Fraser’s first property in the UAE, Fraser Suites Dubai is located on the city’s prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road and occupies the top 23 levels of the 45-storey Sidra Tower, a stunning new mixed-use development featuring commercial office suites and high end retail outlets.

The property’s 180 suites and penthouses command sweeping views across the city including iconic landmarks such at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the amazing Palm Jumeirah and kilometers of golden sand beaches lining the Arabian Sea.

“The introduction of world-class, luxury serviced residences complements Dubai’s positioning as a global leader in many other areas of the hospitality industry,” said Mr Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd.

“As more and more international brands establish a presence in the Emirate, they are seeking the level of Gold-Standard service and accommodation that are integral offerings of the Fraser Suites brand,” he said.

Despite the challenges of the global financial crisis, Dubai continues to maintain its position as a vibrant centre of trade and commerce with a forecast GDP growth of 2.5 percent in 2010, and more than 70 percent of its GDP contribution attributed to the non-oil sector.

The Emirate continues to attract expatriates, who represent more than 80 percent of the total population. According to the most recent figures, Dubai recorded a growth in population to 1.77 million in 2009, up by more than seven percent over the previous year.

“Dubai’s status as an international business hub is well-established and its business friendly environment ensures that it will continue to attract high levels of investment,” added Mr Choe.

“From a strategic perspective for Fraser, establishing a presence here was a natural progression in our strategy to become a key player in the UAE,” he said.

Fraser Suites Dubai features light filled open plan living spaces and provides full kitchen and laundry facilities, large balconies, work desks, luxurious bedding, marble bathrooms with exclusive Peter Thomas Roth amenities and daily housekeeping services.

A round-the-clock reception and concierge attends to every guest need and the in-house Aqua Cafe offers a full international buffet breakfast and a wide variety of dishes with an emphasis on freshness and flavor throughout the day.

Fraser Suites Dubai’s business facilities include a business centre, boardroom and meeting facilities, perfect for small events for six to 30 people.

Family oriented services and facilities include a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, children’s wading pool and sundeck, tennis court, squash court, 24-hour gymnasium, aerobics room and Fraser Kid’s Club. And Fraser Suites Dubai is also ideally located as a base for leisure travellers,

Commented Mr David Brown, General Manager of Fraser Suites Dubai, “while Fraser clientele internationally has predominately been corporate family or business- traveller based, our ideal location near some of Dubai’s most popular leisure destinations such as the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Emirates Golf Club, make us an excellent and convenient alternative for short leisure stays, especially with those travelling with large families.”

Originally published by http://www.frasershospitality.com

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• The Harbour Hotel & Residence Joins Marriott International Portfolio (0)
• The Address Hotels + Resorts Wins Two ‘Best Hotel Arabia’ Awards At Arabian Property Awards (0)
• Taj Palace Hotel Dubai – 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Dubai (0)
• StayWell Announces New Park Regis Hotel in Dubai (0)
• St. George Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates (0)

During the official tour of The Hotel Show, the Middle East’s leading dedicated trade event for the hospitality and leisure sector, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, Director General at the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, commented:“There are between 16,000 and 20,000 hotel rooms to enter the Dubai market by the end of the year, which will contribute to producing lower room rates and attracting more visitors to Dubai”

Echoing those sentiments, a study unveiled today at The Hotel Show, by Dubai-based research company, Proleads, reported there are currently over 470 active hotel projects (those not completed, on-hold or cancelled) in the GCC countries. The breakdown per country is as follows; UAE – 258, KSA – 83, Oman – 39, Bahrain – 35, Qatar – 29 and Kuwait – 27.

A recent Deloitte analysis of STR Global hotel data revealed that revenue per available room (RevPar) rates in the Middle East was estimated at $131.42 during the period year-to-date February 2010, compared to $151.51 during the corresponding period in 2009. These figures however are considerably higher than other regions in the world. For example, Europe recorded an estimated rate of $72.05 with $79.65 in Asia Pacific, during the same period.

Now in its eleventh year, The Hotel Show is the Middle East’s most important event on the hospitality calendar hosting the latest products, services and technologies for the hotel, catering and leisure industries. In 2009, the show attracted 8,474 key industry decision makers from 77 countries.

