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RAK Tourism to unveil key projects at WTM

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism is set to showcase its latest hotel and hospitality offerings and projects at the World Travel Market (WTM), which begins on Monday in London.

RAK Tourism's attendance at the global trade event is a key strategic move that will support ongoing marketing campaigns in European markets, which collectively account for up to 75 per cent of the total number of visitors in Ras Al Khaimah, said a senior official.

The hotel industry has been one of the most important growth areas of the Ras Al Khaimah economy as occupancy levels continue to hover above 90 per cent, while the number of hotel guests has achieved a healthy growth trend, reaching 10 per cent in 2008.

The hotels that will be featured by RAK Tourism at the WTM include Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort, Khatt Spring Hotel and Spa, Acacia Hotel, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Beach Resort and Spa, and Cove Rotana.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Palace Hotel Ras Al Khaimah, which will be opened soon, will also be showcased during the travel trade show.

Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority said: 'The World Travel Market will provide excellent global exposure to Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality sector and will give us leverage to pursue new business and investment opportunities with leading players in the global travel industry.'

'Our participation will also reinforce RAK's presence in key European markets, which collectively account for the highest number of visitors in the emirate. RAK Tourism has worked closely with top hotel operators in the emirate to develop a truly compelling presentation of the excellent hospitality offerings and world-class tourism infrastructure.'

Highlighting its status as a major tourist destination, Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of hotels being developed in the emirate, including nearly two dozen 5-star hotels and several more premium hotel and hotel apartments that are poised to start operations within the next five years.

Held annually in London, World Travel Market offers a unique opportunity for international travel professionals and representatives from various related industries to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof.

The four-day event also provides exclusive insights into the challenges and opportunities in the global travel industry, helping trade visitors to boost their competitive advantage and stay abreast of the latest developments.-TradeArabia News Service

Are you brave enough to holiday in post-war Iraq?

There is sun, sand and plenty of fascinating sites to see. But Iraq is probably not top of most people's lists when planning a relaxing holiday.
However, officials from the country's tourist board believe the time has come to lure more visitors to sample its unique charms.

Next week a team from the board, led by its chairman Hammoud al-Yaqoubi, is due to attend the World Travel Market exhibition in London. It will be the first time in more than a decade that such a visitation has been made to a travel trade event in Europe.

They will focus on how Iraq - known as the birthplace of civilisation - boasts some of the finest archaeological sites in the world and some of the holiest places in Islam.

The only European travel company currently offering tours of Iraq is Hinterland Travel, based in Brighouse, west Yorkshire.

They did a post-war tour of Iraq (or Mesopotamia, as they prefer to call it in their on-line brochure) in 2003 but were then forced to stop from 2004 to 2008 as they were unable to guarantee travel around the country and access to the sites.

This year, however, they resumed operations and have taken a total of around 50 people on four separate tours.

They offer a 17-day tour taking in the war-scarred capital Baghdad, and Basra, the scene of some of the heaviest fighting in the 2003 invasion.
The trip, costing £2,260 plus international flights, also includes Ur, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham; Babylon, once the greatest city on earth; and Samarra, famous for its golden domed al-Askari shrine - and also for being in the so-called 'Sunni Triangle' where insurgents have been rife.

The firm's website states: 'Obviously there is the utmost interest in the most recent events and we shall do our best to see what is available, such as any Saddam Palace vacant of troops and the events around Tikrit [where Saddam Hussein went on the run after the fall of Baghdad].

'Hotels have been badly treated by all concerned so our tour will be very varied in the quality of hotels that we can use. This state of affairs will improve.

Until there is a completely stable situation everywhere in Iraq our schedule will be subject to changes in order of visiting places and sometimes having to omit sites.'

Each tour is led by a Hinterland tour leader and an English speaking Iraqi guide. Transport is by air-conditioned minibus and 'armed guards are provided only when the local situation has demanded it,' the website says.

