Ultimate Eid Escapes
Eid al-Fitr - or the end of Ramadan - is set to begin around September 10 this year. Here’s how to sell an Eid break escape with a difference.
Germany: Best for culture lovers
Festival hop in Germany
Why go: At this time of year the festivals in Germany are in full swing and with Germany being such a fun loving and cultural nation you are guaranteed a good time.
Germany is embracing the Ramadan spirit with Berlin hosting a special Ramadan festival “Nächte des Ramadan” (Nights of Ramadan) from 13 August to 12 September where both Muslims and non-Muslims will be able to celebrate together.
The cultural festival includes concerts, films, readings, dance and culinary delights from Morocco to Turkey and from Syria to China, which give an insight into different Muslim cultures.
TOP PICK: With Germany being such a perennial favourite among the GCC audience, this year its time to suggest a new destination to clients who might think they have ‘been there done that’.
Hannover is emerging as a stand-out Eid getaway. The city best known for hosting trade fairs has some fantastic attractions and is making a huge push towards targeting the Middle East market.
What’s on at Eid? During the Eid period, Hannover will be laying on a host of family festivals and free entertainment including the famous International Fireworks Festival on 18 September at the Herrenhausen Gardens.
This eye-popping pyrotechnical display, set to music is an unmissable spectacle.
Other events include the Herbfestival Herrenhausen, 10 - 12 September, an outdoor festival celebrating the best of autumn, featuring cooking demonstrations, markets, and entertainment, and TANZtheatre International, 1-11 September: featuring the world’s most exciting contemporary dance theatre groups.
According to Udo Sass, senior vice president, Aviation, Hannover Airport, for visitors who have not yet experienced Hannover, Eid is the perfect time to come to the city.
“Hannover is Germany’s best kept secret and makes for the perfect family destination either as a stand-alone destination, or due to the excellent connections of Hannover Airport to all major destinations in Europe, in combination with another German or European city,” he says.
WHO TO SELL TO: “Travel agents should sell this destination to Arab and Asian families, especially those already planning to visit Germany or Europe, but looking for a couple of days to visit somewhere new,” says Sass.
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: There are no direct flights from the Middle East to Hannover, but the city is extremely well connected by air, rail and autobahn to all major German and European cities, including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, Paris, London, Istanbul.
Where to stay: Kastens Hotel Luisenhof; Courtyard by Marriott Hannover Maschsee; Maritim Grand Hotel Hannover; Mercure Hotel Hannover Mitte
Sample packages: Al Rais Travel is offering a special ‘Hannover Fireworks Festival package’ which includes hotel accommodation for three nights, daily breakfast, airport transfers, Hannover city tour, entrance to the fireworks festival and a picnic package at the festival. +971 4 393 3333 / www.alrais.com
Visas: EU nationals do not need a visa. Nationals from most other countries need a Schengen Visa.
Useful link: www.germany-tourism.de
Seychelles: Best for luxury and activity seekers
Take a tropical island break
The Maldives is still the number one Indian Ocean destination for GCC travellers seeking a luxury getaway. But while its perfect for romance and honeymooners with its tiny atolls and one-island resorts – for clients looking to combine luxury with a more active break they might want to consider Seychelles or Mauritius which offer more diverse scenery and a plethora of exciting activities.
Why go? With its crystal clear waters, uninhabited islands, secluded beaches and protected nature reserves Seychelles offers the ultimate luxury Eid break.
“The unique selling points of the Seychelles have been confirmed and reconfirmed in surveys as being what tourists from the GCC countries are looking for,” says Alain St. Ange, director of tourism marketing, Seychelles Tourism Board.
“The appealing year round summer climate, the privacy of the Seychelles beaches, the cleanliness of the islands, the safety of the Seychelles and the affordable experience these unique mid-ocean creole islands offer.”
This is the option for visitors looking to get away from it all in a secluded paradise. Guests can choose to stay on the mainland at Mahé, or travel to one of the many island resorts via seaplane or boat.
“The privacy of our visitors is and remains the driving mission of all the hotels,” says St. Ange. “Seychelles remains one of the few countries of the world where the concept of ‘personalised tourism’ is practiced.
Seychelles is able to claim that concept because it is not and will never be a mass tourism destination. No charter flights land in the Seychelles and the islands are not after the hundreds of thousands in visitor arrival numbers because that would make the island just another destination welcoming tourists.”
What’s on at Eid? As well as stunning beaches, Seychelles offers an array of activities including diving and snorkeling, sailing, fishing, hiking, spas, cycling and golf.
Island hopping is a popular activity as it provides the opportunity to visit vastly different environments - rocky granite islands one minute, dark green jungles and sandy beaches the next. Agents can sell Seychelles as one of the last untouched island destinations - advise customers to visit the region while it is still a secluded paradise.