The Hotel Show is divided into four zones: Interiors & Design; Operating Equipment & Supplies; Security & Technology; and The Resort Experience, covering all things outdoor including furniture, accessories and design and includes Hotel Spa, an important sector with more than 60% of all spa activity in the Middle East taking place in hotels. Alongside the show, are high level seminar programmes – The Seven Star Conference, now in its fifth year, and the Middle East Spa Summit.

Originally published by http://www.dubaitourism.ae

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• The Harbour Hotel & Residence Joins Marriott International Portfolio (0)
• The Address Hotels + Resorts Wins Two ‘Best Hotel Arabia’ Awards At Arabian Property Awards (0)
• Taj Palace Hotel Dubai – 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Dubai (0)
• StayWell Announces New Park Regis Hotel in Dubai (0)
• St. George Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates (0)

Following high demand for flights to South Africa for the final of the FIFA World Cup™, fans now have more than a sporting chance of fulfilling their goal. Emirates, the official airline of the tournament, will operate a brace of flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th July.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “Emirates is looking forward to flying in football fans from our network of over 100 destinations across six continents that we serve non-stop from Dubai, to South Africa.

“Being an Official Partner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ not only demonstrates our ongoing support of the game, it enables us to use our sponsorship to bring the world to South Africa for this incredible sporting event. We are delighted to offer these additional flights to help ensure that as many supporters as possible have the chance to Live the Unforgettable this summer.”

Supporters can even rest assured that they won’t miss a second of the action while on board the aircraft, as Emirates will provide text updates and match screenings on its award-winning on-board ICE entertainment system.

The additional flights comprise an extra round trip service to both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The EK 3772 will depart Dubai at 09:50 on Monday 12th July, arriving in Cape Town at 17:25, while the EK3773 will depart Cape Town at 19:25 the same day, arriving in Dubai at 06:40 on the 13th July.

The EK 3767 will depart Dubai on Tuesday 13th July at 09:20, arriving Johannesburg at 15:30, and the EK3768 will depart Johannesburg at 17:30 the same day, arriving Dubai at 03:30 on Wednesday 14th July.

Emirates’ partnership with FIFA began at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ when it became the first airline to be a sponsor of the prestigious sporting event. Following on from the success of the tournament in Germany, Emirates then cemented its status as an Official FIFA Partner up to and including the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Originally published by http://www.emirates.com

Related posts

• Manchester Becomes A380′s North Star (0)
• Emirates Takes Delivery of Sixth A380 (0)

“At Kerzner International, we pride ourselves on having met every opening target. From the grandest of projects such as our Atlantis resort, down to the most intimate, our latest addition, One&Only The Palm, Dubai, will be no exception,” says Olivier Louis, Managing Director, One&Only Resorts, Dubai.

It is four years to this date that this prime site, located on the extreme peninsula of the Palm Jumeirah crescent, was selected to host this latest venture. Considered the only boutique beach resort located on the Palm, it will also be the first to feature a swift and convenient water taxi transfer from one shore to another, providing its residents easy access to the wide variety of shopping and leisure attractions within New Dubai.

Under the guidance of Michael R. Payne, General Manager, the team at One&Only The Palm has been working for the past many months in close relationship with the project developers to ensure that One&Only Resorts’ characteristics and product specifications are adhered to throughout the multiple stages of the construction process.

Blending Moorish and Andalusian architecture with contemporary, chic living environments, this low-rise resort, comprising 90 spacious guest rooms and four beach villas, will promote a sense of understated elegance with privacy being of the utmost importance. It will feature three dining experiences, including an exciting over water restaurant, DJ bar and lounge, with direct access for guests on their private yacht or speedboat.

Great care is also being exercised to develop a distinctive destination spa experience. In close collaboration with ESPA International, specific wellness programmes including elements such as osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy and dermatology will be delivered within eight private spa suites.

“We are observing an increase in demand from guests seeking to incorporate a wellness approach within their leisure time,” says Michael Payne, General Manager. “With this in mind, guests will be able to select three to five day programmes tailored to such desires.”

With its enviable location, 350 metres of private beach, lush landscaped gardens and its own private marina, One&Only The Palm promises an inimitable island-feel getaway.

