4. Business levels

JW: Hotel occupancy in the Middle East region is expected to slightly increase in 2011 but the pricing will be the same as that of 2010. Hotel rates therefore are not expected to increase in the first half of 2011 and even perhaps up to the end of the year, if at all.
AM: Hotel projects that had been delayed or frozen will be continued or completed, which increases the inventory of Hotel rooms and competition. Growth for 2011 is projected at 4.8 per cent and hotels have seen a good occupancy recovery in 2010 and we can assume that 2011 will see similar numbers and hopefully rate stability.
TT: Dubai hotels reduced the marketing spending after the recession and this will be reflected in 2011 bookings. However, what will help is that Abu Dhabi is still spending an incredible amount which assists Dubai both now and in the long run.
MS: We will see some business growth in 2011 but the summer months are expected to be flat much like the same period of 2010.


Hoteliers contributing to this article:

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Andreas Mueller general manager Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai
James Wilson general manager Dusit Thani Dubai
Michael Sorgenfrey general manager Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi
Thomas Tapken MD City Seasons Group of Hotels.