Tourism and Hospitality

Emirates Palace occupancy up 19%
Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel, managed by Kempinski, said it experienced 19% growth in occupancy last year. The hotel's general manager, Hans Olbertz, said the increase was the best in the hospitality industry in the region. Travelers from the UK topped the arrivals list last year, accounting for 8.8% of guest registrations, while guests from Germany followed in close second place, accounting for 8%.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, March 18 - 2008 at 10:56

ME hotel industry to be safe from US recession
The Middle East hotel industry is unlikely to be affected by a possible US recession because of the region's booming economy and its future demand and supply projections, said Kip Horton, vice president of sales for Europe, Africa & Middle East with Starwood Hotels. He said it used to be true that when 'North America got a cold, the rest of the world seemed to get pneumonia,' but that is no longer the case. If the US economy falters, it will be compensated by people who travel from Middle East or Europe, he said.
Tuesday, March 18 - 2008 at 09:13

Dubai World buys stakes in SA wildlife reserves
Dubai World Africa, the African subsidiary of Dubai World, has announced that it has purchased major stakes in three of South Africa's leading wildlife game reserves, reported Gulf News. No financial details were disclosed. The acquisitions involved the Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Jock Safari Lodge, which are members of the Mantis Collection, a group of five-star boutique properties in South Africa and Europe. Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said the company intends to invest about $1.5bn in Africa over the next five years.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, March 18 - 2008 at 07:16

InterContinental Al Khobar opens
InterContinental Hotels Group has opened its 20th property, the InterContinental Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia. InterContinental Al Khobar has 120 guestrooms and suites complete with a full range of amenities. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts' 150th hotel opened recently at Dubai Festival City and the brand has a further 53 hotels in the pipeline.
Saudi Arabia: Monday, March 17 - 2008 at 14:04

Bahrain F1 to bring in $4.5bn
The Formula One race in Bahrain is expected to boost tourism in the country, bringing in an extra $4.5bn this year. Last year the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix was estimated to have brought in an additional $548m through tourism, but this figure is expected to rise dramatically in 2008. The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place over three days from April 4 - 6.
Bahrain: Monday, March 17 - 2008 at 08:46

Saudi lands in world tourism map
Saudi Arabia has been ranked first as the most AIDS-free tourism destination in the world by the tourism index known as Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, reported Gulf News. In worldwide tourism index for the first time, it took the 82nd spot among 130 countries. It is also 9th among Arab countries in the World Economic Forum's report titled 'Balancing economic development and environmental sustainability'.
Saudi Arabia: Monday, March 17 - 2008 at 08:44

Reed nominates for 'New Frontiers'
Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of Arabian Travel Market announced 10 destinations have been nominated for this year's New Frontiers Award. Destinations are chosen among factors that have hugely contributed to the travel industry despite adversities and calamities. Some of these destinations include California, Peru, Greece, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, China, Mozambique and Vietnam, which have made tremendous strides after suffering from either man-made or natural disasters.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, March 16 - 2008 at 09:51

Emaar soon to open new yacht club
Emaar Hospitality announced it is scheduled to open soon the Dubai Marina Yacht Club within Dubai Marina and has appointed Mr Steve Stiglbauer as General Manager. Stiglbauer will supervise the club's activities and also identify new strategies to position it as the premier marina-based leisure and sporting centre in the region.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, March 15 - 2008 at 11:53