14 minute read
Destination profiles
Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism / ME2510, ME3110, ME3150
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As one of the world’s most visited destinations, Dubai is flexing its muscle. Beyond the record-breaking attractions, such as the world’s tallest tower and largest mall, it boasts a stunning coastline and desert terrain in addition to an exciting cultural calendar, including the region’s largest literature festival and a year-round programme at the magnificent Dubai Opera.
Just before the pandemic hit, Dubai saw a record number of visitors in 2019, up from 14.3 million in 2018 to 15 million. While these figures saw a decline as a result of COVID-19, recovery was fast-paced as tourism chiefs reopened the skies in July 2020.
The emirate hosted 7.28 million overnight visitors in 2021, according to Dubai Media Office. In spite of the ongoing crisis, Dubai implemented a comprehensive protocol for foreign travellers, including testing on arrival at Dubai International Airport. India remained the top source market, followed by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Kingdom.
With Expo 2020 Dubai opening in the last quarter of the year, visitor numbers increased again as people arrived from every corner of the globe for the world’s greatest show. The event drew over 24 million visits during its six months. As a result of hosting the world fair, the city’s public transport network has seen the addition of new routes along with further development across roads and other infrastructure.
New hotels continue to launch with more high-end properties opening throughout the city and close to the Expo site. Luxury remains king with the largest number of rooms found in the city’s five-star hotels, but with rising numbers
Burj Khalifa
With Expo 2020 Dubai, visitor numbers increased and the event drew over 24 million visits over the course of six months
Museum of the Future of three and four-star properties, recent years have shown a massive diversification in the emirate’s tourism strategy and, in turn, its visitor numbers.
Most recently, Dubai has raised the curtain on a host of new attractions, including the Museum of the Future and Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel. Both can be equally enjoyed in winter and the scorching summer as Dubai’s tourism chiefs are making sure the weather is no obstacle to drawing the crowds all year round.
Qasr Al Watan
Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / ME2350, ME2310
The UAE capital has positioned itself as a business and leisure destination. After a robust vaccination strategy and strict travel protocols, Abu Dhabi is now coming out of the pandemic in a buoyant position.
In spite of the global crisis, Abu Dhabi International Airport reported 5.26 million visitors in 2021, a small 5.5 percent drop from 2020. The emirate, which was only open to vaccinated travellers and implemented strict quarantine and testing protocols, has reopened slowly as it managed the ongoing travel challenges.
Home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels for business and leisure, the UAE capital continues to be one of the region’s most opulent destinations. Over the last decade, Abu Dhabi has worked hard to place itself well and truly on the world map. From developing state-of-the-art cultural venues to hosting major sporting events, the emirate has become a leading destination for travellers of all kinds.
Broadening its cultural offerings, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum will soon join the likes of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Qasr Al Hosn, which are currently must-see sights in the UAE capital. during every season. There is plenty for outdoor lovers, too, in the emirate, with the lush Jubail Mangrove Park, in addition to pristine, sandy beaches and the fiery dunes of the Empty Quarter in the remote southwest.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, on Yas Island, an adventure offering awaits visitors of all age groups, with the island’s theme parks, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Clymb Abu Dhabi, drawing visitors
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority / ME3310
The UAE’s northernmost emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, offers everything from stunning sandy beaches to dramatic mountainside scenery. Boasting the country’s highest mountain, Jebel Jais, the emirate is now firmly positioned as the adventure capital of the Middle East.
Famed for activities such as hiking and mountain climbing, it gained the world’s attention through its 2.8-kilometre zip line, Jebel Jais Flight, which is also the world’s longest and is suspended 1,680 metres above sea level. Also available at the site is a host of adventure activities, from the Jais Sky Maze and Jais Sky Tour, ideal for those who don’t mind heights.
For the less adrenaline-hardy, there are other options in the emirate, including the Via Ferrata, which is a series of smaller zip lines over a shorter distance, involving a gentle scrambling route. There is also mountain biking, horse and camel riding as well as a range of water sports. The latest fun-packed activity spot in the emirate is the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, where visitors of all ages can learn everything from mountain survival skills to abseiling.
The emirate’s northernmost position and mountainous climate, which can be as much as 10-degrees cooler than
Offering everything from stunning sandy beaches to dramatic mountainside scenery, Ras Al Khaimah is now firmly positioned as the adventure capital of the Middle East
the neighbouring emirates, means that even the summer months remain popular for the quaint and enchanting town. A range of competitive hospitality packages and all-inclusive offerings have helped the emirate grow immensely, attracting tourists from all over.
