Luxury hotels boost emirate's appeal worldwide
Abu Dhabi, 01 March 2005: Reflecting the trend towards the new in holiday experiences, European travellers seeking something different are increasingly looking at destination Abu Dhabi.
Nominated in its 'Hot Stuff 2005' listings by the UK's authoritative Sunday Times newspaper, the UAE capital is set for a boom in 2005, according to the general manager of its newest five-star hotel, the Al Raha Beach Hotel.
According to Claude Kaiser, Abu Dhabi is hitting the headlines for all the right reasons. He said: "We have all the sun, sea and sand of other regional destinations, but with a new twist.
"Abu Dhabi can offer value for money, a relaxed atmosphere and real getaway environment, with golf and deep-sea fishing to spas, desert sands and every 'shop until you drop' opportunity," he said.
While the capital's hospitality sector has traditionally focused on government and corporate bookings, new and planned resorts are bringing an additional element of leisure in to the business mix, one that has coincided with the demand for new destinations from overseas travel operators.
"Abu Dhabi has been one of Arabia's secrets, certainly in terms of tourism, but now we will begin to see the emirate catching up with its neighbours as the travel trade learns of its capabilities ... and already the reaction of tourists has been very positive," added Kaiser.
The first deluxe boutique resort in the region, Al Raha Beach has 110 oversized rooms plus 24 beachside chalets and enjoys a prime location on the Al Raha corniche, close by the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the international airport.
Facilities include a health club and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, squash and tennis courts, water sports, kids club and restaurant, plus a marina and adjacent shopping mall.
Al Raha Beach Hotel is operated by Danat Hotels & Resorts, the umbrella brand for the hotel division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H).
Capitalising on the growing reputation of the Arabian Gulf for exceptional hospitality and customer-focused service, Danat Hotels & Resorts' gradual expansion aims to establish a name that will be recognised as a quality mark by customers in the Middle East and overseas.
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Notes to the editor:
Danat Hotels & Resorts, a division of the Abu Dhabi-based National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) manages two new five-star resorts, the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna and the Al Raha Beach Hotel, as well as a cluster of four-star properties in the emirate. The hotels are either owned and/or managed by the group, or where the group is the owner-representative.
The National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) was formed in 1996 in response to the need to develop both tourism and commerce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Abu Dhabi.
The Corporation was formed as a semi-government organisation. NCT&H's primary objective is to promote Abu Dhabi as an international destination, manage hotels and provide transportation and industrial catering services.
For media information:
Kirstie Hepburn / Fiona Swaffield
Strategic Solutions for Al Raha Beach Hotel
Tel: +971 4 3915390;
fax: +971 4 3918486
Email: media@strategicsolutionsonline.com
© Press Release 2005
