Insight: Middle East travel slows

Research undertaken by ForwardKeys, which analyses over 17 million flight booking transactions a day, reveals anaemic travel growth in the Middle East during the first ten months of the year. International arrivals grew just 1% in the period January 18th– October 18th, compared with the equivalent period last year. The news emerged from the annual Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) conference taking place in Beirut.

The decidedly uninspiring growth was caused mostly by a slowdown in travel to Saudi Arabia and the ongoing blockade of Qatari airspace by its neighbours. Arrivals from the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe grew by 5.6%, 3.0% and 2.6% respectively but they fell 2.5% from Africa and the Middle East.



Within the Middle East, the UAE is the most important destination by far, attracting nearly half of all air traffic. It was up 2% but the next two most important destinations, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were down 2% and 7% respectively.



Looking at the blockade of Qatar in more detail reveals that the country has suffered particularly badly from a 34.8% drop in arrivals from other Middle Eastern countries, but it has made up for this to some extent with an 8% growth in arrivals from the rest of the world.



Dubai, the world's busiest airport has continued to grow its share of the 'transfer' market, to the detriment of Abu Dhabi as well as Qatar, and it has been successful in continuing to attract visitors who stay overnight in the destination too. The airport which competes with Dubai most successfully is Istanbul. By visitor arrivals, it is around two thirds the size of Dubai but it has seen a 31% surge in visitors staying overnight, as concerns about security, dating back to an attack on the airport in 2016, have receded.





Looking in to the future, bookings for the Middle East in the next two months (18thNov – 10thJan) are 2.4% behind where they were at the same point last year. The cause of this slowdown is bookings from Asia Pacific, which are 11.1% behind where they were at the equivalent point last year. By contrast, forward bookings from the Americas, Europe and Africa & the Middle East are all ahead, by 3.1%, 1.0% and 4.3% respectively.



The Asia Pacific setback is due particularly to Pakistan, from where bookings are 35.4% behind. Bookings from Australia are 19.1% behind and from Indonesia, 11.8% behind.

From mid-April to the end of May next year, Dubai will close one of its runways for upgrade work. This has prompted airlines to cut their seat capacity by 22% during the period. By contrast airlines are planning to increase capacity to Doha and Istanbul but decrease it to Abu Dhabi.



Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, concluded: "The most striking feature of travel to the Middle East is the blue-chip nature of Dubai as a hub airport. It is the largest airport in the region by a long way and, despite the slowdown, it just keeps on growing."

Kennedy Oaks Day

More than 60,000 racegoers are expected to flock to Flemington tomorrow for the Melbourne Cup Carnival's Ladies' Day – Kennedy Oaks Day.

Following Tuesday's Lexus Melbourne Cup, racing attention turns to the $1 million Group 1 classic for three-year-old fillies, the Kennedy Oaks (2500m). The Darren Weir-trained Amphitrite is the $3.40 favourite with TAB, with second favourite Aristia at $4.60 and Verry Elleegant $4.80. Michelle Payne will ride Miner's Miss for her father Paddy Payne, with the filly giving Paddy his first winner in nine years when she won in October.

For the first time in Flemington's history, a female Clerk of the Course will help preside over the days racing. 21-year-old Remi Gray, from Warrak in south-west Victoria, will ride her horse Snowy on the famous Flemington track. She began her career following in the footsteps of her dad, Peter Gray, a former trainer and also a career Clerk of the Course in the Wimmera.

The exclusive Birdcage will host an array of celebrities including supermodel Megan Gale and racing royalty Kate Waterhouse at Lexus, Australian model Elyse Taylor at Mumm, fashion blogger Nadia Fairfax and model Montana Cox at Kennedy, and 2015 Melbourne Cup hero Michelle Payne at Tabcorp.

On the ultimate day of Myer Fashions on the Field, hosted by Myer ambassadors Rachael Finch and Kris Smith, the Women's Racewear competition concludes with the highly anticipated National Final to be judged by Face of Myer Jennifer Hawkins, Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador Kirsten Clemens, Fashion Editor of ELLE Australia Caroline Tran, Executive Fashion Editor of the Herald Sun Kim Wilson and Face of Kennedy Jaimee Bell Kennedy. The invitation-only Millinery Award will also be decided.

This year's competition boasts another phenomenal prize pool of over $430,000, including a brand new Lexus UX valued at approximately $53,000.

To coincide with 'Ladies' Day', Racing Victoria (RV) will commend women who have achieved sporting greatness at a special Celebrating Women in Sport event. The annual event, which was created to inspire women to follow their dreams and succeed in sport, will profile female changemakers in racing and other sports including AFLW, Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics, basketball and athletics.

