Turkey sees falling arrivals
THE number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey fell 9.4 per cent in September from a year earlier, the fourth drop in five months, hitting foreign currency earnings needed to balance a growing trade gap.
About 2.3 million foreign visitors arrived in September, down from 2.5 million in the same month of 2005, the government’s Ankara based statistics agency said. The country has attracted fewer visitors following concern over terrorist attacks, conflict in the Middle East and an outbreak of bird flu.
Hertz allies with ATCUAE
THE Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE has formed an alliance with Hertz, the world’s largest car rental company. As the official car rental supplier to the ATCUAE, Hertz UAE will provide a fleet of vehicles for year-round use by the organisation and also support initiatives such as a campaign to counter the sale of forged international driving permits.
UP to develop F1 theme parks
PROPERTY investment developer Union Properties and Formula One Administration Limited, owners of the Formula One brand, have signed a license agreement giving Union Properties exclusive rights to develop F1 Theme Parks around the world. The agreement was signed during a meeting in London between Simon E Azzam, CEO, Union Properties and Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, F1 Administration Ltd.
Azzam said UP is beginning in Dubai, but many more will be developed around the world. The Dubai property is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2009.
Tunisia revenue up to $1.6b
TUNISIA’S tourism revenue advanced five per cent to $1.6 billion for the period of January-October 10 from the same period last year, official figures showed. Tourism is the North African country's key foreign currency earner; and the biggest employer after agriculture. Tourism revenue grew to $1.9 billion last year from $1.6 billion in the previous year as tourist arrivals reached a record of 6.4 million. The government expects revenue of about $2 billion for the whole year of 2006.