china 2008 on the rise for middle east travellers
Hyatt to Open the World’s Highest Hotel;
Billions of Dollars Worth of Trade
China is set to be the destination of choice for Middle East travellers for 2008 with high profile events, new attractions, and billions of dollars in financial ‘transactions’ expected to surface over the next several months.
Trade between the Middle East and China is on the rise. In 2006, China held the number one position among Dubai's importing countries with imported Chinese goods worth $7.6 billion (Dh28 billion).
Airlines have also announced plans to double their flights between the Middle East and selected China destinations with seat load factors set at above 90 per cent.
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing will add to the increasing number of tourist arrivals for 2008, with reports predicting at least 2 million more people will visit Beijing in the year.
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In addition, a 101-storey Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), known as “The Vertical Complex City”, will host the world’s highest hotel, Park Hyatt Shanghai, opening in July 2008.
“China is very much a destination for discerning business travellers from the Middle East region,” said Thierry Bertin, Area Director of Marketing – Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.
“With world events and unbeatable attractions in store for 2008, more and more Arab travellers are realizing that China is a destination that suits every type of traveller,” Bertin added.
Situated in the heart of the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, the 492-metre Shanghai World Financial Center will be one of the tallest buildings in the world, with 101-storeys, making Park Hyatt Shanghai the highest hotel in the world spanning the 79th to 93rd floors.
The interiors of Park Hyatt Shanghai will be created by the award-winning New York-based designer Tony Chi who will create a sophisticated modern-Chinese residence.
The Park Hyatt Shanghai experience begins in the ground floor courtyard at a dramatic high entrance gate. Guests are then lead through to elevator ‘cabins’ which will whisk them up a giddy 87 floors to the reception chamber.
Continuing with the philosophy of the Chinese private residence is the ‘state guest house’ on the 86/F below. It comprises eight private dining and meeting rooms catering to up to 72 people. Below that, on the 85/F, guests will encounter the water temple and discover the infinity pool, the tai-chi courtyard, and the studio of wellness.
While the hotel’s lower floors will be an oasis of tranquillity, the upper floors will
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reverberate with energy and excitement. Floors 91 through 93 will feature Chi’s interpretation of the ‘mountain cottage’, primed to be the ultimate wining and dining destination in Shanghai. On the 91st floor, a super-restaurant will feature show kitchens and 25-metre floor-to-ceiling windows.
The 92nd floor will be split into two bars – on the west side, a Western bar featuring live music, and on the east side, a cosy Chinese -style bar.
Gracing the hotel’s highest floor will be the ‘mountain cottage’, a private space catering to up to 250 people for cocktails and 120 people for sit-down dinner, and featuring a courtyard, function rooms and a communal kitchen.
To preserve the quality of the product and the level of service and attention to detail, the number of guest rooms has been limited to 174. Every room features views over Huangpu River and Pudong.
Each of the eight speciality suites will feature two king-size beds in the master bedroom; an oversized tub in the bath chamber and a private boutique restaurant with an open kitchen for private entertaining.
