Riding an unprecedented travel and tourism boom, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is rapidly building its appeal as an attractive stopover destination for corporate travellers looking to mix business with leisure during one single trip.
In order to capitalise on the increasing trend towards ‘bleisure’– a combination of business and leisure travel within one stay – Southern Sun Abu Dhabi has put together an enticing “More Value” package that offers visitors to the emirate a chance to turn their business trip into a memorable leisure experience with a 50% cash back offer on F&B and accommodation.
With hotel establishments in Abu Dhabi reporting their best-ever half-year performance – having registered a 28% increase in guest arrivals and 15% increase in total revenue through the first six months of 2014 over the same period last year, according to the emirate’s Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) – the growing trends of business & conference tourism and, particularly, ‘bleisure’ travel are being brought into sharper focus than ever before.
Targeting this trend, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi’s “More Value” promotion offers guests spending AED 600 at the hotel AED 300 back in credit to spend on any of the 353 spacious rooms at the property or on the array of traditional and modern dishes offered at its dining venues, providing the opportunity for visitors to indulge in the hotel’s full spectrum of corporate and casual facilities.
“The traditional distinction between business and leisure travel is gradually blurring, as business travellers increasingly take their spouses along on trips that often stretch into extended stays with a leisure component,” said Pierre Delfau, the General Manager of Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, a leading deluxe hotel in the capital. “For today’s busy professional striving to find that elusive balance between work and home life, the blending of business and leisure during official trips creates a perfect harmony between the conflicting demands of career and personal or family responsibilities. Abu Dhabi with its status as a business tourism hub and its extensive line-up of cultural and entertainment events and attractions, is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing trend.”
Abu Dhabi has lately emerged as a major business tourism centre, with a thriving MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry that has helped establish the city as a sought-after meeting destination. At the same time, the introduction of sporting and entertainment attractions such as Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and Yas Marina Circuit, along with an events calendar highlighted by concerts featuring major international artists, has seen a spike in the number of leisure travellers visiting the emirate. Now, the rising trend of ‘bleisure’ travel is opening up newer vistas for the capital’s hotel industry and has been identified by Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, as an increasingly important factor driving market upturn.
With a range of facilities enhanced by warm and welcoming South African hospitality, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi caters to those seeking both business and leisure amenities under one roof. The hotel offers a blend of international and traditional cuisines across five distinctive outlets. The Foundry, the hotel’s evening steakhouse and all-day dining venue, is fitted with tranquil water features, concealed partitions and private rooms to provide a personalised dining experience. Fusion restaurant Kahraman, a favourite with travellers as well as city diners, serves flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist, complete with a central sushi counter. Balcon Bar, Terrace & Lounge offers an al fresco shisha bar and dining area, with traditional lounge seating, trellising and a reflection pond, creating the ideal setting for relaxing evening gatherings.
The hotel is located at a walking distance from Abu Dhabi Corniche, in close proximity to the city’s major landmarks such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it ideal for guests looking for a restful and rejuvenating stay that takes in the best the city has to offer. Featuring state-of-the-art business amenities including three boardrooms, three meeting rooms and a business centre, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi is fully-equipped to host large-scale corporate events, making the property an excellent choice for business travellers.
The “More Value” promotion runs from 15 September until 31 October 2014 inclusive of the Eid al-Adha break. Credit received can be spent on rooms, or on food and beverages at The Foundry or Kahraman restaurant.
