Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in religious tourism showcase at ATM

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International-Makkah to participate in Arabian Travel Market, Kingdom’s tourist numbers to grow to 15.8 million by 2014 and five-year government $26.9 billion transport infrastructure budget augurs well for Saudi tourism Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) Makkah, the operator of a portfolio of leading Middle East five-star hotels including the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, Raffles Makkah Palace and soon-to-be-opened Swissôtel Makkah, has announced its participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place from April 30 – May 3 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. A delegation of senior executives will represent FRHI Makkah at their exhibitor stand located in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 (stand no. HC3750), and offer an insight into the strategically important role their properties are playing in the Kingdom’s burgeoning religious tourism market through its trio of unique five-star properties, and plans for future growth. Additionally, ATM visitors will be able to enjoy a flavour of FRHI Makkah’s premier guest services and acclaimed FRHI hospitality. Khaled Yamak, Group Director of Communications & Business Development, FRHI Makkah, said: “With our properties affording unrivalled views of, and access to, the Holy Ka’aba and the Masjid al-Haram – the holiest sites in Islam – our central Makkah location is ideal for pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting the city to fulfil their spiritual duties. “In fact, our properties - offering 2,600 rooms and suites – make-up 40% of accommodation options in the central Makkah area. Furthermore, our average occupancies for our two operating hotels peaked at 90% in Q1 of 2012 – the highest to date since opening.” The FHRI Makkah hotels represent three internationally-renowned brands – Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel – each of which delivers a unique experience, and come together to offer an elegant collection of accommodation options to suit every individual guest. “Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel is a landmark presence integrated into the surrounding community; Raffles Makkah Palace offers sophisticated luxury with residential charm; and Swissôtel Makkah delivers efficient personalised service with a contemporary ambience,” remarked Yamak. FRHI Makkah hospitality experts will also be on hand at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stand (also in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3) to discuss how the country is diversifying its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), away from petrochemical revenues, through the labour-intensive service sectors such as hospitality, travel and tourism. In terms of demand, Pew Research Center estimates that the global Muslim population in 2010 was 1.6 billion and is expected to grow to 2.2 billion by 2030. At an annual growth rate of 1.5% over the next two decades – twice that of non-Muslim populations – Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. “With continued growth forecast for the Muslim populace, as well as increasing demand from Hajj and Umrah travellers – who currently account for more than 60% of Saudi Arabia’s inbound tourist traffic – we are focusing on delivering a consistently high-level of quality-driven guest services for both international and domestic travellers. “To support this, we are constantly innovating and adding services to our trio of hotels. We recently introduced the Fairmont Gold initiative at the Makkah Clock Royal Tower which further personalises the guest experience. “We’ve also just opened the new 1,500-capacity Al Jiwar Ballroom, and launched our new residential apartments at Raffles Makkah Palace which ensure spiritual serenity for our guests” Yamak added. According to research company Business Monitor International (BMI), inbound visitor arrivals will grow from 13 million in 2010 to 15.8 million by 2014. Indeed, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) aims to attract 88 million visitors by 2020 as it continues to drive forward ambitious plans to develop religious tourism, domestic tourism and business travel in particular. What’s more, the Kingdom issued 9.5 million religious visas last year, up 11.3% from 2010, according to the Ministry of Hajj website, with Umrah visas rising by one million in 2011 from 2010. And with nearly two million foreign pilgrims arriving to perform Haj in 2011, both the Saudi government and major developers are expected to spend up to US$120 billion in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah over the next decade, with some US$20 billion of projects already underway in Makkah alone, according to Banque Saudi Fransi. - Ends – Photo caption 1: Khaled Yamak, Group Director of Communications & Business Development, FRHI Makkah Photo caption 2: FRHI Makkah Royal Clock Tower suite Photo caption 3: FRHI Makkah Royal Clock Tower lobby - Ends - About Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Makkah (FHRI) Makkah Royal Clock Tower, A Fairmont Hotel Located adjacent to the Masjid al Haram, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel offers the finest hospitality in the holy city of Makkah. One of the world’s tallest, this 76-storey hotel is the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project. Among its outstanding features is a 40-metre Royal Clock, visible from 17 kilometres away, which announces daily prayer times. Meanwhile, the Lunar Observation Center and an Islamic Museum aim to preserve the Muslim heritage for future generations. In addition to the opulent and elegant comfort of the rooms and suites offered at this five-star hotel, 76 state-of-the-art elevators allow easy access to the holy Masjid al Haram for prayers. And, at any time, ten exceptional dining venues are available to accommodate intimate or expansive gatherings. Makkah Royal Clock Tower offers authentic hospitality throughout its 858 rooms distributed across 29 floors. Guests are able to select the view of the Kaaba - House of God – said to be built by Abraham and Ismail (Peace Be Upon Them), the Haram or the Holy City. Raffles Makkah Palace At Raffles Makkah Palace guests enjoy an outstanding location within the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, directly adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram – or Grand Mosque – and the Kaaba; offering easy access to King Abdulaziz Gate, the main entrance to the Grand Mosque. Raffles Makkah Palace also offers exceptional dining experiences, a spa and wellness centre for both male and female guests, a superbly equipped business centre with secretarial services and state-of-the-art private meeting rooms fitted with full video conferencing facilities. Just steps away from the Grand Mosque, Raffles Makkah Palace is a refined and elegant residential sanctuary featuring 214 suites with breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque and Kaaba, making a stay in the holy city of Makkah one of spiritual serenity. Spacious suites in this exceptional hotel offer separate living and dining spaces while bathrooms are thoughtfully designed. Personal butlers deliver Raffles’ signature service, complementing the residential experience. Swissôtel Makkah Swissôtel's first hotel to open in Saudi Arabia offers 1488 luxurious rooms and suites, with a modern design that complements the values of contemporary Arabian culture. Part of the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex, the deluxe Swissôtel Makkah, which opens in summer 2012, is a contemporary five-star hotel located in close proximity to the holy Masjid Al Haraam, overlooking the Ka'aba and the Grand Mosque. With a comprehensive array of facilities, Swissôtel Makkah is part of a new urban complex development. Boasting an all-under-one-roof concept, the hotel features 1,488 contemporary guest rooms and luxury suites, three restaurants, a tea lounge, three meeting rooms and business centre. For More Information Nathalie Viselé Director Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3652711 Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com Website: www.smc-pr.com OR Ahmad Ghazi Group Assistant Public Relations Manager Mobile: 966 54 60 111 11 E-Mail: ahmed.ghazi@fairmont.com

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