Man Around Buys Italian Hotel
EUROPEAN UNION, January 10, 2006. Man Around Group has acquired its first hotel - Hotel Abbadetta - part of a EUR20 million investment by the company into the Marche region of Italy.
Representing the largest known inward investment to date by a UK tour operator to this area of Italy, Hotel Abbadetta is located within walking distance of the 13th century fortified village of Acquaviva Picena in the Southern Marche Region. The region was recently noted by UK press as "a hidden gem of Italy" with spectacular views. Perfectly located for exploring local historical towns and villages, access to local ski resorts and walking holidays in addition to relaxing on the 8km of palm-lined beach at the hotel's own exclusive beach resort.
The 75 bedroom hotel has three swimming pools and a tennis court in 13,000 sq metres of its own grounds and comes with its own vineyard and olive groves. Standing at the highest point in the area 400 metres above sea level, each of the bedrooms has a balcony to enjoy views of the Sibilini Mountain range, olive groves, vineyards, historic villages and the white sands of San Benedetto del Tronto. It is well placed to discover the many mediaeval and modern treasures of the region and is easily accessible from UK regional airports.
Gabriele Neroni, Chairman of Man Around said, "This latest venture for the Man Around Group reaffirms our position as the world leader in our market. It continues our development in providing our own accommodation and facilities complimented by excellent cuisine and service.
"We have recently conducted extensive research into travel trends revealing experienced travellers have a thirst to discover new places, do new things and learn new skills whilst on holiday."
As well as providing a warm welcome for all customers enjoying the hotel facilities and surrounding area, the hotel will also be offering courses in Italian cooking, languages, painting and cultural festivities including the local opera festival in the summer, amongst others. The area is the production centre for well known Italian fashion designers including Prada, Armani, Tods, Paciotti. Their factory outlet centres, where great bargains can be picked up, are all within easy access.
Neroni said, "Hotel Abbadetta is the largest investment to date by any gay travel company the world over and continues to breakdown some of the prejudices and barriers previous associated with and encountered by gay related travel companies.
"We have ambitious and achievable plans for the hotel including the addition of state of the art spa facilities shortly including non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Additionally conference facilities will be added within the grounds of the hotel."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