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• The Address Hotels + Resorts Wins Two ‘Best Hotel Arabia’ Awards At Arabian Property Awards (0)
• Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers (0)
• Sheraton Deira Hotel – Welcomes Travelers With A Relaxed Ambience (0)
• Regent Beach Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates (0)
• Madinat Jumeirah Mina A Salam, Jumeirah Beach – Experience Authentic Arabia (0)

“The hotels in Riyadh and Amman will be Millennium Hotels, while Doha will be Millennium Executive Apartments. These agreements and our current Development pipeline confirms that introducing a combination of new brands in to the portfolio and focusing on new markets, such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq,Yemen, Egypt and Libya was the right strategy for our aggressive expansion plan. We wanted to have 30 hotels under contract by the end of the year and we are well on our way to achieving that.” confirmed Ali Hamad Lakhraim, President & CEO, Milennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings LTD.

This dynamic hospitality group manages its network of properties through four key global brands: Grand Millennium, Millennium, Copthorne and Kingsgate.

Studio M is the latest addition to M&C’s portfolio of brands and underscores the? Group’s commitment to expanding its offering in order to appeal to the diverse require-ments of travelers. The Studio M brand aims to offer both style and functionality to the well-travelled guest who relishes the urban contemporary lifestyle and demands access to fuss-free integrated technology and high connectivity. A focus on elegantly restrained accommodation that offers a high degree of connectivity will set Studio M apart from current offerings.

“Studio M opened its doors in Singapore earlier this year and we feel the local market is ready for a new and unique limited proposition which may not have been the case two years ago. The concept of smart business travel is evolving and there is an increasing demand from this largely untapped market segment that craves a distinctive and unique experience from their hotel, even as they demand functional services like wireless connectivity. Studio M, will fill this gap.”added Lakhraim.

Grand Millennium, the flagship brand, epitomizes the very best in elegance and luxury with outstanding décor and world class facilities, was launched in 2007 with its first de-but in Malaysia.

“The Grand Millennium has gone from strength to strength with the 5th property opening later this year in Abu Dhabi, Grand Millennium Al Wahda.” Lakhraim noted. We have had great success with the Grand Millennium and we believe that we can leverage our know how and experience with this brand to launch our latest addition to our portfolio, which is the Biltmore.”

M&C Hotels purchased the Biltmore hotel in 2001 and M&C undertook a $ 10 million refurbishment of the hotel. This landmark was built in the 1920s in California by local business men who wanted to make a statement to the world that their city of Los An-geles had arrived. It was coined the host of the coast and it was the center of events, from the Oscars, Grammys, Olympics and Presidential inaugurations.

Expanding on the Biltmore, Ali Hamad said, “The Biltmore epitomizes how a great hotel can fulfill and express the aspirations of an emerging city. This hotel is not just brick and mortar but is part of the social fabric of its city and we believe that the Biltmore will have great success in this region.”

Tarek El Sherif, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing added, “The Biltmore will have the advantage of a having a full service marketing function to promote its assets across the board as well as having bespoke marketing strategies based on the property, owner and location. Our team of experts are made up of experts from diverse backgrounds such as architecture, interior design, communication and event management that all have one goal – to drive business to the Biltmore and we believe that this brand will be an exciting contributor to the hospitality industry in this region.”

For more information and reservations, customers can book at www.millenniumhotels.com.

Millennium and Copthorne Middle East Holding Ltd. is a dynamic global group, which owns, asset manages and/or operates over 120 hotels in 19 countries around the world. Millennium Ho-tels and Resorts comprises five distinct brands – Grand Millennium, Millennium Hotels, Cop-thorne Hotels, Kingsgate Hotels and Studio M. The group operates hotels and resorts in the US, Europe, Asia, Middle East and North Africa.

Related posts

• No related posts.

Taxis can be booked online 24 hours a day, but the service is currently available only for hotels, a statement said. “The RTA is always seeking to implement Dubai e-Government electronic applications through capitalising on the world’s top-notch technological solutions,” said Essa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari, CEO of Public Transport Agency.

“The online taxi booking service is based on having the customer’s details and address saved in the Dispatch system at the Public Transport Agency; which makes it easy to process the booking in subsequent times.”

