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Singapore courts Arab tourists
The Middle East is seen as a key emerging market by the Singapore Tourism Board, with shopping a major recreational activity. Alan Tan, Area Director, STB, says the plan is to attract 17 million visitors to Singapore by 2015.
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Golfing in Scotland
Interest in golf is growing in the Gulf, with Scotland a popular overseas destination for golfing holidays. Christine Seaton, Operations Manager, Links Golf St Andrews, says the World Travel Award won by St Andrews' Old Course Hotel is important for raising awareness about Scottish golf.
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Eurostar luxury travel
Rail is able to provide the luxury travel demanded by Middle Eastern tourists, according to Alain Van West, Director of International Sales, Eurostar. The World Travel Award-winning rail service is also well equipped for business travellers between Paris and London, with laptop sockets and a relaxing environment.
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Visiting other parts of Britain
Nearly 85 per cent of Middle Eastern visitors only visit London when they visit the UK, so VisitBritain is trying to promote other places such as Wales and Scotland. Carol Maddison, Regional Manager of World Travel Awards nominee VisitBritain, says towns such as Blackpool are becoming popular with Arab tourists due to their family attractions.
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Bullet-proof palace apartments
London luxury apartments 51 Buckingham Gate is close to Buckingham Palace and regularly hosts royalty and VIPs from around the world. Its five-bedroom Prime Minister's Suite is the biggest apartment in London, and is fully bomb proof. Andrew Hartley, Director Sales, says winning a World Travel Award has added to the hotel's prestige.
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Spectacular Sultanate of Oman
Oman has ambitious plans to develop its tourism sector as part of its economic diversification strategy. Mohsin bin Khamis al Balushi, Under-Secretary of Tourism, Oman, says that 65 per cent of visitors to the Sultanate are regional tourists including GCC expats, with the remaining 35 per cent coming predominantly from Europe.
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South Korea invites Arab tourism
South Korea, the world's leading broadband country, already enjoys strong MICE links with the Middle East. Chang-Yong Lee, Director Dubai, Korea National Tourism Org, says recent developments such as increased flights between Korea and the Gulf will encourage more visitors to discover South Korea's leisure attractions.
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Saudi opening up to tourists
Saudi Arabia, a World Travel Awards winner, is continuing its plans to develop tourism in the Kingdom, with the traditional emphasis on religious tourism expanding to historic and leisure tourism. Abdul Aziz bin Fahad bin Abdulla, Dep Sec Gen, Saudi Tourism, says the Kingdom is trying to welcome more inbound tourists, including women, with visas available through Saudi Airlines.
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Gulf Air increased premium load
Gulf Air used ATM2005 to showcase its new first and business class seats, which it says have led to increased passenger load since their introduction. John Butler, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Gulf Air, says the World Travel Awards won by the airline are an acknowledgement of its improved services and customer satisfaction.
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Arabs Down Under
Arrivals from Gulf countries to Australia were up 26 per cent in 2004, compared to 2003. Lynne Hocking, international marketing relations manager, Tourism Australia says the increase is expected to continue, with strong growth also taking place in educational links and tourism between Australia and the Middle East.
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Foreign airlines court Dubai
The expansion of Dubai Airport is due for completion in 2006, with the first phase of Jebel Ali airport opening in 2007, according to Anita Mehra Homayoun, Marketing Director, Dubai Civil Aviation. Dubai Airport was voted the Middle East's leading airport in the World Travel Awards 2005, and is seeing strong interest from international airlines wanting to operate there.
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Emirates ever expanding
In challenging times, an airline needs to expand rather than retreat, according to Ghaith Al Ghaith, Exec VP Commercial Operations, Emirates. Al Ghaith says that Emirates' World Travel Award-winning first class cabin has doubled seat load on New York flights.
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Staff secret to success
Staff selection and training is critical to the success of a hotel, according to managers at Dubai's Le Royal Meridien. The World Travel Award-winning hotel enjoys strong repeat trade, with some guests returning up to five times a year for holidays.
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Grosvenor goes for gold
Attention to detail and flawless service is what helps a hotel thrive amid fierce competition, according to Pam Wilby, General Manager, Grosvenor House. Wilby says the hotel's nomination for a World Travel Award is very encouraging.
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Etihad soaring ahead
The Middle East aviation market still has plenty of room for growth and consolidation is not likely at this stage, according to Ian Ferguson Brown, Marketing Director, Etihad. Ferguson Brown says Etihad's newness gives it an advantage, as it has a brand new fleet and no legacy systems to support.
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