Middle East Politics.Net » tourism

Increase in Tourism in Jordan

mmunguia — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:11:57 +0000

The Ministry of Tourism released figures earlier this week showing that tourism increased between January and September by 6%. Most of the people stayed in classified hotels in the capital, followed by Petra, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. This is great news say industry officials who have been working hard to fight against the challenges facing the global economy. Most of the tourist going to Jordan are doing it through package tours.

The CEO of the Jordan Inbound Tour Operator Association (JITOA) said that these figures can be expected to change over the next year because of the current global economic crisis.

Mayra Munguia

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Lebanon’s Tourism Responds to Increasing Political Stability

sdemetri — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:24:49 +0000

Lebanon’s efforts at nurturing political stability seem to be paying off, at least in terms of its tourism industry. According to a recent report, tourism in Lebanon hit a four-year high in 2008, with a total of 1.10 million visitors between January and October. The figure marks a significant jump from last year’s total of 855,573, and remains just shy of the 2004 record of 1.12 million. The progress is largely attributed to the improvement of the political and security situation in the nation. Lebanon exploded into violent conflict, particularly political killings, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri in 2005. In early 2008, however, the Sulayman administration began pressing heavily for commitment to national political unification, leading to the signing of an accord by the nation’s political factions in May.

Stefanie Demetriades

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Visiting Syria

sanajong — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:30:15 +0000

Traveling to one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful cities can be difficult. Bureaucracy and suspicion can thwart even the most innocent visitor from being allowed within. Syria’s official war status with Israel does not make the country and its capital, Damascus, places where westerners gravitate. Its new allegiance with Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon does not make the West particularly warm to it either.

However, if we are not directly at war with Syria, should it be so difficult for us to visit? If the country has nothing to hide and wants a larger leadership role in world affairs, wouldn’t it benefit from letting reporters, tourists, and vacationers in?

Sade San A Jong

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Syria Opening to More Tourism

Joshua Bark — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:49:50 +0000

As a consequence of the liberalizing economy and increased tourism in Syria, 10 boutique hotels have been built in Damascus’ old city region in just the last two years. As the economy in Syria allows more purchasing power to businessmen/women, these hotels have become more in demand.

One Syrian points out, however, that many Westerners have a negative view of Syria. Further, bombings and the U.S. military incursion into Syria have increased general fears about the country. Diplomatic relations between countries have implications at much lower levels, and normalizing relations between Syria and the West will surely bring more tourists to Syria.

Joshua Bark

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Yemen to Participate in International Tourism Fair

hootstei — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:40:14 +0000

On November 8, a Yemeni delegation traveled to London to participate in the World Tourism Fair, which will take place November 10-13, 2008.

Yemen’s Tourism Minister Nabil al-Faqi stated the necessity of Yemen’s participation, particularly in the face of tourism rates significantly declining since the attacks on the US Embassy in Sana’a. Al-Faqi explained Yemen’s hope in forming “tourism alliances” with the British and thereby forming a relationship and connection with the UK.

Yemen’s participation in the conference shows the country’s attempts to extend itself beyond the Middle East and introduce itself within Europe. Yemen’s participation is an example of how the country is attempting to repair and reinvent itself in the face of terrorism and other internal issues. In addition, the conference will discuss Yemen’s internal conditions that have adversely affected tourism. The conference seems to indicate Yemen’s recognition that there are problems that must be dealt with in order for the country to create a positive reputation, especially in the Europe and the United States.

Jenna Hootstein

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Saudi Arabia Prepares for Tourism

brgordon — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:19:17 +0000

In 2010 the Japanese-owned, Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises will begin making stops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is a large step for Saudi Arabia, but there is much question as to whether tourists will want to take day trips into the country when the US “urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia.” There is also the question of what kind of activities the tourists will join. Mecca is nearby but off-limits to non-Muslims and the Red Sea prohibits many western-style bathing suits.

Despite doubts, Saudi Arabia has been doing much to attract foreign tourists. In an effort to expand the tourist industry and increase jobs, King Abdullah has begun issuing multiple-entry visas, hosting regional sports tournaments and cultural events, and has created an international university.

Brandie Gordon

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