Viaggio Asia - Viaggi in VietNam - Viaggi in Thai Lan

Destination Diary: Bays and Beaches of 

Barbados a cosmopolitan country in the 

Caribbean, Barbados is loved by tourists all across 

the globe for its immense natural beauty and 

undeniable charm. Read our chapter to discover 

the plethora of beaches in Barbados and get ready 

with your next holiday list 

05 

Cover Story: That World Heritage sites belong 

to everyone and should be preserved for future 

generations. In this issue, we discuss about the 

importance of heritage building and the impact 

of their destruction on tourism. 

09 

Special Feature: Dubbed as the world's largest 

and the region's first unique "glow destination" 

and is definitely one of the most interesting 

places to visit in Dubai this season. 

11 

02 TTW Asia

Tech It: Arabian Travel Market 2016 Travel Tech 

Theatre lined-up to improve conversion rates 

with online bookings in the Middle East region 

which can eventually help in the growth of 

online travel planning 

15 

Meetings Point: Tasmania the Van Diemen's 

Land, Tasmania is the smallest island state of 

Australia and has some of the most amazing 

MICE venues. Scroll through the pages to 

know more about it 

20 

Xclusive: IGIA, The Indira Gandhi International 

Airport has been ranked first for the second 

consecutive year in 25-40 Million Passengers 

Per Annum (MPPA) category 

25 

REGULARS 

29 - Asia Festival 

33- Travel News 

39- Show Highlight 

40- Show Review 

44- Calendar of Events 


President & 

Editor-In-Chief 

Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan 

Associate Editor & 

Vice President 

Mr. Apratim Ghoshal 

Executive Editor 

Mrs. Puja Keshan 

Intl. Correspondent 

& Marketing 

Ms. Shreyoshi Dey 

Content Writers 

Mr. Sudipto Roy 

Ms. Shreya Goswami 

Ms. Urmii Kar 

Ms. Shreyoshi Dey 

Design Team 

Mr. Mufaddal Chithiwala 

Ms. Sonali Khan 

Mr. Rajat Singh ( Web) 

Mr. Kaushik Das(Web) 

Marketing Executive 

Mr. Vijay Kumar 

Asst. Communication 

Executive 

Mr. Rana Singh 

Circulation 

Mr. A.K. Sharma 

Mr. Kajal Mandal 

he last month has seen one of the most tragic incidents of the modern history. 

We at Travel And Tour World stands in solidarity with all those families who lost 

Ttheir loved ones in the Brussels attack. 

It goes without saying that tourism and the immediate figures and numbers were 

affected. However, the government took all the possible safety measures to put things 

into places and we hope there would be no repetition of such heinous crime. 

Keeping aside the sordid incidents, we present to you our latest issue of TTW Asia. 

Like every time, we focused on a particular destination, this time it's Barbados. And 

our readers can expect to look for all the virgin beaches and their bucolic beauty 

where they can relax during their next sabbatical leave. With much to explore and 

enjoy in the Caribbean, we will shift your focus to one of the most important aspects 

of protecting and preserving the heritage buildings. There are dozens of factors, both 

tangible and intangible ones that contribute in affecting, read destructing, the heritage 

sites. The ardour of the tourists would also add a lot in preserving these sites. 

With one side of the story supporting on preserving the world heritages, there are new 

architects coming up for the modern day travellers. In our special feature, read about 

the world's largest and the region's first unique glow destination. It is a potpourri of 

global attractions is a must visit with your kids. 

Not only Dubai, but the entire Middle East is growing in online travel planning as per 

the Arabian Travel Market 2016 Travel Tech Theatre and might witness as much as 10% 

increase in its data. On the other tip of southern hemisphere, Tasmania promises to be 

one of the most elegant choice for business planners and this issue, we present the 

best choice of MICE venues. 

Lastly, IGIA or the Indira Gandhi International Airport has again been ranked on top of 

MPPA category making it one of the proud moments for India. With a kaleidoscope of 

latest travel news, travel trade shows and festivals, we hope this issue will prove 

interesting to you. 

Happy reading! 

Editor-In-Chief 

Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan 

Follow us 


Destination Diary 

arbados, a cosmopolitan country in the Caribbean, prosperous and progressive in its own right, 

popular for its immense natural beauty and undeniable charm is what we have for our quintessential 

Btravellers this month. It offers the exact blend of business and pleasure. 

The very first tourists who came here were enticed because of the island's fresh air, 

bright sunshine, pleasant weather and a spirit of vitality. Since then the rugged 

landscape, strong winds and turquoise waters have catered to the rich and 

famous, providing them with the best of healing facilities in the lap of luxury. 

Over the years the tourism industry has developed and diversified as 

Barbados continues to welcome delegates and leisure travellers from all 

over the world, looking for a much needed escape. From music festivals, 

street parties to sporting events, culinary affairs and performing arts – here 

the calendar brims with exciting opportunities and thrilling activities 

throughout the year. 




There is so much to explore and experience in Barbados that you will never have a dull moment. The white 

sandy beaches, bright sunshine, pleasant weather, warm friendly locals, delectable Caribbean cuisine, mouth 

watering seafood and electrifying nightlife along with the best of adventure sports will all ensure you have a 

truly memorable time during your visit. 


Cover Story 

The very reasons why a property is chosen for 

inscription on the World Heritage List is directly 

proportional to the reasons why millions of tourists 

flock to these sites year after year. In fact, the sole 

principle on which the World 

Heritage Convention is based is 

the belief that World Heritage 

sites belong to everyone and 

should be preserved for future 

generations. This evokes the 

fundamental and intellectual 

quests that how can the tourists 

merge the convictions with the 

concerns over the impact of 

tourism on World Heritage sites. 

For the protection of culture and 

promotion of cultural pluralism, 

UNESCO has been playing a very prominent role 

and the United Nations declared 2002 as the “Year 

for Cultural Heritage”. 

