Tourism

Egypt sees 'glimmer of hope' in tourism, Suez receipts

The central bank governor said that April receipts from tourism and the Suez Canal, two of Egypt's main sources of revenue, provided a "glimmer of hope" for the economy. Farouk el-Okdah told a news conference tourism revenues were down only 1.8 percent year-on-year in April, while he said returns from the Suez Canal had edged up in April on the previous month.

Qatari Diar signs two tourism investment agreements in Cuba

Qatari Diar, a leading company in sustainable development projects in Qatar and the world, through its subsidiary Qatari Resorts Company, concluded a Joint Venture Agreement for a $75m investment with Gran Antilla S.A , an affiliate of Gran Caribe, a Cuban company 100% owned by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism, to develop an exclusive 5-star resort in Cuba. As the first major joint venture between Qatar and Cuba, this key partnership will cement two close visions of quality community resort. Gran Paraiso, the Joint Venture Company, will develop and manage an island resort located 30 minutes flight from Havana, on a 28.59 hectares parcel of land in Cayo Largo del Sur.

Middle East's travel industry remains strong despite downturn

The global economic slowdown has affected the travel industry but the Middle East region has proved to be somewhat resilient and offers good scope, believes a top executive of an international group. "The industry has been hit by the slowdown but the Middle East remains strong, especially for corporate business," Adrian Woodward, General Manager of the UK-based Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), said at a press conference to announce its strategic alliance with the Oman United Agencies Travel LLC (OUA) in which Dubai-based Dnata are partners.

Dubai tourism to boost relations with Brunei, Greece and Egypt

In separate meetings, the Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, held discussions with tourism officials from Brunei, Greece and Egypt and reviewed a wide range of issues, including ways of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in tourism domain. Bin Sulayem briefed the visitors about the growth and development of Dubai and its tourism industry and various initiatives launched by the DTCM to boost the contribution of tourism to the economy and number of visitors to the emirate. They exchanged views about enhancing cooperation and expertise in the field of tourism and strengthening relations between Dubai and these countries.

Iran, Oman Discussed Ways of Expanding Tourism Ties

At a meeting held in Tehran between Oman`s tourism minister Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali and the head of Cultural Heritage, Purism and Handicrafts Organization of Iran Esfndyar Raheem Mishaee, the two sides discussed ways of expanding ties in tourism sector. The two sides encouraged joint ventures and agreed to use the Iranian experience in the field of tourism in order to promote the tourism sector in the Sultanate. The archaeological and tourist attractions in both countries have been highlighted during the talks.

Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority revealed its new strategy

Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority revealed its new strategy, set to increase hotel establishment capacity from their current 7,000 luxury rooms to over 29,000 rooms by 2012, the equivalent of over a 400% increase. Exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market, Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority hosted on its stand debuting hotels newly launched in Doha, like the luxurious Arabian inspired Grand Hyatt, the distinctive contemporary W hotel, and other internationally recognized lavish brands, bound to open hotels soon.

Dubai targets 15m tourists by 2015

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive and Chairman of The Emirates Group, renewed Dubai's commitments to accomplishing its ambitious objectives in the tourism sector. This includes the target of attracting 15 million tourists to the Gulf Emirate by 2015, he added. “We believe this milestone can be achieved and has not been effaced by the global turndown, rather, all available indices suggest that we are headed in the right direction,” the sheikh said.

The Wave, Muscat selects think project!

The Wave, Muscat, the US$ 4 billion Omani Integrated Tourism Complex, has selected German online collaboration solution think project! for web-based information and document management services. The Wave, Muscat is an international, award winning development, which is providing the first ever freehold option for expatriates within the Sultanate. The multi cultural community will comprise of more than 4000 villas, apartments and townhouses.