With so many operators vying for a slice of the action this celebratory season, there’s going to be a serious fight for consumer attention among the region’s F&B outlets.
The end of the year always holds something of a festive feel for the hospitality industry, with Eid, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations all providing prime promotional opportunities for hotels and F&B outlets, and boosting business around the region.
As always, food and beverage play an integral role in these seasonal celebrations. But this year, with consumers remaining cautious about their spending and shopping around for top-value offerings, the region’s outlets are going to have to work harder than ever to earn their festive business.
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Seasonal success
Featuring several internationally recognised holidays and events, the winter months have long been an important annual focus for the F&B industry.
“During the festive season, people get time off from work and are more likely to plan outings and gatherings,” notes Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa hotel executive assistant manager Rachid Assoudi.
“Plus the festive season means getting together with family and friends for good food, good entertainment and a special atmosphere.
“Consequently those of us in the hospitality sector must target that market by preparing catchy and interesting stay packages, themed food events and entertainment for these customers to have an array of choices,” he observes.
Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait communications manager Dina Ghazali adds that this period is “the only season in the year when there are a lot of different celebrations taking place in a very short space of a time”.
“These all require a great deal of preparation to meet the expectations of all the different nationalities celebrating them,” she says.
In addition to meeting consumer demand, the revenue obtained during the festive season them has a major impact on a company’s year-end financials, as Emaar Hospitality Group culinary operations manager Simon Barber points out.
“The festive season is also an opportunity to build relationships, make contact with future customers and drive new business to all our outlets,” he adds.
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