Abu Dhabi is cementing its position as the Middle East’s rising star for tourism. Kerry Baggott reports

Abu Dhabi's recent figures speak for themselves. Last year 117,836 Brits visited, up 22% against 2009 and the biggest international increase. Overall, 1.81 million guests stayed in the emirate with guest nights rising to 5.13 million – a 19% increase on 2009.

Notably, the average length of stay in January increased to 3.10 nights, compared with 2.68 nights in January 2010.

Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director at Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (Adta) sees this as an indication that the market is shifting: “The extended length of stay suggests we are making inroads into our goal of attracting an increasing number of leisure guests who spend more time here than those staying on business.”

Much of this increase can be attributed to the opening of headline-grabbing hotels and attractions. First to really hit the news was the completion of Yas Hotel and the Yas Marina Circuit in time for the Formula One in November 2009 and more recently, in October 2010, the opening of Ferrari World – the world’s largest indoor theme park. Add to this the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the biggest – and undeniably one of the most beautiful – mosques in the world.

Still newsworthy into its third year is the island retreat of Sir Bani Yas Island – not only renowned for its exclusivity but also for showcasing sustainable nature-based tourism in the Middle East.

And, for just over a year now, the emirate has offered the chance for everyday folk (with deep pockets) to experience the one of the largest deserts in the world with the opening of the five-star Arabian fortress of the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

Marketing drive

Of course, these attractions have provided real ammunition to the concerted marketing efforts of the Adta team. In the past year, the Authority has participated in 20 trade fairs and in November 2010 it launched a 44-page brochure entitled Opportunity Abu Dhabi: the Travel Trade’s Guide to a Great New Destination.

As well as information about accommodation, attractions and tours, the guide features sample itineraries and essential travellers’ tips. And this year Adta embarks on the second phase of its global marketing campaign – all in mind of hitting its ambitious target of 2.3 million hotel guests by the end of 2012.

The fact that Etihad Airways is doubling its flight frequency between Manchester and Abu Dhabi from seven to 14 flights each week should help meet this goal. The twice-daily service will commence in August, adding to the 21 flights a week it currently offers from Heathrow to its base in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways is further promoting the growth in leisure traffic with its Essential Abu Dhabi marketing campaign. The programme encourages the airline’s passengers to stay in the UAE capital by offering a range of deals on production of the passenger’s boarding pass.

Eyes are also looking expectantly on the cruise market. From October, Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed Port will serve as the primary embarkation and disembarkation point for MSC Lirica, with the Italian operator’s maiden regional itinerary sailing 19 eight-day cruises covering five destinations including Dubai, Muscat in Oman and Al Fujairah. It is hoped other cruiselines will follow suit.

In terms of visitor numbers this translates to a potential 39,000 cruise arrivals and strengthens the proposal for a fully-fledged cruise terminal – the feasibility studies of which are currently underway.

Rocco Forte Hotel, Abu Dhabi

More in the pipeline

However, in the meantime, construction of additional attractions continues at a phenomenal pace, and judging by what has preceded it, these groundbreaking projects are going to be equally impressive.

Saadiyat Island is a prime example. It will be the future home of the Zayed National Museum, and of Abu Dhabi branches of the Guggenheim and Louvre museums by 2013. Park Hyatt, St Regis and Mandarin Oriental are some of the luxury hotel names set to open properties there.

On the mainland, new hotels include the imminent opening of Rocco Forte’s 281-room property with extensive spa facilities, while Westin plans to unveil its hotel and spa at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in the second quarter of 2011. Another eco-tourism project is being developed in the form of Eastern Mangroves, Angsana Resort and Spa, due to open by the end of the year.

Of course, Abu Dhabi has tough competition, namely its glitzy neighbour Dubai. In December 2010, Funway Holidays launched its first brochure for this region, combining Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Product manager Malcolm Davies says: “Bookings for Abu Dhabi remain small but high value. The majority of clients who visit Abu Dhabi fly there direct with Etihad Airways, but many stop over on their way to Asia or Australasia.

“Abu Dhabi is a quieter alternative to Dubai, but still has the same impressive architecture, exciting new attractions and some unique hotel locations perfect for adventures travellers,”

Sample product

Seven nights at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, in November starts from £1,429 with Kuoni. This is on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes flights with Etihad Airways and private transfers.