Al Dosari said the online service would dramatically cut the number of calls to the dispatch section, in turn reducing working hours of call centre staff, and customer waiting times.

Originally published by http://www.dubaitourism.ae

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• No related posts.

The hotel is located in Dubai’s historic district, opposite Burjaman Shopping Centre, 5 kilometres from the centre of Dubai and 6 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. The brand new hotel will cater to the 4 star luxury market, whilst offering guest rooms that will far exceed 4 star expectations.

Park Regis Kris Kin, Dubai will offer superior guest facilities such as three restaurants including a top floor restaurant with panoramic views, two bars, nightclub, extensive conference and banquet facilities, rooftop pool, gymnasium, leisure centre with jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms and a 120-space car park. A key feature of the hotel is its exceptionally large guest rooms and suites measuring from 38sqm to 109sqm. The incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies such as IPTV (internet protocol television) also delivers a real advantage for guests at Park Regis Kris Kin, Dubai.

As part of the long term management agreement, the property’s owners have engaged the management services of StayWell Hospitality Group’s experienced team to provide support and management in the areas of hotel operations, sales, marketing, human resources and IT.

The Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Wan, said that the latest announcement is part of a strategic approach to increase the global reach of both the Park Regis and Leisure Inn brands.

“The addition of Park Regis Kris Kin in Dubai is part of StayWell Hospitality Group’s expansion plan into the global accommodation market. In addition to this new property, we also currently have a Park Regis property under development in Singapore as well as several more soon to be announced,”

“Dubai is a very exciting and relatively young city bursting with new and inspirational developments. It is a market we have been looking to enter for some time. The quality facilities and features at Park Regis Kris Kin fit superbly into the attributes of the Park Regis brand,” he said.

StayWell Hospitality Group’s portfolio currently stands at a total of 23 properties which includes locations in Australian capital cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Hobart – as well as regional areas such as Launceston, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Cairns and Townsville. Park Regis Singapore is also under development, with an opening date expected in August or September 2010.

Originally published by http://www.staywellgroup.com

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• The Harbour Hotel & Residence Joins Marriott International Portfolio (0)
• The Address Hotels + Resorts Wins Two ‘Best Hotel Arabia’ Awards At Arabian Property Awards (0)
• Taj Palace Hotel Dubai – 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Dubai (0)
• St. George Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates (0)
• Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers – Dubai, United Arab Emirates (0)

A 517-seat version of the giant aircraft will serve Manchester from 1st September – as the airline marks a double decade of service to the city.

The A380 will replace Boeing 777 aircraft on EK017 from Dubai and EK018 out of Manchester. At the same time, Manchester will become the world’s first regional airport to have a regular A380 service.

Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation said: “Manchester has become one of the strongest performers in our growing network of regional gateways. Our customers value our commitment to a regional network at a time when other airlines are abandoning them. We are delighted to give our Manchester customers the very best available in the shape of the Emirates’ A380, which, without doubt, has revolutionised flying.”

Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Andrew Cornish, said: “Emirates’ decision to operate daily A380 services between Manchester and Dubai represents an historic moment for this airport and the region that we serve. We have invested close to £10 million (AED 54.8 million) in upgrading the airfield and terminal, both to accommodate the aircraft itself and to create a fitting environment for Emirates’ customers, whether it is at check-in, using the airline’s executive lounge or at the gate area.”

Emirates is currently operating eight A380s. They serve London Heathrow, Toronto, Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland.

The much-praised aircraft offers an Onboard Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, with a wide range of drinks and canapés, as well as the space to socialise or simply relax.

The whole of the upper deck is dedicated to premium passengers. Towards the front, First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites. These incorporate remote-controlled doors, a work desk, a 23-inch digital widescreen TV, and an electrically controlled mini-bar.

In Business Class, fully-flat seats all have aisle access, a mini-bar, lap top and shoe stowage and a very useful personal side table. As with First Class, Gourmet dining comes with bone China.

In Economy Class, the straight walls give the impression of increased spaciousness, along with a 32” seat pitch which is one of the most generous on the market.

