All for the tourists of Middle East

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Tourism is also one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Over the past few years we have seen a revolution in the globalisation of economies and the resulting complexity of interconnectedness. The Middle East has emerged as the most promising emerging market for investments and tourism is an area that the Middle East is putting in several of its resources into. Across the region, countries, states and cities are embarking on an unparalleled program of investment and development to increase capacity, improve infrastructures and grow tourist numbers and revenues. Many nations have chalked up plans till 2020 to improve and upgrade their cities and countries to attract more tourists in the region of 150 million every year. Religious tourism forms the bulk of travel in many Middle Eastern countries. The tourism industry therefore is very important to economic growth as well as the environment.

Mega projects are already underway in the region or are planned for the near future and they are focused mainly on building mainly in infrastructure basis and aviation developments.

Behind the numbers are commonplace extravagances that include Michelin-starred chefs, Italian linens, camel milk cappuccinos and private butler services. Over the past decade, Middle Eastern tourism ministries have launched aggressive branding campaigns.

According to reports, international travellers are less likely now than in recent years to regard the Middle East as a single, homogeneous region with the same issues and problems affecting all countries across the region. Rather, they’re increasingly assessing potential travel destinations on a case-by-case basis. Even as the likes of Dubai and Oman look to capitalise on ever growing tourist numbers, other parts of the Middle East are facing a challenge in returning to their once healthy levels of tourism.

For long time tourism, except pilgrimage travels, has been considered as culturally inappropriate and economically unnecessary phenomenon by Arab governments. The majority of their demand for tourism originates from neighbouring countries. Religion is an important factor that can help shape the culture, attitudes and values of society.

Based on the Islamic understanding of God, man and nature, tourism is a part of religion, and travel is fundamental in Islam.

An exciting tourism project is set to promise a bright economic future for Saudi Arabia with the advent of ‘Green Tourism.’ In an area that was once considered a wasteland, tour operators are now seeing opportunities for safari packages, dune riding, sand surfing and camel and horse races. The tourism industry is evolving and changing in the Middle East and its rich cultural heritage is also attracting tourists like never before. Doha is emerging as the next big destination after the cities of the UAE and the future is slowing presenting some surprising changes in the tourism industry.