BMH: How is Kuwait Airways different from its competitors? Chairman & MD : Kuwait Airways Kuwait Airways Corporation was established in March 1954. This means that Kuwait Airways is 56 years of age. A large majority of Kuwaiti’s have fond, personal memories of our national carrier. Most of them remember Kuwait Airways in its early days when they were studying abroad in Egypt, England or America. Others have childhood memories of spending their holidays in Beirut or Damascus.
Despite all the difficulties that Kuwait Airways faces, such as limited fleet of 17 aircrafts with an average of 15 years, transition period for privatization and stiff competition with sister airlines like Jazeera, Wataniya or with GCC carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air and Etihad, Kuwait Airways still plays a vital role in the industry. The average seat utilization in 2009/2010 was more than 71%. To Kuwaiti families and our valued customers, Kuwait Airways is a prominent part of the heritage and history of the State of Kuwait. That is the secret of our existence and success.

BMH: How can technology help in improving security in and around airports and on planes?
Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Technology, at the present time, is not any more a supporting factor in providing security inside and outside the airports. Technology is rather a primary factor by means of highly sensitive and delicate devices that are developed and deployed at all airports around the world, including X-ray machines that detect liquids and gels inside bags, as well as the delicate devices that trigger warning signals whenever there is security violation. Besides, the role of technology is escalating day by day.

BMH: What are your views on full body scanners being deployed at the airports? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Security issues are always subject to disapproval by passengers; yet when looking at the adverse consequences and accidents that are threatening people’s lives and properties in the form of security threats, then these procedures remain to be a protective castle and shield for lives of passengers. Moreover, through proper awareness, people will accept these procedures and would get acquainted with it.

BMH: How do you see your international route network evolving in the coming year? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways We have just entered the new financial year- April 2010 to March 2011. Kuwait Airways is still a government entity with limited fleet of aircrafts. The current operational plan for 2010/2011 is to continue with the same network as of the previous year. This means that there will be no horizontal expansion of new routes. However, we have re-structured KAC’s current network by ceasing operations to destinations that were unproductive, reducing the number of frequencies to other routes and deploying the saving block hours to more profitable ones in order to strengthen the financial aspects from KAC’s operations.

BMH: As a CEO, have you had any thought or any interest in mergers and acquisition? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Currently, Kuwait Airways is going through a process of privatization and under these circumstances we are not giving any thoughts to mergers and acquisitions. Once the privatization process is completed the new board will decide which direction Kuwait Airways will take in this regard. In the meantime however, we will be continuing to expand our relationship with other airlines through code sharing and commercial alliances.

BMH: What are your views with regard to alternative fuels? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways The aviation industry only produces 2.5 % of the CO2 globally and continuously suffers from fuel prices and economic hardships. The airlines have no control over what fuels are being used for aircraft or the developments of alternative fuels. Unfortunately, the airline industry is always targeted by governments and environmental agencies to pay taxes and reduce CO2 emissions while aircraft and engine manufacturers are not. The Airline industry as a whole prefers to use fuels that are cheaper and more environment friendly both of which are not readily available today.It is the job of manufacturers and scientists to find and develop more efficient and cheaper alternative fuels not the airlines.

BMH : How do you characterize the quarter? Are you pleased with your performance? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways The IATA parameters have shown positive indications for February 2010. International air traffic schedules were up by +9.5% while cargo demand grew by +26.5%. It is worth mentioning that the global financial crisis was met effectively and the global economy is now recovering and is expected to register growth in all sectors including the aviation sector.

With regard to the First quarter of April-June 2010, Kuwait Airways is optimistic although we faced difficulties due to the volcanic eruptions in Iceland and the grounding of two of our aircraft in Frankfurt and Paris. Additionally, we had to suspend operations of our scheduled flights to London and other European destinations. The impact of this disruption caused us a loss of KD 1 Million. However, Kuwait Airways is optimistic and hopes to register a growth in May and June 2010.

BMH: How is Kuwait Airways different from its competitors? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Kuwait Airways Corporation was established in March 1954. This means that Kuwait Airways is 56 years of age. A large majority of Kuwaiti’s have fond, personal memories of our national carrier. Most of them remember Kuwait Airways in its early days when they were studying abroad in Egypt, England or America. Others have childhood memories of spending their holidays in Beirut or Damascus. Despite all the difficulties that Kuwait Airways faces, such as limited fleet of 17 aircrafts with an average of 15 years, transition period for privatization and stiff competition with sister airlines like Jazeera, Wataniya or with GCC carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air and Etihad, Kuwait Airways still plays a vital role in the industry. The average seat utilization in 2009/2010 was more than 71%. To Kuwaiti families and our valued customers, Kuwait Airways is a prominent part of the heritage and history of the State of Kuwait. That is the secret of our existence and success.

