ATM LIVE: Day 3

4:56 PM - The Ritz-Carlton Doha is getting ready for its first ever 'Festival of the Senses' - a five-day extravaganza of elements to deight the senses, including cooking classes with top international chefs, specialist wine and cigar evenings, seminars on the world's most exclusive jewellery collections, and exhibitions or Oriental and Qatari art.

Pep Lozano, the hotel's new GM, said he was looking forward to the evnt and was certain it would see a good response.
"The market in Qatar is very enthusiastic about new, local events; we anticipate a lot of visitors to this festival," he said.

The show will take place from May 10-15.

3:59 PM - Big Bus Tours  has tied up with Dubai Airport to offer transit passengers a tour of Dubai. Launching this summer, they will get a two-hour tour of the city. I think that is a great idea and a real boost for those stuck in airports. Hopefully no traffic jams though! 

3:00 PM - According to Monika on ATN DTCM's hotel classification will have gold, silver and platinum categories and hotels will be divided into categories such as business hotel or desert resort. It will apparently be rolled out by the end of the year.  

2:49 PM - Just had an interview with Hotel chain Zuri. Very interesting, looking for opportunities in the UAE. About to interview Ritz-Carlton Simon Cooper.

1:47 PM - Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts business development director Guy Epsom says the brand's plans for an all-inclusive package incorporating F&B at its upcoming Royal Amwaj property have "shaken things up" in the Dubai market.

"I've had a number of hotels call and ask what on earth we're doing," he revealed. "But we think this is the right way to move the market forward.

"The way exchange rates are going, and because we're linked to the dollar here, F&B is just going to get more expensive for tourists. We believe the Club Amwaj option will allow travellers to enjoy and make the most of the property's food and beverage offerings without spending their holiday worrying about the bill at the end.

11:55 AM - Business volumes are expected to grow by as much as 20 per cent during the course of 2010 according to Frédéric Bardin, Senior Vice President at Arabian Adventures.Most of this growth is expected to come from traditional markets in the US, Russia and Europe as well as new emerging markets such as China and Korea.

Bardin said: “Despite the challenges of the economic crisis, our business remains strong. We also believe the tourism sector will rebound substantially this year, particularly in terms of tour operator business and traditional holidaymakers. Consequently we expect to see a steady increase in demand throughout 2010 as the UAE continues to recover.”

11:22 AM - Marriott, as expected, is continuing its growth in the region with properties in some unusual locations. President and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International Ed Fuller was on hand to tell Louise Oakley about new signings in Tlemcen, Algeria and Kigali, Rwanda. Fuller was also very excited about the opening of a JW Marriott in Tripoli by the end of 2010. He said that having a flag in Libya was a “personal dream for me”.

11:10 AM - To take a look at the Raffles party click here and to take a look at The Address party click here.  Banyan Tree is set to launch an interesting value-add package on May 18 across its global portfolio. Called Abundance, it rewards guests who book a certain amount of nights with credit to the value of their room rate to spend in the resort, explained assistant vice president global marketing network Audrey Chung. It makes a change from the buy-one-get-one-free offers we saw a lot of last summer.

11:01 AM - Over on the Qatar stand, head of licensing and classification tourism activities Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that 40 hotels and hotel apartments, mainly in the four- and five-star and luxury categories, would open in 2010. He said that half of these projects were carried over from last year, hence the huge boost in supply. As well as hotels, the Culural Village will open this year, including opera house, amphitheatre, museums and galleries. This is part of the strategy to grow non-business tourism from 10% up to 30%, Ansari told Louise Oakley.

10:09 AM - An interview with Six Senses deputy chairman and managing director Bernhard Bohnenberger revealed that the company is currently rebranding, dropping “superfluous words” from the names of its resorts. Six Senses Hideaway Zighi Bay will become Six Senses Zighi Bay for example. There are too many weird and wonderful hotel names out there – which are often not used in their entirety by guests – so we think this is a refreshing approach. Bernhard revealed lots of other exciting projects – such as Tented Camps at Zighi Bay – but you’ll have to see the next issue of Hotelier Middle East for more details!

