Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts saw occupancies in Abu Dhabi reaching 80 to 90 per cent, with Dubai and Muscat at slightly less.
“Compared to 2007, we are looking at increases of 12 to 15 per cent,” said AUSTIN FROST, vice president, sales and marketing, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.
“For 2009, we will focus on improving occupancies, particularly in locations like Dubai which has so many new hotels coming online. The market is going to get tremendously competitive. It will be much more focused perhaps on rates and special offers and Dubai in particular, has a double hit – not only with the economic turndown but also with all these brand new hotels opening in the city.”
He said that in the last 8-10 years, Dubai had seen quick growth, both in terms of occupancies and rates. “Our hotels in the Middle East will target to provide more value to our guests. Generally when there is a downturn, hoteliers either cut rates or they provide value added services, depending on the company and their position in the market place.”
Openings for 2009 include their first hotel in North America in Vancouver, the Shangri-La Hotel Doha and their four star brand Traders Abu Dhabi, opening in May. In four years time, the company will have 38 to 40 hotels up and running.
“Shangri-la is traditionally an Asian brand and we found a lot of our main competitors coming into China and South East Asia. So in order for us to maintain, and grow our European & American business in particular, we need to come to this part of the world and have a few flagships,” said Frost.
