Destination News - Africa / Middle East.

May 31, 2009

Dubai

The cruise operator views the Gulf as a major growth area for its business, and statistics for cruise traffic in Dubai bear that out. According to Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the emirate witnessed a 65 percent year-on-year increase in cruise traffic in 2008, and is forecasting 316,000 passengers this year, a growth of 58 percent on last year. At present Dubai's cruise industry is primarily served by European-based operator Costa Crociere, which began offering winter cruises in the Gulf three years ago. May 27, 2009

South African Airways Vacations

South African Airways Vacations is offering a new luxury, nine-day OSummer in StyleO package brings unprecedented summer savings, with five-star stays at the world-famous Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, and the world- renowned Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve at Kruger National Park for USD 2,299, including international and domestic African flights on South African Airways. The package is available for sale now for travel Aug. 15 to 31. OThe northern summer months are considered high season for flights to South Africa, but weOve been able to negotiate this historically low package price so that travelers can experience the classic allure of the world-famous Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, as well as the city of Cape Town from the comfort and luxury of The Twelve Apostles Hotel in their cooler months,O said Lucille Sive, president of SAA Vacations. www.flysaa.com. May 28, 2009

Tel Aviv

Tel AvivOs Annual White Night Festival turned the city back in time last night with music, exhibitions and costumes from the era of the modern city's foundation on the Mediterranean in 1909. Rothschild Boulevard was dressed in 1920s dcor and featured actors in traditional costume, stagecoaches, vintage cars and busses, an old-time fashion show, classic circus and dance performances and an antique photo booth. OThe White Night Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration that is highly anticipated by travelers and Israelis every summer,O said Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. OThe festival served as a perfect complement to Tel AvivOs summer-long centennial events.O The festival also included the Tel Aviv Opera presenting old Tel Aviv songs, Habima and Gesher Theatre troupes performing in the newly restored Manshia Train Station, a late-night concert at Tzuk Beach, a sunrise party at Alma Beach and live jazz at the old-time Caf in Bialik. Also, restaurants, shops and galleries throughout the city remained open late and offered special menus and activities. For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com. May 29, 2009

ZZ AirGuide 090601

Editorial eMail: edit@AirGuideOnline.com For Air Transport & Travel Business Experts contact our Director of Content Aram Gesar eMail: bizintel@AirGuideOnline.com For Advertising and Marketing: advert@AirGuideOnline.com For Custom Content: content@AirGuideOnline.com ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright [c] 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.