Kuwait has not been considered one of the major tourism destinations in the Middle East so far. However, this is about to change with greater emphasis on the sector by the government and new initiatives by the private sector.
The country is also implementing a number of new projects that will help inbound tourism. These projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kuwait International Airport; a new 160-km-long Metro system; the planned 511-km Kuwait National Rail Road System; a number of entertainment and sports projects by Kuwait Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC); and new malls and retail developments including the country’s largest retail development – The Avenues.Several four- and five-star hotels and resorts are likely to open in Kuwait this year and plans are under way to transform Failaka Island into a premier leisure and tourist destination.Kuwait wants tourism to become a vibrant aspect of its economic growth and an integral component in the country’s drive to diversify its sources of national income, Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and State Minister for Youth Affairs, was quoted as saying recently. Despite the historically minor role of the private sector, Kuwait is pursuing a programme of economic diversification that is set to re-energise the private sector in supporting inbound tourism. Recently, some of the travel companies have started exclusive and dedicated offices for promoting inbound tourism and Caesars Holidays is one among them. 'We have designed many tailor-made packages, based on the interest of tourists coming to Kuwait,' says P N J Kumar, chief executive officer, Caesars Travel Group. 'There is a misunderstanding among many of the leisure companies that Kuwait has no tourism potential compared to the neighbouring countries. However, Caesars Holidays is trying to change this mindset and has successfully organised many sightseeing packages to the incoming visitors, which they have found really exciting,' he says.The packages include Caesars premium city tours, marina cruise, luxury yacht tours, desert and camp events with theme dinners, camel riding, horse riding and trip to Failaka Island.Caesars Holidays is also planning to open soon exclusive outlets for inbound tourism across the country to create awareness about the tourism potential in Kuwait. It will also target the expatriate population who are looking for a day out. 'We are in the process of contacting leading hotels in Kuwait for giving an opportunity for the incoming business visitors to experience the country’s heritage and traditions by offering packages that include leisure breaks,' says Kumar.