http://www.ttgmena.com en-us 2012-02-16 05:02:47 http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Nabil-Haddad 2012-02-16 04:02:36 The finalist of the New 7 Wonders of Nature – Jeita Grotto – bears a special meaning for the Lebanese people. General manager, Jeita Grotto, Nabil Haddad talks to Zarema Plaksij about how this unique tourism attraction facilitates promotion of tourism to Lebanon, and why it is a true wonder.   TTG: Jeita Grotto is commonly referred to as a Lebanese national symbol and the number one ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Oliver-Granet 2012-02-10 10:02:40 Director of development, Accor Middle East, Oliver Granet, spoke to TTG about the company’s presence in Egypt.   TTG: What is Accor’s presence in Egypt at present, and do you have plans for future development?   Accor has more than 30 years’ presence in Egypt and has a network of 18 hotels representing more than 4,200 keys. We have a national office based in Cairo, as well ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Joseph-Coubat 2012-01-26 11:01:06 Qatar’s tourism sector is a booming market. Area vice president, Rotana Lebanon, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, Joseph Coubat talks to Chloe Panayides about the country’s potential, and what Rotana can bring to this mix.    TTG: What new developments can you report? What were your motivations for pursuing these developments?   In August 2010 we announced the opening of ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Stelios-Kizis 2011-12-12 11:12:00 The equation of quality against cost is one that general manager, Columbia Hotels and Resorts, Stelios Kizis is more than familiar with. He talks to Duncan MacRae about his own formulas for success.   TTG: What initially attracted you to a career in the tourism and hospitality industry?   Working as a chef in order to finance my mathematics degree, simply changed the course ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Peter-Blackburn 2011-11-23 01:11:02 Although still in its early stages, president, Cristal Hotels and Resorts, Peter Blackburn reveals to Mario Hajiloizis that he already has big plans firmly in place to position his company’s properties throughout the entire MENA region.   TTG: What have been your main motivations which have led you to your current position today?   From the beginning of my career I was ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Yasser-Bahaa 2011-11-22 11:11:05 General manager, ibis Amman Hotel, Yasser Bahaa talks exclusively to TTG MENA about the appeal and success of the most complete economy brand in Jordan, and how the destination itself can satisfy just about any taste.   TTG: Could you please give us an insight into your own career background.   I have been appointed as general manager of ibis Amman last year. I moved to ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Arco-Buijs 2011-11-08 02:11:57 CEO, Steigenberger, Arco Buijs reveals exclusively to Mario Hajiloizis exactly what makes the group’s brand portfolio unique whilst also revealing his future plans for the company     TTG: What have been your main motivations which have led you to your current position today?   It is a big challenge for me to work as CEO for this very unusual hotel group with its ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Extending-the-family-in-which-all-are-welcome 2011-11-02 12:11:03 Aspiring for sustention and growth, business development manager, Cyprotels Hotels & Resorts, Philippos Drousiotis speaks exclusively with TTG MENA about how keeping it in the family has led to the opening up of opportunities   TTG: What are the latest news and developments across the Cyprotels’ portfolio?   There have been lots of exciting additions to Cyprotels’ ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Harrison-Leung 2011-10-27 04:10:45 Making waves in the sea of green practices, general manager, Noah’s Ark Resort, Harrison Leung reveals exclusively to TTG MENA why the Hong Kong-based resort is both unique, and necessary.   TTG: What developments has Noah’s Ark Resort planned for the future?   To maintain our competitive edge, Noah’s Ark Resort is well prepared for tremendous opportunities by ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Majdi-Sabri 2011-10-13 12:10:09 Regional vice president – Middle East and North Africa, IATA, Majdi Sabri talks exclusively with Andrea Gutova about what is currently happening within the airport industry and what trends he has been witnessing.   TTG: With many airlines working in cooperation with airports, such as Qatar Airways/Doha Airport, how can airports benefit from this type of ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Christoph-Mares 2011-10-04 01:10:54 With plans well and truly in place to make its regional debut, operations director - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Christoph Mares explains to Mario Hajiloizis why now is the time.   TTG: After gaining a firm foothold within Asia, how successful was the group’s international expansion into other regions?   The group began life with The ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Andreas-Mattmuller 2011-09-27 12:09:49 Speaking exclusively to Mario Hajiloizis, COO - Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts, Andreas Mattmüller reveals how he plans to make the group the region’s standard bearer.   TTG: What have been your main motivations which have led you to your current position today?   I was 15 years old when I joined a hotel as an intern and I knew from that moment that I ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Gordon-Price 2011-09-26 03:09:52 Director - international, Gold Coast Tourism Corporation, Gordon Price talks exclusively to TTG MENA about the latest happenings on the Gold Coast, while revealing what attracts travellers from the MENA region to this Australian paradise.   TTG: What is the long-term vision for tourism along the Gold Coast and how is Gold Coast Tourism working to make this vision become a ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Frits-van-Paasschen 2011-09-23 01:09:19 President, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Frits van Paasschen talks to Mario Hajiloizis about how, with a continued willingness to learn and better yourself, anything is possible.   TTG: What would be your main advice for someone aiming to one day hold a position such as yours?   I get asked by a lot of young people what they have to do to get my job. What I say to ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Raghu-Gokaraju 2011-09-23 01:09:16 Director business development, Leonia Holistic Destination, Raghu Gokaraju talks exclusively to TTG MENA about the property’s latest achievements, while revealing the exciting plans for the future.     TTG: What is the latest news from your property and what were the main motivating factors behind them?   The latest news at Leonia is that we have won the ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Michelle-Currey 2011-09-09 04:09:10 Director of sales and marketing, JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Michelle Currey talked to TTG MENA, about the property’s latest developments, while revealing the latest travel trends she has been currently witnessing.   TTG: What is the latest news from your property and what were the main motivating factors behind them?   We have a newly renovated multi award-winning ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Ghaith-Al-Ghaith 2011-09-01 12:09:55 CEO, flydubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith speaks to Mario Hajiloizis about the airline’s rapid rise to success and what the future holds for the company   TTG: What have been your main motivations which have led you to your current position today?   We launched flydubai at a critical time for the Dubai aviation industry and at the time my main motivation was the opportunity to ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Gian-Raffaele-Sabbatucci 2011-08-24 04:08:06 Director of F&B, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Gian Raffaele Sabbatucci speaks exclusively with TTG MENA about the property’s latest developments and reveals the uniqueness of Fujairah’s offerings.   TTG: What is your latest news and developments at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort and what are the motivating factors behind them?   Le Meridien Al Aqah beach ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Nahed-Samir 2011-08-17 01:08:35 Talking exclusively to TTG MENA, vice president of operations and business development, Sonesta Collection, Nahed Samir reveals the company’s latest news, whilst explaining the philosophy behind the hotels’ operations.   TTG: What are the main objectives you hope to achieve in your new role?   My main objectives is to enhance the ‘Sonesta culture of caring’, improve ... http://www.ttgmena.com/Interview-with-Mohit-Vij 2011-08-17 12:08:45 Assistant professor - tourism, Skyline University College, University City of Sharjah, Dr. Mohit Vij talks exclusively to TTG MENA about Sharjah’s unique offerings and its way towards tourism success.     This year, Skyline University College is commemorating two decades of success since its inception. Established in 1990 in Sharjah, the University College is proud to be ...