Emirates boosts Australian luxury travel market

Emirates has announced that only two months after its soft opening, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, in the iconic Greater Blue Mountains, has been recognised as one of the world's best luxury resorts.

The Emirates Hotels & Resorts property has been included as a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. Only five Australian properties hold this membership status to date, with Wolgan Valley the second only in New South Wales.

As the world's foremost authority on hotel assessment and grading, the Leading Hotels of the World serves as the benchmark for the luxury hospitality industry, and only accepts its members following a rigorous and anonymous inspection process to arrive at the elite worldwide list. Just 450 of the finest hotels, resorts and spas around the world are included.

With sister property Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai already a member, Emirates Hotels & Resorts now has both its properties included in the prestigious luxury hospitality portfolio.

Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects, Emirates Hotels & Resorts said: "This is great news for Emirates Hotels & Resorts, and for the Australian travel industry. We believe that the opening of our Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is significantly boosting the luxury travel sector in Australia, and we are delighted that Leading Hotels of the World has recognised our contribution."

Even at this very early stage, the luxury spa resort scored high points across all areas of the inspection report, from room facilities and guest services, to housekeeping and food and beverage.

"As the sector grows, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will continue to partner with other Australian resorts of similar calibre in order to add further value to the international traveller experience," Mr Williams added.

"The hotels within The Leading Hotels of the World collection cater to the discriminating traveller, where first-class service is the norm rather than the exception," said Philip Ho, Vice President, Asia Pacific of The Leading Hotels of the World. "For Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa to be accepted as a new member demonstrates the resort's true commitment to quality, consistency and personalised service."

Heralding a new era of luxury travel in Australia, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has taken up a leadership role in hospitality as well as conservation. The conservation-based resort protects its surrounding habitats and indigenous Blue Mountains wildlife, while delivering the first-class standards, quality services and unique experiences, such as wildlife safaris in Australia, that are expected from luxury resorts.

About Emirates:
Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, is one of the world's most successful and rapidly-expanding airlines. With a focus on high quality service and industry-leading products, Emirates has received more than 400 international awards and accolades for excellence since its inception in 1985. Emirates is currently the only airline to operate non-stop flights to six continents from one hub.

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