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Etihad Airways launched its six week long ‘Race To Gold’ promotion for Pakistan trade partners in July. The campaign celebrates its relationship with the first ever Formula 1 race to be held in Pakistan in November 2009. The carrier presented ten lucky draw winners 10 gram gold coins to mark the start of the promotional campaign. Two entrants also received two Ferrari themed gift hampers and an addition two…
The latest forecast from Business Monitor International (BMI) projects the number of tourist arrivals in the Middle East in 2009 will fall 3% compared to 2008. The BMI report said “BMI continues to maintain that the UAE will face a challenging period ahead in the tourism sector. Our forecast of negative growth in tourist arrivals in 2009 remains -3 percent year-on-year. The BMI report forecasts a small…
IFA Hotels and Resorts acquired another 14.92% share in Raimen Land, the luxury condominium and real estate company based in Bangkok. This increases IFA’s stake in Raimen Land to 41.07%. Vice Chairman and Chief-Executive Officer said their increased ownerships shows their belief in management of the company and value it provides. Talal Jassim Al Bahar said “we will continue to support the company and benefit…
A Travelport GDS executive said global air ticket bookings fell less than expected in June, an indication the decline in business has reached its lowest point. Compared with June last year bookings dropped 12%, but this is 4% less than forecast. Travelport Vice President for the Middle East and Africa said “Statistics for June, while still indicating a decline, started to show small signs of recovery and give…
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said hotel occupancy reached 671,662 guests during the first six months of the year. During the first quarter of 2009 there was a 15% decline in the number of tourists, but once source explained “the recent summer promotions have helped the hotel sector to record higher occupancy. As a result, the second-quarter hotel statistics reflected a growth…
A top Chinese diplomat in Amman said better promotion of Jordan’s tourism sites will help the country realize its huge potential for Chinese tourism. Yu Hongyang, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan said the government earlier this year streamlined the entry and visa procedures. He said this will greatly increase the number of Chinese tourists to the Jordan, especially after the current global economic crisis…
The Geographical Information System (GIS) website for Dubai Metro was launched by the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) on Tuesday. CEO of RTA’s rail agency said the website http://metrogis.rta.ae used GIS technology and functions to provide information about stations, runtime, metrolines, and multi-modal interchange points. An official said the system can be used to obtain information about distance…
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday toured Saadiyat, Yas Island Tourism, and Al Raha Beach tourism projects in Abu Dhabi to review work progress. He was accompanied by Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He started the tour at Abu Dhabi Corniche then continued to Saadiyat, viewing new bridges and road linking the…
The America Cup may be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 158 year history. UK and France media reported that the current cup holder – Swiss team Alinghi and Society Nautique de Geneve have made an agreement with Ras al-Khaimah to hold the race there in February 2010. The cup challenger, San Fransisco based BMW-Oracle, will probably oppose the move. Alinghi, as cup holder, is required to give…
Dubai World has cancelled between six and eight tourism development projects in Rwanda. These projects were part of a $230 million investment announced by the company in 2007. Dubai World had said the $230 million investment would have been managed by its subsidiary Istithmar Real Estate and “make a significant contribution to the tourism offering in Rwanda.” The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said Dubai…
A European diplomat has warned that dishonest travel agents are overcharging Saudi tourists up to 166% more for visas to the Schengen area. A tourist visa to Schengen costs about $85 or (SAR300) but some companies have been charging as much as SAR800 for visas. A Riyadh based diplomat said the visas include fraudulent medical insurance programs. Travelers in Schengen car move freely within the region as long…
The number of travelers from the Middle East visiting Sri Lanka has soared by 85% since the war there ended. Middle East director of the Sri Lanken Tourism Promotion Bureau said the growth in the number of travelers from Saudi Arabia in June was extraordinary “with Saudi travelers up by 186% and UAE travelers up by 181 per cent compared to the same month last year.” Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoon said the number of…
Travel sector executives said there have been several cases of fraud by travel agents due to the economic crisis and subsequent liquidity crunch. General Manager of Air Choice Travels in Abu Dhabi said only small agencies, sub agents, and those selling airline tickets illegally are having serious problems. Fais Mohammed explained “some agents are facing liquidity problems because payments from their clients,…
The Shandur Polo festival, which has become a fixture of life in this remote and mountainous region begins on 7 July and end on 9 July. The traditional two team contest began in 1936 and for many years did not have a fixed date. Over the last twenty years with increased international travel and corporate sponsorship the event has developed a more settled look and feel. The event also contributes significantly…
The two day ‘Ikebana for Peace’ floral arrangement was held the Japanese Consulate and Cultural Center Friday evening. Ikebana is the Japanese traditional art of flower arrangement intended to bring about a sense of calm and peace. Sassui Palejo, the Provincal Minister for Culture and Tourism, thanked the Japanese Consul General for the invitation to the exhibition and stressed the importance of…
A new bus terminal at Khaepwali, constructed by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), was inaugurated on Friday. The new terminal will provide bus service for Nankana-Amristar, and is located about 5 kilometers from Nankana Sahib. Federal Minister for Tourism said the NWFP and Sindh provinces do not need to be concerned about the Kalagh Dam, and if electricity requirements are met, it will not…
Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities released figures showing tourism revenues in Jordan were up 1.9% in the first six months of the year. The total number of visitors increased 3%. Tourism revenues between January and June 2009 were JD847 million compared to JD831 million for the same period last year. There were 751,293 tourists origination from Arab countries, accounting for more than 25% of the…
Emirates officials said a proposed ban on elderly and children performing Hajj this year would not affect their passenger loads if it is enforced. The Dubai airline was commenting regarding an agreement announced last week between Arab health ministers to restrict certain people from travelling in order to minimize the risk of transmission of the H1N1 virus. About three million Muslims will arrive in Mecca…
