Doors Open for Fairmont Zanzibar

TORONTO, November 20, 2007 - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Fairmont Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean.  Fringed by uninterrupted miles of powder-white sandy beaches, the resort’s 109 rooms and suites are sprinkled throughout the property’s vast and lush tropical gardens.

Zanzibar’s unspoiled beauty and rich offerings ensure travelers enjoy a unique and enriching experience.  One of Fairmont Zanzibar’s main attractions is its unsurpassed water sports facilities, providing windsurfing, boating, fishing charters, as well as a fully equipped dive center with a decompression chamber, one of only three in Africa. Other amenities include two swimming pools, fitness and spa facilities and several restaurants and bars overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy additional activities such as volleyball, mini golf, table tennis, darts and pool.  In addition to leisure offerings, Fairmont Zanzibar offers a full range of business amenities including wireless Internet, business center, and meeting and banquet facilities. 

Visitors wishing to experience the Island’s rich and colorful history can explore Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage site or tour a one of the many spice plantations or the Maruhubi Palace ruins.

Fairmont Zanzibar joins three Kenyan properties which were recently added to Fairmont’s East Africa collection:  Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, complimenting the company’s African Safari offerings with a beach experience.

Project partners include IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) and Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI).  IFA HR is in the forefront of companies engaged in the development of tourism projects, hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is currently partnering with Fairmont on a number of properties including several on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai; Fairmont Zimbali on the north coast of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa; and the three hotels in Kenya recently added to the Fairmont collection. 

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A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels that truly reflect the essence of their destination. Featuring iconic landmarks like The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs, and London's Savoy, Fairmont hotels are more than a place to stay; they are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover storied life experiences. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont locations provide access to activities that are culturally rich and authentically local. From inviting beaches and tranquil spas to challenging golf courses and exhilarating ski hills, guests can fulfill their lifelong desires at Fairmont. With an enduring connection to the land and communities where we do business, Fairmont is also committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. With over 50 distinctive hotels in 12 countries, and more than 20 properties currently in development, Fairmont is committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels and plans to add properties in coveted international destinations like Cairo, Shanghai, Dubai, and Beijing over the next few years.  Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with over 80 hotels in 25 countries worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.   For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com