TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Every year, travellers from the Middle East seek new destinations to escape the summer heat. After the pandemic, this year will be the first summer when all borders are open. Countries around the world are promoting their lesser known destinations to give the Middle East travellers a new experience. We at ask experts in the field to know about this year’s popular destinations.
Daniel Rosado, Director, Spain Tourism GCC
Spain is a well known destination for the GCC region. It offers world class cities, beaches, heritage, nature and much more. But the eyes of the travellers are mostly caught with the main destinations, leaving a vast country still to explore and discover. This summer we are focusing on the Balearic Islands. Mallorca and Ibiza are two islands that offer an incredible experience for all travellers. The mediterranean vibe of this Islands will conquer the traveller though its huge offer of luxur accomodations.
Deepa Rajesh, Director, Sales and Business Development, Cozmo Travel
Summer school break with two-month-long vacation is an optimal period for families to travel together and explore new destinations in USA, Europe, Far East Asia and the Middle East region. The traditional destinations are moving to new unexplored places. Furthermore, the agreements we recently signed during the ATM 2023 with tourism boards representing destinations like Switzerland, Austria, Jordan, Oman, Saudi and Morocco mark an exciting expansion of opportunities for outbound travellers.
Matthias Albrecht, Director GCC – Switzerland Tourism
Andermatt is still quite a new destination, especially in the Middle East. Andermatt is in the middle of Switzerland and has been known for centuries – not as a holiday resort, but as the main town on the Gotthard Pass, the easiest route from northern to southern Europe. In recent years, the accommodation infrastructure has improved enormously and guests can now enjoy the breathtaking nature with countless mountain lakes, small glaciers, impressive side valleys and many sporting activities.
Aisling McDermott, Manager, Middle East & Asia, Tourism Ireland
The island of Ireland is home to hidden gems and unique holiday experiences that Middle East travellers will relish. Accommodation such as Finnlough, a luxury hideaway in Northern Ireland, where guests sleep in palatial transparent domes with uninterrupted views of the starry night skies. Inis Meáin Island Stays is another stunning and unique accommodation experience on the tranquil Aran Islands, famed for their landscapes, flora and culture. It has earned an international reputation,
Ayman Al Qudwa, General Manager, Falcon Travel, Qatar
Air ticket prices are the key to the main destinations during the summer vacation this year, as many citizens and residents of the State of Qatar are preparing and planning for their summer vacation, starting from the second week of June 2023 until the third week of August 2023. It is likely that European destinations such as the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the USA and Turkey, along with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia will return to the tourism scene.
Mahmood Salman, Managing Director, Orange Travel, Bahrain
In Bahrain and in GCC, we are always looking for new destinations that offer activities for the whole family. Summer is the time of the year when the entire family travel, hence they look for new attractions, activities to engage their small kids, teens and even the adult kids. We like the experience to be unique with different types of theme parks, and shopping for women. This is an important time for GCC travellers and they opt for European destinations that offer them memorable experiences.
