Gulf States STAYING THE COURSE
Despite events elsewhere in the region it is mostly business as usual in the Gulf States, and with prices falling and seasonal offers on tap now’s a good time to be selling the region, says Jonathan Hart
Middle East this year and, with the notable exception of Bahrain and to a lesser extent Oman, it is holiday business as usual across the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and
T
Qatar, in particular, have avoided all but minor knock-on travel uncertainties. As the region enters its lower summer season, this translates into diminishing security concerns and predominantly positive sentiments for both agents and clients for winter 2011/2012 bookings. Sun and active family fun are the chief attractions of the Gulf States. A bonus for UK clients is that holidays to the region generally are more affordable than before the global financial crisis, at least according to UK tour operators. Ever-popular Dubai has emerged as a
less pricey, more rounded and adaptable holiday option while Abu Dhabi has amended its high-end tourism development plans to also appeal to mid-market and budget visitors. For the third year running, Dubai Tourism has launched its ‘Kids go Free’ promotion, from May 14 to September 30. Meanwhile, Dubai-based hospitality
group Jebel Ali has the same offer year-round for kids under 12, who can stay free on the same meal plan as their
he Gulf States have largely escaped the social and political conflagration sweeping the
parents. The company also launched an all-inclusive plan last year at Jebel Ali Hotel and Palm Tree Court & Spa. The only all-inclusive concept in the emirate, it includes full dine-around at 15 restaurants and bars and free sports. Oman benefits from the dynamic packaging potential of the low fares offered from the UK by national carrier Oman Air. Similarly, Qatar Airways’ multiple frequencies from the UK are helping to establish Doha as a premier choice destination for stopover holidays. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer an
increasingly broad choice of hotels and resorts catering to most tastes and pockets. Both UAE neighbours are promoting ‘affordable luxury’ alongside a growing number of cutting-edge theme parks and family-oriented attractions. For example, Dubai has opened the new Playnation family entertainment
GULF STATES Top Selling Tips...
• Mind Their Manners… “See the DTCM’s e-brochure on Dubai culture; it’s compiled in conjunction with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)”
KEVIN VAGHELA marketing executive-communications Dubai Government
• Combine Two Cities… “Add variety to the Gulf holiday experience. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are only one-hour’s drive apart and easily combined”
AMAL HARB corporate vice-president marketing Rotana Hotels
centre at the Mirdiff City Centre Mall and Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World theme park boasts the world’s fastest (150mph) rollercoaster. In addition, Oman and Qatar are
growing steadily with a focus on cultural attractions together with the desert excursions and Bedouin camps that are generic to the region. Exploring traditional forts plus boating
and diving are among key attractions in Oman. Islamic art, markets, shopping and spectator sports underpin the excursion possibilities in Qatar. In the meantime, any fruition of plans
to re-instate the cancelled Grand Prix at the end of this F1 season in
Clockwise from top: The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah; Shangri La Al Jissah in Oman's fine dining; and a view from the Kempinski, Doha.
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2011 15
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