Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels unveils new brand, Zone Connect

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited launches Zone Connect, a limited service brand under its Zone by The Park portfolio. Zone Connect channels its inimitable spirit and design ethos of Zone by The Park. The brand has been launched with 4 Zone Connect hotels, all under management contract, in Coimbatore, Goa and Port Blair. The hotels are slated to open in the first half of 2021.

Zone Connect Coimbatore will have 55 contemporary designed rooms, an all-day dining, bar and a banquet which makes it an ideal business hotel. This is the group’s second hotel in the city, after Zone by The Park Coimbatore, which was launched in 2014.

Zone Connect Goa in located in bustling Bandez (north of Goa) and will house 49 rooms with an all-day dining, a bar, banquets, a pool, a spa and a salon. It is expected to open in the first quarter 2021.

Zone Connect Port Blair will consist of 25 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a banquet, a spa, and a pool.

Zone Connect Tirupati with 88 rooms, all day dining and banquets.

Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited said, “We are delighted to launch Zone Connect under our social-catalyst brand, Zone by The Park. It borrows from the ethos of Zone by The Park in being interactive, creative and contemporary. We are excited to have signed three hotels so early on. Zone Connect will bridge the gap for quality accommodation in Tier II and Tier III cities and will give the hotel owners opportunity to grow their business with a reliable and thriving brand.”

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Chef Dayashankar Sharma bags Chef Of the Year Award Greater London 2020

The Asian Food and Restaurant Awards (AFRA) paid homage to Asian hospitality, services and supplier sectors through an online event recently. Born & brought up in a small village- Bhojpura Kalan (Rajasthan, India), Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma was awarded as the Chef of the Year Award Greater London 2020 by the fraternity.

AFRA recognized the achievements made by industries leading figures from “South Asians across the UK”. Continuing its winning ways, Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma being declared Chef of The Year for Greater London continuously second time. Known for pairing classic flavours with sumptuous new ideas, Chef Sharma’s new vegan dishes including Lotus root & asparagus with red peppers, cooked with cumin, turmeric & dry ground mango, and Stem broccoli with crushed black pepper, roasted cumin & lime juice gained lot of traction earlier last year among customers.

Trained from honing an impeccable reputation right from the beginning across 32 years of culinary experience, Chef Dayashankar Sharma has become recognized for pairing time-honored tradition with contemporary ideas and creating his food with full commitment and passion for every occasion. Chef Sharma also holds classes on Heritage recipes of India for Foreign Hospitality students in London.

Hotel occupancy levels improved to 35% in November 2020 on back of domestic travel: JLL

With the emergence of recovery indicators, the hospitality sector has also witnessed a revival in room night demand in the last quarter of 2020, as compared to the previous quarters of the year. Occupancy levels have grown month on month since September 20 to cross 35% sector-wide in November 20 (as per STR data), which is the highest since beginning of the nation-wide lockdown in March 20. The revival of the sector has primarily been driven by leisure ‘revenge travel’ during weekends and the festival season, weddings and food & beverage demand.

Goa, India’s most sought-after leisure market, witnessed considerable growth in recent months achieving a market-wide occupancy level of almost 55% in November 20. Luxury and upper upscale hotels in Goa performed well in November 20, achieving healthy occupancy levels ranging between 60% and 70% as compared to occupancy levels in Nov’19 that ranged between 65% and 75%.

“Domestic business travel is expected to pick-up pace from March-April 21 onwards, as employees return to workplaces and travel advisories by companies are softened. Additionally, domestic leisure will continue to drive occupancies across the country. F&B demand will continue to grow as eating out will increase albeit cautiously” said Jaideep Dang, Managing Director, Hotels and Hospitality Group, South Asia, JLL.

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NEWS | Service industry staff in Abu Dhabi must have fortnightly COVID-19 tests

From January 10, 2021, employees working in the sectors outlined above will be required to get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. Employers are required to cover the costs of testing.

The directions are “in line with the COVID-19 preventive measures in Abu Dhabi and aim to create a safe and healthy environment while limiting the effects of the pandemic”.

All individuals who have been vaccinated are exempt from testing.

MoT conducts 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar on ‘Secrets and Delights of Indian cuisine’

In partnership with the National e-Governance Department, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Tourism recently conducted Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series called 'Secrets and Delights of Indian Cuisine.' Presented by Dr. Aruna Sharma, retired IAS officer of MP Cadre batch 1982, the webinar was held to discuss the significance of Indian cuisine. She highlighted the role of immunity-boosting locally grown food grains and vegetables.

India is a melting pot of different cultures as it incorporates various regional dishes, cooking styles, locally available unique spices, grains, vegetables, and fruits.   Indian cuisine provides a balance of taste and health.

