Nine eleven step aside:
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By Karen Dabrowska
Tour operators at this years Destinations 2004 travel show in London's Earls Court noticed that the dark cloud cast over tourism in Muslim countries by the 9/11 atrocity is no longer hindering travel.
Jules Verne Travel's trips to Egypt and Jordan are fully booked and Nile Cruises have sold out. Sixty of the hundred seats on a private charter train of the Silk Route have been booked and a private charter to Aqaba in Jordan is planned for next year. "Our clients are fairly resilient and well educated - they don't take too much notice of the media hype", Megan Kilvington told Islamic Tourism.
Cox and Kings have found the three most popular Middle East destinations are Jordan, Egypt and Morocco. The company scheduled additional trips to Libya due to popular demand. "It is not a well known destination - people have been to other Islamic countries and they are now interested in exploring Libya", said Samantha Ward. She pointed out that a trip to Uzbekistan went ahead on September 15th, 2001. The company, whose first trips were to India in 1758, has added Middle Eastern destinations to its itineraries during the past ten years. "The numbers of tourists have been increasing even though bookings were down in the last couple of years".
Ian Newman from Elite Vacations has noticed an overwhelming interest in Oman. He believes that Dubai is becoming commercially over-exposed but there is still an ethnic mysticism about Oman. "People want to go back to the real roots of travel and they can do that in Jordan and Oman". After September 11 travellers only planned a few months ahead but now long term planning has returned and bookings are being made as far ahead as December.
Andrew Hunt who is developing Audley Travel's Middle East - North Africa Division has ambitious plans: Mali, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Oman, the UAE, Jordan and Syria are all on the agenda. And trips to Yemen will start "as soon as the political situation allows". Iran and Uzbekistan are becoming extremely popular destinations. Hunt believes that FCO's travel advise has become very harsh and very blanket and the public is paying less attention to it. "Travel to the region is still hostage to events but not as much as its was".
Tanya Evans, the director of Silk Road Tours has noticed an unprecedented demand for tours to the former republics of Soviet Central Asia: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Travel to these areas was impossible when they were part of the Soviet Union. Today the Chinese are eager to attract visitors to their section of the Silk Road. "They think the Silk Road is a name which will attract visitors - not to mention the millions of Chinese tourists who also visit the region". While Silk Road Tours focuses on the cultural attractions of the region companies like Exodus and Explore promote overland, adventure travel.
In a triumph of hope over experience Geoff Hann of Hinterland Travel is promoting tours to Iraq - the first one is scheduled for March this year but so far there is only one booking. Refusing to shy away from areas with a troubled past and an uncertain future, Hann is also organising trips to Kashmir and Afghanistan. His Kashmir trip begins with the Amarnath Cave Pilgrimage trek and focuses on Srinagar located in the heart of the Kashmir valley with the beautiful lakes of Dal and Nagin enhancing the mountain setting.
Mongolia is jumping on the eco-tourism bandwagon. Explore Mongolia is specialising in "ecotravel" combining ecology and cultural interest with sophisticated adventure travel. There is a bird watching trip and an ecovolunteer programme to protect the Gobi Bear in Mazaalai. Tourism is still its infancy - only 200,000 people visited the country in 2003, many from neighbouring Russia and China. Olsod Bhum-Yalagch, the company's Managing Director welcomes generous Saudi financial support to ensure a steady supply of falcons to the kingdom but he insists that birds injured during capture must be cared for by those attempting to snare them.
Popular destinations like Tunisia and Malaysia are adding to their tourist attractions. Malaysia, the country with the world's oldest rainforest and tallest mountain in South-East Asia is diversifying into adventure tourism. Borneo is ideally suited to white water rafting and there are excellent diving areas waiting to be explored. Tunisia has become a popular venue for Telaso (seaweed) therapy: Silvio Berlusconi and Jacque Chirac have tried it! For Muslims visiting Kairouan seven times is equivalent to a pilgrimage to Mecca - this is proving extremely popular with European Muslims.
