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Save 71% on a 8.75x11 Hardcover Photobook
‏إظهار الرسائل ذات التسميات الادب. إظهار كافة الرسائل
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Unique survey reveals travel habits of GCC nationals

الجمعة، ٤ مايو ٢٠١٢

Results of new study unveiled at Arabian Travel Market a must-have for destinations targeting Gulf travelers - Qataris are highest spenders abroad with daily average of U.S $4,100 followed by KSA $3,360 and UAE $3,280 The findings of a recent study on the outbound travel habits of GCC nationals were revealed today (Wednesday 2 May) during a session held as part of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012 seminar series. Authored by Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College, the study, entitled ‘The Outbound GCC Travel Market - Unique Trends and Characteristics of GCC Nationals’, interviewed 2,500 GCC nationals about their travel habits over a 12-month period from January to December 2011. “The results of the survey are an invaluable tool for destinations and exhibitors looking to capture increased market share from this affluent and well-travelled market segment,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market. Malhotra surveyed a broad demographic of GCC nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He focused on 20 criteria from travel spend and favored class of travel to destination-specific preferences and decision-maker identification, to present a detailed picture of GCC residents’ habits. According to the study, Qataris spend the most on travel with an average expenditure of US$4,100 per day, followed by travelers from Saudi Arabia at US$3,360 and the UAE at US$3,280. The breakdown of spend across all GCC nationalities includes 54% allocated to airfares (across all classes of travel), 18% on accommodation, 9% on dining and 5% on car rental. Compared to the rest of the world, GCC nationals spend 260% more on airfares and 430% on accommodation, but 13% less on car rental. “The class of travel is also important, with 40% of Qataris interviewed opting for first class, and between 40 and 60% of all GCC nationals booking business class,” remarks Malhotra. The study findings touched on the recurring theme of extended vacations as a major differentiator between this region and the rest of the world, led by Qatari and Saudi Arabian travelers, with stays ranging from 14 up to 56 days. Decision makers also differ across the region and the six Gulf countries are split into two clear camps, with the wife usually choosing the destination in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, while the male head of household has the final say in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. According to the report summary, 53 per cent of survey respondents will travel to between two and five countries for leisure or pleasure within the next 12 months, with Saudi nationals the most frequent travelers, followed by the UAE. “Cultural experiences and family-focus are the two most important factors when planning travel, with 40 per cent of survey respondents looking at taking an extended three to four-week trip in the next 12 months,” said Malhotra. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, ATM 2012 is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre and runs through to Thursday 3 May. --- Ends --- A copy of the ‘unique travel trends of the GCC nationals’ presentation is available upon request. Photo caption: Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College. For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions. www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors. Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 I Direct : +971 4 3652712 I Mobile : +971 50 4576525 Fax:+971 4 4278703 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com I Web site: www.smc-pr.com

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Katara Hospitality unveils new project in Lusail Marina District

الثلاثاء، ١ مايو ٢٠١٢

Qatar-based hospitality giant announces plans for iconic luxury hotel to be constructed in the new urban district of Lusail. – Katara Hospitality, the international Qatar-based deluxe hospitality company, has unveiled their plans to construct what will undoubtedly become an iconic hospitality symbol of the 21st century – the Lusail Marina Iconic Development. Announcing their plans for the Qatar based property at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality said: “This stunning structure matches our aspiration for Katara Hospitality to become one of the world’s most recognised hospitality brand identities. “With an architectural design inspired by the insignia of Qatar, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development’s spectacular architecture is set to become a leading hospitality landmark.” The iconic property, designed for five-star luxurious status, is set to hold approximately 800 units comprising hotel rooms, residence apartments, offices, recreational facilities, specialist boutiques and top-class restaurants. The breathtaking ‘crossed sword’ shape of the towers, which gracefully intertwine, replicates the Qatar seal and, integrated with landscaped gardens, rises from a podium giving the impression that the entire architectural complex is floating on the sea. Al Mulla added: “The modern aesthetic of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development complements the more traditional properties we have in our eclectic portfolio of hotels, which are great examples of classic architecture.” Aiming to be operational by 2016, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development will be constructed in the Marina district of Lusail – the latest planned urban centre in the Gulf State. Lusail is set to be located on the Gulf coast 15km north of Doha city centre and will eventually provide accommodation for up to 250,000 people. “Naturally, the Lusail Marina Towers will be ideally located for travelling football fans, officials and professionals as the Qatar Football World Cup arrives in a decade’s time. “And long after the dust of the world cup has settled, the property will be a perfect getaway for Middle East leisure travelers looking for luxury accommodation as Qatar’s landscape offers more for tourists every year,” remarked Al Mulla. - Ends - Photo Caption: Artist impression and photo of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development model unveiled at ATM. Notes to the Editor: A replica model of the Lusail Marina Towers is displayed on the Katara Hospitality stand at Arabian Travel Market, in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, stand no. HC4230 About Katara Hospitality: Katara Hospitality currently owns five internationally branded hotels in Qatar: Sharq Village & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Doha Marriott Hotel and Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Two Merweb branded hotels – the Merwebhotel Central Doha and Merwebhotel Al Sadd Doha – and a third, the Merwebhotel City Centre Doha, which is scheduled to open in 2013, complete the domestic portfolio. In addition, it also owns and manages the Sealine Beach Resort, one of Qatar’s favourite vacation spots. Katara Hospitality’s international portfolio currently includes the Raffles Hotel Singapore, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Schweizerhof Hotel Bern and Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort in Egypt. International properties under development include Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (opening 2014), Royal Savoy Lausanne (opening 2013), Gallia Hotel Milan (opening 2013), The Peninsula Hotel Paris (opening 2013), another five star luxury boutique hotel in Paris (opening 2013), Comoros Beach Resort (opening 2014), Tazi Palace Hotel Tangier (opening 2014). Katara Hospitality was formerly operated under the Qatar National Hotels Company (QNH) brand. Its new corporate identity was launched at Arabian Travel Market 2012. For media information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director - Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 365 2711 Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 Email: nathalie@smc-pr.com Website: www.smc-pr.com OR Mihaela Tayar Communications Manager - Katara Hospitality Tel: +974 4423 7801 Mobile: +974 3366 3394 Fax: +974 4442 0477 Email: mihaela.tayar@katarahospitality.com Website: katarahospitality.com

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UNWTO chief forecasts bright future for regional tourism

With less than 8% of the world’s intake of tourists region has outstanding growth potential - co-operation, training and product diversification in focus at inaugural UNWTO & ATM regional tourism summit Despite events of the Arab Spring, and potential uncertainty in the wake of austerity measures in key source European markets, there is a bright future ahead for tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a consensus of delegates at the first United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Arabian Travel Market industry forum. The summit, which took place at Arabian Travel Market on Monday, is now set to become an annual fixture that brings together both government and private sector officials to seek common goals and mutual benefits from the promotion of travel in to the region. Speaking at the forum, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, called the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region a “tourism success story in the first decade of the 21st century”, with the majority of markets already showing a strong rebound following the challenges of the last 12 months. Rifai also shared some insight into the regional situation and gave a positive prognosis for the future. “We are very impressed by the rate of recovery of some of the most affected countries in the region. Countries that were directly affected, like Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Yemen, saw a downturn of 80 to 85% as political events unfolded, but minimised their losses considerably in 2011, closing the year down by 25 to 30%.” “The potential for growth is still excellent as we are starting from a low nominal base in the region. Even with 79 to 80 million tourist arrivals, the region has less than 8% of the world’s intake of tourists, which currently stands at almost one billion. The MENA region deserves much more,” he added. While UNWTO statistics recorded the loss of an estimated seven million tourists across the region last year, the organisation is projecting a seven per cent annual growth rate over the next 20 years with visitor totals hitting 195 million by 2030, up from 79 million in 2010. Setting an optimistic tone, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, HE Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour said first quarter visitor figures indicated the country was on the right track to return to the level of 2010 numbers by the end of the year, following a downturn of 33% in 2011. Tarak Labib, Regional Director of Sales Egypt, Hilton Worldwide, said, “The local market was a saviour for our resorts, and we were already seeing business come back by the end of March/early April,” he said. Leanne Harwood, Vice President of Commercial for India, Middle East and Africa, InterContinental Hotel Group, took a more cautious stance, and noted that until “Egypt stops being on the front page, it’s difficult to see some stability but we’ve seen losses drop to 30% from 80%, so [the market is] definitely rebounding.” Jordan Tourist Board director, Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat proposed joint marketing and packages. “In order to capitalise on long haul markets, we believe we have to combine packages with neighbours to offer Dubai and Jordan, Egypt and Jordan, Oman and Jordan,” he said. His view was echoed by the minister of tourism for Oman, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi who said, “Oman has its own elements, but we can work with others to package together, as well as increasing visa co-operation.” Looking ahead, Rifai identified certain destinations as ‘ones to watch’. “There are a number of attractive untouched destinations that need a lot of investment, such as Libya and Algeria. These are sleeping giants” he said. According to Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Portfolio Director, Mark Walsh, the summit was set to become an essential forum for regional issues facing the travel and tourism sector. “While every destination has its priorities and strategies, there is a common goal to promote the region and we are delighted at the level of participation in this inaugural event which demonstrates a will to work together at all levels,” he concluded. Photo 1: (from left to right) Richard Mortimer, Managing Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, Taleb Rifai Secretary-General, UNWTO and HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President and Chairman of the Board, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities Photo 2: UNWTO Summit at Arabian Travel Market 2012. --- Ends --- For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions. www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors. Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications PO Box 502701 Office 106, Al Sufouh Tower Dubai Media City Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 I Direct : +971 4 3652712 I Mobile : +971 50 4576525 Fax:+971 4 4278703 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com I Web site: www.smc-pr.com

