Chinese visitors: A potential goldmine

dusitD2 Kenz Hotel in Barsha Heights and Dusit Princess Residences in Dubai Marina have been witnessing huge visitor turnouts. The return of Chinese visitors provides an opportunity for the two properties to look forward to a more positive year ahead, says Bassam Zakaria, Cluster General Manager, dusitD2 Kenz Hotel & Dusit Princess Residences.

TT Bureau

What do you think about the business this year?

We are having a sunny outlook for the rest of the year for both dusitD2 Kenz Hotel and Dusit Princess Residences. With Dubai’s well-planned calendar of events paired with the continuous increase in tourists and more businesses coming in, both properties are on a staggering growth track. It is also safe to say that both hotels are having strong post-pandemic rebound with performance on a steep trajectory as we course through 2023. We have also received numerous accolades from notable partners, who acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our team when it comes to delivering top-notch guest experiences. Both hotels ended 2022 with strong performances and one of our best years in business. With travel restrictions eased, and the government continuing to roll out game-changing and ambitious tourism plans, we were able to bounce back after the pandemic with above 80 per cent occupancy.

Are you tapping into new markets this year?

We are receiving grasping demand from the international and the GCC, including UAE markets, and the presence of Chinese market is infiltrating our stream of guests this year. With the influx of businesses following relaxed COVID-related travel restrictions, the Chinese market presents a promising opportunity for growth in our commercial performance. On top of that, as the Emirate will be hosting COP28 this year, we have noticed a significant change in the type of travellers that Dubai is attracting. With global travel undergoing a paradigm shift, we are making every effort to remain competitive in delivering the best guest experience with an eco-conscious mindset.

How important are travel agents/ bookers for you?

We are continuing to have a stellar and strong relationship with them, as they contribute heavily to our occupancy and business around the year. The core benefits of having a travel agent are access to exclusive fares, offering specialist expertise, and helping travellers plan and coordinate their trips.

What are the new initiatives for this year?

One of our major initiatives this year is ramping up our sustainable initiatives in line with UAE’s announcement that 2023 is the “Year of Sustainability”. Key priorities include mindful energy consumption, reducing waste, and sustainable food production by supporting UAE’s growing local production. We also live in an era of tech-empowered travel, as technologies proved to be crucial in the post-pandemic world. We recognise that existing and emerging technologies will continue to influence travel in many ways and are important for building trust among travellers.