With the landscape, dialect, culture, and food habits changing every few kilometres, the country offers a plethora of food varying in cooking styles across different regions. This aspect reflects in forms of food available at homes, streets, or fine dining venues in India.

The 'Dekho Apna Desh' series captured this diversity to reverberate 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.'

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, concluded the webinar by mentioning the variety of cuisines, food trails accessible in India. She further highlighted the Ministry of Tourism's initiative called Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification. This certification encourages the citizens of India to participate in the Tourism Industry actively.

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FSSAI notifies standards for fortification of processed food products

The packet of noodles, pasta or rusk that you pick up may soon come with added vitamins and minerals. After setting fortification standards for staples, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified norms for permissible levels of micronutrients for fortifying processed food products such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, breads, rusks, pasta, noodles, buns and fruit juices.

Companies that make such products can fortify them with micronutrients voluntarily. Also, products that are high in fat, salt and sugar will be “excluded” from the fortified processed foods category.

“Fortified Processed Foods may have fortified staples as raw materials and/or fortified with permitted micronutrients and additives as specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011,” stated the latest notification.

Permissible levels

The FSSAI has restricted the amount of fortification that can be added to 15-30 per cent of the average daily dietary intake levels. This has been done to ensure balanced consumption of micronutrients fortified products. “The Fortified Processed Food shall provide 15-30 per cent of the Indian adult RDA (Recommended dietary Allowance) of micronutrient, based on an average calorie intake of 600 kcal from processed foods (approximately a third of daily energy requirement for an adult),” it said.

Companies will be able to fortify the products with iron, folic acid, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin A, among other micronutrients. The notification has defined the levels of these vitamins and minerals per 100 gm. For instance, iron levels have been set at 1.4-1.7 mg per 100 gms of cereals.

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Marriott International Expands Footprint In Japan In 2020

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced the expansion of its footprint in Japan with the debut of six of its hotel brands in the country in 2020. Newly introduced brands include AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, EDITION, JW Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Reserve. With these additions and other openings during the year, the company will end 2020 with a total of 63 open properties in Japan represented across 18 brands.

“With its beautiful contrasts between modernity and traditions, future-forward cities and breathtaking rural landscapes, Japan has always been an important market to Marriott International as a preferred destination for travelers,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International Asia-Pacific (excluding Greater China). “Our expanded portfolio with highly distinctive brands provides travelers in Japan with more choice to meet their needs and interests across a wide range of segments.”

From Neon City Lights to Powder Snow Skiing, Marriott International’s Luxury Brands Invite Travelers to Rediscover the Beauty of Japan

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Hotels, restaurants in Mumbai to ring in the new year at 10.30pm

Adapting to the new Covid-19 night curfew guidelines, city hotels and restaurants have decided that they will ring in 2021 an hour and half early at 10.30 PM.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has asked its members hotels and restaurants in the State to gear up for early celebrations on New Year’s Eve. With the State announcing a curfew post 11 pm, hotels and restaurants have decided to ring in the New Year Eve celebrations an hour and half early. The HRAWI has opined that ending the year earlier is a fitting tribute to Hospitality Industry's never say die attitude and welcome the New Year filled with hope and promise. The Association has also stated that while the curfew will disrupt Hospitality industry’s plans, it appreciates the Government’s pre-emptive measures to allay any threat of the pandemic’s second wave.

“Like every year, Mumbai will have its celebrations this year too, albeit a little earlier. The Government is doing its best to help keep its citizens safe and we see the intent behind the decision. But if it’s celebrations that Mumbaikars want, we will give it to them while ensuring that all norms and safety measures are adhered to. This is probably even better as people will get to be at their homes at midnight to bring in the New Year with their families,” says Mr. Sherry Bhatia, President, HRAWI.

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Bastion of Alpine hospitality, Badrutt’s Palace, reopened for the winter season

Badrutt’s Palace, reopened its doors recently with 40 newly renovated rooms and suites, an array of magical festivities, culinary highlights and new spoiling winter packages for guests to enjoy St. Moritz to the fullest. Leveraging the hotel’s spacious layout, plentiful facilities, expansive grounds and close proximity to the slopes, the team has been carefully refining the offering to protect the health and safety of guests and staff, while ensuring the much-loved magic of the Palace remains throughout the winter season.

