Having just celebrated its first birthday, Avani Deira Dubai Hotel is discovering what it takes to be at the top of Dubai’s booming hospitality industry. Speaking to Aleksandra Wood exclusively, general manager, Damir Kartal reflects on the first year of business and some of the hotel’s challenges and achievements so far.
TTG: What is new with AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel?
Just last week, on July 1, AVANI Deira Dubai turned one. This marked the first anniversary of the first AVANI property in the GCC region. We celebrated together with UAE residents by giving away complimentary stays and pampering our international guests with amenities and special treats.
TTG: What does AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel contribute to Dubai’s hospitality industry?
As a new and dynamic brand in the region we contribute by satisfying the growing demand of an upscale market segment, by catering to millennial, value conscious and tech savvy guests with a desire for smooth intuitive service, according to their needs. We also believe we are setting new standards and differentiating ourselves from other hotels in the Deira market.
TTG: What has the past year been like for your hotel since its rebranding? What are some of the challenges you have faced and some of the milestone achievements?
This year has been extremely positive. We were able to turn our biggest challenge, the one of creating brand awareness, into our milestone achievement. By ensuring the right positioning of the brand and constantly working on increasing exposure, we are paving the way for other AVANI properties in the UAE. There are three new AVANI Hotels now in the pipeline.
TTG: What are your goals and objectives for 2017?
We are currently working on enhancing our F&B offerings by introducing new concepts and providing a unique guest experience. Exact details about the new venues will be announced shortly.
TTG: Are there any new markets that you are targeting this year? How are you working to promote the hotel?
As the hotel benefits from the presence of global offices in all the main markets, we are constantly working to tighten the relationships and strengthen our presence worldwide through partners and colleagues.
From a regional and local perspective, we are engaged in activities ranging from radio advertising and classic printed adverts, to digital marketing, social media, content driven campaigns and competitions.
We like to give cross exposure to sister properties located out of the region, by offering staycations in overseas AVANI properties as prizes. This way we are creating regional awareness about the strong presence of AVANI Hotels in Asian and African destinations.
TTG: Finally, please tell me a bit about yourself and your hospitality industry journey.
I am originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, from a small town a stone’s throw from a ski resort. I have therefore always been surrounded by tourists and travellers. After acquiring a degree in Tourism Management from the UK, I started my career in the USA, working for several international chains. I then moved back to the UK and eventually ended up in Dubai 10 years ago.
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