Hotels in UAE expecting boost to Iftar revenues

Hotels in the UAE have revealed that they are expecting increased Iftar demand in 2012 over 2011 after high initial bookings.

Some hotels in the region have announced that they are looking to increase Iftar and Suhour covers by up to 15% from last year.

Habib Khan, general manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa in Dubai, said: “We are looking forward to a 15% increase in the F&B revenue from Iftar, in comparison to last year. The response from the community last year was very positive, so keeping that in mind, this year, we have opened doors of our award winning Indian restaurant Mumtaz Mahal along with Bastakiya International Restaurant in order to cater of all our guests.”

Khan added that as a result of radio and TV marketing campaigns, he is expecting to welcome a minimum of 150 Iftar covers each day.

Ayman Ashor, general manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel in Abu Dhabi's desert, added: “We expect to generate more revenue based on last year’s performance and there is a significant demand above last year. The core of the business comes mainly from the group Iftar bookings from corporate companies and government organizations in the surrounding area.”