The states awaits

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Times Square.

With increasing numbers of airlines operating direct services from the Middle East to North America, there is no time like the present to send clients on a trip to the US, explains Lee Jamieson.

The US presents unparalleled opportunities for the Middle Eastern leisure traveller - its tourism offerings are as diverse as its landscape and culture.

"In the Middle East, we have a wide range of leisure travellers, each motivated by very different needs and wants," says Emirates Holidays, regional manager, destination development, Europe and the Americas, Marco Heinrich. "The great thing about the US is that it has it all, allowing us to cater to everybody's needs."

Today, the US is more accessible than ever before. As air links between the Middle East and the US strengthen, a window of opportunity is emerging for the Middle East's travel trade - but the question is how to capitalise on this and maximise the potential of the US?

New York ... the city that never sleeps

New York needs no introduction. Indeed, the city is the number one US destination for international travellers, accounting for 32% of the market share - nearly three times more than second-placed Los Angeles.

We are all familiar with images of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the New York skyline - New York sells itself.

"New York is the place if your clients want an action-packed holiday, " says Heinrich.

"It's true when they say this city never sleeps! - you would need more than a month's vacation to fully experience the city."

By far the most popular activity in New York is shopping, a primary and fondly persued aim of 88% of the city's visitors.

"Shopping is a major draw for the Middle Eastern traveller, when you take the exchange rate into account," explains Heinrich. "It's a shopper's paradise."

How to sell New York to...

Couples: After sightseeing, couples can indulge themselves in the city's diverse gastronomy. The Chocolate Bar is the perfect place to soak up the chic, New York ambience. Visit www.buffalochocolatebar.com.

Families: Although only 7% of New York's visitors travel with children, there is still a great deal to do for youngsters heading to New York including a trip to the interactive Children's Museum of the Arts and the Central Park Zoo.

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