Ambitious New Projects Part of Tourism Master Plan
| Kuwait is placing a high priority on developing its tourism sector as part of a campaign to focus on the expansion of non-oil-sector activities, and the government recently announced that it is devising a tourism master plan to take advantage of the emirate’s appeal for visitors. |
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uwait’s varied attractions include festivals honoring pearl-diving, the emirate’s traditional industry; outstanding shopping; myriad opportunities for practicing all kinds of sports, especially water sports; up-to-date infrastructure; a number of luxurious hotels and resorts; and a welcoming population.
A number of major tourism schemes are currently being planned, including the development of Failaka Island, the location of Kuwait’s key archeological sites, some of which date back to the Bronze Age. Offering a number of unique attractions, Failaka already has infrastructure in place. The government is working on a US $3.3 billion build-operate-transfer initiative to create a resort complex on Failaka Island that will include accommodation for visitors, a residential complex, restaurants, shops and bazaars, and a media center, among other facilities.
The government has developed new incentives to spur on the growth of the tourism sector, including allowing foreign investors 100% ownership of tourism-related projects. In addition, Kuwait has streamlined visa requirements for international visitors.
One boost for Kuwait’s tourism sector is strong growth in regional tourism, particularly following 2003. According to the World Tourism Organization, the Middle East has been seeing a rise in regional travel averaging around 10% since 2003 and Kuwait’s regional visitor arrivals grew by 14% in 2003 alone, a year when most countries experienced a tourism downturn. Growing numbers of business travelers using Kuwait as a base for their activities in the Middle East have also added to the visitor numbers and stimulated investment in tourism-oriented services and facilities.
The government welcomes US investors seeking opportunities in Kuwait’s tourism sector. |
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| Palms Beach Hotel and Spa |
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he Palms Beach Hotel and Spa enjoys an ideal location overlooking a golden sand beach on the Arabian Gulf, and offers exceptional amenities and services. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens yet only minutes from Kuwait’s downtown shopping and business center, The Palms includes the well known Orchid Spa as well as a heated pool, special children’s pool, lap pool, an array of sports options, and five highly rated restaurants.
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Eng. Ghosson Al Khaled
Managing Director
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“We are always looking to be one step ahead”
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Friendly personalized service is a hallmark of the Palms, and as the General Manager Ammar Kanaan explains, “We are always looking to be one step ahead of other hotels.” The hotel contains 128 luxurious suites, all equipped with satellite television, Internet access and kitchen facilities.
A perfect venue for business meetings and conferences in a resort setting, the Palms contains a number of adaptable meeting rooms and conference facilities, all with the latest telecommunications and other services. The Jawa Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests, the Boulevard Board Room is perfect for board meetings, while the Seminar Hall can accommodate 115 guests. Up to 700 guests can enjoy a banquet in the Palms’ lovely outdoor gardens beside the pool. For exceptional amenities and service in Kuwait, the Palms is a reliable choice. |
| Crowne Plaza |
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he luxurious Crowne Plaza Kuwait, ideally located in the middle of Kuwait city, is a top choice among business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers a range of world-class services that include a remarkable 24 hour health club and exercise stadium with more than 100 exercise machines, as well as 5 squash courts, a swimming pool, kids’ programs, and much more. A 3,500 sqm SPA will be opened in March 2007 with 650 sqm indoor pool to add to these amenities. The Crowne Plaza is also known for its seven exceptional specialty restaurants that allow visitors to choose a variety of cuisines.
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“Our goal is to keep the Crowne Plaza the top choice among travelers to Kuwait.”
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Hani Kafafi, General Manager, explains that around 60% of the hotel’s guests are business travelers. 40% are airline crews and long-staying guests. The 329-room hotel provides free wireless Internet connections anywhere in the hotel, i.e. in guest rooms, public areas and meeting facilities. Our goal is to keep the Crowne Plaza the top choice among travelers to Kuwait. We have been rated the number-one Crowne Plaza in Europe, Middle East and Africa, with staff friendliness, staff attitude and willingness to help.
The hotel is well known for the best Airline Crew Lounge that is equivalent to Business Class Lounge in the best airports. Similar facility is provided for long-staying guests that stay over 30 days in the hotel. The hotel has been rated as the most secured hotel in Kuwait by a survey of our business travelers. “We take our staff and guests’ security very seriously and that is something we are very proud of,” said Hani Kafafi. |
| National Car Rental |
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ational Car Rental Kuwait, founded in 2002, has been growing rapidly since it opened its first office at Kuwait’s international airport and now operates seven locations in the country. Part of the global National/Alamo group, National Car Rental Kuwait is part of an international network that includes around 3,000 locations in more than 75 countries with a fleet of some 250,000 vehicles and an international reservations system.
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Emad Raafat
General Manager
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“We are committed to being the car-rental company of choice.”
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Emad Raafat, General Manager, explains that National Car Rental Kuwait guarantees the best possible service. He says, “We are committed to being the car-rental company of choice, so we offer excellent service and quality with extensive experience and the best technology, as well as highly trained staff.”
The company’s fleet of 29 world-class vehicles includes a wide choice of brands and models of cars, all with an average age of less than 18 months. “Our vehicles have ABS systems and dual airbags, and we can offer vehicles with Global Positioning System capability on request,”Mr. Raafat explains. National also provides around-the-clock service in case of any problems.
National serves both individual and corporate clients in Kuwait and offers a number of customized car-rental programs. US visitors and companies in Kuwait can count on National. |
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