Available to all onboard is Emirates’ award-winning ‘ice’ (information, communication, entertainment) in-flight entertainment system. It brings more than 1200 channels of on-demand pure enjoyment.

In October, an AED 8.2 million Emirates Lounge was opened at Manchester International Airport, bringing a welcomed travel sanctuary to the airline’s premium travellers.

Emirates has two flights a day to Manchester. The A380 flight – EK017 – departs Dubai at 0755hrs and arrives in Manchester at 1225hrs. The return flight – EK018 – leaves Manchester at 1410hrs and gets into Dubai at 0015hrs the following day.

Originally published by http://www.emirates.com

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• Emirates Takes Delivery of Sixth A380 (0)
• Flydubai Strengthens Presence In Africa (0)
• Emirates is to launch flights From Dubai to Amsterdam (0)
• Emirates delivers another match-winning performance with extra flights to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup (0)

It is a website about Marriott associates for Marriott associates. According to Elaine Watson, the Chairman of the Marriott Business Council and the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community, “The website is the first of its kind in the world. There is no password needed. You can simply log on to www.marriottculturedubai.com and read the great stories of the Marriott associates from the book Our Stories of Marriott Destination Dubai. It took almost two years to build the site and there are some amazing stories of our associates who truly exemplify the Marriott culture”

“The Culture Committee was established as a sub-group of the Marriott Business Council in Dubai in 2007. In 2008, the Culture Committee agreed to focus on the ‘Hunt for Talent’ by encouraging Marriott associates to tell their stories detailing their most memorable experiences since they joined the Marriott. We found some interesting stories on how working with the Marriott has totally changed the lives of the associates and their loved ones,” added Elaine.

The inspiring stories that you will read gives a true simple perceptiveness of our associates’ culture, traditions, beliefs and they way they live, for example, one associate believes that the cafeteria is the most important restaurant in the hotel. Another feels that managers should treat the associates like they are treating the guests. These stories have feelings, warmth and care and have bond associates from various Marriott hotels into one Marriott family. Associates throughout the globe are able to log on to the website and share the priceless experiences of associates who truly believe that the Marriott is a great place to work.

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, A 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai (0)
• The Harbour Hotel & Residence Joins Marriott International Portfolio (0)
• The Address Hotels + Resorts Wins Two ‘Best Hotel Arabia’ Awards At Arabian Property Awards (0)
• Taj Palace Hotel Dubai – 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Dubai (0)
• StayWell Announces New Park Regis Hotel in Dubai (0)

A unique event staged in collaboration with the DTCM

Costa Deliziosa operating on regular Gulf cruises with forecasts of 150,000 passenger movements in winter 2010/2011

Theinauguration ceremony for the Costa Deliziosa, the new jewel of the Costa Cruises fleet and the first cruise ship ever to be named in an Arab city was held in Dubai on February 23.

It was attended by Dubai Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airlines Group, His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, DTCM Director General Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, Mr. Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere, Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Italian ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Corrado Antonini, Chairman Fincantieri and Mr. Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises.

Together with her sister ship Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa represents the most exclusive and innovative member of the fleet; weighing in at 92,600 gross tonnage and with total Guest capacity of 2,826, the new ship is an emblem of Italian-made excellence. During winter 2009/10 and 2010/11, the 450 million euros-Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa – Costa’s top of the range offer – will be offering 7-day cruises in the Arabian Gulf with departure from Dubai and stopovers in Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

The inauguration of the Costa Deliziosa, which constitutes another milestone in the development of the cruise industry not only in Dubai but also in the region as a whole, is the result of an a partnership between Costa Cruises, the first operator in the world to market regular cruises in the Gulf back in 2006, and the Government of Dubai, through the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing: this solid co-operation has contributed to the development of local tourism and will allow Italy’s no. 1 cruise line to clock up 150,000 passenger movements in Dubai in winter 2010/11 (compared to 44,000 in 2006/2007) with 31 port calls, generating revenue for the local economy estimated at 14 million euros* in 2009/2010.

“The decision to hold the inaugural event – the highlight of any ship’s early life – for the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai has dual significance,” commented Costa Crociere S.p.A. Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi.