9:25 AM - The Tourism Minister of Seychelles said they have seen has seen a huge increase in numbers from the ME and they are planning to increase flights and should announce a seventh flight with Emirates (making it one a week) as well as flights with Etihad later in the year.

9:00 AM - Wow, how is everyone feeling this morning. A few tired legs and heads I would imagine. Right, party review. I've yet to hear from a couple but I will let you know when I do. The Address Dubai Marina, the venue for the official ATM party was fantastic. More food than a well-stocked brunch, cheese that could knock out a horse, an outside meat area that had vegetarians fainting and a great self service area. Have to say good morning to Ainsley from Low Cost Dubai, a great pitcher of his product - an online site that lists the cheapest deals in Dubai from rooms to bars. A big thanks to everyone at The Address and Emaar Hospitality who looked after everyone brilliantly and threw a great event.

Next up was Raffles. Uber cool at Fire and Ice with people chilling on bean bags outside and a band playing inside - a lot of fun was had by all especially those who were perched near the ice sculpture.

Finally, a thank you to the Music Room in Bur Dubai. Not an official ATM venue, but where else could you dance to a band singing Nirvana at two in the morning?

4:45 PM - Coming to a close the first day is nearly done. Very tired feet, but a party at Raffles beckons. Last year's was immense so looking forward to resting weary feet with cold refreshments at Fire and Ice. The Address is holding the offiial ATM party as well for those looking to party near the Marina. Have fun, but not too much, a busy day ahead!

5:09 PM - Thailand has announced it is waiving visa fees and insuring every tourist for US $30,000 to guarantee people's safety! Incredible measures for a country looking to negate some of the negative press recently. They are also reducing aircraft parking and landing fees. 

5:05 PM - Just had lunch. Apparently five cups of coffee can't keep you going all day. Just had a chat with John Rogers the new general manager of Anantara's Desert Islands Resort and Spa and Didier Tournebouef  area general manager Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Both optimistic about the year ahead and happy about the new properties opening in Abu Dhabi promoting the destination as a whole. 

4:15 PM - Pascal Gauvin IHG's VP operations for the Gulf has predicted that ethnic F&B concepts will be the next big trend in the Middle East market. "For example, rather than generalised Thai outlets we'll see a Shang Mai-themed restaurants - more specific concepts with a real sense of history and a unique appeal."

3:34 PM - Dubailand will not be totally finished until 2025. However, new elements will be rolled out until then. They are launching a mock up villa this year. 

2:56 PM - I honestly think you could fit the actual Meydan racecourse on the Meydan stand. It's huge, complete with model of the facility and grand piano. Smaller stands are starting to orbit it. 

2:26 PM - Just interviewed the general manager of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives. Stunning villas ranging from shoreline properties, tree hut concepts and villas on stilts in the sea. Still not sure why I haven't been to the Maldives yet (my bank account being the likely reason). Will have some pictures up at some point, which will make you want to go on holiday. 

1:34 PM - just popped in on session being moderated by our own Louise Oakley. Caught some interesting comments from Seven Tides' Mike Scully ho was saying it was essential that hotels didn't open in the region with unrealistic pricing strategies and it was always easier to raise prices gradually than bring them down as people understand value.

1:04 PM - Helmut Arthold Rotana's CVP of F&B operations told Lucy Taylor that F&B business at the Yas iland properties has been picking up steadily over the course of the year and predicts occupancy will follow suit once Ferrari World opens. 

12:52 PM -  A giant mouse has just walked past the stand. It was a mascot for something, but not sure what. Will try to find out. 

12:41 PM - Just had a chat with The Big Bus company. They are announcing some major news tomorrow apparently. A tie up with a major company. I guessed it was the RTA, but it's even bigger apparently and will change the way people use transportation in the city. I'm intrigued. Will let you know when it is announced. 

12:22 PM - And we are officially open. First picture with the feed. Anyone who brings me a coffee (americano, skimmed milk no sugar) gets free coverage for life - yes I can be bought for a coffee. 

12:15 PM - Tourism Ireland has produced a Top 10 things to see and do in Ireland. Visa applications from the GCC to Ireland have risen 53% year-on-year, which is pretty incredible, but obvious once you have been to Ireland. Here's the Top 10 for you all.

