Abu Dhabi , UAE , August 26 , 2015 :Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Hotel General Manager, Desmond Hatton, believes the group is actively operating in the GCC market especially after announcing six additional major properties at the ATM.
Dusit International recently announced during the Arabian Travel Market that the company is adding at least six more properties to its Middle East portfolio, three of which will be managed by the Dusit group itself, namely one in Doha and one in Jeddah under the dusitD2 brand, and one in Jeddah under the Dusit Thani branch. The dusitD2 Salwa in Doha is scheduled to run in 2018 and follows the new Dusit Residence & Suites Doha.
The other hotels will be also in Saudi Arabia (Makkah and Madina) and managed in partnership with local hospitality Dyar Hotels and Resorts.
The group has also opened an additional office in Saudi Arabia besides its existing sales office in Dubai to kick off regional marketing for the new properties. More dusitD2 hotels are planned in the UAE where Dusit is partnering with investment company Al Masar Holding: The dusitD2 Tecom Dubai and the dusitD2 Residence Al Manzel Abu Dhabi, both set to open in 2016.
“No doubt GCC and locals are our main markets, specifically in the government and corporate segment. Other major markets include the US, Western Europe and South East Asia,” he pointed out.
Speaking of attracting measures, Hatton revealed group’s involvement in the Welcome Chinese programme in partnership with China Tourism Academy which was signed last February. The programme is expected to promote attractions in the capital for Chinese tourists.
Adding that Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has also participated in numerous roadshows and MICE exhibitions worldwide including the US roadshow organized by TCA to further promote the hotels. “We embarked on a four-day, three-city roadshow in the United States of America with a promotional campaign to build on increasing inbound tourism from North America.”
“TCA expects growth from the US market this year following an increase in airline capacity pre-entry customs clearance, and greater destination awareness. Abu Dhabi airport has also reported 1.87 million passengers, up by 15.5 per cent year on year, as Etihad and its partner airlines launched new routes across the globe,” he said.
Adding that with all these initiatives and support by TCA to promote Abu Dhabi destination, we are expecting a natural growth in occupancy year on year. One of Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s unique selling points is its location Hatton says, An ideal location in the government hub and heart of the city, with easy access to all major business and leisure destination.
“We will focus on a local level on making sure Abu Dhabi residents are made aware of the hotel exceptional offerings and hidden gems such as the Dusit Club Lounge located on the 35th floor with stunning city views, Authentic Thai treatments at Namm Spa and DFiT a state of the art gym providing personal training, yoga and soon spin classes.”
Speaking on the Abu Dhabi Summer Festival 2015, he believes that Abu Dhabi tourism board and all hotels should put their efforts together in order to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi as a major destination all year-round, especially as the summer season 2015 hits closure points, in order for the city to be able to compete with Dubai’s attractions. “I am positive with the cultural aspect and rich heritage of Abu Dhabi already present as well as the upcoming museum projects (Louvre, Guggenheim) that are set open in the new few years, tourism will increase in business will run smoothly as we expect.
