DUBAI, 1 November 2003 — Gulf Air launched its services to the southern Indian city of Bangalore on Tuesday. The commencement of flights follows a recently signed commercial agreement between Gulf Air and Indian Airlines. According to the terms of agreement, the national carrier of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE will operate twice-weekly flights to India’s “garden city.” Gulf Air flights are operated under a code-sharing arrangement with the Indian carrier. Meanwhile, Gulf Air has doubled its frequent flier program miles on a number of other selected routes from now until Dec. 15. “Double miles are applicable to all classes of travel and can be accumulated on flights out of Dubai International Airport to Bahrain, Kuwait, Damascus, Beirut, Muscat, Tehran and Shiraz,” Michael Johnson, manager loyalty programs at the airline, said. “Gulf Air was the first Middle East airline to introduce a loyalty program in 1994. The upgrades introduced in September had the sole aim of improving the benefits and services offered along more passenger-centric lines,” he added. The airline is in the first year of a three-year strategic recovery program, headed by president and chief executive James Hogan.
Crowne Plaza Claims Largest Ramadan Tent
JEDDAH, 1 November 2003 — Crowne Plaza Jeddah has converted its Crystal Ballroom into a huge “Layali Ramadan” area for the holy month. The ballroom is characteristic of a purely traditional Arabic dEcor and ambience for fast-breakers. Live cooking stations outside the Layali Ramadan Tent enhance the atmosphere that is relevant inside the tent. Designated spots for children with outdoor activity toys and giveaways are among the added advantages for children. “We’ve the largest area converted into a Ramadan ‘tent,’ in town,” hotel general manager Thomas Schmelter told reporters on Saturday. Aside from elaborate arrangements for iftar and sohour buffets, the area has a shisha corner at the poolside, with Arabic coffee and dates, adding to the traditional Arabic spirit. EgyptAir is among the sponsors of the monthlong event. The hotel has offered a special package for rooms with iftar and sohour during the fasting month and Eid holidays. “Our outdoor catering with varieties of special menus for Ramadan are in great demand,” said Mohamed Shamim Chougle, the hotel’s banquet and convention manager.
Emirates Marks Arrival of Long Haul Aircraft
DUBAI, 1 November 2003 — Emirates became the first airline in the world to operate the new ultra-long range Airbus A340-500 when the first of its planned order of eight aircraft landed in Dubai last week. The aircraft, which can fly nonstop for more than 17 hours, cruised over Italy, Egypt and Saudi Arabia at up to 41,000 feet on its six-hour 10-minute, 3,208-nautical mile flight from Airbus’ Toulouse HQ, using 47,000 kilograms of fuel. The world’s longest-range large passenger jet is set to unveil a new era in intercontinental air travel. Its four Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines enable it to fly between any two places on the globe with no more than a single stop, opening up new nonstop routes such as Dubai-Australia or Dubai-North America. The UAE’s international airline launched its new daily service to Brisbane on Sunday, with its first flight taking off from Dubai with a delegation of senior management and media from four European countries on board. Flights to Brisbane, like those to Sydney and Melbourne, continue on to Auckland. Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland and Australia’s sunshine state, is Emirates 71st destination in 50 countries and its fourth gateway into Australia.
Le Royal Meridien Sets Up Eco Task Force
DUBAI, 1 November 2003 — Dubai’s Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa has appointed a team of 20 staff members — many of whom are senior management personnel — to its “green” task force. The team visits companies that have tried and tested environmentally sound strategies from industries as diverse as aluminum production to printers, to see where they can adapt these initiatives into the operations of the hotel. “The hotel has long been a supporter of environmental awareness, but recycling paper and plastic is no longer enough — we need to be more proactive,” Siggi von Brandt, director of business development and head of the task force, said. “We use environment-friendly chemicals for washing the laundry and cutlery, but perhaps our biggest initiative is that the steam from the laundry is used to heat the water in the swimming pools,” he said. The resort also recycles wastewater, treating it before using it to water the landscaped gardens. The luxury resort has won a number of awards for its attitude to the environment, including Kuoni Green Planet and Hotelplan, and claims to be a certified eco hotel. Meanwhile, Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien, a purpose-built 11-storied property near Dubai International Airport, has announced a special Ramadan package with discounted room rates until Nov. 25.
Swiss Hotel Offers Ramadan, Eid Attractions
GENEVA, 1 November 2003 — Now a year-round resort destination for Middle East travelers, Switzerland’s Beau-Rivage Palace is tempting visitors from the region with getaway breaks on the shores of Lake Geneva during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. Discreet and beautifully located in its own picturesque grounds, the hotel is considered an ideal base for those planning short trips to Europe and is geared to catering specifically for Middle East guests. “The hotel has a tradition for attracting Middle East visitors, and we’re very much aware that visitors from that region have special requirements,” said newly appointed general manager Francois Dussart. “Middle East guests spending Ramadan or Eid Al-Fitr breaks at the hotel can start their visit in style by reserving one of the hotel’s chauffeur-driven limousines to take them from Geneva International Airport on a 40-minute drive to the hotel through picturesque countryside. All guestrooms have private balconies, giving views across Lake Geneva to the Alps,” said the hotel’s Middle East consultant, Azouz Masrouki. Aside from a line-up of restaurants, the hotel has its own spa offering a range of health and beauty treatments. A stroll away is the Olympic Museum, which presents an insight into the Olympic movement and a look back over some of the most memorable Olympic performances.