A new visitor center opens in Dubai, an old house opens to the public in Sharjah and a park in Abu Dhabi wins a prestigious global award.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, a major gastronomic tourism event is scheduled to be held in the region.
In case you missed it, here’s a round-up of the latest travel and tourism news.
Bahrain hosts first large-scale gastronomic tourism event in the Middle East
The World Tourism Organization has selected Bahrain to host next year’s 9th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy and Tourism, the largest event of its kind in the world. This is the first time the company has entered the Middle East.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 8th Annual Forum, which was held from Thursday to Saturday in San Sebastian, Spain.
It aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise in tourism and gastronomy, including the identification of good practices and the promotion of gastronomic experiences as key elements of destination development.
“The region is experiencing rapid development in the tourism sector and we are excited to showcase Bahrain’s rich heritage and unique spirit of sharing embedded in its gastronomy, which is the driving force behind comprehensive tourism development. ” said UNWTO Director-General Zurab Polokashvili.
Nasser Qaidi, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority, added: “This prestigious event serves as an ideal platform to offer the best innovative solutions to enhance gastronomic tourism, highlighting the Kingdom’s exceptional gastronomic and culinary experiences based on its rich heritage, crossroads .The diversity of civilizations and cultures, the diversity of local cuisines, and the reputation for diverse tastes will actively support the diversity of tourism products and increase the inflow of inbound tourists.”
Amanjena helps Morocco’s tourism industry recover
Amanjena is offering new experiences to attract tourists as Morocco continues to rebuild after a devastating earthquake and its aftershocks destroyed several rural villages around Marrakech.
The resort on the outskirts of Marrakech is gearing up for the fall travel season with eight new pool pavilions, a 1-night free offer when you book a minimum of 3 nights until March 31st, and the introduction of a 3-night Welcome Plan. We have the latest information available. Existence and golf retreat.
Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the Brahim family’s hospitality at their home in the Atlas Mountains and enjoy home-cooked Berber cuisine. Sidi Brahim and his son Saeed take visitors on a walking tour through the village of Larba Tigduin.
All proceeds will be donated directly to the families and used to support loved ones and neighbors affected by the earthquake.
New visitor center opens at Dubai Desert Reserve
An immersive introduction to the UAE’s endemic flora and fauna awaits at Dubai Desert Reserve’s new visitor center, which opened in time for World Animal Day on Wednesday. The center will also educate visitors about the UAE’s first national park, the reserve and efforts to protect its ecosystem.
It is divided into 5 areas. This includes a reception hall with photos highlighting Arabian oryx in their natural habitat and an interactive kiosk where visitors can explore a map of the reserve. Next, there is a cultural hall that introduces the milestones of the reserve.
Elsewhere, an AV hall, or “mini-cinema”, will show short feature films in the reserve, and a habitat hall will feature 3D-printed models, holographic displays and interactive exhibits to introduce people to the flora and fauna of the local area. To do.
Finally, the Nocturnal Hall features a dome-shaped display using the latest technology to provide viewers with an immersive look at Dubai’s nocturnal wildlife.
Walk-in visitors can enter the center for AED 35 for adults and AED 25 for children.
Abu Dhabi park named world’s best family entertainment center
Adrenarch Adventure was named the world’s best family entertainment center at this year’s Park World Excellence Awards.
The park features 20 interactive activities for kids and adults and is located in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi’s waterfront destination.
The award, which has been running since 2018, nominates the best parks around the world.
This year’s ceremony took place in Austria late last month. It was also announced at the event that Adrenarch will be introducing a new inflatable park later this year.
“This year’s awards have showcased and featured amazing attractions and experiences from around the world, including Walt Disney properties and some of the UK’s biggest tourist destinations,” said Al Barakah International Investments Chief Executive Officer said Fuad Mashal, developer and operator of Al Qana.
“Both Adrenark and Pixoul Gaming’s nominations definitely reinforce Abu Dhabi’s continued innovation in family entertainment, and winning alongside Adrenark solidifies our position as the best in the world. ”
Austria to introduce new luxury sleeper train
An Austrian railway operator has unveiled a new sleeper train that raises the bar for luxury rail travel as more travelers seek eco-friendly transport options.
The 33 new trains, run by state-run OeBB, which operates 20 rail lines across Europe, offer more privacy and amenities such as two-person compartments with private toilets and showers. There are also solo cabins for solo travelers.
The first route could launch in December and connect Vienna and Innsbruck with the German city of Hamburg.
The remainder will be rolled out until 2028, and will be introduced on other routes through Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The company has been powering all its sleeper trains with renewable energy since 2018, and on December 11, it will restart night train service between Berlin and Paris for the first time in nine years.
Kalba bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi reopens to public
Beit Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi has reopened his 1899 mansion, which served as the center of governance and residence for the late sheikh’s family, to the public in Kalba, Sharjah.
The museum is located opposite the Kalba Fortress and offers visitors an insight into Emirati life in the pre-oil era, tracing the history of the region through a collection of preserved artifacts. These include the sahili khanjar (traditional coastal dagger) with a leather scabbard decorated with silver and gold wire, and the matchlock known as um fatera, which is decorated with silver plates. There are also some traditional household items, from copper coffee pots to decorated wooden cradles suspended from the ceiling to protect children from insects.
Aisha Rashid Dimas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museum Authority, said: “The revitalization of the house’s role as a cultural heritage center demonstrates Sharjah Museum Authority’s unwavering commitment to raising public awareness of the emirate’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. “
“With its diverse exhibits, this mansion offers visitors a rare glimpse into the lifestyles and customs of a bygone era, thereby preserving our collective heritage and preserving it with respect for future generations to appreciate.” represents.”
Updated: October 9, 2023, 10:09 AM