Today, the firm's managing director Geoff Hann, who has run tours to Iraq for over thirty years, said: 'We keep out of the way and don't attract attention, that's the safest way to travel anywhere.
'We specialise in history and archaeology. Tourism is in its infancy after the problems of recent years, but the sites are worth seeing and this really is where civilisation began.'

Iraq was a hugely popular holiday destination for visitors from countries such as Japan, France and Germany as well as the UK before Saddam Hussein went to war with Iran in 1980.

World Travel Market chairman Fiona Jeffery said Iraq has the 'potential to become a viable tourism destination' again just like other former war zones such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Croatia.

But it may be quite some time before that happens. Britons are currently advised by the Foreign Office - because of the high threat of terrorism and risk of kidnapping - not to visit Iraq, with the exception of a handful of provinces, and only then if the trip is essential.

DESTINATIONS?

Baghdad:
Historic and now war-scarred capital on the banks of the River Tigris. Aerial assaults during Gulf War 1991 and the 2003 invasion of Iraq caused massive damage to infrastructure. Has regularly been the subject of suicide bomb attacks since 2003, killing thousands of Iraqis as well as American troops.

Basra:
Said to be location of Sumer, the home of Sinbad the Sailor, and possible venue of the Garden of Eden. First stop for US and UK troops during 2003 invasion. After the war British forces were based in the country's second largest city. Earlier this year British forces handed control of Basra to the Americans. 179 British servicemen and women killed in conflict in Iraq since 2003.

Samarra:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many Shi'a holy sites. In the so-called 'Sunni Triangle' where insurgents have been active.

Erbil:
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 23rd century BC. US Special Forces task force head-quartered just outside during 2003 invasion.

Babylon:
Once the greatest city on earth. US troops were accused of harming artefacts when they built a base at the site.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Iraq tourism gets aggressive with a little help from London

Iraq will be attending this year’s edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London with its partner Dunira Strategy to investigate market development opportunities, Iraq tourism officials revealed on Wednesday, November 4.

According to a release from the Tourism Board of Iraq (TIB), the delegation will also participate in the World Tourism Organization’s Ministers’ Summit and meet leading British experts.

“We have decided to come to London this year, because we recognize that WTM is the world's premier travel fair and we already know how much expertise there is in the UK,” TIB chairman Hammoud al-Yaqoubi said.

Iraq tourism says it recognizes “British expertise in the field.” According to TIB, the British Museum has for some time been leading the way in supporting the research and interpretation of Iraq’s cultural heritage, which is such a key part of the country’s emerging tourism product. “The ancient cities of Babylon and Ur are key sites, whilst Baghdad was for centuries the intellectual capital of the Islamic world, leading in astronomy, literature, mathematics and music. According to some historians, the Garden of Eden is 50 miles north of Basra, the city from which Sinbad set sail in The Thousand and One Nights. With 5,000 years of history, Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization.”

“More recently Iraq has of course been in the news for other reasons, but here too Britain is contributing to the recovery, helping translate the country’s extraordinary range of cultural and natural heritage into economic benefit and social opportunity through tourism,” TIB said. “The only European tour operator offering a full Iraqi programme is based in Yorkshire, England.”

Hinterland Travel’s managing director Geoff Hann, a key person in pioneering the return of tourism to Iraq, said: “Tourism is in its infancy after the problems of recent years, but the sites are worth seeing and this really is where civilization began”. Following his most recent tour last month, he commented: “The mood in Iraq was upbeat, vibrant and improving daily. The security situation ensured that we could see almost all of the important sites, but for the foreseeable future all visitors should pack some patience and flexibility.”

With many of the country’s 784 hotels in a poor state, the TIB has said it is keen to speak to investors that share its vision and ambition and is also seeking assistance with hospitality and other training.

Added Benjamin Carey of Dunira Strategy: “Security remains the greatest challenge, but tourism in Iraq has the potential to be transformational, contributing to national identity, helping to rebuild confidence and tackle some of the sectarian scars and creating enduring social and economic opportunities, especially for young Iraqis. Although Iraq will for some time be for specialists and intrepid travelers, it is a destination waiting to be discovered by tour operators and individual tourists.”

