FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) is at the heart of the action during the upcoming 2015 - 2016 events line-up and invites guests to make the most of these opportunities. From lively music festivals and high fashion runways to the electrifying Formula 1 Grand Prix, the luxurious properties of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, boast some of the best locations for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTSFrom November 27 to 29, Abu Dhabi will transform into racer’s dream as it gears up for the seventh Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Situated only 20 minutes from Yas Marina Circuit, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr will offer the ‘Grand Prix’ package to include a complimentary fifth night when booking four consecutive nights in a Fairmont Gold room or suite. This package is available from November 26 to December 1, 2015 with rates starting from $680 per night.On March 26, 2016, the Dubai World Cup, lauded as the world’s richest horse race, will welcome over 250,000 spectators. Festivities will include a concert headlined by some of the top names in the music world with past performances from Jennifer Lopez and Toni Braxton. Racing fans can avail of the ‘Join and Celebrate’ special offer at Raffles Dubai, including accommodation in a Club room, breakfast, and credit to the value of $135 for use in the Raffles Spa, a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers upon arrival. Available year-round, rates start from $965 per night. The Dubai International Motor Show is the single largest automotive event in the Middle East and brings together global manufacturers, industry specialists, and affluent motor enthusiasts from all over the world. From November 10 to 14, 2015, visitors can admire over 600 cars on display from futuristic concepts to timeless classics. Motor aficionados planning to attend this year’s event can avail of the ‘Stay & Drive’ package just across the street at Fairmont Dubai, which includes accommodation, buffet breakfast and the use of a luxury car during the stay. This package is available from November 8 to 16, 2015, with rates starting from $299 per night.
MIDEAST INSIGHTSTTN spoke to a senior representative at FRHI Hotels & Resorts for more insight into the luxury operator’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) business.'For the Middle East, the Mice market accounts for almost a quarter of our business. This is an important segment for the company and we have several initiatives in place to ensure that this market continues to grow, including leveraging global partnerships and platforms and introducing digital campaigns to continue to build brand equity in the region.'Dubai is the strongest destination when it comes to Mice, especially as the majority of our brand growth is located in the UAE, including Fairmont Dubai, the company’s flagship hotel, which opened up in the destination more than 12 years ago, Fairmont The Palm located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. 'With developed infrastructure, and a full range of attractions from world- class shopping, celebrity-driven restaurants and lounges, children’s water parks and other activities, and a vibrant nightlife, the emirate complements the facilities, event and meeting space and the service at the hotels, allowing for a comprehensive Mice experience for the guest. 'In Egypt, which features two of our distinctive Fairmont hotels – Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers and Fairmont Nile City, the source market is a domestic one, as large industries, such as pharmaceutical drive a lot of the business to these hotels. 'Local lifestyle and social events and weddings also play a role in our hotel, with celebrity hosted Ramadan tents and high profile Egyptian weddings.'Given the maturity of infrastructure and overall development in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, and the range of attractions on offers, source markets have remained traditionally on the GCC, United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. Abu Dhabi as the capital of the UAE, attracts a lot of government business from its domestic market, so you see a vibrant mix in the country between international and domestic markets.'
By a Staff Reporter
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Fairmont focuses on Nigeria
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Asset Management Group (AMG), recently announced the development of a new 270-room luxury hotel in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja.
With a planned opening in 2019, Fairmont Abuja will be situated in the heart of the city’s central business district and only 30 km from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
A close proximity to the new International Conference Centre, due to open in 2018, will make the hotel an ideal venue for corporate groups, conferences and social events.
Fairmont Abuja will provide easy access to the diplomatic and government quarter, including the Presidential Complex, National Assembly and the Supreme Court. As Nigeria’s purpose-built and planned city, Abuja also houses divisions of the United Nations, World Bank and major international embassies and consulates.
Fairmont Abuja will feature 270 guestrooms and suites, Fairmont Gold – the brand’s signature ‘hotel within a hotel’ concept – and approximately 50 branded residences. It will also boast more than 2,400 square metres of meeting and event space.