26-29 mainstream feature 12/6/08 11:37 Page 29
Where to stay
Focusing on the mid-market
The mid-market product is coming
of age, with new developments
expanding from Dubai to the rest
of the region. Egypt, Jordan and
Israel already have a good range,
but the UAE and Saudi Arabia
However, if your clients like a pint of beer or a Activities in Oman
G&T, that may be another matter. There are dry include desert safaris
parts of the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Saudi across the dunes
Arabia. In Dubai, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan, alcohol
is available in licensed bars and clubs, but the best
advice is to check. “We do allude to alcohol Abu-Dhabi-based Rotana has
consumption being limited in our pre-tour launched a mid-market brand,
literature, and most clients can cope with this,” Centro, which will provide a
says Exodus’ Garrick. “With the exception of Syria, three-star-plus product for
alcohol can be bought in many places, and tour budget-conscious travellers.
leaders will let clients know where they will be The group is planning to open
able to drink without problems.” its first two Centro properties
in Dubai within 18 months, and
FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT 25 more in the central
They may not want to consider drinking because business districts of major
of the heat anyway. Many UK holidaymakers will cities across the region in the
be put off going there in the summer by the next five years.
temperature, as parts of the region can cook in A flagship Premier Inn Hotel
temperatures above 40°C – or even 50°C. And the opened on March 30 at Dubai
humidity can also be an issue on the coast of the Investments Park, and has 308
Arabian Gulf. However, some spots, such as the air-conditioned bedrooms and
high mountains of Oman, Lebanon, Iran and Instead of a hotel, why a swimming pool. It is the first
Yemen, can provide respite from the heat. not suggest a night or of five hotels planned for the
The holy month of Ramadan, during which two camping under Middle East, and is similar in
Muslims don’t eat or drink in daylight the stars in Jordan? design to UK Premier Inns.
hours, can provide some restrictions The budget easyHotel brand is
on travel, depending on the country. due to open this year in Dubai.
It’s a good idea to check the precise Dubai investment firm
details with the operator. Istithmar says it plans to build
The political situation in the region more than 50 easyHotel.com
also impacts on what operators in hotels across the Arab region
Britain can sell, and advice issued by including India and Pakistan.
the Foreign and Commonwealth office The French chain Accor
can affect travel insurance policies. already has one budget Ibis
“The FCO currently advises against hotel in Dubai. The group
travelling to Lebanon, and there is the has announced plans to open
ongoing situation in Israel,” explains 26 Ibis hotels – or a total of
Garrick. “Sadly, this limits the 6,500 beds – across the Middle
itineraries we can sell.” East by 2015.
However, the consensus among Budget-focused Holiday Inn
operators and tourist boards is that Express from InterContinental
Middle Eastern tourism is maturing opened in Dubai Internet City
and diversifying. The region is taking in November of last year. A
mid-market and budget travellers total of 12 new properties are
seriously, and the huge investments set to open in Saudi Arabia
planned for coming years will make within five years.
a massive difference.
29
go to www.ttglive.com
TTG Knowledge MIDDLE EAST June 2008
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