Al Bustan Centre and Residence to implement innovative market strategies and explore new markets in 2010

Innovation has always been the key to the sustained success of Al Bustan Centre & Residence, which is one of the well known hospitality destinations in Dubai. All its efforts are directed towards providing its guests the comforts of 'a home away from home' by constantly upgrading rooms and enhancing its facilities. Among its notable initiatives to reward loyal guests is through its loyalty programme which is constantly upgraded.

Apart from this, Al Bustan Centre & Residence also has a series of attractive offers and incentives drawn up to offer guests full value for their money. High quality service remains the core of its operations and it regularly implements training programmes to update and enhance the skills and knowledge of its staff.

Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer of Al Bustan Centre & Residence said: "The global crisis did affect our market due to the reduced tourist turnover last year and weaker economies of our source markets. We have witnessed a drop of 8% on our overall occupancy. Our high growth markets were from GCC Countries which contributed to about 10% of our overall growth.

"However, this year we are aiming to have better occupancy compared to last year by coming up with different market strategies and approaching new international markets. This will ensure that in case an economic crisis affects occupancy levels, the property will be able to comfortably maintain the same percentage as it did last year."

Al Bustan Residence has always kept abreast of latest technological developments and incorporating these advances has helped it remain on the forefront of things. In this direction it has partnered with prominent online booking companies and it is now more convenient for the clients to check on room availability, rates and to book instantly.

Apart from this the property has recently opened new outlets in its shopping centre to give shoppers a truly wide range of choices in fine jewellery, ladies fashion, accessories, home décors, linens and perfumes.

Key factors in the property's sustained success are its strategic planning and successful execution of the chosen policies with the support and cooperation of a unified team. This is a definite 'must' to meet the tight competition in the hospitality sector of the UAE. It also reinforces its market presence by participating in different road shows, exhibitions and promotional events both locally and internationally. Along with this, it also builds and maintains strong relationships with its partners like tour operators and travel agencies both locally and abroad to help them in their efforts. All these programs were backed up with massive marketing campaigns such as e-mail campaigns, sales calls, sales visits and blitzing to reach new markets.

Regarding its expansion plans, Moussa said that they would be looking into which direction the property would take after the first quarter of 2010.