Middle East demand growing for holidays to England's vibrant North-West

Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, started offering holidays to the Lake District in March when Etihad opened its new six-flights-a-week service to Manchester.

"It is not surprising that the north-west region of England is so popular," said Nick Wood, general manager at Etihad Holidays. "The Lake District is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and one of England's best loved tourist attractions. Meanwhile, nearby Manchester is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a wealth of museums, art galleries, sporting attractions, restaurants and world class shopping."

The offer includes airfares with Etihad Airways in Coral Zone, 3 nights' accommodation at the modern Best Western Beech Hill Hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere, and car hire for the duration of the break.

"The Lake District is one of Britain's most popular destinations because of its sheer natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. Visitors from the Middle East can get to Manchester in around 7 hours from Abu Dhabi, and combine a city and countryside break easily," said Carol Madison, Visit Britain's UAE marketing manager.

One of the most popular features of the Lake District for Etihad Guests is the dramatic and ever-changing mood of the mountains. This is always reflected in the clear waters of the lakes, and the charm of the unbelievably picturesque villages which never ceases to thrill visitors.

Other crowd-pulling attractions include the Windermere Steamboats Museum, which houses a historic collection of steam and motor boats.

Enthusiasts of British literature will enjoy exploring the settings of Beatrix Potter's books, and also Dove Cottage, the home and garden of William Wordsworth.

The city of Manchester, in contrast to the Lake District, is a bustling European city and home to Manchester United and Manchester City Football Clubs and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

In addition to football and shopping, Manchester is also home to many museums, art galleries and places of interest including the Imperial War Museum and artistically stunning Lowry Centre.

Millions of pounds have been poured into Manchester's 'Northern Quarter' in the last 10 years, with a wealth of venues catering for affluent and budget-conscious visitors, while Rusholme is known as the 'curry mile' for its abundance of Asian restaurants.

"Etihad Holidays' key aim is to meet and exceed our Guests' expectations. Every individual, couple or family is different so whether a Guest is seeking rest and relaxation, taking the family for an action filled break, celebrating a romantic occasion or want something more adventurous, Etihad Holidays can create the right holiday,"

added Nick Wood, general manager, Etihad Holidays.

The Etihad Holidays UAE summer Outbound brochure is now available and offers Guests great value getaways to hotels ranging from simple family run hotels to luxurious 5* deluxe hotels, operated by the world's leading hotel chains.

The new summer 2006 holiday programme features more than 300 apartments and hotels in 82 destinations, in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Available in both English and Arabic, the new brochure is 40 percent larger than the previous year's edition, and offers a wealth of long and short breaks, cruises, spas, fly-drives, tours and excursions.

Etihad Holidays is also promoting its 'lowest price guarantee' for Guests who find an identical holiday available at a better price. If this situation occurs, Etihad Holidays will match or beat the competitor's price.