Tourism and Hospitality

Dnata named as Virgin agent
Virgin Atlantic has appointed Dnata Travel as its general sales agent in Kuwait. The agency will oversee all Virgin's offline service in the country.
Kuwait: Monday, June 02 - 2008 at 09:07

Al Ain possible Heritage site
Al Ain in the UAE is on Unesco's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The placing preliminary step to making the final list. Officials at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage have said that work to preserve the emirate's historical sites is ongoing.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 02 - 2008 at 09:04

Travel Exhibition opens
Kuwait's Travel Market Exhibition opened its doors yesterday, with representatives from 40 international hotel chains and destinations in attendance. At the launch Boodai Aviation Group announced that it would be adding several new destinations to its portfolio, including Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Kuwait: Sunday, June 01 - 2008 at 08:53

Kempinski makes 'best hotels' list
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has been chosen as one of the World's Best Hotels in the Expedia Insiders' Select lists annual travel survey, the hotel said in a statement. The list recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 31 - 2008 at 09:16

India's Country Club buys Dubai's Chelsea Hotel
Indian hotel group Country Club has bought Dubai's Chelsea Hotel for Dhs165m ($45m) and plans to have at least five more hotels in the UAE in the next four years, reported Gulf News. Country Club India Limited, which has set up its international headquarters in Dubai, also plans to open new properties in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the UK, Poland and the US.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, May 29 - 2008 at 07:10

Jumeirah to be 'green' leader
In a video interview with AME Info Jumeirah's Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless has said that he plans to ensure the group is at the forefront of environmental issues. In response to growing consumer awareness the hospitality group is working with consultants to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.
Middle East: Wednesday, May 28 - 2008 at 17:07

Dubai to overhaul hotel classification system
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing plans to launch a new hotel classification system later this year, reported Arab News. The new system will encompass several areas of hotel operations, including new medical and disability access requirements, and applying standards to a property's conference and banqueting, spa and leisure, and business center facilities.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 28 - 2008 at 10:20

Oman using golf to attract tourists
Oman is building a number of golf courses in hopes that they will attract more tourists, reported Reuters. At least 10 golf resorts are at various stages of planning or construction around the country, including the $400m Muscat Golf Course, as well as courses planned as part of the $7bn Blue City, Dubai Holding's $2bn Salam Yiti resort and the Murya project in the southern port city of Salalah.
Oman: Wednesday, May 28 - 2008 at 07:36