Page 9 - CTM Travel Matters magazine
P. 9
TRAVEL TRENDS | 09
The treasury or Al Khazna, the most famous facade in Jordan
The logic of the Middle East as a Oman has no history of terrorism or
meeting place between east and west sectarian conflict and has enjoyed
remains as sound as ever, as the Gulf decades of political stability and
countries are set to continue to increase prosperity.
their capacity substantially in order to
capitalise on economic growth in India, While some Western travellers may
China and other emerging economies have anxiety about visiting the Middle
in Asia and Africa. Indeed, with world- East and some of its neighbouring
class conference and hotel facilities, in countries, the situation in many
addition to waterparks, golf courses, countries is still eminently viable for
fine dining, and desert experiences, international travel.
the UAE has a huge amount to offer
both the business and leisure traveller. Whether as a convenient stopover
Furthermore, in terms of travel security, between Europe and Asia or as tourist
the UAE and Qatar are arguably safer destinations in their own right, these
than most Western countries. (See our countries offer generally low-risk and
feature on page 15). rewarding travel destinations that
are welcoming to foreign travellers.
Jordan is a special case in this More than that, they offer both an
discussion. Less glitzy or glamorous international-class hotel and tourism
than Dubai or Doha with their supercar- infrastructure to support visitors from
packed mega-highways and dizzying around the world and a diversity of
skyscraper skylines, Jordan nonetheless attractions to make any trip, whether for
boasts outstanding tourist attractions business or pleasure, worthwhile.
and is home to awe-inspiring ancient
sites, coral reef diving and sweeping James Bird is Regional Security
desert valley excursions. Despite Manager, Security Solutions (Middle
hosting some 700,000 registered East, North East and Southern Africa),
Syrian refugees, Jordan has not seen for International SOS and Control Risks.
any measurable increase in crime or
terrorism. In fact, the last significant DID YOU KNOW?
terrorist attack in Jordan was over a
decade ago. Despite hosting some
On the south-eastern shores of the 700,000
Arabian Peninsula, Oman deserves
mention as well. Sometimes called the registered Syrian refugees, Jordan
‘Switzerland of the Middle East’, its low has not seen any measurable
crime rates and stunning mountain
ranges uphold the comparison well. increase in crime or terrorism. In
Muscat, in particular, is home to a fact, the last significant terrorist
number of international business-class
hotels and makes for a convenient attack in Jordan was over a
jumping off point for Oman’s diverse decade ago
eco-tourism sites, and it is only a one-
Istanbul is open for business hour flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
www.travelctm.co.uk
The treasury or Al Khazna, the most famous facade in Jordan
The logic of the Middle East as a Oman has no history of terrorism or
meeting place between east and west sectarian conflict and has enjoyed
remains as sound as ever, as the Gulf decades of political stability and
countries are set to continue to increase prosperity.
their capacity substantially in order to
capitalise on economic growth in India, While some Western travellers may
China and other emerging economies have anxiety about visiting the Middle
in Asia and Africa. Indeed, with world- East and some of its neighbouring
class conference and hotel facilities, in countries, the situation in many
addition to waterparks, golf courses, countries is still eminently viable for
fine dining, and desert experiences, international travel.
the UAE has a huge amount to offer
both the business and leisure traveller. Whether as a convenient stopover
Furthermore, in terms of travel security, between Europe and Asia or as tourist
the UAE and Qatar are arguably safer destinations in their own right, these
than most Western countries. (See our countries offer generally low-risk and
feature on page 15). rewarding travel destinations that
are welcoming to foreign travellers.
Jordan is a special case in this More than that, they offer both an
discussion. Less glitzy or glamorous international-class hotel and tourism
than Dubai or Doha with their supercar- infrastructure to support visitors from
packed mega-highways and dizzying around the world and a diversity of
skyscraper skylines, Jordan nonetheless attractions to make any trip, whether for
boasts outstanding tourist attractions business or pleasure, worthwhile.
and is home to awe-inspiring ancient
sites, coral reef diving and sweeping James Bird is Regional Security
desert valley excursions. Despite Manager, Security Solutions (Middle
hosting some 700,000 registered East, North East and Southern Africa),
Syrian refugees, Jordan has not seen for International SOS and Control Risks.
any measurable increase in crime or
terrorism. In fact, the last significant DID YOU KNOW?
terrorist attack in Jordan was over a
decade ago. Despite hosting some
On the south-eastern shores of the 700,000
Arabian Peninsula, Oman deserves
mention as well. Sometimes called the registered Syrian refugees, Jordan
‘Switzerland of the Middle East’, its low has not seen any measurable
crime rates and stunning mountain
ranges uphold the comparison well. increase in crime or terrorism. In
Muscat, in particular, is home to a fact, the last significant terrorist
number of international business-class
hotels and makes for a convenient attack in Jordan was over a
jumping off point for Oman’s diverse decade ago
eco-tourism sites, and it is only a one-
Istanbul is open for business hour flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
www.travelctm.co.uk
