Business & Leisure

Kuwait recently announced that it is developing a tourism master plan to take advantage of the emirate’s many attractions for visitors. According to Mohamed Naja, Advisor for the Tourism Sector at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information, a number of major schemes are currently under consideration. One is for the development of Failaka Island, the location of Kuwait’s key archeological sites, some of which date back to the Bronze Age. A natural for development, Failaka already has infrastructure in place.

Strong growth in regional travel and ambitious new projects

Nabila Al Anjari, Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism Affairs at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information, explains that a study is currently underway concerning a potential USD 3.3 billion build-operate-transfer initiative to create a resort complex on Failaka Island. The development is to include accommodation for visitors, a residential complex, restaurants, shops and bazaars, and a media center, among other facilities. The government aims for such projects to attract not only international visitors but also Kuwaitis, a high percentage of whom now travel abroad every year. Around 115 companies have already expressed interest in being involved in the Failaka Island project.

The government has developed new regulations to spur on the growth of the tourism sector. For example, to attract foreign investors, the government now allows foreign investors 100 percent ownership of tourism-related projects, creating significant opportunities for investors in the United States. In addition, Kuwait has streamlined visa requirements for international visitors so that now visitors from many countries, including the United States, can obtain visas when they arrive in Kuwait rather than having to apply for them in advance.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the Middle East in general recorded a 10 percent rise in arrivals in 2003, a year in which tourism arrivals declined in most other parts of the world, and Kuwait’s regional visitor arrivals grew by 14 percent last year compared to 2002. According to the WTO, this rise in regional travel is because many travelers in the Arab world have shown that they prefer to remain in the region rather than face the difficulties of entering the United States or coping with high Euro rates in Europe. In addition, a number of international travelers have been coming to Kuwait to use it as their base while doing business in Iraq.

The government welcomes investments in facilities and services related to business or leisure tourism. An investment in Kuwait’s tourism sector has excellent long-term potential.

The Hilton Kuwait Resort

“Closer Than You Think, Yet Far Enough To Escape

The Hilton Kuwait Resort, Kuwait’s premier business and leisure retreat, is located on an idyllic 1 mile beach, approximately 15 miles from the city center. “Close enough to the action, yet far enough away for an escape,” General Manager Paul Hutton explains, paraphrasing the resort’s slogan.

The Hilton Kuwait Resort, Kuwait’s largest hotel complex, was recently named best Hilton hotel in the Middle East and provides a full range of offerings. Guests and residents of the resort have access to top-notch business facilities as well as extensive leisure and lifestyle services.

“In the months leading up to the war, many people here in Kuwait put business activities on the back burner,” says Hutton. “In the year since, government organizations and local businesses have been working double-time to make up for the months lost. In addition, a multitude of foreign companies – including many from the United States – have established operations and offices here in Kuwait. The country is booming and is expected to continue on that track in the foreseeable future. Visiting business people need a place where they can work and relax comfortably; local business people need a place they can escape to, on the rare occasions they have free time. I’m proud to say that we are able to provide exactly what both groups need.”
Special weekend entertainment attracts Kuwaitis and local expatriates and their families, and long-term guests benefit from special corporate packages. Opened only two years ago, the Hilton Kuwait Resort has already become the preferred base for long-term business visitors to Kuwait.

Serving both short-term and long-term guests, the resort includes a luxury hotel and individual chalets, studios and villas, all surrounded by luxuriant landscaped gardens. Guests have access to a fully equipped and serviced business center, which can provide secretarial support, if needed. In their down time, guests can enjoy award-winning dining options, a state-of-the-art health club, a Mediterranean aquamedic spa and a wide range of water sports. A small shopping center and supermarket are located on the grounds of the resort.

Hutton explains that the resort employs exceptional security measures using the latest technologies to guarantee its guests’ safety without jeopardizing their privacy and comfort. The resort’s highly trained, multilingual staff maintains the superior quality standards for which the Hilton group is known worldwide. “Our guests feel safe here and no guest leaves the hotel without feeling completely satisfied,” he notes.

Urging United States travelers to come to Kuwait for pleasure as well as business, Hutton says, “Kuwait has much more to offer than just business opportunities. It provides travelers with exciting shopping, beautiful beaches, a wealth of family activities and attractions, a myriad of cultural opportunities, and exceptional dining experiences that rival those of other countries. The Hilton Kuwait Resort perfectly enhances anyone’s stay with the wide range of services it provides.”