Hosted by Giaan Rooney, Commonwealth Games swimming gold medallist and popular media personality, the event will include a number of inspiring female athletes and administrators from a range of sporting codes, including Criquette Head, the first female trainer to win G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's most prestigious race; Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup; and Amanda Elliott, the first female chairman of the VRC.

Accredited media are invited to a media call at The Gallery in The Hill Stand between 11am – 11.30am.

All racegoers can enjoy Flemington's fashion and entertainment destination, The Park. The 10,000 square metre precinct features Myer Fashions on the Field, virtual horse racing at TAB, a human-powered dancefloor at Absolut Electric Avenue, the playful Bumble Place, Furphy Bar, Bar Schweppes, James Squire Caravan, Seppelt Bar, The Pony Bar, and Grinders Coffee plus fine food from some of Melbourne's hottest restaurants and culinary destinations including Easey's, South of the Wall, Drumplings, Takeaway Pizza, Princes Pies and Glacé. Music fans are also in for a treat, with Amy Shark (5.10pm – 6.10pm), Furnace and the Fundamentals (3.50pm – 4.50pm) and Thandi Phoenix (2.30pm – 3.30pm) to hit the stage.

Pin & Win volunteers will be out in force selling Lexus Melbourne Cup pins in support of Melbourne Cup Carnival charity partner JDRF.

Kennedy Oaks Day tickets will be available for purchase on arrival from 8:30am at the Hill Gate, Rose Arbour, Flemington train platform, Elms and Infield entrances. While Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be pre-purchased from Flinders Street, Southern Cross, North Melbourne, Essendon, South Yarra, Werribee and Richmond train stations or racegoers can jump the queues and buy online from Ticketek on their mobiles, even on raceday. Admission is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.

#OaksDay @FlemingtonVRC @Kennedyauofficial

Lexus Melbourne Cup Day

More than 90,000 racegoers are expected to attend Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, with 'the race that stops a nation'™ to be run at 3pm (AEDST) tomorrow.

Eleven internationally-trained horses and two from New Zealand will join leading locals to vie for the $7.3 million on offer in the world's richest handicap, the Lexus Melbourne Cup, in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

Irish galloper Yucatan, to be ridden by James McDonald, is currently the $5.50 favourite with TAB, ahead of England's Magic Circle ($8.00). Yucatan is trained by the world's leading trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has never won Australia's greatest race.

The traditional pre-Lexus Melbourne Cup entertainment will see Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith perform two of his smash hits before Sabrina Durante sings the Australian National Anthem.

The exclusive Birdcage will host local and international celebrities including five-time Grammy award winner and soul icon Dionne Warwick at 1 Oliver St, supermodel Megan Gale at Lexus, Australian model and entrepreneur Lara Worthington at Bumble, fashion blogger Nadia Fairfax at Kennedy, actress Jodi Anasta at Mumm, Australian DJ Havana Brown at Pace Penthouse and Melbourne Cup heroes Michelle and Stevie Payne at Tabcorp.

In the fashion stakes, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day is the day to make your strongest fashion statement with bold looks and colours. In the stunning Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure at The Park, hosted by Myer ambassadors Rachael Finch and Kris Smith, the Women's Racewear competition continues, followed by the Emerging Designer Award. The Men's Racewear Competition also continues, with a Daily Final followed by the Men's Racewear Final, encompassing the three finalists from AAMI Victoria Derby Day and Lexus Melbourne Cup Day. The judging panel includes Myer Fashions on the Field ambassadors Kirsten Clemens and Dalton Graham, Myer ambassadors Elyse Knowles and Josh Gibson, winter Olympian Scotty James, VRC Official Stylist Elliot Garnaut, Myer designer Dom Bagnato, VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson and Herald Sun fashion writer Anna Byrne. This year's competition boasts another phenomenal prize pool of over $430,000, including a brand new Lexus UX valued at approximately $53,000.

Due to the distance between The Park and The Birdcage, a shuttle (buggy) service will be provided to transfer accredited media between the Birdcage and The Park. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off area is located at the overpass entrance to The Birdcage and at the back of the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure.

All racegoers can enjoy Flemington's fashion and entertainment destination, The Park. Following the running of the Cup, YO! MAFIA (4pm – 5pm) and The Presets (5.20pm – 6.20pm) will hit the stage. Accredited media are permitted to film the first three songs of each artist from the pit in front of the stage at The Park. There is no stage access unless arranged and approved prior with the artist.

