Emirates has announced that it will be developing a US$253 million resort property in the Seychelles, taking its total investment in hotel property to almost US$1 billion by 2010.
Following on from its developments at Al-Maha in Dubai and Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, the new resort will be called, Emirates Cap Ternay Resort and Spa and will be over 22-acres in Mahe, Seychelles.
Emirates Hotels, launched in 206, has so far made investments in six hotels and resort projects across three countries, with in Australia work having started after a year of delays on the Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales.
Emirates president Tim Clark said the hotels division was enriching the Emirates brand, adding, “Hospitality businesses will bring value to what we do”.
“The Emirates Hotels and Resorts will grow as we continue to carry passengers from point A to point B, like the development of SAS and Intercontinental hotels.”
He said the Emirates hotel brand would become a major business for the airline.
At the same time, rival airline and new arrival to Australia, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is also getting into the hotel business, announcing plans to develop a business hotel and two transit hotels at Abu Dhabi international Airport.
Aussie CEO James Hogan said, “Initially we will look at developing hotels in our own backyard and if that works we will look at growing bigger.”
Report by The Mole