Iraq’s WTM attendance will mark the country’s first visit to a European travel fair in more than a decade.

Source::eTN

Saudi tourism to keep on growing

Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is unique in that despite the limitations of
strict entrance visa regulations, the industry has strong growth potential. BMI
forecasts tourist arrivals to the Kingdom to remain constant in 2009, at just
over 12mn, and to grow by an average of 6.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) to the end of
our forecast period in 2013. One of the main drivers for the tourism industry is
religious tourism. Saudi Arabia is home to two of Islam's holiest cities, Mecca
and Medina, and every year millions of Muslims come to Mecca for hajj, the
largest annual pilgrimage in the world. In 2009, we expect concern about the
spread of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) to cause a slight decline in pilgrimage
numbers. Business travel is also a growing area, given the country's position as
the world's largest oil exporter, not to mention its other large industries such
as defence.

The hospitality sector looks set to grow in tandem with tourist arrivals. BMI
forecasts that there will be 321,000 hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia by the end of
our forecast period in 2013, up from an estimated 230,000 in 2008. In 2009
alone, a plethora of international chains have opened up their first hotel in
the market, including Rotana, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Accor Group and Raffles
Hotels & Resorts; while those already present in the market are expanding. These
include InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Al Hokair Group, Starwood Hotels &
Resorts and Rezidor Group.

Saudi authorities have said they want to diversify away from their dependence on
oil, and the tourism industry has been a focal point. Government expenditure has
focused on developing the religious tourism and business travel sectors in
particular, which accounts for the decline in collective government expenditure
(expenditure that cannot be assigned to a particular group of tourists) and the
increase in individual government expenditure, which refers to investment in
services with an identifiable individual customer.

The government is also keen to develop its domestic tourism market in an effort
to capture some of the capital spent by the millions of Saudi citizens that
travel abroad each year. Saudi tourists mainly travel elsewhere the Middle East.
Despite efforts to keep more Saudis at home, we see the number of citizens
travelling abroad increasing from an estimated 6.30mn in 2008 to a forecast
8.53mn in 2013. International tourism expenditure is also forecast to increase,
reaching US$10.74mn by the end of our forecast period.

Iconic Qasr Al Sarab resort to be unveiled tomorrow

Amidst the golden red sand dunes of the Liwa desert, rises a breathtaking sensation: a five-star luxury resort that epitomises the culture and roots of the United Arab Emirates. Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, which will officially open tomorrow, is the first-of-its-kind resort to deliver hospitality and an ambience, reflective of genuine Emirati culture, to the world.

Situated in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world's largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, Qasr Al Sarab is a true phenomenon - a landmark that smoothly blends into its pristine surrounding environment and a destination rich in history with settlements dating back to as far as 7,000 years ago.

Developed by Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), a master developer of cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab has ensured that every element throughout the resort has been carefully designed to reflect a truly authentic experience that is indigenous to the surrounding region.

On the journey to the resort, visitors will be captivated by the serenity of the desert landscape and overwhelmed by the magnificent dune formations, as the resort remains tranquilly tucked away. A few hundred metres in the distance, perched atop a crescent-shaped dune, the true splendour of the fort-inspired design is suddenly revealed. Offering 154 rooms, 42 villas and 10 royal villas resembling majestic palaces with spacious living and dining areas, private pools and outdoor terraces, Qasr Al Sarab is a haven of exceptional comfort and pure extravagance.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), commented: "We are extremely proud of Qasr Al Sarab and the inspirational story behind its conception. This is more than just an extraordinary luxury resort; this is a symbol of our highly admired and respected Arabian hospitality and deep-rooted culture. Most of all, we owe this splendour to our forefathers who were born and raised in this rich Liwa Oasis and their visionary leadership which had become the influence behind our present-day progressive evolution.

