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A right royal holiday
The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi's newest hotel and conference centre, has attracted guests worldwide since its opening in March 2005. The hyper-luxury property has already been nominated for three awards in the World Travel Awards 2005.
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Hotel investment networking
The recent Arabian Hotel Investment Conference has been an important opportunity for the industry to network and study the strong growth in the region, according to Serge Zaalof, Resort General Manager at the Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah International's latest property. JI is a nominee for Leading Hotel Brand in the 2005 World Travel Awards.
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ME hotel demand outstrips supply
Demand is still strongly outstripping supply in the Middle East hotel market, according to Russel Sharpe, Senior VP Sales & Marketing, Le Meridien. Le Meriden won the Middle East's Leading Hotel Group in the World Travel Awards 2004, which Sharpe says is significant as a vote of confidence by travel agents worldwide.
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Abu Dhabi tourism strategy
With sun, sea, sand and several spectacular new hotels, Abu Dhabi is hoping to attract more tourists to experience its city and desert. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTB, says the government is strengthening partnerships with hotel chains, travel companies and airlines.
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UAE-Thailand ties strong
Tourism and trade remain strong between Thailand and the UAE, with 60,000 tourists visiting Thailand every year, according to Apichit Asatthawasi, the Thai Consul-General in Dubai. The Dusit hotel in Dubai is holding a month-long celebration of Songkran, the Thai new year, with dancers, musicians and fruit-carvers flown over from Thailand.
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Falcon flies through fuel hikes
Gulf Air's three year plan is still on track, despite the severe setback of soaring oil prices. James Hogan, CEO & President, Gulf Air, says if fuel prices don't at least stabilise, it will place the airline under considerable pressure. But investment continues, with refurbished craft and new partnerships with other airlines.
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Dnata best of British
Dubai-based Dnata is showcasing Britain as destination of the month at its travel centre, offering English-style afternoon tea, Scottish bagpipers and Beefeater guards. Rashid Al Noori, Senior Vice President, Dnata, says the UK has a lot to offer Middle Eastern visitors.
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UAE-UK trade strong
Trade and tourism continue to enjoy strong growth between the UAE and the UK, despite increased competition from other markets. John Hawkins, British Consul General, Dubai, says the Embassy tries as far as possible to make same-day decisions on visas for travel to Britain.
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Hotel in the sky
Gulf Air used extensive passenger research to create its new first and business class cabins. Shane O'Hare, Head of Marketing, Gulf Air, says a growing number of executives go straight to the office for a day of work after a night flight, so a proper sleep is critical, as well as services such as showers and shirt-laundering.
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Sky-high luxury
Landor created the new first and business class cabins being installed in Gulf Air's Airbus A330s. John Brash, Creative Director, Landor Dubai, says as well as comfort, a high level of technology is involved, with more enhancements still to come over the next few months, such as on-demand entertainment.
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Dramatic growth for Dubai aviation
With Dubai International Airport expanding fourfold, and a new airport under construction at Jebel Ali, the emirate's passenger capacity could reach 200 million, more than the combined total Europe's four biggest airports. Anita Mehra Homayoun, Director Marketing, Dubai Civil Aviation, looks at the prospects for Dubai as the regional aviation industry grows at a rapid pace.
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Lufthansa Technik ME office
Lufthansa Technik is opening up its first office in the Middle East, in Dubai. August Henningsen, Chairman & CEO, Lufthansa Technik, says the company is in talks with several regional airlines, including Emirates, for maintenance of aircraft including the new Airbus A380s.
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Beauty by the beach
The Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi is one of two new five-star hotels set to be managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a division of the Abu Dhabi-based National Corporation for Tourism & hotels. Abdulla Al Romaithi, Managing Director, NCT&H, looks at what Abu Dhabi emirate has to offer tourists.
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Meeting at Hilton
Increasing globalisation means that businesspeople need to be able to hold meetings round-the-clock, as well as use services such as videoconferencing. Hilton International has introduced a range of packages tailored to different corporate occasions, from VIP meetings to brainstorming sessions. Guy Epsom, Regional Director Sales & Marketing, explains the "Let's Meet" strategy.
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Gulf Air races ahead
Gulf Air's sponsorship of the 2005 Bahrain Grand Prix will expose its brand to a worldwide audience of 350 million people. James Hogan, President & CEO Gulf, Air, says the strength of Grand Prix is its broad appeal across a wide demographic. Hogan believes world class events like the Grand Prix also help improve the region's security image.
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