Tourism

Lebanon: Flying high

One of Lebanon's most important sectors - tourism - is enjoying its best year on record, thanks in no small part to the country's improved transport links, and in particular the record-breaking performance of Beirut's airport. Tourism is already one of the driving forces of the Lebanese economy - contributing just under 10 per cent to GDP - and is a sector that the country hopes will continue to provide further employment and revenue. One of the key pieces in Lebanon's transport infrastructure network is Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport (BRHIA), the country's main entry point for overseas tourists that is also becoming important as a cargo hub.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority expands awareness in Russia

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) promotes awareness of the emirate's tourism viability in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. An ADTA delegation mounted a dedicated pavilion at the Leisure Moscow show from September 22-24. The exhibition is being seen as an important platform for ADTA to step up its presence in the Russian market. The pavilion line-up includes hotels, including new properties on Yas Island, which will be the host on November 1 to the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, tour operators and developers.

Oman tourism set to rise by 11 per cent

Oman will see an increase of about 11 per cent in tourists this year, taking it to the two million mark, thanks to Gulf residents looking for cheaper holiday in the region, tourism officials and operators said. "The global crisis has forced Gulf nationals to travel closer from home and Oman is hugely benefitting from it," Khalid Al-Ghassan, Head of development at the ministry of tourism said. "For the first time in any year on record, we expect about two million tourists in 2009," he added. About 1.8 million tourists visited Oman in 2008 -- 75 per cent of that are regional residents from Oman's five energy-exporting neighbors who made up the Gulf Cooperation Council economic bloc, Ghassan said.