09 TTW Asia 

In recent light 

The UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and the 

President of the International Committee of the 

Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer signed a partnership 

agreement paving the way for the 

two organisations to undertake joint 

projects to enhance the protection of 

cultural heritage in the event of 

armed conflict. This agreement will 

provide opportunities to enhance 

UNESCO's ability to collect 

information in the areas of difficult 

access. The recent large-scale and 

systematic destruction and looting of 

cultural heritage sites have 

highlighted the strong connection 

between the cultural and 

humanitarian dimensions of cultural heritage 

protection. Attacks against cultural heritage and 

diversity are also attacks against people, their rights 

and their security.

An inner thought 

Protection of heritage monuments, sites and places 

to provide cultural and economic resources for the 

benefit of future generations, relies first and 

foremost on community commitment to. Broad 

public recognition and appreciation of monuments 

and sites is a prerequisite to the support of 

conservation action and the allocation of resources 

that is entailed. Otherwise, physical decay and 

cultural loss will become certain outcomes. 

Cauldron of vulnerability 

Some forms of threat to heritage monuments can 

be measured very evidently. For instance, the wearand-tear 

damage of tourist pressures, the damage 

wrought by military action, the loss of an 

indigenous language, loss of understanding of the 

spiritual, intangible and cultural values of places 

account for the irreplaceable loss of the heritage 

and subsequently impacts the tourism. 

significance are under pressure for re-development 

or modification. The complexity of the functions of 

religious buildings - spiritual, public, social and 

administrative - can support some flexibility of use, 

but for many the lack of congregation might lead to 

abandon. Increasingly under-funded, often poorly 

stored and inadequately catalogued, the contents, 

interiors and documentary archival evidence 

relating to heritage places, monuments and sites 

also pose a certain risk. And shamefully, these risks 

continue as long as we refuse to change our 

deleterious attitude. 

Some major identified trends of heritage 

destruction:- 

£Maintenance deficit which can either be for 

rueful human attitude or financial fiasco 

£Rigmarole of conservation, specially for unsettled 

ownership 

£Military activity or political change 

£Lack, loss or inappropriate devolution of 

protective heritage legislation 

With rapid changes in technology and sociopolitical 

structures, industrial complexes of heritage 



Special Feature

ubai Garden Glow, dubbed the world's 

largest and the region's first unique "glow Themed "Art by Day, Glow by Night," the trees, 

Ddestination “is a latest addition to the list plants, flowers, ants, animals and all other 

of places to visit in Dubai. As the name suggests, installations at the garden will illuminate 

Dubai Garden Glow / Dubai Glow Garden is the themselves after the sun sets. Recycled silk fabric is 

biggest of its kind and Dubai has set itself up for used to give the glowing touch to the art works 

another “top” in the world. Dubai Garden Glow along with energy saving lights. Sprawling across 40 

opened to public on 23rd of December 2015 and acres, the garden is open to visitors every day from 

families have yet another destination on their 'to- 4pm to 7pm. An entire street dedicated for offering 

do' list. The park was inaugurated by HH Sheikh delicacies from around the world will also open at 

Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. the garden. The access to Dubai Garden Glow will 

Dubai Garden Glow is situated in Area B of Zabeel be only through Gates 6 and 7. The entry is free for 

Park Gate 6 and Gate 7. 

children below three years. The Dubai Garden Glow 

Recycled attraction 

Developed by The Retailers Investment for the 

Dubai Municipality, the Dh30m garden is envisaged 

to be the leading leisure attraction in Dubai this 

season. According to the project's spokesperson, 

the park aims to raise the level of awareness on 

environmental sustainability, “as all the artwork has 

been made from recyclable materials, ranging from 

porcelain cups to medicine bottles,” she said. 

Art by Day, Glow by Night 

is the outcome of 18 months of planning, 200,000 

man hours, 150 artisans from different parts of the 

world and a management team overlooking it all. 



A potpourri of global attractions 

It has been inspired by wonders across the globe 

and has created several experiences that will take 

visitors from Masai Mara wild beast migration to 

the tulips of Netherlands. A majestic replica of the 

Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque made up of 90,000 

porcelain cups, plates and spoons and a 12m-tall 

miniature BurjKhalifa recreated with 330,000 small 

medicine bottles filled with coloured water are 

installations at the garden that have applied for 

Guinness World Records. 

You can find the below attractions within Dubai 

Garden Glow: 

ÜDinosaurs installation 

ÜA Talking Tree 

ÜVarious Stage Shows and performances 

ÜSparkling Garden 

ÜTaste Hotspots (eateries) 

ÜLaser Light Show 

ÜStreet Performers 

ÜGlowing Animals 

ÜBurj Khalifa replica 

Apart from a light and water show, the highlights 

Fairy land waiting to be visited 

that are specifically of interest to the little ones are While the municipality expects to attract 5,000 

African Savanna, Ant Party, Panda Paradise, 

visitors a day to the park, some visitors at Zabeel 

Sparkling Garden, Rabbit Heart, Ladybirds, 

Park said the high ticket price (60 dhs) might leave 

Candyland, Water Fairies, Giant Phoenix Vase and the fairy land a distant dream for many residents in 

an I Light Talking Tree, which is unique with its Dubai. The Park will be open till April 30, 2016, so 

talking features. 

don't miss the chance. 


Tech iT 

Arabian Travel Market 2016 Travel Tech Theatre line-up to 

identify customer engagement opportunities in the race 

to improve conversion rates with online bookings in 

Middle East forecast to grow from 25% to 36% by 2017. 


Growth in online travel planning and booking (34%), Saudi Arabia (23%), Lebanon (18%) and 

across the region will underpin the Travel Tech Egypt (12%). 

