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Winter holiday? Try these hot spots

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Winter holiday? Try these hot spots

The Maldives enjoyed a 5.7% growth in tourist arrivals to the country during the month of July 2016.

Dubai - UAE travellers spoilt for choice this winter

Published: Wed 7 Dec 2016, 11:00 PM

Updated: Sun 18 Dec 2016, 10:57 AM

Would you like to spend a week on a beach next to the lovely blue waters of the ocean? Or, perhaps, a week gazing at the snow capped mountains just outside a city? Or, perhaps, you favour driving out and spending a few days exploring an ancient city?
Whatever your preference, there is no doubt that travellers in the UAE and the GCC, looking to organise a vacation with their families and friends, in the upcoming December holidays are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a place for a vacation. The convenience of comfortable direct flights, affordable vacation packages, and no shortage of activities for any type of traveller, has made the Maldives, Switzerland, and Oman three of the most popular destinations for GCC vacationers. All three destinations have reported a steady increase in visitors from the Middle East and the GCC over the past few years.
Rest and rejuvenate at the Maldives
A nation of more than 1,000 islands, the Maldives is a tropical destination that has long been known as a retreat for the rich and famous due to its numerous luxurious resorts. While this does not look set to change anytime soon, the nation has introduced a series of roadshows in recent years to target an increasing number of mid-market travellers. Tourism experts from the islands have also focused their attention on attracting a greater number and range of travellers from the GCC region.
According to recent statistics, the Maldives enjoyed a 5.7 per cent growth in tourist arrivals to the country during the month of July 2016, reaching a total of 730,353 at the end of the first seven months of the year. The Middle East region was also the best performer during the month of July 2016, in terms of growth rate, with a robust 51.4 per cent increase, compared with that of 2015. The region recorded a heavy growth at the end of the period from January to July 2016 compared with the same period of 2015.
While the GCC market only comprises of a three per cent market share in total tourist arrivals to the Maldives, 2016 has shown a slight increase in the number of visitors arriving in Maldives from the Gulf Corporation Council countries. Significantly, Saudi Arabia has secured a spot in the top 15 source markets for the Maldives in 2016, with a 1.5 per cent market share, a 27.8 per cent increase compared to 2015.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Shanoon Khalid, sales and marketing manager of the Baros Maldives resort, said: "Being less than a five hours flight away from major GCC airports and then only 25 minutes by speed boat from the airport, we have seen a steady growth of visitors from the GCC, especially the UAE to Baros Maldives. It is definitely a market that is growing for us, and we are focusing on catering more to the GCC traveller. Privacy, diving, and fine dining are all key areas of interest for the GCC traveller and these are amongst our biggest strengths at Baros Maldives and we are confident in their appeal to travellers from the region."
Baros Maldives offers guests the ideal location from where to enjoy some hassle-free time off, unclutter the mind, and create a balance before the busy months ahead take over. Guests looking to rejuvenate their body and mind can indulge in a number of personalised spa treatments, enjoy early morning yoga sessions at sunrise, and even opt for a private yoga session on a villa deck in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Guests looking to get a taste of the Maldives beyond the resort's shores can indulge in private sunset cruises, dolphin spotting excursions, and even a traditional 'Nooma' cruise. The Nooma cruise offers an unusual combination of luxury and adventure, complete with a crew dressed in traditional sarongs aboard the traditionally handcrafted Maldivian sailing dhoni. Rates at Baros Maldives start from $940 excluding 20 per cent tax.
Geneva, always a popular destination
If the beach isn't your type of holiday destination, then you could always head to a place with a magnificent view of the Swiss Alps. Ideally located and well connected, Geneva is known as the best gateway to the Alps, and offers families, millennials, honeymooners, and individuals traveling from the GCC the best experience that Europe offers in winter. Several direct flights every week from the GCC help travelers reach the city with the breathtaking views at convenient days and times.
