Aussie dolphin resort pulls in the GCC crowds
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Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort in Queensland, Australia, is on track to witness 300% growth in visitors from the GCC by the end of the forthcoming peak travel season (June to August).International Sales Manager Chad Croft said this compared to a whopping 500% growth last year (on 2008 figures), witnessed despite the Swine Flu outbreak, which impeded overall Gulf arrivals to Australia in 2009.”In terms of key source markets, number one is Kuwait as it is unique to other [GCC] markets due to its group departures,” he said.Croft also pinpointed the UAE as another growth market for the resort, as well as Saudi Arabia due to the size of its population.”I see the resort being popular with families [from KSA] - Tangalooma is fast becoming an essential part of an Australian getaway [for Gulf visitors to the country] and I’ve been working closely with the trade in the Gulf over the past few years to achieve this,” he added.Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort is an island destination located close to Brisbane offering a wide range of holiday experiences from luxury accommodation and private tours to immaculate white beaches, soft adventure and educational tours.Croft said the resort had recently undergone changes to better cater to the Middle East market. “Tangalooma now has Arabic TV channels, a Halal buffet and a la carte menu and other market-specific comforts, helping make the resort a must-visit destination for families, honeymooners, students and groups [from the region], ” he said.Tangalooma recently hosted two large groups of travel agents from the Gulf who Croft said raved about the resort.One Saudi Arabian based travel agent said of the fam:”My family really enjoyed the stay at the resort and all the activities on the island and we will visit again for sure. “We have more than 300 photos and videos I will put them on my blog and on my facebook page. “My wife is still talking about the trip and recommending it to her Saudi friends.”The good thing is that most the activities are appropriate for all family members. The accommodation is clean and comfortable and providing Halal food is great.”My wife and daughter enjoyed all the activities, especially my wife because wearing the Hijab was not a problem and she could still enjoy the desert safari, bike tour, the water, and the eco tour. “Feeding the dolphins was the most exciting part for my daughter – she likes animals and this was a great experience to feed them live, plus the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.”For more information on Tangalooma contact Chad Croft: email croftc@tangalooma.com or call +61736372131
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