Yas hoteliers pin hopes on Q4 waterpark launch

Hoteliers on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island are hoping the launch of Yas Waterworld Aqua Park will bring a welcome boost to room and restaurant bookings when it launches in the fourth quarter of this year.

The attraction, located next to Ferrari World, spreads across 15 hectares of land and will be operated by Farah leisure.

“With our mid-market and high-end hotels, we are expecting a positive effect in leisure segments both attracting FIT and groups. We will see a positive spin off in our restaurants and various outlets,” said Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson, Abu Dhabi Yas Island general manager Craig Bruce.

“It adds a different dynamic to Yas Island, positioning ourselves as the perfect location for leisure travellers with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina circuit, Yas Links golf course and soon Yas mall,” he added in comments published by Hotelier Middle East.

Thierry Perrot, area general manager, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island said: “We are very much looking forward to the launch of Yas Waterworld later this year. With one of the leading water parks in the world opening right on our doorstep… it can only mean great things for business here on Yas Island and we are very excited about it”.

The hoteliers said the Emirati-themed water park, with 43 “one-of-a-kind” rides, slides and attractions, would help the island compete with neighbouring Dubai as a destination.

“Being a getaway destination, we attract great business from Dubai over the weekend. We have the advantage of having the best leisure facilities in Abu Dhabi for both corporate and leisure travellers which makes us strong in the market,” Bruce told Hotelier.

“More attractions will equate to more business. Yas Island is now developing into a leisure destination with indoor and outdoor theme parks, the track, beach and mall. We will compete favourably with Dubai attractions.”

Perrot added: “Yas Island is being developed as an iconic leisure destination and we believe the opening of YasWaterworld will attract both local, GCC and international visitors. As a leisure destination, the more attractions we have, the better.”

However, Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas Island Abu Dhabi general manager Patrick Martinez said it would take some time for the opening of the water park to positively impact hotel business.

“It’s hard to predict [when we will see the benefits] until we have a date announced. Realistically, we’re looking to see a positive impact in 2013.”

Martinez added: “It is going to be a new attraction which is unique, will bring further interest to our destination. It's going to drive demand, interest and obviously business to us”.

Some of the GMs had already begun working with Farah Leisure to create water park access and hotel packages ready for the opening.

"This is something we are currently working closely with Yas Waterworld on,” revealed Perrot.

Bruce added: “We are actually discussing our options with the team. Keep an eye on our websites”.