Le Meridien has taken a number of initiatives for travel agency staff and guests to counter the current downturn in long haul travel.
The group is extending its 'Challenge' promotion, an incentive aimed at travel agency staff that rewards them with a free weekend stay for every 20 bookings made. "Now, travel agent staff qualify for a free weekend for two in any Le Meridien hotel worldwide once they have made 10 bookings at our hotels in the Middle East and West Asia," said Russel Sharpe, regional senior vice president, sales and marketing. The group has also introduced a '3 4 2' promotion, offering a free night for every two booked at its properties in the Middle East. The offer which runs until further notice, covers both resort hotels such as the new Le Meridien Sharm El Sheikh and the group's Dubai properties as well as city hotels in Cairo, the Levant, Saudi Arabia and India.