Bill Keffer will take the role of general manager at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

After celebrating unprecedented occupancy rates for Tower 1 during its inaugural year, the second tower of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai has officially opened under the leadership of newly appointed general manager, Bill Keffer.

Owned by Emirates Group, Dubai’s first world-class convention and business destination hotel originally opened in November 2012 and was awarded World’s Tallest Hotel by the Guinness Book of Records shortly after for its considerable height of 355 metres.

The iconic Tower 2 will feature an additional 804 luxurious suites and rooms, bringing the total room count to 1,608, to be opened gradually throughout the year. 

Tower 2 will also introduce a new lounge which will build on the hotel’s current 14-strong portfolio of restaurants and lounges.

The new offering will have a 72nd floor two tier function space, appealing to events planners worldwide thanks to its breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline.

Leading the hotel team of 1,200 associates and more than 70 nationalities, is newly appointed general manager, Bill Keffer.

Having spent two years as hotel manager in the hotel, Keffer is well placed to take on the position of general manager, having already led the team to significant operational success.

Hailing from the southern state of Tennessee in the US, Keffer has held managerial positions with Marriott International for 25 years.

Beginning his career in the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Keffer joined Marriott International in his home state of Tennessee some time later, followed by positions in Florida and New York.
 
Commenting on the tower opening, Keffer said: “The second tower opening has opened at an important time in Dubai’s development; recent reports from Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing predict that by 2020, Dubai will receive around 20 million visitors per year.

“This is due to the country’s growing prominence as a MICE destination on the world stage and the recent Expo 2020 win.

“In light of this we are confident our hotel is in a strong position to cater for the increased number of visitors, particularly because our conference and event facilities are equipped to host over 1,000 people to meet, dine and stay.”

Keffer added: “Dubai is an attractive destination for large scale conferences and events - an area the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai specialises in.

“Not only do we have the right facilities, we have a highly talented team made up of associates from all around the world meaning we are perfectly able to adapt to cultural needs; a key factor in today’s global economy.

“We believe our hotel has the right offering to help Dubai build upon its reputation as the premier global MICE destination and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the team to further success.”

World Travel Awards

One of the most exciting things on the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s agenda is the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony.

The event, scheduled for May 4th, will welcome hundreds of industry leaders to the United Arab Emirates as leading organisations from across the region battle it out to be crowned champion at the most prestigious of award ceremonies.