Destination profiles

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Tourism Board / EU2750 Having long been overlooked by visitors, Azerbaijan has now captured the world’s attention as a land of contrasts, with cultural traditions inspired by its location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe

From the mountainous coastline to the gushing waterfalls found futher inland, Sochi’s well-rounded tourism proposition also comprises historical sites and a vibrant nightlife

This exciting new destination is bustling with everything from history and culture to world-class events. With easy on-arrival visit visas for residents of many countries, including the UAE, and a range of direct flights offered by budget airlines, including Flydubai, this previously undiscovered country is now gaining popularity.

Good value hotels and easy movement within the country make it an escape worth considering before the word spreads further.

One of Russia’s southernmost cities, Sochi is located on the Black Sea coast and lies roughly 1,600 kilometres south of Moscow. As Russia’s busiest seaside resort, it attracts more than four million visitors every year.

This resort town gained fame when its neighbouring resorts first hosted the Winter Olympics in 2014.

Better known in the sporting world, Sochi is also home to the almost six-kilometre-long Sochi Autodrome circuit, the fourth-longest circuit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Israel and Kazakhstan followed the top three countries.

It’s plain to see that this nation appeals to many. While nestled between Europe and Asia, it is a blend of historical empires, forging itself as a new nation emerging from the postSoviet 1990s as a must-see destination.

Now hosting Formula 1 and Europa League football, the nation, tucked between the Caspian Sea and the majestic Great Caucasus Mountains, has much to offer tourists.

Cosmopolitan Baku, the coastal capital city, boasts a UNESCO-listed centre while glittering with 21st-century architecture. But this home to several natural wonders has much to offer just a few hours’ drive away.

Close by, in the semi-desert terrain, lie the country’s mud volcanoes and intriguing fire phenomena, which has resulted in Azerbaijan’s title as the ‘Land of Fire’.

Slightly further afield, visitors feel that timeless sense of tradition in the more rural areas of the country, where lush green orchards are backed by the dramatic scenery of the Great Caucasus Mountains.

Baku skyline

In the pre-COVID-19 era, numbers were rising fast and during the first nine months of 2019, the country saw record numbers, with 2.4 million foreign visitors from 191 countries visiting this coastal country by the Caspian Sea, more than 9.5 percent up from the same period in 2018.

Tourists from Russia accounted for the largest portion or 30 percent of the overall visitor influx with Georgia coming in at number two with 22 percent, while Turkish travellers comprised 8.2 percent to claim the third largest portion. Iran,

on the Formula 1 calendar, which hosts the Russian Grand Prix.

The town is often referred to as the ‘Russian Riveria’ as citizens flock to its sunny shores during the summer, thanks to its active recreation options and private beaches.

Inland, visitors can find lush mountains, gushing waterfalls and historical sites, along with a vibrant nightlife scene. Just outside of town, the Agura Valley offers easily accessible hiking amid waterfalls and sublime views.

Old City, Baku

Tucked between the Caspian Sea and the Great Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan has much to offer

Xinaliq

Sochi

Wow Sochi / EU2660

Sochi is located on the Black Sea coast and lies roughly 1,600 kilometres south of Moscow

In 2019, Dubai-based carrier Flydubai started operating flights to the “Russian summer capital”, bringing an influx of visitors from the region to this blossoming destination.

Port of Sochi

Jordan

Jordan Tourism Board / ME2355

With abundant natural wonders – think the dramatic lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum – and ancient treasures found aplenty in the rock-hewn city of Petra, the Kingdom of Jordan lures an increasing number of foreign visitors year after year.

Thanks to its fascinating tourism offering, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and intriguing villages included, the country has also become a favourite among filmmakers. Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness, has featured in a host of movies from

The Monastery Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its World Heritage Sites, historic towns and inspiring desert landscapes that have featured in a host of movies

Amman Citadel

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.

As the world rebuilds tourism back better, Jordan has, without question, set its sights firmly on the future. To meet this 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, from its historic monuments to its stunning desert.

