Manchester scores winner with new city packages

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Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, has unveiled a series of special weekend packages to watch Manchester City Football Club play in the Barclays Premier League.

Two night packages with breakfast at the five star Lowry Hotel in Manchester start from Dhs 5,060 per person and include match-day tickets, a replica Manchester City shirt, return economy flights from Abu Dhabi, and all applicable taxes and surcharges.

In addition to watching the football, visitors to Manchester can also take in some of the city’s other high-end attractions, such as its historical and arts museums and varied ethnic districts. The city is a hugely popular shopping and dining destination composed of department stores, local markets, and boutique shops, as well as some many of Britain’s finest restaurants.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial, said: “We are thrilled to offer these exciting breaks to Manchester which will allow customers to sample the ‘Manchester experience’ of sport, history, shopping and fine dining.

“For a fantastic price customers can take a short-break to one of Europe’s top cities with their Etihad flights, hotel accommodation and tickets to watch the superstars of high flying Manchester City FC all taken care of.”

According to VisitBritain’s Middle East Marketing Manager, Carol Maddison, increasing numbers of UAE-based holidaymakers are choosing Britain over other destinations because it presents visitors with new, exciting, luxurious ways to experience timeless activities, such as professional sport.  “Football is the attraction, but the city’s vibrancy is what creates the thrill.  People love coming to Manchester, again and again.”

Manchester’s hospitality sector has advanced dramatically over the last decade, and the city now boasts some of Britain’s most luxurious hotels, which includes the centrally located Lowry Hotel.

Jason Harding, general manager, The Lowry Hotel, said: “The Lowry Hotel, part of The Rocco Forte Collection, has become Manchester’s benchmark for luxury hospitality, and now Etihad Holidays’ customers will be able to experience the very best the city has to offer, from accommodation and dining to our proximity to one of the Premier League’s most talked-about clubs.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in football-related guests in the last year, and The Lowry Hotel’s tie-up with Etihad Holidays is a winning combination for UAE-based and regional visitors to Manchester.”

Etihad Holidays customers can now book packages for home matches against West Ham United on Saturday 26 September, Burnley on Saturday 7 November, Hull City on Saturday 28 November and Chelsea on Saturday 5 December.

Etihad Airways is the main club sponsor of Manchester City FC and the club features the Abu Dhabi airline’s logo on all shirts and team kits as well as around the stadium and on merchandise.

Etihad Airways flies daily between Abu Dhabi and Manchester.