Etihad Holidays launches winter outbound programme for 2006/07

Current Middle East holiday trends demonstrate residents are increasingly using the warm winter climate to visit destinations that are further afield such as Africa and South-East Asia.

Furthermore, as the Middle East observes the Holy month of Ramadan, many families and individuals are also planning to take away breaks during the Eid holiday.

"Whether taking a holiday during Eid or towards the end of the year, Etihad Holidays has something for everyone. What better way to spend time with the family than on an exciting African safari in the Kruger National Park, or sampling the lights and sounds of New York's Times Square," said Nick Wood, general manager at Etihad Holidays.

Etihad Airways currently flies twice a week to Johannesburg, the commercial capital of South Africa.

The stylish Hilton property is just 30 minutes from the airport in the heart of the bustling Sandton Square and surrounded by a wealth of shopping malls and handicraft shops.

It is also extremely easy to combine a Johannesburg city break with a visit to the world-famous Kruger National Park, which offers nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity and African wildlife.

Etihad Holidays also caters for Muslim Guests at the 5 star Kwantu Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park, which serves exclusively Halal cuisine.

"South Africa has become a major destination for people living in the Middle East because the scenery is so contrasting, yet the time difference is minimal. Visitors can stay in luxury accommodation whilst viewing Africa's Big Five animals on a safari," continued Wood.

From 26 October, Etihad Airways will launch its daily service to New York, opening a fantastic array of holidays to the airline's customers.

Guests can explore New York's myriad of cultures and famous landmarks, after flying directly to JFK Airport from Abu Dhabi on Etihad's luxuriously appointed A340-500.

Thailand remains the number one choice for Guests looking to head eastwards for a break, due to its combination of breathtaking natural beauty, world-famous spas and hotels, inspiring temples and delectable cuisine.

Amongst the luxurious hotels and apartments available with Etihad Holidays is the Venice Hotel, popular with Arabian visitors due to its proximity to Bangkok's 'little Arabia' community.

From the pulse-pounding clubs of Bangkok to the tranquil villages dozing along the Indian Ocean, Thailand has something different to offer every visitor.

Europe is also a beautiful place to visit during the winter, with the distinctive seasons creating spectacular conditions whether in a city or the countryside.

For that memorable English winter experience, Guests of Etihad Holidays can take a walk along London's Oxford Street with its bright lights and bustling with shoppers; or if they are looking for that countryside freshness, Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in front of a roaring log fire in a country house hotel.

Not only is the Holiday Villa Hotel conveniently located close to Hyde Park, the hotel also caters for Muslim guests with an extensive Halal menu

Etihad Holidays 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.

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.