Le Méridien Al Aqah invests $2m on beach rejuvenation alongside ATM 2008

As part of the four-day exhibition, Fujairah's first five-star beach resort will reveal plans about its beach rejuvenation and redesign, an undertaking which is sure to make guests' visits to the East Coast even more enjoyable.

Le Méridien Al Aqah is investing $2m into a comprehensive beach rejuvenation and redesign with the aim of transforming its shoreline into the ultimate haven for beach-lovers. The beach investment was initially triggered by the effect of Cyclone Gonu in June 2007, as well as guest feedback on how LMAA could improve its current beach offering.

As part of the beach makeover, changing pavilions are planned along the shoreline, along with the region's first hi-tech beach umbrellas featuring WI-FI call buttons for instant waiter service. A new beach bar will also be constructed to enable guests to relax and unwind in the stunning surroundings right on the beachfront, with an exclusive VIP area for an extra special water-facing experience.

'The stunning natural beauty of the East Coast, the year-round pleasant weather and easy accessibility from other Emirates has made Fujairah the only truly year-round tourism destination in the region. With visitor numbers on the rise, we are investing to ensure that LMAA's beach remains in pristine condition, and that guests have immediate access to the food and beverage services they require through WI-FI technology and a fantastic new waterfront dining area,' said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

ATM also enables Le Méridien Al Aqah to underscore its commitment to safer beaches not only in Fujairah, but across the wider Gulf region.

'In turn, as the number of leisure tourists and water sports enthusiasts visiting our beaches continues to increase, it becomes even more important to raise awareness about issues such as water safety to a wider audience. On May 25th, the 3rd UAE National Lifeguard Championships will be held at the hotel, where the abilities of the regions qualified pool and beach lifeguards will be recognized, and ATM provides yet another platform for us to increase regional awareness about the critical need for water safety,' added Antaki.

The National Lifeguard Championships provide GCC-wide exposure around the need for pool and beach safety measures, as the event highlights the region's best teams in the areas of leadership, health and safety, emergency procedures, first aid, team work and physical fitness. This year's overall winning team will walk away with the UAE National Lifeguard Championship trophy and a GCC holiday voucher, which includes flights with Emirates.

'The overwhelming response we receive each year highlights the renewed collective commitment of the hospitality industry in the UAE to ensuring that our pools and beaches are in safe, capable hands. At ATM we hope to spread this awareness amongst a wider audience of international travel trade professionals,'

concluded Antaki.