LE MERIDIEN FUJAIRAH HOTEL NAMED

On schedule for 2002 launch

Construction is well underway on the recently named Le Meridien Al Aqqa Beach Resort Fujairah scheduled for a spring 2002 opening – hearalded as the flagship for tourism development in the area.

The luxury beach resort project, a joint venture between Emirates and the Government of Fujairah, is aiming to jump-start tourism in this emirate on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, which boasts a secluded beach coastline just 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai. Le Meridien is the first international operator to develop in Fujairah for more than 20 years.

According to Michel Noblet, Le Meridien managing director for the Middle East and West Asia, Fujairah is a beautiful and, as yet, relatively unknown tourist destination: "By introducing Le Meridien brand here, it will enhance the very special atmosphere that prevails on this magnificent stretch of coast.

"While demand for Dubai is escalating, we anticipate a similar response to a new sun, sea and sand product in Fujairah," he said.

As well as this development, other hotel groups are also pursuing tourism projects on the east coast, shaping up expectations that Fujairah will become a new star on the global tourism map within a few years.

Government officials there are already fine-tuning infrastructure projects to enhance the unspoilt emirate’s natural beauty and cultural attractions – where mountains, waterfalls and oases, and long sandy beaches provide a natural complement to the cosmopolitan attractions of Dubai.

Le Meridien Al Aqqa Beach Resort Fujairah will include 219 rooms in a 20-storey stepped tower with leisure attractions such as a free-form pool with waterfall feature, children’s pool and dedicated Penguin club, four tennis courts, water sports and dive centre, games room, golf practice area, racquet ball and fitness centre - additional plans call for the construction of a golf course in the future. In addition, there will be a Royal Club executive floor, business centre, extensive conference facilities and four speciality restaurants

Le Meridien – the luxury brand of Forte Hotel Group - currently has a global portfolio of more than 150 hotels in 55 countries (32,000 rooms) worldwide and an annual turnover of just over US$2 billion. Looking at the region, in the Middle East and West Asia, Le Meridien currently operates 20 properties (6,500 rooms). In addition, the brand has 21 hotels in this region under development. Together this represents almost 30 per cent of the Meridien worldwide network.