Around 10 top resorts from Abu Dhabi will be participating in the annual International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, France, next month.

To be held from December 1 to 4, the resorts in the Abu Dhabi line-up are looking to increase the share of the outbound luxury European market, particularly from the Mice segment.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, which operates six properties in the emirate, from urban to desert and island resorts, is looking to build its European Mice business in double-digit terms and believes its ultra-luxurious Royal Pavilion Villas product at the Qasr Al Sarab resort in the Liwa Desert launched earlier this year, will give it a compelling edge.

The resort’s 10 Royal Pavilion Pool Villas feature sublime Arabian décor and have a single bedroom with a king size bed, a separate living room and dining area, an oversize bath tub, rain shower and complimentary wi-fi. They each have a private plunge pool, a terrace with shaded day beds and al fresco dining area and a private butler service.

“2014 has gone well with strong, transient demand,” said David Garner, regional director sales and marketing, Anantara Hotels, Middle East. “From the Mice market for all properties we are looking at about a 15 to 20 per cent growth in 2015 to help build occupancy.”

Abu Dhabi’s latest luxury entrant, the home-grown Jannah Hotels & Resorts, will be looking to drum up business for its Andalus, Al Seef Resort & Spa, the flagship of its new brand, which is due to open in September next year adjoining the city’s Al Seef Mall.                  

The resort will feature 216, stylishly furnished and spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites all with indoor and outdoor living areas. It will have a huge pool area including a Jacuzzi and kids pool and on the Al Seef Promenade there’ll be a host of small boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Jannah Hotels is also gearing up for the launch of the Business District Suites in the UAE capital’s Tourist Club area by Q2 next year. The 21-storey building will have 318 rooms and 118 parking spaces across four basement floors. There will be two food and beverage outlets on the ground floor, a day spa, conferencing facilities and offices on the mezzanine. The property will also have a rooftop outdoor pool, gym and juice bar/café.

Meanwhile, the exquisite The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, which is set against a backdrop of the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, will be touting its latest service to guests of this ultra-luxurious property on Abu Dhabi’s Khor Al Maqta.

The expansive resort has launched a complimentary abra (water taxi) service which allows guests to explore the picturesque area around Al Maqta Creek or visit the nearby souk (market). It is a hop-on, hop-off service on a traditional dhow (boat) which can take up to 20 guests at a time and with a round-trip schedule of 20 minutes.

While Abu Dhabi has overseas positioning and perception as an upscale resort, tourism officials say it represents fantastic value for money when viewed against the high level of facilities and services on offer. – TradeArabia News Service