Pre-pandemic, the lead markets were Poland, Russia, India, Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic. The emirate reported record numbers of international and domestic visitors for the first half of 2021 with a 40 percent rise on 2020 figures for the same period.
With its wide appeal, it is arguably one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region and looks to continue in the same vein in the years to come, with new properties showing global brands’ faith in the destination.
Wadi Ghalilah
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Tourism Authority / ME4410, ME4440
One of the biggest stories of 2019 was Saudi Arabia opening its doors to tourism. Since then, interest in this fascinating country has only skyrocketed and its momentum remains unaffected by the pandemic.
A land of heritage, culture and natural wonder, there is much to discover across the vast landscape of the kingdom, beyond the inland city of Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah. From its Red Sea coast to its majestic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this has long been a place of intrigue.
Among some of the destinations being highlighted is Al Ahsa in the east of Saudi Arabia. This lush green landscape is a world away from the sand dunes and arid desert plains of the Empty Quarter. Nestled between Riyadh and Dammam, and stretching into the Rub’ Al Khali, Al Ahsa is home to one of the world’s largest natural oases and is now a UNESCO-listed city.
To the country’s north-west, the town of AlUla beckons with its rugged beauty and historic sites, thanks to which, it is being dubbed as the “second Petra”. The town is now linked to regional airports, including Dubai, with direct flights since late 2021.
Taking shape north-west of Riyadh is a new cultural destination that encompasses the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of At-Turaif, which is known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Upon completion, the development will feature world-class entertainment, retail and hospitality options with a diverse collection of museums and cultural institutes at its heart.
And the highly anticipated giga projects, including the Red Sea destination, Amaala and NEOM, are undoubtedly jewels in the crown for this exciting new destination.
The online visa system – available to nationals from 49 countries – made travel to this ancient nation easier than ever before. These revolutionary changes helped open up the warm hospitality of the Saudi people and its centuries-old history to the world.
As the travel industry bounces back, religious tourism is expected to remain the bedrock of the sector over the next decade, with a goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims to the kingdom by 2030, an increase of 11 million from
Makkah
the 19 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who visited the country in 2017.
In alignment with Vision 2030, the country has set aside US$64 billion to invest in culture, leisure and entertainment projects over the next decade, which will significantly add to the attractiveness of the kingdom as a tourist destination.
Jamaica
Jamaica Tourist Board / AM1360
This gorgeous island haven is not only a natural paradise but is full of fun, vibrancy and colour. Nobody leaves Jamaica without a smile on their face, a reflection of the mood of this year-round sunshine destination.
Visitors can choose to hike daredevil waterfalls, drive or ride along scenic hillside corridors, check in with the gentle native crocodiles on a river safari or take a stroll through historic towns rich with culture on this island of plenty.
Over in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the country’s magnificent wonders, along with Turtle River Falls and Gardens, offering 14 cascading waterfalls for tourists to enjoy. Adventure seekers can hop on two wheels for a bike tour through the lush and bountiful terrain of the Blue Mountains, all the way to the 7,000-foot peak of the mountain.
Trench Town Culture Yard allows visitors to pay homage to the home of reggae music, the place Bob Marley spent much of his earlier years of life but where his legacy still lives. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a number of courses, including the oldest course in the western hemisphere, the Manchester Club which sits 2,000 feet above sea level atop the cool hills
Blue Mountains Jamaica
in the centre of the island. The Tryall Golf Club in Montego Bay offers views of awe-inspiring beachside beauty.
For more breathtaking beaches, Long Bay Beach Park is a must as it showcases the country’s coastline, or visitors can explore underwater life with spectacular scuba diving experiences. Zip lining and river tubing tours as well as the Kool Runnings Water Park give thrill seekers ample opportunity to play, in addition to activities including paintballing in the jungle, go-kart racing and river rafting.
Jamaica’s tourism authority predicts massive growth for the Caribbean nation
over the coming two years, expected to surpass pre-pandemic figures by the end of 2024. Total visitor arrivals are estimated to reach 4.5 million, with gross foreign exchange earnings of US$4.7 billion. Visitor arrivals were around three million by the end of 2022, with cruise passengers accounting for 1.1 million and stopover arrivals, 2.1 million.
