The ever growing commitment of the UAE Government to support the tourism industry certainly boosts our sales and becomes our main focus supporting our marketing plans, said Sanjay Luthra, director of business development, Metropolitan Hotels International.
Talking to Gulf News, he said events like IMF/World Bank meetings and the DSF are examples of what Dubai is capable of.
"Through these events we see a 20 to 25 per cent boost in hotel revenues. Metropolitan Hotels International believe in the vision of the Dubai Government and specially the creativity of DTCM that has set a trend in tourism which is beneficial for all business segments. It gives Dubai a high level of exposure in all international markets which in turn only creates a 'win-win situation' for all concerned."
Established in 1970 by Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, today it is one of the most dynamic and fast growing business groups in the Middle East, with business interests in diverse sectors.
Over the years, the group has contributed extensively to the growth and development of the UAE. He said as an independent group, they are certainly a chain by itself by having four hotels in Dubai, a hotel in Lebanon and one in London.
"We truly feel that we have created our own identity where comfort and personalised service can be instantly related with our brand of hotels."
The group's consistent optimism, commitment towards quality, steadfast dedication and foresight has enabled it to develop from a small engineering company to a multi-faceted group of companies playing a leading role in varied areas of trade such as engineering and construction, automobiles, automotive leasing, hotels, catering, real estate, education and entertainment.
Sanjay maintained that as a hotel chain "we are different from others because of our commitment towards quality and personalised service."
Metropolitan Hotels International took shape when the Al Habtoor Group ventured into the lucrative area of hospitality business in 1978 with an excellent hotel, the Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road.
This elegant hotel marked the beginning of a chain expansion and today it owns and manages the Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Dubai on Al Maktoum Street, the Metropolitan Deira Hotel near the Clock Tower Roundabout and the Metro-politan Resort and Beach Club at Jumeirah beach.
It also owns the prestigious 200-year old Monkey Island Hotel, a luxury country-house property in the UK.
In 2001, the hotels launched its first property in Lebanon with the opening of the luxurious Metro-politan Palace Hotel, Beirut.
About their future plans, he said: "Our future extension plans are already on the way since we are expanding our beautiful multi-million dirham Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai which underlines our commitment to the city's booming tourism industry.
"We are making two new towers of excellence which would contribute towards defining new levels of service within the hospitality industry." This project is a 342 units five star hotel, consisting of two towers - an 18-storey tower of 87.5m height and a 24-storey tower of 108.5m height.
The two towers risie from a two-storey podium and three levels of underground parking, providing parking for 282 cars.
The hotel will host several international and theme restaurants. A new state of-the-art banquet hall will be the perfect venue for future official international events and conventions, exclusive weddings and exhibitions.
He said: "With the current positive boom within the tourism sector, all expansion plans based on a clear strategy which are in line with the vision of the Government of Dubai, would certainly have an extremely positive impact. Thus by product expansion and extensions we would be able to cater to more and more clients with a broader prospective."
The hotels have also signed a massive Dh50 million deal for a prestigious resort property at the upcoming Palm Island. It also manages the Metropolitan Catering Services, a catering company inside the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Gulf News