Seven nights at the five-star Fairmont, Bab al Bahr, in November starts from £1,319 with Funway Holidays. This is on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes flights
with British Airways and private transfers.

An eight-day cruise in November on MSC Lirica, starting from Abu Dhabi and taking in Muscat, Al Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, plus a two night, pre-cruise stay in a four-star Abu Dhabi city hotel on a B&B basis, starts from £999. The price includes transfer and flights from London or Manchester with Eithad Airways.

 

sourse: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

Combine a hip beach and city break with a tropical island getaway with this special twin centre holiday to Miami and the Florida Keys.

Spend three nights bed and breakfast at the 3* Wyndham Garden Hotel in Miami's South Beach, then discover the stunning Florida Keys with a five night, room only stay at the 4* Hilton Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club, all from just £689 including flights.

Miami

Miles of pristine beaches, lively nightlife, great shopping and a Latino vibe – Miami is a glamorous city that begs to be explored. Take a walking tour to appreciate the colourful, art deco architecture, or peruse one of the city's many art galleries. Enjoy freshly-caught fish and the popular 'Floribbean' cuisine in great value restaurants. Visit Little Havana for a taste of Cuba, or go celebrity-spotting on Ocean Drive. After dark, Miami comes to life with an array of glossy cocktail bars and all-night clubs. Shopping fans can choose between unique boutiques in South Beach, bargain outlet malls just out of town and high-end designer stores in Coconut Grove. For families, Jungle Island wildlife park and Miami Children's Museum offer exciting days out. Don't miss fascinating sea life shows and the chance to swim with dolphins at Miami Seaquarium. There's far more to Miami than the beach, but it's world famous for a reason: enjoy energetic water sports, take a boat trip, or simply lie back and soak up the Floridian rays.

Key Largo

With stunning natural beauty and lots to see and do, Key Largo is a unique tropical holiday destination. The island is the first stop on the highway that snakes over the sea from the mainland, connecting the Florida Keys. Sandwiched between the Everglades National Park and North America's only living coral reef, Key Largo offers the chance to spot some fascinating wildlife, from bears to barracudas. Relax on white sandy beaches, take a boat trip through the dazzling jade green waters, or go snorkelling and diving (locals call Key Largo 'The Diving Capital of the World'.) Key Largo has a thriving artistic community, meaning that there are plenty of galleries to visit. You'll also find chilled-out bars and cool nightclubs, as well as in-hotel entertainment. The fishing off Key Largo is world famous, so it's little wonder that seafood is the local culinary speciality. There's an array of international restaurants too, including Mediterranean, Italian and fast food joints. Key Largo's got it all, but don't miss a road trip down the scenic highway to discover more of the Florida Keys.

Wyndham Garden Miami South Beach

Art Deco style hotel close to the beach
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Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club

Tropical hideaway in a stunning location
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Combine a relaxing all inclusive break on the island of Majorca with an action-packed Mediterranean cruise on this exclusive stay and cruise summer holiday – all from just £679 per person.

Spend four nights at the 3* Aparthotel Novo Park in Paguera, then head to Palma to board Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas. This magnificent, 4* ship is packed with family-friendly facilities and an array of dining and entertainment options. You'll stay on a full board basis for seven nights as you sail the Spanish Mediterranean, stopping off at exciting ports like Barcelona and Gibraltar.

The stay

You'll spend four nights on an all inclusive basis at the 3* Novo Park Hotel in Paguera. Nestled in well-tended gardens and surrounded by pine forests, it's a relaxing base for exploring the bustling coast of South Majorca. The lively resort centre, just 250 metres away, has a long promenade and good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. There's a pool, jacuzzi and Sauna on site at the hotel and the sandy beach is just 350 metres away. To find out more about the Novo Park Hotel, click here.

The cruise ship

With over two acres of glass canopies, skylights and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas is a ship with a view.

With over two acres of glass canopies, skylights and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas is a ship with a view. The Grandeur doesn't just look good – she carries an impressive list of facilities on board, including an outdoor pool, solarium pool with retractable roof, six whirlpools, a full service spa and a rock climbing wall. There's also a choice of formal and casual dining, eight bars and lounges, a casino and a nightclub. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean® youth programme means that children from babies to teens won't get bored at sea. Click here to find out more about the Grandeur of the Seas.

