DUBAI, 27 November — Business has slowed down here in the aftermath of the US suicide hijackings of Sept. 11 and the subsequent airstrikes on Afghanistan. Its hospitality industry has been among the worst hit. "There has been a 50 percent drop in the room occupancy rate in five-star hotels in the region," Guy Hutchinson, manager of Hilton Dubai Creek has said.
"The hospitality industry is already in its peak period — October to Ramadan, and this is the time when hotels peak their rates, but this time it’s sadly different," Hutchinson told Arab News in an interview.
Last year, hotel room rates, which freely float in the market, peaked at 1,500 dirhams (about $400), he said, adding: "March is the Dubai Shopping Festival month when visitors come from far and wide."
Two more hotel projects will become operational by next year — The Fairmont and Grand Hyatt. The Jumeirah Beach hotel, a five-star resort property, is currently the biggest with 600 rooms. "Although Dubai is a strong destination for both business and leisure travelers, there is a wait-and-see approach with events unfolding day after day in the current global situation. However, there is optimism all around thanks to government’s strong desire to encourage business," he said.
Even then Dubai remains one of the safest destinations for world visitors, especially those from Britain, Germany and the rest of the GCC. "The Kingdom is the fourth strongest market for the hotel industry here," Hutchinson added.
Born in Venezuela to British parents, Hutchinson has been with Hilton International for four years. Following the completion of his studies in South Africa, he joined Forte Hotels in 1989 on a graduate management-training scheme in London. His first management position followed in F&B at the Waldorf Hotel London.
In 1992 he became deputy GM at the Queen’s Hotel Cheltenham and in 1993 rooms division manager at Brown’s Hotel London. Two years later, he began working on long-term consultancy projects in London, which included private healthcare, and Thistle Hotels Plc. In 1997 he joined Hilton International at the Hilton Amsterdam as director of business development. He was centrally involved in the hotel’s renovation and re-launch. A year ago, he was transferred to Dubai to manage Hilton Dubai Creek.
Since then he is dedicated to provide the best and unique that he can offer to the demanding guest. For the business traveler, the property provides high speed Internet access, color printer/scanner/fax in all of its 154 rooms, which include executive rooms and suites, a laptop compatible safe with built-in charger, a 24-hour business center and an executive lounge, and two boardrooms. For relaxation the hotel, which is just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport and five minutes from Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, provides walk-in showers in all rooms — 32 of them equipped with Jacuzzi.
Choice of additional comforts, include foot massage, espresso machine, DVD/CD player, rooftop pool with sun beds having Internet access, fitness room with personal trainer and in-room aromatherapy baths.
And for dining, its restaurants include Verre — modern European by Gordon Ramsay, Glasshouse — Brasserie, Issimo — Milanese espresso, carbon lounge, Bottlebank — members only lounge, T-Deck on the terrace, private restaurant in room, and outdoor entertainment area for 250 guests.