The 10,000 square metre precinct features Myer Fashions on the Field, virtual horse racing at TAB, a human-powered dancefloor at Absolut Electric Avenue, the playful Bumble Place, Furphy Bar, Bar Schweppes, James Squire Caravan, Seppelt Bar, The Pony Bar, and Grinders Coffee plus fine food from some of Melbourne's hottest restaurants and culinary destinations including Easey's, South of the Wall, Drumplings, Takeaway Pizza, Princes Pies and Glacé.

Pin & Win volunteers will be out in force selling Lexus Melbourne Cup pins in support of Melbourne Cup Carnival charity partner JDRF.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Post-Race Media Conference, featuring the winning trainer, jockey and connections, will take place in the Media Centre at approximately 3.30pm. Space is limited and media must contact Alexandra Factor at a.factor@vrc.net.au or in the Media Centre prior to 2.30pm to request access.

Lexus Melbourne Cup Day tickets will be available for purchase on arrival from 8:30am at the Hill Gate, Rose Arbour, Flemington train platform, Elms and Infield entrances. While Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be pre-purchased from Flinders Street, Southern Cross, North Melbourne, Essendon, South Yarra, Werribee and Richmond train stations or racegoers can jump the queues and buy online from Ticketek on their mobiles, even on raceday. Admission is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.

Microflite to transport racegoers this Melbourne Cup Carnival

Microflite will hold the exclusive license to operate helicopter transfers throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the next three years, and flights are booking fast.

Microflite will operate a helicopter shuttle service between Moorabbin Airport and Flemington Racecourse, and VRC members will be entitled to a 10% discount on the service.

Exclusive helicopter services can also be booked to and from Flemington Racecourse from locations including Melbourne Heliport in the CBD, Melbourne Airport, Moorabbin Heliport, Lilydale, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island.

Uber and Microflite will also join forces to provide an elevated UberChopper experience, allowing racegoers to skip the traffic and take to the sky.

Taking flight between Crown Casino and Flemington Racecourse, UberChoppers will be available to book on-demand via the Uber app on all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and will include transport to and from the helipad after the flight.

On the ground, riders will have the opportunity to win the ultimate upgrade to an UberChopper, taking their Melbourne Cup Carnival experience to new heights.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said the Club has worked collaboratively with all transport providers to offer a range of services to racegoers.

"We want racegoers to get to and from Flemington safely and with ease. In addition to a great range of public transport options available, the dedicated Uber zones will help more people enjoy the Melbourne Cup Carnival with affordable and reliable rides, while Microflite helicopters will whisk racegoers to and from Flemington utilising our exclusive on-course helipad."

Uber Australia and New Zealand Regional General Manager Susan Anderson said the company was proud to be the VRC's rideshare partner.

"With more than 24,000 driver-partners in Melbourne, the Uber app will enable thousands of racegoers to access safe, reliable and affordable rides at Flemington. To celebrate our three-year partnership, we are reimagining the way punters arrive and depart at this year's Carnival. We know that time is precious which is why we will be providing magical experiences to keep riders entertained while they wait."

Microflite General Manager Rodney Higgins said: "Microflite is excited to be working with the VRC and Uber to elevate the experience of racegoers with our rapid and luxurious flights to the heart of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Helicopters provide a valuable additional transport option for Victoria's leading cultural and sporting events."

The VRC will officially open the Melbourne Cup Carnival today with AAMI Victoria Derby Day, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 6 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 8 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday 10 November.

Tickets and hospitality packages can be purchased from flemington.com.au.
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About Microflite

Microflite Helicopter Services is, without doubt, Victoria's premier helicopter tourism operator. We strive for excellence in all of our operations and are proud of our reputation for outstanding safety, service, and beautifully appointed aircraft.

Our elegant red helicopters have become a well-known feature of Melbourne, operating from our CBD helipad on the beautiful Yarra River. Microflite operates the Melbourne Heliport, enabling convenient access to the city centre for local and international tourists alike.

Microflite is delighted to be the provider of helicopter services to this prestigious event in the Melbourne calendar.

About Victoria Racing Club and Melbourne Cup Carnival

Host of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington was founded in 1864 and is the world's largest member-based racing club, with more than 30,000 members. Regarded as the world's most vibrant racing event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a uniquely Australian celebration of sport, fashion, food and wine and culture, attracting more than 310,000 racegoers to Flemington Racecourse over four magical racedays each year and injecting more than $444 million into the Victorian economy. The jewel in the Melbourne Cup Carnival crown is the Lexus Melbourne Cup, a 3200m Group 1 staying race, one of the world's richest, offering $7.3 million in prize money and held on the first Tuesday in November.