Emirates was ‘Talk of the Town’ in Dublin yesterday … and will continue to be today after a great launch party last night, when an Emirates-themed Convention Centre, Dublin welcomed guests from the Irish travel and cargo industries for a visually powerful presentation of Emirates World, a Gala Dinner and non-stop entertainment headed by none other than Lionel Richie.
Welcoming his 925 guests, Thierry Antinori, Emirates EVP Passenger Sales Worldwide, said: “When we commence our daily service to Dubai on 9th January 2012 Dublin will become Emirates’ 29th destination in Europe and our 119th globally. Bookings for the first few weeks indicate that we are off to a very good start, so I would like to say thank you to all our travel agent partners.
“The Dublin team will be 25 in total, headed by Margaret Shannon as Country Manager – Ireland, and we are currently based in Regus House, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road. We will later establish our own permanent base. We have also been recruiting for cabin crew in Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork and have interviewed 500 candidates. The successful applicants will join the 250 Irish people already employed by Emirates.”
To provide guests with a flavour of the Emirates inflight experience, a First Class Suite was installed in the function room for guests to try out. A prize draw also offered three chances to win flights for two to Dubai, transfers, three nights hotel accommodation, a city tour and evening desert safari – with Clare Buckley winning the Economy Class tickets, Susan Kingston the Business Class tickets, and Lisa O’Brien the top prize of First Class tickets, which also included a SeaWings flight over Dubai.
There was a great atmosphere throughout the evening, but when Lionel Richie appeared it really ‘took off’ and guests rushed to the stage and remained there for the whole set. It was a powerful performance – and he was ‘towelled down’ by one enterprising travel agent who got on to the stage!
Great night for sure well done to Emirates!