gulf states 85
SUNNY
disposition That
With an excellent exchange rate meaning hotel prices now rival those in popular Mediterranean beach destinations, now is a good time to suggest the ever- tourism savvy Gulf States, says Lisa James
C
ulturally, and in appearance, the Gulf Arab States might seem a veritable world away from the UK, but they’re
easily and quickly reached with a host of daily fl ights of around just seven hours. The region has a reputation for being on the pricey side, but is becoming more affordable, according to Hugh Fraser, Managing Director of Corinthian Travel. He says: “The Gulf States are known for their
excellent hotels, fi ne winter climate and warm hospitality and are easily accessed on non- stop fl ights from a number of UK airports. “The pegging of the UAE dirham to the US dollar and a stronger pound means that your clients’ money now goes further in the region than it used to.” General Manager of Short Haul Product and
Purchasing, Ricky Watson, says: “The traditional high season summer months in Europe are classed as low season in the Gulf States, which for the budget conscious traveller seeking guaranteed sun, can be a win-win situation
with hotel prices rivalling popular Mediterranean Beach destinations, particularly in Dubai. “Travel 2 has seen an increase of more than 50% of customers
travelling to the UAE during the months of May-October 2014, with Dubai being the main destination of choice.” While Qatar, Oman and Bahrain now have a ‘tourist base’, the destinations agents know most about and sell more of are Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Carole Tack, owner of Eden Global Travel in Southampton, says: “I have sold the occasional holiday to Bahrain or Oman, but only when clients have been unable to book Dubai or Abu Dhabi over the busy Christmas period.” She has seen a trend over the past year or so of people booking longer durations to Dubai and
sellingtravel.co.uk
“Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is breathtaking, while the Emirates Heritage
Club gives a fascinating
insight into what life was like before the discovery of oil”
CAROL TACK, OWNER, EDEN GLOBAL TRAVEL
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