The great unknown Middle East
Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria and Iran might not be the most obvious holiday destinations, but Dave Richardson finds out that operators are beginning to recognise their potential
ancy a holiday in Afghanistan, following in the footsteps of Marco Polo? British servicemen and their families may not approve, but a company called Wild Frontiers is running three tours this year.
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It’s an exaggeration to say that today’s trouble spots could be tomorrow’s tourism hotspots, but some of these countries have great cultural and scenic appeal. Twenty years ago, the idea that Lebanon could appeal to tourists would have been given short shrift, but despite recent unrest it is a rising star. And although America disapproves, Syria and Iran are emerging. Wild Frontiers managing director Jonny Bealby says: “Afghanistan is probably the most extreme edge of the travel market, and clients must think carefully before travelling. “But for those who want to see this
extraordinary world, it will not disappoint. We are also looking at Iraq for 2012.” Despite ongoing suicide bombings, Iraq is opening up. Air links began, though not direct from the UK, with Emirates’ Dubai- Basra link on February 2, but the destination does not expect to appeal to leisure visitors. Viking Hellas Airlines runs two Iraq routes from Athens, with Manchester connections. Leading Middle East hotel management company Rotana opened a property in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan in December, and will open a five-star hotel in Baghdad with Sum- mit Hotels next year. It expects 97% of guests to be on business, plus religious tourists. Long term, Iraq has cultural treasures, including Babylon, and if it becomes safe to visit, archaeological sites can be restored. Tourism is seen as important in Palestine. A delegation of UK operators visited last year, and
there are access points from Israel and Egypt. Issa Tahhan, managing director of Special Pilgrimages, says: “Visiting Palestine and Israel is safe. Most of Palestine is accessible and most of the intriguing historical events described in the Bible happened there.” Explore sales director Carl Burrows says: “The stable political situation encouraged us to introduce an extra tour including Pales- tine this year. It offers great natural beauty.” Explore, Bales Worldwide, Cox & Kings, Abercrombie & Kent and The Adventure Company are happy with bookings to Syria and Lebanon, and some also feature Iran. Bales product manager Phil Ellis says: “Client safety is paramount and we monitor the region closely. We have no Afghanistan or Iraq plans having seen no client interest.”
■Selling Lebanon, Syria and Iran, p46
Tourists can barter in the many souks that surround the Citadel at Aleppo, Syria
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