BMH: How can technology help in improving security in and around airports and on planes? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Technology, at the present time, is not any more a supporting factor in providing security inside and outside the airports. Technology is rather a primary factor by means of highly sensitive and delicate devices that are developed and deployed at all airports around the world, including X-ray machines that detect liquids and gels inside bags, as well as the delicate devices that trigger warning signals whenever there is security violation. Besides, the role of technology is escalating day by day.

BMH: What are your views on full body scanners being deployed at the airports? Chairman & MD, Kuwait Airways Security issues are always subject to disapproval by passengers; yet when looking at the adverse consequences and accidents that are threatening people’s lives and properties in the form of security threats, then these procedures remain to be a protective castle and shield for lives of passengers. Moreover, through proper awareness, people will accept these procedures and would get acquainted with it.
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Slovenia is an attractive and exciting new European destination reveals Ms. Maja Pak, director of Slovenian Tourist Board, in an exclusive interview to BookMyHotel.Biz founder Vinay Grover. Here are excerpts of the Interview:

1.    What are the long term plans for increasing your arrivals in the coming years?

On the basis of analysis and research, we have established that the keys to increasing the competitiveness of Slovenian tourism are increasing the accessibility of Slovenia as a tourist destination, more effective marketing of Slovenian tourism and ensuring a premium experience for tourists in Slovenia.
Increasing the accessibility of Slovenia as a destination involves promotion of air connections and simplification of visa procedures in markets showing high levels of growth in tourist traffic. The objective of more efficient marketing requires the repositioning of Slovenian tourism and an increase in its recognisability. In the Programme of Work of the STB for 2012 we have concentrated on promotional activities in short-distance markets, which generate the majority of tourist traffic, and increased the share of activities in long-distance, overseas markets which, in view of the expected growth, must not be left to chance. There is a need to improve market segmentation in the sense of defining the most attractive target groups and designing an optimal marketing network. We need to encourage innovative marketing approaches, strengthen web marketing and communicate the I FEEL SLOVENIA brand intensively. With the aim of guaranteeing premium experiences for tourists, we want to stimulate the development and marketing of sustainable/green tourism, which is something that tourists are increasingly demanding. High-quality, innovative products with high added value take on an even more important role at a time of difficult economic conditions in tourism.

Within the Programme of Work we have therefore designed activities on the basis of the following six focuses: concentration of promotion on KEY INCOMING MARKETS and the DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MARKETS & SEGMENTS, stimulating AIR CONNECTIONS with the key markets, strengthening the recognisability and success of the I FEEL SLOVENIA TOURISM BRAND, strengthening WEB MARKETING and INNOVATIVE MARKETING APPROACHES, encouraging the development and marketing of GREEN (SUSTAINABLE) TOURISM and strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of PARTNERSHIP and CO-BRANDING.

In order to achieve these goals the Slovenian Tourist Board will continue and build on cooperation with all key partners of Slovenian tourism in the public, private and civil sectors and strive for active cooperation with all ministries and institutions whose work is important for the successful development and marketing of tourism. The competitiveness and success of the latter is the result of the efforts and activities of all of us to whom the development and marketing of this increasingly important branch of Slovenia’s economy has been entrusted.

2.    Which are your target markets?

FOREIGN MARKETS where the STB is present through promotional activities are divided by our policy into main three groups:
KEY EUROPEAN MARKETS – these are the key incoming markets, which together in 2010 generated over 70.1% of all overnight stays by foreign visitors. They are: Germany, Austria, Italy, the Benelux countries, Croatia, Serbia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Russia and Ukraine.

OTHER EUROPEAN MARKETS – these are the other European markets, which together in 2010 generated over 17.5% of all overnight stays by foreign visitors. They are: Hungary, France, the Nordic countries, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Israel and Switzerland.

Development of OVERSEAS MARKETS – these are new, growing markets, which together in 2010 generated over 4.7% of all overnight stays by foreign visitors. They are: the USA, Canada, Japan, China, Korea and other overseas markets.India is part of the development of overseas markets that are becoming increasingly more important for Slovenian tourism.

3.    What is your strategy for attracting tourists from Asian countries?

We are trying to include Slovenia as a part of the circular trips around Middle or South-East Europe. To achieve this we are trying to do promotion in Asian countries together with other European national tourism organisations and by this, arouse more interest in travelling to this area. We firmly believe that the Asian markets are very prospective as they show continued yearly growth; and Slovenia, with its tourism potential and diversity, has a lot to offer to visitors. Being a part of the European Union, a member of the Schengen area and Euro-Zone, Slovenia is closely integrated with Europe. Despite being one of the last undiscovered tourist gems in Europe and being surrounded by Venice, Vienna and Dubrovnik, Slovenia has managed to retain its traditional charm and unique unspoiled nature.