“On the one hand it is testimony to our active engagement in the region, where we have more than tripled our passenger traffic in just 5 years, and on the other it expresses Costa Cruises’ pioneering spirit, which combines continuous innovation and ongoing promotion of Italian tradition, for which we are global ambassadors, thanks to our ships and our style. It means constant commitment, entailing major investments in renewal of the fleet and the continuous pursuit of ways of improving our product. It is this commitment that enabled us in 2009 – a year characterized by marked falls in consumption in virtually all areas – to carry about 1.3 million Guests on board our ships, an increase of 8 per cent compared to the year before, in line with the increase in our capacity.”

Mr. Hamad bin Mejren, DTCM Executive Director Business Tourism, said: “We welcome Costa’s decision to operate out of Dubai and also perform the naming ceremony of Costa Deliziosa here on the opening day of our new cruise terminal. We hope that it will give a major boost to the regional cruise industry. Costa’s decision reconfirms the potential of Dubai as the regional cruise industry hub. We are delighted with their decision and assure of our whole hearted cooperation and support to make the initiative successful. We are confident that this will help expand the cruise tourism industry in the region and stimulate other cruise operators to use the emirate as a cruise hub. At the DTCM, we look forward to a period of tremendous growth in high-yielding cruise tourism segment. ”

The extraordinary inaugural ceremony for the Costa Deliziosa took place during her Grand Maiden Cruise, which left from Savona on February 5. Over 3,000 guests witnessed the event, including about 2200 Costa Guests traveling on the first sector of the maiden cruise.

The inauguration ceremony, designed and produced by the DTCM together with Costa Cruises, features a grand inauguration event, involving not only the ship but also the new cruise terminal at Port Rashid and part of the quay where a stage and grandstand were set up specially to celebrate the Costa Deliziosa.

The event was both spectacular and memorable, stressing the links between Italian and Arab culture. It kicked off with an air show packed with aerial acrobatics and parachute jumps, then an artistic journey into the history and culture of Dubai and the Emirates, with traditional dance and music; one of the highlights is a performance of Ayallah – 20 dancers in costume and holding sticks that are used to enhance the stylish movements and dance steps that characterize this distinctive performing art.

The second part of the inauguration is dedicated to Italian culture, music and art, to Costa’s history and role as a roving ambassador taking “the very best of Italian-made excellence” around the world. It ends with a speech by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi, followed by an exchange of greetings between local dignitaries and their counterparts from the Italian government.

The naming ceremony of the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai is broadcasted live on www.costadeliziosa.com. Costa Cruises’ fans can share their emotions and report on the event through the social channels of the company (facebook, blog, twitter, youtube).

The inaugural event for the Costa Deliziosa is taking place in Dubai under the patronage of the Italian Embassy to the United Arab Emirates, the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai and the ICE (Istituto Italiano per il Commercio Estero, or Italian Institute of Foreign Trade). It is being staged in partnership with Alpha Tours, Dnata, Emirates, Grand Hyatt, Gulf Venture, Jumeirah, Maserati and RHS (Raiss Hassan Saadi Group).

In summer this year and next, the Costa Deliziosa will be deployed on cruises to the Norwegian fjords and Baltic cities; another highlight will be on December 28, 2011, when she sets sail from Savona on an exceptional 100-day round-the-world cruise, which can also be broken down into three stand-alone segments: Savona-Los Angeles; Los Angeles-Singapore; Singapore-Savona.

The new cruise terminal in Dubai extends over an area of 3450 m2 and can handle up to 4 cruise liners at a time. Facilities include a bureau de change, post office, ATM, duty free shop, souvenirs, business center and VIP lounges.

Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s no. 1 cruise company. For more than 60 years its ships have plied the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream holidays with the utmost in terms of fun and relaxation. In 2009 about 1.3 million guests chose to go cruising with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry.

Its fleet has a total of 15 ships, all flying the Italian flag, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style; together each year, they offer the chance to visit some 250 separate destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean.

Two more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.

Dubai Hotels – Special Discounted Rates For All Hotels & Tours in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hotels sorted by name
• Hotels sorted by rating
• Hotels sorted by location
• 2 star hotels
• 3 star hotels
• 4 star hotels
• 5 star hotels
• Dubai tours & excursions

Related posts

• No related posts.