Targeting Serbia and Poland
Saudi Arabia was the top source market for Hawthorne Suites during the first half of 2016, with 29 per cent of the total guest mix, followed by the UAE (12 per cent), UK (8 per cent), Russia (4 per cent) and France (2 per cent). Samir Arora, General Manag
QWhat are the latest trends you see in terms of trade in the UAE?
There are a lot of budget brands coming in the UAE, which is a good indication of the growing diversity of tourist arrivals in the country. The competition is getting tougher as the room inventory continues to increase but we are optimistic that we will be able to eventually even out the supplydemand and the revenue will bounce back by 2017.
QWhat are the strategies used to gain more business?
Ideally located at The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the 188-key Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham offers deluxe, one-bedroom, and two bedroom suites. The property boasts highest inventory of one-bedroom suite among the hotels in JBR, with 76 units. We are also the only dry hotel in our area, which makes us the preferred accommodation for families.
Given that our main feeder market is KSA, especially family travellers, we launched new room categories which are Family One Bedroom Suite and the Three-Bedroom Suite. The first new room type, Family One Bedroom Suite features a king size bed and a convertible sofa bed, which can accommodate two adults and two kids, or as many as four adults. We also have the three-Bedroom Suite, which connects a twobedroom, and a deluxe suite. The 160-square-metre suite can accommodate up to six adults and two kids. The new room category also offers flexibility and can be booked as separate suites when there are no demands for a three-bedroom unit.
QHow has the last quarter been when you compare with last year?
The hotel’s YTD occupancy rate is at 89 per cent. Our occupancy for the past three months is slightly higher compared to the same period last year, with a 2.1 per cent increase.
QWhat are the new markets you will be focusing on during Q3?
We are looking at tapping tourist arrivals from Poland and Serbia during the last quarter.
QDo you have anything special for the GCC clients during the long weekends and the travel agents and tour operators?
We have a special Eid promotion from September 8 to 14, 2016 where travel agents and tour operators could offer attractive rates to their clients and we also have special rates for our loyal guests.