For weekend holidays, newly-opened hotel Grand Hyatt Doha says there has been a growing trend among regional travellers to stay at a location not far away from their homes. Terming Doha an ideal destination for UAE and Saudi Arabia residents the hotel says the travellers from these countries prefer shorter trip, to spend more time on relaxation and exploring cultural attractions in the city. “Doha is increasingly being recognised as a cultural hotspot in the Middle East,” Garry Friend, general manager of the hotel, said. “Its close proximity and availability of flights mean that attractions such as the new Museum of Islamic Art and the city’s many shopping venues, both modern and traditional, are within reach,” he added. To service this increased demand for air travel between Qatar and one of its key-feeder markets, Saudi Arabia, Qatar Airways has recently launched additional flights on all three of its routes to the country’s capital. A number of international carriers also service the route between the UAE and Doha, on a daily basis, adding to the convenience of travelling to the city. The Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has also recognised the trend, and attributed the recent growth in visitor-traffic to Doha’s growing cultural appeal. The authority notes that there has been a growth in the number of weekend visitors coming to enjoy the many attractions on offer, for example the Souq Waqif and the Doha Fort. “After a day packed full of shopping or cultural excursions, guests look for some relaxation and many short-stay visitors want the comfort of home with all the services and amenities offered by a luxury hotel,” Friend explained. Grand Hyatt Doha also has 91 private residences, with a choice of two, three or four bedrooms. The residences include living and dining areas with fully-fitted kitchens and spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Each residence has a private balcony facing the landscaped gardens as well as a private car park, in addition to host of other facilities. http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=285486&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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