The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai woos Japanese visitors

There are currently more than two thousand five hundred registered Japanese Nationals living and working in the GCC countries alone, of which over a third are resident in Dubai. Japanese companies in the UAE number 133 and are rising steadily.

It is no wonder that this interest in the Middle East should be reflected in the recent arrival at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai of Yukiko Ujiie, Business Development Co-ordinator.
"As Dubai develops into a significant centre for the business interests in the Middle East, there is a growing focus on the business travel market," commented Yukiko.

Emirates Airline currently operates four flights weekly between Dubai and Osaka, and major travel agencies report an increased flow of Japanese visitors through their doors every day. "The most popular time of year for Japanese visitors is the summer, especially as the traditional Japanese summer holidays is in July and August, Yokiko points out.

In order to increase the level of recognition and use of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai among Japanese visitors and residents, she has been working intensively on the Japanese market segment. A few of the additional services introduced include a welcome Green tea presentation, Japanese in-room collateral and restaurant menus, NHK television channel and an in-house Sushi chef to prepare traditional Japanese favourites.

Yukiko's own personal objectives in Dubai are clear-cut: "My goal is to increase the volume of Japanese business to the hotel," she says. "With the new service we have developed for Japanese travellers, we are ready to welcome any Japanese guests. They will definitely experience the award-winning service with a real Japanese touch in the Middle East."