Crowne Plaza Kuwait

“The Crowne Plaza is the place to meet in Kuwait.”

The five-star Crowne Plaza Kuwait is one of the country’s leading hotels, offering 330 luxurious rooms and suites and a range of up-market amenities. Located near the international airport and the main business district, the Crowne Plaza is an ideal base for business travelers as well as leisure visitors.

Business services including meeting rooms, conference facilities and banquet halls, all with the latest audio-visual equipment. All guests can expect the highest level in personalized ser-vice from a well trained and attentive staff.

Hani Kafafi, General Manager, points out that the Crowne Plaza sets itself apart in several unique ways. It is well known for 7 different dining experiences, which include Al Noukhaza for seafood, Sakura for Japanese cuisine, the country’s best Lebanese restaurant, Ayam Zaman, Shabestan for Iranian specialties, Al Ahmadi for a splendid international buffet, the Rib Eye Steak House and the famous Fauchon Salon De Thé & Boutique, featuring delicacies from the famous Parisian gourmet shop and Parisian Breakfast. The hotel also has a 24-hour state-of-the-art Nautilus Fitness Center and high speed internet, cable and wireless access throughout the hotel. The hotel offers guests many services and leisure facilities, as Kafafi explains, “The hotel is a destination where people meet at the Crowne Plaza and decide where to eat.”

Urging American businessmen to do business in Kuwait, Kafafi says, “You have to be present in Kuwait when you establish your business; Kuwaitis are great people to deal with and the Crowne Plaza is the place to meet in Kuwait.”

The Palms Beach Hotel and Spa

“Changing perceptions, fulfilling needs.”

Wether traveling with family or friends on a leisure holiday or visiting Kuwait on business, you owe it to yourself to stay at the luxurious Palms Beach Hotel and Spa, located right on the shores of the Gulf. This brand new, family-owned flagship property has positioned itself as a leading 5-star hotel in Kuwait. “We have provided Kuwait with a breathtaking addition to the hospitality industry,” notes General Manager Bassam Abu Sleiman, “one that will attract local residents and visitors from around the world.”

Distinguished in both style and ambiance, The Palms proudly offers extensive facilities to its business and leisure guests. With 128 exquisite suites and chalets, the Beach Club, the Orchid Spa, the Dive Center and a wide range of pool bars, lounges and international restaurants, including Starbucks, guests will enjoy the maximum in comfort and service. “For business meetings and events, we offer a fully-equipped multi-purpose venue facility and conference center,” says Abu Sleiman. “And of course, there are in-room high speed Internet connections.” Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, including families, The Palms is intent on creating global brand awareness among its international clientele. “In Kuwait,” he continues, “we are the only property that offers everything in one.”

The Swiss Inn Plaza Hotel

“We are a four-star hotel with five-star service.”

The Swiss Inn Plaza Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Kuwait’s business district only 20 minutes from the international airport, has positioned itself as the ideal base for business travelers.

The hotel, which adjoins the popular Al Muthana Complex and Shop-ping Arcade, contains 164 newly renovated rooms and 12 executive suites, eight of which have Jacuzzis and sea views. As General Manager Abed Resslan explains, “This is a hotel for business travelers, and we are improving our services for them. Our dedication to personalized service sets us apart from other hotels. We are a four-star hotel with five-star service.”

The Swiss Inn’s amenities include a choice of restaurants, Internet connections, a non-smoking floor, a business center and efficient security measures. A number of new services are planned that will make the hotel even more appealing for business travelers. The Swiss Inn’s membership in the prestigious Swiss Inn Hotels and Resorts Group, which is expanding its presence in the Middle East, is a guarantee of top-quality facilities and services.

Inviting American investors to discover Kuwait’s many business opportunities, Resslan concludes, “For those business travelers looking for a clean, efficient and well-priced hotel in Kuwait, this is the ideal choice.”

Sheraton Kuwait

“Enjoy traditional Arab hospitality in a modern setting.”

The Sheraton Kuwait is located in the heart of both the commercial and financial districts of Kuwait City, and following a USD 50 million renovation is one of the premium hotels in the region.

Equipped with all the facilities of a world-class five-star hotel, guests can enjoy the services of a high-tech business center, extensive meeting and event amenities, and superb leisure facilities. The Sheraton Kuwait is well-known for its quality dining, particularly its Italian restaurant Riccardo.

