RCI and Mecca based Le Meridien Towers has signed a new affiliation agreement that will support the deluxe property…
RCI and Mecca based Le Meridien Towers has signed a new affiliation agreement that will support the deluxe property with call center service assistance, a comprehensive service packet of programs where club members will have access to RCI`s worldwide network of affiliated properties.
Approximately 10 million Muslims visit Mecca annually. Mecca, located near the western coast of Saudi Arabia, is approximately 45-minute east of Jeddah and is considered the heart of the Muslim world.
Le Meridien Towers is a 1,335 apartment complex that includes studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Developed by Saudi Arabia`s Amjad Company in association with Al Fassel Global Services (AFGS), Le Meridien Towers will be available for occupancy the first quarter of 2007.
On behalf of AFGS, General Manager Jamal Al Sellami, explained that the whole project conforms to the Sharia principles of Sokouk. We have undertaken considerable research to ensure compliance with Islamic values. We`re sure that this innovative approach will provide many benefits for pilgrims visiting Mecca and will build the reputation of partial ownership in this highly dynamic sector.
According to Preben Vestdam, president & chief executive officer of RCI Europe and Middle East, this is the first time that such a partnership has been created in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia`s main religious center. In Europe we have witnessed some interesting evolutions in a variety of specialist sectors in recent years, from medical and wellness tourism to retreats and holistic spas, but this has a more broadly based appeal to the 1.3 billion Muslims around the world.
Partial ownership intervals at Le Meridien Towers will be offered to Muslims in accordance with the Hegira (Islamic) calendar, thereby assuring early purchasers of attendance during the main pilgrimage seasons. According to Vestdam, the intervals will vary in length from five-nights, available during the Ramadan period, to the maximum of 30-nights in length for the Hajj period.
In addition to the luxurious accommodation, Le Meridien Towers will also feature prayer rooms, a health club, restaurants and coffee shops and a selection of high quality stores and food courts. Located about a mile away from the Holy Mosque in Mecca`s Al Rawabi Ajyad district, access to the Mosque is provided via a private tunnel, thus avoiding some of the throngs of pilgrims.
As increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors stay in luxury hotel accommodation while in Mecca, Vestdam anticipates that the offer of deeded ownership interval in Le Meridien Towers will prove very attractive to pilgrims and estimates that 30,000 families could become owners by its third year of operation.
Apart from enjoying the high-quality surroundings of Le Meridien Towers in Mecca, members will have the added option of traveling to other destinations around the world through RCI`s affiliate network of 3,700 properties. Additionally, they will have a range of travel options that include cruise ships, airlines and car rental companies.
To service the Pan-Arab region, RCI recently inaugurated its new Middle Eastern headquarters and customer service center in Dubai to augment its network of multi-lingual RCI reservation centers located around the world.
Photo: The photo attached is an artist rendering. The exterior photo illustrates a side view of the proposed Le Meridien Towers and the private tunnels connecting to the Holy Mosque in Mecca.
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