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Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi repositioned to reflect prime location as leisure segment grows; newly appointed GM spearheading change programme with revamped Italian restaurant, hi-tech guest facilities and re-launch of lounge concept
Millennium & Copthorne Middle East and Africa (MEA) has unveiled its newly renamed and repositioned property in Abu Dhabi, Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi.
The 305-room hotel occupies a prime location in the city's prestigious Corniche area and was the first Millennium & Copthorne branded property to debut in the region, opening its doors in 2002.
"Our Abu Dhabi hotel was the Group's first foothold into the Middle East hospitality market, and over the last 12 years has been a brand ambassador for our internationally acclaimedhospitality and service," said Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President& CEO, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels MEA.
"The decision to rename the property is twofold: to assert its position in a highly sought-after location in the heart of Abu Dhabi city and, as we grow our brand presence in the capital, to ensure that our guests can identify with the specific offering and get the most out of their stay with us," he added.
Its prime location on the Corniche, with close proximity to major downtown retail and entertainment options, as well as being within easy reach of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and the beautiful beaches of Saadiyat Island,support its positioning as an upscale leisure destination, ideally located for tourists eager to experience all that the city has to offer.
The hotel's prime locationalso makes it a popular choice for business travellers and meeting and event planners,particularly with the active calendar of corporate and conference business held throughout the year in the UAE's capital. The demand from China and India reflects Abu Dhabi government's strategic focus on cementing its reputation as a world-leading MICE destination.
A new general manager, James Wilson, recently appointed,is leading the team in its new phase of development. An experienced international hotelier with a track record of successful openings and strategic brand relaunches, Wilson has worked in senior executive roles for leading hotel groups in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
"It's part of my mandate to take the hotel through to the next decade, wehave introduced a raft of new offerings for our guests including wireless iPad check-in, our newly revamped Italian restaurant - now called Biscotti - which is a casual Italian dining conceptwith an authentic 'neighbourhood' feel, and we are also in the process of relaunching our coffee lounge concept," he said.
"Abu Dhabi is on an upwards trajectory both in terms of hotel occupancy levels, andachieved almost double digit growth year-on-year in 2014, with RevPAR also climbing over the same period. This supports our strategic expansion vision for the Emirate and indeed the UAE, and with a firmly established presence in the region, we are confident of our own rapid ascent to become one of the major players in the hospitality sector," added Alzaabi.
Millennium &Copthorne'shave three upcoming properties in UAE, totalling over 1000 rooms due to be open by 2016.
"Next for Abu Dhabi will be the 667-room Bab Al Qasr Hotel, which will be located at the opposite end of the Corniche with unrestricted views of the Gulf and Emirates Palace. With its distinctive Arabesque design, this will add a further luxury element to our portfolio, and open up new market opportunities for the brand," Alzaabi remarked.
Currently, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels & Resorts operates 17 hotels with approximately 5,000 rooms across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Oman and Iraq. Itis targeting 50 properties by 2017, including 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia.
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About Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Plc
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc. is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and/or operates over 120 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms worldwide, the company is present on all continents with a portfolio of brands which serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.
From a single property in Abu Dhabi, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has expanded into various neighbouring destinations and is now recognised as one of the fastest growing regional hotel management companies in the Middle East & Africa. Along the way, the company has cultivated partnerships with reputable and respected owners. Millennium & Copthorne currently operates 17 hotels, has over 10 hotels due to open within the next year and aims to operate 50 properties within the next three years for the MEA region.
For media enquires please contact:
George Tahhan
Director
Sales & Marketing
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mobile: +971 50 6150147
E-mail: George.tahhan@millenniumhotels.com
© Press Release 2015
