Travel and Tourism

Threats to ME hotel investment
Land ownership problems, a lack of transparency and proper corporate governance, and restrictive agency laws are major obstacles to foreign investment in the Middle East hotel sector, according Sarmad Zok, CEO, Kingdom Hotel Investments. Zok says far-reaching reforms are needed to stimulate FDI in the region.
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United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 06 - 2005 at 10:49

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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United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 25 - 2005 at 11:16

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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United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 22 - 2005 at 15:39

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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United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 22 - 2005 at 12:24

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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United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 22 - 2005 at 11:54

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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Tuesday, May 17 - 2005 at 10:45

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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United Arab Emirates: Monday, May 16 - 2005 at 09:46

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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United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 15 - 2005 at 10:09