General Travel News
Umrah pilgrim figures may hit 4mn this year
The National Committee for Haj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia, predicted that around four million Umrah pilgrims are expected in Mecca this year. This is a 15 per cent increase from last year when the figure stood at 3.1 million.
The hotel industry in the region is particularly excited about this expected surge. “We have high hopes for 2010 and are well placed to welcome guests to the holy city of Mecca," said Omar Boujlid, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Mecca. "Following the global market stagnation observed in 2009, this year we have so far witnessed strong demand and have welcomed many new guests looking to experience a calming, spiritual stay in the Holy City." Boujlid said his hotel expects a boost in occupancy and has added 129 rooms to the hotel to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
The Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Mecca, part of the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex, was inaugurated in November 2009.
More General Travel News
Latest Travel News
Featured Sights To See
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset)
Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset) was inaugurated in 1950. Its quality as a building has been hotly debated, but all have come together to watch the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony, which takes place within its walls. Inside, one will find stunning murals and frescoes. The building has two red-brick towers, one of which hosts a carillon that plays every hour. Guided tours of the building take pl...
What to do with kids in tow?
Houston, United States
The Children’s Museum of Houston The Children’s Museum of Houston offers 20 interactive exhibits including robots, anchoring the news, being elected mayor of Kidtropolis, exploring nanotechnology, mathematics in Cyberchase, water in FlowWorks and a three story tower in PowerTower, along with many more. Website: www.cmhouston.org Telephone: +1 713 522 1138 Address: 1500 Binz, Houst...
National Museum
Damascus, Syria
This is an extremely remarkable museum and a must stop for any visitor to Damascus. It is a good course in the colorful history and culture of the city. The exhibits are fascinating and labeled in English and Arabic. The museum is divided into categories corresponding to the three eras in Syrian history; Pre-Classical, Classical and Islamic. The Pre-Classical section comprises of a number of ...
Gyeongbok-gung Palace
Seoul, South Korea
Located in Yulgukno, it is Seoul's most spectacular palace and was the pinnacle of power for centuries before it was devastated in 1592 by a Japanese invasion. It has been restored for the most part. Its grounds also hold the Joseon Palace Museum, and the Korean Folk Museum. Admission: 3000 won Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm except Tuesdays (The palace is used for shooting TV dramas)...