Consolidating its partnership with the world’s leading hospitality brands, Al Hokair Group continues to expand rapidly in gateway business and leisure destinations across the Middle East.Following the addition of 1113 new rooms to its exceptional portfolio of hotels over the last 12 months, the group has increased its inventory of keys by approximately 25 per cent from 4548 rooms to 5661 rooms.

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) today Mr. Sami Al Hokair, Managing Director of Al Hokair Group, stated, “Al Hokair’s expansion strategy is in line with region’s growth and investment in the tourism sector. Our partnership with global hospitality brands such as Marriott International, IHG, ACCOR Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group and HILTON gives us a unique edge over the competitors while leveraging Al Hokair Group’s position as a market leader in the hospitality industry. The recent addition of fabulous new hotels namely Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Residence Istanbul Batisehir, Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Corniche, Park Inn by Radisson Jubail, MENA Plaza Al Barsha Dubai, MENA Airport Hotel Jeddah, MENA ApartHotel Al Barsha Dubai, MENA Hotel Tabuk KSA and Jeddah Marriott Hotel (opening 2019), has allowed us to penetrate new destinations like Makkah, Tabuk and Istanbul while growing our presence in existing territories”. Mr. Sami Al Hokair added, “Furthermore, we have accelerated the expansion of Al Hokair’s owned brand MENA Hotels & Resorts with a fresh new look and concept reflecting the pulse of Arabian hospitality. This diversity of brands and hotels allows us to serve a wide range of market segments from mid-scale to luxury while providing a superb choice to our guests including the new generation of travellers.” The new additions and development will positively contribute to the revenue and increase market share of Al Hokair hotels’ division. Mr. Omar Samara, CEO of Al Hokair Group, “We believe there is a tremendous potential for growth in the hospitality sector in spite of the current challenges in the market and the global market conditions. Our long-term strategic partnerships are founded on compelling value propositions and business transparency. Combining our resources and in-depth understanding of the region with the global network and expertise of the world’s most successful hospitality brands we aim to contribute positively to the Vision 2030 as tourism and hospitality is a key pillar in the growth of Kingdom’s GDP. All our hotels stand out for their outstanding location, design excellence and facilities developed to match the highest industry standards. Our success is rooted in our unrivalled heritage founded on principles of integrity,efficiency, quality, innovation, value, growth and teamwork.” Mr. Haitham Murad, Managing Director of the Hotels Division at Al Hokair Group, added: “The addition of new hotels to the Group enhances our presence in the Kingdom and beyond. We are always keen on providing quality service to our guests throughout our hotels, while preserving the principles of Arab hospitality that sets us apart and ensuring the guests’ comfort and satisfaction during their stay, thanks to a carefully selected team of experienced hospitality professionals. In addition, we invest heavily in the training of Saudi young men and women and in recruiting them in the vital hotel sector. Our strategic partnership with some of the world’s leading hotel companies has consolidated our position to keep on the path of competitiveness, delivering value and excellence, adopting new technologies and providing top-notch solutions, whether in the local or regional markets.” –ENDS– Al Hokair Group will be present at Arabian Travel Market from 22 to 25 April on stand ‘HC 0570’ in Sheikh Saeed Hall in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. About Al Hokair Group Founded in 1975, under the leadership of Sheikh Abdulmohsin Al Hokair, Al Hokair Group boasts a portfolio of 90+ entertainment centres and 40+ hotels comprising more than 5500 rooms spread across KSA, UAE and JORDAN. Occupying over 882,226 sqm of space and employing over 4100 experienced professionals, the group serves over 12 million people annually. For more information about Al Hokair Group visit www.alhokair.com For media Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

DUBAI – Swiss-Belhotel International, the award-winning global hospitality chain, announced today at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai a major milestone of reaching 150 hotels in operation and development.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, commented, “Reaching 150 hotels opened or signed globally is a very important milestone for us and highlights our momentous growth. This achievement illustrates the strength of Swiss-Belhotel International’s superb portfolio of brands delivering exceptional guest experience in every segment of the market with the support of our outstanding partners and a great team.”

Mr. Faull further added, “Our global success is driven by our aggressive expansion strategy in high-growth markets. Moving forward, we remain committed to accelerate the growth of our brands and are eager to capitalise on the upcoming opportunities by leveraging on the synergies across our wide industry network.”

Swiss-Belhotel International’s legacy dates back to the company’s establishment in Hong Kong in 1987. The group currently operates 73 hotels worldwide and has 77 projects in the pipeline. It is counted among the top 100 hotel companies in the world offering a choice of 14 brands in 22 destinations across 4 continents with 10 regional offices. Since 2016, Swiss-Belhotel International started expanding aggressively in Australia and New Zealand where the group not only manages hotels but ventured into ownership of the management rights. Europe is also on the radar where the company recently signed a hotel in Italy and is considering 4 more projects in the region.

