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RAK’s Marjan resort sees exceptional growth

Abdel Mohsen Al Hammadi, chairman of Marjan Island Resort and Spa, said the property recorded a strong occupancy level in the first two months of operations after the soft opening.

“We are witnessing strong occupancy rates especially on weekends when residents of other emirates flock to Marjan Island Resort and Spa looking for a relaxing Island get away,” Al Hammadi told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market.

Al Hammadi, who is also chairman of Oriana Hospital and the Manazil Group, is behind the new-concept, alcohol-free and wellness resort adapted for GCC families and guests looking for a detoxifying and purifying experience.

“We expect an exceptional growth in the coming months as the hotel will be opening additional rooms as well as more outlets on its vibrant corniche. Record occupancy rates are expected for the summer and the coming leisure season in October,” he said.

This view, Al Hammadi says, is due to the interest “our resort has triggered in the local as well as the international market”.

To a question about the formal inauguration of the 301-key property at the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah, he said Marjan Island Resort and Spa will be officially inaugurated in September.

“Due to the exceptional facilities that the hotel has got combined with our unique Island location, we are a perfect destination for the Mice [Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions] business, sports events and cultural gatherings,” he said.

About the potential core regions for future growth, he said: “Our target market are families from different destinations including the GCC, the CIS and European markets.”

“In addition to the traditional markets that have shown a strong interest since day one, we are aiming to go to emerging markets from Eastern Europe or the Indian Sub-continent,” he added.

“Having full-fledged spa retreat facilities with traditional and modern treatments, we are also focusing on consumers from different destinations who are looking for wellness and health holidays.”

About the dining facilities at the resort, he said the property has a Turtle Beach restaurant at the beach, the all-day dining international buffet restaurant Al Liwan and Casa Maghrib — an authentic Moroccan restaurant on the Island’s corniche.

“We will soon open an authentic Italian Al Forno, Pan-Asian, Aysia and a Lebanese Zaitouna. We benefit from a unique location on the Island boardwalk that is becoming the hotspot of Ras Al Khaimah and where there is room for more outlets to come,” he added.

“In terms of expansion, we are currently exploring the Dubai market for future projects,” he said.

Regarding the outlook for Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality industry, he said it is very promising as the emirate has huge growth potential in the coming years.

“We are witnessing continued year-on-year growth and the emirate has not yet reached its full potential. Marjan Island is just at its beginning; the government is helping the tourism sector with massive investments in hospitality projects. About $500 million has been invested in tourism development projects and we expect these new developments to attract more tourists,” he explained.

To a question about the growing competition with new hotel openings in Ras Al Khaimah, he said the emirate still needs more hospitality projects to meet the growing demand from the visitors and holidaymakers.

“Despite new hotel openings, Ras Al Khaimah is still below its potential and does not meet the demand yet. The more players in the market, the more it will participate in its promotion and attract more tourists from different niche markets and countries,” Al Hammadi said.

— muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com