ABU DHABI, 17th December, 2015 (WAM) -- Sir Bani Yas Island, the award-winning nature and wildlife island reserve being developed into an internationally-renowned tourist destination by the Tourism Development and Investment Company, TDIC, has won ?World?s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination? at the 2015 World Travel Awards in Morocco.
The announcement took place during a special ceremony at the Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, in the presence of international tourism industry leaders, including senior officials of principal travel companies and tourist board chiefs. The World Travel Awards is acknowledged around the world as one of the highest recognition for a travel product, celebrating excellence in the global and travel tourism industry. Sufian Hasan Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer at TDIC, said, "We are very pleased and proud that Sir Bani Yas has won World?s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination for a second year in a row. This prestige confirms that our efforts to balance our hospitality and conservation offerings continue to be successful, such as welcoming two cruise ships last month as well as several baby animals to the island?s expansive wildlife population." An 87-square kilometre island located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island features three high-end resorts; Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, all managed by the prominent Thai-hospitality group, Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas. Initially developed into a wildlife reserve by the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sir Bani Yas Island is now home to over 13,000 free-roaming animals as a result of dedicated environmental and conservation efforts. Guests can see the Island?s diverse wildlife by participating in various activities that take them around the 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, such as Nature and Wildlife Drives. They can also enjoy a wide range of eco-conscious activities that include wadi walks, horseback riding, pearl diving, kayaking, and mangrove planting. Those interested in visiting or staying on Sir Bani Yas Island can enjoy short direct flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai or can use boat transfers from Jebel Dhanna in the Western Region.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2015.
