Fujairah Tourism Board announces record rise of 48 per cent in tourist traffic to the emirate during 2003

Announcing the tourism growth figures, senior officials of the FTB singled out the first international hotel to open on the East Coast in over two decades, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, as a major catalyst in attracting visitors to Fujairah.

His Excellency Sheikh Saeed bin Saeed Al Sharqi, Chairman, Fujairah Tourism Board (FTB) said: "A world class property such as Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is an asset to the Emirate of Fujairah. As you can see from the statistics, the resort has been very successful in generating renewed interest in Fujairah over the last twelve months and attracting local and international visitors to the emirate," he added.

Riding on the boom in tourist arrivals to Fujairah, the resort has seen a rapid rise in occupancy rates. In 2003, average occupancy at the resort stood at 70 per cent and in 2004 this is expected to go up to 82 per cent. On weekends throughout the year, the resort runs on 100 per cent occupancy.

"In previous years, the FTB has been very active in promoting the destination at international trade fairs. Fujairah, to a certain extent, is not a new name in tourism, but both public and private sector organisations in the emirate are optimistic that it is finally about to make an impact in tourism terms across the globe, judging by last year's success," said Sheikh Saeed.

Owned by the Emirates Group, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, which has reinforced the exotic image of Fujairah on the global tourism map, is located on a two kilometer sand beach nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Mr. Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, said: "We firmly believe that the Emirate of Fujairah has the potential to become as popular as any other international tourist destination. With year round sunshine, the virgin coastline and the Indian Ocean as a marine playground, the opportunities in this region are endless."

He said that the resort's participation in events such as ITB and the World Travel Market (WTM) in 2003 has certainly contributed to the increasing number of tourists to Fujairah from key European markets such as Germany, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom. European tourists now account for 51 per cent of total guests at the resort, a testimony to the destination's growing popularity.

The resort's success in attracting visitors from all over the world combined with the prestige and experience of the Emirates Group and Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts is expected to fuel more tourism infrastructure investments in the area. Provisional agreements have recently been signed with two international companies who will be developing properties on the East Coast in the near future.

Some potential investors have also considered spending their money on tourism infrastructure in Fujairah. An equestrian centre and a shooting range are just some of the ideas being entertained.

"Diving, fishing, safaris in the Hajar Mountains and visits to ancient forts in the area are just some of the activities that a leisure traveller can look forward to when visiting Fujairah. Coupled with Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort's unparalleled quality of service and state of the art facilities, Fujairah can undoubtedly be counted as one of the most popular leisure destinations in the region," Mr. Antaki said.

Besides being a popular getaway for holidaymakers, the Emirate of Fujairah and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort have been very active in hosting a number of world class sporting events over the past one year enticing visitors from other emirates to the East Coast. Some of these events include the Arab Chess Championship, The Formula 2 Powerboat Race and the World Billiards Championship.

Apart from the sporting activities, other key regional events that have taken place at the resort include the Harley Davidson Owner's Group (HOG) Rally, the First Forum of Accounting and Auditing Companies in GCC Countries and the Annual Gulf News Fun Drive.