Taj Palace Dubai achieves landmark occupancy rating amongst competitive set

Expressing delight over the excellent performance achieved by Taj Palace Dubai, Mr. Yannick Poupon, General Manager added " Our figures are audited and most rooms and apartments were booked through Travel Agents and electronically through our Taj website which is now more enhanced allowing greater flexibility for Travel Agents to book singular or multiple itineraries of our guests. In the market segment making up this growing trend, we have a relatively good mix of leisure and corporates. Indeed, our unique marketing strategies on rate packages backed by our excellent product proved to be popular with our guests and clientele. "

Arjun D'Souza, Revenue Manager for the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai was ecstatic to report the upward and continuous occupancy for the period July to August 2003. He comments, "Since July 30th 2003 until August 14th, we have been touching 100% occupancy daily. Our reservation log indicates 100% occupancy until the 19th of this month and close to 90% average booking for the rest of the month, which means, business is continuously looking great for the Taj Palace Dubai. "

Indicating a gigantic improvement since the hotel's opening in 2001, D'Souza adds "We opened in summer of 2001. In August of 2002 we generated 80% occupancy, now in 2003 we are looking at achieving close to 100% by monthend."

"Taj Palace Dubai boasts of its popularity among GCC and Middle East clientele. Most of our guests are coming from GCC, all very strong market bases for Taj. We also have increased number of visitors from Europe staying with us to experience the Dubai Summer Surprises effectively promoted by DTCM. Guests prefer choosing the Taj Palace Dubai; due to our apartments (the number one choice for families). Our large deluxe rooms are also well-liked by leisure and corporate guests and it all comes with competitive rates. Other note worthy points includes the hotel's proximity to the major city shopping malls, and most importantly, the service standards are exemplified best where guests are made to experience personalized service with our staff's adaptability to cater to guest's needs given their various cultural backgrounds," explains Kiran Wagle, Director of Sales & Marketing.

"We have earlier reported our business performance in July when we closed the month at 89% and a much higher ARR compared to figures from the same period last year. Business has been very good to most hotels in Dubai and the UAE. Everyone seems to be benefiting from the results of the Dubai Summer Surprises campaign by the Government of Dubai. All hotels, specifically, city hotels, are reporting brisk business and related industries like shopping malls and retail outlets are reaping benefits out of the tourist influx. These, we believe, are results of the aggressive marketing initiated by DTCM all year round to market Dubai not only to our GCC neighbours but a worldwide exposure," comments Sanjeet Joher, Assistant Director of Sales.

In conclusion, Yannick Poupon said, "We commend the Government for their efforts, and, Taj Palace Dubai, who is an active participant in most road shows conducted by DTCM, continues to be optimistic that business outlook will quadruple in the months to come with IMF & World Bank Meeting taking place in the country".