Strategic game plan by Golden Tulip

Successfully coming through trying times, Golden Tulip Media Hotel remained open even when the pandemic hit the nation last year. They honed their skills in gearing up to conform to standards that ensures guests to return. Issam Slaimi, General Manager – Golden Tulip Media Hotel shares with their game plan.

Shehara Rizly

Q How did you manage to stay open during the pandemic?

Covid-19 hit the hotel industry hard, choosing to stay open was definitely challenging. Whatever the situation may be, people always want to “getaway” but during a pandemic time hygiene and safety comes first. We implement strategy to sustain the repeater and long staying guest to cover our cost.And we ensured to the guests that hygiene and safety matters to our hotel by increasing   cleaning frequency all throughout the hotel especially in high touch points. We did add many hand sanitizer stations, reduced the capacity in all restaurants, pool and gym. We have also made sure to update our Covid safety measures in all websites and to have our Dubai safe certificate in place.  All the hotel staff were trained, certified in Covid safety measures and we are fortunate that none of our staff got the virus.

Q What are the markets that worked during the pandemic and now?

In the beginning of pandemic, it was more of local business, later-on we have had a good share from France, India and Egypt.  The markets that we see currently moving are mainly CIS markets and East Europe; we do have a good share from domestic market as well.

Q What will be your plans for summer?

We are focusing to have more long term guests, by offering attractive long stay packages and flexible payment options.  Hotel is well established in CIS markets, East Europe and other travel agents around the globe.  We are looking forward to capitalize the local staycation demand from the residents and establish a good corporate account.

Q Q4 will feature the greatest show of the year Expo 2020; what are the plans made for it?

We are already seeing a good demand over Expo period especially from groups; we are also working with different companies who works for Expo to cater to their hotel booking needs.

Q What initiatives and strategies will you use to attract new markets?

We work on the new markets mainly through our travel partners who are strong in each market.  We also make sure that each guest leaves from our hotel with happy memories, which will help us to retain and attract new guests.  We also ensure that we are visible in all the leading booking channels.