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: Emirates from Dubai seven times weekly and Qatar Airways from Doha four times weekly.
Where to stay: Luxury five-star resorts offering private villas include: Banyan Tree Seychelles; Constance Ephelia Resort; Fregate; Four Seasons Resorts; Hilton Seychelles Northole Resort & Spa; Le Meridien Fishermans Cove and Denis Island Resort
Sample packages: Maia Luxury Resort & Spa situated on a private peninsula on the island of Mahe offers 30 spacious and private hilltop and beachfront villas, each with a dedicated butler and a private pool. Maia has a ‘Stay four nights pay for three offer’, including daily breakfast and one complimentary dinner per person, per day. The offer is valid until 25 December 2010
reservations@southernsun.sc / www.maia.com.sc
Visas: All nationalities can obtain a visa free of charge on arrival at Mahé International Airport as long as they hold a passport that is valid for six months from date of entry, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and an onward flight ticket.
Useful link: www.seychelles.travel
Mauritius: Best for eco-adventures and family fun
Visit a natural paradise
Why go? “Mauritius offers something for everybody,” says Dr Karl Mootoosamy, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
While the destination has stunning beaches there is more to it than sunbathing. Activities include scuba diving - there are more than 30 dive sites, snorkelling in crystal clear waters around the world’s third largest coral reef which surrounds the island; golf – there are eight 18-hole or five 9-hole golf courses; deep sea fishing; and for those that want to be pampered a large choice of spas including some of the world’s most famous brand names such as Clarins, Givenchy, Guerlain, La Prairie and Shisheido.
TOP PICK: For nature lovers, Mauritius is a paradise. Top things to do include hiking round the Black River National Park, the biggest nature reserve on the island extending over 6,754 hectares, which is home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius; and visiting the Chamarel Waterfall which plunges more than 100m against a scenic backdrop of forests and mountains.
Where to stay: There are over 100 hotels to choose from. A number of major brands have opened in Mauritius such as Oberoi, Four Seasons and the One & Only Le Saint Géran. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will be in service by the end of the year.
What’s on at Eid? “Obviously, Eid is a time for families and unlike other paradise islands; Mauritius has a very wide choice of things to do,” says Mootoosamy.
“For the family, most hotels offer kids clubs, entertainment, an amazing choice of food (including halal), and water sports. But there’s plenty to do away from the hotel such as hiking, cycling, nature parks, diving, shopping, golf, dolphin watching, walking with lions, horse riding, excursions, and deep sea fishing.”
He adds: “Mauritius has a pleasantly tropical climate with daytime temperatures averaging 22 degrees during Eid time, an ideal escape from the intense heat of the Gulf area.”
who to sell to: “Mauritius will appeal to all including couples looking for an exclusive getaway to families looking to have fun,” says Mootoosamy. “Most of the five-star properties offer apartments or private villas, ideal for larger families.”
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: Emirates flies 9 times a week from Dubai.
Sample Packages: Shanti Ananda Maurice is a heavenly hideaway located on a natural beach and surrounded by lush forests in the southern most unspoilt part of Mauritius.
With 61 villas and suites, Shanti Maurice offers exceptional privacy. For couples or single travellers, the world-renowned Ananda Spa is the perfect place to restore harmony and balance. The resort is offering 50 percent off double occupancy until 31 October 2010. Reservations@shantiananda.mu / www.shantimaurice.com
Visas: Most nationalities including Gulf Arabs, Indians and Europeans, don’t need visas.
MALDIVES: EID OFFER
A newcomer to the Maldives resort scene is Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa – the first luxury resort in the Maldives located south of the equator.
The all-villa resort includes nearly two kilometers of sandy beach. The five different accommodation styles range from private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses – a first for the Maldives.
A unique aspect to this resort is that guests can explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. The resort is a 70-minute flight from Malé and an eight-minute boat ride from Gan Airport on Addu Atoll.
Eid package: The resort has a special four-night package valid from 8 -18 September 2010 from US$1,050 per night. Valid for Beach Villa and Deluxe Pool Villa stays, it includes: one complimentary night, return domestic flights from Malé to Gan for two, daily breakfast for two, one complimentary Arabic dinner, two complimentary extra beds for children under the age of 12 and a discount of 25 per cent on the second villa rate when booked for the same party.
reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com / www.shangri-la.com.
Kenya: Best for a family adventure
Take an African safari
Why go? Kenya is known as the ‘Safari Capital of the World’ offering both spectacular scenery and wildlife. This is classic Africa, a land of rolling savannah, beautiful lakes and big sky. And being just a short hop from the Middle East it makes the ideal Eid break destination.
“With excellent flight access and a short four-and-a-half hours flight, Kenya makes an ideal short break for GCC visitors,” says John Chirchir, regional marketing manager, Emerging Markets, Kenya Tourist Board.
