The establishment of a tourism board and new hotel developments are certain to boost tourism in Kuwait, says the Kuwait Tourism Services Company (KTSC).
The company, the first inbound tour operator in Kuwait, aims to promote the country's potential as a tourist destination in the Gulf at this month's Arabian Travel Market. KTSC executive director Mohamed A Najia said that although tourism in Kuwait was still in early stages, the company was hopeful that the establishment of the tourism board will fuel its growth. The board was set up under the information ministry and is headed by Nabila Al Anjari who was appointed as the assistant under-secretary for tourism. Najia said Kuwait had seen an increase in the number of tourists arriving in the country following the introduction of electronic visas for visitors from certain countries. The country was also now developing and increasing leisure facilities and the launch of the annual Hala February Festival, organised by the KTSC, had also fuelled growth in tourism numbers. New hotels in the pipeline in the country will further promote tourism growth, said Najia. The new Hilton Kuwait Resort which opens this month will add 150 rooms and 150 chalets to the country's hotel sector while other new openings include the Courtyard Marriott with 320 rooms and the Four Points Sheraton with 150 rooms and a Kempinski resort which is slated for spring next year. "Our main target market is the Gulf being the neighbouring countries as well as other Middle East countries," said Najia. He said KTSC took part every year in three major travel exhibitions - ATM in Dubai, ITB in Berlin and WTM in London - as part of its efforts to boost tourism in Kuwait. "We attend other travel and tourism exhibitions throughout the year and organise roadshows in the Gulf and Middle East with hotels in Kuwait," said Najia. "Our company is continuously promoting weekend packages for GCC nationals and locals in Kuwait as well as stopover packages for international visitors." At the ATM this month, KTSC will be taking part under the umbrella of Kuwait's official pavilion. Najia said the company's participation in ATM since its establishment had helped increase sale of room nights to both leisure and business visitors. KTSC which was established in 1997 provides exclusive tours, tour packages and ground services with an experienced and professional team assisted by dedicated multi-lingual tour guides, field representatives, supportive staff and marketing staff. The company was set up by Kuwait Airways, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association and the Touristic Enterprises Company. It is linked to the Kuwait Airways network located in more than 46 countries worldwide.