اخر الاخبار

Resilient Japan honored one year on from 2011 devastation

Arabian Travel Market New Frontiers Award recognizes country’s efforts to rebuild national economy and revive tourism demand Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, announced yesterday afternoon that Japan had been honoured with the New Frontiers Award 2012. Last year’s recipient Chile attended the Arabian Travel Market 2012 to present the award to Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Consul-General, Japanese Embassy in Dubai alongside Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. The award, in recognition of Japan’s sustained efforts in rebuilding its physical infrastructure and reviving its tourism product in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the country’s northeastern coast. “The Japanese government and its people have displayed extraordinary resilience in the face of such extreme adversity, and have made significant strides in getting the country’s economy back on track. The sheer determination and concerted efforts of Japan’s people in pushing ahead with such a monumental task is truly inspiring,” remarked Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, addressing the press conference. On March 10, 2011, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the northeastern coast of the country with cataclysmic force, sending waves of up to 40.5 metres 10 kilometres inland across 18 prefectures, causing massive loss of life, the destruction of over 125,000 homes and businesses and three nuclear reactor meltdowns. In addition to significant international aid, Japan’s government has allocated US$167 billion over five years as part of a phased recovery plan. While tourism numbers dipped by at least 50% in 2011, the government has also embarked on an ambitious plan to triple the number of international tourists by 2016 with a strong focus on increasing inbound visitor business from China. In Q1 2012 inbound visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan reached record highs and attractive tour packages targeting European visitors are also slowly yielding results. Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Japanese Consul-General in Dubai, who accepted the award, said: “On behalf of the Japanese people, we are honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Middle East’s tourism industry. Our plans for phased recovery are moving forward, and the efforts of our tourism board and related government bodies are instrumental in reconfirming to the world that Japan is certainly a destination with untold natural beauty and cultural wealth. There is still some ground to be recovered, but we are already seeing a return to normality in many areas of the economy – of which tourism is a major driver - and we appreciate the support and recognition of the tourism industry in this region.” Launched in 2005 by Arabian Travel Market, The New Frontiers Award was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity. As well as the prestigious crystal trophy, the New Frontiers Award comprises ATM exhibition space valued at US$10,000 along with additional marketing support in promoting the outstanding tourism opportunities offered by Japan. Japan was selected as winner of the New Frontiers Award by a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals from across the globe. From an original selection of 10 countries, which was then refined to a shortlist also comprising Australia and Brazil, Japan was chosen after the judges considered a number of decisive factors. These included support from local and national governments, utilisation of international aid packages, tangible signs of recovery and overall effort on behalf of government and citizens. Last year, Chile received the New Frontiers Award in recognition of its efforts to rebuild its shattered post-2010 earthquake tourism industry, which saw 80% of the population, as well as the entire economy, affected. Photo-caption (L-R): Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Japanese Consul-General in Dubai receiving his award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions and Mr Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Chile in United Arab Emirates. --- Ends --- About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors.   Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 Mobile : +971 50 4576525 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com Web site: www.smc-pr.com

اخر الاخبار

NEWS FLASH!! – DAY ONE AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2012 UAE TO JOIN UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai revealed today that the UAE has applied to join the UNWTO. “The UAE is currently the only country within the region that is not a member of UNWTO. The government has been talking to us about becoming a full member following the establishment of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities,” he said. “We have almost concluded an agreement, and I have received news that the cabinet has held discussions, and it is - in principal - approved. We are awaiting official notification and would be delighted to welcome the UAE as a member,” he added. Commenting on this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Rifai remarked: “ATM has grown to be a very important and significant gathering that continues to gain strength. This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification policies have paid dividends. “As well as being an important destination for inbound tourism, it is also a tremendously valuable source market for outbound travellers from the region, who are sought after by many international destinations.” “As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world. Events at the end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are doing very well under these circumstances,” he added. Contact: Stand No. 608, Hall 4 Marcelo Risi, Principal Media Office, mrisi@unwto.org NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! PINK LIMO’ LAUNCHED FOR DUBAI HENS Dubai Exotic Limo Services recently launched the ‘Dubai Pink Limousine’ for female customers to enjoy in special occasions such as bridal showers and birthdays. Their wide range of luxurious services also include the Hawaii inspired “Scoot Coupe”, Yacht Charters and fully equipped entertainment system Limousines. The limousines are part of a wider service offered by Travel Café, a new concept which fuses the traditional travel agency services, but in a modern, personalised and customer friendly manner. All of the waiting staff are in actual fact professionally trained travel agents dressed as flight attendants which complements the theme. Photo attached: Contact: Stand No. 338, Sheikh Saeed Arena Izzat Rustom, Founder and Managing Director – 050 877 4877 rustom@dubaiexoticlimo.com NEWS FLASH!!!! MAJOR PHASED REFURBISHMENT FOR DUSIT THANI DUBAI The flagship Middle East property for Thailand’s Dusit International hotel group – Dusit Thani Dubai – will undergo a complete refurbishment in Q2 2012, after 11 successful years of operation. This spring, Dusit Thani Dubai will begin the refurbishment of its guest rooms as part of a major project due for completion by the end of September. “This is an exciting time for us as a hotel. The property has just celebrated its 11th anniversary and we’ve seen a lot of change in the city landscape around us. While we have done soft refurbishments throughout the hotel over the years, an extensive refurbishment will firmly place us in a more competitive position,” said James Wilson, General Manager. The refurbishment will see the hotel rooms take on a modern, light and crisp appearance, creating a welcoming and relaxed ambience, but still reflecting the hotel’s Thai cultural heritage. “Being a Thai hotel brand, it is important that while we embrace our location and incorporate international design, we remain true to our company DNA. With the Dusit brand expanding internationally we have chosen a design which will put our rooms more in line with international standards while ensuring that there are still strong elements of Thai design throughout the rooms,” added Wilson. Phase two of the project, focusing on the refurbishment of the hotel’s 147 one and two-bedroom residences will start in summer 2013. Photo attached: Contact stand No. HC4170 sheikh Saeed Hall 3 Caroline Tapken – caroline@cttconsultingme.com Mobile: 050 103 0343 Nathalie Viselé Director

UAE TO JOIN UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai revealed today that the UAE has applied to join the UNWTO. “The UAE is currently the only country within the region that is not a member of UNWTO. The government has been talking to us about becoming a full member following the establishment of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities,” he said. “We have almost concluded an agreement, and I have received news that the cabinet has held discussions, and it is - in principal - approved. We are awaiting official notification and would be delighted to welcome the UAE as a member,” he added. Commenting on this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Rifai remarked: “ATM has grown to be a very important and significant gathering that continues to gain strength. This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification policies have paid dividends. “As well as being an important destination for inbound tourism, it is also a tremendously valuable source market for outbound travellers from the region, who are sought after by many international destinations.” “As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world. Events at the end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are doing very well under these circumstances,” he added. Contact: Stand No. 608, Hall 4 Marcelo Risi, Principal Media Office, mrisi@unwto.org NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! PINK LIMO’ LAUNCHED FOR DUBAI HENS Dubai Exotic Limo Services recently launched the ‘Dubai Pink Limousine’ for female customers to enjoy in special occasions such as bridal showers and birthdays. Their wide range of luxurious services also include the Hawaii inspired “Scoot Coupe”, Yacht Charters and fully equipped entertainment system Limousines. The limousines are part of a wider service offered by Travel Café, a new concept which fuses the traditional travel agency services, but in a modern, personalised and customer friendly manner. All of the waiting staff are in actual fact professionally trained travel agents dressed as flight attendants which complements the theme. Photo attached: Contact: Stand No. 338, Sheikh Saeed Arena Izzat Rustom, Founder and Managing Director – 050 877 4877 rustom@dubaiexoticlimo.com NEWS FLASH!!!! MAJOR PHASED REFURBISHMENT FOR DUSIT THANI DUBAI The flagship Middle East property for Thailand’s Dusit International hotel group – Dusit Thani Dubai – will undergo a complete refurbishment in Q2 2012, after 11 successful years of operation. This spring, Dusit Thani Dubai will begin the refurbishment of its guest rooms as part of a major project due for completion by the end of September. “This is an exciting time for us as a hotel. The property has just celebrated its 11th anniversary and we’ve seen a lot of change in the city landscape around us. While we have done soft refurbishments throughout the hotel over the years, an extensive refurbishment will firmly place us in a more competitive position,” said James Wilson, General Manager. The refurbishment will see the hotel rooms take on a modern, light and crisp appearance, creating a welcoming and relaxed ambience, but still reflecting the hotel’s Thai cultural heritage. “Being a Thai hotel brand, it is important that while we embrace our location and incorporate international design, we remain true to our company DNA. With the Dusit brand expanding internationally we have chosen a design which will put our rooms more in line with international standards while ensuring that there are still strong elements of Thai design throughout the rooms,” added Wilson. Phase two of the project, focusing on the refurbishment of the hotel’s 147 one and two-bedroom residences will start in summer 2013.