Theatre focus at Arabian Travel Market 2016, with 

research firm Phocuswright reporting that the Around 50% of the UAE population relies on the 

Middle East's online travel market is forecast to Internet as the first port of call when planning or 

almost double in value within the next two years, purchasing travel-related products, and the rising 

rising from US$18 billion to US$35 billion by 2018. use of mobile technology is also supporting online 

According to research released by Euromonitor trends, with 50% of travellers from the UAE and 

International, in 2014, 60% of airline reservations 35% from Saudi Arabia leading the region in using 

and ticketing was made online by Dubai based their smartphones to make travel arrangements. 

travellers alone, driven largely by a younger tech- By the end of 2017, according to a joint study 

smart generation for whom online and mobile conducted by Travelport and Phocuswright, 

technology is the preferred booking channel. online travel bookings, which currently account 

Looking at it regionally, 46% of airline tickets in for 25% of all bookings in the Middle East, will rise 

the UAE are booked online, followed by Kuwait to 36%. 


““The region has seen phenomenal growth in 

online engagement in the last two years, 

transitioning from a traditional face-to-face 

booking model to a new virtual reality where 24/7 

updated information is a basic expectation and 

speed of access is essential when it comes to 

planning, researching and booking,” said Nadege 

Noblet-Segers, Exhibition Manager, Arabian 

Travel Market, which takes place at the Dubai 

International Convention & Exhibition Centre, on 

25-28 April 2016. 

“Airlines and hotels are the acknowledged market 

leaders when it comes to highly effective online 

marketing and consumer engagement, and this is 

an area where all industry players needs to ensure 

that they look at increasing market share and 

awareness through a blend of creative messaging 

teamed with ongoing technology investment, 

especially when it comes to mobile applications,” 

said Noblet-Segers. 


Confirmed speakers include 

Ali Hashmi from Google talking about digital 

transformation, Stewart Smith of Sojern, on midmarket 

travel and market diversification, and senior 

executives representing Amadeus and Clicktripz, who 

will analyse the latest travel tech trends. 

A key area of annual growth, the travel 

technology area of the exhibition floor was 

launched as The Travel Tech Show at ATM in 

2015. With this renewed focus it grew 38% 

in 2015 and for 2016 will cover over 1,500 

square metres - a 68% increase on 2014 

figures. 51 exhibitors are already 

confirmed, including first-time participants 

Travelbook, iWeen Software Solutions and 

ChatSim and Plug In Travel, as well as 

returning exhibitors such as Amadeus, 

Travelport, Digital Trip, IATI and TravelClick. 

The Travel Tech Theatre component at 

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has 

consistently grown both in terms of content 

and attendee numbers. In 2015, the 

number of Travel Tech Theatre attendees 

grew by 41%. The 2016 seminars will once 

again take the form of panel-led discussions 

at which expert speakers will share 

invaluable insight on destination trends, 

the regional digital marketplace and 

segment-specific opportunities for growth. 

The Innovation Sponsor will be a joint 

partnership between Sabre Travel Network 

and Sabre Hospitality Solutions. In addition 

to two presentations in the Showcase 

Theatre, the sponsors will highlight the 

latest advances in wearable technology 

throughout the Technology & Online 

section of the event. 


The Travel Tech Show at ATM is only a part of a hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions looks to add to its 

packed agenda being developed for ATM 2016. record-breaking achievements earlier this year. 

Other highlights include mid-market travel, luxury, ATM 2015 witnessed a year-on-year visitor 

aviation, responsible tourism, spa & wellness attendance increase of 12% to over 26,000, with 

tourism, business, adventure, and halal tourism. exhibiting companies increasing by 5% to 2,873. 

Business deals worth more than US$2.5 billion 

ATM 2016 will build on the success of this year's were signed over the four days. 

edition with the announcement of an additional 


ormerly known as the Van 

Diemen's Land, Tasmania 

Fis an island state of 

Australia. It lies about 240 km 

south of the state of Victoria and 

is separated by Bass Strait. 

Structurally, Tasmania is the 

smallest state in Australia and 

Hobart is its capital. 


Meetings Point 

One of Hobart's most unique venues, the C3 

Convention Centre has the ability to cater to events 

for 10 to 1000 people. With polished concrete 

floors, internal bridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, 

skylights, views of the Rivulet and trees, outdoor 

lawn areas, high ceilings, free off street parking for 

200+ vehicles ― this venue is stunning, versatile 

and modern. It was recently built in 2011. 


£It has a main auditorium with 900m2 spaces which can seat up to 900 people lecture style or up to 400 

around tables. 

£It is the most unique venue spaces boasting to cater up to 500 people 

£The Anglesea Room can seat up to 200 people lecture style or 120 around tables 

£A fully equipped boardroom is the Rivulet room and can seat up to 16 around the board table 

£The Odeon room is a smaller, intimate room with couches 

£There are six versatile classrooms that can be used for break out rooms for conferences 

Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre 

Centrally located in the heart of Devonport, this convention centre is a perfect venue for conferences, 

seminars and meetings. The centre comprises of a proscenium arch theatre, foyer, three function rooms and a 

licenced restaurant. Offering a flexible bend for arrangements, this venue can be used to suit specific 

requirements. Car parking is available in the Rooke Street,adjacent to the centre. It also offers easy access 

facilities to the physically challenged guests and the trained patrons assist them to their seating. The Thai 

Imperial Courthouse is a vibrant restaurant which offers a myriad and affordable menu. 

