Tourism

New visa regulations designed to allow foreign visitors undergoing medical treatment to stay for up to nine months are expected to reinforce Dubai’s appeal as a health tourism destination, and are part of a long-term plan to further build on the solid health care industry that has been developed.

It has been an uneven year for Jordan’s tourism industry, with rising earnings yet declining visitor numbers. Both are reflections of the kingdom’s growing market, but also of the hovering uncertainty in the region and the impact it is having on visitor confidence.

On November 10, the Mein Schiff 2, an ocean liner owned and operated by Germany-based TUI Cruises, docked at Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), marking the opening of the new cruise tourism season. Government officials and companies in the tourism sector are hoping for a much-improved year, following the difficulties experienced through the 2011/12 season.

Au vu du nombre croissant de projets hôteliers, d’une stratégie résolument axée sur les activités touristiques de niche et des nouvelles lois fixant un cadre juridique et encourageant une croissance durable, force est de constater que les autorités algériennes travaillent d’arrache-pied pour renforcer le potentiel touristique du pays, secteur jusque-là trop peu exploité.

Tourism is cementing its position as one of the leaders of Dubai’s economic recovery from the global recession, as a burgeoning holiday trade leads to growing numbers of tourist arrivals that help to fill the new hotels. Lingering uncertainty in the wider market, however, could give pause to rapid hotel development.

Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK’s) tourism sector continues to exceed expectations, with visitor arrivals well up on forecasts and overseas investment flowing in. However, the emirate faces stiff competition in a crowded market to develop brand recognition.