Tourism sector lures AED858bn

The aggregate investment volume in the UAE’s tourism sector has reached AED858 billion. Investment poured into the hotel and restaurant sector nation-wide jumped 22.1 per cent from AED8.6 billion in 2006 to AED10.5 billion last year. At a seminar in Spain held to promote investment channels in GCC member-states, Abu Dhabi’s Undersecretary of Economy & Planning noted that the number of hotels in the UAE rose by 26 per cent from 290 in 2005 to 366 by 2006. Mohammad Abdullah pointed out that the number of hotel apartments in the UAE increased by 11.3 per cent over the 1-year period to close to 15,700 units.

Oman Tourism launches UK campaign

Oman Air and the Ministry of Tourism have commenced a major marketing campaign in the UK. ""The joint campaign which will run for six months reflects a shared view of the importance of the United Kingdom to Oman's business, trade and tourism sectors,"" stated Dr Rajiha Abdul Ameer Ali, Minister of Tourism. The campaign will see fresh motivational images of Oman at strategic locations in London, complemented with a wide range of print and web-based promotions, said a statement.