Abu Dhabi 2^nd December 2008 - Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and Starwood Hotels and ResortsStarwood Hotels and Resorts have announced the appointment of experienced hotelier, Stephan Vanden Auweele as the General Manager of the first Aloft hotel in the Middle East (ME) region.

Belgian born hotelier Mr Vanden Auweele, who has extensive experience in opening and managing hotels around the world, will spearhead the innovative 4-star hotel, which is currently under construction.

Fully integrated into the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the 408 room hotel will complement the striking architecture of the new venue and will provide the ideal 'home away from home' for exhibitors, exhibition visitors and, in the near future, Capital Centre business professionals. Aloft will 'recharge' and 'refuel', guests with a perfect combination of urban attitude, modern simplicity with home-like comforts, accessible state-of-the-art technology, healthy food options including a 24/7 'grab and go' pantry in the lobby, and fitness and pool facilities.

"A cutting edge hotel, such as Aloft, requires a manager with vision and Vanden Auweele has proven his ability to steer hotels into popularity and profitability. Through his management, we expect the Aloft, to become a preferred local and regional destination for business and leisure travellers, especially to those visiting our exhibitions, conferences and live events," said Simon Horgan, CEO of ADNEC GroupADNEC Group.

Guido De Wilde, VP & Regional Director for Starwood Hotels & ResortsStarwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East, added: "Besides the distinct nature of the Aloft brand itself, a differentiating factor for this project is the acquisition of the best people for the job. With Vanden Auweele's appointment, all the elements are now in place for us to develop an exciting hotel which promises to change the face of local and regional hotel services - from our key partnership with ADNECADNEC, our location in one of the most vibrant economic areas on earth, a fresh 'customer convenience' approach, to the placement of dependable personnel."

-Ends-

About Aloft
Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Starwood anticipates the first aloft hotels to open in 2008, with 500 properties worldwide expected by 2012. The first aloft in the ME region will open at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre by the end of 2009.

About Starwood Hotels & ResortsStarwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc.
Starwood Hotels & ResortsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About ADNECADNEC Group
ADNEC GroupADNEC Group is an international venue development and business management company. ADNEC GroupADNEC Group's portfolio currently includes the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre - the Gulf's largest exhibition centre; ExCeL London - the UK capital's largest exhibition centre; the Al Ain Convention Centre - a brand new development in the historic city of Al Ain, Capital Gate - an iconic, gravity defying tower and a number of hotel projects. In addition ADNECADNEC is master developer of the Capital Centre project, the world's first fully interconnected exhibition lifestyle destination.

ADNEC GroupADNEC Group is developing its network both through acquisition and construction. The company's objective is to become the world's leading venue provider to the international exhibitions, conferences and live events industries by providing consistently high standards of venue facilities and management, as well capitalising on the synergies which exist within a global venue network.

ADNEC GroupADNEC Group's Executive Office is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

For more information please contact:
Marco Ferrari
Starwood Hotels & ResortsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
VP, Director of External Communication, Europe, Africa & Middle East
Ph. +39-06-4880225
Fax. +39-06-4881210
Email: marco.ferrari@starwoodhotels.com

Cindy Yoong
Starwood Hotels & ResortsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc
Area Director of Public Relations
UAE
Ph. +9714 207 1455
Fax. +9714 221 1858
Mobile. +97150 657 1495
Email: cindy.yoong@starwoodhotels.com

Louise Osborne
ADNECADNEC Account Manager PR & Marketing
Ph. +971-02-406 3342
Email: louise.osborne@adnec.ae
Website: http://www.adnec.ae

© Press Release 2008

 

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