AS BEIRUT’S much-loved Riviera Hotel prepares to take part in Arabian Travel Market (ATM), director of sales and marketing Rita Faddoul told TTN how the property will make use of the show.
How many times has the Riviera participated at ATM and has the show proved useful in terms of bringing in business?
This is the fifth time Riviera has participated and, in terms of business, the show is mainly for networking and lobbying and this is what makes better relationships with people and brings business at a later stage.
What will you be specifically promoting at this year’s event?
Riviera will be promoting the new rooms which were recently renovated by having a booth within the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism stand and we will network with the major tour operators present there, as well as running a marketing campaign prior to the show.
What do you hope to gain from attendance in 2011?
Mainly awareness and presence of the hotel in addition to promoting the hotel to the Arab market.
How is the current political situation affecting the Riviera and will you be using the show to drive home the ‘business as usual’ message?
The political situation in the country is fairly stable at this time but for sure the tourism sector is the first to be affected from any fluctuation. We will surely be promoting the hotel in a way to drive business back to the country.
Are all your refurbishments now finished or is there anything further planned?
The most recent news is the renovation of rooms and corridors which started in August for the fifth floor and completed in November, the third and fourth floors were due to be completed by April 15, after which the first and second floors will be done by September 2011.
Entering phase two the hotel will renovate the public areas and banquet halls, in addition to the refurbishment of the beach which will be operational by April 15 as every year.
Do you have any particular trade promotions planned for the coming months?
We are always planning trade promotions and we will surely be running one before the summer and during the month of Ramadan in August.
Anything else you would like to add?
The Riviera is always looking to lead in innovation and development, the renovation will add great value to the hotel’s heritage and will reposition it among its competitors as a leading property. We are looking to gain a lot from new markets coming to Lebanon.