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NEWS
HEALTH TOURISM KEY FOR SOUTHERN INDIA
Southern Indian states are playing a major role in attracting an increasing number of medical tourists to the country. Kerala, in particular, is developing health tourism as a key product based on traditional Indian practices including Ayurveda and yoga. Joining in these efforts are
many of the country’s hotels and resorts, which provide Ayurveda Centres as an integral offering for guests. Additionally, leading tour operators have included the ancient healing system in brochures as many foreign tourists are now coming to India specifically for this purpose, in
a testament to the potential for medical tourism in the country. The Ministry of Tourism (MOT)
is also promoting the country as a trustworthy destination for medical tourism. A guide to select Indian hospitals can be viewed on its website, while promotional materials covering traditional systems of medicine have been widely circulated throughout its 14 overseas tourism offices. A new category of Medical
Visa has also been introduced, which will be given to foreign tourists coming to India purely for medical treatment, while
financial support is being provided to approved tourism service providers as part of the Marketing Development Assistance scheme. The MOT is participating
at Arabian Travel Market to promote the destination’s medical tourism offering. “Indian healthcare offers specialities in various medical disciplines. Treatments are carried out in state-of-the- art facilities that have been accredited to conform to international standards,” says I.R.V. Rao, Assistant Director at India Tourism.
PHILIPPINE TOURISM TAPS INTO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MIDDLE EAST
Philippines stand
culture trends, we hope that even more people will build an affinity with our country and a desire to travel and explore the 7,107 islands that make the Philippines so special.” He added: “We are also
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) launched new Middle East social media platforms on Twitter and Facebook during Arabian Travel Market. In both English and Arabic,
the platforms aim to further promote the country as a luxury and family-friendly destination for the Middle East market. PDOT Assistant Secretary
Benito Bengzon Jr launched the social media initiative at the Philippine Pavilion during the show. It is expected to generate
greater outreach, engagement and awareness for the islands. “We are very excited to launch
our Middle Eastern social media channels and expand our reach to both the Arabic- and English-speaking communities here,” said Bengzon. “By introducing special
promotions, information about festivals and events, Halal eateries, travel tips, traditional Philippine recipes and popular
enthusiastic to ‘virtually’ meet, greet and engage directly with our Middle Eastern friends – especially now also in Arabic.” The popularity of the Philippines has been steadily increasing with the total number of people visiting the country from the Middle East recorded at 68,916 in 2013, an increase of 20 percent compared to the number of visitors in 2012, PDOT stated. Visitors from Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead the region in terms of visitor numbers, with Saudi Arabia providing 38,969 visitors in 2013 and the UAE, 15,155. PDOT is hoping, through promotional efforts such as the social media platforms, that demand for travel from the region will continue to grow in 2014.
Visit stand AS7020
SEMIRAMIS PAVILION VENUE CAPTURES HISTORIC CONCEPT
India Tourism stand Visit stand AS6720
EMIRATES GRAND HOTEL TO MAXIMISE MARKET PRESENCE
Emirates Grand Hotel has announced it will be taking the opportunity at this year’s Arabian Travel Market to reinforce its market presence in the region and establish new business ties. As a standalone property,
Emirates Grand Hotel is participating under Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and presenting the hotel’s latest products and offerings during the show, including its new dining outlet, which is set to open at the end of Q2, 2014. Rohit Rattan, Director of
Sales and Marketing, Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Arabian Travel Market is an important venue for us to strengthen the relationship with our existing partners, network and meet new partners. Dubai continues to gain prominence as a visitor
destination and we would like to maximise the momentum to generate prospects from various market segments, resulting in an overall good mix of customer base for the hotel.” Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the heart of Dubai's business
district, the luxurious alcohol- free property boasts a rooftop pool, fully equipped fitness centre, a spa and tennis court. Meetings facilities extend to four large spaces, fully equipped with audio-visual facilities and business centre support.
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Eqypt, has inaugurated its Semiramis Pavilion, a state- of-the-art meeting venue. The concept has been designed to capture the rich heritage and commerce of the Nile together with the historic Semiramis era, which brought prosperity and intellectual exchange to Cairo. The venue was created
to honour the heritage in a modern setting, combining 21st century comforts with the latest technology and the Semiramis standard of hospitality. It seeks to engage clients in
a casual and open space, which its team says has been designed to bring people together in an inspiring environment. The chefs at Semiramis Pavilion are offering healthy food, freshly baked pastries and an array of
InterContinental Hotel Group stand
international flavours in the visually appealing concept gallery kitchen. Meanwhile, productivity is encouraged with the use of inspiring artwork, uncluttered décor and equipment such as, virtual flip charts and flat-screen monitors.
“By combining an innovative
environment with an extraordinary level of service, our aim is to help clients be more creative, inspired, productive and ultimately more successful,” said Nabila Samak, Director of Marketing Communications.
Visit stand HC5220 2.8 million Emirates Grand Hotel stand Visit stand UAE3210
total number of guests welcomed by Abu Dhabi hotels in 2013, up 18% on 2012
Source: Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
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