New-age hikers choose ancient Middle East tourism trails
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Twenty-first-century hikers are boosting tourism along ancient trails in the Middle East, according to the WTM Global Trends Report 2016, in association with Euromonitor International, released today at last week’s World Travel Market London.
With several destinations in the Middle East dealing with turmoil and instability, the trend for trails is also helping to spread a message of peace and tolerance.
Many of these trails are centuries old, but are seeing a resurgence in popularity, the report states, as hikers are exploring the region’s history, religions, culture and rural communities.
Key trails include the Nativity Path in Palestine; Abraham’s Path from Turkey to Egypt; the Jordan trail; and Lebanon’s mountain trail.
“While security can be a concern, local communities that are invested in the growth of tourism are ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for tourists, sending out a “message of peace, hope and reconciliation,” says the report.
“Some of the trails go across country borders, offering visitors a more varied trip, as well as fostering stronger relationships between neighbouring tourism organisations.”
Furthermore, with trails wending their way through remote, rural communities, the trend is generating income for women involved in providing home stays.
Tourism infrastructure is minimal in many places along these routes, which means that home stays are often the only lodging opportunity.
Michel Awad, Director of the Siraj Centre – which aims to promote responsible tourism in Palestine – said: “Hiking the Masar Ibrahim or the Nativity Trail in Palestine enables tourists to walk through history, as well as bringing change and opportunities to rural communities who have never encountered tourism before.”
Euromonitor International’s Head of Travel, Caroline Bremner said: “Many sites in the Middle East are facing very challenging times, so we’re glad to see some positive news from the region for a change.
“The marketing of these trails is proving to be a surprising success with wider implications beyond the tourism trade, as they help spread a message of peace and fostering cultural exchanges.”
World Travel Market, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “This is a very encouraging trend and there is plenty of potential for further developments.
“Home stays currently offer most of the accommodation, but in future we could see luxury lodges and glamping, which would further widen the appeal of these trails.”
WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals. Buyers from the WTM Buyers’ Club have a combined purchasing responsibility of $22.6 billion (£15.8bn) and sign deals at the event worth $3.6 billion (£2.5bn).
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