Assured commissions for partners

DAMAC Hotels & Resorts and Paramount Hotels have benefitted from the continuous growth of tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The rising travel demand brings in a steady economy and the expansion of new source markets. Dean Rossilli, Senior Vice President, DAMAC Hospitality shared with TRAVTALK  some key trends and insights.

TT Bureau

Could you share details about the performance over the past year?

Over the past year, our performance has demonstrated significant growth. This trend is particularly notable in the realm of travel demand, where we have observed a marked uptick, accompanied by the emergence of new opportunities within burgeoning markets. Notably, we have reinforced our efforts to drive brand awareness and the reputation of DAMAC Hotels and Resorts and Paramount Hotels in the GCC and beyond. We find ourselves positioned within a landscape of burgeoning opportunities, poised to capitalise on this resurgence and contribute to Dubai’s continued ascent towards its glory days.

What are the expectations for this year?

This year signifies a transformative juncture for our presence in Dubai’s dynamic tourism sector. Anchored in the city’s resurgence in travel demand and economic vitality, alongside an expanding array of source markets, we aim to continue elevating our occupancy and revenue streams. Key to our strategic agenda is the reinforcement of our brand identity and narrative, spotlighting our portfolio of seven properties in Dubai, including the iconic Paramount Hotel Dubai, Paramount Hotel Midtown, DAMAC Maison Mall Street, DAMAC Maison Creek View, DAMAC Maison Cour Jardin, DAMAC Maison Distinction and DAMAC Maison Aykon City. This emphasis on brand nurturing serves as a cornerstone for our sustained growth as a brand, leveraging the cinematic allure of the Paramount brand, which carries a legacy of entertainment spanning 112 years.

Do you work with travel agents and corporate bookers? What is the percentage of business they bring? How do you incentivise them?

Yes, we collaborate closely with travel agents and corporate bookers to facilitate bookings and drive business to our properties. These partnerships play a significant role in our overall sales strategy. To incentivise our partners, we offer competitive commission structures and exclusive promotions. Additionally, we prioritise building strong relationships through personalised service and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our partners.

Which are the main source markets that occupy your properties?

Our properties attract guests from a diverse range of source markets, reflecting Dubai’s status as a global hub for business and leisure travel. While traditional markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia continue to contribute significantly to our occupancy rates, we have also observed growing interest from emerging markets such as China, India, CIS, and Africa. Our strategic marketing efforts target these key source markets.

Have you seen a difference in terms of bookings or stays?

In recent months, we have seen a noticeable shift in booking patterns, with an increasing proportion of leisure travellers compared to pre-pandemic levels. This trend reflects evolving consumer preferences and pent-up demand for travel.