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Conference to build cultural bridge between China and UAE

الاثنين، ١٦ أبريل ٢٠١٢

Chinese Cultural Awareness, Social & Business Communication Conference to help UAE businesses improve their understanding of Chinese business practice and the demands of the “most lucrative” UAE tourists Faced with a rapidly growing number of affluent Chinese visitors heading to the UAE, the need for firms across the Gulf state to have a better grasp of Chinese culture and their approach to business has never been greater. An estimated 300,000 Chinese tourists traveled to the UAE last year and spent $334 million, according to a study by MasterCard, making Chinese tourists the most lucrative for the UAE. Per capita spending by visitors from China was AED4,092 per tourist compared with AED3,477 per average British tourist and AED3,996 per average Kuwaiti tourist, figures showed. To help UAE firms take advantage of this growth, the Dubai Chinese Learning Center (DCLC), in partnership with Dubai-based event organiser The Main Event (TME), will hold the Chinese Cultural Awareness, Social & Business Communication Conference, on 23rd-24th May, to enable professionals to better understand the customs and principles of dealing with Chinese tourists to the UAE. “The UAE has seen a huge rise in the number of tourists from China since 2009 when it gained “approved destination” status from the Chinese government to allow tourist groups there,” commented Lucy Chuang, Managing Director, Global Sino and DCLC. “The UAE has certainly benefited from its safe-haven status amid regional turmoil and the number of visitors from China is expected to grow further as they continue to enjoy the mix of leisure, cultural and retail tourism Dubai and Abu Dhabi have to offer. A flying time of around eight hours and a growing airline capacity between the two countries, help make the UAE an ideal destination for Chinese tourists.” In March this year Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways signed an MoU with China Eastern Airlines that included joint route and schedule co-ordination. Meanwhile, Dubai’s Emirates continues to increase the number of routes for its Airbus A380 to China. Not to be outdone, China’s big airlines are embarking on an aggressive expansion plan to match that of the major Gulf carriers. The rising number of Chinese tourists in the UAE reflects the overall jump in the number heading overseas. Around 57.4 million Chinese went abroad in 2011, up 20.4% from 2010 according to the NTA. This figure is expected to increase to around 84 million by 2015. Day one of the conference in Dubai will focus on Chinese cultural awareness and experts will introduce delegates to a number of topics including language, belief and customs; cultural values and attitudes; the Chinese socio-economic environment; social etiquette and protocol and building relationships. The second day will look at social and business communications and cover areas such as the behaviours and needs of the Chinese traveler; negotiating with Chinese customers; dining and entertainment and greetings and introductions. The conference will also cover titles and forms, colour symbolism in Chinese culture and the Chinese way of negotiating. “This forum will benefit anyone who has face-to-face or virtual contact with China and Chinese tourists in the UAE. This includes business owners, marketing managers, and sales executives of tourism services, luxury goods and activities,” remarked Shannon Norris, Director,TME. “At the end of the conference delegates will have a better understanding of the key drivers that motivate the Chinese traveler and will appreciate the etiquette fundamentals for social and business situations. They will also be able to demonstrate improved communication skills with the Chinese community.” For more details, please visit www.tme.tv/clc/ Ends – About Chinese Business Insight Chinese Business Insight is an organisation that combines the considerable joint experience of The Main Event and the Dubai Chinese Learning Center. The collaboration was formed to create Chinese cultural awareness, through social and business communication, welcoming Chinese visitors and engaging with the broader Chinese community throughout the United Arab Emirates. About The Main Event Established in 2003, Dubai-based TME offers a full range of events and promotion services, handling everything from campaign inception to execution. Events include the Mother, Baby and Child Show and the British Fashion in the Gulf Show. About the Dubai Chinese Learning Center (DCLC) Dubai Chinese Learning Center (CLC) was established on January 15th, 2007, as a non-profit organization. Currently we have around 100 students, 30 nationalities and 10 classes (5 levels), including children and adults classes. Along with the increasing awareness of the importance of Chinese language and the dedication CLC achieves, more and more people and media have been attracted to CLC. CLC was interviewed by Gulf news, Xpress, Dubai One TV City 7 TV, Thomson Reuters and BBC world News. Besides the achievement of teaching Chinese language, CLC also involves the business culture training program. In Jan, 28, CLC hosted an event: Communication Cross the Culture in Madinat, Jumeirah. The delegates mainly were from Huawei and du. With the concept of culture empower business, Clc deliver a successful seminar during the event. CLC representatives had presentation for: Arabian Business woman Forum, 2011 in Armani Hotel . MBA students in Wollongong University in Jan, 2012. The management teams in Al Tayer Group in Feb. 2012. About Lucy Chuang Besides her current work, Lucy H Chuang also engaged the project by Falcon and Associates which is a strategic advisory group for Dubai Leadership. She was working as Chinese Advisor for Arab Business Club where she was responsible to bridge the Chinese business community and the local enterprises in UAE. In addition, Lucy H Chuang is the founder of Dubai Chinese Learning Center with the mission of not only teaching Chinese language and introducing the Chinese culture, but also cooperate the companies to empower their business with better culture understanding. Because the center is very well recognized in Dubai with its successful achievements and high profile students, it has been interviewed by the local Medias in Dubai, such as BBC world, Thomson Routers, Gulf news, Dubai one TV and etc. Lucy H Chuang has her Bachelor study in Beijing, China, and Master study in Gothenburg, Sweden. Her previous international working experience also includes supply chain management for Ericsson in Sweden and England, and business consultant in Swedish Trade Council in China.

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Short-list unveiled for The New Frontiers Award 2012

الثلاثاء، ٣ أبريل ٢٠١٢

Arabian Travel Market nominates Australia, Brazil and Japan for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity Arabian Travel Market, the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, has released the names of destinations nominated for this year’s New Frontiers Award, the results of which will be revealed at a special ceremony at this year’s event in Dubai. Launched in 2005 by Arabian Travel Market, The New Frontiers Award was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, helping the chosen destination by donating exhibition space at the event to the value of US$10,000. Making the shortlist for 2012 are Australia, Brazil and Japan, all of which suffered devastating natural catastrophes over the last 12 months, said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Arabian Travel Market – Reed Travel Exhibitions. “Natural disasters occurred on an unprecedented scale across the globe in 2011, causing billions of dollars of damage, significant loss of life and economic challenges impacting every sector, with the tourism industry a major casualty,” he said. “Some of the world’s most popular destinations have seen inbound tourism grind to a halt, with tourism receipts as well as the livelihoods of industry professionals adversely affected at every level, from government tourist boards to local tour guides.” “These devastated regions have to not only clean up and rebuild their communities, but also re-evaluate their strategies – and funding – and embark on comprehensive international marketing campaigns to re-establish market confidence and drive tourist traffic,” said Walsh. “The New Frontiers Award is our contribution to accelerating that process at a critical point in the recovery process, assisting in the creation of positive awareness and highlighting ongoing efforts to rebuild this vital sector of the economy to industry peers during the Arabian Travel Market week,” he added. The 2012 nominees have had to deal with the ongoing social and economic consequences of floods, earthquakes or mudslides in the past year: Australia recovering from the aftermath of a series of devastating floods that began in late 2010 and continued into Q1 2011, with Queensland, and its capital Brisbane, worst affected. Queensland was officially declared a disaster zone with more than 75% of the state affected and saw a virtual shutdown of the coal industry, a major economic mainstay. The state of Victoria subsequently saw more than 50 western and central communities faced with flooding of epic proportions. The floods forced the evacuation of approximately 200,000 people from more than 70 towns and cities, with the resulting damage estimated at over AUS$1 billion, and the country’s GDP left reeling from a mammoth AUS$30 billion hit. A relief fund was swiftly established, the Australian Defence Force mobilized and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority was formed to co-ordinate the long-term rebuilding programme. In the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, a series of floods and mudslides in January 2011 caused significant loss of life and livelihood across the mountain province of Região Serrana, located just 100 kilometres away from the country’s 2016 Olympic city site, as well as in the other south-eastern states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo The worst weather-related natural disaster in Brazil’s history, the economic repercussions were widespread, with popular tourist hotspot, the Serra dos Órgãos national park, declared a disaster zone. With economic losses estimated at, and international concerns about the mid-term impact on the 2014 FIFA World Cup, decisive action on the part of the government saw US$466 million immediately allocated to reconstruction projects and on-the ground teams with experience in Haiti, supporting local municipal government efforts. In Japan, the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the eastern coast of the country with cataclysmic force and waves of up to 40.5 metres, travelled 10 kilometres inland across 18 prefectures causing massive loss of life, the destruction of over 125,000 homes and businesses and three nuclear reactor meltdowns. In addition to significant international aid, Japan’s government has allocated US$167 billion over five years as part of a phased recovery plan. While tourism numbers dipped by at least 50% in 2011, the government has also embarked on an ambitious plan to triple the number of international tourists by 2016 with a strong focus on increasing inbound visitor business from China. In Q1 2012 inbounds visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan reached record highs and attractive tour packages targeting European visitors are also slowly yielding results. Last year, Chile received the New Frontiers Award in recognition of its efforts to rebuild its shattered post-2010 earthquake tourism industry, which saw 80% of the population, as well as the entire economy, affected. Accepting the award on behalf of the government, Jean-Paul Tarud Kuborn, Chilean Ambassador to the UAE, said that it was heartwarming to see that the efforts of the country’s tourism board and related government entities were recognised by the Middle East tourism industry. For more information on the New Frontiers Award or Arabian Travel Market 2012, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com -ENDS- Photo-caption: The 2011 New Frontiers Award recipient - Left to Right: Mark Walsh, Jean-Paul Tarud K (UAE Ambassador of Chile) and Amit Arora (Vice President Sales & Marketing for Emaar Hospitality Group LLC). About Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market 2011 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries. Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, business travel and the meetings and incentives industry. The 13 events are; World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Global Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (AIBTM), China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) and Business Travel Market. April 2013 will see RTE will launch World Travel Market Latin America in São Paulo. RTE is a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. In 2011, six million participants attended RE’s 500 events in 39 countries covering 44 industry sectors from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation. Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Reed Exhibitions The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business. Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com Reed Elsevier Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors.   Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com For more information, please contact: Josse Dulka Senior Account Executive Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Office: +971 4 3652711 Mobile : +971 50 6540229 E-mail: josse@smc-pr.com Web site: www.smc-pr.com

