Middle East Hotels and Major Resorts Demand Advanced Fitness Solutions
StarTrac launches innovative E-Series of Fitness Products in Dubai;
“UAE is the Biggest Growth Market in the Middle East,” says International Sport Leader
In response to the growth of the region’s hotel and hospitality sector, there has been a major increase in demand for gym and training equipment, according to senior executives attending the Hotel Show in Dubai.
Al Kamda, one of the leading sport, fitness, design, spa and lifestyle companies, has experienced accelerated demand over the past two years. Executives at the group are expecting a further rise in demand following the launch of partner Star Trac’s new range of enhanced cardiovascular fitness equipment.
The advanced E Series – which is a complete “Cardio Entertainment” line – reflects the demand for innovation in the Middle East market. The high-end E-Series treadmills, exercise bikes, total body trainers and steppers offer built-in fans and heart rate monitors, fully-integrated 15” television screen and iPod connectivity, so users can play their favourite tunes or videos during their work-out.
Additionally there is a convenient USB port provides charging power to a host of personal media devices, including the iPod, BlackBerry devices, MP3 players and cell phones.
Stephen Jones, Business Development Manager for Asia and the Middle East, Star Trace, said: “It is definitely the case that the UAE is the biggest growth market in the Middle East. There is high demand for the latest technological facilities and fitness products and we believe the E-Series is the one-stop ideal workout solution for this competitive market.”
Working with Al Kamda, Star Trac launched the new E Series line of cardiovascular fitness equipment at the Hotel Show. Response from many leading hotel brands was strong and immediate, with a number of major deals signed on the show floor.
Reg Cox, CEO, Al Kamda, said: “Al Kamda is partnering with a growing number of major sports and fitness brands to meet the needs of this increasingly diverse and demanding market. The decision by Star Trac to stage the Middle East launch of a major new product line at a dedicated hotel exhibition reflects the growing importance of the hospitality sector for our industry.”
The Al Kamda group has completed over 2,500 installations in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar in recent years, including supplying advanced gymnasium equipment to many of the region’s leading hotels and fitness clubs.
Hotels in both the luxury and business sectors are increasingly investing in their fitness and training facilities to differentiate their offering in a competitive market.
“The E Series equipment gives users total control of their workout experience, and allows clubs to provide a motivating, rewarding and entertaining environment for their members,” said Terry Woods, Director of Product Management for Star Trac. “Providing entertainment opportunities during a workout is just one way to encourage a consistent exercise regimen—and the iPod is a perfect workout partner to help members create and maintain lifelong health and fitness habits.”
Al Kamda works with some of the world’s leading sports, fitness, design, spa and lifestyle brands including Nautilus, Schwinn, Stairmaster, Bowflex, Power Plate and Cleopatra.
Photo Caption 1: HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM visits the AL Kamda stand at the Hotel Exhibition 2007.
Photo Caption 2: One of the new trendy and innovative E-Series models
