11 October 2006; Mid November Kempinski will open the doors to a new standard of leisure and luxury on the East Coast of the `Horn of Africa' with the launch of Djibouti Palace Kempinski, site of the this year's Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), one of the most important meetings of heads of state from the region.

Djibouti Palace Kempinski is a 337-room five star luxury hotel, featuring facilities and services for which Kempinski is renowned. Located at a prime beach front between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, just under 10 minutes away from Djibouti International Airport, the luxury resort also boasts a state-of-the-art conference centre which is also part of the hotel complex.

"We're very excited about the opening. Hosting the COMESA is an immense responsibility and we're delighted to have completed our targets for phase one, which includes 177 rooms and suites with stunning views of the Red Sea, as well as the full completion of our property's pride - our conference centre and its attached meeting rooms, which will host very important chief executives and dignitaries from all over the region. It's a major first step, but we're very well prepared," said Bugra Berberoglu, General Manager, Djibouti Palace Kempinski.

An impressive entertainment centre with water sports, beach volley, ping-pong, baby foot and various board games will also be open to guests, whose options for relaxation and recreation are further enhanced with the temperature-controlled infinity pool. A number of fine-dining restaurants will be ready to serve visitors exotic African delicacies and international gourmet delights. "The completion of the second phase is expected for summer 2007, with a further 160 rooms, suites and apartments, Spa & fitness centre, tennis courts, casino and a discotheque," added Berberoglu.

One of Africa's best kept secrets, the Republic of Djibouti offers visitors a wealth of stunning natural sites to explore. Safaris are the opportunity to see Lake Assal's stunning volcanic formations or the flamingos on Lake Abb. Virgin beaches are the starting point for some exceptional scuba diving or snorkelling in the Devil's Cauldron in the Gulf of Tadjoura, where whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and grey reef sharks can be spotted between October and January, or the Seven Brothers Islands, popular from January to May for the island system's stunning soft coral reefs attracting schooling fish.

Djibouti Palace is Kempinski's seventh hotel in Africa. There are now three hotels under construction or final development in Africa, in addition to existing properties in Chad, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar) and Mali.

www.kempinski.com / www.globalhotelalliance.com

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Editors Note:
Kempinski's prestigious portfolio comprises luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.  Each offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style reflecting the individuality of the property and its location.

Kempinski Hotels is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, along with Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts and Rydges Hotels & Resorts.  The Global Hotel Alliance offers customers an extensive choice of upscale and luxury accommodation, with over 150 hotels in 22 countries.

For further information, please contact:
Ursula von Platen,
Regional Director PR,
ursula.vonplaten@kemp-aj.com
Tel +971 6 745 1555;
Fax +971 6 742 3336,
Mobile +971 50 626 8238

© Press Release 2006