Emirates Palace reports stellar Q1 performance

Abu Dhabi, Mar 13, 2011 (WAM) - Emirates Palace, the Abu Dhabi landmark which ranks as one of the world's most opulent hotels, is reporting a stellar Q1 2011 performance with occupancy in February alone rising to 82% compared to 52% in the same month last year.
The news came at ITB Berlin, one of the world's biggest travel trade fairs where the hotel, part of an Abu Dhabi destination pavilion mounted by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), is receiving strong interest from European operators.
"The first quarter this year resembled occupancy levels of back in 2008 and we are seeing signs of an upturn in interest from Europe," said Hans Olbertz, General Manager, Emirates Palace.
"The upturn in interest and performance is due to the many events being staged in the emirate, strong corporate meetings growth and a definite increase in leisure business. We had high occupancy during Chinese New Year and are seeing stronger performance from the European and Russian leisure side." Leading Dutch operator Emerald Travel was among those calling at the hotel's ITB Berlin stand to get more information on the property to satisfy enquiries emanating from within The Netherlands.
"My clients have heard of the property, and are hearing more about Abu Dhabi, so are asking me for information," explained Dennis Taskasap, Managing Director, Emerald Travel."I came here to get to know more about the hotel and the destination so I can go and report back, but the interest in Holland is most definitely there." - Emirates News Agency, WAM