Novo Park Hotel

Set in Mediterranean style gardens and sun terraces

Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur of the Seas is a ship with a view.

Cruise itinerary

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Ibiza, Spain

Cruising

Málaga, Spain

Gibraltar

Cruising

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

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If you like the freedom to choose your own flights and accommodation separately then try our ‘Build Your Own’ search facility to pull together your ideal getaway.

With this tailor made holiday search  you can pick and mix from a wide range of airlines and hotels to create your own perfect holiday. Doing things this way means you can spread your holiday budget out exactly as you choose. For example, you might prefer to book a cheap flight from one of the low cost airlines in order to spend more on your hotel.

Some of today’s best deals - for hundreds more call 0800 408 4048

Corfu

Newcastle

7nts

06 May 2011

SC

£115pp

Algarve

Gatwick

7nts

30 Sep 2011

BB

£215pp

Costa Del Sol

Manchester

14nts

22 Apr 2011

SC

£229pp

Costa Blanca

Birmingham

7nts

13 Jul 2011

SC

£269pp

Majorca

Luton

14nts

02 Jun 2011

SC

£269pp

Costa Dorada

Gatwick

14nts

16 Apr 2011

HB

£285pp

Ibiza

East Midlands

7nts

08 Jul 2011

HB

£309pp

Turkey

Newcastle

14nts

17 May 2011

AI

£349pp

Kos

Gatwick

7nts

31 Aug 2011

AI

£409pp

Sharm El Sheikh

Stansted

14nts

24 Apr 2011

AI

£449pp

 

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American Dream

Experience two of America's most glamorous cities with our unforgettable twin centre Las Vegas and Los Angeles holiday. Begin with seven nights at the landmark 3* Stratosphere Hotel on Las Vegas' world-famous strip, then take an internal flight to LA. Here, you'll spend three nights at the 3* Sportsmen's Lodge hotel on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Prices for this amazing ten night, two-stop holiday start from just £699 per person, including international and domestic flights and room only accommodation. This special offer can only be booked by calling 01823 478305

Las Vegas

Neon lights, late nights the highest concentration of casinos on the planet – no wonder Las Vegas is nicknamed 'Sin City'. Holidays in Las Vegas are about 24/7 entertainment, from roulette wheels to white knuckle rides, cabarets to cocktail bars. Take a tour bus along the strip to see the wacky, themed hotels, many of which pay homage to cities around the globe: Find yourself in Luxor, Paris, New York or Venice and look out for the iconic white wedding chapels. Shopping in Vegas is an attraction in itself, from the designer labels at Forum Shops in Caesar's Palace, to the high street names on sale in the enormous Fashion Show Mall. Out of the city, take a helicopter ride over the Nevada Desert and the spectacular Grand Canyon. Back in Vegas, you'll find an array of international restaurants, with enormous burgers and steaks the local speciality. After dark, there are a host of late night venues, including glossy nightclubs and stylish bars. Don't miss the dancing fountains of the Bellagio Hotel, or a ticket to the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil.

Plus for a limited time only

Exclusive Stratosphere benefits

- Free upgrade to premier view room - 2 for 1 dinner buffet

- 2 for 1 unlimited thrill ride pass (Excluding Skyjump)   - $20 Spa Credit on services over $60

Los Angeles

Beaches, boutiques and movie stars – Los Angeles is one of the world's glitziest cities. With attractions including Disneyland, Universal Studios and the celebrity Walk of Fame at Hollywood, holidays in Los Angeles are packed with plenty to do. Head to Santa Monica Beach to catch the West Coast rays, or look out for stars in glamorous Beverley Hills. Go to Little Tokyo or Chinatown for international cuisine, or enjoy fresh seafood near the beach. For designer shopping, visit upmarket Rodeo Drive, or for bargains, venture out of town and hit the discount outlets. Nightlife in LA combines upmarket cocktail bars with hip nightclubs and celebrity haunts. Holidays in Los Angeles combine beach relaxation with must-see sights and attractions, for a city break destination that's like nowhere else on earth.

Plus for a limited time only

Exclusive Sportsman's Lodge benefits

- One night free

Las Vegas Stratosphere

Topped by the highest observation tower.
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Los Angeles Sportsman's Lodge

Top location on Studio City's Ventura Boulevard.
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This exclusive offer is limited and can only be booked by calling 01823 478305

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