Nuran Kilani, Vice President – Commercial, Time Hotels, shares with TravTalk the current industry outlook and the way forward. Underlining operational efficiency, service delivery, and digital adoption, she opines that protecting momentum, growing market share, and ensuring every touchpoint reflects reliability and warmth guarantee success.
Dr Shehara Rizly Fernando
Tell us about the initiatives taken to keep the positive momentum?
The travel landscape today is defined by resilience, agility, and smarter commercial strategy. Demand is healthy, but expectations have shifted; guests want value, consistency, and purpose-driven experiences. Across our hotels, we have focused on tightening operational efficiency, elevating service delivery, and accelerating digital adoption. The goal is simple: protect momentum, grow market share, and ensure every touchpoint reflects reliability and warmth.
Has assistance provided by the government to hotels and tourism establishments helped?
Government support has been instrumental in stabilising the sector. From fee reductions to flexible regulations and tourism-driven campaigns, the UAE has demonstrated what true public–private partnership looks like. This alignment allowed hotels to retain talent, maintain quality, and reinvest in guest experience.
How do you see the role of sustainability in the industry?
Sustainability is no longer a project; it’s a commercial imperative. Our focus is on responsible consumption, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement, but equally on building a culture where teams understand why sustainability matters. The future belongs to operators who can deliver impact without compromising guest comfort.
Which markets will bounce back faster after these trying times?
Historically, regional GCC markets, India, and key European feeders rebound first due to proximity, strong air connectivity, and established travel confidence. Long-haul markets follow once stability is sustained and airline capacity normalises. The winners will be destinations that communicate safety, value, and seamless access.
How do you see the future of the industry?
The future of hospitality is experience-led, tech-enabled, and human at its core. We will see deeper personalisation, stronger sustainability commitments, and a shift towards holistic journeys rather than isolated stays. Operators who combine commercial intelligence with genuine hospitality will define the next decade.