The Middle East and Africa are strategic markets for Swiss-Belhotel International with 17% of the global portfolio centered in the region. Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We have got an extremely strong development pipeline in the Middle East and Africa with a portfolio of over 3,500 rooms across 12 cities. 2018 is a significant year for us with six new hotels opening in quick succession. In addition,we are in negotiations for various other projects that will see our business grow substantially in the region over the coming months. We expect to reach 30 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2020.”

Swiss-Belhotel International is present at Arabian Travel Market from 22 to 25 April on stand ‘HC1130’ in Sheikh Saeed Hall in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania.  Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-behotel.com *Numbers may fluctuate

Airline recognised as the Middle East’s 2018 Leading Airline, Airline Brand, Business Class Airport Lounge and Cabin Crew

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has been recognised at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2018 with four awards – Middle East’s Leading Airline, Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand, Middle East’s Leading Business Class Airport Lounge and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.

The red carpet ceremony was attended by more than 500 industry leading figures and professionals from across the Middle East. Khalid Al Serkal, Emirates’ District Manager Sharjah received the awards on behalf of the airline. Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Centre said: “It is an honour to be recognised by the World Travel Awards Middle East 2018 for our ongoing efforts to continually enhance the customer experience both onboard and on the ground. Taking the top spot in multiple categories is a reflection of the airline’s commitment to operational excellence, outstanding customer service and a focused approach on building the brand.” Last year, the airline launched product enhancements on its Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft – unveiling its enhanced A380 Onboard Lounge, game-changing Boeing 777-300ER First Class private suites and new Business Class cabin and configuration on its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Passengers on Emirates across all cabins can enjoy its award winning in-flight entertainment system ice, with up to 3,500 channels and 20MB complimentary on-board Wi-Fi, as well as regionally inspired meals prepared by award-winning chefs. Emirates’ state-of-the-art, seven Business Class Lounges at Dubai International Airport Concourses A, B and C – boast a total seat capacity of over 4,500. Concourse B lounges recently completed a US$ 11 million makeover, offering Business Class customers, as well as Platinum and Gold Skywards members  the highest standards of comfort before their flight. The airline also expanded its global network of lounges to 41 dedicated Emirates Lounges in 2017. The airline’s international team of over 23,000 cabin crew come from over 135 countries, and speak more than 60 languages. Crew members are trained to provide the very best inflight service and Emirates on-board experience. Emirates operates a modern fleet of 269 all wide-body aircraft, and is the first and only airline in the world to operate a fleet of all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft for its passenger flights. The airline’s extensive network offers customers travel choices to over 159 destinations, in 85 countries, across six continents.

