35% business accrued from travel biz

Issam Slaimi, General Manager, Golden Tulip Media Hotel in conversation with TRAVTALK shared that 35% of its business is accumulated from the travel trade. In an exclusive interview, the hospitality leader shares the way forward approach by the hotel and the Louvre Hotel Group when it comes to sustainability practices, which has gained paramount importance today.

TT Bureau

What is your opinion on adopting sustainability in the hospitality industry?

Louvre Hotel Group was the first among the world’s leading hotel businesses that already incorporated sustainable practices into its operations to reduce the adverse environmental impact. As per studies, the hotel industry contributes 1 per cent of worldwide carbon emissions and to slash that ration, the hotels have taken many steps to ensure sustainability practices are in place. On a hotel level, we already have several practices in place, including eliminating the single-use plastic, smart thermostats, energy-saving LED bulbs, and smart climate control, among others. This practice not only benefits the environment, but also helps one to save money on running the daily operation.

Will sustainability mean guests will have pay extra? If so, how much would that be?

As the guests are the main consumers of water and energy resources, it is important to involve them in our efforts. So, we do communicate to all the guests to be mindful of water and energy use. The cost of sustainable product is often higher due to expensive raw materials. However, we are not planning to implement any sustainability charges on guests.

How important is ATM? Will you be partnering with the group?

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) provides us a unique platform for us to meet with our existing partners and industry colleagues, considering the position of Dubai and UAE on the world tourism map. The Louvre Hotel Group has taken a stand, and we will be representing our hotel or the group from there in the ATM.

What will be your key objectives at this year’s ATM?

Our significant objectives will be to network with top professionals and explore the latest travel technologies, meet our existing partners to re-establish our valuable partnerships. Another focus area of the Louvre Hotel Group is to secure new business relationships and to attend some of the conference sessions, especially the new sustainability hub.

Will you be looking at new source markets?

Besides what we have, we will also be looking to increase the demand from China as they are an important part of
the the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) source markets before the pandemic.

Do you work with travel agents? What is the percentage of business with agents/corporate bookers?

Yes, we do work with destination management companies (DCMs), wholesalers, and tour operators.  Nearly 35 per cent of our business comes from the travel trade segment.