This Christmas and New Year, the palace has prepared a charmed programme of festivities and spectacular decorations by famous production artist Vincenzo Dascanio. The magical events to unfold over the festive period will include Christmas Afternoon Tea at Le Grand Hall, followed by a Christmas Dinner at Le Restaurant on the 24th and 25th December, and the annual Egg Nog Party on Christmas Day with live classical music. To end the year in style, the Palace will host exclusive New Year’s Eve dinners across its award-winning restaurants, including a four-course menu at Le Restaurant and Le Grand Hall in true Palace tradition.

Newly-appointed Executive Chef Maxime Luvara brings with him extensive international experience and an innovative spirit to create a progressive gastronomic journey to suit every palette. As the leading dining destination in St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is home to an eclectic variety of acclaimed restaurants. Awarded a second Michelin star earlier this year, Andreas Caminada’s IGNIV promises inspired sharing dishes and contemporary interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola. Matsuhisa – located in what was formerly Europe’s first?indoor tennis hall – is the signature Japanese-Peruvian restaurant by the eponymous and world-famous chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Guests can retreat to vintage cigar lounge Renaissance Bar for a nightcap or cigar by the big stone hearth. Just across the road is 1658-built Chesa Veglia, the oldest ‘peasant house’ in St. Moritz. As Swiss as can be, its eateries are a reminder that Italy is only 40 miles south — the Italian-speaking waiters are often told that the pizza at Pizzeria Heuboden rivals the finest from their motherland.

FHRAI delegates meet Government officials in Telangana, requests industry status for hospitality sector

A delegation of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and the South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA) under the leadership of D V S Somaraju. Hon. Treasurer, FHRAI and Executive Committee Member, SIHRA met with the Principal Secretary, MAUD. Government of Telangana, Arvind Kumar, and Jayesh Ranjan, (IAS) Principal Secretary (I&C) & IT requesting for the Hospitality sector in the State to be granted Industry status. D.V.S. Somaraju submitted a representation on the subject. The apex Hospitality Association has also requested the Government to reduce the number of licenses for the Hospitality sector through the introduction of a single-window clearance system. The FHRAI has pleaded to the State Government to accord industry status to help revive and augment the hospitality sector’s growth.

“The Government of Telangana has been always on the forefront with progressive measures and policies aimed for socio-economic development in the State. Its pioneering efforts in Ease of Doing Business have shown the way forward for other States in the country to emulate. However, today the Hospitality industry is waging a battle for its survival amidst increasing requirements of working capital vis-a-vis negative cash flows, threats of insolvency, and millions of job losses. Under such circumstances, giving Hospitality the status of the industry will give it the much-needed support from the Government,” says D.V.S. Somaraju.

Burger Singh aims to tap South in 2021; eyes 100cr revenue

Burger Singh, an Indian brand of fusion burgers is planning to expand in Southern states aggressively post-pandemic. With the current presence in Hyderabad, the company plans to enter Bangalore and Chennai in 2021. The company has gone from being present in eight cities in Feb 2020 to 12 cities in November 2020.

“We have great unit level economics on the smart store format and we have had a lot of success in franchising that model,” said Kabir Jeet Singh, CEO and Co-founder at Burger Singh in an interaction with ETHospitalityWorld. With 50 points of sales currently, Singh expects to take the company to 100 + point of sales by the end of 2021.

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The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel announces new staycation package

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel has introduced an immersive and luxurious staycation package to pamper their guests and leave them spoilt with unlimited choices.

The hotel’s distinctive and festive ambience with a very special Christmas tree will elevate the yuletide spirit. The star attraction will be a beautifully crafted life-size Gingerbread House that will host a one-of-its-kind Christmas carnival inside serving an array of lip-smacking delicacies such as marshmallows with delicious hot chocolate, warmed cookies, chocolates, Christmas cakes and more. Adding to the festive fervour, Christmas Carols will be sung by the choir on 24th and 25th December. Christmas isn’t complete for kids without meeting their dearest Santa Claus. The hotel has specially planned “Meet the Santa” activity from December 22nd to 25th for them.

Those looking for an intimate family outing within the city would love the dreamy packages that can be personalised and upgraded as per one's preference. The hotel has planned an array of enchanting experiences that will be loved by guests of all age groups. With inclusions such as accommodation for two along with breakfast and an option to choose between a eclectic 5 course set menu for dinner at Dilli 32, their Speciality Indian restaurant or an exquisite unlimited beverage option paired with delectable sharing platters and canapes at Club Cuba and poolside celebration with a live band performance and DJ, the hotel is all set to delight you. Guests will also get a 20% off on culinary experiences during their stay. The package also includes a voucher worth INR 1000 for the Gingerbread House that can be redeemed for shopping Christmas special goodie.

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34 Million Fewer Americans to Travel This Holiday Season

AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans to stay home this holiday season. Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing their decisions not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand for vacations. While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year's holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in travel of at least 29%.

