Jordan Tourism Board (ME3000)
The largest spa in the Middle East is poised to open in Jordan this month.
The opening of the Anantara Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea will enhance the country’s reputation as a spa destination. Sprawling 10,000sq metres, the spa will have more than 20 treatment rooms and outdoor therapy lounges, in addition to 28 spa suites.
Other developments in Jordan include the launch of new five-star Jaz Tala Bay Resort in Tala Bay, set to open in November.
Further ahead, InterContinental Hotels Group has announced plans for a £35 million luxury resort, set to open in late 2012.
The trade can gen up on Jordan by taking part in on-stand training at World Travel Market. Agents can register at the stand at 12.45pm for a 1pm start on the Jordan Tourism Board stand.
After training, there will be a free lunch and a goodie bag followed by prizes at 2.45pm, including four flights to Amman with Royal Jordanian, two iPod nanos and shopping vouchers.
Jordan is emerging as a weekend break destination from the UK thanks to its five-hour flight time and two-hour time difference.
The Dead Sea is an hour’s drive from the capital Amman and is known for its restorative qualities. The sea and mud is full of minerals, proven to help skin conditions.
Abu Dhabi Tourism (ME1000)
Abu Dhabi Tourism will be showcasing its cultural developments on Saadiyat Island at World Travel Market. The island is set to become home to Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the 2009 F1 Grand Prix finale. Visit stand ME1000, where 50 products and services will be on display.
Etihad Airways (ME1600)
Etihad Airways wants to speak to the trade about its new winter schedule, which includes the launch of several routes.
The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has launched seven routes between January and November this year, including Beijing, Brisbane, Chennai (Madras), Jaipur, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Kozhikode (Calicut).
Le Méridien Al Aqah (ME0200)
Five-star property Le Méridien Al Aqah in Fujairah has pumped more than a million pounds into revamping its beach – and you can hear all about it at World Travel Market.
Two restaurants have been added, along with hi-tech parasols that enable guests to call for waiter service at the touch of a button. The new developments, which include the planting of 100 coconut palms, come after a cyclone damaged the area in 2007.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa (ME2000)
Dubai’s Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa will be at World Travel Market to promote itself as an environmentally friendly property. The hotel operates a pioneering scheme where steam from the laundry is used to heat the water in the swimming pools.