With abundant natural wonders, the Kingdom of Jordan attracts an increasing number of visitors year after year

Indonesia

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia / AS3650

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, Indonesia has a staggering 54,716 kilometres of coastline and is made up of 17,508 islands

Indonesia brings together nature, culture, heritage, island escapes and adventure travel, giving visitors many smaller destinations to explore within a single destination.

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. From the volcanic island of Lombok, full of hidden treasure 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.

Wakatobi

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. Keen travellers have their sights set, eager for the nation to open to visitors once again.

The country is currently in talks with other nations to operate travel bubbles as it tries to speed up its vaccination efforts and it also revealed that it aims to welcome back foreign tourists to the resort islands of Bali, Bintan and Batam by the end of July.

Offering plenty to do once it reopens, visitors can enjoy everything from thrilling caving adventures to

Indonesia is a huge nation composed of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions

exotic diving escapades, challenging 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 in the world only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Meanwhile, the island of Flores is not only home to the fascinating Komodo dragons, but also pristine waterfalls and lakes where visitors can kayak among the craggy coasts and explore mysterious caves.

Fujairah

Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority / ME4215

Nestled on the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountain-lined shore.

In Al Aqah, known for its serene seaside resorts, outdoor activities and mountainous backdrop, a range of resorts offer attractive packages for visitors eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is preferred for water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Snoopy Island is especially popular as it is home to a vast array of sea life from reef sharks to turtles.

In the city, age-old customs still practised today, such as the famous Friday bullfighting, offer an intriguing insight into the local culture and traditions. For history and heritage, there is no shortage of sights, including the UAE’s oldest mosque – Al Bidya Mosque on Fujairah’s mountainous coastline. Dating back to around 1446, it is a precious relic made of mud and stone.

The emirate’s forts, including Fujairah Fort on the Kalba border, offer a glimpse into a life gone by. Al Bithna, Awhala Fort and Al Hail Fortress are rich in history, having withstood battles from the region and beyond. They offer a fascinating way to see how life was before the discovery of oil transformed the economic fortunes of the UAE.

Fujairah Museum pays homage to the many arts, crafts, weapons, costumes and traditions of the Bedouin tribes in generations before, one of the many reasons making Fujairah a destination for all.

In 2020, the emirate proved popular among UAE residents forgoing international travel for staycations closer to home. This resulted in a seven percent rise in the average daily rate figures in Fujairah, compared to 2019 levels, a momentum which the emirate will no doubt continue to maintain this year.

Fujairah Fort

Snoopy Island

Slovenia

Slovenian Tourist Board / EU2300

Known for its stunning lakes, mountains and ski slopes, Slovenia is easily accessible for many markets. Before the pandemic, the number of airlines, from major carriers to budget airlines, flying into the country had skyrocketed.

Though its lakes and national parks form a huge attraction, its magical castles, churches and mysterious caves give travellers an array of ways to explore the country’s hidden treasures.

Not only does the country offer some impressive skiing, but its gorges, rivers and lakes host a number of water sports from thrilling white water rafting to kayaking. With an array of

Nestled among pristine beaches and the dramatic mountains, Fujairah is an all-encompassing destination in the UAE, popular among locals, residents and international travellers alike

Al Hajar mountains

Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its mountain-lined shore

Jezersko Abundant in natural wonders, Slovenia boasts snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers, a stunning coastline, dazzling architecture, rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine

mesmerising waterfalls to rival many in the region, nature lovers feel like they are a world away from the stresses of the city in Slovenia’s magical landscapes.

In Ljubljana Old Town, with its anchors in heritage, it is like stepping back in time. Enjoyed either by foot or by bicycle, it is a feast for the eyes with its cathedrals and churches, bridges and waterside views; the perfect place to stroll the winding narrow cobbled streets or sit and enjoy the world go by in one of the many quaint coffee shops and restaurants.

Due to its position, surrounded by some of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic destinations, Slovenian cuisine takes a little of everything.

With an array of vibrant flavours from Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans, ingredients are fresh and usually locally sourced, making the country a great food lovers’ destination, with some delicious hearty dishes, from pasta to dumplings, as well as the popular grape tours of the area.

Nature lovers feel like they are a world away from the city in Slovenia’s magical landscapes

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