HYATTyatt International is all set to open doors to two new properties in Abu Dhabi by the second quarter of 2011 – The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and the Hyatt Capital Gate located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
In addition, 2011 will see the company focus on upgrading technology and guest facilities at its hotels in Dubai, Muscat, Doha and Jeddah. The Grand Hyatt Dubai is currently in the process of upgrading its spa and fitness centre.
Speaking to TTN Yearbook, Peter Fulton, managing director, Hyatt International South West Asia, said: “The outlook within Hyatt’s South West Asia division is positive and optimistic, as we are at the beginning of a high-growth cycle. This year will also see our expansion drive across India – a high-focus growth area for Hyatt. We opened Hyatt Regency Pune last year, and will enter south India for the first time with Hyatt Regency Chennai and Park Hyatt Hyderabad. Grand Hyatt Goa, our second property in Goa will open in the first quarter of 2011. And that’s just the beginning. Within the next five years, Hyatt Regency will open hotels in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Navi (new) Mumbai and Vizag, in India. The Hyatt Place will also open hotels in cities such as Indore, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mundra and Mysore, in India. There are further plans to open more than 20 full-service and select-service hotels in the GCC and South Asia in the next five years.”
Most brands across Hyatt saw strong performance in 2010, with higher occupancy levels than the year before. “Since our sub-brands cater to different market segments and demographics, we were able to override the effects of the market downturn by offering value for money, convenience and efficiency to business travellers with our core Hyatt Regency brand,” he said.
Fulton is confident that the upswing the company saw in 2010 will continue for some time.
“Hyatt has always remained in the forefront of innovation and prides in its ability to turn around challenging situations. Today the company manages over 434 luxury hotels worldwide. We built the world’s first atrium hotel, popularised the open-kitchen concept, started the “residential meetings” concepts and ventured into geographical areas where no one had tread before. We welcome every challenge that helps us to make a difference in the lives of the people we touch, so that we become the preferred brand for our guests,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fulton says that the company remains cautiously optimistic about the future of the industry in the Middle East. “I foresee a significant increase in the inbound traffic to the UAE in the next five years. With Abu Dhabi’s ambitious 2013 development plan – which will make it a world-class cultural, business, and leisure centre – and Dubai’s strong branding as a financial and tourist hub, we will become a world-class destination.”