The Tailrace Centre 

There are two Garden Rooms within the venue which are ideal for setting up any events like music afternoons, 

family or corporate events. Kids Paradise is available for children below 12 years and is packed with plethora of 

fun-filled activities. The Cradle Rooms are the favoured training rooms within the Tailrace Centre and is better 

organised for small to medium groups of delegates. The Chapel features the wooden roof and glass-made 

circular walls providing a warm ambience for the event. The centre can be hired for private parties or it can be 


Tasmania's naturally elegant wines are made from grapes grown in climates similar to those of the famous 

European wines - with mild summers and long autumn days that ripen the grapes providing elegance and 

intensity of flavour. It enjoys 

national and international 

reputation as a leading producer 

of some of Australia's premium 

wines. 

Tasmania offers an impressive 

range of elegant cool-climate 

wines, like Riesling, Chardonnay, 

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet 

Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and 

Gewurztraminer ― all grown and 

produced here. It enjoys the 

international reputation as a 

leading producer of some of 

Australia's premium wines. Wine 

routes are present north of 

Launceston in the Tamar Valley 

and east of Pipers River while in 

the south,the routes are in the 

Derwent, Coal River and Huon 

Valleys ― together comprising 

the Southern Wine Route ―all 

within an easy drive from Hobart. 

Each route offers a diverse and 

sophisticated range of wine 

styles. From ultra-modern 

restaurants to quaint cottages to 

heritage stables and converted 

backyard sheds, wine tours in Tasmania are something that is absolutely album-perfect! 


Perhaps Australia's best-kept secret, Tasmania's natural beauty is simply spectacular, with dramatic coastlines, 

lofty mountains and one of the planet's last great wildernesses. While planning business travel, nothing can be 

more gratifying than knowing your guests are willing to get back to the destination again and again. Tasmania is 

one such maverick choice – be it for incentive travel, business meet or leisure trip. 


Xclusive 

The Indira Gandhi 

International Airport (IGIA), 

managed by Delhi 

International Airport (P) 

Limited (DIAL), a GMR-led 

Consortium, has been ranked 

first for the second 

consecutive year in 25-40 

Million Passengers Per Annum 

(MPPA) category. The airport 

was adjudged the world's best 

airport in 2014 under the 

same category. 


Terminal 3 Buzz 

IGIA's Terminal 3 or T3 was opened for operations in 2010 which was 

constructed using the advanced 'North Light' concept which increases 

illumination while cutting down on solar gain. With a passenger capacity of 34 

million passengers annually and equipped with 41 X-ray machines, it can scan 

12, 800 bags per hour. As many as 40 million travellers utilised IGIA to reach 

58 domestic and 62 global destinations in 2014-15. 

Nomenclature 


Built during World War II, the IGIAwas initially 

known as Royal Air Force (RAF)Airport. Civil 

operations were moved from Safdarjung Airport to 

Palam Airport in 1962. On May 2, 1986 when the 

airport was renamed as Indira Gandhi International 

Airport or IGIA, another terminal was added.

MORE EXPANSION 

After the initiation of operations at Terminal 3 in the year 2010, IGIA turned into India's and South Asia's 

biggest flight centre point, with a present limit of more than 62 million travellers. There is a planned 

expansion program which will increase the airport's capacity to handle 100 million passengers by 2030. In 

2014, the airplane terminal was among the main 30 busiest air terminals on the planet with 39.7 million 

travellers being taken care of, reporting a 7.8 percent development in activity over the previous year. 

HANDLERS 

Another interesting fact is that the IGI airport was first handled by the Indian Air Force before management 

was passed over to Airports Authority of India (AAI). Then, in May 2006, the management of the airport 

was transferred to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). 


WELL EQUIPPED 

The IGIA is home to 6 domestic carriers and 56 international carriers. Moreover, the airport is also capable 

of handling the giant Airbus A380 aircraft. The airport uses an advanced system called Airport Collaborative 

Decision Making (A-CDM) to keep take-offs and arrivals convenient and unsurprising. 

WELL EQUIPPED 

In 2010, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was given the fourth best airport honour on the world in 

the 15-25 million classification, and Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region via Airports Council 

International. The air terminal was appraised as the Best airplane terminal on the planet in the 25-40 

million travellers class in 2015, via Airports Council International. Delhi Airport additionally packed away 

two honours for The Best Airport in Central Asia/India and Best Airport Staff in Central Asia/India at the 

prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards 2015. 

India has unquestionably 

landed on the world stage 

and the above fascinating 

realities are proof 

enough. 


sia offers a variety of festivals in 

April. The spring mood is well 

Acaptured in this month as the spirits 

of people revolve around the idea of 

celebrating spring time with joy and fun. 

Welcoming the New Year most parts of 

Asia turns colourful either with 

flowers or just colours being 

splashed on each other 

and rejoicing the 

advent of a 

prosperous year in 

Asia! 


The largest gathering of ICT 

retailers and suppliers, this high 

energy consumer show attracts IT 

professionals, technology enthusiasts, students 

and consumers as well as regional traders. With 

visitors coming from Middle East but also from 

North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, 

biggest names from the retail sector 

attend this show. This shopping 

bonanza year after year is 

much awaited by the 

retail sector. 

Those with an athletic 

bent can participate in the 

race. It is for both Hunter locals 

and also visitors with one or more of 

the seven professionally staged 

running/walking events over four days. 

DISTANCE Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 

5km, 2K4Kids, Mile High 


This five days event 

brings the Nigerian fashion 

industry together in the city of Uyo to 

learn, interact, network, shop and have fun. 

The show attracts fashion retailers, rashion 

brands, fashion tech startups, modelling 

agencies, fashion & design schools, and 

businesses related to the fashion industry 

and thousands of shoppers. 

Songkran 

Water Festival of 

Thailand is for those 

who love to get drenched. 

Yes indeed the moment you 

step out in the street you will be 

greeted with water pistols, the water 

balloons and buckets of water as the Thais 

celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. Similar to the 

Indian festival of Holi and the Chinese festival of 

Ching Ming the festival observes the great 

ritual of bathing the Buddha where 

people celebrate by 

sprinkling water. 


