Firms tapping Dubai’s niche concierge market

Florida-based Bluefish Concierge, which has established locations in Geneva, Hong Kong and London, is planning to add locations in Dubai, Los Angeles, Moscow and New York City by the end of the year, according to the July 2004 issue of Entrepreneur magazine published by Entrepreneur Media with headquarters at Irvine, California. The magazine as saying had quoted the founder of Bluefish Concierge, Steve Sims, “That’s the whole point of this job—the imagination. You’ve got an endless inventory. These people have the imagination, creativity, and money. As long as you can cater to that and manage people’s expectations, then you’ve got a good business.”

Bluefish Concierge is the “ultimate travel agency, rental car company and ticket brokerage house combined into one.” It offers personalised travel, transportation and entertainment-related services to corporate executives, celebrities, professional athletes and other discerning individuals.

It may be recalled that in November 2003, the Dubai arm of Quintessentially, a global concierge service, was launched, complimenting Quintessentially’s headquarters in the UK, and other offices New York and Switzerland. It caters to the eclectic mix of nationalities and cultures who travel frequently, enjoy dining in the best restaurants, attending international social and sporting events, and who want the best service wherever they might be in the world.

Meanwhile, the hotel sector in Dubai is keen on exceeding customer’s expectations by “going that extra mile”, giving new meaning to the phrase “service with a smile”.

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) statistics reveal that in 2003, nearly five million guests stayed with Dubai hotel establishments, an increase of five per cent over the previous year. Given the fast pace of development and construction boom of the emirate a, a marked increase in the number of visitors is likewise expected this year.

The DTCM created a Dubai Concierge Group, which comprise four and five-star hotel concierge. Some of its members have already become official members of the internationally recognised Les Clef d’or (Golden Keys) Organisation.

The DTCM likewise supports the ‘Concierge of the Year’ Award sponsored by Wafi City since 2001. The yearly event aims to maintain and enhance professionalism of Dubai’s hospitality industry.

The winners of Dubai’s Best Hotel Concierge of the Year 2003 had attended the Dubai Information Award course run by DTCM. Stressing the importance of training the hotels’ concierge, DTCM Manager of Training and Development, Lisa Steel, had stated earlier: “In hotels, concierge is the first point of contact for any tourist or guest to know about the destination. It is necessary to equip the concierge staff with knowledge about the place to enable them guide the tourists accurately and properly.”

Emirates Towers, the overall winner of Dubai’s Best Hotel Concierge of the Year 2003 for the second time, is keen on retaining the individual title and also win the team award in this year’s ‘Concierge of the Year’ awards to be held at the Sphinx Supper Club and Restaurant at Wafi City’s Pyramids entertainment complex on September 27.