Hong Kong has it all
A popular holiday spot for the Middle East travellers, Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination with its abundance of temples, monasteries and festivals become one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities in the world. Known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’, Hong Kong enjoys worldwide popularity for being a shopper’s paradise along with its popular floating restaurants, its monumental history, ghostly celebrations and its night life.
The country is rich in its culture. A combination of East and West, young and old, modern and historic, Hong Kong and its people have created a metropolis that is the envy of many around the world. Hong Kong’s traditional lifestyle, which can be seen everywhere in the city, enables one to see “old” China in a comfortably-modern and secure environment.
Hong Kong is widely regarded as a shopping paradise that attracts numerous visitors each year. Visitors can choose from an array of fashion choices from low- priced items in street stalls to world-famous brand names in shopping malls. The ongoing shopping festival which lasts till August 31, 2005, showcases the best that Hong Kong has to offer.
Brunei has much to offer
The oil rich Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is an aptly named little known gem of a destination, nestled on the northern shores of the huge island of Borneo, which it once ruled in its entirety in centuries past, along with parts of the southern Philippines.
Brunei is the destination for a complete Borneo experience, which it is directly linked for a taste of two very different sides of Asia, with Singapore for a contrasting mix of urban and real jungle, or even with Dubai for a desert and jungle experience.
As a standalone destination, Brunei can appeal mostly to those with special interests related to tropical rainforests or to Malay culture and history, as well as to those looking for peaceful, safe and family friendly vacations. Brunei is also ideal for incentive trips, conferences, conventions, meetings and seminars as it has many state-of-the-art facilities.
Adventure enthusiasts, bird watchers, researchers or those with special interests in tropical nature or Malay culture, anglers, divers or golfers will all find plenty to satisfy their passion in Brunei, easily, comfortably and at good value for money.
Finland to grow ME source market
FINNISH Tourist Board executives hope to open the doors to to Scandinavia, according to officials. Finnair’s Matti Perä-Rouhu said growing numbers of Gulf-based tourists and developments over the past few years have placed the UAE and the Middle East region in the cross hairs of their global promotion plans.
“We aim to open the doors of opportunity for both regions, the Middle East and Scandinavia,” he said. The FTB is represented in the UAE by Dubai-based Sharaf Travel, with whom it is launching several tourist packages. “We have launched a more structured plan that aims to garner awareness in the region about Finland, and develop business partnerships thus reflecting our long-term commitment to the region.”