At about one and half 

hour drive from Thimphu en 

route to Punakha, will you find the 

spectacular burst of colours in 46 different 

species of rhododendrons. In the backdrop of the 

fiery blooms locals perform cultural activities such as 

songs, dances followed by several other cultural 

programmes by students integrating 

themes on importance of 

environment of conservation. 

Spring time welcomes 

the soft, pristine and 

abundant cherry blossoms 

flower viewing season. 

Capturing the attention of 

travellers for years, the best places to 

view the blossoms at this time would be Nigata, 

Aomori, Sapporo and Sendai. So pick your 

destination and choose the right time to view 

the best of these blossoms. 


South African tourism expands its reach 

in Europe 

South African tourism is planning to open a South 

Europe hub and that is how the country justifies 

the closure of its Italian office. The South Europe 

office will serve both Italy and France and the 

office will be located in Paris. According to SA 

Tourism, the move aims to optimise its operating 

models and follows a review of how best to market 

the country more effectively. “The hub strategy is 

part of the strategic intent to maximise our 

marketing spend in markets we operate in,” SA 

Tourism said in a statement. “By reducing 

overheads, there will be more marketing money to 

spend in marketing South Africa in Italy.” The 

organisation added that Italy was SA's fifth biggest 

source market in Europe, and remained an 

extremely important market. 

Travel News 

offer them. This has included diversification and 

amplification of the product offering and growing 

South Africa to a dream destination for Italians. 

“We would also like to thank the trade in Italy and 

at home who continue to invest in selling South 

Africa to Italians. Our strategy going forward will 

stimulate the market, as we continue to work 

closely together,” said Dlamini. 

SA Tourism will also appoint an Italian based 

representative to ensure that the trade and 

marketing work continues in that market. “As we 

implement our strategy for the Italian market, we 

are thankful to the entire South African tourism 

Italy team for their continued commitment,” said 

SA Tourism Acting Chief Executive Officer, 

Sthembiso Dlamini. “South African Tourism recalls 

with pride a lot of great things that have come out 

of this office. Through the team's hard work, the 

office's biggest contribution to the market over the 

last 10 years has been to work with the media and 

the trade to align what Italians are looking for 

when they travel with what South Africa has to 


Etihad expands Istanbul network 

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United 

Arab Emirates, will expand its services to Istanbul 

during 2016 with a new four times weekly service 

to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The service will 

commence on 1 July 2016 and be served by an 

Airbus A320-200, with 16 seats in business and 120 

in economy. The route will provide more travel 

options for guests travelling between the UAE and 

Istanbul as well as access to over thirty two-way 

connected markets and over 240 weekly 

connections around the world over the Abu Dhabi 

hub. The airline already operates a daily service to 

Istanbul Ataturk Airport but market demand has 

created an opportunity to deploy additional 

capacity into Sabiha Gokcen. The airport is an 

increasingly popular gateway for visitors to Istanbul 

and the southern section of the region. It is well 

connected to other domestic cities on the Asian 

side of the city, including Yalova and Bursa. 

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive 

Officer for Etihad Airways said: “Istanbul is a 

critically important market within our global 

network and we plan to serve both city airports to 

support our wider expansion plans. We have seen 

an increasing number of guests travelling between 

both the United Arab Emirates and Turkey and we 

want this trend to continue and grow during 2016. 

“The timing of the service is excellent to attract 

local travelers between Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, 

whilst also enabling seamless connectivity with 

markets in the GCC, Indian Sub-Continent, 

Northern Asia, Southern Asia and Australia. 

Istanbul is one of the world's most popular tourism 

destinations thanks to its major attractions, cultural 

heritage and history. Located where Asia and 

Europe meet, visitors will gain access to attractions 

that include ancient mosques, palaces, monuments 

and traditional bazaars. 

Etihad Airways originally launched services to 

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey in June 2009. 

Today the airline operates a daily service on the 

Airbus A330, with full network connectivity. 

Istanbul Ataturk is already such a popular 

destination within the Etihad Airways network, that 

it will host one of the airline's Boeing 787 

Dreamliners, which are also being added to other 

cities such as Dusseldorf, Perth, Shanghai and 

Johannesburg during 2016. 

Source: Etihad. 


Qatar unveils Museum of Islamic Arts 

A seamless blend of timeless traditions and 

modernity, Qatar combines year-round sunshine, 

luxury accommodation and outstanding service 

with a wide range of sightseeing opportunities, 

activities and sports, topped off with a fascinating 

taste of its own unique culture. In a nation so 

steeped in heritage, Qatar has successfully 

preserved its historical roots while evolving as an 

urban regional metropolis at the forefront of global 

trends. A nation filled with treasures, gems and 

interesting finds, we bring you the glistening Gems 

of Qatar series to share what shouldn't be missed 

while planning your trip to the charming Arabic 

nation. 

a central tower. An adjacent education wing is 

connected by a large central courtyard. The 

Museum is a wealth of art and a treasure trove of 

historical resources, boasting an impressive 

collection of ceramics, glass, metalwork, 

manuscripts and textiles dating back to the seventh 

century. Special exhibitions cover over a thousand 

years of Islamic art, giving an unparalleled glimpse 

into Qatar's history and culture. Along with the 

permanent and temporary galleries, there is a 

library and an auditorium where regular talks and 

interactive workshops are held. For culture buffs 

and history enthusiasts, this place is not to be 

missed. 

Architecture and Inspiration 

The Museum of Islamic Arts is one fine case in 

point. Built on a reclaimed island, the majestic 

structure is an iconic addition to Doha's skyline and 

draws much influence from ancient Islamic 

architecture, notably the Ibn Tulun Mosque in 

Cairo. The museum is the brainchild of Pritzker 

Prize-winning veteran architect I.M. Pei, who came 

out of retirement to design the Museum of Islamic 

Arts. The veteran Chinese-American architect is 

best known for the landmark glass pyramid in the 

forecourt of the Louvre – still widely regarded as 

the world's greatest museum. 

