World-class hotels glad of chance to play host to the world during DSF 2004

With a highly developed hospitality and tourism industry, any visitor to Dubai can be assured of very high standards of quality. Many major hotel chains have recognized this burgeoning need of quality rooms and apartments and have moved in with properties in Dubai. This reflects the confidence that the international business community has in this confident and proactive Emirate.

Mr. David Thomson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Jebel Ali International Hotels, said, 'Our occupancies are now hovering between 90 and 100% across all our properties. We also see a lot of families and young couples from many different parts of the world staying our hotels. We have been an integral part of Dubai Shopping Festival 2004, we participated in the GCC Roadshows and we are currently running a DSF-special promotion of 40% over rack rates. We are also promoting Dubai and our properties through our general sales agent.'

'We are very upbeat about our outlook for the coming weeks. The holidays coming up soon would definitely transform the tourism and hospitality sector here, and the trend should continue well into March and April. The hospitality and leisure industry is poised to be on a good streak throughout 2004, and should only get better beyond. We have many value additions to our guests, like our staff being trained to answer all queries about Dubai and especially the Dubai Shopping Festival activities, regular bus shuttle services into the city and to DSF attractions. The decision to shift DSF from March to Jan-Feb has paid rich dividends, and we are delighted to be part of this fantastic and extremely well-organised Festival', he added.

On behalf of the Grand Hyatt Dubai, Mr. Peter Fulton, General Manager, said, 'We are seeing an encouragingly high occupation rate at this point, of families and couples seeking luxury resort facilities as well as business travelers needing extensive facilities and services in a central location. Our customers are mainly from the GCC regions, the Subcontinent and from Europe. Although we are not running any special promotions on our room rates, the existing rates themselves are very competitive for the extensive facilities that our guests can enjoy.'

'We are looking forward to a very busy season, especially considering our location, very close to the DSF 2004 attraction, the Global Village. Having good malls in the proximity of our hotel has meant that the options presented to people in terms of shopping is greatly improved. The successful marketing of DSF worldwide has certainly established the city as a key tourism destination. With a higher percentage of leisure guests including families, there is definitely a more festive feel within the hotel's restaurants and resort', he added.

Mr. Soufiane El Allam, Sales Manager, Dusit Dubai Hotel, enthused that the occupancy at the hotel is currently at 97.82%. There is a large incidence of families at the Dusit Dubai, representing all parts of the world. 'We do have a DSF-special rate for the season, and we are sure that we will be seeing a greater increase in occupancy over the coming days. We have not partnered with any other service provider, but we have taken extensive measures in-house to ensure the utmost convenience and enjoyment for each and every one. Apart from special Arabic menus and more staff to assist the guests, the hotel lobby itself converts itself during DSF to a place of good interaction between the families.'

The Sofitel City Centre Hotel and Residence, located in the Deira City Centre, is seeing a good occupancy rate of 95% in the hotel, and over 90% in the residence. Mr. Walaa El Sayed, Assistant Director of Sales and Yield, said, 'Our property is host to families, young couples and even individuals and groups. We have a good representation of people from the GCC states, from the West and from the Subcontinent. Although our prices are extremely competitive in the market considering our facilities and services, we are still running some attractive promotions in both the leisure and corporate sectors. We are sure of an increase in occupancy during the Eid Al Adha holidays, and the efforts of the Government in attracting tourists are really bearing fruit. Our hotel and residence, along with the other organizations, are geared up towards hospitality, and are sure that we all will reap the benefits of DSF 2004.

'Dubai Shopping Festival has a very positive impact on business, boosts occupancy and adds a very festive flavour to the overall ambience at the hotel', he added.