Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, has launched its first packages to the Australian city of Melbourne, with deals starting from Dhs 4,480 for a four night stay and return economy tickets. Holidays to Melbourne are a key feature of the new "world deals" promotion from Etihad Holidays which features new concepts like 'bonus offers' which provide free extra nights and upgrades at select hotels as well as free breakfast and hotel transfers at many hotels.




There is also the introduction of the new 'hot deal' tag on some holidays which highlights deals of exceptional value for customers.




Tony Gauci, head of Etihad Holidays, said: "This promotion is one of our most exciting to date because it offers great value holidays at a time when people are looking for top deals to top destinations. It is also fantastic to be offering holidaymakers in the UAE the chance to visit Melbourne when Etihad starts flights at the end of March."




The Abu Dhabi-based airline will launch flights to Melbourne on 29 March and Etihad Holidays' deals to Australia's cultural capital, with its many museums, theatres and restaurants, are set to raise excitement further in the build-up.




Customers can fly with Etihad to Melbourne and stay at one of five hotels for four or five nights including the five star Sofitel "on Collins" from Dhs 5,640, the four star Grand Hyatt from Dhs 5,450 and the four star Citigate Melbourne from Dhs 4,695.




The new promotion offers customers the chance to book breaks to London and watch Chelsea Football Club in action in the Barclays Premier League.




As platinum sponsor of Chelsea FC, Etihad is offering breaks to London which include accommodation at the Copthorne Hotel Stamford Bridge, dinner on night of arrival, guided tour of stadium and match day tickets from Dhs 3,775.




The games on offer in the promotion include Chelsea against Hull City on Saturday 7 February, Chelsea versus Wigan Athletic on Saturday 28 February and Chelsea versus Manchester City on Saturday 14 March.




Mr Gauci added" "We are very proud of the wide range of holidays included in this promotion, as there is something for every taste, from vibrant cities to tranquil beaches, as well as another opportunity for football enthusiasts to watch Etihad-sponsored Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge."




In addition to Melbourne and London, the "world deals" promotion from Etihad Holidays offers packages to more than 20 destinations in 15 countries, with highlights including Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Johannesburg.




Holidays to Kuala Lumpur, where beautiful mosques and colonial buildings nestle up to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, start from Dhs 1,990 including flights and five nights accommodation with complimentary breakfast and transfers.




Extensions are available to visit the serene beaches on the island Penang from Dhs 1,080 for three nights including domestic airfares, or three nights on nearby Langkawi island from Dhs 1,875.




New York will also appeal to both those looking for high culture as well as anybody looking for first-class shopping or famous sights. Promotional prices start at Dhs 3,310 for three nights in the four star New York Marriott East Side hotel in Manhattan.




Etihad Holidays also offers holidays to Thailand, where beach extensions can be added to a visit to the bustling capital Bangkok. A three-day Bangkok city break starts at Dhs 2,490 with the three day beach extensions to Pattaya starting at Dhs 755. Beach extensions to Phuket are also available from Dhs 1,530.




Sun, sea and safari is on offer for visitors to Johannesburg in South Africa. Five nights at the four star Protea Hotel Balalaika Johannesburg costs Dhs 3,590. The optional two night safari extension adds Dhs 2,150 to the total and includes open vehicle game drives with field guide, two nights lodge accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and transfers.




'The Paris of the Orient', as Beirut is known, is a popular destination for UAE holidaymakers, with its rich history and stylish boutiques, and café culture. Three nights stay at the five star Safir Heliopolitan Hotel Beirut start from Dhs 1,295.




The promotion also includes breaks to Muscat, Jordan, Beijing, Frankfurt, Moscow, Dublin and Geneva in a line-up designed to cater for all tastes and budgets. In total, more than 60 hotels spread over 21 destinations in 15 countries are included in the promotion.




Customers can fly with Etihad to Moscow and stay at one of five hotels for three nights from Dhs 2,980. These hotels include the four star Holiday Inn Lesnaya hotel from Dhs 3,120, the four star Park Inn hotel from Dhs 3,805 and the five star Baltschug Kempinski from Dhs 4,940.




Etihad Holidays offers breaks to the Omani capital, Muscat, which include a two night stay at the five star Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa hotel from Dhs 2,085 per person including breakfast and transfers to Seeb airport.




Notes: To book one of the winter offers customers can visit Etihad Holiday shops in Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiyah Mall and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi or call the UAE toll-free telephone number 800 2324.




The offers are valid for travel before 31 March 2009. Fares are per person with return economy flights from Abu Dhabi. The fares do not include airline taxes and fuel surcharges. Terms and conditions apply.