Iconsulthotels director Martin Kubler, Zaya Retreats director of operations Stephen Gee and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates marketing communications manager Elodie Patel.
Engagement on social media, the evolving role of the general manager and diversification of the Middle East hotel market all came to the fore at the fifth annual Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate in Dubai
Around 200 general managers and regional hotel leaders gathered at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai on September 2 for the fifth edition of the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate. The event comprised a lively day of panels, networking opportunities and presentations and Q&As, punctuated by a series of workshops, which drilled down into some key issues.
As expected, one of the major themes that came out of the Debate was the need for diversification of the Middle East hotel sector across a number of areas whether in terms of property star-ratings or within a hotel’s food and beverage offerings.
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A panel session moderated by Viability managing partner Guy Wilkinson took a close look at the push by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for more three- and four-star properties and JA Resorts & Hotels COO David Thomson was among the panellists who commended the efforts being made by authorities.
“If Dubai is going to be a viable market it’s got to have more three-star and four-star offerings,” he said.
“We talk about Dubai’s average rates being too high. That’s not actually the case. The average rates for five-star properties are fine. What you’ve got is not enough three- and four-star properties, which would make the average rate more comparable with other cities around the world.
“So what I think is going to happen now is if you want to have tourism on the level you’re looking at, and you want to have more business, there have got to be some more affordable options.”
Thomson also dismissed any suggestion that the introduction of more three- and four-star properties to the region could result in downward pressure on five-star hotel rates.
Amit Arora, CEO for hospitality at SKAI Holdings, also chimed in on the subject. While his company may be developing the luxury Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah, it is also behind a four-star project in Jumeirah Village Circle.
“To sustain the Chinese, Indian and GCC business, you cannot just rely on high-end [hotels],” said Arora.
“You already have 62% of hotels in luxury. Compare that to London, where it is only one part luxury and two thirds mid-scale and upper scale.
“So we need to really diversify and develop our product in both markets.”
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