Diving in Dijbouti

Members of the Emirates Diving Association (EDA) fresh from a recent diving trip, were hosted by Dijbouti Palace Kempinksi in conjunction with Djibouti's Office of National Tourism, which has been busy promoting the country as an exciting leisure and recreation destination, with the cooperation of DAALLO Airlines represented by the General Manager Mr Abdul Wahid Al Hashemy, the Divers were treated to renowned Kempinski Hospitality all carefully coordinated by Samer Achcar, Director of Global Sales for Kempinski in the Middle East & Africa region.

"Overall it was a fantastic experience; it's definitely a trip well worth doing again. We would like to thank our hosts - the Ministry of Tourism, DAALLO Airlines and Djibouti Palace Kempinski - for their warm hospitality and for the opportunity to see the many wonders that the country has in store for tourists from all over the world," said said Ibrahim Al-Zu'bi, the Environmental Advisor of the Emirates Diving Association.

The diving expedition is part of a more encompassing campaign to lure more tourists to this African nation situated at the point where the Red Sea meets the Indian Ocean.

Its strategic location immediately conjures up images of exotic diving spots, which Djibouti has plenty. But this small, yet promising tourism hotspot is also rich in dramatic landscapes with vast coastal plains and volcanic plateaus.

During their trip, EDA members stayed at the magnificent Djibouti Palace Kempinski, a secluded luxurious resort that offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and features a plethora of entertainment amenities, including a fully equipped fitness centre, mountain bike trails, outdoor infinity pool, mini club, restaurants and trendy nightspots.

Exploring the Land of the Gods, as Djibouti is known, and its famed diving spots, the UAE tourists marvelled at the exquisite sights, including a visit to Lac Assal, Africa's lowest point and the world's third largest body of salt lake.

Underwater the group marvelled at the diversity of marine life which prompted discussions of future explorations for environmental preservation initiatives.

Mohamed Abdillahi Waiss, Director of the Office National du Tourism de Djibouti, thanked the participants of the familiarization trip and expressed his eagerness to welcome them back.

"It's always a pleasure to have guests come to our country. This year, we put in a place a plan that will boost tourism in Djibouti and hope that this initiative, one of several activities we have lined up this year, will help us achieve our goal of having a more vibrant tourism industry."

Meanwhile, Djibouti Palace Kempinski affirmed its continued support for the government's tourism campaign.

"For us, it's a welcome opportunity to be part of something exciting and truly worthwhile; at the same time, it gives us the chance to showcase the hotel and its many wonderful leisure and recreational offers guaranteed to make guests feel comfortable and relaxed during their stay in Djibouti," said Bugra Berberoglu General Manager of the Dijbouti Palace Kempinski.