MÖVENPICK Hotels & Resorts has reported slightly improved results across the region in 2009.
Markets such as Beirut have continued to perform well with a significant increase on last year in revenue while Jordan also saw an increase.
According to Toufic Tamim vice president sales and marketing Middle East: “Destinations that didn’t do so well are Madinah and Dubai. Results for Madinah were lower than anticipated because of the fear of the H1NI virus while Dubai suffered as a result of the decrease in consumer spending from key-source markets.“
Looking ahead the focus for 2010, is very much on the new openings and the positioning of those properties that have just opened.
“We have already begun to receive positive feedback and increased interest in the Mövenpick Resort Tala Bay Aqaba which was officially launched recently. Dubai will take up much of our time in 2010 with seven openings scheduled. First to open will be the 294-room Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach,” said Tamim.
Also scheduled to open in 2010 are the Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa and Oceana Hotel & Spa on the Palm Jumeirah, the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Mall and the Mövenpick Hotel Deira. The Mövenpick Residence at The Square Dubai with 180 rooms, and the Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai with 160 rooms and 289 apartments will also add to the company’s portfolio.
Tamim added: “The global recession has meant a significant decrease in spending with key source markets opting to stay closer to home or travel less frequently. I believe this will continue well into next year. I think we can also expect to see fewer incentive trips this year and an overall decrease in total spending.“
However he predicts an increase in cultural tourism, particularly in destinations such as Jordan, Beirut and Syria, and in last-minute booking and bargain hunting.