Indian boom offsets Russian gloom at Citymax

Close collaboration with travel agents and Dubai's tourism authorities has seen Citymax Hotels experience a surge in Indian visitors, helping to offset the softening Russian market.

The mid-market operator boosted its Indian guest arrivals to 25% of its total guest profile in 2014, an increase of 7% over the previous years’ arrivals.

Hailing from cities around India, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Cochin and Ahmedabad as well as the traditional centres of Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, Indian guests stay an average of four nights, according to Citymax Hotels marketing manager Rohit Challapalli.

“Our average stay is 2-3 nights, but our Indian guests stay longer than most, enjoying what Dubai has to offer with regards to shopping and more recently an interest in excursions and sightseeing. Previously, most of our Indian guests were here to visit family and friends, now they do that as well as playing tourist,” said Challapalli.

“Traditionally they prefer hotels in Bur Dubai due to the close proximity to Meena Bazaar and family and friends living in Bur Dubai. However more recently we have seen the market shifting towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha.

"Sharjah is also a key market for Indian tourists, and Citymax Hotels Sharjah is a popular destination hotel.”

Challapalli anticipates another year of increased arrivals from India, as well as the new feeder markets currently being developed by Citymax Hotels to ensure diversity in arriving guest profiles.