It is yet to be built, but Emirates’ Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa has already collected its first accolade, which it received at the recent New South Wales (NSW) Tourism Awards held in Australia.
Presented by NSW Tourism Minister, The Hon Sandra Nori MP, the Certificate of Recognition award acknowledges Emirates’ contribution to raising the profile of tourism in NSW, by selecting the Blue Mountains as the location for its first conservation-based resort outside Dubai.
Tony Williams, Emirates Vice President – Resorts and Projects said: “Emirates is delighted the Wolgan Valley project has been awarded recognition so early in its development. The support of NSW Tourism is instrumental in our efforts to turn this special location into a wildlife conservancy and sanctuary that will further showcase Australia to the world.”
Using the philosophy of the award-winning Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, the project will be one of Australia’s most environmentally sympathetic developments, and will provide world-class, six star hospitality facilities and services to guests.
Mr. Williams noted: “Our plan is to protect this site and its wildlife, starting with land regeneration to reinstate native vegetation, and to create a refuge for the re-introduction and protection of many locally threatened species of native flora and fauna.
“Working closely with the local community, environmental and government agencies, our aim is to achieve the same recognition for Australia that we have received for Al Maha and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.”
The concept plan is currently on public display in Australia as part of its planning approval process and the resort is expected to be opened in 2007.
Emirates is investing Dhs. 142 million (approx. US$38.8 million) to build the luxury conservation resort in 3600 acres of freehold land in Australia’s Blue Mountains - its first such hospitality development outside of the UAE.
