What is your vision for Emirates Palace?
My vision is at one with property stakeholders TDIC and Mubadala, in line with Plan 2030. It’s exciting to participate in developing Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector by providing world class services and products, whether they are signature projects already realized, or in the pipeline. I am proud to manage a hotel that reflects the region’s aspirations to further its leisure sector effectively. Emirates Palace is therefore synonymous with brand Abu Dhabi as a burgeoning leader of global leisure tourism.
How is occupancy faring during these challenging world economic times?
Admittedly, 2009 has been tough, but we have not been tempted to make compromises or lower rates as others have done since we understand our market and can therefore remain steadfast in providing value added promotions, rather than devaluing our product. Emirates Palace continues to provide world class hospitality and services and acknowledges that leisure provides the greatest growth of all with 60 percent of our leisure clients giving repeat business. I also anticipate growth in the weekend Rest n’ Relaxation market with guests seeking tranquility and privacy with our combination of spas, sports and world class cuisine.
Is Luxury sustainable?
We have taken a proactive stance on environment issues. With an International Standard certifying that the Emirates Palace has established, implemented and maintained an environmental management system, we meet International Standards lending proper attention to energy conservation. Clearly, saving natural resources will not come at the expense of providing world class products and services however. The aim is to continue to enhance our offering while also seizing every opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint at the same time.
In recent years some consumer segments have been driving forward the demand for hotels that meet specific environmentally friendly criteria such as green building, energy efficiency for instance. Emirates Palace first acknowledged this in 2004 when we successfully completed the ISO 14001 certification, a first for Abu Dhabi, in a bid to fulfill its goal of providing a 5 star hotel Environment Management Achieving this global standard of excellence is a top priority for us as we look to translating environmental sensitivity into real action. In this regard, we are now actively engaged across a spectrum of subjects, from energy efficiency, pollution control and the avoidance of hazardous chemical use; to a comprehensive waste management program whilst providing the highest standards of luxury hospitality service to our guests. Additionally, we have already implemented initiatives through our Eco- Management policy which also aims to educate and engage all employees at every level in all aspects of their duties.