Dermot Davitt, Executive Director – Deputy Publisher, The Moodie Report
John Sutcliffe, Consultant Director, Aer Rianta International Middle East

Robert Thorpe, Managing Director, DC Activ
David Judge, Executive Creative Directorand co-founder, Start Judge Gill
Anne Kavanagh, CEO, Kavanagh Communications

Enticing the customer at all stages of the travel experience is the subject of 360° Communication. From sharp cutting edge technology to the best use of social media, the three experts will discuss how all stakeholders can best reach out and connect with consumers before, after and while travelling.

Peter Mohn, Partner, Mind-set
Cyrille Fabre, Partner, Bain & Co, Dubai

The behaviour of customers when shopping will be the focus of this session with perspectives from experts on both the airports in the Middle East and downtown shopping in Dubai. Both analyses will look at the shopping behaviour of different customer profiles, with the discussion highlighting the similarities and differences
across both channels.

Donald De Souza will provide his views on the state of the aviation industry in the Middle East, looking at the key growth factors and how airports in the UAE are prepared for future economic fluctuations. He will also reflect on the role of Sharjah International Airport in the UAE, as routes open up towards the east.

Erik Van der Veen, Commercial Director EMEA & Asia Dufry Group
David Brenner, CEO – Tigers Eye Division of Tourvest
Paul Topping, Independent Director, Flemingo

In this pan-Africa session, the three panellists will discuss the growth in their respective markets across the African continent. They will discuss the growth drivers, recent performance and expectations for the future in their respective markets.

This economic perspective will look at the growth prospects for the Middle East region on the backdrop of recent political turmoil with a particular focus on the impact on travel and tourism to the Middle East. Dr Verginis will look at the impact of faster growing economies such as China and India and how they are likely to stimulate travel to the region in the coming years.