Newsroom

Michel Noblet, President & CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “The Chinese New Year is a very important time for the Chinese people – a rare occasion when they set out to enjoy. We want to make it extra special for those who choose Coral Hotels & Resorts by giving them an exceptional offer that will make this New Year celebration unforgettable.”

It is well accepted that Chinese tourists are playing an integral part in the growth of international travel and tourism industry.According to UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) about 100 million Chinese are expected to travel overseas by 2020. Recently there has been a dramatic rise in number of Chinese visitors to the UAE. This is mainly owing to the decision by the Chinese authorities to give the UAE approved destination status, growth in disposable incomes in China coupled with relaxation in visa restrictions. In addition, the Arab Spring too resulted in significant number of Chinese tourists being diverted to the UAE from other parts of the Middle East.Michel stated, “We definitely wish to increase our share of this lucrative market.”

In 2008, about 96,300 of Dubai’s 7.5 million hotel guests were Chinese. This rose to 152,000 in 2010.Before the end of 2011, this figure might rise by nearly 50% - perfect example of growing number of Chinese travelers flocking to the UAE for business and leisure. At the same time UAE trade with China in 2010 amounted to $ 33 billion.The number of Chinese companies registered in Dubai too has grown exponentially over the last five years, rising to 2,346 by the end of 2009 from 11 in 2005.

In an effort to connect with Chinese visitors and take advantage of this growing number of Chinese visitors, Coral Hotels & Resorts has introduced a number of special initiatives too.This includes launch of a Chinese website for Coral Hotels, stepping up marketing in China to increase brand awareness, participation in major Chinese travel trade shows, conducting regular sales blitz and road shows in China,introduction of Chinese menus in the restaurants, hiring bilingual Chinese staff and making Chinese television channels available in rooms.

Michel said, “We see that Chinese travelers are growing rapidly and anticipate the number to go up drastically in the coming years. Hence, these are essential steps to make our Chinese guests feel welcome and comfortable in our hotels. Whenever we have Chinese delegates or tourists staying at our hotels we ensure a suitable environment and meal for them. Breakfast in China is very important. Dishes like congee are a must and we do our best to make these and any other specialties they crave available.”

For more information about Coral Hotels & Resorts please visit www.coral-international.com