4.   What makes the Brand Slovenia different from its direct competitors?

Each country’s brand is a set of characteristics and aspects, but it is tourism that has the predominant influence on the image of a country. A tourist destination which has a good reputation among potential guests also enjoys a good reputation in other areas forming the trademark of a specific country. Correlations and results between these areas are mutual, and the brand of Slovenia is no exception. In Slovenia, green represents more than just a colour; it is “Slovenian green”, expressing the balance between the calmness of nature and the diligence of Slovenians. It speaks of unspoilt nature and our focus to preserve nature as such. It symbolises the balance of a lifestyle which combines the excitement with which we pursue our personal motivations and a common vision to go ahead with nature. The Slovenian green also shows our orientation to the elements, to what we feel inside. Last but not least, the Slovenian green speaks of the harmony of all the senses with which we experience Slovenia. Slovenia is therefore not only memorable for its visual images, but also for its emotional connection to nature and a balanced lifestyle.

5.    What are you going to do to increase airlines frequency to Slovenia from Asia particularly India?

With regard to infrastructure, we must first mention Slovenia’s air connections with Europe and beyond. An important segment of tourism is represented by air passengers, who come to Slovenia from all over the world. The STB is concentrating its efforts and budget on promoting Slovenia as an air destination as one of the top priority tasks for next period. Our state is coming closer to Europe and the rest of the world with enhancements to the current connections and the introduction of new regular and charter flights. We have to mention that we are fully prepared to support any serious business related to the opening of new connections with Asian markets.
At the moment there are no direct flights connecting India and Slovenia, but nevertheless, Slovenia has regular daily flights from countries that have direct flights from India, such as Vienna, Zurich and other European airports. We are trying to promote arrivals to the neighbouring countries (such as Austria) but we also have a good connection between Ljubljana and Istanbul via Adria Airways, our national carrier, and Turkish Airways. Considering the big potential of the Indian market, we are continuing with our efforts and promotion jointly with the Croatian Tourist Board.

6.    Which area(s) of Slovenia you are promoting now-a-days and why?

Slovenia’s main promotion is based on “green tourism”, promoting nature attractions and eco-friendly accommodations.
Slovenia is located in the heart of Europe, nestled between the Alps and Adriatic Sea, on the route between Venice and Vienna, with a touch of Mediterranean sun, with the smell of green forests and the freshness of Alpine lakes.   According to the Indian Leisure Travel Profile, we are mostly covering the leisure Indian market (FIT’s and groups). A large segment of the 70% market comprises of the “scheduled departures” runs by medium and large tour operators and travel agents. The US, Europe & SE Asia are standard destinations for Indian vacations. Large tour operators have in recent years introduced new destinations in the Mediterranean, Central and East Europe for the main season of April-June (family vacation) followed by the period of October-December (honeymooners and couples segment).

Based upon the Indian profile and Slovenian tourism potential, we are mostly promoting main attractions such as the capital city of Ljubljana and picturesque Bled.  Bled, with its beautiful glacial lake, in the middle of which there is an island (the only island in Slovenia) with a church, also has a medieval castle that stands on a cliff overlooking the lake. We are also promoting the Slovenian coast.  Slovenia’s coastline is short, but has a number of attractions. Next to the Strunjan Cliff, lies the Sečovlje Salt Pans. One of the main attractions of Slovenia is the Postojna cave – a 20-km long karst cave, a web of underground passages, galleries and chambers, which has, over the past 200 years, been visited by over 33 million people accompanied by experienced cave guides. Because of their unique natural features and cultural heritage it’s also well worth seeing the Skocjan caves – on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1986.

Slovenia is very diverse in terms of nature, climate, culture, history, architecture and gastronomy so it has a lot to offer to visitors. We are also focusing to promote green tourism since the consumer behaviour is rapidly changing, with tourists increasingly seeking green and responsible destinations.
Our goal, in the next 3-5 years, is for Slovenia to become a must-see destination for Indian travellers during their visit to the Old Continent.

7.    What are the best times for Indian travellers to visit Slovenia?

The best time to visit Slovenia depends on the tourist’s interest and their main reasons to visit our country, since Slovenia is offers a wide range of choices during the whole year. The peak season for Indian tourists in Slovenia is spring and autumn time. Natural, historical and cultural attractions are possible to visit through the whole year, however, certain types of sports and recreational activities are dependent on the weather and season (summer: swimming, cycling, golf,…; winter: skiing,…).

8.    What similarities do you find between people of India and Slovenia?

Slovenia (when it was a part of Yugoslavia) and India were both part of the non-aligned movement. Nowadays, they are both very business oriented and education is highly appreciated. Both countries are also very hospitable and people are very sociable and friendly.