Tourism Ireland’s Top 10 things to see and do in Ireland:

1. Dublin

Visit Dublin for its metropolitan atmosphere, easy charm and countless sights. Combine a visit to the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells, dating back to 800 AD, with a spot of shopping on Grafton Street and Temple Bar. Stay in five star luxury in the heart of Dublin at The Westbury, Grafton Street.

2. Golf

With 345 beautiful green golf courses to choose from, Ireland cannot be beaten for golf. The Enniscrone Golf Club off the beaten path in County Sligo is often referred to as one of Ireland's best kept secrets.

3. Galway

You will find Irish song, dance and music everywhere you turn in Galway city, and Irish is as widely spoken as English. In recent years it has also become the country’s trendy unofficial arts capital. The G Hotel, designed by the 20th century’s best loved hat designer Philip Treacy, is the ultimate in cool places to stay.

Watersport enthusiasts also flock to the area for big wave surfing.

4. The Ritz Carlton Powerscourt

This tranquil country estate can trace its origins back to the 12th century. The historical building now oozes with elegance and glamour, and the ESPA treatments at the spa offer luxurious indulgence.

5. Belfast

Having left its turbulent past behind, the capital of Northern Ireland is now infused with vibrancy and optimism. Combine a stay at one of the city’s boutique hotels with a tour of the Antrim coast, lined with natural wonders. Bring a picnic for the beautiful Glens of Antrim, cross the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge if you dare, and be wowed by the Giant’s Causeway, before continuing up to the walled city of Derry.

6. The Ring of Kerry

This is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, and offers an itinerary of waterfalls, an old abbey, and picturesque villages, all within the wilderness of Kerry’s mountain range. It is a 179 km circular route, and can be started anywhere.

7. Cork

Named one of the top 10 cities in the world by Lonely Planet this year, Cork is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Europe's hippest cities. Every corner gives way to another architectural gem and some of the best art galleries, theatres and museums in Ireland. No visit is complete without a trip to Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone, which according to legend will give those who kiss it the gift of eloquence.

8. Cliffs of Moher

One of Ireland’s top attractions, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare loom 214 metres over the Atlantic Ocean at its highest point. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway bay.

9. Horse riding

Activity holidays are more popular than ever and Ireland is the perfect destination for horse riding holidays, with its temperate climate and safe terrain. There are equestrian centres all over Ireland, from small family farms to five star facilities, with BHS qualified trainers. Visit the discoverireland.ie website for more information.

10. Ashford Castle

The magnificent Ashford Castle in County Mayo dates back to the 13th Century, and it’s available to rent from Adams & Butler. Straight from the pages of society magazines, this is where Pierce Brosnan got married. Renting your own private castle in Ireland is the ultimate in luxury and indulgence.

For more information about holidays to Ireland, please visit www.discoverireland.ae

11:50 AM - Just been speaking with Kempinski Mall of the Emirates. They were talking about their party this evening. Stretched limos from the show to a winter wonderland back at the property in conjunction with Switzerland tourism board - sounds amazing. Official opening is taking place in a matter of minutes. Hopefully have pics soon.  

11:15 AM - Just been for a race around the hotel stands. Everyone present and correct, hoteliers are out in force - who's looking after the hotels?

11:00 AM - And we are off. People bustling around putting the finishing touches to their stands. The car parks were brimming, the traffic not too bad This could be short coverage though as I don't yet have an extension cord. 1:30 left of battery at 88%. We are in Zabeel Hall with all the other media stands. No rocks have been thrown yet, only ugly looks.

9:45 AM - Bit of pre-show opening news for you. At the World Travel Awards last night, Ferrari World general manager Claus Frimand told Louise Oakley that the park would be announcing its opening date at Arabian Travel Market. They would be revealing the date on Wednesday 5th, and it will be before this year's F1, according to Frimand.

ATM starts at 11 AM. Topics of conversation will no doubt focus on dragging the industry out of the depression and the volcanic ash cloud once again rearing its ugly head. You will be first to hear about it so keep checking back for live updates.