Tech to drive business for Swissotel

Amro Nagah, General Manager, Swissotel Al Murooj Hotel, Dubai, shares with TRAVTALK  the many areas of growth in the hospitality industry in Dubai over the years. Social media has played an important role and the usage of different innovative technologies has placed Dubai as a destination attracting both business and leisure travellers, he says.

Shehara Rizly

As Dubai sets records across the boards, how has Dubai’s hospitality changed over the years?

Tourism and hospitality sector plays an important role in Dubai. We can see that Dubai is one of the leading markets, where social media has played a key role and the usage of different innovative technologies has placed Dubai as a destination attracting both business and leisure travellers.

What is the hotel industry’s role in sustainability?

Sustainability has been gradually taking importance in Dubai over the past few years. Sustainability is the way forward, it is the lifestyle and the way forward in future. In terms of Swissotel Al Murooj, we have participated in many programs on sustainability such as Planet 21 initiatives by Accor where we are removing the plastics in our hotel. We, with Dubai municipality, have participated in many programs as well, such as clean-up UAE campaign, tree planting, earth hour and carbon calculator compliant by the government. We at Swissotel Al Murooj are committed to sustainability as we are in the process to be certified by Green Globe. By earning Green Globe certification our hotel can further demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, and get recognition for being energy efficient, conservation of water and indoor air quality achievements.

COP28 is a few months away, how will this contribute towards the hospitality landscape in Dubai?

I believe that COP28 will contribute a lot, especially towards the hospitality industry. This will bring in leaders from across the world to discuss the importance of climate change, which will, in turn, impact the hospitality industry in Dubai.

Could you share your opinion on disruptive technologies in hospitality?

Emergence of disruptive technologies has both advantages and disadvantages. This again will impact the guests and the companies that develop them. However, the main benefit in utilising these technologies is that it makes life much easier for guests and helps companies increase their profits. At the same time the flip side is the security risk, which as hotels in Dubai, we have taken that step further as the future of the industry depends on innovation and technology.

GenZ are the new age travellers of the day, are hotels ready to cater to their requests?

When you take Dubai, yes. I will say that hotels are more than ready to provide a more meaningful experience for these new age travellers. Their commitment to sustainability is an important aspect to keep in mind, as they always look out for experiences that are one of a kind. Government of Dubai keeps the hospitality industry ahead by providing the latest insights and making sure that the new age travelllers get the experience that they are looking for and ensure their return to the destination with the varied innovative programs in store for these travellers.