Jordan
Jordan Tourism Board / ME1460
With abundant natural wonders, such as the dramatic lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum, historic treasures in the ancient city of Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and the Dead Sea, the Kingdom of Jordan lures an increasing number of foreign visitors year after year.
Thanks to its fascinating tourism offerings and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country has also become a favourite among film-makers. Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness, has featured in a host of movies, from Lawrence of Arabia, shot in 1962, to 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Tourism in Jordan received another boost when Britain’s Prince William visited the country in July 2018.
An oasis of calm in the Middle East, Jordan was enjoying a boom in tourism numbers before the pandemic. While visitor numbers have decreased owing to the crisis, the country hopes to build on its success from 2018, when it witnessed one of its best years yet for tourism. Petra saw its second-largest number of visitors during the year since it was established as an official tourism destination, while Jerash, home to some of the best Roman ruins outside Italy, saw a considerable increase in visitor numbers.
Jordan has, without question, set its sights firmly on the future. To meet this anticipated boom, the country is working hard to train more tour guides to tailor the offering to visitors, especially focusing on those speaking Chinese dialects and other Far Eastern languages, with an increase in visitors expected from the region.
Keeping up with its tradition of welcoming visitors since the days when camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway, transporting frankincense in exchange for spices, Jordan has plenty to offer travellers today, whether it’s the country’s natural beauty, with activities such as hiking and camping, stargazing or nature spotting, there are so many reasons to visit.
A host of new hotels in Amman also signal a new era, with boutique properties now giving more options to travellers across a range of budgets.
With abundant natural wonders, the Kingdom of Jordan lures an increasing number of foreign visitors year after year
Petra
Italy
Italian National Tourist Board / EU1530
As a popular tourist destination, Italy was one of the severely hit nations in the wake of the pandemic, but the country has already bounced back and is welcoming a rising number of visitors once again, thanks to its spectacular offering. The country boasts everything from world-class art and culture to historical treasures, stunning landscapes and enviable gastronomy. offer classic experiences, including visits to the capital’s Trevi Fountain and gondola rides along the Venetian canals.
History buffs, meanwhile, can learn all about the glory of ancient Rome. The capital has a rich, storied past that survives today in monuments such as
Things are already looking up. Over the summer months of 2020 and 2021, the tourism scenario in the country was already beginning to improve. In July 2021, arrivals in tourist accommodations rose to 13.8 million, denoting an increase over 2020 but remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
With 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country, iconic areas include Pompei, Verona, Venice, Mount Etna and the Piazza Dei Miracoli, which houses a breathtaking cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. For visitors seeking a romantic getaway, Italy is incomparable, thanks to the architecture and ambience of cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, which
Manarola the Colosseum. Art lovers can nourish their passion in Florence. The city offers both the Galleria Degli Uffizi, which opened in 1581 and boasts works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli, and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David.
Venice
Indonesia
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy / AS2452
Indonesia brings together nature, culture, heritage, island escapes and adventure travel, giving visitors many smaller destinations to explore within a single destination.
Indonesia is a huge nation composed of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. In 2021, there were about 1.56 million international visitor arrivals in Indonesia, the number down from around 16 million in 2019, due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
While the island of Bali is the nation’s most popular and most visited destination, there is so much more to see and do across the country and its roughly 17,000 islands. From the volcanic island of Lombok, full of hidden treasures and divine beaches, to one of its cultural capitals, Yogyakarta, known as the cradle of civilisation on Java, there is much beyond the Balinese island.
Visitors can enjoy everything from thrilling caving adventures to exotic diving escapades, challenging
Mount Agung
Visitors can enjoy caving adventures, diving escapades, jungle treks, water sports and hiking
volcano climbs, intriguing jungle treks, water sports, surfing and hiking.
Those looking to relax and unwind can take their pick from spa holidays, yoga retreats, cooking courses as well as local dance and jazz festivals. Also, the country’s therapeutic hot springs are dotted around the region while traditional Indonesian spa therapies are there to soothe and calm.
Both on land and under water, an array of fascinating marine life is waiting to be discovered. Wakatobi is widely recognised as having the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. The islands are also famous as the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Meanwhile, the island of Flores is not only home to the fascinating Komodo dragons but also to pristine waterfalls and lakes where visitors can kayak among the craggy coasts and explore mysterious caves.