''We take great pride for the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the tremendous support of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for embracing the UAE's heritage through world-class developments in Abu Dhabi." Just 90 minutes driving distance from Abu Dhabi and seven kilometres from the main Hamim Highway crossing the Rub al Khali desert, Qasr Al Sarab is the ultimate experiential getaway with a luxury health spa, conference centre, outdoor pool, children's playground and adventure excursions.

Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Managing Director of TDIC, stated: "Abu Dhabi's tourism industry is continuously growing and the launch of this unique development will ensure that visitors to our nation will have the opportunity to experience the true culture and rich history that the UAE has to offer. The experience we have created is a unique balance of Emirati culture, breathtaking views and the best standards of international hospitality. Every element of Qasr Al Sarab, right down to the finest detail, has remained faithful to Arab culture while embracing the rich history and heritage of the UAE," said Mubarak.

Guests will be captivated by the natural beauty of Qasr Al Sarab and given the chance to explore the vast landscapes and the adjoined 9000-square kilometre protected wildlife reserve - the largest in the UAE. The reserve is abundant with wildlife where thousands of free-roaming indigenous animals, such as the famed Arabian Oryx, sand gazelle and Arabian hare, add a spectacular real-life Arabian experience to visitors. The resort comprises a desert experience centre designed to educate guests on the surrounding environment and to offer activities relevant to the region including falconry, camel riding and desert exploration.

Venturing across the desert on a camel in true Bedouin style is another activity that offers guests the chance to discover this intriguing territory, where the late British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger thoroughly explored during his journey across the Empty Quarter between 1945 and 1949. Visitors will be exposed to the rich history of the surrounding area, experience the remnants of Stone Age settlements and listen to age-old tales narrated by storytellers. After dark, guests will be given the opportunity to experience the art of stargazing from a vantage point on an ochre red dune, reminiscent of the astronomical discoveries made in the Arab world during the Islamic golden age spanning the 8th to 16th centuries.

Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer of TDIC, highlighted the significance of the resort's design to Abu Dhabi's heritage. "The architecture, interior design and works of art accurately reflect the traditions of the region with all artefacts hand-picked from the Gulf and the Middle East. As with all our developments, we remain focused on protecting the natural environment and ensuring sustainable design, build and maintenance. Integral to all of TDIC's projects is ensuring distinctive and sustainable developments that preserve the history and heritage of the UAE. It is this commitment and determination that is supporting Abu Dhabi's 2030 economic and strategic vision.

"Following the success of the Desert Islands Resort '&' Spa by Anantara, we are once again proud to be partnering with the award-winning Thai hospitality brand Anantara on this landmark resort while we continue to provide visitors with a true taste of the UAE," Tabler added.

In keeping with the local theme of the resort, guests can explore a wealth of dining options, including fruit-soaked tajines, succulent kebabs and national delicacies prepared traditionally and on the open flame grills in a Bedouin tent experience. Visitors can also enjoy the rich aromas and tastes of Arabic coffees and sweet tea as they relax in the enchanting desert surroundings at the Al Liwan Qasr Al Sarab, a traditional Arabian-styled lounge setting which comprises a library of literature and a collection of artefacts from around the region. Meanwhile, Ghadeer Qasr Al Sarab offers alfresco dining and the opportunity to take in the wondrous views of the sand dunes as well as the pool and its facilities.

Didier Tourneboeuf, Area General Manager of Anantara, commented: "Qasr Al Sarab's development is very close to our hearts, and is a direct result of Anantara's revered reputation as well as the hotel's unique concept and truly amazing location. This resort is truly a one-of-a-kind prized gem and we are highly proud to be associated with such a remarkable development, just as we have with the other TDIC-developed five-star resort on Sir Bani Yas Island which we are so privileged to operate.

"For Anantara, the launch of Qasr Al Sarab sets yet another distinguished benchmark in the company's extensive global expansion plans, while providing an exemplary blend of effortless luxury and passionate integration of local culture," said Tourneboeuf.