Destination marketing remains key area of focus for Le Meridien Al Aqah

The hotel recently announced record occupancy figures in 2005 with average monthly occupancy standing at 89 percent, a marked increase from last year. Furthermore, the hotel registered a double digit growth rate in the total turnover during this period as compared to 2004.

These great results along with Al Aqah's long-lasting ties the Fujairah Tourism Board (FTB) and its chairman, HH Sheikh Saeed Al Sharqi, will be highlighted at this year's Arabian Travel Market (ATM), where the award-winning East Coast resort will be exhibiting on the Fujairah stand, thus reiterating their strong relationship.

"The hotel continued to play a pivotal role in supplementing the efforts of the FTB to create additional demand for Destination Fujairah. What better place to highlight this than at the region's largest travel trade exhibition," said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah.

"Our participation alongside the FTB at international travel trade fairs and aggressive marketing strategy has contributed to a substantial increase in leisure travellers from key markets in the GCC and Europe to the East Coast. By showcasing our unique offering at ATM 2006, we aim to repeat this success among GCC visitors and entice them to the resort and Fujairah, be it for work or play,"

he added.

In 2005, 23 percent of hotel guests came from Germany, 13 percent from Russia and 9 percent from the UK.

"The Emirate of Fujairah is becoming a very sought after destination. With year-round sunshine, the virgin coastline and the Indian Ocean as a marine playground, the opportunities in this region are endless and we are determined to continue to capitalize on these," he concluded.