Occupancy levels upwards Tour operators are looking for "authentic Arabia"

Abu Dhabi, 03 May 2006:  Occupancies at Liwa Hotel have averaged 70 per cent for the year as European tour operators buy up block bookings at the hotel, located in the heart of the UAE desert, overlooking the Empty Quarter.

With a prime desert location among some of the world's highest sand dunes, the 66-room Liwa Hotel overlooks the vast Rub al Khali desert and concentrates on desert adventure.

The hotel has had the most positive response from European visitors, particularly from UK, France, Germany and Austria, as Westerners look for an Arabian holiday with a difference.

Hotel manager, Mel Barisic, is not surprised with the high occupancy levels for the four-star hotel and anticipates continued growth.

Barisic explains:  "Guests will have an authentic experience - and one not offered by the competition - on both the inside and outside of our hotel walls.  We weave genuine Arabian hospitality into everything we do."

Desert exploration and Arabian feasts under the stars prove to be a draw for European visitors who embrace the rich cultural experiences. 

Liwa Hotel's price point is aimed at those who prefer a more intimate hotel property with good service and an honest experience.

Although Liwa Hotel is off the beaten track, the property is next to near Mezzaira village, and is easily accessible along the modern Sila highway that stretches through the Abu Dhabi emirate to the borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  According to Barisic, the remote location is part of the hotel's attraction.

He said: "The Empty Quarter is a stunning expanse of desert with pristine sand dunes rising over 100 metres high. Guests can explore the desert by day and return in the evening to smoke shisha on our outdoor terrace.  From sunrise to sunset, the hassle-free desert lifestyle will amaze even the most seasoned traveller."

After exploring the desert, guests have access to four floodlit tennis courts, a volleyball court, fitness facilities with a swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room along with children's pool and playground area.  A selection of restaurants and bars complete the food and beverage choices.

Barisic said: "Liwa is a well-kept secret, but our numbers do continue to grow as word gets out that we offer a practical back door to Arabia.  Visit the capital, see the bright lights of Dubai, but don't forget to come to Liwa and hear the silence of the desert where the hordes don't exist and the prices are perfect." 

Located in the heart of the Rub al Khali desert, Liwa Hotel is operated by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a division of the National Corporation of Tourism & Hotels based in Abu Dhabi. 

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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 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.

Contact for media information:
Kirstie Hepburn
Euro RSCG Furness for Liwa Hotel
tel +971 4 3903030;
email media@eurorscgfurness.com

© Press Release 2006