Business forecast to surge in summer

Remaining optimistic and unfazed despite the tense situation in the region and worldwide, visitors to this year's Arabian Travel Market, Middle East's biggest travel and leisure fair, has continued making travel plans thus making the tourism industry stay in the upswing.

'We are glad that we have decided to continue our participation in this year's ATM. Apart from being introduced to new friends in the industry, we have also increased our client base with new contracts made during the fair. Our introduction of special rate packages for both corporate and travel agents were all well-thought of. Ours must have been difficult to match, hence, we got advantage against our competition,' says Yannick Poupon, General Manager of Taj Dubai.

Poupon adds; 'Taj was very well represented, we have the solo stand for Taj Palace Dubai at the DTCM and Middle East section of the East Hall, while having the Taj Group over at the British stand and Indian pavilion at the West Hall of the Airport Expo Centre. It looks like business is buzzing in all areas making it a great outing for the Taj Group of Hotels. With the popularity of our hotel rooms and residence in summer, especially GCC families and tourists, we hope to surpass our summer occupancy figure from last year'.

Today, the Taj Group has grown and increased its presence in India and overseas, by expanding to over 65 hotels in 45 locations worldwide, including the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai which is the ninth premium property under the Taj International Hotels brand. The Taj Group is poised to become a solid brand in the Middle East with new hotels planned in the pipeline very soon.

Taj Palace Dubai constantly participates in promoting Dubai as a destination in itself and focuses on marketing the hotel as the preferred residence for discerning Dubai travelers whether leisure or business. One of the main factors it considers for developing the market is seeing to it that the unique product is relevant to the guests needs, Taj Palace Dubai has relatively done very well in promoting this hotel with niche features.

'We looks set to surpass our budget figures this quarter and continuing to accumulate figures to benchmark for next year's performance. With a clearer market situation now, we are optimistic that business will rebound very quickly ' comments Kiran Wagle, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Sanjeet Joher, Assistant Director for Sales, also adds, 'we are confident that our cross selling strategy in conjunction with our sister hotels within the group will reinforce increased travel to the UAE being a favorite holiday destination and a transit hub servicing a majority of the Arab market. We are also promoting travels towards other Taj destinations like Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka and India where we have excellent resorts and properties, which prove attractive to both Arabs and non-Arab expats. These destinations are now very much accessible to the Middle Eastern market'.

Commenting on its marketing efforts for this property which turns two years in June 2003, GM Yannick Poupon says, 'Taj Palace Dubai developed strategic tie-ups with top airlines like Emirates and South African Airways to increase potential stopover business from all its destination routes connected with Dubai. We also have implemented new exciting promotions in all our fine restaurants, creating alliances with top local industry brands in banking, service and retail sectors with an excellent hotel loyalty programme unmatched in the industry. In mid-2003, our Taj Ayurvedic Spa will showcase new spa massage services and products to highlight an increased awareness towards fitness and relaxation.'