Thomas Cook to open first own-brand hotel

Thomas Cook will open its first own-brand hotel in the UAE later this year, the British global travel company said.
The Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, which will open on November 1, is part of a partnership agreement Thomas Cook signed with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in 2016 to promote the emirate as a year-round destination particularly for European tourists.
The marketing deal been extended and will focus on key growth markets including UK, Germany, Nordics, Russia and Netherlands.
The opening of Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort marks further progress in Thomas Cook’s strategy to grow its portfolio of own-brand hotels, as part of an increased focus on higher quality holidays, the company said in a statement. The resort will have 253 chalets, a 700-meter private beach, three pools, four bars, a coffee shop, a buffet restaurant and a spa with sauna and jacuzzi.
Thomas Cook also plans to open 22 new own-brand hotels around the world over the next year.
“We are extremely pleased to continue to partner with Thomas Cook to promote Ras Al Khaimah. International visitors represent almost two thirds of the overall tourism to Ras Al Khaimah, with the UK and Germany being among the top 3 source markets. This partnership will continue to attract holidaymakers from Europe who seek great value beach holidays and authentic adventure and culture based experiences,” Haitham Mattar, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said.
“We are very excited to continue our successful partnership with Ras Al Khaimah. Through a fully integrated, multi-channel campaign across 8 of our markets, Ras Al Khaimah will reach and inspire the millions of holidaymakers that engage with us driving both awareness and visitation,” Stuart Adamson, the director of Thomas Cook Media & Partnerships Grou