Middle East’s largest travel trade event will celebrate its 25^th year, with over 2,500 exhibiting companies and an expected 40,000 visitors, showcasing the largest ever hotel exhibition space in the show’s history Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, the region’s leading travel industry showcase, opens its doors on Sunday 22^nd April for four days of business networking opportunities and insightful seminar sessions, where deals worth over US$2.5 billion will be agreed. Now in its 25^th year, the 2018 edition will welcome over 2,500 exhibiting companies and an expected 40,000 visitors, with over 150 countries represented, 65 national pavilions, and more than 100 new exhibitors set to make their ATM debut. Building on the success of last year, ATM 2018, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25, will showcase the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of ATM, with hotels comprising 20% of the total show area. Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM said: “Arabian Travel Market continues to be the preferred route to market for many international and regional hospitality brands and the increase in hotel exhibition space in 2018 reflects the hundreds of new property and brand launches we have seen during the last 12 months. “Over the coming years, we will see these new properties prosper as millions more tourists visit the region for the first time. The last 12 months brought unprecedented developments in major markets and the region is poised for further great developments in 2018.” Celebrating its 25^th year, ATM 2018 will adopt Responsible Tourism – including sustainable travel trends – as its official show theme, integrating it across all show verticals and activities, including advice clinics and focused seminar sessions, featuring dedicated exhibitor participation. Press added: “The tourism industry in the GCC has grown ten-fold and more since we first opened our show doors 25 years ago. With a host of top speakers lined up and panel sessions for ATM 2018, we will be looking back on the tourism revolution in the Middle East over the last quarter of a century and also forecasting what lies ahead for the industry, with continuing geopolitical tensions across the globe, economic uncertainties, huge technological advances and, of course, the increasing trend of responsible tourism.” Hyperloop and future travel experiences will kick off proceedings on ATM’s Global Stage on Sunday 22^nd April between 13.30 and 14.30. Moderating the session, Richard Dean, a UAE-based business broadcaster and presenter will be joined by a host of high-profile panellists including Christoph Mueller, Chief Digital and Innovation officer, Emirates Airline and Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director Middle East and India Operations, Hyperloop One. This year, ATM has partnered with International Hotel Investment Conference (IHIF) organisers to present the inaugural Destination Investment panel.  Taking place on the ATM Global Stage, the session will discuss what drives investment in travel destinations across the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Also debuting this year will be the ATM Student Conference – ‘Career in Travel’ – a programme aimed at students and graduates who are looking to pursue a career in the travel and tourism industry. Taking place on the final day of ATM, this programme will allow ‘tomorrow’s’ travel professionals and hoteliers, to listen to guest speakers and travel industry leaders. Perennial calendar favourites at ATM 2018 include the ultra-innovative Travel Tech Show, ILTM Arabia and the Travel Agent Academy as well as the Buyers’ Club and the Wellness and Spa Lounge, both of which offer excellent opportunities to meet and network with likeminded individuals and organisations. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai’s Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “This year marks the 25th edition of Arabian Travel Market and we are extremely pleased to be able to extend our support once more. In 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai Government’s 10X Initiative and as a result our projects and initiatives reflect this vision, designed to leverage new technologies and build on our ‘digital, mobile and social first’ agenda. Along with our partners on the Dubai stand we look forward to presenting just some of these immersive experiences – from witnessing Dubai in virtual reality, to our partners from Expo providing insights into the masterplan and much more.” Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “As we celebrate 25 years of partnership and commitment to ATM, it’s remarkable to think how far this event has come in the region, as well as on the global stage, and as an airline we are proud of the role we have played in its growth. International air connectivity is a key driver in tourism, and for the hosting of regional industry events like ATM. With 159 destinations across six continents in our growing network, we will continue to bring travellers to and through Dubai, by innovating and providing the best customer experiences to earn their loyalty to make Emirates their first choice whenever they think of travel.” Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Now in its 25^th year, the Arabian Travel Market has played a transformational role in shaping the tourism and hospitality sector of the region. As one of the leading global platforms that present the newest trends in the industry, the event presents diverse opportunities for all stakeholders to strengthen their business. As the Official Hotel Partner of the event, Emaar Hospitality Group will present its three hotel brands – the premium lifestyle Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts and contemporary midscale Rove Hotels – and their growing footprint. In addition to presenting our digital transformation strategy, we will highlight our focus on innovation to enhancing customer service standards.” Anwar A.Z Abu Monassar, Destination Director, Strategy & Operation, The Vision, said: “With ATM coming back again as a great show to connect and share, we at The Vision Destination Management are proud of another successful season where we witnessed growth in strong partnerships, both in leisure and events. The Vision’s commitment and recognition, not only as event planner in showcasing the destination, but also as reality that involves and promotes segments of the society is a never-ending focus that we pursue. During the present year we involved reputed and experienced figures that do not only guide travelers, but literally bring them into the local reality in all its different segments. We developed skills of Life Coaching within our team to allow our clients to deeply understand our context, from the past to the future.” -ENDS-  Photo caption: From left to right: Anwar A.Z Abu Monassar, Destination Director, Strategy & Operation, The Vision Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market and World Travel Market Issam Abdul Rahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group  About Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history.  www.arabiantravelmarketwtm.com Next event 22-25 April 2018 – Dubai. About Reed Exhibitions Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 30 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. About Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have over 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions. Media contact NATHALIE VISELE Director Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 E-mail: nathalie.visele@shamalcomms.com Office 106, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City PO Box 502701 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website: www.shamalcomms.com

In association with Qa Research and in light of its inaugural exhibition at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) next week, UKinbound has released its latest Business Barometer results with a focus on the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) market.

To encourage visitors from GCC countries to explore more of the UK, 75% of respondents stated that increased marketing in these countries is key.  62% of respondents also said that increasing the number of direct flights to UK regional airports from destinations across the GCC would boost visitor numbers. Additionally, the creation of culturally sensitive itineraries, improved UK train links and better signage were cited as important factors that could encourage more GCC visitors to come to the UK.

UKinbound’s chief executive officer, Deirdre Wells OBE said: “Visitors from the GCC countries to the UK in 2016 ranked 15th in terms of numbers (777,000) but 3rd in terms of overall spending (£1.4 billion)*. This is clearly a valuable market with lots of potential that our members are keen to tap into.

“Exhibiting at ATM is therefore an important strategic step for UKinbound and will help our members and other stand sharers to showcase their businesses and secure new opportunities in a growing and emerging market.

“We will also continue to lobby Government on issues such as increasing marketing spend, visas and APD, to ensure that the UK remains a first choice for our international tourists and an attractive business and leisure destination.”

The Business Barometer results also reported that 56% of respondents have seen an increase in overall bookings/visitor numbers/customer orders in January and February 2018 compared to 2017. Similarly, yield was the same or higher for 73% of members during the same period. However, confidence levels experienced a slight dip with 52% of members stating their 12-month business outlook was positive, down from 54%.

UKinbound will be exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market in the European Hall (stand EU6830) in Dubai from Sunday 22nd April to Wednesday 25th April 2018.

* Source: Visit Britain

 -ENDS-

 For further information, contact Lauren Broughton

lauren@diligentcomms.com | + 44 (0) 7725 865 063

 About UKinbound

UKinbound is a leading travel trade association and the only one which focuses solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. UKinbound addresses and engages with Government, the media, travel trade and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of inbound tourism to the UK economy.