LAUNCHED in mid-February this year, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the second property of Rixos Hotels in the UAE, following the success of Rixos The Palm Dubai that opened in 2012. The property in Ras Al Khaimah has delivered a unique holiday experience so far with the “All Inclusive – All Exclusive” concept, the first of its kind in the region.
TTN caught up with general manager Haytham Omar for a quick chat about the hotel’s performance so far.
What has the hotel’s performance been since its opening on February 12? Can you throw some light on occupancy figures? The property is very unique in what it has to offer and we expect to receive a high number of guests adding to the touristic value of Ras Al Khaimah. We are expecting a 60 per cent occupancy rate in the first year. The resort opened doors to the guests on February 12 this year and within a month and a half of opening the occupancy was around 60 per cent. The concept of all-inclusive has been very well received in the region and the response has been overwhelming.
Can you tell us which category of rooms has been doing well?The concept of ‘all-inclusive’ is very family oriented so most of our guests are families on vacation. Considering our target guests, the family and the junior suites are doing exceptionally well followed by premium and deluxe rooms.
Which nationalities have you been seeing quite often in your hotels?Most of the guests are from CIS countries and Europe along with GCC nationals and local weekenders. We continue to target and grow in other markets of South Asia and the Americas as well.
How are guests responding to the ‘all exclusive – all inclusive’ concept?The resort offers our guests an opportunity to explore and enjoy the all-inclusive concept in a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere. From check-in to check-out the only thing you will need is your room key. Carrying your wallet around at Rixos Bab Al Bahr is unnecessary as we treat you to a world of services all inclusive to your room rate. The ‘All inclusive – All exclusive’ stay at Rixos Bab Al Bahr includes unlimited innovative dining at 14 very distinct restaurants and bars, a night club, spectacular evening entertainment programmes, Rixy Club and Teen’s Republic – activity zones for the young ones. Additionally guests can indulge in facilities of Rixos Spa with a marvellous Turkish Hammam, on-site souk for local artefacts, accessories and souvenirs. For adventurous indulgences, guests can avail of water sports and excursions facilities at an additional charge.The guest response to the concept has been very encouraging and indicative that the region was waiting for something like this.
This will be your property’s first ATM – what major announcements will you be making at the show this year? Given that this is the property’s first ATM, it is imperative that we underline our presence as the first and only of its kind ‘all-inclusive’ resort in the region.
What is the competition like in Ras Al Khaimah? At Rixos Bab Al Bahr we ensure to surpass our guests expectations by offering them nothing but premium hospitality and luxury services which help us stay in the lead of the competition. The ‘All inclusive – All exclusive’ stay is unique to Rixos Bab Al Bahr, being the first and one of its kind in the region. Besides, the magnitude of our food and beverage offering and the unique entertainment concepts puts us in a league of our own.Ras Al Khaimah is a beautiful emirate with a lot to offer but yet to be fully discovered. Now that tourists have a well-known property like Rixos Bab Al Bahr in the emirate we feel they would be more inclined to visit and explore. My goals would be to promote Rixos Bab Al Bahr jointly with Ras Al Khaimah as a prime tourist destination in the UAE and tap into unreached markets.
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