Yemen takes measures to salvage its reputation

Sana'a: The Yemeni government moved to revive its threatened tourism industry following a deadly suicide bomb attack two weeks ago by hiring outside public relations consultants and stepping up security efforts.

On July 2, a suicide bomber charged a bomb-laden truck into a van full of Spanish tourists outside the famous Queen of Sheba Palace in the Marib region, killing seven people.

The act was the first deadly terrorist attack against tourists in the country, although there have been periodic kidnappings for over a decade from tribes in the hinterland demanding government assistance.

Days after the incident, authorities detained over 15 men for questioning, and an Egyptian thought to be connected to the attack was reportedly killed in a firefight with police.

Minister of Tourism Nabeel Hassan Al Fakih said more security measures have been taken such as placing 15 additional police vehicles to protect the road to the popular Hadramaut region.

Summer festivals

The government has also retained the services of European public relations firm Trademark Tourism, which operates affiliated companies in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In addition, the government will host summer festivals to draw Gulf residents, the source of approximately three quarters of tourism revenues.

Currently, the government earns roughly two per cent of its GDP from tourism, but hopes to increase that to 6.5 per cent in 2010. This year the government projected a 15 per cent rise in tourist arrivals, and now thinks it will still rise, despite the Marib incident, by seven per cent.

But for tour operators catering to European visitors, the attack has wiped more than half of its bookings for July, although it is currently the low season, with most reservations expected between August and April.

Alwan Shaibani, who presides over Yemen's largest tour operator, Universal Touring Company, said there were cancellations of roughly 70 per cent this month. At the elegant five-star Taj Sheba Hotel in the capital Sana'a, operators say conferences and individuals have cancelled bookings resulting in the loss of 120 room-nights in July.

Barring another incident, however, Shaibani predicted a full revival in three to eight months.

Jean Jacques Gouy of Trademark Tourism says his strategy to further Yemen's recovery was to portray the country as safe and full of history, culture, and nature, and that the Marib incident was an isolated one.

The country also plans to invite foreign media in the coming months to report on their experiences and help change the perception of Yemen as dangerous.