Destinations
41 Approximately one-fifth the size of the United
States of America, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest country without a single river
SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage / ME4410, ME4440
Steeped in ancient history and culture, Saudi Arabia is also undergoing a major modernisa- tion that is set to transform its visitor offering. Religious tourism has always been a main-
stay for the kingdom, but the country is also seeking to attract growing numbers of business and leisure travellers. Last year, Saudi’s Vision 2030 plan was unveiled, which aims to diver- sify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The bold strategy means the invigora- tion and modernisation of the entertainment industry, as Saudi Arabia vies to compete on the international stage. As a signal of its intent, the nation has struck a deal with American company Six Flags to open three theme parks in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Red Sea coast from 2020. Also part of Vision 2030 and the kingdom’s
effort to build on its cultural offering, Saudi Arabia aims to more than double its number of UNESCO sites and is working with the United
Nations to achieve its goals. At present, the coun- try is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Al-Hijr archaeological site, the At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, Historic Jeddah and the rock art of the Hail Region. According to the Saudi Commission for
Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), there are nearly 10,000 natural and cultural heritage sites in the kingdom, from the mountain city of Taif to ancient Nabatean tombs and the colour- ful underwater world of the Red Sea. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as
climbing, cycling, diving and desert camping in addition to exploring a host of archaeological sites and palaces, many of which date back centuries. Data from the Tourism Research & Infor-
mation Centre predicts visitor numbers are expected to increase sharply in the coming years — from 18 million in 2015 to 25.8 million in 2020. To meet that need, Deloitte Middle East has estimated that there are 49,000 hotel rooms either in construction or final planning. This year, the world’s largest hotel — the
This year, the world’s largest hotel — the Abraj Kudai — is due to open in Makkah, boasting 10,000 bedrooms 70 restaurants and five rooftop helipads at a cost of US$3.5 billion
Abraj Kudai — is due to open in Makkah, boast- ing 10,000 bedrooms, 70 restaurants and five rooftop helipads at a cost of US$3.5 billion (SAR13.13 billion). Other properties set to launch in 2017
include Radisson Blu Hotel, Buraidah, six Rotana Hotels throughout the country, the Westin Makkah and Park Inn by Radisson Madinah Road, Jeddah.
Riyadh
Makkah
Montserrat is the least populous Caribbean
country, with around 5,000 residents living on the tiny British Overseas Territory island
THE CARIBBEAN Caribbean Tourism Organization / AM6410
The Caribbean celebrated a strong 2016, draw- ing 29.3 million international travellers to mark a 4.2 percent increase on the year before. Visitor spending also hit a record high, accord-
ing to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organi- zation (CTO), with US$35.5 billion (AED130.38 billion) pumped into the economies of its 28 member countries and dependent territories. Given its geographical proximity, the United
States once again proved the region’s fore- most market for inbound visitors with 14.6 million overnight stays – up 3.5 percent. Europe recorded the highest growth rates, however, with Germany up 8.2 percent and the UK up 4.1 percent. Travel between Caribbean countries also grew by 3.6 percent. The Caribbean spans a wide range of coun-
tries, cultures and languages. Its most populous nation, Cuba, looks set for a large tourism influx thanks to the diplomatic thawing between the Latin American country and the United States after more than half a century of embargoes.
The CTO has also announced 2017 as the
‘Caribbean Year of Adventure’ – highlighting the broad array of distinctive activities in which visitors can participate. This includes everything from visiting Her
Majesty’s Prison Museum in the British Virgin Islands to attending the exuberant annual Trini- dad & Tobago Carnival and taking a sulphur spring bath in Grenada. Puerto Rico is an upcoming tourist destina-
tion, with its capital San Juan providing a vibrant burst of colour and vitality, while Jamaica is a haven of relaxation and a must for music lovers. Although a lesser known destination, the
tiny island country of Dominica has been ranked at number four in Lonely Planet’s best countries to visit in 2017 – thanks to its natural delights such as tropical forests and a ‘boiling’ lake. In terms of infrastructure, Curacao is plan-
ning an expansion of its airport which, when completed next year, will increase its capacity from 1.6 million to 2.5 million passengers annually. Saint Vincent launched its Argyle Interna-
Given its geographical proximity, the US once again proved the region’s foremost market for inbound visitors with 14.6 million overnight stays
tional Airport this year, while bidding is under- way to expand TB Lettsome International Airport in the Virgin Islands. Antigua & Barbuda also has ambitious
plans to attract tourists, including the US$250 million (XCD$675 million) redevelopment of the disused K Club luxury resort, an exciting project that is being backed by actor Robert De Niro and billionaire James Packer.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Old town of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Philipsburg, capital of Sint Maarten
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