Tourism

NoozzVIEW; Eden travels to UAE

Considerable excitement has been caused in the otherwise widely depressed international tourist market by the leaked report that after years of flatly rejecting international suitors, the Cornwall-based Eden Project – one of Britain’s most original and best loved tourist attractions – is planning to open a number of like-minded ventures around the world, the first in the oil-rich Arab Gulf. The expected site for the first foreign outpost is expected to be Abu Dhabi, where the local version of the project in Cornwall, which has been visited by a staggering 10 million people since opening in 2001, will include tropical rainforests and a low-carbon village. It will be built just 25 miles from the some of the world’s most important oil fields.

Oman's new national brand mark to be launched

But what does Oman produce? And who are the consumers enticed by Oman's brand placement and location marketing? And how does the process of exchange take place - who gives what to whom and where? According to His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, CEO of the newly-created Oman Brand Management Unit (OBMU) few know the answers to these economically crucial questions. Civil servants around the world repeat the mantras of 'attracting foreign direct investment' and 'encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.' They reel off a list of advantages offered by their country to the lucky investor, tourist, expatriate, or businessman. But many lack an understanding of the process and meaning of nation branding.

Qatar targets 400 pct rise in hotel capacity

Qatar is targeting a 400 per cent rise in hotel capacity by 2012 with the addition of a whopping US$17 billion of investment, according to the country's tourist authority. The plan drawn up by the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA) includes construction of luxury hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, with a total of up to 29,000 luxury rooms by 2012. A total of 80,000 hotel rooms in various ranges will be available by 2016.