Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 January, 2008; Emirates Palace swept to international victory at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) Gala Ceremony recently, when it was named 'World's Leading Conference Hotel' and its Palace Grand Suites named 'World's Leading Suites' over and above an elite collection of renowned hotels and resorts.
At a glittering soiree' held on the island of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean, the World Travel Awards celebrated some of the people and companies behind the year's best travel products. Over 330 representatives from the travel trade, VIPs and local and international media from 30 countries from across the globe converged for the esteemed event. Director of Sales and Marketing for Emirates Palace, Janet Abrahams attended the ceremony to receive the awards on behalf of Emirates Palace.
"Since its launch two years ago, Emirates Palace has consistently been recognised as the leading hotel and resort in Abu Dhabi with the most lavish suites and the best conference and convention facilities. We have now taken this to the worldwide hospitality arena and are extremely proud to receive such prestigious awards," said Noel Massoud, General Manager of Emirates Palace.
With over 7,000 square metres of space available, Emirates Palace is the largest meeting and conference venue in the Middle East and North Africa. The luxury resort hotel boasts a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 1, 100. The auditorium features simultaneous translation booths, professional sound systems a full range of multi-media capabilities. An exquisite ballroom accommodates up to 2,400 people and can be separated into 3 sections, suiting all requirements. It is fitted with 15 Swarovski Strauss crystal chandeliers and includes a professional video conference system, which is ISDN-based and may multicast a conference call with locations around the world. People using hearing aids are also catered for with special induction loops installed to support the ballroom's excellent audio facilities. The grandiose foyer can hold up to 300 people and can be used as a separate event space if so required.
The magnificent 680 square metre Palace Grand Suites are an exercise in opulent luxury. Adorned with delicate gold leaf, yellow and blue silk wall panels, hand-painted detailing, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the finest imported hand-made furnishings, the regal three bedroom suites are reminiscent of the guest quarters in great palaces of Europe. A favourite of local VIP's and international celebrities, every possible comfort and convenience is provided in a discreet and elegant fashion.
Earlier this year, Emirates Palace affirmed its position as the leading hotel in the region when it received nine of the most highly coveted trophies, including Leading Conference Hotel and Leading Suite at the Middle East and Africa leg of the awards. Now with global recognition, Abu Dhabi's iconic landmark resort is well on its way to becoming a prominent fixture on the international conference and luxury travel circuit.
www.emiratespalace.com / www.kempinski.com
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Editors Note:
Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace has created an enviable niche in the luxury resort industry, welcoming holiday makers from all over the world and giving them a truly memorable leisure experience by providing luxurious facilities and amenities in comfortable surroundings and superior and personalized service.
Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach and surrounded by hectares of manicured lawns, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of fine dining options. The resort's leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and two state of the art fitness centres. Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with 1,100 seats, a main ballroom that can accommodate up to 2500 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre.
Emirates Palace, since its inception, has quickly established an enviable reputation in the industry, winning many prestigious industry awards including -- Best Conference/Convention Center, Best 5-Star Leisure Hotel, Best 5-Star Business/Corporate Hotel - at the MENA Travel Awards 2007, considered the most prestigious and highly coveted industry recognition programme in the region.
About Kempinski
In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski's unique heritage at one of the group's prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.
About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 153 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong. GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.
For more information please contact:
Kempinski Hotels - Fatima Al Romaithi
E-mail: fatima.alromaithi@kempinski.com
Tel : +971 2 6907921
Sarah Harris
TRACCS Public Relations
E-mail: sarah.harris@traccs.net
Tel: +971 4 3672530
© Press Release 2008