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Keep Egypt back on track

السبت، ١٠ مارس ٢٠١٢

Egypt is eager to get back on track with its depressed tourist sector which took a nose dive since "revolution" took hold of the country, just over a year ago. Tourism dropped 33% in 2011, over 2010 figures. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Egypt's Minister of Tourism has benchmarked 2017 as the year to surpass the 30 million visitor mark – up from last year's drop of about 10 million. At the ITB Berlin, the minister underlined the country's strong potential at diversifying its tourism sector. He put focus on attracting religious and adventure travellers – boasting Egypt's ancient religious sites that are holy to both Christians and Muslims. Furthermore, he told reporters that his country was going to invest more into eco-tourism projects. Egypt expects future growth in incoming tourism to be fueled by Argentina, Brazil, China and India. However, currently, most visitors to Egypt hail from Europe and Egypt's tourism authorities know how imperative it will be to find ways to attracting visitors back to the Nile valley – if the country is to have any kind of fiscal sustainability – being extremely dependent on tourism capital. A round-table discussion at the ITB Berlin brought together Egypt's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zaasou and Amr El Ezabi, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority together with some of the biggest names of the tourism industry - namely: Paul Schwaiger, Sun Express; Peter Fankhauser, CEO Thomas Cook; Peter-Mario Kubsch, Managing Director of Studiosus Study and Language Travel; Volker Boettcher, Managing Director TUI; Detlef Altmann, AirBerlin; and Soeren Hartmann, Head of Rewe Touristik. All present were very optimistic about Egypt's future in tourism. They applauded the Egyptian government's offer to instill financial incentives to attract tour operators back into the country. Hisham Zaasou promised that the government would review the country's extremely high airport tax and make efforts at lowering it – an issue which was most pressing for Paul Schwaiger of Sun Express, a smaller destination-based carrier. Both Schwaiger and Detlef Altmann of Air Berlin, Germany's second largest carrier with the highest frequency of flights to Egypt were optimistic that their current capacity of 80% would go up in the near future, if political demonstrations stayed at a minimum and if airport taxes could be lowered or offset by subsidies. Both lamented that the combination of the Egyptian landing tax and the newly year-old German departure tax – as well as a proposed EU tax – were detriments to their business. Thomas Cook's CEO, Peter Fankhauser believes that if the Egyptians will find a way to offset these costs, then tourism will be back on track sooner than expected – although he was not as optimistic as Hisham Zaasou, who suggested that 2010 levels could be achieved again by the end of this year. Airlines such as Air Berlin and Sun Express were able to maintain modestly filled flights – but only due to their service to destinations on the Sinai Peninsula – far from the Cairo demonstrations. However, tourism to the Nile Valley, including Cairo was rock-bottom. Air Berlin and the TUI Group were able to offset a lot of these losses by encouraging would-be Egypt travellers to go to the Canary Islands instead – a medium haul destination attractive to Central European travelers. However, Peter-Mario Kubsch, Managing Director of the Studiosus Travel Company was less optimistic than most other members of the round table discussion. Studiosus, which offers a combination of study and language travel, is very dependent on cultural and urban centers such as Cairo. His company's segment of the Egyptian tourism market dropped dramatically – despite the fact that incidences against tourists were low to non-existent, even in the Nile valley. "There is still too much uncertainty," Kusch believes. He underlined that a study trip to Egypt simply needs to include Cairo – adding that resort holiday attracts a completely different segment of travellers. Despite his uncertainly, Kusch was optimistic that those people not going to Egypt now were only postponing their trip there rather than cancelling it all together. Volker Boettcher of TUI agreed with Kusch in sustaining that resort tourism would be the first segment to recover – being far away from the political unrest and demonstrations that have occurred frequently over the past year in the urban centers of the Nile, primarily Cairo. The steady rise in resort tourism, on the Sinai, supports this view, according to Boettcher. Boettcher's confidence was also underlined in his company's current investment in their properties located in Egypt. "We would not be investing millions into our properties in Egypt if we did not see a bright future there," Boettcher said. Although Soeren Hartmann of Rewe Touristik does not agree that 2010 levels will be reached by the end of 2012, he does agree with Boettcher about the bright future. "Bookings are going up steadily. Also, it is amazing how fast customers forget about unrest which canvassed our television screens... As soon as political issues are out of the news, the traveler will come back," Hartmann believes. Hartmann does agree that business will grow dramatically by the 2012/2013 winter season – perhaps not as high as the Egyptians anticipate. He believes that needs to go up because the only other mid-haul destination available to his customers, the Canary Islands, cannot compete with the cultural heritage of Egypt. "You can only recommend them to detour to the Canary Islands once or twice – but not indefinitely," Hartmann said. Both Hisham Zaasou and Amr El Ezabi were confident that Egypt’s current role as ITB-Berlin "Partner Country" would give their country the necessary boost to regain confidence among the tourist operators. "In 2011, we have clearly segmented Egypt tourism between 'Red Sea' and the 'Rest of Egypt'. Losses were around the Nile valley. But increases are very evident at the Red Sea – a resort destination. Now we need to invest and communicate that that things are stable in the Nile valley and that demonstrations are completely contained at one square in Cairo. If people can understand that, then they will return with confidence," El Ezabi believes. For now, all agree: business for the resort sector, mostly based in the Sinai will see significant growth continue. "If these numbers can go up further, if tour operators will come back in droves, then this will be good for us," Detlef Altmann said. "We only hope that they will share their growth with us," Peter Fankhauser added, tongue and cheek.

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ASTA, NACTA study finds independent travel agent sales up for second year

الأحد، ٤ مارس ٢٠١٢

For the second straight year, 57 percent of independent agents saw an increase in business in 2011, according to the 2011 NACTA Independent Agents Report, the latest joint report from ASTA and the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA). “Results from the report confirm that travel is gaining economic ground and independent agents are a critical part of the sales equation for suppliers,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “As this sector of travel agents continues to grow, we want to ensure suppliers are able to get an in-depth understanding of what drives the independent travel agency community.” “Independent agents are strong generators of new business, especially group travel,” said NACTA Vice President Ann van Leeuwen.”This growing segment is not only changing the way travel agents conduct their daily business, but how travel is promoted and sold.” While the sale of cruises remains a primary source of income for independent agents (57%), it is down considerably from 2011, when 75 percent of independent agents said they were cruise specialists. Today, a small but increasing number say they specialize in a specific destination (9%), tours (6%) and honeymoon sales, luxury travel or family travel (5% each). The study, which examines relevant trends within the independent travel agent industry, also found that: - the largest share of agents (56%) have been in the travel business for more than 10 years down slightly from 2011 when 57% reported a similar time in business. - 88 percent of respondents say they work out of their home, compared to 87 percent last year. - 35 percent of respondents reported having employees and/or independent contractors, up from 33 percent last year. - of the 86 percent of respondents who say they split commissions with their host agency, the average host split is 74 percent/26 percent. In 2011, 91 percent of agents split commissions with the same breakout. - for those who pay an annual fee (6%), 47 percent of respondents pay less than $200 annually. In 2011, 50 percent of respondents reported paying less than $200. - most independent agents (70%) do not use a Global Distribution System, up from 67 percent in the year prior. - as in 2011, Royal Caribbean was the top cruise supplier used by respondents. Globus was the top choice for escorted tour operator. Sandals was ranked as the top choice among resort suppliers; Marriot was the top hotel supplier. The report profiles independent agents and provides data on their experience in the travel industry, looking specifically at how they book travel and split commissions, as well as their revenue share across travel segments, and more. Evaluation surveys were distributed via email to 1,762 NACTA members by the ASTA Research Department; responses from 542 were collected online in June 2011. This reply level indicates a minimum of 95% confidence with an error rate +/- 3.5 percent, representing the total NACTA independent agent membership.

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Canada: More cross-border shopping for less expensive airline tickets

الخميس، ١ مارس ٢٠١٢

When Canadians start making their travel plans this year, the first place more than a third of them will be going to is the U.S. to buy cheaper airline tickets says data released from the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) 2012 Canadian Travel Intentions Survey. Fifteen per cent of survey respondents said they travelled to the U.S. for cheaper airline tickets in 2011, with the highest numbers coming from the provinces of Ontario (21%) and British Columbia (19%) and in the 35-44 age category (23%). A further thirty three per cent said they plan on cross border shopping for cheaper air fares in 2012 and an alarming sixty seven per cent of respondents said they knew people who travelled to the U.S. in 2011 to purchase cheaper airline tickets. “Almost half of all Canadians are now either travelling to the U.S. for deals on airline tickets or thinking about doing it in 2012 and almost seven in ten Canadians know people who have cross border shopped for cheaper airline tickets,” said Tony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada. “This trend is the result of the mounting burden of taxes and fees imposed on the aviation sector that discourages competition and drives up costs including airport rents, Air Traveller Security charges, NAV CANADA fees and airport improvement fees. This trend amounts to millions of Canadian travellers finding the price of Canadian tickets more expensive than the cost of driving to the U.S. and flying from airports like Buffalo, Detroit, Plattsburg, Bellingham, Bangor, Seattle, Syracuse or Grand Forks.” The HAC believes that the travel and tourism sector requires a fair tax and regulatory regime that allows it to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the world and recommends that the federal government undertake a comprehensive review of the aviation cost structure in Canada. The survey of Canadian travellers is the eighth annual Canadian Travel Intentions study undertaken by the Hotel Association of Canada. This survey was fielded by Opinion Search and defines a traveller as someone who will stay at least one night in a hotel, motel or resort. The online survey was conducted in the last week of January and first week of February 2012 among 1518 “likely travellers” with a margin of error of +/- 2.5%.

