FURTHER development and awareness of market needs will put Abu Dhabi on the tourist map, say experts.
In an interview with TTN, Mohamed Awadalla, manager, Al Maha Rotana Suites confirmed the need for the emirate to work on a strategy that complements the growth of its sister emirate Dubai. “Abu Dhabi should develop further in order to be recognized, however, without blindly copying the Dubai strategies, as the needs and settings are different.”
In terms of tourism, said Awadalla, each city has its own share of tourists. However, Abu Dhabi is mainly a business city more than a business/leisure center like Dubai. Yet hotels like his are uniquely positioned to accommodate those travellers seeking to combine both business and pleasure.
Most important for Awadalla is that the hotel guest feels at home. The hotel features 288 luxuriously designed rooms and suites, all equipped with kitchenettes. The hotel offers room service, satellite television, a 24-hour coffee shop, mini fridge, business and recreational facilities (well-equipped fitness centre, rooftop swimming pool) and underground parking, attracting executives and families alike. Located close to the main commercial and shopping district, the property is unique in the city. With a 90 per cent occupancy rate year round, the hotel is certainly on the right track.
For meetings and conferences alike, Al Maha Rotana Suites ensures assistance to turn it into a successful and memorable event. The elegant banquet and meeting rooms, with the latest technological equipment, are ideal for board meetings, product launches, presentations and other functions.
Rotana Hotels, said Awadalla, are known in the community to be very active in offering great value for money promotions. “Obviously, when the demand is a bit low, we are more aggressive. For short term guests, we offer summer rates packages as well as weekend special rates. We have great news for the summer but more details will be unveiled as the season nears.”