RIYADH, 29 March 2008 — The Kingdom’s hotel market is growing quickly and will likely see the addition of several top tier hospitality brands over the next decade, according to industry executives speaking on the sidelines of the Saudi Tourism Summit in Riyadh. Already, the Arabian Gulf’s largest commercial and leisure destination is set to benefit from the opening of properties managed by some of the world’s premier hospitality brands. “Jeddah is a beautiful city with a rich and magnificent history, and some of the hotels are proud to be able to offer the community their global standard of excellence in hospitality, while adhering closely to the customs and traditions of its people,” one of them said. The city already has more than a dozen starred properties and many more are in the pipeline.
Park Hyatt Jeddah Set for Scheduled Opening
RIYADH, 29 March 2008 — On schedule to open to the public in September is the Park Hyatt Jeddah, which defines its offering as ‘contemporary luxury’ and will make a significant impact on the upscale market currently on offer, according to Munir Ahmed, Park Hyatt Jeddah’s newly-appointed general manager. The 142-room Park Hyatt Jeddah sits on a 140,000 square meter equestrian complex offering unrestricted access to the Red Sea. This “truly luxurious” hotel enjoys a prime location nestled within uniquely landscaped gardens and exclusive spa recreational facilities blessed by the breeze of the Red Sea. In addition, the hotel will feature a Spa and Wellness Center, complete with clubhouse and separate male and female access areas. Facilities for men will include an indoor 25-meter pool with a relaxation area, three outdoor tennis courts, two squash courts, gymnasium with the latest fitness technology, eight treatment rooms, an aqua medic pool, a hammam, and a tea and juice lounge. Facilities for women are separately provided.
Air Arabia Strengthens Its Fleet
JEDDAH, 29 March 2008 — Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft, expanding the company’s fleet size to 13, including 11 leased and two wholly owned aircraft. The purchase is not part of Air Arabia’s announced purchase of up to 49 Airbus A320s announced in November 2007 at the Dubai Air Show. In addition to the expansion of its fleet, the carrier has expanded its destination network to include 38 destinations throughout the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In India alone, Air Arabia serves 11 destinations. “We have undertaken this fleet expansion in order for us to provide our passengers even greater access to our growing destination network and competitive low-cost fares,” said Adel Ali, board member and CEO of Air Arabia. “The expansion of our fleet allows us to maintain our leadership role in the Middle East’s low-cost carrier market, and to add new destinations.”
SriLankan Holidays Offers Packages
JEDDAH, 29 March 2008 — SriLankan Holidays is stepping up its presence in the Middle East launching the first in a series of special holiday packages to visit the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. The first in the series planned for the Middle East region is the ‘Island Breaks’ offer, a three-month campaign up to April 30 to visit tropical Sri Lanka. The offer includes airfare, star-class hotel accommodation with an international buffet breakfast, for two nights and three days. “We have an exciting line-up of sights and experiences to create the perfect holiday for the single traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway or an entire family,” said Amith Sumanapala, general manager, SriLankan Holidays and MICE. “Your holiday begins from the time you get onboard SriLankan Airlines and it will be a world of memories the rest of the way,” he added.
InterCont Backs Inaugural Event at DFC
DUBAI, 29 March 2008 — InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will host the inaugural event at InterContinental Dubai Festival City (DFC), the 150th property for the InterContinental brand globally which officially opened in January this year. “We are proud to be part of the first-ever Gulf meetings and events conference in Dubai as the city witnesses unprecedented growth in this important market sector,” Tom Rowntree, vice president commercial, IHG, Middle East & Africa, said. “IHG’s Event Centre at DFC added an impressive 3,800 square meters of conference centre in one hit and we are committed to supporting all aspects of the UAE’s travel and tourism industry long into the future with 13 properties currently in our development pipeline,” added Rowntree.
