DESPITE a rough start to the year, the Riviera Hotel, Beirut has witnessed strong business over the summer months. Director of sales and marketing Rita Faddoul says, “The first quarter of the year was not as expected, with a drop in occupancies. This was not just at the Riviera Hotel but in the entire city.”
“However since the beginning of the summer season in June 2011, a new government was elected and right after the tourists returned to the city as well as our hotel. We are now looking forward to a positive year-end quarter where a lot of conferences and seminars are scheduled to take place in the city.”
Faddoul believes that Beirut’s strategic location to their key feeder markets Syria, Jordan, UAE, KSA, Kuwait and Iraq has remained the key reason for the country being a preferred choice of holiday destination. “We witnessed a 30 per cent drop down in occupancy compared to last year same period, but needless to say that Beirut is a survival city and always manages to get out the crisis and finds ways to generate revenues.”
The hotel is also seeing a lot of interest from new markets such as Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus as well as England and Germany.
Riviera Beirut will be showcasing their hotel at the World Travel Market, sharing the booth with the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism. “We will mainly be promoting & presenting the hotel’s complete renovation with pictures of new rooms and premium lounge. As well we will be conveying the message that Lebanon is calm and safe to be visited,” said Faddoul.
“During the summer, we have hosted a lot of events at the Beach starting with the Riviera Fusion with was an art symposium and exhibition in May, followed by several events, fashion shows, beach parties and much more. These events and the high number of attendees we had are a clear indication that the city is ready to welcome its visitors back.”
The Riviera Beirut underwent a complete renovation, which was completed earlier this year, All five floors of the hotels have been refurbished and a new premium floor was introduced with premium lounge and amenities. The renovation of the public areas, including the public areas, a new F&B outlet, a lobby bar, renovated ballrooms and meeting spaces, a Spa and gym for the guests, are scheduled to be finished by February 2012.
“We have also introduced special packages especially launched for tour operators and travel agents, for the rooms including additional benefits and amenities and we regularly create seasonal packages to keep them interested,” added Faddoul.