news to use MIDDLE EAST
Tourism Update INSIDE ROTANA
DoubleTree expands in Middle East
BY LAURA GELDER DoubleTree by Hilton has made
Rotana has signed up UK golf
star Melissa Reid as its global golf ambassador. She is charged with promoting Rotana's golf resorts throughout the Middle East. Melissa Reid is considered to be
the best young British golfer of her generation since Laura Davies. She was Europe’s top-ranked amateur when she turned professional in 2007 and has not looked back since. Last year she had her maiden tour
victory and is currently leading the European Order of Merit. Melissa has already secured her
place in Europe’s Solheim Cup team for their matches against the USA this September and is looking forward to playing against some of the greatest names in golf. Rotana's chief operating officer Omer Kaddouri commented: “As a regional hotel chain we are interested in promoting our destinations and properties, especially in the United Arab Emirates, to golfing enthusiasts. "Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Ras
Al Khaimah, where Rotana manages 28 properties, offer some of the best golf courses in the world. "We are extremely pleased to be
partnering with Melissa who is well on her way to being one of the top stars of women's golf. "Rotana is a fitting partner for Melissa, as we can afford her the opportunity to get some valuable training at some great facilities during the winter," said Kaddouri.
www.rotana.com
MIDDLE EAST IN BRIEF
Zighy Bay adds diving and sailing Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman’s
remote Musandam Peninsula has added a brand new dive centre and a 50-berth state-of-the-art marina. Dive courses at the 82-villa property are now available together with guided excursions to some of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Oman.
www.sixsenses.com/ SixSensesZighyBay
Kids go free in Dubai Dubai Tourism's new promotion
with more than 45 hotels allows two children under 12 to eat, sleep and play for free when accompanied by two paying adults. Plus, families get a 50% discount on kids’ flights with Emirates, free entry to attractions like Wild Wadi and free travel on the Dubai Metro and Big Bus Tours.
http://kidsgofreeindubai.com
Emirates ups Manchester flights Emirates has boosted its Dubai- Manchester service by adding a third daily non-stop flight. The new flight, which commenced May 1, departs daily at 09.40, giving north west-based travellers enhanced connections to Thailand and cities in the Indian sub- continent and Middle East.
www.emirates.com/uk
Strong MIddle East growth forecast The United Arab Emirates and Saudi
Arabia wll experience some of the world's strongest inbound tourism growth over the next five years, according to research due to be unveiled on May 3 at the WTM Vision Conference – Dubai. The UAE is expected to see an annual increase of 6.9%. www.
wtmlondon.com/page.cfm/ID=650
www.sellinglonghaul.com • May 2011 09
its foray into the Middle East with the opening of two hotels in Aqaba and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Overlooking the Red Sea, DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba is a new-build 173-room hotel located in the central business district of Jordan’s southern-most and only coastal city. The property is influenced by Italian design and its guest rooms and suites have Red Sea views, 32-inch LCD TVs, work surfaces, luxurious baths, high- speed internet as well as 24-hour in-room dining. Recreational facilities include a semi-
covered infinity-style pool, two whirlpools, a sauna and steam room and a fitness centre. Restaurants range from Tree Café,
which serves freshly brewed coffees, home-made pastry and light lunches to King’s, with its menu of top-quality meats and international premium wines, or the modern fusion food of D-Lounge. DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al
UK in front for
Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi reported a 17 per cent
rise in its February guest nights compared with last year. With 17,309 guests bedding down in
the emirate this February, the UK maintained its position as the leading source market, producing 12,832 nights, a 29 per cent increase. Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy
director of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, attributed the significant growth to major events held in the emirate.
www.abudhabitourism.ae
Khaimah overlooks the creek, also in the city’s business district and only 50 minutes from Dubai Airport, (or 20 minutes to the local airport). Visitors enjoy complimentary access to
the beach club and kids club at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa (pictured), a five-minute drive away.
Whilst the rooms are similar to the Aqaba hotel, the UAE DoubleTree has a rooftop swimming pool and TreeTop Bar and a spa. An all-day restaurant, Gusto, provides breakfast, lunch and dinner while the Lobby Lounge serves snacks and cocktails.
http://doubletree1.hilton.com
Rezidor opens Kuwait property Hotel group Rezidor has opened its
second Missoni hotel in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Italian fashion house of the same name. Part of the Symphony Centre, a boutique emporium in Kuwait City’s shopping district, the hotel’s design is inspired by the Arabian Gulf, with vibrant patterns and bold colours such as gold, turquoise and red throughout its the 169 sea-facing rooms. The hotel also features a modern
gym, a steam room and sauna and a pool deck overlooking the city. The flagship restaurant is Cucina,
which offers Italian cuisine. Missoni employs the latest technology, using iPads for check-in, Bang & Olufsen TVs in guest rooms and Magic Mirrors in the en-suite bathrooms (which convert into televisions).
www.hotelmissoni.com
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