One of the most popular London hotels among Arab travellers is stepping up its drive targeting the Middle East after comprehensive renovation of the luxury West End property.
The five-star Radisson SAS Portman Hotel says its renewed Middle East marketing focus follows its 2000 results which show the region currently accounts for over six per cent of its total client portfolio. "Last year we achieved 6,500 room nights from the Middle East with most of the guests coming from Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar," said Claude Attala, Director of Sales and Marketing, Radisson SAS Portman Hotel. "The Gulf market is particularly appealing with Middle East travellers spending an average of seven nights with us during summer." "We have scored heavily because of our central location, close to the capital's entertainment and shopping areas of Marble Arch, Bond Street and Oxford Street all of which are favourites with our Arab guests." The 272-roomed hotel, which recently completed extensive renovation of its restaurants, public areas, conference facilities and many of its guest rooms, is also providing a package of services tailored to Arab guests. The hotel offers Arabic-language newspapers and TV channels besides menus in Arabic and Arabic-speaking staff in key positions. The hotel also said its upgrading received a very enthusiastic response from travel and tour operators.