News 07.11.18 PROPERTY LAUNCH Dubai eyes ecotourism Tom Parry
Dubai (ME300) is looking to tap into the popularity of adventure and ecotourism with a new development in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. The Hatta Damani Lodges, situated in the Hatta exclave about an hour from Dubai centre, opened last month offering three different types of cabins and a range of outdoor pursuits. Speaking to TTG@WTM, Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Tourism, said he believed the area
had been “almost taken for granted” by locals and not promoted enough. “Now we want to show this side of Dubai – it is something we have always had and adds to our offering. I think it will appeal to many of our different markets,” he said. Hatta Damani Lodges, close to Hatta Wadi Hub, features a range of free and paid-for activities including mountain biking coaching and rental, adventure rope courses, a climbing wall and the Hatta Drop- in – the first “water-jump park” with “jump slides” and drop-in tracks.
Dubai is promoting its hiking trails in Hatta
Balearic Islands’ tax ‘raised €204m’
Alternatively, Hatta Sedr Trailers brings the first-ever trailer hotel concept to the region, featuring trailers transformed into hospitality units, each with its own terrace. Guests at Hatta Sedr Trailers can access a common area equipped with a fire pit and barbecue facilities, while enjoying views of the banks of Hatta Dam.
Overnight stays are also available at Hatta Campsite, a dedicated area where tents can be set up to offer a curated indoors-meets-outdoors experience. Alternatively, visitors can take a spot at Hatta caravan park. Meanwhile, a new boutique hotel, Riad Hatta, inspired by traditional “riad” houses built around a central courtyard, is set to open in late 2019.
Jaume Alzamora told a press conference held at WTM London. In 2017, the tax raised €64 million, to be invested into 62 sustainable tourism initiatives. In total, €204 million has been raised from the tax. “This has enabled the Balearic Islands government to make major investments to reduce the negative impact of tourism and to work towards creating a long-term and sustainable tourism destination,” he explained.
A sustainable tourism tax has enabled the Balearic Islands Tourist Board to inject funds into other projects throughout the archipelago, including in Majorca
Jennifer Morris
The Balearic Islands Tourist Board (EU600) has confirmed it has “made major investments to reduce the negative impact of tourism” on the islands after introducing a sustainable tourism tax in 2016. The islands – comprising Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – received more than 2.7 million British
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visitors from January to August 2018, representing a small year-on- year increase of 0.1%.
British tourists make up nearly a quarter (22.7%) of inbound tourism with the majority (62.8%) heading to Majorca compared with 22.5% on Ibiza and Formentera, and 13.7% on Menorca.
Tui, Ryanair and
Jet2.com/ Jet2holidays are the main tour
operators and airlines transporting Brits to the archipelago – 30.9%, 25.5% and 24.7% respectively. Meanwhile, the average expenditure per day registered among British visitors has increased by 8.7% year-on-year.
In the first year of the sustainable tourism tax, €30 million was given to 46 projects throughout the islands, Balearics’ tourism board director
The Balearics sustainable tourism tax doubled on May 1 this year to up to €4 for the highest-star accommodation. The rates apply to the six months of the main season and are chargeable per person per night. There is a 50% reduction after eight nights, while children aged 16 and under are exempt. Speaking exclusively to TTG@WTM, Alzamora explained the tourist board’s ambition was to extend the tourist season to spread out visitors as part of a “more long- term sustainable tourism policy”. During the press briefing, the island representatives revealed the individual islands’ strategies and objectives to preserve their heritage and promote sustainability. Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, announced a new project entitled Majorca Inspires that aims to bring the value of the cultural heritage of the island to the forefront. The island will be promoting this campaign in core markets, with various events including a photographic exhibition by filmmaker and photographer Pep Bonet, gastronomic sessions, local produce demos and live music shows.
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