The 16th edition of Arabian Travel Market opened today at Dubai Internaional Convention and Exhibition Centre featuring more than 2100 exhibitors from 69 countries, including 70 new-to-market representatives.
Here, Hoteliermiddleeast.com reviews some of the highlights and headlines for day one:
* Phase one of new Dubai World Central and Al Maktoum Airport to open in June 2010.
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* Hotels.com has launched its arabic website (fanadeq.hotels.com) and says internet penetration in the Middle East now at 50% but only 25% actually make payment online.
* Etihad Airways has launched its brand new First Class cabin, which features a lie-flat seat that is 80.5 inches in length and a 23-inch wide LCD screen.
* Costa Cruises anticipates 41,400 more passengers this winter (2009) compared to last winter on its Gulf itineraries and has allocated its two newest ships in the region - the Costa Luminosa and the Costa Deliziosa
* The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a 9% increase in tourist receipts from the Middle East in 2008 to 500,000.
* Six Senses Hotels and Resorts to release special cut rate packages for Destination Spa Phuket in a bid to boost summer business.
* Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has revealed that Six Senses will open a second property in Jordan, this time at the entrance to historical Petra.
* JTB announces plans to develop 'non-traditional touristic trails' that involve the local community and encourage tourists to stay in the homes of Jordanian families.
* Cambodia is targeting the Arab market this summer and reveals Qatar Airways is considering flying direct from Doha to Phnom Penh.
* Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand say they are geared up to deal with Swine Flu outbreak and are better prepared than most considering their experience with SARS in 2003.
* Hong Kong Tourism Board anticipates double digit growth in tourism arrivals from the Middle East market year on year once economic climate picks up.
* Ritz-Carlton has signed another property in Cairo called Palm Hills, while at the end of the year, its Nile property - the Ritz-Carlton Nile Hotel - will close for an 18- to 24-month massive refurbishment and re-open as the Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo.
* Ritz-Carlton will double its inventory in the Middle East, from six to 12 by 2011, with two properties already signed in Abu Dhabi and others under consideration in Jordan and Lebanon.
* Sofitel has revealed that three more properties will follow the opening of its first hotel in the UAE.
* Emirates Hotels & Resorts signs up Marriott for its Sheikh Zayed Road property.
* Economic downturn won't dampen summer business say region's hoteliers.
* It's an owners' market says Seven Tides boss Mike Scully, stressing that hotel operators need to put their sales and marketing strategies in order before winning contracts.
* Analysts in Kuwait believe Swine Flu outbreak will dissuade Kuwaitis from travelling overseas - particularly to Europe - this summer.
* World's luxury spa market triples in 10 years, says Six Senses MD Bernhard Bohnenberger.
* Cyprus witnesses 20% increase in visitor numbers from UAE over the past 12 months.
* V Continents Hospitality Group allow plans for multi-million pound Sharia-compliant hotels.
* No need to doubt safety of India, says country's consulate; India Tourism pushes rural sustainable tourism.
* Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah will open post-summer and will take over Al Hamra golf course.
* Net Group opens overseas offices in Brazil, China, Russia, Spain and France by October 1.
* Mauritius expects Gulf market to double by end of year.
* Safi Airways to launch new routes from Saudi Arabia to Kabul.
* Manila Hotel in Philippines unveils first batch of renovated hotel rooms today.
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