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Mideast carriers see biggest rise in passenger traffic as routes grow
Fuelled by their rapid expansion, Middle East carriers posted the strongest growth in passenger traffic in the world last year at 17.8%, according to a new report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Accor to open 18 more hotels across the Middle East
French hotel group Accor has revealed plans to open 18 new hotels across the Middle East over the next three years, raising its total to 54 in the region. Many of the new properties will be in the economy or mid-market segment as the company aims to target budget-minded travellers.
Hawker Beechcraft expects upturn in Mideast private jet market
US-based Hawker Beechcraft believes the private aviation sector in the Middle East will see strong growth over the next two years as the region's economy recovers from the downturn. The company expects much of its business in the region to come from it special mission aircraft.
UAE looks to boost its golf tourism industry
Although world-class golf courses and sunny weather are in abundance in the UAE, golf tourists represent a surprisingly small portion of visitors to the country. However, as hotels face increasing competition for guests in the wake of the economic downturn, golf tourism is seen as a promising sector that offers great opportunities for the UAE's hotel industry.
Ritz-Carlton opens new hotel in Dubai, pushes growth target
As part of an aggressive growth strategy in the Middle East, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel group says it plans to more than double its hotel volume in the region between now and 2012. The first of these new properties will be the company's long-awaited hotel in Dubai's financial district, which opens its doors this week.
Abu Dhabi sees rise in hotel guests, but revenues fall
Abu Dhabi's tourism authority has released new data showing that the emirate is on track to exceed its 2010 target for hotel guests, but a large influx of new hotel supply in the emirate has led to a decline in revenues and occupancies.
Middle East hotel investment lagging
Hotel investment activity is gaining pace worldwide, but remains relatively sluggish in the Middle East due to market uncertainty and lack of strategic investors, according to Jones Lang Lasalle Hotels.
Iraq looks to revive tourism industry
After more than seven years of conflict, post-war Iraq is looking to boost its economy by attracting more visitors to its historic and religious sites. The country's tourism push has sparked interest from a growing number of hotels and airlines which are looking to capitalise on the opportunities offered by this emerging destination.
Middle East airports look to ease travel
Airports in the Middle East are investing in technology to reduce bottlenecks for travellers and speed the turnaround time for check-in and boarding aircraft, according to travel industry IT provider SITA. While airports in the region trail the rest of the world in terms of the roll out of this new technology, they are gaining ground fast.
Movenpick expects corporate segment to lead recovery
Over the next two years Movenpick Hotels & Resorts will open five hotels in Dubai, adding many more rooms to an already crowded market that has seen revenues fall sharply due to oversupply. However, the Swiss hotel chain says its properties in the emirate are still seeing 'very decent profit margins', led by a rebound in the business sector, and it remains upbeat about the emirate's long-term prospects.
Mena carriers to see dip in profit next year
The International Air Transport Association says Mena carriers will record higher profits this year, but warns that profits will be lower in 2011 as capacity outstrips demand.
New technology brings added luxury to hotel stays
Hotels are rapidly developing new technology in order to keep pace with the evolution of smart phones, home entertainment systems, and other high-tech gadgets. Following is a look at some of the exciting new technology that is becoming more commonplace in hotels across the world.
Abu Dhabi hotels face pressure from oversupply
Occupancies and revenues in Abu Dhabi hotels fell sharply in first half of 2010, largely due to oversupply in the market. With many new hotel projects in the pipeline, hotels in the emirate are likely to face continued challenges in the months to come as attractions slowly come online, according to a new report by Euromonitor International.
Emirates responds to European carriers' criticism
Amidst growing complaints issued by many European carriers that some Middle Eastern airlines are... Read full article »
Business jet market sees rebound in Middle East
After experiencing a sharp decline in the wake of the downturn the business jet market in the Middle East is seeing a recovery in recent months, led by rising demand in the corporate sector.
