TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
A significant portion of business to hotels in the Middle East region is contributed by agents due to the rise in bleisure travel over the past few years, which enables the traveller to explore more options than just the business meeting. In an interview with TRAVTALK, Sushanth Nambiar, Cluster GM, Pullman Dubai JLT & Novotel and Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate, shares more on the trend.
TT Bureau
Do share with us the inventory and the performance over the past year?
The combined inventory of Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate, and Pullman Dubai JLT totals an impressive 872 rooms—294 for Ibis, 224 for Novotel, and 354 for Pullman Dubai JLT. All three hotels have demonstrated a strong growth in best in class occupancies and a robust ADR, thanks to the brand strength, distribution, loyalty programmes and not to forget the support of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Tourism in their visionary approach for the destinations.
What is the contribution from travel agents?
We work closely with various travel agents and corporate entities and a significant portion of our business is driven by these partners and segments. We have strong relationships in place with the partners, both regionally and globally, and most of the key partners are connected with our systems to enjoy the best partnership rates and offers.
How do you commit to sustainability in all three properties?
Sustainability is at the core of operations at Novotel, Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate, and Pullman Dubai JLT, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship that aligns with the UAE’s national sustainability goals. Notably, Pullman Dubai JLT holds Green Globe Certification, while Novotel and Ibis are certified by Green Key. These certifications recognise our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible management within the travel and tourism industry.
One of the standout initiatives is the installation of a water bottling plant. This significant investment allows the hotels to drastically reduce their plastic waste by providing guests with reusable glass bottles instead of single-use plastics. This move is a testament to the hotels’ dedication to reducing plastic pollution and supporting a greener future.
All of the three hotels have completely eliminated the use of single use plastic. This transition to sustainable alternatives not only helps in reducing plastic waste but also sets a benchmark for the industry, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist seamlessly. We can confidently say almost all of our guests show appreciation for our efforts.
In an innovative approach to dining sustainability, the hotels have introduced CO2 emissions information on their menus. This transparency empowers guests to make environmentally conscious dining choices, promoting greater awareness and responsibility regarding the environmental impact of their
food consumption.
More than 25 per cent of the menu offerings are now vegan and vegetarian, promoting healthier and more sustainable eating habits. Additionally, the sustainability menus feature dishes made with locally sourced and farm-produced ingredients. This not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. As part of Ne’ma’s and ReLoop’s 5 Million Saved Meals Campaign, Novotel and Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate participated in the Zero Food Waste to Landfill campaign during the Holy month of Ramadan.
