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Where the Mountains meet the Sea
Fujairah lies on the East cost of the UAE, a place rich in history, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Tourism chiefs want to develop the Emirate as a destination for leisure and business visitors, while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.
2004 Forecast: Lufthansa ME
Lufthansa enjoyed a 25% growth in passenger numbers in 2003, despite the US-led war on Iraq and SARS, and expects even higher growth next year. Uwe Wriedt, General Manager, Lufthansa Gulf, says following on the success of the new Dubai-Munich flight, new destinations could be added.
2004 Forecast: Boeing Middle East
2003 has been a difficult year for Boeing, with the Middle East no exception. Middle East VP John Craig says the company is committed to strengthening partnerships and developing the technology sector in the region. He says Boeing is optimistic that 2004 will see a turnaround.
2004 Forecast: IFA Hotels & Resorts
IFA Hotels & Resorts have invested more than a billion dollars in the Middle East, Europe and North Africa in new property developments. President James Wilson says the company is bullish about prospects for 2004, particularly in Dubai due to government initiatives.
Gulf Air on track to recover
Despite SARS and regional instability with the US-led war on Iraq, Gulf Air is on track with targets set for the first year of its three year recovery plan. The airline plans to launch new international destinations, and is looking at major expansion in its regional fleet. Gulf Air executives also say they will consider privatising the airline once it is profitable.
Australia: Culture and Adventure
Around 50,000 visitors from the Middle East visit Australia every year, predominantly for a holiday or to visit friends and family. The Arab tourism market is seen as a lucrative one, due to high spend and relatively long lengths of stay, averaging 32 nights per person. With airlines such as Gulf Air launching new flights from the Middle East, and other carriers increasing capacity, Australian tourism operators hope visitor numbers will increase.
John Butler, VP Sales, Gulf Air
Gulf Air has put customer service in the spotlight with innovative services such as an in-flight chef for first class passengers, and a Sky Nanny for children up to 12 years old. VP for Sales and Marketing, John Butler, says the services have been a success, with Gulf Air enjoying strong load factors on all its new routes.
James Hogan, CEO, Gulf Air
Gulf Air has renewed daily flights from Athens to Sydney, via Bahrain, in a codeshare with Olympic Airlines. It's a sign that despite SARS and the US-led war on Iraq, the airline's three year recovery plan is on track. The flight also represents a return to home turf for President and CEO James Hogan.
Execujet takes flight
Executive jet company Execujet is expanding its fleet with two new aircraft - the Bombardier Global Express and the Pilatus PC-12. The company is responding to growing demand for more flexible flight options in the Middle East.
Mary Poppins Takes Flight
Parents travelling with children on Gulf Air will enjoy more peace, due to a world first scheme to introduce "Sky Nannies" on routes between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and London. Every Sky Nanny is a fully qualified member of the crew, specialised in caring for children up to 12 years old.
Interview: Uwe Wriedt, GM, Lufthansa
With growing tourism and commercial links between the UAE and Germany, Lufthansa has begun daily flights to Munich, in the southern German province of Bavaria. Lufthansa's General Manager and Director for the Gulf, Iran and Pakistan, Uwe Wriedt, says the key focus is business passengers.
The Beauty of Bavaria
With winter and summer tourism, and a brand new airport terminal, the German city of Munich is increasingly becoming a hub for international visitors. It's popular with Middle Eastern visitors, with many Arabs buying residential property around Bavaria.
Emirates Holidays goes skiing
UAE residents wanting to escape the desert heat can take a look at Emirates Holidays' first skiing brochure. General Manager John Felix says packages are targeted at both expats and UAE nationals. Lebanon has also been added as a new winter sports destination.
Italian Flavour for Hyatt
Italian products - from textiles and ceramics to wine and food - were on display for "Bella Italia" at Dubai's Hyatt Regency. Held in association with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and and the Italian Embassy, the event aims develop commercial opportunities in the most important international markets.
Interview: Bill Walsh, Jumeirah International
Dubai's hotel sector continues its rapid expansion, with the Madinat Jumeirah's Mina A'Salam property the latest to open. Jumeirah International's Director of Marketing, Bill Walsh, explains how he expects the boutique hotel to compete in an increasingly crowded market.
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