2011 saw Hyatt International open two iconic properties in Abu Dhabi. The Hyatt Capital Gate, and the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on the Saadiyat Island. “2011 was a tremendous year for hoteliers across the Gulf region, because many of them were able to open major properties across key markets, after years of planning and construction. This year, however, will be the time at which all of our properties will be tested against one another – tested primarily on guest experience, but also location and value for money,” says Peter Fulton, managing director, Hyatt International, South West Asia.
By the close of 2012, industry sources expect that the number of hotel rooms will have doubled over 2008 numbers in some key markets across the GCC and India, placing considerable pressure on all hoteliers to engender increased loyalty among guests while delivering a value-for-money product. This is an altogether new consideration for many leading hoteliers who previously held virtual monopoly positions within certain major Gulf cities.
In 2012, Hyatt is expecting to expand further into India with Park Hyatt Hyderabad in South India, Park Hyatt Chennai, and India’s debut of the unique Hyatt Place brand in Bangalore, providing full Hyatt coverage in all of India’s primary cities. Hyatt also announced its plans to open Park Hyatt Doha within the heart of Doha’s downtown district, scheduled for opening in 2016.
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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa |
Hyatt also announced an affiliate with Naseel Holding Company to manage three new Hyatt-branded hotels in the Saudi Arabia. With the addition of the Park Hyatt Riyadh, Grand Hyatt Jeddah, and the Hyatt Regency Jeddah there will be six Hyatt-branded hotels under development in Saudi Arabia across five of Hyatt’s brands.
“Outside the South West Asia region, Hyatt has seen the debut of the Andaz brand in Shanghai (the first Andaz branded hotel in Asia), the opening of Hyatt 48 Lex in New York City, the introduction of the first Hyatt property in Tanzania, the opening of Hyatt Danang Resort and Spa in Vietnam, and the re-opening of the Hyatt Regency’s property in New Orleans,” says Kapil Aggarwal, director of sales, Hyatt International – South West Asia.
“Within the South West Asia region, Hyatt acquired the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and has expanded rapidly into India, which is a key market for us. Hyatt Regency Chennai is the first Hyatt venture in South India, and Grand Hyatt Goa complements our existing Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. We aim to continue to service our Indian customers and also the increasing number of travellers visiting the country,” adds Aggarwal.
2011 also saw Hyatt bolster its Corporate Social Responsibility platform with Hyatt Thrive, recognising the important role that the corporate world plays in providing a sustainable Earth for future generations. Grand Hyatt Dubai converted its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar powered in a bid to reduce climate change and running costs. The new solar panel heating system dramatically reduced carbon emissions, and was the first commercial installation of its kind in the UAE. The Grand Hyatt also recycled an impressive 60 kilograms (130 pounds) of Tetra Pak containers in April in celebration of Earth Day.
“Despite a multitude of challenges – from increased competition to the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’ – Hyatt has had a very good 2011, and we believe 2012 will continue to be a year of expansion and growth for the Hyatt brands across the South West Asia. We have strengthened our sales teams in the GCC and India, to accommodate this continued growth,” concludes Aggarwal.