What’s on at eid? The Eid break is the perfect time to come to Kenya as the famous wildebeest migration - when millions of animals migrate from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara usually takes place between July and September.
Utterly unique, this is one of the most spectacular natural occurrences in the world.
Each year around 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra and antelope gather up their young and start their long trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti Plains, further north to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
They go in search of food and water. The wildlife spectacle is unparalleled - a continuous charging mass of animals that stretches from one horizon to the other. One way to watch the show is from a hot air balloon floating hovering over the Masai Mara plains.
Who to sell to: Kenya is the ideal sell for clients who have never been on a safari. It also suits time-poor travellers looking for a long weekend adventure. “Kenya has been gaining in popularity among GCC residents for its luxury weekend escapes and nature retreats,” says Chirchir.
“Additionally, the Swahili culture most prevalent along Kenya’s coast is steeped in Arabic traditions making much of its exotic mix very welcoming and familiar. With 25 percent (or 10 million) of the population being Muslims, Halal cuisine and Islamic traditions are also widely understood and catered for.”
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: Kenya Airways flies daily from Dubai; Emirates Airlines flies twice daily from Dubai; Air Arabia flies three times a week from Sharjah; Saudi Arabian Airlines flies daily from Jeddah, Egypt Air flies five times a week from Cairo and Qatar Airways flies daily from Doha.
Where to stay: Accommodation options range from luxury tented camps and five-star hotels and resorts to camping safaris. Kenya’s luxury lodges or camps are a once in a lifetime experience. The Governnors Camp, Masai Mara is one of the top luxury safari camps located on the site once reserved for Kenya’s colonial Governors.
www.governorscamp.com
Visas: Visas are now required by all visitors to Kenya. Visas (US$50) are valid for three months and can be obtained on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Useful link: www.Kenyatourism.com
Desert: Best for relaxing and unwinding
Escape into the dunes
Why go? For clients that don’t want to spend hours on a flight to a faraway destination and are looking for somewhere closer to home to relax and unwind, a truly luxury desert retreat such as Qasr Al Sarab provides the ultimate Eid escape.
The stunning desert retreat, run by Anatara is located amidst the golden red sand dunes of the Liwa desert. The resort was recently awarded two international awards at New York’s Hospitality Design Awards and since opening only in November last year, has been recognised with top accolades from around the world including making it into Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2010 Hot List.
What’s it like? The resort is located in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, which extends from the UAE into Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The drive up to the resort itself cannot fail to awe any visitor. Perched on a sand dune, a winding ten kilIometre drive through the windswept dunes, its hard to imagine a more difficult place to build a hotel and there is an incredible sense of anticpation which builds as you wind your way through the dunes towards the hotel entrance.
Stretching for over a mile into the desert, the sheer scale of the development is impressive. The resort itself has been designed to resemble a traditional Arabian fort and the architects worked with staff at Al Ain museum to ensure its authenticity.
Totally isolated from the rest of civilisation the resort feels like fortress marooned in the midst of the desert.
Accomodation: Qasr Al Sarab offers the ultimate in five-star luxury. All the rooms are beautifully appointed with hand-crafted Arabian furnishings, and stunning views of the desert valley where you can watch the sun disappear behind the dunes at the end of the day.
The spacious marble bathrooms are particularly indulgent, with rain showers and enormous sunken bathtubs.
The property offers 154 rooms in varying room types, from Deluxe with balcony or terrace in two wings off the main body of the hotel. There is also a separate complex of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with their own living and dining areas, a 24 hour butler service, rain showers, outdoor terraces and private plunge pools - a perfect way to escape the desert heat.
What’s on at Eid? This is the place to come to completely get away from it all. The Anatara Spa offers Thai massages by Thai staff. Other activities at the resort include trekking through the desert by foot, camel, or air-conditioned 4x4.
Sample packages: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort has a Ramadan package with a room rate of AED 700 subject to 10 percent service charge and 6 percent tourism fee The offer is valid until 13th September
reservationsqas@anantara.com / +971 2 886 2088
AL MAHA DESERT RESORT
As a Dubai desert alternative Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is surrounded by some of the region’s most spectacular desert landscape, and wildlife. The resort is also the only resort in Dubai that offers all meals and two desert-based activities per night’s stay, inclusive in the rates.
Meals can be taken in the stunning Al Diwaan restaurant overlooking the desert and the Hajar mountains, and desert activities on offer include falconry, guided nature walks, desert safaris, wildlife drives, horse riding, camel treks and archery.
After a day of discovery, guests can unwind in their Bedouin-inspired suite, each with its own private, temperature-controlled swimming pool and a sundeck.
Eid package: Al Maha is running an Eid promotion which offers guests half price on every second night of stay. The offer is valid from 8 – 30 September and includes full board and two desert-based activities per night’s stay. Tel: +971 4 303 4222 / almaha@emirates.com