Virgin Holidays is claiming an industry first with a new arrivals lounge in Dubai called the v-hub.
The facility at the Aquaventure Park at Atlantis The Palm will cater for passengers on flights from the UK that land early in the morning, well before most hotel rooms are available.
Guests can change into swimming costumes and be transported via buggy to the waterpark or the 700-metre private beach until they are notified that their room is ready and their luggage has been delivered.
Features of the v-hub include a lounge with coffee, magazines and games consoles, showers, lockers, and the services of Virgin reps who can book excursions and make reservations at one of 23 on-site restaurants.
Nicki Goldsmith, Virgin Holidays’ head of Caribbean and worldwide product said: “We’ve all experienced the frustration you feel after a long flight, when you arrive at your hotel and your room isn’t ready.
“Travellers want to make the most of every moment they’re away including the all-important first day. The v-hub will help make the time spent waiting time for your room as enjoyable as possible with holiday-makers encouraged to slap on their swim-gear and head straight out to Aquaventure at Atlantis.”