Treasure Trove of Art, History and Culture 

Rising five-storeys high, the main building of the 

Museum is topped by a high domed atrium within 


Learning and Fun for Everyone 

Some museums may seem uninviting or high-brow, 

but not the Museum of Islamic Arts. Its extensive 

learning resources for teachers, adults, students, 

families and schools mean that there is something 

for everyone. For young adults, there are a myriad 

of activities to do, such as meeting with museum 

staff in their Behind‐The‐Scenes tours and Thursday 

Late Tours, creating their very own artworks, 

inspired by historic pieces from Islamic civilisation 

in a workshop, or joining the Majlis Book Club 

(available in Arabic & English) and discussing books 

linked to Islamic Art, Museums or Arabic History. 

The museum is also child-friendly, with Family 

Tours, Children's Weekday Workshops, and 

playgrounds in the MIA Park to keep children fully 

occupied. 

Details and Directions 

Opening Hours: 

Mon, Wed, Sun 10.30am – 5.30pm 

Thu, Sat 12pm – 8pm 

Fri 2pm – 8pm 

Closed on Tuesdays 

The Museum of Islamic Arts is a 15-minute drive 

from Hamad International Airport. The best way to 

get to the museum is by car or taxi. 

There are flights connecting Singapore, Malaysia 

and Hong Kong to Qatar directly via the awardwinning 

Qatar Airways daily. 

Saudi Arabia expects 20% increase in 

MICE tourism in 2016 

According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism & 

National Heritage, the number of exhibitions and 

conferences in Saudi Arabia during 2016 is 

expected to increase by about 20%. However, local 

event organizers point out several challenges of 

MICE tourism in the kingdom. 

The executive director of the conference and 

exhibitions national program, Tarek Al-Essa, named 

several reasons for the positive forecast of the 

government: 

“There are several factors that strengthen the 

possibility of development of MICE tourism in Saudi 

Arabia such as the plan of the government to 

diversify the economic base, invest more in the 

sector, and further develop the national program of 

conferences and exhibitions. The aim is to 

stimulate the MICE sector in the kingdom… The 

vision of the government is that Saudi Arabia will 

become the main destination for conferences and 

exhibitions in the Middle East by 2020.” 

The government's investment in the MICE tourism 

industry for the coming years until 2019 amounts 

to USD1.6 billion. Several centers and venues will 

benefit from the financial boost. One of them is the 

new King Salman International Conference Center 

in Medina which is planned to open before the end 

of this year. Another venue is the center for 

conferences and exhibitions in the International 

Airport of the King Khalid in Riyadh which should 

open by 2020. 


The national program of conferences and 

the breakdown of the purchase power of the 

exhibitions issued licenses to nearly 7,900 events residents. 

during 2015. According to the official statistics, Gabla Salman, exhibitions organizer, mentioned 

there were about 4 million visitors at these events, another obstacle preventing the MICE tourism in 

including conferences, forums, meetings, seminars Saudi Arabia from faster development: “One of the 

and workshops, and representing an increase of major challenges that we, as international 

23% compared to 2014. Over the last two years, conference organizers, face is the difficulty of 

nearly 700 companies started offering their 

getting visas for exhibitors and visitors from 

services as event organizers. Currently, there 3100 abroad”. 

such businesses in the kingdom. The board member of the Arab Federation Experts 

Mohammed Al-Hussieny, the vice chairman of the of Tourism, Khalid Al-Rasheed, also said that the 

Conferences & Exhibitions Sector National 

Saudi market suffers from insufficient skills of some 

Committee said that there are several reasons to companies that organize the conferences and 

believe that the MICE tourism sector is set for exhibitions and he highlighted the importance of 

growth: “One of the benefits is the beneficial facilitating the possibility of foreign event 

location of Saudi Arabia and the fact that the organizers to enter the kingdom. 

kingdom is one of the largest regional economies. 

Moreover, the kingdom attracts the event 

organizers with its amenities including modern 

facilities and infrastructure. It is also characterized 

by its variant geographical topography ranging from 

deserts to beaches”. 

According toAl-Hussieny, MICE tourism in Saudi 

Arabia could generate huge revenues which will 

contribute to the GDP and become the key driver 

of the national economy. 

However, local event organizers complain about 

many obstacles they face when they want to 

improve their services and be more profitable. One 

of the organizers, Badr Al-Neef, emphasized that 

the conference sector is likely to suffer this year 

thanks to the political and security situation in the 

Middle East, the severe drop in oil prices, as well as 


UNWTO projects a positive 2016 for 

tourism in Greece 

UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai has 

expressed the confidence of the Organization in the 

continued growth of the tourism sector in Greece. 

In 2015, international tourist arrivals to Greece 

grew by 7% to reach 23.6 million, while exports 

generated by the sector increased by 6% to euro 

14.2 billion. 

Meeting Minister of Tourism of Greece Elena 

Kountoura at the side-lines of ITB to discuss the 

situation and prospects of tourism in Europe and 

Greece, Mr Rifai said “we have no doubt that 

Greece will maintain a powerful image worldwide 

as a major tourism destination and that the 

country will consolidate its growth in 2016, as 

shown by booking trends”. Ms. Kountoura said “the 

Aegean islands are already showing a positive 

trend in bookings and are ready to welcome an 

increased number of tourists for the current 

season”. The diversification of the touristic offer, 

the development of new destinations and the 

opening of high-end accommodation facilities and 

services are some of the measures taken by the 

Greek government to enhance tourism, as 

highlighted by the Minister of Tourism of Greece in 

the meeting. 

