Tourism and Hospitality

UAE to raise visit visa fees
Fees for visit visas to the UAE are set to rise starting in July, reported Khaleej Times. One month visas will climb to Dhs500 ($136), three month visas will grow to Dhs1,000, and six month visas will increase Dh2,000.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 27 - 2008 at 12:02

Mideast to spend $3tr on theme parks
The Middle East plans to spend Dhs11tr ($3tr)on theme parks and other leisure and tourism projects over the next 20 years to boost the region's tourism sector, according to Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. He said current estimates put the region's attractions, entertainment, and leisure segment at $10bn, with yearly growth at 20-25%, reported Gulf News.
Tuesday, May 27 - 2008 at 09:50

Abu Dhabi launches hotel classification system
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has introduced a hotel classification system that is aimed at boosting transparency in service standards and room rates, the authority said. All hotels and hotel apartments in the emirate will be classified by the end of this year, with hotels being categorised on a scale of one to five stars and hotel apartments being classified as either deluxe, superior, or standard.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 27 - 2008 at 07:49

Sobha group to launch hotels
Sobha Group has announced that it will develop, own and operate a chain of hotels across the Middle East, India and Africa. Of the ten five-star hotels announced, two are planned for Dubai and one in Oman. The first property is set to open in 2010.
Middle East: Monday, May 26 - 2008 at 08:05

Saudis target domestic tourism
Officials at the Saudi General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities have said that the agency is placing marked emphasis on targeting domestic tourism revenue as the country's 90 day summer break approaches. Figures for 2007 show that Saudis spent $18.7bn on tourism outside the country, with Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain proving the most popular destinations.
Saudi Arabia: Sunday, May 25 - 2008 at 08:37

Egypt tourism figures increase
A report from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has shown that Egyptian tourism figures for 2007 rose by 20%. Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada remain among the most popular destinations.
Egypt: Saturday, May 24 - 2008 at 10:58

VC Bank to build resort on The World
Venture Capital Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic investment bank, is to develop a luxury resort on Nakheel's exclusive project, The World, a company statement said. VC Bank will invest in and develop the island located in the 'Northern Asia' area of the archipelago of 300 islands after being selected as one of the exclusive groups of investors. The company has incorporated World Development Company to develop the project.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, May 22 - 2008 at 07:20

Oqyana launches snorkeling lagoon
Oqyana World First, an island community in 'The World' development off the coast of Dubai, has announced the launch of a snorkeling lagoon, which will provide an interactive opportunity to swim and snorkel among coral reefs and underwater sea life, according to a statement. The Reef Lagoon will be located on the Great Barrier Island, one of the 22 islands comprising the Australian continent. Serviced by the adjacent International Diving Centre, the Reef Lagoon will also offer diving, snorkeling and boat-related activities and facilities.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 14:07