Ramada Downtown Dubai aims to expand source markets at ATM 2014
Exhibiting on the Wyndham Hotels stand at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) next month, the Ramada Downtown Dubai will use the region’s major travel show as a platform to expand source markets and build awareness of the hotel’s prime location adjacent to the city’s biggest attractions including Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
According to General Manager Samir Arora, the ATM is an unrivalled marketplace that attracts travel trade from across the globe: “With nearly 22,000 visitors last year, including more than 860 media professionals and 170 hosted buyers, the exhibition is the leading travel event in the region, and presents us with an ideal showcase to promote our new products, launch special offers and make contacts in emerging markets.”
With an inventory of 181 suites and a location within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, the hotel is already very popular with the GCC family market, but Mr Arora said there was growing interest from emerging markets: “We are in the process of sourcing new markets and diversifying our guest profile - our strategy is to target those visitors receptive to our core strength, an alcohol-free, family environment.
“Aside from countries such as Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil, we are looking at Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan where family group travel is popular.”
In a bid to enhance its competitive position, the Ramada Downtown Dubai has begun an extensive refurbishment of interiors. The phased refreshment of public areas and room furnishings was scheduled for completion by early next year.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We are renovating our all-day dining restaurant with a new look and theme, where a modern Arabic menu will be served in the evenings, and are also revamping our meeting rooms and public areas of the hotel,” Mr Arora said. “It will be done in stages, with minimal disruption to guests, and we will be taking this message to ATM to inform all travel agents and tour operators.”