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
National Gallery of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
With over 2500 paintings, a free tour of the gallery on the weekends and free audio guides, this is the perfectly family friendly especially with teenage kids and when traveling on a budget. Admission throughout the week is free. Location : Merrion Square West, Dublin Contact : 01-661-5133 Website : www.nationalgallery.ie ...
Treasury Casino to Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, Australia
Overlooking the river is this Italian Renaissance-style building which houses Conrad’s 24hr casino. The lavish portico includes commanding balconies and columns which are well worth a look if the casino hasn’t already commanded your attention. Conrad also occupies the equally lavish, former Land Administration Building which has been converted into a five star hotel (see Hotels). There is also the...
Humayun's Tomb
New Delhi, India
Named as a UNESCO world heritage site, Humayun's tomb has great historical significance because it was the first garden-tomb to be built in India. Humayun's tomb was built in 1570, and after its construction inspired the construction of another very famous structure the Taj Mahal. Moreover, as the burial site of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, the structure is a great example of Mugh...
Adler Planetarium
Chicago, United States
The Adler Planetarium was built in 1930 by philanthropist Max Adler and is part of Chicago's Museum Campus. It was the first modern planetarium in the western hemisphere. Though it has since become a little dated, there is still a lot to see here. The StarRider Theater takes visitors on a ride through our universe. The Atwood Sphere dates from 1913 and displays the night sky...