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عبد الرحمن منيف وقائمة اعظم الراوئيين

الاثنين، ٢٤ يناير ٢٠١١

تكشف قوائم الكتب الأكثر مبيعاً ميول القراء في البلد الذي تجرى فيه مثل هذه الاستطلاعات، كما تعكس اختيارات الكتب الأكثر أهمية في التاريخ الأدبي أو كما عنونها "دانيال س. بيرت" (أعظم الروايات على مر العصور) الذي أصدرها في كتاب عام 2004 وضمت قائمته في طبعتها الأولى اسم الروائي العربي عبدالرحمن منيف الذي احتل المرتبة 71 كواحد من أعظم الروائيين في كل العصور، متقدماً بذلك على ثلاثة من الكتاب العالميين الحاصلين على جائزة نوبل ومنهم إرنست همنجواي وليم فوكنر وكارلوس فونتيس.
وجاء تقييم منيف على روايته "مدن الملح"، ولم تذكر القائمة جنسيته وديانته كما هو الحال مع الكتاب الآخرين، وكان منيف الاسم العربي والمسلم الوحيد في القائمة.
احتل ميجيل دي سيرفانتس المرتبة الأولى في القائمة عن روايته الشهيرة "دون كيشوت"، وجاء في المرتبة الثانية تولستوي في "الحرب والسلام"، ثم جيميس جويس في المرتبة الثالثة عن روايته "أوليس".
واعتمد بيرت الذي وضع قيوداً صارمة على اختياراته على عدد من النقاد المتخصصين، وكان شرطه الأول أن تكون الرواية إنسانية تعكس مناخات الواقع الذي كتبت فيه، وتنقل صوراً من الواقع المعيش.
وبالمقابل قام المعهد النرويجي للآداب بإصدار قائمة أخرى في نفس العام على غرار قائمة دانيال بيرت ضمت عدداً من الروائيين العرب منهم نجيب محفوظ بالمرتبة 14 عن روايته "أطفال الجبلاوي" التي لم تشتهر في عالمنا العربي، متقدماً بذلك على بورخيس ودانتي وكافكا وعدد من حملة نوبل، ثم جلال الدين الرومي في المرتبة 56 عن مؤلفه "المثنوية"، والطيب صالح في المرتبة 83 عن "موسم الهجرة إلى الشمال"، وسعدي الشيرازي في المرتبة 72 عن كتابه "بستان سعدي".
أما قائمة الجارديان البريطانية التي عكست بالضرورة ذائقة القارئ البريطاني فقد صدرت في نفس العام وعلى رأسها رواية "سيد الخواتم" لـ"جي آر تولكين" التي أنتجت سينمائياً، وفي المرتبة الثانية حلت الرواية الدينية من القرن السابع عشر "تقدم الحاج" لجون بونيان، وحلت "روبينسون كروز" في المرتبة الثالثة، أما المرتبة الرابعة فكانت لرواية "رحلات جنيفر" لجوناثان سويفت.
وغاب عن الجارديان جميع الكتاب العرب والمسلمين باستثناء سلمان رشدي عن روايته "أطفال منتصف الليل" في حين حل الروائي النيجيري شينوا آشيبي عن روايته "الأشياء تتداعى" في المرتبة 71 وهي نفس المرتبة التي احتلها منيف في قائمة دانيال. س. بيرت، وقبعت في آخر القائمة رواية و. ج. سيبولد "أوسترليتز" وهي رواية تاريخية على قدر كبير من الأهمية رغم ميولها اليهودية.
الـ"بي بي سي" لم تنج هي الأخرى من الظاهرة، فوضعت قائمة بأفضل 100 رواية عالمية وضعت على رأسها رواية "سيد الخواتم" لـ"جي آر تولكين"، ثم تلتها "كبرياء وهوى" لجين أوستن ثم "المواد المظلمة" لفيليب بولمان، ويقبع سلمان رشدي في آخر القائمة عن روايته "أطفال منتصف الليل"، في حين وضعت دوستويفيسكي في المرتبة 60 عن روايته "الجريمة والعقاب"، وهي الرواية التي وصفها هنري ميلر بأنها من أعظم ما كتب البشر من روايات.
ونأتي إلى القائمة العربية التي وضعتها ويكيبيديا دون أن يتاح لنا معرفة سر اختيارها، غير أنها منقولة عن اتحاد الكتاب العرب، فرواية "مدن الملح" التي اعتبرها "دانيال. س. بيرت" واحدة من أعظم الروايات في كل العصور قبعت في آخر القائمة، في حين جاءت ثلاثية نجيب محفوظ في رأس القائمة، تليها "البحث عن وليد مسعود" لجبرا إبراهيم جبرا في المرتبة الثانية، وصنع الله إبراهيم في الثالثة عن روايته "شرف"، و"الحرب في بر مصر" ليوسف القعيد في المرتبة الرابعة، أما المرتبة الخامسة فكانت من نصيب "رجال في الشمس" لغسان كنفاني، وتضم قائمة ويكبيديا ثلاثة أسماء خليجية هم منذر القباني عن روايته "عودة الغائب" في المرتبة 35، وليلى العثمان في المرتبة 55 عن روايتها "وسمية تخرج من البحر"، وعبدالعزيز مشري في المرتبة 99 عن روايته "وسمية".


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معرض القاهرة واصدارات الدار المصرية اللبنانية للنشر

يصدر الداعية الإسلامى خالد الجندى 3 كتب جديدة فى الدار المصرية اللبنانية، فى معرض القاهرة الدولى للكتاب الذى تبدأ فعالياته بعد أيام، والكتب هى " دعاء الأنبياء" و" الرد على ما نسب للنبى صلى الله عليه وسلم" و" الأخلاق الإسلامية".


تأتى الكتب الثلاث ضمن 38 كتابا جديدا تشارك بهم الدار المصرية اللبنانية تشارك بهم الدار فى مجالات الأدب والدين الإسلامى، والسيرة والتراجم، والعلوم البحتة، والتربية.


وتنشر المصرية اللبنانية فى مجال الأدب روايات " أجنحة الفراشة" لمحمد سلماوى، والعاطل لناصر عراق، والكاميليا والرمان لعمرو عبد السميع، وأيام المستعصم الأخيرة لعبد الجبار ناصر، وما وراء الأبواب لهشام الخشن، وتل الشهداء وصانع العرائس وعقل الورد لعمر حرب، ومجموعة قصصية بعنوان " ناهد السيد" .


وفى مجال الدراسات الأدبية تنشر الدار كتابا للدكتورة شهلا العجيلى بعنوان " الخصوصية الثقافية فى الرواية العربية، وفى مجال العلوم الاجتماعية تنشر " أشهر السرقات من المتاحف" لصبحى الشارونى، و"مكافحة المخدرات بين البحث والتقصى" و" قضايا لها تاريخ للدكتور صابر عرب.


كما تنشر الدار الأعمال الشعرية الكاملة للدكتور عبد اللطيف عبد الحليم أبو همام، وكتاب الثورة والجنس والغناء لمصطفى بيومى، و"حكايات الجن الدنماركية من كتب التراث، وكتاب من الأدب الساخر بعنوان " بانجو" للكاتب الساخر يوسف معاطى.




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نكاح العقل ولذة الادب



في تاريخ الأدب والمجتمع في الغرب كما في الشرق، فيلسوفان عالجا مسألة اللذة، هما اليونانيان أبيقور وارسطو. ابيقور أطلق مبدأ أخلاقياً يرى ان دافع النشاط الأنساني ينحصر في التماس اللذة.


لذّة الجسد وتجنّب الألم. أما أرسطو فيؤكّد في بداية كتابه «الشعر» أن الإنسان يبدي منذ طفولته ميلاً لتمثيل الأشياء، وايجاد اللذة في عرضها. هذا التفسير للذة يبيّن ان أرسطو يبني تفكيره على مفهوم انتربولوجيا (دراسة الطبيعة الإنسانية) قوامه النظرة الى الأنسان الذي يحبّ تقليد الأشياء وتمثيلها، كما ينظر اليه على أنه كائن اجتماعي، والسبب كما يوضح ارسطو أن التعلّم لذة ليست محصورة بالفلاسفة، وإنما موجودة عند كل الناس.


تلقّف العالم الغربي مفهوم اللذة وانشأ تقليداً ادبياً وفلسفياً جزءاً منه اتجه باتجاه استيحاء اللذة تمثّل في العديد من الكتاب والفلاسفة ومن بينهم لوكريس وسبينوزا وفرويد ولاكان، واتجه جزء آخر الى استلهام ارسطو الذي تحدّث عن اللذة الأدبية ومن ممثّلي هذا الجزء الكاتب الفرنسي الشهير رولان بارت.


