Danat Hotels and Resorts, the hotel division of the National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCT&H), was formed predominantly to develop tourism and commerce in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi.
TTN speaks to Rima Rawass, group marketing manager for Danat Hotels and Resorts, a division of National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels.
How successful has ATM been for you over the years?
We as Danat Hotels and Resorts will be promoting our five and four stars hotels in UAE that include InterContinental Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Al Ain (ownership), Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, a five star boutique hotel (owned and operated) and Al Raha Beach Hotel ,a five star hotel (managed), Liwa Hotel and Mirfa Hotel managed four star properties.
Moreover, NCT&H is expanding its range of hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi with the development of several five stars luxury hotels within the coming three years.
What are your announcements at ATM 2008?
Danat Hotels and Resorts announced in February this year the commencement of the construction work of its hotel at the Capital Center development project at a total costs of over Dh1 billion. We hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of piling and excavation works for the new 724 rooms five star hotel which will be built to the highest International hotel industry standards.
Who are you targeting at the show?
We are looking or more networking opportunities, meeting clients to unlock our business potential within the MEA and Pan Arab Region. Plus we want to bring together a strong cross section of travel suppliers, increasing our brand awareness and brand recognition presence in the global market place.
What is your main objective at ATM 2008, and how will you achieve this?
We will achieve our objectives by meeting our existing clients to enhance our relationships with them and by meeting our key prospects for new business by contacting new travel agencies, outbound tour operators, DMC’s, airlines, event organisers, corporate travel buyers, incentives travel agencies and online travel agencies.
What are the major industry issues that events like ATM must focus on?
At ATM, our hotels representatives will have their own separate meetings with the local travel trade offering competitive rates and attractive packages.
The big talking points among agents, the trade and the hoteliers at ATM 2008 will be about the great opportunity that ATM gave them to meet existing and potential clients in the travel and tourism industry locally and overseas and to have new business allies and to develop new markets .
In addition, we hope to promote Abu Dhabi as a destination through Danat Hotels and Resorts. Apart from business, they will be enjoying networking at the numerous social functions throughout the four days event. ATM has proven to see the show’s first dedicated arena for tourism developments housing all the multi-faceted and diverse attractions being built across the Middle East. Booming business market indicate enormous business in Abu Dhabi city for corporate and leisure.