Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Hotels in the UAE are busier than they have ever been, and this trend looks like it is here to stay and grow. Despite the negative impact of the pandemic, Dubai has made a remarkable recovery, and many people now view the city as an ideal destination for both business and leisure trips. As more events and conferences are being held in Dubai, hotels are preparing to welcome a diverse range of guests with varying budgets and preferences.

This was revealed by Murat Zorlu,  General Manager, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, during an exclusive interview with Gulf Today, adding that the latest KPMG Dubai Hospitality report recently revealed that Dubai registered the highest hotel occupancy rate in 15 years by the end of Expo 2020 and these high rates have continued since then.

“Hotels are also becoming cognizant of the fact that in a landscape brimming with as many options as in the UAE, a hotel has to go many steps beyond the ordinary to stand out..” “To create value, hotels must constantly innovate and cater to the needs of their guests. After the pandemic, ‘revenge travellers’ who are eager for a holiday have begun to travel extensively and will demand for nothing but the best. Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is conscious of this fact and strives daily to provide exceptional experiences that are unique and of exceptional quality.” Zorlu added.

 “Dubai leads the global efforts to promote meetings, conferences, events, and exhibitions as significant drivers of tourism. Meetings, conferences, events, and exhibitions are a key driver of tourism destinations across the globe and Dubai is at the forefront of these efforts. Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites has consistently seen occupancy levels of 80-95% during peak seasons and this is elevated by major events taking place in the city or region.”

“The influx of travellers who come down for these events has specific requirements. In addition to accommodation, international visitors flying into the city look for places to eat and visit. These activities involve using local infrastructure, transport systems, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services, providing a generous cash injection into the local economy. For instance, Expo 2020 attracted over 10.12 million international visitors to Dubai.”

He noted that the pioneers of the all-inclusive concept, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites has redefined how guests view their getaways by offering an unlimited selection of premium products and services throughout the stay. The perfect escape from the ordinary where a guest’s every need is met from the moment they arrive, the resort offers an unparalleled display of Turkish hospitality with the most jaw-dropping all-inclusive, all exclusive offerings on the market.

“Apart from pristine views of the Palm Jumeirah, unrivalled dining options, spacious and luxurious accommodation, and sheer opulence across the property, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is mainly renowned for its all-inclusive offers. The resort offers guests an all-inclusive experience that includes delectable food, tempting beverages, exciting activities, and exceptional entertainment, all covered within the price of their stay. Unlike other properties in the UAE, this concept is particularly unique to Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, given its upscale and contemporary state-of-the-art features. We also keep in mind that every inclusion is of an extremely high standard, and that quality on all parameters remains consistently high.”

Zorlu echoed that Dubai was among the first cities in the world to be buzzing with tourists and high-profile conferences and exhibitions shortly after global lockdowns, showing the world the emirate’s ability to adapt, formulate, and implement safe travel and social interaction protocols. By the end of 2021, some hotels were reaching almost full occupancy, signifying the sector’s return to normality. The hospitality market in the UAE is one of the richest in the world, with an expected 25% growth in the industry by 2030, and 40 million new visitors projected to stay in Dubai hotels by 2031.”

 “The future is bright for the industry with the UAE hospitality sector investing around $32 billion to acquire 48,000 more hotel rooms to bring the total to 200,000. The sector’s increased interest in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues is also inspiring change and encouraging sustainable practices across the industry. Paired with the government’s forward-thinking vision, UAE hotels have emerged stronger than ever and are preparing to continue to out-do themselves. At Rixos, we are committed to providing our guests with an unrivalled experience and continuously seeking new ways to enhance their stay, which is reflected in our high occupancy levels.” Zorlu concluded.