Dubai marketing efforts pay off with booming hotel occupancies

Overseeing operations at Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien, Mariam has achieved 75, 77 and nearly 85 per cent in June, July and August respectively.

Meanwhile, its sister property Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien has registered more than 95 per cent year round.

Mariam claims the signs are positive that this boom will be consolidated for the rest of the year. He said: "Thanks to the exceptional organisation and marketing of Dubai Summer Surprises around the Gulf and farther afield, we can now count on good occupancies, especially from Arabia, which account for 65 per cent of our total figures."

According to Mariam, the "Dubai Inc" marketing drive - led by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing at tourism trade exhibitions around the world - means that awareness of the emirate is at an all-time high.

"As a result, our marketing efforts for the individual properties are reaching receptive ears: tour operators know they can sell the destination of Dubai, and individuals are already aware of the city's attractions."

Mariam added: "Whether it is short-break tourism from the region, exhibition and conference business, corporate contracts or general visitor traffic, there seems to be no stopping Dubai now - and this is before the current crop of projects materialise. With the addition of The Palm and The World, as well as the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai will continue to flourish."

Located just five minutes' from Dubai International Airport in the Deira shopping and business district, Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien offers accommodation ideally suited for the needs of GCC and long-stay visitors, with 106 studio, one- and two-bedrooms suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities as well as large-screen televisions, Internet access, inter-active games and 24-hour concierge and room service.

Its sister property, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien, is located in the busy Bur Dubai area of the city, providing a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers who seek accommodation in the heart of the action. The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.