While Al Bustan Centre & Residence has established itself as a popular hotel apartment among tourists and businessmen, it has definitely earned a soft spot with sports enthusiasts from around the world. Last month, the property hosted the participating teams and coaches of the 4th Fazza Para Archery World Championship. We talked to Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer, Al Bustan Centre & Residence, about changing feeder markets over the years and the property’s experience in hosting sports delegates.
Have your feeder markets changed from last year?
Yes absolutely. There has been a huge change in what we expected and what we are experiencing this first quarter of 2018. We have seen a shift in terms of increasing numbers of visitors to our property, primarily from Russia, there has been a drastic increase in the number of Russian guests who prefer staying with us. Chinese markets are showing a steep rise as well. Another market that brought us positive change was the Saudi Arabian market, which grew this quarter. Apart from these markets, a good inflow of guests through leisure groups is also experienced.
We know that Al Bustan has lots of experience in hosting sports participants and even special sports participants. Can you tell us a bit more about these events?
Al Bustan Centre & Residence has a long association of almost 11 years with Dubai Club for the People of Determination and Fazza championships. We are the official hosts and hospitality partners to their tournaments that are held in Dubai. We take pride in sharing that we have over the years put in lot of efforts to create the state of art facilities and services to create a comfortable environment. Improvements in the services and facilities have been made over the years. The teams are well trained to handle the requirements of people of determination - this creates a comfort in the participants and athletes who have been staying with us over so many years. The staff is very well connected with some teams from across the world and this makes it a bit like home for these athletes.
Why is Al Bustan a great choice for guests of determination?
Because we understand and cater to their needs in a holistic manner. The property is very user-friendly and has easy accessibility. Each part of the hotel is well serviced for the needs of people of determination. A special dedicated reception is created for these tournaments for the check-ins and check-outs of the participant teams considering their schedules. Specially equipped restrooms are available in the public areas of the property. As said earlier, the internal teams are trained to have easy communication with the guests. We believe ourselves to be one of the best when it comes to catering to the special needs guests.
Are meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions an important part of your business? Can you tell us more about this part of your business?
Yes, it has been a prime focus for us since the beginning of Time! When it comes to exhibitions and events around town, there are always attractive package offerings that are created to best suit the exhibitor’s requirement. While on the other hand, we cater to business events and conferences as our corporate and banqueting facilities do provide a range of 16 meetings rooms, a business centre, 2 sprawling banquet halls, which can cater from 20 up to 250 persons for a wedding or a corporate gatherings and special business lounge for corporate in-stay guests. Moreover, we also provide these meeting rooms for various training & workshop sessions to many corporate clientele. You can say that Al Bustan Centre & Residence is a one-stop-shop for all leisure and business needs.
* Al Bustan Centre is available on stand ME3110