With all main interior work complete and signage in place, The Fairmont Dubai sales team hit the streets of the UAE, to carry a 'February doors open' message to business houses and travel partners in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The 12-strong sales team knocked on more than 2,000 doors in a week-long sales mission last month aimed at cementing community relationships and securing room nights for next spring. "More than 70 per cent of corporate bookings into Dubai hotels are booked from the emirate itself, so corporate relationships are key," said Stephen Banks, the hotel's regional director of sales and marketing. Banks, a veteran hotelier with sound regional experience under his belt, led his sales team in the blitz armed with details of the unique sales features of the hotel which accepts its first guests on February 2 - or 02.02.02, as the team has dubbed the opening day. The multi-purpose hotel, residential and office complex is located in Dubai's burgeoning business district, opposite the emirate's World Trade Centre, exhibition halls and the area earmarked for construction of a world-standard convention centre. According to Banks, it will play a role as the venue "where Dubai, and the rest of the region do business." The 34-storey, 393 room hotel comprises extensive business and leisure features. Banks said he is working closely with Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, tourism partners, and neighbouring businesses and hotels to further consolidate Shaikh Zayed Road as a centre for international business and conferences.