Al Aqah to reveal details of new initiatives and refurbishments at ATM 2008

The hotel will be exhibiting at the Fujairah stand at ATM 2008 for the sixth consecutive year showcasing its diverse range of exciting new facilities while underscoring its commitment to environmental awareness initiatives.

Since opening in 2002, Le Méridien Al Aqah has aligned itself closely with the Fujairah Tourism Board (FTB) to promote Fujairah as the new 'must-see' tourism destination. As a result, the tourism industry in Fujairah has grown tremendously, with the number of tourists steadily increasing over the past six years.

'The stunning natural beauty of the East Coast, the year-round pleasant sunshine and easy accessibility from other Emirates has made Fujairah a hugely popular tourist destination attracting visitors, both regional and international, keen to sample first-hand what the area has to offer,'

said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

'The East Coast is also witnessing the inauguration of new hotels which further attest to the growth of the tourism industry here, highlighting just how far we've come. Our continued participation in ATM and other major international travel and trade exhibitions in conjunction with the Emirate of Fujairah remains top of our agenda at Al Aqah year after year,' added Antaki.

Le Méridien Al Aqah will be using this year's ATM as a platform to highlight some of its key corporate social and environmental programmes, along with the resorts new additions and refurbishments to continuously enhance its offering.

Having been hit by Cyclone Gonu in June 2007, the destruction which was left behind took a great deal of time and effort to repair. Al Aqah is spending $2 million on its beach rejuvenation and redesign with the aim of transforming the whole area into the ultimate heaven for beach-goers. As part of the beach makeover, changing rooms are planned for the beach, along with newly designed beach umbrellas with WIFI call buttons for instant waiter service. A new beach bar is also planned where guests can relax and unwind in the stunning surroundings right on the beachfront with an exclusive VIP area for an extra special experience.

Le Méridien Al Aqah's famed Penguin Club, a huge favorite with younger guests, is fully equipped with its own secure indoor and outdoor play area and covered splash pool, providing fun and an educational programme of activity for children of all ages. A new and exciting entertainment line-up is planned for the coming months with daily animation activities to keep the little ones amused for hours, allowing parents to sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that their children are being cared for by trained professionals.

Le Méridien Al Aqah is 100% committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling in all areas of the hotel. On the beach for instance, bins are located throughout and emptied regularly to ensure the rubbish does not cause unwanted mess and pollution. This rubbish, the majority of which is made up of bottles and newspapers, is then recycled for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly beach for all to enjoy. To promote a more natural and healthy looking beach, 100 coconut trees have also recently been planted. The water used in the hotel is reused and treated at a local sewage plant and Al Aqah is currently studying the options surrounding alternative energy for water and electricity supply.

Taste is Le Méridien Al Aqah's legendary Thai restaurant and is a must for all guests, receiving rave reviews for its delicious menu selection and use of the freshest and finest quality ingredients. Inspired by the intricate art of the high-end Thai kitchen, Taste serves mouthwatering dishes in stylish surroundings. It also features a licensed bar with live music and the opportunity to dine al fresco during the cooler months. Le Méridien Al Aqah runs a variety of appetizing promotions in all of its restaurants offering something new and innovative each month for customers to experiment and enjoy.