"While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations. That will not be the case this year," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. "Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays."

The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.

For those who make the personal decision to travel, it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe. Seek the advice of a trusted travel advisor and refer to AAA's COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.

Marriott International Provides Updates on Sustainability and Social Impact Progress

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) ("Marriott") today released its 2020 Serve 360 Report presenting data from 2019, including progress toward the company's 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals. The Report can be accessed here.

In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's commitment to make a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business, delivering value for associates, customers, owners, the environment, and communities around the world.

In addition to showcasing data on company diversity, environmental footprint, volunteerism, and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities, 2019 highlights include:

Trained more than 725,000 associates in human trafficking awareness since 2016, in pursuit of the company's goal to train 100% of on-property associates by 2025

Achieved goal of spending $500 million at managed hotels and above-property with women-owned businesses one year ahead of schedule

Launched efforts to replace single-use toiletry bottles in guestroom showers with larger, pump-topped bottles - when implemented across the globe in the future, expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles from going to landfills annually - in support of Marriott's goal to reduce waste by 45% by 2025

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Four Seasons Hotel Milano Announces Extensive Renovation In 2021

Four Seasons Hotel Milano announces that it will be closing temporarily on January 2, 2021 for an extensive renovation. Opened in 1993, Four Seasons Hotel Milano, a 15th-century convent turned into a sophisticated garden retreat, set the standard for luxury hospitality in Milan. Indeed, at the time of its opening, it was the first Four Seasons hotel in continental Europe. Since then the Hotel has enjoyed tremendous popularity among its loyal guests who seek it out for its perfect location in the heart of Milan's fashion district as well as for its unparalleled Four Seasons service. To provide those guests with an even more exceptional experience, the Hotel will undergo a complete transformation that will include common areas, restaurants and bars, accommodations, specialty suites and meeting spaces. The work will take place in phases throughout 2021 and will be completed by the end of the year.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano has enlisted renowned architect Patricia Urquiola to bring the vision for the renewed Hotel to life. Urquiola, who is Spanish but completed her studies at the Politecnico di Milano under the mentorship of Italian "design great" Achille Castiglioni, is a fitting choice for a hotel in a city known for its fashion and design culture.

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Fortune Hotels expands its footprint in India

Gurgaon - Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC's hotel group today announced the signing of four individual operating agreements for hotels in Candolim (Goa), Deoghar (Jharkhand), Haldwani (Uttarakhand) and Tirupur (Tamil Nadu).

With these new signings, Fortune Hotels, the leading hotel chain in mid to upscale segment, forays across the cardinal directions of India thereby solidifying its presence in these regions, adding more depth to its business and leisure portfolio.

Highlighting the group's expansion strategy, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said: "We are pleased to announce our entry into various growth markets of India. With these additions, we not only increase our appeal in the domestic market but also offer a very interesting destination mix to our business and leisure customers, thereby opening up new vistas for their travel."

"We are a truly Indian brand presently in our 25th year of operations. This Fortune Advantage brings a plethora of rich experiences to the table- be it our strength in operating multifaceted hotels pan India, in-depth knowledge of the local markets, or our acumen in curating culinary experiences in food & beverage for our guests. It has always been our endeavour to share our expertise with potential ownerships and help them find fortune with us. We have great confidence in the India growth story and know that the opportunity lies in tier 2 & 3 markets of India. We are currently exploring many new alliances with hotel investors in these markets and are hopeful to close more such alliances in the near future.", he added.

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New Appointment Announcement at Eastin Easy Vita, First International Hotel, in Vita Sangli District

Arun Sharma

Satish Mishra

Mr. Kabir Mehra is delighted to announce new appointments at Eastin Easy Vita, namely Mr. Arun Sharma as Food and Beverage Manager and Mr. Satish Mishra as Accounts Manager.

Academically qualified with a degree in Hotel Management Catering Technology & Tourism, Arun Sharma brings along, diverse experience of over 10 years with in-depth knowledge, experience, and training in all aspects of food and beverage operations.

With over 12 years of experience in the Hospitality industry, Satish Mishra started his hospitality career with Sayaji Hotels in 2008

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Hyatt Announces Plans for Hyatt Regency London Olympia

Hyatt announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Olympus Property Holding Limited to develop a new Hyatt Regency hotel in London. The 196-room hotel is slated to open in 2024 and will mark the eighth Hyatt-branded property and the second Hyatt Regency hotel in London. Hyatt Regency London Olympia will add to the current portfolio of Hyatt Regency hotels in the United Kingdom, joining Hyatt Regency Birmingham, Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Hyatt Regency London Olympia will deliver the personalized and energizing guest experiences as well as the stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency brand ethos. Business and leisure travelers alike will enjoy seamless, intuitive service alongside memorable dining experiences as well as flexible spaces to work, collaborate or relax.

