General Travel News
Gulf Hospitality Sector Still Recovering From Downturn
Top Industry experts said the hospitality industry in the Gulf region is still struggling to recover from the impact of the economic downturn. There have been decreases in all four key measurements in year-on-year results for September. STR Global Managing Director, James Chappell said “The region has improved, especially the UAE, considerably when compared to August, while average revenue per available room is finally showing signs of improvement.”
Occupancy rates in the region fell 13.05 percent to 51.48 percent, average daily rates declined 10.45 percent to $197.51(Dh725.4), revenue per available room decreased 22.13 percent to $101.67, and revenues were down 15.49 percent to $396.83 million. Qatar and Saudi Arabia had the worst declines among the Gulf countries. Occupancy rates in Qatar fell over 30 percent to 37.22 percent and Saudi Arabia occupancy rates fell 26.47 percent to 47.67 percent in 2009.
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Karachi Zoo/ Zoological Gardens (Gandhi Garden)
Karachi, Pakistan
Founded in 1893 and known originally as Gandhi Garden, this zoo also contains a few botanical gardens. A pretty basic amenity, but a popular hangout nevertheless.The collection of exotic birds from all over Pakistan, and also from abroad, is sure to delight. A lake serves as a natural habitat for many species of ducks, geese, and swans, and a separate section of the same lake houses alligators an...
Powerhouse Museum
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The Powerhouse Museum allows visitors to peek into Sydney's scientific and technological past. 500 Harris Street Tel: (02) 9217 0111. Website: www.phm.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission: A$10; concessions available; some special exhibitions charge an extra entrance fee. ...
Constitution Hill Museum
Johannesburg, South Africa
The newest museum to open in Jo'burg, the Constitution Hill Museum, is on the site of an infamous old prison complex known as Number Four. Closed off in 1983, it was home to some 2000 or 3000 black prisoners, most of which were arrested because they did not carry their pass books with them, and were kept in appalling conditions. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi have also spent some time in this ...
Al Ras Al Akdar Ladies Beach
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
On 1st September 1987, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak launched the Ladies Beach in Al Ras Al Akhdar. The beach is a fundamental part of the General Women’s Union. It forms a conduit that is connected to the Arabian Gulf. The beach spans 9 hectares of gorgeous garden as well as a large arboretum of shady trees and palm trees. The beach provides facilities in the form of floating and rigid...