Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva embarks on new destination campaign for GCC travellers

An important source market for Switzerland, approximately 75,000 people from this region visited the country in 2006, accounting for 287,739 room nights. The hotel hopes to tap into this market by catering especially to GCC travellers visiting the vibrant Swiss city.

The 423 room hotel has an enviable location on the shores of Lake Geneva overlooking the famous Jet d'Eau fountain, close to key business districts and tourist attractions, with amenities that appeal to a wide range of needs, particularly travelling executives or families on holiday. On the ground floor of the hotel, a large luxury shopping arcade features an art gallery, deluxe jewellers and fashion boutiques.

"Switzerland is a popular destination with the GCC market and currently around 13% of our guests originate from the region. The hotel has facilities in place to cater especially to Arab travellers including Middle Eastern cuisine, Arabic speaking staff, prayer carpets and spacious rooms and suites for families. The hotel is focusing its marketing strategy on attracting guests from the Gulf region, which is key feeder market for Europe, especially during the summer months," said Patrick Mossu, General Manager of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva.

Through participation in Kempinski's GCC road show, which kicks off on the 21st of April and representation at Arabian Travel Market in May, the hotel hopes to establish lucrative contacts with tour operators and travel agents in the region, with a view to attracting summer travellers outbound from the Gulf.

Kempinski took over management of the property in December 2006 and immediately proceeded with remodelling work to align it with the group's superior standards. The property was soft launched in March, after the first phase of an extensive refurbishment effort completely overhauled the majority of the interiors and facilities. Rooms and public areas are subtly designed to reflect the stunning natural surroundings of the lake and mountains with cream marble walls, alpine wood and subtle colour schemes.

Spacious lake view rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies enjoy a panorama of the Jura Mountains, Mont Blanc, the Alps and the city. Accommodating to all travellers, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva also features a new duplex Geneva Suite - the city's largest at approximately 700m² - with its own private spa, gym and lift and spectacular views over the bustling metropolis.

During the soft launch phase, the hotel will have 230 rooms and suites available to guests, offering 24-hour room service. In the coming months, the hotel will open an additional 193 rooms and suites to comprise 423 in total. Several dining outlets will also be completed as the refurbishments draw to an end, including - The Brasserie, The Grill, The Lounge and The Bar.

The hotel will also include a conference centre that will be the biggest in Geneva as well as recreation and wellness facilities, a heated indoor salt-water swimming pool with outside sundeck in summer, a sauna, massage facilities, steam bath, solarium and sun-beds.

"By mid 2007 the refurbishment will be finished and all the hotel's facilities will be fully operational. In the meantime, guests can indulge and relax in the luxurious and cosy feel of the hotel, and from there explore the myriad leisure and recreation opportunities in Geneva," concluded Mossu.