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Dubai Hotel industry recovering fast

DUBAI - Rising occupancy levels in hotel industry show signs of recovery and the first quarter proved better than last year, a top official of a Dubai-based hotel said.

“First four months have shown steady increase in business and we are very optimistic and positive about this coming summer that perhaps would be better than last year,” Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer of Al Bustan Centre and Residence, told Khaleej Times at Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

“We have recorded a five-10 per cent increase in occupancy during the first quarter. However, the average rate is slightly lesser than previous years,” he said, adding: “We have a long summer now and 65-70 per cent occupancy level will be very good achievement.”

He denies for a new property in near future and said, “Not for the time being. When we see more demand for room the will think about it.”

Al Bustan is a self-contained complex with shopping mall on the ground level and four stories 640 residential units.

Commenting on the current ATM he said: “I believe this year there is definitely an increase in participants. In the first two days we witnessed new comers from different regions despite the global economic crisis and especially GCC nationals have shown more interest this year.”

Al Bustan announced that it will participate in a thrilling 2010 World Cup promotion. Under this promotion, every customer making a minimum purchase of Dh100 at its shops will receive a coupon entitling him or her to enter a raffle draw making them eligible to win a Ford Fiesta car.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com