9.    Why Slovenia would prove as a best destination for MICE?

Slovenia lies in the centre of Europe thus making it a perfect short haul destination. With four different meeting and incentive products (historic cities, Alpine region, a Mediterranean coast with Karst and Wellness & Spa resorts) Slovenia is an attractive and exciting new European destination. With three different climates, three geographic regions and three wine regions it offers endless opportunities for meeting and incentive tourism planning throughout Slovenia. Slovenian MICE professionals are passionate for their client’s success.

10.  Lastly, your message to readers and why they should include Slovenia in their future travel plans?

Slovenia has beautiful and unspoiled nature that is truly appreciated by foreign tourists. It is rich with forests, medicinal springs and biodiversity, as well as a strong cultural heritage, which is reason enough to visit Slovenia. In addition, every one of your readers who visit Slovenia will feel welcome, because Slovenians are extremely hospitable and speak foreign languages well. Our country has an exceptional geographical position in Central Europe and is one of the safest countries in the world, which has been confirmed by various studies.

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BookMyHotel: What makes London Pass a best suitable option for travelers to London?
Amanda: London is a fantastic city that is packed with things to do, and experience tells us that visitors love to see as many sights as possible. The London Pass gives pre-paid access to 60 top London attractions, and allows you to jump the queue at the busiest sights. Pass holders can save money on buying individual tickets to attractions, and save time as well, allowing them to see even more of London’s amazing sights.

BookMyHotel: Did you also offer London Pass for families or group? If so how they are going to be benefited by buying the London Pass?
Amanda: The London Pass is sold on an individual basis – with adult and child prices. The Pass is available in one-, two, three- and six-day durations. The pass is great for families – not only does it include a host of child friendly attractions such as ZSL London Zoo, Pollock’s Toy Museum and the London Brass Rubbing Centre, but also the queue jumping privileges mean less time waiting, and more time to enjoy the attractions.

BookMyHotel: Please tell us the Top Five Reasons to buy a London Pass?
Amanda: 1. Choice – Pre-paid entry to 60 London Attractions including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and a Thames River Cruise.

2. Save Money – The London Pass offers great savings for visitors who want to explore the city. It is much cheaper to pay a one-off fee than pay separately at a range of attractions.

3. Save Time – London Pass users benefit from fast-track entry at many attractions.

4. Information – All customers receive a free multi-language guidebook outlining what attractions are included and giving invaluable visitor information.

5. Variety – As well as well-known attractions, we offer visitors the chance to explore some of London’s hidden gems. For example, what about calling in at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising or the spectacular BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple.

BookMyHotel: What is included in the Pass apart from visit to attractions?
Amanda: This is where the London Pass really excels. Visitors have access to our website to plan their trips, can get commission-free currency exchange and can take advantage of over 40 exclusive shopping discounts and free gifts from top London retailers and restaurants.

BookMyHotel: What is the procedure involved after purchasing the London Pass? How it can be availed?
Amanda: Customers who purchase from our website (www.londonpass.com) can choose to have their London Pass posted to their home before they travel, to enable them to plan their trip out before they arrive. Alternatively passes can be picked up, or purchased, from our centrally located redemption centre at the Britain & London Visitor Centre on Regent Street in London. The London Pass ‘becomes live’ the moment you use it for the first time. It is an electronic smart card, so needs to be touched against a reader at the attraction. Obviously, it is best to start using it early in the day – a three-day pass, for example, is valid for three consecutive days from the moment it is first used.

BookMyHotel: What is so special in London this summer?
Amanda: This summer England will be football crazy because of the World Cup. Soccer fans have two brilliant options with the London Pass – going behind the scenes at Chelsea FC, the current Premier league champions, and also the fantastic Wembley Stadium tour. We also have the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament every June, and the London Pass includes entry to the All England Club’s excellent museum.

BookMyHotel: What are the payment options for London Pass? Is there any discount for children or Senior Citizens, if so how much?
Amanda: A one-day London Pass costs £40 for adults and £27 for a child. A two-day London Pass costs £55 for adults (£41 for children aged between five and 15 years), three-day passes are £68 for adults and £46 for children, and a six-day option costs £90 for adults and £64 for children.

BookMyHotel: Is it necessary to buy London Pass before coming to London? Or one can purchase it after arriving in London from the airport?
Amanda: The London Pass can be obtained in a variety of ways. It is available direct from our website www.londonpass.com and we also work with a number of online retailers and tour operator partners. They can also be bought at the Britain and London Visitor Centre on Regent Street in London.

BookMyHotel: Any special attractions visitors can avail through London Pass, which is not possible otherwise?
Amanda: The range of special offers and discounts available are exclusive to London Pass.

BookMyHotel: Which is the best season to enjoy in London?
Amanda: London is great to visit at any time of the year, but our recommendation would be to come in the autumn. The weather will still be mild, and the city is less crowded than during the busy summer months. London is particularly vibrant in September, when a number of festivals and events such as the Thames River Festival, Festival Brazil and the Muslim festival of Eid in 2010 bring the city to life.