the review 47
ATM 2015
Visitors to the Arabian Travel Market heard about all the latest developments from a buoyant region, says Jane Wilson
Ras Al Khaimah targets UK sales
THE UK ‘is key’ for Ras Al Khaimah, according to Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism.
He said: “Operators such as Virgin Holidays have been instrumental in growing the market. In the first
quarter we saw an increase of 23% UK visitors year on year. The emirate offers adventure, culture and relaxation with an unspoilt coastline and a cross-section of accommodation. We are not about mass tourism. We are targeting the UK trade with planned digital marketing campaigns and fam trips for tour operators and agents throughout this year”.
Ras Al Khaimah Marriott Resort opens 2019, the latest international hotel group to invest in the emirate.
rasalkhaimahtourism.com
Family travel a key focus
Sharjah’s island add-on location
SHARJAH unveiled its latest tourism and leisure project, Al Noor Island, located in Khalid Lagoon. This is the Arab world’s first island to combine nature, art and entertainment. According to Mohammed Ali Al Norman, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, “Sharjah presents an excellent model of using cultural heritage to advance modern tourism development”.
FAMILY-CENTRIC travel was the main theme at this year’s ATM as destinations in the region aim to capitalise on the trend towards multi-generational travel and the increase in
high-net worth
families seeking luxury experiences. Products and packages to suit families
are growing. In Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways is offering a Flying Nanny and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is adding to its family attractions mix with its ‘Flying Acres’ – the world’s steepest steel rollercoaster. And Dubai Parks and Resorts will bring smurfs and shreks to the Emirate when it opens in October 2016 as the region’s largest multi-themed
leisure NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF Oman targets the top end: Luxury
tourism and unprecedent levels of hospitality are the focus in Oman. New properties include Westin, St Regis, a W Hotel, a $200 -million Ritz Carlton, the Muscat Reserve and the high-end Saraya Bandar Jissah Resort valued at $840 million.
omantourism.gov
Qatar goes for growth: Projects
worth $8.48 billion are underway in Qatar, including the Doha Festival City, 57 new hotels and resorts, 22 shopping venues, 11 theme parks and football stadiums for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The completition of Hamad International Airport will further fuel visitor growth.
qatartourism.gov.qa
England in Dubai: The Dukes Oceana
on Palm Jumeirah will add a quintessentially
English flavour to
Dubai’s hotel scene when it opens in early
2016. The first international
property for the brand, whose flagship is Dukes London, will offer 273 rooms – and with a ‘fish and chips café’.
dukesdubai.com
and
entertainment attraction. It will include Legoland, Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, connected by Riverland Dubai and a Polynesian-themed family resort.
In addition, IMG Worlds of
Adventure will provide the world’s largest indoor temperature-controlled themed entertainment destination, which will offer multi-day passes to accommodate for longer family stays. According to the World Travel &
Tourism Council, the UAE will retain its position as a regional tourism leader, with the sector valued at US$31.8 billion by the end of 2018.
visitabudhabi.ae
Cruising on the up
THE Middle East cruise industry is buoyant. With the opening of Hamdan bin Mohammad Cruise Terminal last December, Dubai was able to welcome record cruise numbers. In January 150,000 cruise tourists arrived on over 30 ships. Oman’s coastal cities such as
Muscat, Khasab and Salalah are becoming popular cruise stops, while Abu Dhabi’s ambitious growth plans are supported by the emirate’s dedicated cruise terminal at Zayed Port which will be fully open for the 2016/7 season.
sharjah.com
MAY 4-7, DUBAI, UAE
sellingtravel.co.uk
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