Saudi airlines and hotels are preparing for a steep fall in tourism revenues. The number of pilgrims travelling to Makkah is expected to fall because of swine flu fears. There will probably be 25% less travel on the kingdom’s airlines for the Umrah and Haj pilgrimage this year. In order to reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus, health officials from the UAE and other Arab countries have decided to ban the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage for vulnerable groups of people.
Saudi Arabia is issuing Haj visas only to pilgrims between the ages of 12 and 65, and its Health Ministry is advising people to delay their pilgrimages if they have any health problems. Tunisia and Iran are not allowing pilgrims to travel to Makkah for Umrah. Senior Vice President at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels said the timing is terrible and “It’s a very interesting case of tourism crisis management for destination marketing authorities.”
Undoubtedly the symbol of Rome, this magnificent ruin is indelibly linked to the past glory of the Roman Empire, and its subsequent decay and fall. It takes its name from the giant statue of the emperor Nero that once stood near this location. The amphitheatre was a project started by the emperor Vespasian in 72 CE and completed during his son Titus’ reign, seven years later. Not only is it imp...
A smaller complex located close by to the Teresa Carreño complex, containing a cinema, a pleasing art gallery with works of local artists on display, a number of small theaters, a decent bookstore, and a rather splendid cafeteria offering finger-licking local delights! The Ateno Theatre is home to some of Latin America’s best theatrical performances every April, during the International Theatre...
Tsing Ma Bridge is the seventh largest suspension bridge in the world. It carries road and rail traffic in two decks and is the largest of this type. It is an architectural wonder and a must see. ...
A must stop for tourists; this gallery showcases the works of Abdur Rehman Chughtai, the national painter of Pakistan. He dabbled in a number of arts and styles but is best known for his water color paintings. Chughtai’s paintings are beautiful and his work is easily recognized. The subjects in his paintings are delicate and it was the manner in which he drew their eyes that became his signature t...