‘We want India to become our top three feeder market’
Three world-class hotels with unparalleled amenities grace Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection by Hilton. It draws on the Habtoor name and the Hilton brand’s tremendous legacy. Its hotel collection comprises Habtoor Palace Dubai–LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, and V Hotel Dubai–Curio Collection by Hilton. Fredrik Reinisch, Complex General Manager of Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection by Hilton, shares more about the luxury hospitality destination that offers both immaculate and distinctive service with its classic and upscale brands.
The Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a sophisticated authentic palatial experience with 52 opulent suites (A custom made Bentley Suite and Sir Winston Churchill Suite), 234 lavishly appointed guest rooms, [a] signature butler service, and manicured gardens making it the perfect location for luxurious weddings and corporate events.
On the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, the iconic Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City offers guests a vibrant stay, with every aspect transformed into a refreshing experience. From 1,004 guestrooms, including 142 spacious suites to Elixir Spa and a variety of delicious cuisines to choose from Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, the hotel ensures an enlivening stay.
V-Hotel Dubai is dedicated to guests who want to inject fun into their travel with a retro-futurist concept. Vacation at the Sky Villa, which is surrounded by enticing activities. Going further, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection has a plethora of MICE options, including outdoors at the Winter Garden, three rooftop pools, and grand ballrooms that can cater to a large crowd.
The success of Dubai EXPO 2020 has been overly positive, with around 20 million visitors over the past six months flying down to Dubai with a direct, constructive impact on the hospitality sector. “Now is the occasion for hospitality leaders from Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection to reflect on the EXPO 2020 success stories as the ideal transition to a no lesser exciting year ahead. EXPO 2020 has given the chance to Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection to host some of the most highly expected private and corporate events since Dubai has catapulted to the number one business travel destination,” remarks Fredrik.
May 2022 welcomes another large international hospitality event, the Arabian Travel Market, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. On this
Fredrik says, “This is a huge opportunity for Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, as we get to position ourselves as ‘The 1001 Arabian Nights’ destination, since we can hold groups of both leisure travellers and group guests of over 1,000 in a single property at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. We have 1,600 rooms and suites across the three hotels of our complex–by adding V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton and Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts.”
MICE has not only given Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection business through banquet bookings but even hotel rooms, especially for events that include dignitaries and tourists from overseas, such as The World Police Summit that took place at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection. In addition, MICE events have brought them leisure business as guests return to their hotels with families. Since Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection has it all, from over 20 dining venues, two rejuvenating spas, three rooftop pools, a fun-filled kids club with its own separate pool, it is the only destination that can host over 1000 rooms for Arabian Travel Market, along with conferences and entertainment such as the famous La Perle show by Dragone all under one roof.
MICE tourism is constantly evolving and has changed during the pandemic. At Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, they have adapted and understood the changing market environment in which MICE industry professionals operate. This varies from market to market and they are always alert to these diversities.
A lot of Indians in leisure and corporate segments look at Dubai as an exciting destination. Fredrik says, “India has always played an important role during the pre-COVID period and contributed around 25 per cent of the business, including FIT and MICE. Recently, with the travel restrictions, sales from the India market dropped drastically. However, we are projecting an increase in demand during summer when we foresee the combined business (groups and corporate) to increase at a certain level. Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection will introduce Indian theme nights at Level 7, V Hotel Dubai. This will play a huge role in our MICE business, as guests will dine and enjoy the Bollywood night after a long day of events. We want India to become our top three feeder market. Our ambition is simply to be recognised as the preferred destination for most Indian travellers. The India market is very promising with their luxurious destination weddings, and Al Habtoor City is ready for them.”
While the guests and their employees are top priority, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection has dedicated sales team leadership developing the sports and luxury industry segment, working with renowned agencies across the world such as Red Dot Representation in India, to ensure they create tailor-made itineraries for guest requirements, dietary restrictions and much more.