Analyse of the sector 30/11/2010
Huge potential starting to be rediscovered

Yemen is a potential tourist paradise, with many unique historical, cultural, landscape, beach, desert and mountain attractions. However, it has remained off the beaten track for many years due to its tribal instability and harsh geography, with few visitors except backpackers and exclusive tour groups. However, Arab visitors have recently become more numerous and European, Asian and American visitor numbers are also growing, albeit somewhat sporadically due to the ongoing security situation, with numbers dropping after bombs and tourist kidnappings. In April 2009 the Tourism Promotion Council published a 6-year plan to develop tourism, and it is evident that the government has finally embraced tourism as a path for future development.

 

But security remains a major challenge

 

Security for tourists is an increasingly challenging issue in Yemen, a country which has long been renowned for the kidnapping of foreign nationals. Since 2007, 13 foreign tourists have been killed in bomb attacks and a number have been kidnapped, but fortunately released unharmed. There are areas of the country which are off limits to tourists as tribal disagreements have become violent. It goes without saying that these events are proving disastrous for Yemen’s tourist industry, which suffered greatly after the events of 11 September 2001 and was showing strong signs of recovery.

 

Infrastructure remains poor and in need of investment

 

Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East, with small oil reserves and a weak economy. Despite the potential that the tourism industry has long shown, the infrastructure remains poor and requires funding. Many of the hotels and restaurants are below international standards, and land transportation is difficult due to many roads being unpaved, as well as numerous police checkpoints. The continued security issues have deterred many investors from putting money into infrastructure projects, and it is likely that the worldwide economic downturn will prevent others from contributing.

 

Internet is not yet a viable booking channel

 

On-line services in Yemen remain nearly non-existent and cannot be considered to make any significant contribution to booking channels in the country. With less than 2% of the country having access to the internet, and 45% of the population considered as living in poverty, the internet is not yet an important feature of life in Yemen. Yet, some travel retailers have realised the potential of the internet as a means of providing information and are developing websites, as are hoteliers, particularly those who cater for backpackers.

 

Future depends on country’s stability

 

The creation of a tourism strategy and the continued, but under-funded, promotional campaigns of the Tourism Promotion Council at international fairs, will help to raise awareness of Yemen as a tourist destination. However, until the country is considered safe and secure for all tourists, it is unlikely to receive increased visitor numbers and the investment necessary to enhance its travel and tourism industry. The government needs to continue to work with the tourism providers as well as strive to obtain a safe and peaceful tourism environment in the country.