The interior of the Sheraton Kuwait mixes traditional Arabic design with modern touches. As General Manager Fahed Abushaar explains, “At the Sheraton you can enjoy traditional Arab hospitality in a modern setting.”

International corporate travelers can be assured of a comfortable and safe stay. “We have done a lot to ensure the security of this hotel,” Abushaar points out. “The Sheraton Kuwait has always been a meeting point for the region’s elite and hosted numerous high-profile events, including a major international conference for the reconstruction of Iraq.”

Abushaar views Kuwait as the main stopover to Iraq, and has seen increased occupancy since its liberation. “We are open to new guests,” he says, “and welcome them to our hotel.”

Carlton Tower Hotel

“We are the home away from home all travelers need.”

The Carlton Hotels company was established by His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Masaeed (the ex president of the Kuwaiti National Council), in Kuwait in 1961. The Carlton Hotels were the first hotels in Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah and have hosted members of the royal families to government officials and international executives. Kuwait has been under the stewardship of General Manager Georges Ibrahim for 21 years.

Located in the heart of the financial district, it is just 15 minutes from the international airport. Fully equipped with all the facilities and services of a four-star hotel, the Carlton Tower Kuwait provides traditional Arab hospitality with a modern twist. There are extensive banqueting and conference facilities, and restaurants offering a choice of Korean, Chinese and Japanese cuisine, Lebanese specialities and international menus.

Ibrahim believes in providing a complete personalized service, and is used to the needs of American corporate clients, who comprise the majority of guests. With a history stretching back more than two decades, the Carlton Tower Kuwait looks forward to remaining the business hotel of choice. “Kuwait is a wonderful place to visit for business and pleasure,” says Ibrahim, “and we are the home away from home all travelers need.”

Sixt Car Rental Kuwait

“Quality not quantity is the key to success.”

Sixt Car Rental Kuwait is part of the world’s oldest car rental company, established in 1912 in Germany. Managing Director Toufic Al-Kawass has built up the Kuwait operation since its formation in 2002, to a fleet of more than 300 vehicles for spot rental, and 500 for rental.

The fleet consists of mostly European and Ame-rican vehicles, from business cars to luxury cars, trucks and SUVs. Sixt is the only car rental company to offer premium European brands like Porsche, Audi, BMW and Range Rover, and United States vehicles like GMCs and SUV trucks.

More than 50 percent of clients are from the United States, and the single largest client to date has been the United States Army. “We are looking at expanding to corporate clients doing business in Kuwait and involved in the reconstruction of Iraq,” says Al-Kawass.

Sixt prides itself on exceptional service. It provides driver services for short and long-term rentals, and offers a broad range of rental and leasing options. Sixt offers full insurance and accident cover, and a 10-minute replacement ser-vice in case of breakdown. “Our rates may be higher than others, but our quality and service is the best in Kuwait,” says Al-Kawass.

AVIS

“Our main concern is client satisfaction.”

AVIS is known worldwide in the Car Rental Industry as a reliable and high quality Car Rental Company. As General Manager for AVIS Kuwait, Anis Tayar explains, “AVIS International Car Rental Co. is extremely competitive in quality and price, AVIS in Kuwait is no exception.” With its extensive, modern fleet of latest car models to suit all tastes and offering a variety of rental options from daily, weekly, monthly and extended monthly terms, AVIS clients are guaranteed high quality products and service, second to none. The pride of our fleet is Cadillac Models, points out, and the wide range of Chevrolet Passenger and SUV vehicles, along with other American small and full size brands. With the average age of our fleet less than one year, coupled with regular maintenance and service checks, customers are assured maximum quality and safety.

Corporate clients planning on a longer stay can also take advantage of AVIS ‘Tailor-made rental packages’, which include experienced bilingual drivers with an intimate know-ledge of Kuwait.

With four main centers around Kuwait, including 24-hours ‘Meet and Assist’ service at the International Airport, Mr. Tayar says, “We can attend to any needs that may arise.”

Backed by one of Kuwait’s largest trading establishments, Alghanim Industries, AVIS has the resources and knowledge to provide optimal service for all its clients. “At AVIS, we have the strength and flexibility to fully service all local and international rental requirements, ensuring client satisfaction at all times.”