Kempinski sets off on annual GCC roadshow

From 26 April to 3 May, fourteen representatives of the most luxurious Kempinski properties from across the region and the world will visit industry partners in key GCC markets including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

'Following a banner year, which saw Kempinski properties achieve record occupancy levels and secure a number of international industry awards, we are eager to showcase our stunning new regional and international resorts and update travel trade partners in the GCC on the latest product and service developments within the portfolio,' said Samer Achcar, Director of Global Sales for Kempinski.

'Building on last year's phenomenal success, which we can largely attribute to the efforts and ongoing support from industry partners, we are seeking to further strengthen Kempinski's market position in the GCC, which is rapidly evolving as a tourist hotspot and according to the World Tourism Organisation is expected to attract 55 million tourists by 2011. Likewise, we aim to maximize the outbound market potential as the GCC currently represents 68% of all outbound travel in the Middle East which was estimated to be worth around US $42 billion in 2006 alone,'

he added.

Gathering travel and tour operators in each market, Kempinski Hotels has prepared a presentation outlining the unique and exciting leisure offers of hotels within its portfolio, as well as trade-related promotions to position the group as the preferred accommodation partner amongst clients.

To further aid regional travel operators, Kempinski recently established a Global Sales Office based in the United Arab Emirates to manage outbound business to international properties and increase the market awareness about each Kempinski hotel in the region, including the new properties that will be established over the next two years.

'With this roadshow, we hope to consolidate the momentum we achieved last year when occupancy rates were at their highest across our properties in the region. Our hotels have not only become the preferred choice for regional and international travelers looking for a luxurious and distinctive experience, but also dominate the hospitality awards circuit winning every conceivable accolade for design, service, and features,' said Mr. Ulrich Eckhardt, Kempinski President Middle East and Africa, 'We are confident this trend will continue.'

'Our goal is to leverage our position amongst our travel partners, key decision makers and the local media. We hope to excite them with the progress of our expanding presence in the region and entice them to continue recommending Kempinski Hotels to the ever-increasing tourist numbers flowing in and out of the region over the coming years,' Eckhardt added.

A key member of the Global Hotel Alliance, Kempinski is also increasing its involvement with marketing tactics via this network. Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform, offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises Anantara, Cham, Dusit, Kempinski, Landis, Leela, Marco Polo, Omni and Pan Pacific, encompassing 160 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 41 different countries.