FEATURE GULF STATES
dhow excursions, diving and golf. Gordon Ramsay has opened two
restaurants in the Qatari capital of Doha. The Gordon Ramsay Doha and Opal by Gordon Ramsay are located at the St Regis Doha hotel.
Tourism Talk ALISON CRYER
Director UK & Ireland, Oman Ministry of Tourism Office
“UK visitor figures increased by 7% in 2010 and 2011, to reach around 107,000 last year. With more hotels and attractions opening, a stopover campaign in partnership with Oman Air, and new visa arrangements – including a 75% decrease in a 10-day single entry visa to £8 – we expect this figure to rise significantly. Muscat being named Arab Tourism Capital 2012 will also encourage UK visitors.”
IAN SCOTT Director, Dubai Tourism UK and Ireland “While global [arrivals]
numbers have been growing consistently, the UK market has been under pressure since 2009, with alternative growth coming from sources such as India and China, although Britain remains one of our top markets. Following extensive consumer and trade research, our marketing strategy has changed slightly.
As well as focusing on Dubai as a family destination, we also stress affordability and diversity. As a result, we are seeing some impressive figures, including those from the UK. In addition, our agent training programme has been overhauled, the UK events, incentive and training calendar is stronger than ever, and we continue to take hundreds of agents a year on fam trips.”
From The Front Line TARA TAYLOR
Product Manager Europe, North Africa and Middle East,Elegant Resorts
“The Arabian Gulf is doing particularly well for Elegant Resorts. In 2011, we saw significant growth to Abu Dhabi and the success is continuing, with sales up 25% so far this year. The emirate is better known as a business destination, but is emerging and opening up for the leisure market, with the introduction of new resorts such as the St Regis, plus the Ritz-Carlton, due to open in late 2012. This is an area we are excited about and will continue to develop.”
MALCOLM DAVIES Middle East Product Manager, Funway Holidays “All-inclusive and half-
board upgrades feature strongly in Funway’s bookings to Dubai and the Gulf States this summer. The Jebel Ali Golf
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2012 43
Resort & Spa and Palm Tree Court & Spa offer a joint all-inclusive package. And the peacefully located Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for families. Many other hotels in the region provide a free upgrade to half-board this summer.”
NIKKI HAIN Product Manager Middle East, Premier Holidays
“The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa in Oman is selling extremely well. With three hotels in one complex, it offers something for every client, and direct flights from Heathrow with Oman Air make the destination easily accessible. Abu Dhabi has picked up pace this year,
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