Travel agents key for biz growth

Bulk of bookings in the Gulf Cooperation Council nations still come from the traditional travel agents with the support of OTAs as well. Ahmad Ghosheh, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, shares with TRAVTALK their importance and some of the key source markets, which have been making waves in Dubai.

TT Bureau

Share about the property’s occupancy and general status over the past year?

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach has experienced occupancy growth levels, driven by the status of Dubai as a premier destination for leisure as well as business travellers.

Our location in JBR, has consistently contributed to higher-than-average occupancy levels, attracting a healthy mix of leisure and corporate guests.

How important are travel agents and what percentage of business do you get from them?

Travel agents are a key part of our business strategy, providing access to diverse traveller segments, particularly from markets where we may not have a direct presence. While specific percentages are proprietary, we rely heavily on agents, particularly in Russia, Europe, CIS, and GCC markets, to help curate and guide travel experiences. OTAs play a role, but traditional agents remain a valuable source.

Who are your key source markets? What is your USP to attract travellers?

Our key source markets are the GCC nations, which show strong demand, particularly for family vacations. Western Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, are important markets, with the travellers seeking sunny getaways and high-quality services. There is consistent demand from Russia and CIS countries.

Our Unique Selling Proposition lies in our exceptional personalised services that translates in reputation scores on online travel aggregators, which make us the top ranked choice for many travellers. Also, our prime location situated in one of Dubai’s most vibrant areas, surrounded by a public beach, a beach mall, and a range of restaurants. As an urban lifestyle hotel, we lay emphasis on sustainability, earning recognition from DET and Green Globe, and several accolades.