Landmark Report Launched on Maximizing China’s Tourism Potential
With the world’s attention firmly on China (PRC) in the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has produced a landmark report on how the country’s tourism potential can be maximised.
Endorsed by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), and sponsored by Visa, ‘Realising China’s Tourism Potential, Recommendations for Future Development’ is the first definitive international study that presents a roadmap for growth and management of the US$100bn industry.
Poised to become the world’s most popular tourist destination within a decade, mainland China stands to benefit not only from international tourist arrivals but also a massive increase in domestic tourism as the country’s economy booms.
The report, researched and written by experts across the travel and tourism industry spectrum, focuses on six key market segments, namely: Meetings and Conventions; Incentive Travel; Cruising; Red Tourism, Green Tourism; and Health&Wellness Tourism. These segments are identified in China’s 11th Five Year Tourism Plan as major pillars that will support the long-term prosperity and sustainability of travel and tourism.
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United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy to discuss enhanced bilateral tourism development with Greek delegates
The UAE Ministry of Economy has today received delegates from Greece at its Dubai offices to discuss strengthened ties between the UAE and Greece in the field of tourism, especially as both countries are ranked among the top 20 tourist destinations in the world.
UAE Minister of Economy H.E. Engr. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri received the Greek group to talk about tourism investments and the exchange of technical expertise.
The delegates from Greece included H.E. Aris Spiliotopoulos, Greek Minister of Tourism; H.E. Georges Costoulas, Ambassador of Greece to the UAE; Mr. Iraklis Valvis, Secretary General of the National Greek Tourism Authority; and Mr. Georgios Kasfikis, International Public Relations Specialist, Greek Ministry of Tourism.
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Emirates Holidays offers a world of choice
Riding on Emirates Airline’s massive international expansion, Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm and the leading wholesale tour operator in the Gulf and Middle East has launched its largest-ever range of holidays with the 2008-09 edition of its signature A World of Choice brochures.
A three-day exhibition extravaganza at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, starting 2nd May, marked the official launch of the new product.
Flexible, affordable and quality holidays to over 120 stunning leisure destinations in almost 40 countries are showcased in four volumes of the Emirates Holidays’ A World of Choice 2008-09 brochures: The Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean; Europe and The Americas; Asia and Australasia. After its successful debut last year, Dubai and the Emirates, a dedicated brochure on the UAE, was re-introduced featuring updates on the country’s exciting new tourist developments.
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Hospitality Management Holdings aiming to Develop 100 Hotels in 4 years
A new hospitality company, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, has been launched in Dubai. HMH consists of 6 independent firms out of which 4 are hotel management companies.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Vice-Chairman, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas said, “We have had remarkable growth ever since the launch of Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas in 2004. Within 4 years we have created 4 strong hospitality brands. This necessitated the formation of a parent company i.e. HMH. The move follows the decision taken by the board of directors and is part of our efforts to restructure the corporation.”
The business operations of any of the subsidiaries under HMH will not change as a result of the organization. Following the reorganization, Coral International’s current directors will serve as the directors of HMH.
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Marriott opens Executive Apartments in Atyrau, Kazakhstan
Marriott has opened the 143-unit Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) Atyrau in Kazakhstan. Located in central Atyrau, the capital of Kazakhstan’s oil industry, the new Marriott Executive Apartments is nearly already sold out for its first year in operation. It is under a management agreement with CP Residential Atyrau LLC, an affiliate of Capital Partners.
The 21-storey property is located on Satpaeva Street in Atyrau, just 11 km from the airport and within walking distance of major oil companies and government buildings, as well as the bridge connecting the European and Asian parts of Atyrau. It is the anchor of a 19,000-square-meter, mixed-use project that also features 230 square meters of office space and 1,450 square meters of retail and food and beverage outlets, including HSBC Bank, an Adidas retail shop, Il Patio Italian restaurant, Planet Sushi, TGI Fridays and a French delicatessen.
The Renaissance Atyrau Hotel, opened in 2007 and also managed by Marriott International, is located approximately 800 meters from the site.
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AirAsia X launches RMB 100 Promotion for Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou
On Tuesday, AirAsia X, the Malaysian-based long-haul low-cost airline celebrated 100 days since commencing international flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou. AirAsia X was the first ASEAN airline to commence direct services on the route with five weekly flights from 4th February 2008.
To commemorate the 100 days celebration, AirAsia X is offering promotional fares starting from RMB 100 (approximately MYR45). Available online, guests can book through airasia.com and the booking period to enjoy this special fare is open until 3 May 2008 for travel between 11 June to 25 September 2008. AirAsia X guests in China may also book online via Chinese domestic debit cards and Chinese credit cards.
Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Group, said, “We see Hangzhou as a strategic gateway to Yangtze River Delta, with direct access to about 15% of the population and 26% of the GDP of mainland China.
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The tourism department of Rome and Lazio region announces development results at ATM 2008
Middle East travellers to Rome increased by approx 10% between 2005 and 2006.
The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio, will be announcing key enhancement and growth results at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the region’s premier travel and tourism event held at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre from 6th to 9th May 2008.
Italy has proved to be a popular destination of choice for Middle East Travellers. In 2006 official figures stated that up to 50,000 travellers from the Middle East visited Italy, with an increase of approximately 10% visiting Rome between 2005 and 2006.
With the announcement from Emirates airline of new, direct, non-stop flights from Dubai to Milan and Rome seven days a week, tourists from the Gulf wishing to visit Italy will soon have an improved service which will undoubtedly further encourage tourism figures between the two countries.
The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio will reveal the numerous enhancements in products and services catering to the tourism market, with a particular focus on luxury for the Middle East visitor.
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