TRAVEL
They came, they saw, they did business By Linda Benbow
T
on the other. Set to open this month, Kempinski will have its first hotel in Cairo, Egypt to showcase how understated and cool luxury can be, introducing the art of simple things done beautifully. Kempinski Nile hotel will be the first boutique hotel in Cairo offering things that have not been offered in this vibrant city before. This hotel will replace an old hotel on the river banks in one of Cairo’s most strategic downtown spots. “We offer a remarkable journey and create new traditions.” says the hotel’s General Manager Axel Ludwig on how he plans to bring Kempinki’s vision to Cairo. “It’s not overloaded, but is understated and sleek, functional, beautiful, cosy and charming. With a philosophy of borrowing from the richest aspects of local culture, 500 different paintings and 250 sculptures have been selected from local artists to be placed throughout the hotel “art is one of the key values of the experiences.” The lobby is a chocolate lounge, offering a respite from the city with a little bit of indulgence. “Chocolate makes people happy and there’s so much positive energy with it too.”
his year’s ATM, Arabian Travel Market, was a bustling sight to behold. After the so-so attendance at exhibitions and similar events this year, it was good to see so many bodies walking around the newly expanded conference halls and rooms at DWTC, Dubai World Trade Centre. Many countries set up their stands and put on colourful shows to attract both businessmen and the public. There were not so many give-aways as we have grown accustomed to, and not a lot of brochures and pamphlets to pick up; but that just gave folks a chance to look intently at what was on offer, ask questions, marvel at the cultural dances and ceremonies, and do business. With people in general being careful with their cash and looking for as much as they can get for their money, it seems that short break holidays are about to become more popular – with as many extras as possible included in the initial payment price, i.e. rooms, car hire, meals, spa treatment, round of golf, etc being favourite add-ons to flights. big bus tours and Dubai international airport have linked up to provide an innovative new service designed specifically
for transit passengers coming through the airport. These passengers do not have the opportunity to see the real Dubai and are often restricted to staying within the airport premises due to a lack of structured alternatives. Launching this summer, Big Bus Tours will start operating regular scheduled sightseeing tours that depart from, and return to Dubai Airport. These two hour tours are designed to provide passengers with the opportunity to see something of the city whilst they are here with the goal of encouraging them to return at a later date to spend more time, either on vacation or for business. oman launched several new hospitality offerings, including the new Swiss-Bel hotel Resort at Masirah Island which is 15 kilometres off Oman’s east coast; an island famous for its sandy beaches and as a nesting place for a number of turtle species. The 5-star Salalah Marriott Resort is set on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf and serves as the first phase of the Mirbat Beach project. Located in Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses hideaway Zighy Bay offers traditional village style (luxury) accommodation with the mountain range on one side and 1.6 kilometres of sandy beach
(left to right) Eman Al Suwaidi, Head of Retail Services, Dubai International Airport and Chris Crompton, General Manager, Big Bus Tours UAE sign a contract to operate bus tours of Dubai for transit passengers
The interior design of the 191-room boutique style Kempinski Nile Hotel was done by world renowned French architect Pierre Yves Rochon
8 l UAE Digest, June 2010