“Meeting with leading tour operators at ITB, we 

have received very positive feedback from the 

German travel market, which has confirmed the 

increased demand in bookings for Greece”, added 

Ms. Kountoura. This news is timely for Greece as 

the country is advancing implementation of its new 

tourism policy framework, launched in 2015 to 

enhance international tourism. 


SHOW HIGHLIGHT 

When: 25-28 April 

Where: Dubai, UAE 

Now in its 23rd edition, 

Arabian Travel Market 

2016 will showcase more 

than 2,800 products and 

destinations from around 

the world to over 26,000 

buyers and travel trade 

visitors across four days at 

Dubai International 

Convention and Exhibition 

Centre (DICEC).ATM 2016 

will build on the success of 

this year's edition with the 

announcement of an 

additional hall as Reed 

Travel Exhibitions looks to 

add to its record-breaking 

achievements last year. 

Arabian Travel Market 

(ATM) 2016 exhibitors will 

have more than business 

on their minds at this 

year's event as organiser, 

Reed Travel Exhibitions, 

reprises its Best Stand 

Awards initiative at the 

annual industry showcase. 


Responsible tourism will headline several seminar theatre sessions at 

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016 as government legislation, 

increased focus on the traveller footprint and the impact of natural 

disasters on country economies put the spotlight on the importance 

of effective sustainable travel strategies. 

“More and more companies are re-evaluating their business model 

to incorporate responsible tourism products and programmes, and 

are using this as a tool to attract ethically and environmentally 

minded guests and clients as well as to support local government 

efforts or in response to legislated change,” said Nadege Noblet- 

Segers, Exhibition Manager, Arabian Travel Market. 

Saudi exhibitors at ATM 2106 will also highlight the future of tourism 

in the country, which has some US$11.6 billion worth of tourism 

projects currently underway. 

“A recent report by the Saudi Eastern Province Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry stated that tourism contributed 2.7% of the 

country's GDP, with 2014 tourism receipts totalling around US$45.3 

billion. While the bulk of this comes from Hajj and Umrah travel, 

which accounted for almost US$27 billion, this clearly demonstrates 

the strong domestic travel market within the Kingdom, as well as the 

growing business travel segment,” said Nadege Noblet-Segers, 

Exhibition Manager, Arabian Travel Market.

Show Review 

ITB Berlin, 9 to 13 March, Messe Berlin 

he celebration of the 50th anniversary ITB market place and a platform for personal 

Berlin again underlined its importance as encounters, provides a “firm foundation for the 

Tthe leading trade show for the global travel industry during turbulent times“, and in the digital 

industry, from 9 to 13 March some 10,000 

age too it has lost none of its importance for the 

exhibiting companies from 187 countries and travel industry all over the world. 

regions met with 120,000 trade visitors in the 26 Dr. Christian Göke: “Currently ITB Berlin is not only 

exhibition halls. These estimated figures reveal that one of the most important trade shows taking place 

the world's leading trade show for the international in Berlin but, over the past five decades it has been 

travel industry attracted the largest number of a significant economic factor for our city. This 

trade visitors since it was launched in 1966. On the international show for the global travel industry has 

purchasing side there was also a further increase in also been a remarkable success story for the trade 

the number of decision-makers: two thirds of the fair sector in Germany, and this is something of 

trade visitors stated that they held direct authority which our company and the Berliners too can be 

for all purchasing decisions. Business conducted very proud. In terms of its exhibitors and its trade 

during the trade show rose from last year's figure of visitors, no other show anywhere in the world has 

6.7 billion euros to around seven billion this year. an international structure that can compare in any 

way with it. ITB Berlin is “more than just a trade 

Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Executive Officer of show“ – today, all over the world, it represents 

Messe Berlin: “Never before in its 50 years has ITB Germany, symbolizing hospitality and serving as a 

Berlin welcomed so many trade visitors to the practical example of international understanding.” 

exhibition halls. After this five day event trade The travel trade show that was held for the first 

visitors and exhibitors are leaving Berlin with a clear time in Berlin 50 years ago has now evolved into a 

message: even in times dominated by a “sense of real international success: ITB Asia has been held 

uncertainty“ people are not willing to do without annually in Singapore since 2008. Furthermore, as 

their holiday trips. Conversely, over the past few Messe Berlin has recently announced, from May 

days the travel industry has made it clear that it can 2017, ITB China will be taking place annually in the 

provide suitable answers to the major challenges populous city of Shanghai in cooperation with that 

that it currently faces.“ ITB Berlin has again 

country's major tour operators and travel agents. 

provided evidence that this trade show, a global 


The world's largest convention for the global travel of the public took advantage of the wide range of 

industry attracted a record attendance. The 200 information available from tour operators, including 

events at the ITB Convention were attended by over those representing niche markets. As in previous 

26,000 visitors. It was taking place for the 13th time years, during the weekend visitors were able to 

and occupied eight halls on the Exhibition Grounds. make travel bookings at ITB Berlin. Between 9 and 

The main themes at the ITB Convention, which is 13 March ITB Berlin attracted some 180,000 

regarded as the “think tank“ for the international visitors. 

industry, were “Travel 4.0“ and the complete 

digitalization of all the various business processes 

of travel companies. Due to the evident willingness 

of many travelers to spend, the subject of luxury 

travel also attracted a great deal of interest. 