“We are delighted to join forces with Olympus Property Holding Limited to be part of the exciting redevelopment of the Olympia exhibition center and bring the Hyatt Regency brand to life in this incredible new quarter of London,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president of development Europe, Hyatt. “Expanding Hyatt’s brand footprint with these plans to add a second Hyatt Regency hotel in London contributes to our ambitious growth strategy for the U.K. and our embodies our focus on thoughtful growth in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers. With its reputation as a place for people to connect, the Hyatt Regency brand will fit perfectly in this new development.”

Hyatt Regency London Olympia will be part of a new development that will see Olympia, London’s historic convention center built in 1873, redeveloped and transformed into an integrated convention, entertainment, and cultural district in West London. This redevelopment will include upgrades to the Olympia tube and rail station, additional bicycle routes and bus connectivity, allowing guests to access London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports in under an hour by public transport.

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Mandarin Oriental to debut in Saudi Arabia next year

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a management agreement with Al Khozama Company to handle operations of the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. Once rebranded and renovated, it will be the group’s first hotel in the Kingdom.

The group will take over management in Q1 2021 but will not reflag to Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh until the end of that year when refurbishments to guest rooms and public areas are complete.

“The Al Faisaliah Hotel has been a leading light in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector since opening its doors 20 years ago. We are pleased to be partnering with Mandarin Oriental to further develop the hotel and to create the most luxurious and sophisticated property in the region,” said Khalid Abuhaimed, CEO of Al Khozama.

“We are delighted to further strengthen Mandarin Oriental’s presence in the Middle East by introducing the brand to Saudi Arabia and bringing the Group’s legendary service to Riyadh,” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “We look forward to collaborating with the Al Khozama Company in transforming the hotel into the city’s most exclusive luxury property,” he added.

The hotel features 321 keys, with the new interiors being done by New York’s Adam Tihany Design. Once finished, the hotel will have ‘refreshed’ restaurants, lounge and bars, including a top floor venue giving views of the capital.

Mandarin Oriental has a compact presence in the Middle East, with the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Both of which only came into the MO portfolio last year.

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Dubai hotel occupancy higher than Paris and London

The emirate of Dubai ranks second globally in terms of hotel occupancy right now, behind only Singapore and ahead of both London and Paris.

That is according to The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) Director-General Helal Saeed Almarri, citing figures from analytics firm STR.

Almarri was speaking to more than 600 people from across hospitality, travel and leisure in DCTM's first physical stakeholder meeting since the start of the pandemic. Speaking at an outdoor venue at Dubai’s Fitness Village, the tourism head explained how Dubai had seen occupancy rates of 51 percent this September and is more than capable of alluring additional visitors this year.

He briefed partners on various achievements this year which have made Dubai so resilient, including the recent UAE-UK air bridge, the resumption of international tourism in July 9 and the emirate’s range of health and safety measures.

Additionally, he discussed initiatives such as ‘Retire in Dubai’, which is aimed at bringing in new working professionals into Dubai and thus benefitting the tourism sector greatly.

Carried by state news agency WAM, he explained, "We are grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for his visionary leadership and guidance that has enabled us to efficiently tide over the challenges posed by the pandemic and inspired us to develop innovative initiatives to further enhance our competitiveness as a destination. Dubai’s proactive approach and exceptional cross functional management of the situation, has put us in a first mover position to reopen to global markets as and when they reciprocally open, allowing the city to be ahead of the curve.

"We are greatly encouraged by the pace of the industry’s recovery since the city opened its doors to international tourists almost five months ago. The steady influx of travellers indicates that we are on the right track. We hope to perform even better before the year draws to a close, accelerating momentum as we move towards the full reopening of the sector. This critical period has highlighted the resilience of our ecosystem, especially the hotel industry, which took the lead in reviving domestic tourism and creating a positive perception of the industry."

Helal Almarri added, "A diversified multi-geographic strategy that allows us to react quickly to market changes across source markets combined with the strong economic relief programme put in place by the local and federal governments, as well as the support of our stakeholders have helped the destination remain highly competitive in spite of global challenges. Our constant dialogue with stakeholders and partners, especially in these tough times, allows us to keep them abreast of the latest domestic and global developments. This provides them an opportunity to be aligned with new industry initiatives and take advantage of diverse campaigns and efforts being made to ensure Dubai stays at the forefront of the world’s safest destinations."

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