Top destinations revealed

British Airways has announced its five most popular destinations for travellers from the Middle East. The airline’s hub of London features prominently in the list, while New York, Washington, Toronto and Houston round out the top five.

The list highlights the connection Middle Eastern travellers have with North America, where they travel not just for business or holidays, but to see family and friends, and further their education.

Over the next five years, the airline will be investing more than £5 billion in new aircraft, smarter cabins, elegant lounges and new technologies to make life more comfortable in the air and on the ground. The airline has also invested £100m in the First cabin that is now fitted on more than 75 per cent of its long-haul fleet.

Paolo De Renzis, regional commercial manager, Middle East, said: “London will always be included in this list because it is the home of British Airways, as well as an incredibly popular destination for visitors from around the world. North America, however, is also a favourite with our passengers and not just for vacation. Many people from the Middle East have family in Canada and the US, while many also choose these two countries for the quality of education they offer.

“British Airways offers well-timed connections to North America through London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 with attractive fares to cities in Canada and the US. In addition, passengers are able to break the journey in London and discover the best the city has to offer.”

* London can’t be beaten when it comes to history, culture and shopping. It has renowned museums,art galleries and world-famous attractions that are a must on any visitor’s itinerary. The shopping is also first class with the likes of Oxford Street and Bond Street.

*New York is home to Broadway musicals, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. ‘The Big Apple’ is full of great restaurants, fantastic shopping, sporting pursuits, museums and art galleries.

* The US capital, Washington DC, boasts many iconic monuments on the way from the Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. Attractions include the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History.

* The Canadian city of Toronto is home to the CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest structures. With around half of the city’s residents not born in Canada, the city is a melting pot of cultures and offers a great place to sample cuisine from around the world.

*One of the top attractions in Houston, besides the world class shopping, is the Space Centre Houston – the official visitors’ centre for NASA’s Johnson Space Centre – where astronauts are trained. Here families can learn about space exploration and experience how it feels to be in space.