Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli Renews Focus on American Leisure Market

U.S. Tour Operators also Optimistic

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. August 09, 2010

Tripoli, Libya - August 05, 2010 - The luxurious Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, as one of the leading five-star properties in Libya's capital city, has benefited from the recent growth of business travel from the west. In fact, the Corinthia housed the American embassy for several years following the renewal of diplomatic ties until the new embassy was completed. Now, with Libya fast gaining popularity as an exciting new holiday destination, there is a renewed focus on the American leisure market.

Salvinu Farrell, regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East of the hotel's operating company CHI Hotels & Resorts, noted that “the U.S. market offers great potential for Libya because of Americans' keen interest in archaeology, history and culture. This, combined with the pent-up demand to explore exciting new destinations still off the beaten track, is yet an un-tapped niche for Libya. Cultural tourists will be drawn by Libya's amazing five World Heritage sites, and a well developed desert tourism product is the main attraction for the adventure seekers. But most important for all Libya's visitors, it is a very safe destination and everyone feels genuinely welcomed.”

Some US tour operators never stopped promoting Libya even when the restrictions were in place. Ryad Sunusi, president, Los Angeles-based Libya Expeditions, said “we are extremely pleased about the easing of visa restrictions. We were prepared for this moment because we continued to attend trades shows throughout the US, even while there were difficulties for Americans to get visas. Now, our fall tours are sold out. “

Sunusi attributes much of this interest to the fact that Libya's archaeological ruins are on a scale of that found in Rome, but still almost untouched. He noted that “many of these attractions are only a few hours from Tripoli and can be seen on a one-day excursion.” Only last year Cyrene was awarded with the prestigious World Tourism Award presented at World Travel Market in London in recognition for Libya's unique approach in establishing an integrated model for North African Archaeological and Heritage Preservation and Management, with an emphasis on the education and training of local nationals for employment in the development and maintenance of this site; and for Engineer Saif Shahat's initiatives taken to ensure the protection of Libya's Heritage Sites and the quality of its tourism.

The California-based Luxury travel company, Travcoa, resumed its tours to Libya following the announcement in May about the easing of the Visa restrictions. “The chance for us to offer travel to Libya again this fall means that Travcoa can better meet the sophisticated US travelers' demand for new, interesting destinations,” says Travcoa President Jerre Fuqua. "Having just returned from a personal scouting trip through Libya, I can assure travelers that the visa and entry process works very smoothly and the entire Libyan experience, from the food and accommodations to the guides and remarkable historical sites, really exceeded my high expectations.”

Corinthia Hotels has been active in the promotion of tourism to Africa for several years. Glenn Carroll, sr. vice president Sales and Marketing for CHI Hotels & Resorts, which includes the Corinthia Hotels Luxury Brand, is a board member of the US-based Africa Travel Association (ATA).

Corinthia Hotel Tripoli
The Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, also referred to locally as the Corinthia Bab Africa, is strategically located in the hub of the central business district. The Hotel's two impressive towers that dominate the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea have become a modern landmark in the thriving metropolis that Tripoli has become. The luxuriously appointed 299 rooms, all of which overlook the sea, include 65 Executive club rooms and 34 Suites. The hotel is very close to the cultural heart of the city and serves as a great base from which to explore the archaeological wonders in the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha. Offering first-class service, the Corinthia Hotel Tripoli has set new hospitality standards in the region for both the leisure and business travelers.