يبدأ بارت معالجته لمفهوم اللذة في كتابه الشهير «لذّة النص» بالتفريق بين اللذة PLAISIR والمتعة JOUISSANCE، ويقترح تحديداً لنص اللذة بقوله: «هو النص الذي يرضي، ويمنحنا شعوراً بالامتلاء والارتياح»، ويضيف إنه النص الذي يأتي من الثقافة، ولا يقطع معها، ويرتبط بممارسة مريحة في القراءة، أما نص المتعة «فهو النص الذي يخلق شعوراً بفقدان شيء، ويزعج، ويزعزع الأساسات التاريخية والثقافية للقارئ».


ان الفوارق بين مفهوم ارسطو للذة الأدبية ومفهوم بارت كبيرة. ففي حين يذهب أرسطو الى اعتبار «التعرّف» الى أشياء الواقع من خلال النص الأدبي، هو أعلى درجات اللذة الأدبية، نجد بارت يراها بالمفاجأة. ويوضح الكاتب الفرنسي أن النص الأكثر كلاسيكية (رواية لبلزاك، وديكنز، وتولستوي) على سبيل المثل يحمل في طيّاّته خفيّة القدرة على المفاجأة التي تحدث المتعة.


من ناحية أخرى يرى أرسطو أنّه من دون «التعرّف» لا قدرة عند الشكل إلاّ إحداث لذة ثانوية، فيما يرى بارت أنّ لعبة الشكل الفني التي يمارسها الكاتب من حيث عمل اللغة، وحركة المفردات، وبناء الصياغات، هي التي تحدث اللذة الفائقة الحدّة وهي المتعة.


في الواقع، تفهم هذه الفوارق بين أرسطو وبارت من خلال العودة الى سياقات النصوص التي يعالجانها، فأرسطو يعنى بشكل خاص بالمسرح، فيما بارت يهتمّ بالرواية والشعر، لا بل أن بارت يتحدّث عن لذّة النص من خلال حديثه عن مفهوم الحداثة. أي ذلك المفهوم الأدبي الذي نما وتطوّر في القرن التاسع عشر في الغرب الأوروبي، وعبّر عنه الشاعر بودلير بدعوته للبحث عن اللذة في الذهاب الى «أعماق المجهول لإيجاد الجديد».


لكن الباحث المتطلّع الى أبعد من هذه الفوارق يكشف عن نقاط التقاء بين أرسطو وبارت.


الأولى أن رهان الأدب يكمن في أحداث اللذة وإلا فلن يكون أدباً، والثانية أن هذه اللذة ليست على نمط واحد، وإنما هي متنوّعة ومتعدّدة، والثالثة أن اللذة الأدبية إضافة لما تحدثه على مستوى الشعور، مرتبطة بالحشرية، وبالرغبة في المعرفة.


مما لا شك فيه أن مفهوم اللذة الأدبية شكّل عبر التاريخ مجالاً واسعاً لإبداء الآراء التي تفسّر هذا الشعور الذي ينتاب الإنسان عندما يقرأ رواية، أو يسمع قصيدة، أو يشاهد مسرحية، كما شكّل مجالاً واسعاً أيضاً للنظريات التي تعالج اللذة الأدبية من خلال معالجة لذة أكبر هي اللذة الفنية التي تحدثها الفنون الجميلة من موسيقى ورقص وسينما ونحت وتصوير، في نفس الإنسان بخلق مشاعر التضامن والتعاطف والإعجاب والتقدير، مشاعر ترتبط بالخير والحقّ والجمال.


من الآراء التي يشار إليها، رأي للكاتب الفرنسي لافونتين صاحب كتاب «الحكايات» على ألسنة الحيوانات مفاده أن اللذة الأدبية عائدة لقدرة الأدب «على التثقيف وإثارة الإعجاب»، أي أنه في الوقت الذي يساعدنا على التعلّم يدخل البهجة على النفوس، ويذكر لافونتين في هذا السياق أن الخطيب اليوناني الشهير ديموستين كان يخطب في الناس حول الأخطار التي تهدّد مدينته أثينا، فما كان يسمعه أحد، فاضطر الى وضع ما يريد قوله في قالب قصصي، فاسترعى الانتباه وحقّق هدفه. وبذلك أظهر قدرة الأدب على إقناع الناس بما يريد أن يعتقدوا فيه.


إن قدرة الأدب، أو بالأحرى الأساليب الأدبية النابعة منه على الإقناع ما زال معمولاً بها حتى يومنا هذا، فقد أعيد استنباتها من خلال علوم اللسان الحديثة ومن بينها تحليل الخطاب، وفن المحاججة المتكئ على البلاغة كوسيلة «لإقناع العواطف». هذه الوسيلة تتمثّل في القول إنه لكي نقنع الآخرين بصواب رأينا، لا بدّ من أن نؤثر فيهم، ولكي نؤثّر لا بدّ من تحريك القلب من خلال صور قوية، وإرضاء الأحاسيس وبخاصة السمع، بحسن اختيار الأصوات والإيقاعات كما في الشعر والخطابة، وإرضاء النظر بالحركات والملابس والديكور كما في المسرح، وإرضاء المخيّلة بمشاهد كلامية، وأوصاف طبيعية وأخلاقية كما في الرواية.


رأي آخر تجدر الإشارة اليه، برز في الغرب الأوروبي قريب من مفهوم بلاغة العواطف، عبّر عنه أرسطو في كتابه «الشعر» بمصطلح التطهير CATHARSIS والذي ما زال معتمداً حتى اليوم. ومضمونه أن الأدب يعمل على إيقاظ عدداً من المشاعر عند المشاهدين والقراء والمستمعين من خلال مشاهدتهم وقراءتهم واستماعهم لحالات تمثّل حالات الواقع الذي يعيشونه، وبذلك يمروّن بحالة تطهير تخفّف من توتّراتهم الوجودية. هذه الحالات هي الشفقة على الأشخاص الذين يمرون في حالات صعبة، والخوف ان يقعوا في ما وقع به هؤلاء من مصاعب. تجدر الإشارة هنا ان التطهير الذي ارتبط أساساً بالتراجيديا، ما لبث أن تمّ تعميمه على بقية الأنواع الأدبية، بما فيها الشعر والرواية، وبذلك غدا مفهوماً عالمياً تتمّ العودة اليه كلما دار الحديث عن دور الأدب ووظيفته في تنقية النفوس الإنسانية.


إن مفهوم «بلاغة العواطف» و «التطهير» لا يعبرّان لوحدهما عن اللذة الأدبية، إذ نقع على مفاهيم تناقضهما كما هي الحال مع دعاة «الفن للفن»، وأتباع السوريالية.


يذهب دعاة «الفن للفن» أن اللذة الأدبية تتأتّى من الشكل الناجح. وليس من المضمون الذي يحمل رسائل أخلاقية أو حكمية، وأن هذا الشكل هو هدف الأدب في الوجود كما يردّد الشاعر الفرنسي فرلين، ويذكّر الكاتب الفرنسي الآخر لافونتين بقوله: «نروي الحكايات، ولكن الأهم أن نروي بأسلوب رفيع» في الواقع إن الإتقان في الشكل يعبّر عن همّ أساسي عند الأدباء والشعراء، فهم يتعمّدون شغله لأنهم يعتبرونه الشرط الأساسي لاستثارة انتباه الناس حتى ولو كان المراد تحميل الشكل رسائل سياسية أو أخلاقية. والداعي للانتباه هنا، أن فنيّة الشكل الذي يعتمده دعاة الفن للفن هو في الواقع مثالية لا فائدة منها لأن كل نص يقول شيئاً، أو يعبّر عن فكرة، أو يصوّر حادثة ما، أو يمثل حالة نفسية، وبالتالي لا يمكن إنكار قيمة مضمونه، والاكتفاء بالشكل لاستثارة اللذة الأدبية.


ليس بعيداً من أصحاب «الفن للفن»، أو كما يقال عبّاد الشكل، يقف أتباع السوريالية الذين يرون أن اللذة الأدبية تنبع من اكتشافنا لعالم اللغة، وما يخبّئه من أسرار. فنحن لو غيّرنا في ترتيب الكلام، وتلاعبنا في صيغ القول، وقلبنا أشكال المعاني المتعارف عليها كما فعل الشاعر الفرنسي رامبو لإحسسنا بلذة أدبية من انثيال معان جديدة لم يحرّكها أحد من قبل، ولشعرنا بأن هذه المعاني لا تعبّر عن مغامرة حياة ما، وإنما تعبّر عن مغامرة الكتابة في سعيها لاكتشاف المجهول والمنسي والمحرّم التعبير عنه.


