Europe remains number one summer destination

Nearly 60 percent of all Etihad Holidays' bookings, made for June, July and August, were to European destinations which include Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.

"The wealth of European holidays on offer with Etihad ensures that there is a vacation to suit all tastes and budgets. Europe is a wonderful place to visit during the summer months, especially when the temperatures in the Middle East are at their highest," said Nick Wood, general manager at Etihad Holidays.

The launch of new Etihad Airways flights to Paris, Brussels and Manchester has significantly increased the number of breaks available. Guests can now stay at Disneyland Resort Paris, take a fly-drive to the low countries of Belgium and Holland or even visit north-west England's beautiful Lake District.

Etihad Holidays also offers flexible holiday options for the different nationalities living in the UAE, including European and non-European expatriates, as well as Arabian families looking to travel in a large group.

"One of the most exciting European holidays we are offering is the famous Champneys resort in south-east England. Etihad Holidays will not only provide flights and accommodation, but we have also carefully selected it because it offers Arabic speaking staff and Halal cuisine for Muslim Guests," continued Wood.

Disneyland Resort Paris is another popular Etihad holiday option, as it only takes 40 minutes by train from Charles De Gaulle Airport. Three night's accommodation at Disney's Santa Fe Hotel, including flights and four days park tickets, start at AED 2510 for a twin room.

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

UAE nationals are increasingly looking to new holiday destinations which are now available with Etihad.

Etihad Guests visiting the UK can now also take a break to Manchester and the Lake District from as little as AED 2265 per person. As with all Etihad Holidays, Guests are also offered upgrade deals to travel in Pearl zone.

"Middle East travellers love Europe's diversity, history and culture, as well as the variety of accommodation and transport options Etihad Holidays offers. Guests can visit some of Europe's famous landmarks, either as a short break or extended holiday, all conveniently flying from Abu Dhabi," concluded Wood.

The Etihad Holidays UAE summer Outbound brochure 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.

Holiday options to Germany have been in major demand with UAE-based travellers since Etihad Airways opened its direct flights to the Bavarian capital, Munich and the financial capital, Frankfurt, in spring 2005.

Many families choose the fly-drive option when booking a holiday to Munich, which offers flexibility and ensures Guests can visit the German Alps, and saviour the city's famous lush green parks and architecture which is at the heart of Bavarian culture.

Fly-drive holiday prices in Germany, between May and October, start from as little as AED 2020 for a seven day break.

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

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.