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The Mediterranean State of Malta is opening a representative office in Dubai. The move represents a shift in focus from Europe as a source market for tourists, to the Dubai region and the Middle East. Malta’s tourism industry has matured and the county offers many features lacking in Europe including Mediterranean climate, sun, sand, and water sports. Malta Tourism Authority chief executive Josef Formosa…
Etihad Airways announced its new first class cabin at the Arabian Travel Market 2009 in Dubai today. Etihad spent Dh 257 million upgrading the cabins, which have 12 individual suites providing passengers more privacy, comfort, and increased storage. A highlight of the new cabins is an extra large seat which extends fully to a flatbed 80.5 inches long. The seat has a built in massager, head rest, lumbar…
A record number of nominations have been received for this years World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony, which takes place in Dubai on Tuesday, alongside the Arabian Travel Market 2009. Organizers attribute the increase to the economic downturn as well as the higher profile of the event. WTA recognizes best performers in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. Abu Dhabi based companies has the highest…
Judges in Bahrain are scheduled to announce their decision regarding a possible delay on the government’s ban of alcohol and entertainment in one and two star hotels. Regent Palace investor filed a case in the Civil Administration court seeking a one year grace period before the ban is implemented. He appeared in court yesterday and his lawyer asked the Judges to suspend the ban because of massive losses…
Tourist Enterprise Company(TEC) Deputy Chairman outlined plans for a strategic expansion in Kuwait that will cost about KD 100 million. Khalid Al Gamin, addressed reporters at a press conference about the company’s expansion plans following the companies annual general assembly meeting at its headquarters in Shuwaikh last week. Mr. Gamin said despite the global economic crisis the company maintained its…
Dubailand and the world’s biggest global cruise line, Royal Caribbean, formed a strategic marketing partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Monday. The partnership is expected to substantially boost the cruiseline industry and Dubai as a favored tourist destination. The two partners will engage in joint marketing and promotional activities in key global source markets in order to…
The tourism board of India will showcase incredible India at the world’s largest travel exhibition, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2009, being held in Dubai this week. There will be 31 companies from the tourism and hospitality sector featured at ATM 2009. Regional Director for India Tourism, Manmohan Saldanhah said they see the economic recession as an opportunity because India’s location in the region makes…
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will participate in the Arabian Travel Market for the 12th consecutive year. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the regions premier travel and tourism event which takes place annually. This year the ATM takes place at the Dubai World Trade Center from 5 May through 8 May. SCTDA chairman Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, said there will be a…
Industry experts addressing delegates at the Arabian Hotels Investment Conference 2009 said the hospitality sector has been deeply affected by the global financial crises. They said there are signs of improvement but it is far from over. Deutsche Bank CEO for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Henri Azzam said it “could be deeper and longer than many of us anticipated.” Deloitte’s Global Managing Partner for…
Dubai World is continuing its expansion in Africa by investing in Bubye Reserve Zimbabwe, a game park project. Last month Dubai World’s Nakheel Hotels opened its first resort in Capetown, South Africa. This latest investment follows Dubai World’s recent acquisition of major shares in three game reserves in South Africa. Dubai World Chairman Prince Sultan bin Sulayem said they are investing in game parks in…
The US Consul-General in Jeddah will host its second Saudi-US cultural festival in Taif beginning on Wednesday. The consulate issued a statement that the American Saudi-Arabian Culture and Commerce Festival aims to strengthen and develop cultural and commercial ties between the Kingdom and the U.S. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Taif governate have…
Executive Director for Business Tourism at Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said Dubai has a challenging year ahead but is well placed for a quicker recovery than other destinations. Hammad bin Mejrin said “We strongly believe Dubai may emerge faster than other regions when the global economy improves.” Dubai has responded to the global economic slowdown with a multi-million dirham…
Jumeirah Group, the Dubai hotel giant, said it is optimistic about a recovery in its home tourism market by the end of 2009, following a first quarter revenue drop of 20 per cent. Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group, Gerald Lawless, said their profits are down compared to last year and he described the coming months as challenging. He said their message to visitors is “yes you can now visit us, we have…
Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the President and Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said the national tourism plan has been updated and it will be announced next year. Last year the country received 47 million visitors and that number is expected to increase to 88 million by 2020. Under the tourism plan the kingdom’s current 30 airports, which are now…
A forum exploring the special needs market begins in Dubai on 13 May 2009. The 5th annual Middle East Forum for Accessible Tourism (MEFAT-2009) will investigate the unexplored special needs tourism market. Chairman of Dubai Airports and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum will inaugurate the forum, which is being held in Le Meridien Dubai. More than 500 decision…
EFG Hermes warned on Thursday that a swine flu pandemic would hit the UAE hard. Because tourism is a major contributor to GDP in the UAE and Oman, confirmation of the swine flu in the region would have a significant impact. This sector is already experiencing difficulties and oil prices will be affected as people reduce their travel. Analysts at EFG Hermes said in a note to investors that there are still no…
Dubai reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations as the number of visitors to Dubai reached an all time high in 2008 of 6,996,449. Dubai tourism growth continues despite the economic slowdown, although at a somewhat slower pace. It is one of the few international destinations to have an increase in the number of visitors over last year. Dubai’s highly diversified premium…
Sharjah based Emirates Investment Group (EIG) is planning to expand in Pakistan. EIG is part owner of Emirates Global Islamic Bank in Pakistan. Vice Chairman Raza Jafa said they want to more than double their current 42 branches in Pakistan. Jafa said they want to have 100 branches by 2010 and their focus is on expanding into rural areas so they can help people there finance their agricultural projects. The…