Like the Maldives, Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, is a much loved destination for GCC travellers, and its popularity has only grown over the years. Travel figures show that the country recorded a total of 266,066 arrivals from the GCC in 2014 - an impressive 23 per cent increase over 2013. Overall, 253,919 of GCC tourists with 735,318 overnights have visited Switzerland during Jan-Nov 2014 period. Switzerland Tourism states that Saudi Arabia holds the unbeaten first position, followed by the UAE, in terms of the number of GCC tourists visiting Switzerland between January and November 2014.
Philippe Vignon, general manager at Geneva Tourism, revealed that GCC tourists visiting Geneva in 2015 saw a 12.7 per cent increase, compared to 2014, with 247,745 overnights recorded. In 2015, the highest percentage of these tourists were from Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE with 64,764 overnights in Geneva last year. "GCC tourism in Geneva has witnessed a steady increase over the past few years and the number of GCC tourists visiting Geneva have been on the rise. We want to keep nurturing our relationship with the GCC and continue to pioneer destination promotion in the region."
Heady heights and magnificent views of the Alps, a variety of winter sports, revitalising spa treatments, a number of the world's leading restaurants and chocolatiers, and Europe's best shopping and watchmaking heritage combine to make Geneva the leading destination for GCC travelers this winter. Tourists can be seen spending winter days skiing on some of the world's most legendary snow slopes at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain of the continent or at Glacier 3000, the most famous glacier ski areas in Switzerland.
On a more local note, within a few minutes from Geneva city center by cable car, visitors can scale the heady heights of Mont Salève, a haven of tranquility and spectacular scenery. They are treated to a magnificent view of Geneva and its surroundings at the mountain. When hiking is possible anytime, skiing might also be an option depending on snow conditions.
Visitors are also welcome to celebrate one of Geneva's oldest traditions, the Fête de l'Escalade, from December 9-11, 2016. These three days of events and commemorations, make everyone relive a key chapter in Geneva's history as in 1602, when troops of the Duke of Savoy met with resistance from Geneva's citizens. More than 400 years later, the city continues to mark the event with weekend-long celebrations.
Celebrate the region's history in Oman
If you don't fancy flying very far out with your family or friends, then Oman is the destination for you. Whether its relaxing at a resort, having fun at the beach, or exploring ancient cities, there is something for every traveller in Oman - a fact that many travellers in the GCC are aware of. According to Oman Tourism, there was an almost 40 per cent increase in the number of visitors to Salalah alone in the first half of 2016.
According to the Tourism Report 2015 published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, of the 2.6 million visitors that arrived in Oman in 2015, GCC nationals topped the numbers at 1.06 million, while Indians came second at 299,661, followed by the British at 150,902, and Germans at 106,269. Most of the visitors spent their time in Muscat, which boasts several popular attractions such as the National Museum, the Royal Opera House, and the Grand Mosque.
However, an hour and a half's drive away is the ancient city of Nizwa, which is known as the 'Pearl of Islam', and which served as the capital of Oman during sixth and seventh century. One of the oldest cities in Oman, Nizwa has a number of exciting locations to explore such as Nizwa Fort. This glorious fort was built over 12 years ago and is known for its 40m tall round tower. Visitors are encouraged to freely explore the fort and enjoy unparalleled views of the town, date plantations, and the Hajar Mountains that dominate Nizwa. Visitors can also spend time at Nizwa Souq - a traditional Omani Souq filled with antiques, souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional curved daggers.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com 

Several direct flights every week from the GCC help travellers reach Geneva and its breathtaking views at convenient days and times.

Several direct flights every week from the GCC help travellers reach Geneva and its breathtaking views at convenient days and times.

Of the 2.6 million visitors that arrived in Oman in 2015, GCC nationals topped the numbers at 1.06 million.

Of the 2.6 million visitors that arrived in Oman in 2015, GCC nationals topped the numbers at 1.06 million.



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