Anantara highlights Abu Dhabi destinations

Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a world-class destination for travellers, with a steady stream of both business and leisure tourists eager to explore the city’s offerings.

“Apart from being a leisure destination, Abu Dhabi has become one of the most important venues for business and global events, and this is in turn attracting more and more visitors,” said Wael Soueid, area general manager of Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Soueid explained that there has been an increase in young affluent travellers, as well as a renewed interest in eco-travel, with many guests adhering to more sustainable travel methods and experiences. Highlighting Anantara’s participation at Arabian Travel Market 2015, Soueid said: “We always value the opportunity to engage with potential partners at the ATM, from meeting with partners from the GCC, as well as existing travel professionals from our key feeder markets such as the UK, Germany and China. This year, we aim to highlight our diverse offering at our five properties in Abu Dhabi. We offer a 360-degree diversified experience in Abu Dhabi, with each property offering an indigenous experience, while still staying true to the Thai heritage and global standards of excellence of the Anantara brand itself.”

Soueid also noted that there is a growing demand from high net-worth Mena residents eager to discover new destinations in the Middle East, with a recent YouGov report survey highlighting that luxury tourists in the Mena region take close to two luxury holidays every year.

Asked about the properties that the group would be showcasing at the ATM, Soueid said: “Each of our five properties offer guests an indigenous experience in terms of location and through the Emirati-inspired culinary offerings and activities. For instance, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, offers guests the chance to enjoy ecologically-friendly activities such as a guided kayaking tour throughout the mangroves surrounding the hotel.”

“Our desert destination, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, is the ultimate romantic retreat, located in the heart of the breathtaking Liwa desert and offers guests a truly unique getaway and seclusion which will create lasting memories. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is a family-friendly natural sanctuary, whilst Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort is a group of thirty beachfront villas and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort is a group of thirty villas located in the heart of the Arabian savannah, creating a perfect destination for culture, history and nature,” he added.

Soueid also revealed that as well as a steady mix of leisure travellers from the UK and Germany for all five hotels, there has been significant Mice travel to the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, in particular.

Highlighting Anantara’s future plans, Soueid said: “Our focus will remain on the GCC, primarily as it is the biggest market for us, followed by China and India as we have witnessed an increase in visitors from those countries, as well as the GCC. Currently there are no further plans for expansion in the UAE, as our regional team focuses their efforts on the newly opened property in Doha – Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.”

— rohma@khaleejtimes.com