Gulf Tourism and Aviation
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Middle East carriers face 'tough year', but remain optimistic
Despite the obstacles posed by surging oil prices and political unrest, Middle East airlines say they remain optimistic that they can navigate their way through the challenges facing their industry.
Saudi considers allowing foreign airlines to operate domestic flights
For the first time Saudi Arabia may allow foreign airlines to operate domestic flights in the kingdom. What might this mean for carriers in the Gulf, and passengers in Saudi?
Dubai hotels target Chinese travel market
With China emerging as one of the world's largest outbound travel markets, hotels in Dubai are increasingly focusing their efforts on attracting tourists from this rapidly growing economy.
Fuel surcharges curb air travel demand as ticket prices rise
An increasing number of carriers have imposed fuel charges on ticket prices in recent months to cover rising fuel costs. These higher fares are already having an impact on international air travel demand, according to a new report.
Marriott continues rapid expansion in Middle East
Marriott International has announced that it is pushing ahead with its ambitious growth plans in the Middle East and Africa despite the unrest that has spread across the region. The US-based hospitality group says it now has 43 hotels under development or construction in the region, including a massive 1,614-room property in Dubai.
Middle East unrest curbs global air traffic
International air travel slowed in February largely due to the political unrest that has flared across the Middle East and Africa, according to the International Air Transport Association. IATA also forecasts that growth in March will be further slowed by the earthquake in Japan.
Abu Dhabi hotels see muted impact from regional unrest
Abu Dhabi is seeing a steady rise in visitors so far this year and is on pace to reach its target of two million guests for 2011. However, while the unrest in the region has been a boost for hotels in Dubai, hoteliers in Abu Dhabi say the net effect of the unrest on their performance has been minimal.
Dubai hotels see rise in demand as pipeline slows
As the influx of new hotels slows in Dubai, the emirate's hotel sector is forecast to stabilise this year as the market begins to see a better balance between supply and demand.
Emirates remains confident despite oil price rise
Emirates Airline says it has yet to see a drop in demand after raising its fares in response to the surge in oil prices, but it acknowledges that rising fuel prices are a 'worry'.
Will Middle East hotels embrace iPads?
Last week Movenpick announced that it will be introducing iPads across its hotels in the Middle East to help improve the guest experience, becoming one of the first hotel companies in the region to incorporate this popular device in their operations. However, it remains to be seen how many other hotels in the region will follow suit.
High oil prices to hit Middle East carriers' profits
The unrest sweeping the Middle East has caused a dramatic surge in oil prices as traders fear that the unrest could slow or halt crude exports in key oil producing countries. The spike in prices will surely curb profits for carriers in the Gulf, as oil is the biggest cost for airlines.
Mideast carriers to see sharpest growth in passengers
The International Air Transport Association predicts that the Middle East will be the fastest growing region for international traffic from 2009-2014, with passenger demand expected to rise 9.4% over the period, according to a new forecast by the trade body.
Mideast political upheaval to boost Dubai tourism
The fallout from the political upheaval in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East is likely to benefit Dubai's tourism industry as travellers seek out alternative destinations, according to a new report by CitiGroup.
Abu Dhabi boosts hotel guest target to 2 million
Abu Dhabi tourism officials have expanded their target for hotel guest arrivals in 2011 to 2 million, up from the current 1.9 million, following an 18% rise in visitors in 2010.
Cruise tourism on track for growth on Dubai-based route
Royal Caribbean says that it expects strong growth in cruise tourism in Dubai, as it adds more itineraries in the region and raises prices on the back of strong performance in its inaugural season in the Gulf.
