Emirates and Le Meridien launch online competition

31 July 2002

Internet users logging on to www.emirates.com or www.lemeridien.com over the coming months have the chance to win one of 12 fabulous holidays courtesy of Emirates Airline, the United Arab Emirates’ award-winning airline, and Le Meridien, the luxury global hotel group, as they join hands to host an online competition.

The easy-to-enter, web-based promotion, running from August 1 to October 17, offers six holidays for 12 travellers to any destination in the world of Emirates and Le Meridien. Their joint network encompasses more than 100 hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries, with the spotlight falling on Nice, Koh Samui (Thailand), Sydney (Australia), Singapore, and London among others. 

By answering some simple questions correctly, online participants enter a draw for a chance to scoop the first prize comprising one set of two first class tickets and a five-night stay in suite accommodation for two at Le Meridien. While, two surfers can click to win the second prize, each of two business class tickets and an executive suite stay. 

Then, last but not least, three third prizes of economy tickets for two and a deluxe room stay, again on an Emirates route linking the Le Meridien destination of choice.

Mike Simon, Director, Corporate Communications for Emirates, indicated that the infinite reach of cyberspace could see this as one of the most popular, biggest and wide-spread competition offerings that Emirates has been involved with to date.

“Virtually, anyone in the world making an online connection to Emirates or Le Meridien websites has the chance to win a holiday to any Emirates/Le Meridien destination around the world. 

“In fact, with the ability of direct communication to a sizeable audience - in excess of 500,000 members, already signed up to our Skywards frequent flyer programme and Le Meridien Moments alone - we are feeling confident that this will spark a huge amount of attention among the members of the two programmes and non-members alike.”

He said that as well as increasing awareness of Emirates and Le Meridien luxury destinations around the world, this competition will spotlight Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the broader network that the two service independently.

Russel Sharpe, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Le Meridien Middle East and West Asia, pointed out that the online drive comes at a time when smart operators are looking out of the box to grow brand awareness and business levels. 

Sharpe said: “Brand alliance is key in brand and destination marketing and it is positive to see two global brands such as Emirates and Le Meridien coming together to promote in- and out-bound tourism, region-wide and beyond.

“In addition, the use of the worldwide web opens this competition to anyone in any part of the world – and the fact that the choice of destinations lies in the hands of the competition winners makes winning even more of a memory. We are hoping to offer trips of a lifetime.”

Sharpe also cited that the potential to reach tens of thousands of consumers around the world through the greater reach of cyberspace represents the chance to focus attention to customers past, present and future. 

He explained that by answering a few simple questions on personal service requirements, the entrant can play a role in the planning of new services and products of both Emirates and Le Meridien. “As many of the entries will come be from renewed and new contacts, as well as from existing Skywards and Moments loyalty members, we can build an even stronger profile to evolve better service offer and delivery.”

The six winners and their partners will be flown into Dubai by Emirates, hosted at Le Meridien Dubai, to collect their tickets to a deluxe holiday of their choice. In addition, the online competition will be backed up by a radio campaign in the UAE, where listeners can win restaurant dining prizes for meals at Le Meridien's four Dubai-based properties.