Fairmont looks to emerging markets
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DUBAI, April 13, 2010 - Ahead of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai next month, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has outlined its growth strategy in the Middle East and North Africa as key emerging markets for the hotel group. After opening four new properties in 2009, – Fairmont is relaunching two iconic properties this year - The Savoy in London and The Peace Hotel in Shanghai — while aiming to open five additional new destinations for 2010. During a press briefing today, Fairmont executives noted that despite the challenging international economy, the hotel group is growing at a healthy pace, with plans to open about five new properties per year, including mega-projects such as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel in Saudi Arabia
“Fairmont’s growth in the Middle East region is being driven by two key factors - the focus on our properties in the UAE, Egypt and now Saudi Arabia, as well as the increase that we’re seeing in Gulf travelers and other around the region to our properties in the US, Europe and Asia,” said Kent Cooper, Vice President, Regional Hotel Sales MEA. “The Fairmont brand blends the history and tradition of our landmark properties with the contemporary elements of our newly-built hotels which then become iconic as well - these brand hallmarks are resonating with clients traveling to our newer properties in the Middle East and also regionally-based clients heading abroad, where we address the specific needs of guests from Arab countries such as halal food and family suites.”
One of the most eagerly anticipated developments for Fairmont in 2010 is the opening of the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, for which more than 2600+ Muslim staff members are currently being hired to service the monumental hospitality complex in Saudi Arabia’s most sacred destination, with more than 850 rooms as well as serviced residences. In addition to pilgrimage bookings, Fairmont anticipates that the region’s growing meetings, incentives and conferences business will be a major draw for the Makkah Clock Royal Tower property.
“It’s fair to say that the development and opening of the Makkah Clock Royal Tower is one of the most significant milestones in Fairmont’s 100-year history given the reverence of the location as well as the genuine needs that we have identified in Makkah for new levels of hospitality and conference offerings as well as the ambitious plans that the government of Saudi Arabia has outlined for growth in that region,” said Mohammed Al-Arkobi – Vice President and General Manager of Makkah Clock Royal Tower. “Just as the number of guests from the Middle East to Fairmont’s 60 other global properties has been steadily increasing, Makkah Clock Royal Tower serves as a powerful visual reminder of the commitment that our group is making in this region.”
During the press briefing, Fairmont executives outlined the other key drivers of regional growth and development, in line with the brand’s global positioning:
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) - Fairmont is seeing growth in MICE business across its five properties with dedicated global sales colleagues in the Middle East and North Africa, with Fairmont Heliopolis as the group’s MICE leader regionally. Video conferencing in its UAE properties; the development in training, medical and continuing education events; the boom in the Gulf and Egypt’s wedding bookings; and Fairmont’s expertise in managing events from six guests to 600 plus are driving MICE increases.
Upholding a philosophy of environmental awareness has established Fairmont as an industry leader in sustainable hotel development. For the past two decades, Fairmont has been dedicated to preserving the places in which guests and colleagues live, work and play through its Green Partnership Program. Expanding on this 20-year commitment, Fairmont will continue to actively support a sustainable future and a low carbon economy.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also offer a range of exclusive guest recognition programs designed to reflect individual travel needs. Fairmont President’s Club and Fairmont Gold provide a personalized service with special benefits and privileges to loyal guests, ensuring the needs of both corporate and leisure travelers are met.
“Our five existing properties across the Middle East and North Africa not only illustrate Fairmont’s stronghold within the region itself, but verify the significance of such properties to a hotel group seeking considerable growth and expansion. Fairmont’s achievement and innovation in the Middle East highlight the critical importance of catering to guests from within the region whether it be for our Gold member travelers, spa lovers or those who enjoy world class dining facilities,” said Philip Barnes, Regional Vice President of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and general manager of Fairmont Dubai.
When the grand Fairmont San Francisco opened on Nob Hill in 1907, it set the stage for connecting the Fairmont name with “place of occasion”. Today, Fairmont is committed to growth, expanding its brand presence globally with a number of exciting projects in the Middle East, Asia and numerous other locations. With over a century of hospitality excellence to build on, Fairmont looks forward to creating unforgettable experiences for years to come.
Fairmont will be participating in ATM on 4 May 2010.
PHOTO CAPTION: from left to right, Mohammed Al-Arkobi – Vice President and General Manager of Makkah Clock Royal Tower and Kent Cooper, Vice President, Regional Hotel Sales MEA
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