Gulf Tourism and Aviation
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Gulf corporate jet market down but not out
After rising steadily in recent years, the corporate jet market in the Middle East has been hit hard by the financial crisis as businesses and individuals have cut back on expenses. However, industry leaders believe the sector may have turned the corner as business picks up, although it may be too early to identify trends.
European hotels seek more Gulf travellers
Typically summer is a time when many locals and expats leave the Middle East to escape the blazing heat, but outbound leisure travel from the region has slowed this summer as residents tighten their belts in the midst of the economic downturn. This year more people than usual are choosing to not travel at all, or to take their vacations closer to home.
Dubai hotels chase guests using summer deals
The global slowdown and the rise in the number of new hotels in Dubai have forced many properties in the emirate to offer big discounts and unique promotions to attract guests during the summer. A new report by Deloitte says that the hotel industry in Dubai is continuing to witness declines in occupancy levels and revenue per available room (RevPAR) mainly due to a drop in business travel and international tourist arrivals.
Religious tourism is bright spot in downturn
Religious tourism is a relatively 'recession proof' sector that offers growth potential for Middle East hotels during the economic slowdown. The World Tourism Organisation estimates that more than 300 million people across the globe visit the world's key religious sites each year.
Fairmont forges ahead amidst 'perfect storm'
The head of Fairmont Hotels in the Middle East says hotels in Dubai will eventually recover from the economic meltdown, but it is unlikely they will enjoy the same level of growth that that they witnessed prior to the recession.
Middle East airlines boost Paris Air Show
Gulf-based carriers stole the limelight at the Paris Air Show, with large orders for new aircraft and engines at a time when most airlines around the world are retracting.
IATA raises concern on Gulf carrier overcapacity
Airlines in the Middle East have said that they plan to move ahead with their ambitious expansion plans, but a new report predicts that they are in for a bumpy ride for the rest of the year as demand for air travel slows.
Flydubai pushes low-cost model amidst downturn
Flydubai, the first low-cost carrier to be based in Dubai, made its initial flight this week amid great fanfare but faces a number of challenges as it takes to the skies.
Royal Caribbean to set sail from Dubai in 2010
Royal Caribbean has announced plans to create a hub in Dubai beginning in 2010 for week-long winter sailing that will tour five major destinations in the Gulf.
Oman seeks to tap its tourism potential
Oman is spending billions to boost tourism as part of a strategy to diversify its economy. But while the Sultanate is keen to attract more visitors, it is also determined to protect its culture and traditions.
Economic slowdown fuels rise in travel deals
The global financial crisis has forced hotels in Dubai to lower their rates to attract customers, enabling tourists to 'trade up' to more luxurious accommodations, thus providing one of the few upsides of the economic downturn.
Middle East hotel sector recovery 'to take time'
Experts at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference expressed confidence that strong growth will return to the hotel industry in the Middle East, but warned that drastic measures to speed the recovery could actually prolong the crisis.
Dubai hotels brace for a challenging summer
Like the rest of the world, Dubai hotels have been hit hard by the global economic crisis, and although March provided a slight breather, the prospects for the summer months are not promising.
Emirates cuts back on A380 service
Emirates Airlines received its first A380 amid much fanfare in July 2008, but the roll out of the aircraft into the Dubai-based carrier's fleet has not been without turbulence due to falling passenger demand and complaints about the double-decker's performance.
Movenpick plans 19 new MidEast hotels
Movenpick Hotels and Resorts plans to double the number of properties that it operates in the Middle East over the next three years as part of its major expansion in the region.
