Heralding growing confidence among travellers in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, has revealed that occupancy levels are continuing to rise at its properties. The company’s UAE portfolio recorded an average of 60% to 65% occupancy during the weekends since last month, with growth in guest numbers fuelled by an increasing demand for short ‘staycation’-style breaks among residents.
As lockdown measures are gradually eased across the globe, an appetite for relaxing vacation experiences appears to be growing. Despite this, many UAE residents are still wary of international travel and opting to enjoy a safe retreat by booking staycations at local properties. Occupancy patterns at Rotana properties suggest that suites and villas are emerging as the most desirable types of accommodation among this group due to their size and privacy. Guest numbers have also been climbing steadily on weekdays, with a combination of long-stay guests and business and leisure travellers contributing to a steady increase in average occupancy from Sunday to Thursday.
Reflecting on the latest developments, Rotana President & CEO Guy Hutchinson commented: “The hospitality industry is embarking on the next phase of its recovery as guests begin to regain confidence in travel by enjoying local breaks. We are proud to contribute to the acceleration of this process through our industry-leading Rotana Safe Space programme, which has been very well received and enables guests to relax, safe in the knowledge that they are in caring hands at all of our properties.”
The Rotana Safe Space programme places a strong emphasis on technology. Guests are encouraged to use the Rotana app and QR code scans to arrange contactless check-ins, in-room dining deliveries with no human interaction, and flexible room-cleaning times. The company’s heightened cleaning protocols are certified by Ecolab, which conducts monthly audits of all rooms, public areas, laundry and food and beverage outlets. To help guests reset with total peace of mind, Rotana has also partnered with SGS, a global leader in inspection, testing, verification and certification, to monitor and verify cleanliness and hygiene procedures at every property.
Rotana also revealed that between 5% and 6% of bookings at its UAE properties have been made by overseas travellers, a number that is projected to rise as international flights gradually resume. The figures underline the resilience of the nation’s hospitality sector, which has successfully weathered the storm created by travel restrictions implemented around the world in response to the crisis.
Hutchinson continued: “The UAE has done a tremendous job in containing the virus and is ready to welcome international guests, as highlighted by the recent WTTC Safe Travels stamps awarded across the country. While the journey toward a full recovery will take time, we are well on our way to rebuilding the trust of travellers and embracing the future with a renewed sense of optimism. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to share Treasured Time at our properties.”
Travellers who sign up for the Rotana Rewards Select loyalty programme can enjoy a special 30% discount on their room rates with the Reset with Rotana promotion. This exclusive offer is valid until 30 September 2020. To find out more, please visit www.rotana.com.