NEWS
7
MUNSHAATANNOUNCES ZAMZAM RENOVATION
With the aim of bolstering religious tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Munshaat Real Estate Projects Company and Accor, have announced the signing of Zamzam Pullman Makkah, formerly Zamzam Grand, at Arabian Travel Market. The Zamzam Pullman Makkah will undergo an
extensive renovation in order to bring it in line with PullmanÕs core brand values. Work will start in the public areas and restaurants this month and will be followed by a complete refurbishment of the propertyÕs 1,315 rooms and suites. Hamad Al Atiqi, CEO,
Munshaat Real Estate Projects
Company, said: ÒAccor shares our passion in creating a new upscale hotel in the holy city of Makkah, which integrates the best elements of the KingdomÕs religious and historical heritage with innovative facilities.Ó Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Middle East, added: ÒWe are pleased to partner with Munshaat, one of the leading hotel developers in the region and are delighted to introduce our upscale Pullman brand in Makkah. With such a prestigious new address in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we will welcome pilgrims from all over the world to experience the spiritual atmosphere close to the Haram.Ó
The new hotel will portray the core characteristics of the Pullman brand with modern comfort, cutting- edge technologies and world-class service.
Accor's Managing Director Christophe Landais (left) and Munshaat's CEO Hamad Al Atiqi
Visit stand ME1310
CRISTAL HOTELS AND RESORTS SCORE A HAT-TRICK
Luxury group Cristal Hotels and Resorts announced an exciting new expansion at Arabian Travel Market yesterday, with three new hotels set to open outside the Middle East this year. President and CEO of The Cristal Group Peter Blackburn sat down with The Preferred Hotel Group, which is partnering the brand, to open their first hotel in Lebanon, Cristal Grand Hotel Kadri. One of the most historic landmark hotels in Lebanon, the hotel is situated in the centre of Zahle and is scheduled to open towards the end of October with private investors spending around US$2-3 million on the renovation. ÒThe hotel in Lebanon has been closed for two years now,Ó said Blackburn. ÒEveryone is looking forward to its reopening.Ó The Cristal Grand Hotel Kadri offers 83 exquisite rooms and suites as well as a restaurant, pool and a state-of- the-art gymnasium.
The Cristal Canyon Hotel in Erbil, Iraq, is currently in its pre-opening stage, with the soft
opening set for mid-August. The four-star hotel boasts 93 rooms and suites with an indoor one-kilometre running track for fitness fanatics. Home to unspoiled mountain scenery and ancient sites, it is the perfect hotspot for both business and leisure. The third opening is the Cristal Itsandra Beach Hotel on Comoros Island, situated in the Indian Ocean and just 50 minutes from the Seychelles. Marketed
as an eco-hotel, active marine life and a live volcano just miles from the resort satisfy the most experienced traveller. ÒWe at Cristal Hotels and Resorts are delighted to be expanding the Cristal profile outside the Middle East,Ó added Blackburn. ÒThe demands of both the economy and our guests mean that we are confident in spite of the current economical climate and look forward to growth well beyond the next few years.Ó
Situated in a prime location, the hotel is within walking distance of Al Haram Al Makki, the holy Masjid al Haram, the Makkah Islamic Heritage Museum and the lunar observation centre.
A NEW LOOK FOR MARHABA
Marhaba means ÔwelcomeÕ in Arabic and this is exactly what the company has been providing for the last 20 years, enabling a hassle-free transition through Dubai International Airport for arriving passengers. The premium Ômeet and greetÕ service has unveiled a fresh look and feel at Arabian Travel Market with a vibrant new logo and renewed product offering. To help differentiate between
passengersÕ needs, the travel services are now packaged as Gold, Silver and Bronze with access to unique Arabian hospitality at the 24-hour airport lounges regardless of airline or class of travel.
ÒMarhaba is a tried-and- trusted brand here in Dubai, but we recognise that in any service-orientated business, thereÕs always room for improvement,Ó said Jon
Conway, Divisional Senior Vice President for dnataÕs airport operations. ÒBy refreshing the look and feel of the brand, weÕre showing our customers that we are as modern, vibrant and customer-orientated as we were when we first started out.Ó Marhaba services are
available in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport with representatives on call 24-hours a day.
Visit stand UAE1000 DESTINATION DOWN UNDER
While tropical destinations, such as Thailand and Sri Lanka, are highly represented at the Arabian Travel Market, Freddy Mikhael, Managing Director of JC Travel Professionals, is here running the only stand flying the flag for Australia. A Sydney-sider himself, he has come over from his adopted home to spread the word on the plentiful activities on offer, targeting GCC residents and expats. He said: ÒAustralia is a special destination as it offers every component of tourism, from exotic trips to the Gold Coast and Cairns to skiing and shopping.Ó JC Travel Professionals has exhibited at the Arabian Travel Market every year since 2004. With bookings up 50 percent on last year, Mikhael is clear on
why the event is so important to his business. ÒThe Arabian Travel Market is a vital place for me to meet people, for all my clients and anyone whoÕs interested in the destination. ÒWe hope to achieve growth in our figures and growth in the number of people coming to our country. With Ramadan falling in mid-July this year, itÕs the perfect opportunity for Australia to pick up tourism from this wealthy region.Ó Realising the potential of visitors from the GCC, Mikhael is promoting Australia as a Muslim-friendly destination, even during the holy month of Ramadan. ÒWe are encouraging Muslims to visit Australia during Ramadan as we organise Iftars as well as personally arrange transport to the mosque for
Freddy Mikhael
prayer times. We also have the Muslim guide to Australia to encourage this market.Ó With offices in Sydney, Queensland and New Zealand, JC Travel Professionals certainly has the area well covered.
Visit stand UAE710
forecasted international tourist arrivals by the end of 2012 Source: UNWTO
1 billion
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