Environment ripe for recognition of Emirates’ Al Maha Desert
Resort & Spa
Released
on: July 8, 2008, 4:11 am
Press
Release Author: Emirates
Industry:
Environment
Press
Release Summary: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, one of Dubai's
most celebrated luxury resorts and Emirates and Dubai’s
flagship environmental project, named as one of the world's best
ecotourism models by National Geographic.
Press
Release Body: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa,
one of Dubai's most celebrated luxury resorts and its flagship
environmental project, has been named as "one of
the world's best ecotourism models" by National
Geographic.
The
Emirates Airline project, Al
Maha received this top level endorsement from one
of the world's leading champions on sustainability, and was named
in a recent issue of its National Geographic Adventure
magazine, in which editors scanned the globe for examples
of outstanding sustainable tourism resorts and trips.
Al
Maha Desert Resort & Spa, which nestles within
the 225-square-kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
(DDCR), was one of just 12 locations and adventure routes
named by the magazine from a list of the – world’s
unique destinations. National Geographic Adventure believes the
multi-award winning resort stands as a model for others to follow,
and an important success story for sustainable development, conservation
and tourism in the UAE and the Middle East.
Tony
Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts and Projects, Emirates
Hotels & Resorts, said: "It is a real
honour to be recognised by the National Geographic
organisation once again, and being included onto this prestigious
list reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to environment and
wildlife conservation. We sincerely thank the editors for their
endorsement, and for highlighting and exposing these responsible
efforts to many thousands of travellers worldwide. Travellers
making sound destination and hotel choices can have a profound
and positive effect on conservation and responsible development,
as they contribute directly and financially to such efforts through
their choices.”
The
publication praised the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
(DDCR) – home to the only free-roaming herds of
protected Arabian oryx in Dubai – for being the single reserve
that protects almost 5% of Dubai’s land area under Decree,
and for being managed as the region’s first national park.
The DDCR is currently undergoing international Protected Area
certification by IUCN.
Al
Maha’s luxury
resort and spa, has received a string of international accolades
for luxury travel, architecture and environmental design since
its opening. This includes The World Legacy Award from National
Geographic and Conservation International, presented
by Queen Noor of Jordan in Washington DC in 2004.
However, the resort's best ambassadors are its visitors, with
now nearly 40% of its guests being repeat visitors, or visitors
directly referred by previous guests.
About Emirates Hotels & Resorts
Emirates Hotels & Resorts is Emirates Airline's
premier hospitality management division, an ambitious concept,
where unrivalled exclusivity in service and luxury is combined
with unique and truly breathtaking locations.
Emirates
Hotels & Resorts is developing a diverse range of
properties around the world. City-based properties include The
Harbour Hotel & Residence and Green Lakes Serviced Apartments,
both located in Dubai. Conservation-based resorts include Al
Maha Desert Resort & Spa (UAE), Wolgan Valley
Resort & Spa (Australia) and Cap Ternay Resort
& Spa (Seychelles).
Web
Site: http://www.emirates.com/
Contact
Details: Emirates Hotels & Resorts PR contact:
Chiara Sarzi Amadè
Emirates Corporate Communications
The Emirates Group Headquarters
P.O. Box 686
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
(+9714) 708 2171
www.emirateshotelsresorts.com