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
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
Lisbon, Portugal
If you must see only one museum in Lisbon make it this one. Housed in a 16th century convent, this place pays homage to one of Portugal’s most famous exports the azulejo (tile). The exhibits cover everything, from the azulejo’s beginnings in the Ottoman empire to the present. Star attractions include a 36m panel depicting a pre-earthquake Lisbon and a gold-bedecked baroque chapel. The cafe also ge...
Longhua Martyrs Cemetery
Shanghai, China
This cemetery is worth a visit as it served as the venue of the execution of many communists in the 1920s prior to the Chinese Revolution and Communist era. These individuals were persecuted, tortured and ultimately killed on these premises. The tunnel via which the execution area is arrived at is eerie and the place still retains a chilly ambience. Timings: Daily 6 A.M- 5 P.M ...
Can Gio
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Just 25 km southeast of the city, Can Gio is a mangrove forest with natural, untouched beauty. The 75,000 hectares have a wealth of animal and plant species and a wildlife museum and monkey sanctuary. For nature enthusiasts, Can Gio is a worthwhile trip, though it’s more of a retreat for locals than a popular tourist destination. &n...
Botanical Garden
Montreal, Canada
The Montreal Botanical Garden "Jardin Botanique" was founded in 1931 thanks to the effort of Brother Marie-Victorin. It was built up throughout the 1930s, and has continued to expand ever since. During the 1976 Olympics, it hosted the running portion of the pentathlon and the 20km walk. The botanical gardens cover 185 acres and are home to more than 22,000 plant species...