Discussions also took place about the opportunities 

and risks facing tourism as a consequence of the 

influx of refugees to Europe. With the first 

appearance in Europe by a humanoid robot from 

Japan – clad as an elegant trade show hostess – 

visitors to ITB Berlin were able to see for 

themselves how engineers and scientists view the 

future of a service-based industry. The importance 

of ITB Berlin as an economic and social platform 

was underlined by the presence of many prominent 

speakers. Among those providing information and 

inspiration for the participants in the Convention 

were Günther H. Oettinger, EU Commissioner for Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, World Tourism 

the Digital Economy and Society, Dr. Gerd Müller, Organization (UNWTO): “On the occasion of its 

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and 50th anniversary ITB continues to reflect the vision 

Development, and Professor Dr. Hans-Werner Sinn, and leadership of the tourism sector. We at UNWTO 

President of the ifo Institute – Leibniz-Institute for are very pround to have ITB as a strong partner and 

Economic Research. 

thank the whole team at ITB for their contribution 

On the Saturday and Sunday the halls were 

to making the tourism sector more competitive but 

thronged with visitors. According to a provisional also more responsible and sustainable.” 

estimate by the organizers, some 60,000 members 


Dr. Michael Frenzel, President of the Federal trends. I am pleased to say that most destinations 

Association of the German Tourism Industry continue to expand their business. Whereas at the 

(BTW): start of the year people were uncertain, leading to 

“On this significant anniversary ITB again showed hesitancy in making bookings for certain countries, 

how important face-to-face meetings remain in an many of the participants in this trade show 

increasingly digitalized world. The general mood expressed their confidence that, over the next few 

and the many discussions that took place at this months, many customers would make decisions at 

trade show confirmed our basically optimistic short notice in favour of those destinations where 

outlook for 2016. The tourism industry, both in there has so far been some hesitancy. Despite all 

Germany and around the world, is in an ideal the challenges that it faces, I am convinced that this 

situation, there is a wider choice than ever before, travel year offers a great deal of potential and will 

the mood among consumers is positive, and achieve very positive overall results. “ 

Germans prefer to spend their money on travel, as 

was confirmed this week by the consumer research 

organization GfK. Provided that we as an industry 

stick together, and politics does its part to get a grip 

on the very real challenges presented by the influx 

of refugees, 2016 will be another good year for 

travel.“ 

Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel 

Association (DRV): 

“This year the world's largest travel trade show was 

the focus of general interest to a greater degree 

than ever, because security and travel were among 

the dominant topics at this leading international 

trade show. ITB is not only a market place for 

destinations, but also a vital yardstick for assessing 

the level of bookings for the coming travel season. 

Where are Germans travelling to, what are their 

summer holiday destinations? During ITB answers 

to these questions can always be accurately 

deduced on the basis of reports about the latest 


Haris Mohammed, Acting Managing Director, 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations 

Corporation: 

We very much look forward to building our 

continued success story in Germany as well as in 

our other important source markets to showcase 

“On behalf of the Maldives and our entire tourism everything that make our country one of the 

industry, I would like to thank you and congratulate leading travel destinations in the world.” 

you for a wonderful ITB Berlin 2016. We are very More than 5,000 accredited journalists from 80 

pleased that we were the partner country of ITB countries, as well as around 380 bloggers from 30 

Berlin 2016 that marked the 50th anniversary of ITB countries, reported from ITB Berlin. This trade show 

Berlin as well as the Visit Maldives Year 2016, in was a meeting place for politicians from Germany 

which we celebrate the tourism industry in our and many other countries, as well as for many 

beautiful country. We look back at a very successful diplomats. In addition to 124 delegations, it was 

trade show through which we were able to present attended by the members of four royal houses, 48 

the Maldives as the world's leading island 

ministers and 87 ambassadors from all over the 

destination. We invite the world to experience our world. The next ITB Berlin will take place from 

wonderful tropical beaches, our culture and the Wednesday to Sunday, 8 to 12 March 2017. The 

warmth of our people as well as our unique 

Official Partner Country will be Botswana. 

hospitality in some of the best resorts around the 

globe. 


WTM Africa 

Cape Town, South Africa 

www.wtmafrica.com/ 

29 March 

- 

1 April 

UITT 

Kyiv,Ukraine 

www.travel-exhibitions 

.com/UITT 

Digital Travel 

Summit APAC 

Sentosa, Singapore 

digitaltravelapac. 

wbresearch.com/ 

7-9 

April 

6-8 

April 

30 March 

- 

1 April 

12-14 

April 


COTTM 

Beijing, China 

www.cottm.com/ 

KITF 

Almaty, Kazakhstan 

www.kitf.kz/en/ 

IMEX Frankfurt 

Frankfurt, Germany 

www.imex-frankfurt.com/ 

12-14 

April 

SITT 

Novosibirisk, Russia 

www.sitt-expo.ru/en- 

GB/home.aspx 

Routes Europe 

Kraków, Poland 

www.routesonline.com/ 

events/181/routeseurope-2016-/ 

20-22 

April 

19-21 

April 

14-16 

April 

23-26 

April 


ATM 

Dubai, UAE 

www.arabiantravelmarket.com/ 

WTM Connect Asia 

Penang, Malaysia 

www.wtmconnectasia.com/ 

Seatrade Cruise Asia 

Busan, Korea 

www.seatradecruiseevents. 

com/asia/ 

25-28 

April 

Arabian Hotel 

Investment Conference 

Dubai, UAE 

www.arabianconference.com 

The Hotel Show 

Saudi Arabia 

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 

www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com 

18-20 

May 

12-13 

May 

26-28 

April 

17-19 

May 


PATA Annual Summit 

Guam, USA 

www.pata.org/portfolio 

/pas-2016/ 

Boutique and 

Lifestyle Hotel Summit 

London, England 

www.boutiquehotelsummit.com/ 

CATHIC 

Istanbul, Turkey 

www.cathic.com/ 

18-21 

May 

Hotel Managemnet 

Thailand Summit 

Bangkok, Thailand 

www.questexevent.com/ 

otelManagementSummit 

/2016th/ 

23-24 

Asia Pacific Hotel 

Investment Conference 

Dusit Thani, Bangkok, Thailand 

www.questexevent.com/IHIF/2016th/ 

31 May 

- 

1 June 

May 

24 

25-27 

May 

May

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