“I thought it would be easier.” Those are the words of Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler, reflecting on his thoughts a decade ago when launching the magazine.
Unpredictable forces — industry disruption and global events — made the last ten years a challenging yet formative time as Global Traveler carved out its place in the niche world of business travel publications. From its beginnings in late 2003, through its February 2004 debut and the turbulent early years, Global Traveler has steadily developed into a market leader: a publication that continues to adapt and evolve for the next decade and beyond.
Was it worth it? “Absolutely,” Gallagher says.
We are not alone in marking milestones in 2014. It’s a privilege to share an anniversary year with several hotel and airline partners whose histories and accomplishments we admire. Together, they remind us of milestones in travel and hospitality.
Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, celebrates five years of The Address Downtown Dubai — the brand’s flagship. In only a few years, the property earned recognition as Global Traveler’s Hotel of the Year, reflecting the brand’s rapid rise and ambition to reshape Dubai’s hospitality scene.
“From then on, the group began establishing hotels that catered to the entire spectrum of guests, including business travelers, leisure travelers, sports enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, among others,” said Philippe Zuber, chief operating officer of Emaar Hospitality Group. “Each hotel under the umbrella follows the philosophy of Where Life Happens, which guarantees superior service, unmatched amenities and a spectacular guest experience.”
For those of us at Global Traveler, life often happens in hotels and on airplanes. Our team and readers make the world their office, delivering timely coverage from every corner of the globe. That hands-on, informed approach is central to our identity. Colleagues who have stayed at Address properties consistently praise the brand for delivering on its promise of superior service and exceptional guest experiences.
Address also embraces a “one-size-fits-one” philosophy, keeping the guest at the center of every decision. Like Global Traveler, that sustained focus and determination has helped the brand remain a leader in Dubai’s hospitality market.
Looking ahead, Address plans to build on momentum from its current portfolio across Dubai, Egypt, Turkey and Kenya, with upcoming projects that include The Address Residence The BLVD, The Address Residence Sky View and The Address Residence Fountain Views I, II and III.
“This has been a truly remarkable journey, and I’m confident that The Address Hotels + Resorts will continue to uphold the highest standards of service that are synonymous with Emaar Hospitality Group,” Zuber said.
South African Airways also marks significant anniversaries in 2014. The national carrier turns 80 this year. On Feb. 1, 1934, the South African government assumed Union Airways’ assets and liabilities and renamed the company South African Airways. Over subsequent decades SAA expanded international routes, launching service to Australia in 1967 and to Rio de Janeiro in 1968. Service to North America began in 1969, making 2014 the 45th anniversary of flights between South Africa and the United States. That route played a part in a personal milestone for GT CEO Francis X. Gallagher as well.
In the 2000s, SAA registered several landmark achievements, including joining the Star Alliance in 2006, which enhanced global connectivity for the country.
At Global Traveler we’ve also pursued continuous improvement. Since our launch we have redesigned the magazine several times to keep our content fresh and relevant, most recently moving to a wider format and matte cover to stand out on the newsstand. We refreshed our website in December 2012 and added daily content, and our print edition continues to evolve with new columns and voices. A great company never rests on its laurels; both GT and SAA have demonstrated the willingness to reinvent and refine what works.
Perhaps most significant this year is South Africa’s upcoming 20th anniversary of democracy. Freedom Day on April 27 commemorates the nation’s first democratic elections, marking the birth of a new era. SAA will align its 80th-anniversary celebrations with this historic milestone, emphasizing a theme of honoring the future throughout the year.
Royal Jordanian crew members © Royal Jordanian
Another partner celebrating a major anniversary is Royal Jordanian. The airline traces its origins to a royal decree in the 1960s that created Alia, and the company later became Royal Jordanian in 1986.
“The story of Alia/Royal Jordanian can be titled ‘the ambition backed by the will.’ Without the ‘will’ that drove it to fulfillment, the ambition would have remained a beautiful dream,” said Ali Ghandour, former CEO of Alia, during the carrier’s anniversary gala. “On the other hand, if the will had been limited to giving the needed support and if not led by the persistence of the ambition, it would have been fruitless.”
The early story of Royal Jordanian — driven by vision, determination and perseverance — echoes Global Traveler’s own origin. Gallagher identified a gap in travel media, assembled a committed team, and pursued the goal with persistence. Passion and resolve turned that vision into reality.
Ghandour noted the operational challenges the airline faced in the region and how overcoming them strengthened the company’s resolve. “These challenges did not hinder Alia from achieving its goals, and instead encouraged it to double its efforts to become, over the years, an example in growth and outstanding achievements,” he said.
At 50, Royal Jordanian exemplifies steady leadership rather than sheer size or wealth. Its willingness to innovate has been key to its resilience and continued relevance. Recent strategic steps include listing as a public shareholding company in 2001, joining the oneworld alliance in 2007 as the first Arab airline to become a member of a major global alliance, and modernizing its short- and medium-haul fleet with new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The airline also consolidated operations into a new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
Achievements are best celebrated with friends and partners. At Global Traveler, we are proud to count such respected hotels and airlines among those marking significant milestones alongside us. Whether five years, ten, fifty or eighty, congratulations to our partners and peers on these important anniversaries.