show report ATM 2012 The Arabian Travel Market
The 19th Arabian Travel Market, staged in Dubai, addressed the effects of the Arab Spring, now 18 months on and showcased the latest tourism products in the region
UAE takes the initiative on growth
BY JANE WILSON The United Arab Emirates is leading
the region in development projects and tourism initiatives across all the emirates. The UAE is looking to achieve 9% growth in visitor arrivals in 2012 as the country continues to benefit from unrest elsewhere in the region. Tourism growth is assured with the UAE's key airlines Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates opening up more routes as well as the low-cost carriers FlyDubai and Air Arabia. The beginning of 2012 has already
seen Emirates add a new route into Dublin and with Oman’s focus on tourism and cultural heritage, new projects include a US$1billion tourist resort in Salalah, while Sharjah has now launched the region's largest ecotourism project to date. The cruise industry in the region
continues to grow and will benefit from planned investment. Muscat is enjoying an increase in cruise ship passenger arrivals. The Dubai Cruise Terminal has seen five-fold growth since launching its new facility in early 2010. Qatar is
Big Splash for Abu Dhabi Opening later this year is Yas
Waterworld, featuring many technologically advanced rides such as looping waterslides and surfable sheet waves as well as interactive shows. The Waterpark will complement other
IN BRIEF
Triple St Regis from Starwood St Regis entry to the Middle East is
marked with three new hotels this year – The St Regis Doha, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and The St Regis Abu Dhabi. By 2015, the Middle East will become the second region, after North America to operate all Starwood's brands.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/
Aiming High JW Marriot Marquis will gain the
title of the tallest dedicated hotel in the world when it opens in October this year. Its two circular glass towers, shaped as date palms, will stand 355m tall and house 804 rooms over 72 floors. It will be the second largest hotel in the brand.
www.marriott.co.uk
Hotel investment up Qatar National Hotels has rebranded
to Katara Hospitality and unveiled plans for the 5-star Lusail Marina with towers designed in a crossed sword shape, with a hotel, apartments and restaurants. 15km north of Doha city, it is scheduled to be completed in 2016 in time for the World Cup.
www.katarahospitality.com
investing US$5.5billion in a cruise ship terminal in Doha while in Marsa Zayed, Aqaba, Jordan, a US$10 billion marina community will provide a luxury marina and cruise ship terminal due to be completed in 2017.
“The UK remains a prime market and ATM allows us to show our commitment”
COLIN BIRCHENOUGH, Thomas Cook From the show floor
IAN SCOTT Dubai Tourism “Following a few difficult years, there is
an air of optimism, especially for Dubai which is already experiencing an increase in guest nights driven by an increase in the length of stay. Recent new hotels include The Rixos and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray which opened on the Palm at the end of last year, a Fairmount in September and Le Meridien in October following a full refurbishment. Our campaign for this year addresses misconceptions such as affordability, suitability for families and cultural diversity, especially to those in the trade who have not experienced Dubai. Our fam trips and events throughout the UK with agents and operators will continue this year.”
attractions in this entertainment hub such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which, this year, has a new experiential ride, 'Viaggio in Italia', a new show production and more family-friendly activities.
www.yaswaterworld.com
COLIN BIRCHENOUGH Product Manager, Middle East, Thomas Cook
“This year’s show offers a better layout, making it easier to meet with our longstanding partners. Although there has been no growth for the last few years, the market remains healthy but flat. We have seen a change in the business mix but Dubai still accounts for a high percentage of our market. We have experienced rapid growth in Abu Dhabi in line with the tourism board’s commitment to ensure the UK market understands the product. With new resorts and 10 more hotels planned in the next year, Yaz island and Sajat Island, offer an affordable option to allow spend on attractions such as golf and Ferrari World.”
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2012 31
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