus, a three tier wedding cake etc.
In a separate event, Ayla Hotels and Resorts announced its second hotel in Al-Ain. The hotel will open in June 2014 .
The Ayla Bawadi Hotel, a four-star property will have 90 rooms and suites.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Wasl Hospitality jointly announced the debut of Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga, the first Hyatt Place hotel in the Middle East and the fourth Hyatt-branded hotel in Dubai.
The opening of the 210-room hotel marks a significant milestone for the Hyatt Place brand as it continues to expand outside the United States.