North Cyprus, a small, sleepy, tranquil island is doing its best to develop tourism. The age of commercialism, mass tourism and wild nightlife is unknown but there are simpler pleasures such as a delightful choice of restaurants, travernas and bistros where cuisine ranges from traditional Cypriot with Turkish influence. The country is still ostracized by the international community with no direct flights but it offers a unique, unspoiled atmosphere with an easy pace of life.
Over 400 travel companies, airlines and tourist boards took part in the tenth Destinations Travel Show. But it was not just a show of brochures and information. The Malaysian Cultural Troupe entertained with music and dance, the Tunisian National tourist Office presented the art of jewellery design and the Turkish Tourist Office provided traditional dance instruction and a performance by the whirling dervishes.
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Sports tours and museums in London
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Shakespeare: staging the world
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Coasteering and Cliff-diving in Wales
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Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam
The final exhibition in the British Museum’s series on spiritual journeys. This is the first ever major exhibition dedicated to the Hajj; the pilgrimage to Mecca which is central to the Muslim (17/02/2012)
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The articles
which appeared in Islamic Tourism magazine
Camley Street Nature Park: Wilderness in the heart of London Issue 73 Impressive Middle Eastern stands at World Travel Market Issue 73 Three anniversaries for London’s Mesopotamian story telling group Issue 73 London’s lesser known parks ideal for autumn walks Issue 72 Signs, Symbols Secrets: London’s Science Museum sheds light on alchemy Issue 72 Enduring Middle East: Scottish artist follows in the footsteps of Orientalist painter David Roberts Issue 71 An Interview with Mr. Ben Harper, Director of Sales & Marketing for Go Native Apartments in London Issue 71 Ramadhan in London Issue 71 Leptis Magna fascinates famous war photographer Issue 70 Middle Eastern states showcase heritage at London Book Fair Issue 70 Education, Knowledge, Networking and Entertainment at MPI event, the EMEC Issue 68 World Hajj & Umrah Convention, 11-12 February 2012, British Museum, London–UK Issue 68 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandEnchanting fairground for the festive season Issue 67 Rye: a quaint historic town in East Sussex Issue 67 Arab Spring Countries At World Travel Market Optimistic About Tourism Issue 66 Exciting Horizons From New Exhibitors At WTM Issue 66 London’s Shubbak Festival: Penetrating flash of insight into Arab culture Issue 65 Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon Issue 65 British Museum's Afghan exhibition extended due to popular demand Issue 63 Hadrian’s WallA walk through history in Britain’s idyllic country side Issue 63 British Museum Showcases Omani Jewellery Issue 62 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandBigger And Better Every Year Issue 60 Middle East & North Africa Travel Association (MENATA) launched at World Travel Market Issue 59 Windsor: The Largest Inhabited Castle In The World Issue 59 Aladin's Cave Re-discovered: London's Silver Vaults Issue 59 World Cup Puts Africa Ahead Of The Tourism Game Issue 59 London's Garden MuseumOasis Of Tranquillity In A Majestic Church Building Issue 58 Pitzhanger Gallery & HouseCulture At Its Best In West London Issue 58 British Library Showcases Magnificent Maps Issue 57 Ramadan In London: Muslims And Non Muslims Celebrate Spirituality And Diversity Issue 56 West WycombeOverground Walks, Underground Caves Issue 56 Dickens HouseInsight Into The Life Of A Great Novelist Issue 56 Holland ParkEntertainment In Tranquil Surroundings Issue 56 Chatham and Gillingham: Britain›s Historic Ports Issue 55 London International Fine Art Fair: Beauty & Elegance Issue 55 Ashridge EstateFocal Point of Walks in the Chilterns Countryside Issue 54 Fortnum & Mason Showcases British Crafts Issue 54 Wales offers middle east travellers family fun adventures Issue 54 London Canal MuseumThe Capital's Waterways Then And Now Issue 53 London EyeA Bird's Eye View Of An Amazing City Issue 53 