Business has been sizzling in Fujairah’s Le Méridien Al Aqah, as they declared this year's average occupancy rate not only a resounding success, but also a harbinger of tourism's resurgence in the city that Cyclone Gonu hit.
The effects of Cyclone Gonu on June 5th, 2007 that devastated the shores of Fujairah are now a thing of the past, as tourism continues to rise steadily. The beach reopened for guests a few days after the disaster and water-sports facilities were up and running almost immediately.
“While we can’t fight nature, our top priority during Cyclone Gonu and the aftermath was the safety and comfort of our clients. The staff must be commended by ensuring that the hotel offered the same levels of service and truly made the guests feel like it was ‘business as usual’,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.
Despite the natural disaster, the hotel occupancy rate was as high as 96 percent in early August, according to Le Méridien officials, and has seen a marked increase on last year’s occupancy rates for the same period.
With the incredible promotional rate of AED 299 per room per night (on twin sharing basis on weekdays) that began June 1st, the offer serves as a great escape from the busy city life and severe humidity during the summer months. Guests can still take advantage of this offer as it continues until October 10th, promising nothing short of an ideal summer destination for families and couples alike.
”We experienced a great deal of returning guests after Gonu,” said Mr. Antaki. “Thanks to our loyal guests, a ripple effect was created, because the people who were here have gone back to their friends and colleagues and told them they had a great time!”
Fujairah offers a refreshing aura unlike any other in the UAE, “The East Coast experience remains unique in that it naturally brings in tourists, and this gives us that much more ability to draw people in who are looking for that type of homespun experience,” added Antaki.
Naturally, the ongoing relationships with regional tour operators and the remarkable communication efforts are essential contributing factors to the resonant success Al Aqah is experiencing.
The increase in occupancy isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon, and with all the services offered by Le Méridien Al Aqah, this resort will continue to prove its position in being the favourite East Coast destination for both residents and tourists.
About Le Méridien
Le Méridien brand, currently represented by approximately 120 properties in 52 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in November 2005. With close to 70 percent of its properties located in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood’s primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien-branded hotels within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