في المحصلة الأخيرة ان الحديث عن اللذة أسهل من العمل على تحديدها، واكتشاف معانيها يغني في تفهّم ملامحها الجسدية والنفسية التي يعيشها الإنسان، من خلال لذة المذاق والنظر والصوت والجنس، ومن خلال لذة معاشرة الأشكال الفنية بكل أنواعها

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العراق والحضارة التى كانت

الأحد، ٢٣ يناير ٢٠١١



صدرت عن الدار العربية للموسوعات في بيروت، الطبعة الثانية من كتاب "العراق في القلب، دراسات في حضارة العراق" للدكتور علي القاسمي، الكاتب العراقي المقيم في المغرب، وتمتاز هذه الطبعة عن الطبعة الأولى التي صدرت عن المركز الثقافي العربي في الدار البيضاء/بيروت، من حيث الحجم وعدد الموضوعاتالتي تتناولها، إذ تقع الطبعة الثانية في 712 صفحة من الحجم الكبير، أي ضعف الطبعة الأولى،وغطت فترات أخرى من التاريخ الحضاري للعراق .
أول ما يلفت انتباهنا في هذا الكتاب هو عناوانه، باعتبار أن العنوان، هو العلامة الأولى التي تؤسس ميثاق القراءة، وتحدد أفق انتظار القارئ. فعنوان هذا الكتاب يجمع بين طبعتين مختلفتين في آن واحد: أدبية إبداعية، وعلمية موضوعية. فالقسم الأول من العنوان "العراق في القلب" هو تعبير أدبي وجداني، أما قسمه الثاني فيشير إلى أن الكتاب يضم بحوث موضوعية تتناول حضارة البلاد. ولا غرابة في هذا الجمع بين النقيضين، إذا علمنا أن المؤلف هو أحد علماء المصطلحية والمعجمية البارزين، والوقت نفسه قصاص روائي مترجم لامع .
كتبت الدراسات العلمية الموضوعية في هذا الكتاب،بأسلوب أدبي شعري رفيع. وقد أشار إلى ذلك الشاعر الكبير فاروق شوشةالأمين العام لمجمع اللغة العربية في القاهرة فقال في مقالتين نشرهما في جريدة "الأهرام" القاهرية عن هذا الكتاب، ما نصه:
"في كل ما قرأت من شعر وكتابات نثرية تتغنى بالعراق وطنا وحضارة وتاريخا وانتماء، لا أظنني وجدت هذا الفيض الغامر من الولاء والمحبة الذي تنبض به كلمات الدكتور علي القاسمي في كتابه "العراق في القلب" ... الذي هو في حقيقته قصيدة ذائبة في ثنايا نثره الأدبي الجميل، مغموسة بروحه المتوهجة، وعاطفته الجياشة، وشجنه الآسر، في سطور تذكرنا بتجليات السياب، ووثبات البياتي، وسبحات نازك، وفضاءات بلند،...." .
يتألف الكتاب من دراسات ومقالات وعروض كتب،تتناول أبرز معالم العراق الثقافية في مختلف فترات التاريخ: العصر السومري والبابلي، صدر الإسلام، العصر الأموي، العصر العباسي، العصر المغولي،عصر النهضة العربية، العصر الحديث .
في العصر السومري والبابلي، يدرس المؤلف في عدد من المقالات تاريخ السومريين بوصفهم مؤسسي الحضارة الإنسانية، فمعظم الاختراعات الكبرى التي أثرت في مسيرة الإنسان وأرست اسس حضارته، كانت من بنات أفكارهم،مثل: ابتكار الكتابة، واختراع المحراث، وتطوير الزراعة، وتدجين الحيوانات، وتقسيم الزمن إلى سنين وشهور وأيام،وتقسيم الدائرة إلى 180 درجة وغيرها. فلا غرو أن يقال "التاريخ يبدأ من سومر"، إذ لا تاريخ علميا من دون وثائق مكتوبة،والكتابة من اختراع السومريين .
يركز المؤلف على تطور مفهوم حقوق الإنسان في حضارة العراق القديم: سومر وبابل وآشور، نتيجة ظهور عدد من الأنبياء والمصلحين مثل: أبو البشر الثاني نوح الذي ظهر في مدينة شورباك السومرية في أوائل الألف الرابع قبل الميلاد، وأبو الأنبياء إبراهيم الخليل الذي ولد في مدينة أور السومرية في النصف الأول من الألف الثاني قبل الميلاد، والأنبياء هود وصالح ويونس وغيرهم. وكان هؤىء الأنبياء يطالبون ملوك المدن في العراق القديم الذين كانوا يدعون أنسابا إلى الآلهة ويحكمون بسلطة مطلقة، بالعدل ، والإنصاف، ونبذ الشرك، وعبادة الإله الواحد، لأن عبوديته تلغي عبودية الإنسان للإنسان،إضافة إلى أن عددا من الملوك السومريين والبابليين أسسوا المحاكم، ووضعوا شرائع تحدد حقوق المواطنين وواجباتهم، مثل شريعة الملك السومري أوروكاجينا سنة 2350 ق.م، وشريعة الملك أورنامو سنة 2050 ق.م، وشريعة الملك لبت-عشتار سنة 1995 ق.م، وهي الشرائع التي جمعها وطورها الملك البابلي حمورابي سنة 1750 ق.م. ووضعها في مسلة حمورابي الشهيرة التي كانت منصوبة عند مدخل عاصمته، مدينة بابل ذات الحدائق المعلقة، ثم سرقها منقبو الآثار الغربيون ووضعوها في متحف برلين. وهذه المدونة يدرسها طلاب الحقوق في جميع أنحاء العالم .
ونظرا لأن الأدب السومري هو من أقدم الآداب الإنسانية المكتوبة وأروعها، فإن المؤلف يتناول الأساطير السومرية خاصة أسطورة "عنانا/عشتار"، إلهة الحب والجمال والخصب عند العراقيين القدماء والتي عبدت في جميع أنحاء الشرق الأوسط،واتخذت أسماء مختلفة مثل أفروديت لدى الإغريق وفينوس لدى الرومان. وفي فصل آخر ينجز عرضا وتلخيصا لملحمة "جلجامش" التي ترجمت إلى لغات العالم القديم والحديث، وقلدتها ملاحم الإغريق مثل ملحمة الإلياذة والأوديسا لهوميروس .
ينتقل المؤلف في قسم آخر من الكتاب إلى العراق في صدر الإسلام، وما كان يجيش به من حركات فكرية، وأحزاب سياسية، ومدارس فقهية، وفرق كلامية، ومدارس نحوية، وغيرها. وفيما كانت الفرق الكلامية تبحث في صفات الله والرسل ومسائل القضاء والقدر والجبر والاختيار ويوم الحساب والعقاب والثواب والتكفير والتضليل، فنتج عنها فرق المعتزلة والمرجئة والقدرية وغيرها؛ كانت الأحزاب السياسية، كالحزب الأموي، والحزب الزبيري، والخوارج، والشيعة، والحزب العباسي، تبحث في الإمامة، والشروط الواجب توفرها في الخليفة. وقد تبلورت المدارس النحوية في مدرستين رئيستين هما: مدرسة البصرة التي ترسي قواعدها النحوية على جمع مدونة كبيرة من كلام الأعراب في البادية، ومدرسة الكوفة التي تكتفي بأمثلة قليلة من الجمل، تستخلص منها القاعدة النحوية مستعينة بالقياس. أما المدارس الفقهية آنذاك فتمثلت في: مدرسة أهل الحديث في المدينة المنورة وعلى رأسها الإمام مالك، ومدرسة أهل الرأي في العراق ورأسها الإمام أبو حنيفة. ويعتمد فقهاء المدرستين على استنباط الأحكام الفقهية من مصدري الشريعة الإسلامية: القرآن والسيرة النبوية، غير أن أهل الحديث أكثر بالسنة النبوية وعمل أهل المدينة، فيما قلل أهل الرأي من اعتمادهم على الحديث خوفا من الأحاديث الموضوعة، واعتمدوا أساسا على أحكام القرآن والقياس عليها .
وحاول المؤلف أن يجيب على سؤال محير هو: إذا كانت دمشق هي عاصمة الدولة الإسلامية في العصر الأموي، فلماذا وجدت مراكز الثقافة الإسلامية في البصرة والكوفة والمدينة، وليس في دمشق؟ .
وفي القسم الخاص بالعصر العباسي، نجد فصلا عنوانه: "تجليات العمارة الإسلامية في تخطيط مدينة بغداد القديمة" (145هــ) وهي المدينة التي ظلت أكبر حاضرة في العالم مدة قرنين من الزمن، حتى خلفتها مدينة فاس في المغرب الأقصى. ويتطرق هذا الفصل إلى الأخطاء الشائعة عن مدينة بغداد ويصححها. ومن هذه الأخطاء أن اسم مدينة "بغداد" ذو أصل فارسي معناه "عطية الصنم"، في حين أن الاسم ذو أصل سومري معناه "قلعة النسر"، إذ كانت بغداد قرية قائمة منذ زمن السومريين والأكديين، قبل أن يعرف العراق أية تأثيرات فارسية، لغوية كانت أم سياسية،بوقت طويل. ومن ناحية أخرى، أوضح المؤلف أن بغداد لم تكن مدينة عسكرية لإيواء الجيوش الإسلامية من المجاهدين، كالمدن التي اختطها المسلمونقبلها: البصرة والكوفة والفسطاط وواسط؛ ولم تكن مدينة تجارية ولا شعبية، وإنما كانت مدينة ملكية، اختطها الخليفة المنصور العباسي لسكناه وأولاده وأقربائه وقواده. ونفى أن يكون المنصور قد اغتصب الأرض واستخدم الناس بالسخرة لبناء بغداد كما يدعي بعض المستشرقين، وإنما اشترى الأرض من أصحابها واستخدم عمال البناء المهرة التي ذكر المؤرخون المعاصرون للبناء، أجرة كل رتبة من رتبهم. وبعملية حسابية، يستنتج المؤلف أن المنصور أنفق على بناء بغداد ، خمسة ملايين دولار بأسعار الوقت الحاضر. ولفت المؤلف الانتباه إلى أن التطورات السياسية والاجتماعية التي طرأت على الحياة الإسلامية أدت إلى تغيير في دور المسجد في المدينة. ففي حين كان المسجد في صدر الإسلام، حيث يجتمع المسلمون للتشاور، والتعلم ، والصلاة، هو مركز المدينة، وأكبر بناء فيها، ويلحق به بناء أصغر حجما بكثير، هو دار الإمارة لسكن الخليفة أو الوالي، كما هو الحال في البصرة والكوفة والفسطاط، فإن مركز مدينة بغداد صار قصر الخليفة الفخم الذي ألحق به مسجد صغير، لصلاة الخليفة والمقربين منه. وهو مؤشر إلى تغير التناسب بين الديني والدنيوي .
