DUBAI
experience’. Further down the line,
W Hotels plans to open a 384-room hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, and Starwood is to launch W Dubai – The Palm on The Palm Jumeirah in 2016.
Airlines: Following the signing
SOL’S LIVING LEGEND BY COLIN ELLSON “That Atlantis, the fabled island city said to have disappeared beneath the waves in 9,600 BC, surfaced in Dubai in 2008 is no surprise in an emirate where anything seems possible. Atlantis, The Palm dominates the skyline of the man-made island on which it is built. The 1,539- room resort conjures up the myth of Atlantis in the Lost Chambers, where underground tunnels offer views of the ruined city. The resort also has Aquaventure, Dubai’s largest water playground, Ambassador Lagoon, home to bountiful marine life, and Dolphin Bay, where guests can swim with the charismatic mammals. Even if clients don’t stay there, persuade them to visit Atlantis; it’s part of the Dubai experience.”
of a partnership agreement with Emirates, from March 31, 2013, Qantas’ daily fl ights from London- Heathrow to Sydney and Melbourne will transit via Dubai, rather than Singapore. In October, Emirates launched the world’s fi rst onboard mobile phone service on Airbus A380 aircraft. Airports: Dubai Al Maktoum
Airport, which began cargo operations two years ago, plans to open its long-delayed passenger terminal by the end of 2013. The vast new gateway, part of the Dubai World Central logistics complex, is designed to handle 160 million passengers a year. Emirates has also opened the
world’s only dedicated and purpose- built A380 concourse at Dubai International Airport. Attractions: The ambitious Mohammed Bin Rashid City is back on the drawing board. The project will include 100 hotels, golf courses, the world’s largest shopping mall, a Universal Studios park and an art and culture facility. Details of the timescale of the development have yet to be released.
Clockwise from left: One&Only The Palm; the spectaular water fountains near the Burj Khalifa; Dubai Old Town.
Tourism talk “Increasingly, families are realising that Dubai can offer them a fun and
affordable holiday, and with a relatively short fl ight time of seven hours. Our newsletter, Dubai Update, and online training programme, Dubai Expert, is our commitment to the trade. We also host regular training events throughout the UK and Ireland.” Ian Scott, Director UK and Ireland Dubai Tourism
Where to book it KUONI - 01306 747008
Three nights at the three-star Centro Barsha, in a classic room, cost from £595 in May, including fl ights from London Gatwick with Emirates and group transfers in Dubai. To book, quote DX2049.
kuoni.co.uk TRAVEL 2 - 0800 0224 302 For those on a budget, a fi ve- night stay at the four-star Byblos Hotel Tecom costs from £629 between May and September. The price includes return fl ights from London and accommodation in a standard room, with breakfast.
travel2.com COSTA CRUISES - 0845 351 0552
Starting and ending in Dubai, the seven-night Arabian Gulf cruise on Costa Atlantica calls at Muscat and Khasab, Oman; Fujairah Khor Fakkan, UAE; and Abu Dhabi. Prices from £399pp for an inside cabin for departures in March.
costacrusies.co.uk
WHO FLIES THERE
biman-airlines.com;
britishairways.com;
emirates.com/uk;
qantas.com.au/uk;
bruneiair.com;
virgin-atlantic.com
Meet the Operator
Why is Dubai such a popular destination?
The emirate is extremely
accessible. With Emirates you can fl y direct from six UK airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow. Once in Dubai, it is very easy to explore the city as the roads are excellent and Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced public transport
systems in the world. The taxis are also plentiful and affordable.
Which clients best suit Dubai? Dubai caters to every client, from families to honeymooners. The enormous variety of hotels, from affordable to luxury, and the huge range of entertainment, including water parks and world-class nightlife, ensure the emirate is suited to everyone.
What new products are you offering for 2013?
New are Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, an activity fi lled luxury beachside resort; and Ocean View Hotel, a new four-star hotel on The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residences. Venturing outside Dubai we also have the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, a desert property that’s a short drive from Dubai.
Sample Package Emirates Tours - 0844 800 1400
Three nights at the fi ve-star One&Only The Palm lead in at £979, a saving of up to £350 per couple. Accommodation is in a Palm Manor House Premier Room, and the price includes Emirates fl ights from London Gatwick and private car transfers.
emiratestours.co.uk
52 February 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Fabio Prestijacopo, General Manager, Emirates Tours UK
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