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VIP panel session tackles big issues
Leading travel industry professionals claim the global financial crisis is yet to make its mark on the Middle East's corporate travel market.
Discussing the issue at a VIP panel session chaired by ATN and MIME at the Business Travel Show Dubai, Guy Epsom, Hilton's regional director of sales & marketing, explained that GCC travel market was currently stable with bookings and room rates at his portfolio of properties across the region showing steady growth.
However, he and other panel members said the region would not be immune to the downturn and that they anticipated a slowdown in inbound leisure traffic.
"There is a big opportunity to react before the curve; we're insulated here, but we're not isolated," Epsom warned. Alshamel International CEO Derin Cameron corporates had been "mandated to tighten their belts".
"The leisure industry will be the first to disappear," she stressed. "We need to be conscious of what is around the corner; this is a wait-and-see situation."
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BA commercial director Middle East Paul Starrs described the current global situation as "the perfect storm" that had created an "unprecedented" trading environment. This would see airlines cut transatlantic flights in favour of more profitable routes to regions such as the Middle East, he said.
"As long as it doesn't clash with GITEX, I look forward to returning next year. The venue is great and it is not the World Trade Centre." Leo Fewtrell, Tourism Ireland.
"I'm here to test the market and from the results at the show, I will seriously look at opening an office in Dubai." - Graham Coate, First Class Cars.
"Good show of people but mainly travel agents and few corporates, which is not great for us ... but we expect to have enough leads to justify our presence." - Naveen Advani, Premier Inn.
"It's a good show, compact and people are here to talk business. However, there is a need for better catering at the event."- Amal Harb, Rotana Hotels.
"I'm impressed by the organisation; it is a quality event, although there is always room for improvement with more buyers." - Stuart Wines, Radius.
"Response has been good for us providing a platform to focus on our new first, business and economy product coming into the region, as well as the new double daily service to Hong Kong." - Tarus Mamachan, Cathay Pacific.
"We are seeing current corporate clients and travel trade, with just a few new contacts - but GlobalStar is starting out in the Middle East so it has been a useful platform to test the market." - Rodney de Araujo, Orient Travel.
"It has been worth making the trip from India to attend. We are looking for partners and suppliers and made some useful contacts." - Harihar N, LogNbuy.com, India.
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