وخصص المؤلف فصولا لأعلام في الفكر والإبداع إبان العصر العباسي، مثل اللغوي علي بن حمزة البصري (ت 375 هــ) الذي كان صديقا للشاعر المتنبي ومن نقاد شعره، والباحث المؤرخ ابن أنجب الساعي (ت 593 هــ) صاحب كتاب "الدر الثمين في اسماء المصنفين"، وهو من كتب الأعلام مثل كتاب "الفهرست" لابن النديم. وكانت مخطوطة هذا الكتاب مفقودة حتى عثر عليها الباحث المغربي الدكتور أحمد شوقي بنبين قبل بضع سنين في مكتبة القصر الملكي بمراكش .
في أواخر العصر العباسي، وقعت الحروب الصليبية (1097-1291) التي شنتها أوربا على البلاد العربية، الشام ومصر، بحجة تحرير الأراضي المقدسة، في حين كانت أسبابها الحقيقية تكمن في أوضاع أوربا الاقتصادية ومطامعها فب البلاد العربية. وقد برزت خلالها شخصية صلاح الدين الأيوبي (1138-1193). فقد بعث نورالدين زنكي، أمير الموصل وحلب، جيشا إلى مصر لمساعدتها في صد هجمات الصليبيين، بقيادة شيركوه بن أيوب وزيرا له. بيد أن شيركوه توفي بعد بضعة أشهر، فتولى صلاح الدين الأيوبي الوزارة. وعندما توفي الخليفة الفاطمي، ألحق صلاح الدين الأيوبي مصر بالخلافة العباسية من أجل توحيد البلاد العربية لمجابهة الصليبيين .
ويفرد المؤلف فصلا ممتعا في التاريخ المقارن عنوانه "بين يوسف بن تاشفين وصلاح الدين الأيوبي" يرى فيه أن صلاح الدين الأيوبيقد أفاد من الاستراتيجية التي اتبعها يوسف بن تاشفين أمير المرابطين في المغرب، في مقارعة الصليبيين في الأندلس قبله بقرن من الزمن تقريبا. وتقوم هذه الاستراتيجية على توحيد البلاد أولا، ونشر التعليم والمعرفة فيها، وتقويتها عسكريا واقتصاديا، قبل التوجه لمحاربة الصليبيين. وهكذا استطاع أن ينتصر يوسف بن تاشفين عليهم في معركة الزلاقة في الأندلس سنة 497 هــ/1086م، وأن ينتصر صلاح الدين الأيوبي في معركة حطين في فلسطين سنة 583هــ/1187م .
وفي فصل عنوانه "كتب الدرس والأنس، من العراق إلى الأندلس"، يدرس المؤلف العلاقات الثقافية بين الشرق والغرب الإسلاميين. وتجلت هذه العلاقات في انتقال بعض العلماء والفقهاء والفنانين والموسيقيين من المشرق إلى المغرب وبالعكس. ومن الموسيقيين العراقيين الذين انتقلوا إلى الأندلس الموسيقي زرياب الذي طور آلة العود وأسس فرقة موسيقية في المغرب الأقصى ثم الأندلس. ومن الأدباء اللغويين أبو علي القالي (280-356هــ)، صاحب معجم "البارع" الذي رحل من بغداد إلى الأندلس وألف فيها كتاب "الأمالي" الشهير؛ وكذلك صاعد البغدادي (335-417هــ) الذي رحل إلى قرطبة وألف فيها كتابه "الفصوص" الذي يقع في عدة مجلدات، وروايته العاطفية "الهجفجف بن عدقان مع الخنوت بنت محرمة". وظلت مخطوطة كتاب "الفصوص" مفقودة لأكثر من ألف عام حتى عثر عليها الدكتور عبدالوهاب التازي سعود عميد جامعة القرويين بفاس في خزانة الجامعة فحققها ونشرها .
ومن العصر العباسي ينتقل المؤلف إلى العصر المغولي الذي بدأ بسقوط بغداد على يد هولاكو سنة 656هــ/1258م، فيتناول بالدراسة والتحليل أعمال الشاعر صفي الدين الحلي (ت 787هــ/1386م) الذي كان يستنهض الهمم بشعره لمقارعة الغزاة المغول المحتلين، خاصة في قصيدته الذائعة الصيت التي مطلعها:
سلي الرمال العوالي عن معالينا
واستشهدي البيض هل خاب الرجا فينا
ويقول المؤلف إن كثيرا من أعلام الدول العربية في المشرق قد استقت ألوانها من هذه القصيدة،خاصة البين:
بيض صنائعنا، سود وقائعنا
خضر مرابعنا، حمر مواضينا
ويتناول المؤلف عصر النهضة العربية خلال القرن التاسع عشر الميلادي من خلال دراسات ثلاث، تتناول أعلام العراق في ذلك العصر: "محمود شكري الألوسي (1856-1924م)، والأب أنستاس ماري الكرملي(1866-1947م)، وهبة الدين الشهرستاني (1884-1967م). وفي فصل عنوانه "عاشق العروبة راهب في ديار الحركة القومية العربية"، يتوصل المؤلف إلى نتائج تخالف عشرات الكتب والدراسات التي أنجزت عن الأب أنستاس ماري الكرملي، الذي عد دائما راهبا متصوفا مولعا باللغة العربية ونحوها، في حين أن الدكتور علي القاسمي اعتبره سياسيا من طراز رفيع سعى إلى إبراز هوية العرب القومية من خلال البحث في لغتهم وتاريخهم وتراثهم الشعبي وعاداتهم وأزيائهم، وكل ما يميزهم عن العثمانيين الذين كانوا يحكمونهم، وأن هدفه كان إثارة الشعور القومي من أجل استقلال العرب ، ووحدتهم، وتبني الديمقراطية والتنمية البشرية. وقد مهد الأب الكرملي ببحوثه ودراساته الطريق للثورة العربية بقيادة الشريف الحسين بن علي في مكة المكرمة سنة 1914م. ويلتقي الأب أنستاس ماري الكرملي في ذلك مع أعلام النهضة العربية في الشام ومصر. ولهذا عاقبته السلطة العثمانية بنفيه من بغداد إلى تركيا مدة سنتين ونصف .
أما ثقافة العراق الحديث، فيتناولها المؤلف من خلال مقالات ودراسات نقدية جادة عن القصة والشعر في العراق وعن عدد من المبدعين الكبار مثل: أحمد الصافي النجفي، ومحمد مهدي الجواهري، وعبدالحق فاضل، وعبدالوهاب البياتي، وصالح جواد الطعمة، وإبراهيم السامرائي، وعبدالرحمن مجيد الربيعي، وبعض الشعراء العراقيين المعاصرين في المنافي الغربية مثل: سعدي يوسف، يحيى السماوي، عدنان الصائغ، أمل الجبوري، عبداللطيف أطميش .
ولا يغفل المؤلف الوضع السياسي المتردي في بلده والاحتلال الأمريكي الذي وقع سنة 2003، فيخصص عددا من المقالات عن محنة العراق الراهنة. ففي مقالة عنوانها "أتهم المثقفين بانهيار العراق"، يرى أن المثقفين الذين استلموا السلطة خلال الحكم الملكي في العراق من سنة 1921 إلى 1958، اقترفوا أخطاء فادحة على الرغم من أن الملك فيصل الأول كان رجلا على جانب كبير من الحنكة السياسية والإخلاص والنزاهة؛ ولكن الساسة كانوا يتكالبون على استلام السلطة، ويستغلون النعرات الطائفية والعشائرية، ويعملون من أجل مصالحهم الشخصية، ولم تكن لديهم رؤية واضحة عن التنمية البشرية وإقامة دولة المواطنة والقانون، وقد زجوا الجيش في السياسة، وتآمروا معه في عدد من الانقلابات العسكرية التي كان وراءها التنافس بين الدول الكبرى على ثروات العراق. ثم جاءت الانقلابات العسكرية بحكومات شمولية شنت حروبا عبثية، ما مهد الطريق للأمريكان وحلفائهم لاحتلال البلاد، وتقسيمها ونهب ثرواتها .
عندما صدرت الطبعة الأولى للكتاب، نشرت عشرات المقالات والدراسات عنه بقلم أدباء، وشعراء، ونقاد، وصحفيين، ومحللين سياسيين. وقد اختار ناشر الطبعة الثانية عشرين مقالا من هذه المقالات، ووضعها في آخر الكتاب تحت عنوان "قالوا في هذا الكتاب"، فاستغرقت أكثر من مائة صفحة .
إن "العراق في القلب" مرجع فريد متميز من مراجع التاريخ الحضاري للعراق، ومن الضروري أن يتوافر في المكتبات الجامعية والعامة، ومكتبات المثقفين الشخصية بشكل عام ...



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