British Museum Showcases Muslim World's Extraordinary Legacy Issue 52 Historic Baths Draw Visitors To English Country Town Issue 51 First Nations Contribution To Winter Olympics Showcased By Canadian High Commission in London Issue 51 British Museum Introduces Native North American Indian Rituals Issue 51 Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: an ideal day out for the family Issue 50 Chasing MirrorsLondons Arabs Exhibit Work At National Portrait Gallery Issue 50 Stratford-upon-Avon thrives on Shakespeare's legacy Issue 49 MoctezumaMyth Comes To Life In British Museum's Aztec Exhibition Issue 49 Magic of Arab calligraphy attracts students from four continents Issue 49 Hampton CourtA great day out at a wonderful palace with magnificent gardens Issue 48 AfricaTremendous potential for the development of tourism Issue 48 Impressive middle eastern stands at world travel market Issue 48 SouthallLondon's Little India Issue 47 Warwick CastleBringing the past to life Issue 46 London University Showcases Work of Kazakh Craftswomen Issue 46 Southend-on-Sealegendary pier, impressive fair grounds Issue 46 AveburyA mysterious present from the past Issue 45 Britain’s Premier Holiday Location Now Easier to See Issue 44 HampsteadLanes, Alleyways, Historic Houses, Quaint Boutiques Issue 44 StonehengeMagnificent, Magical And Mysterious Issue 44 ZipangMesopotamian story-tellers bring ancient tales to life in London Issue 44 Arabic Translation of Obama's biography announced at London book fair Issue 42 British & Ireland Issue 41 Leigh-on-Sea (UK)An Upper Class Fishing Village Where Heritage Is Everything Issue 38 The Lure of the EastBritish Orientalist Painting Issue 36 The New ForestAn Experience Of Peaceful English Life Issue 35 Adventure Travel ShowIntroducing Challenging Destinations Issue 34 HastingsThe 1066 Country Issue 33 African States Eager To Promote Islamic Sites Issue 33 China`s Terracotta Army Exhibitionat the British Museum Issue 32 Luxury Travel Fair Issue 31 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 SacredThe British Library’s Visual Feast Of Holy Texts Issue 30 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 BTTFBritish travel trade fair - 2007 Issue 29 AdvertArabian Travel Market 2007 Issue 28 DestinationsExcellent introduction to unique attractions Issue 28 SouthamptonHistory Comes Alive In The Old Town Issue 27 WTM 2006Emphasis on the link between sport and tourism Issue 27 Spain Lives In PueblaMexico’s City Of Angels Issue 27 HerefordRural England At Its Best Issue 26 Ramadan In BritainSpiritual Havens In A Secular Society Issue 26 Buckingham PalaceWhere the Queen lives and works Issue 25 British Travel Awards 2006Who are the best companies in the travel industry? Issue 25 Activities of the arab tourism organisation Issue 24 AdvertIslam Expo Issue 24 1001 InventionsEnlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries Issue 23 Britain Hosts Festival of Muslim Cultures Issue 22 London's International Travel ShowsAttract Muslim Countries Issue 22 World Travel MarketArab and Muslim presence grows from strength to strength Issue 21 GreenwichWhere time began Issue 20 Forgotten EmpireThe british museum in london is hosting a magnificent ... Issue 20 AdvertIT Noor Issue 20 TrafalgarThe decisive battle reinvented by tourism Issue 18 DestinationsNewcomers set up impressive stands Issue 17 CardiffFrom the Industrial Revolution to Yemeni Mosques Issue 17 The Muslim WorldAn ideal adventure travel destination Issue 16 HajThe most sacred journey on earth Issue 15 World Travel MarketArabs optimistic despite Middle East's negative image Issue 15 The Muslims in LondonStriving for self-sufficiency without isolation Issue 14 Britain embracedIslamic culture before immigrants arrived Issue 13 Awards to Islamic TourismInspire confidence Issue 13 The Rise of Islamic TourismInternational conference discusses effect of 9/11 ... Issue 13 British Travel Trade FairBosses predict 'best-ever' ... Issue 11 Nine eleven sep asideMuslim countries are popular with tourists Issue 10 The arab and muslim worldsTremendous potential for the development … Issue 10 The ThamesLondon's lifeline, England's pride Issue 8 EdinburghThe Muslim community of Edinburgh and their central mosque Issue 6 WTMWorld Travel Market - London Issue 5 LondonWorld Travel Market 2001 Issue 2 |
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