Oman to see rise in tourist arrivals this season

The head of development at Oman's tourism ministry said he expects the country to see an increase of about 11% in tourists this year, taking it to the two million mark for the first time. 'The global crisis has forced Gulf nationals to travel closer from home and Oman is hugely benefiting from it,' Khalid al-Ghassan said.

Marriott International to open new hotels in UAE

Marriott International, which operates six hotels in Dubai, is planning to further expand its presence in the Emirate. The company has signed agreements with developers to operate two hotels at Lifestyle City, one in the Marina, one on Sheikh Zayed Road, another two at Healthcare City, one at Jebel Ali and two at Motor City, across its portfolio of brands including Courtyard and Renaissance, according to Jeff Strachan, the area director of sales and marketing for Marriott, Middle East and Africa. Most of the hotels are expected to open between next year and 2012, but construction on those in Jebel Ali and Healthcare City has yet to begin as the broader developments remain on hold.

Millennium Gold Mohur Beach Resort Aden opens in Yemen

The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has signed its first hotel in Yemen. The five star Millennium Gold Mohur Beach Resort Aden hotel, with 124 rooms and suites, is located on the shore of the Gulf of Aden with private beach and recreational facilities as well as a variety of food and beverage outlets.