One million tourists focus for Kuwait at ATM
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Kuwait’s goal of welcoming one million tourists will be their focus at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015 as the Government’s current five-year plan for travel and tourism sector development reaches a climax, according to show organisers.
“World Travel and Tourism Council predictions put tourist arrivals at 440,000 by 2024 – up from 270,000 in 2014 – and the government has ploughed US $13 billion into infrastructure development, which is accelerating opportunities for Kuwait’s tourism sector as a whole,” said Nadege Noblet, exhibition manager for Arabian Travel Market, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, on 4-7 May.
According to the Aranca Q3 2014 MENA Tourism & Hospitality Report, Kuwait’s tourism sector is undergoing a sea change with a number of new projects in the pipeline.
These include a new passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, which is being spearheaded by the Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Scheduled for completion in 2016, the $4.8 billion contract will increase capacity from six million in 2013 to 13 million by 2016, and up to 25 million per annum by 2025, according to the Centre for Aviation (CAPA).
In January this year, local carrier Jazeera Airways reported a 22% year-on-year increase in passenger movements for the period, following consecutive increases in both November and December 2014. In particular, the airline registered a 32% increase on its Istanbul, Beirut and Amman routes and 20% growth on its GCC routes.
A new 160 kilometre-long metro system is also under construction along with the planned Kuwait National Rail Road System – a 511 kilometre-long integrated rail network that will greatly enhance domestic and regional travel opportunities.
Kuwaiti companies exhibiting at this year’s ATM include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Tourism Sector, Kuwait Airways, Holidays Arabia, and first time participant, Kuwait Concierge Company-Call Center WLL.
Major tourism development entities including the Kuwait Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC), are launching a number of entertainment and sports projects valued at around $460 million, while hotel room supply is forecast to rise by almost one-third, with up to 10,000 rooms scheduled to come online by the end of 2015.
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