With the Arabian Travel Market fast approaching, TTG caught up with general manager, Nassima Royal Hotel, Dubai, Cornelia Erhardt to find out more about the freshly-opened property.
TTG: What is new in the world of Nassima Royal Hotel? Are there any exciting developments in the pipeline?
In order to continue to expand, strengthen the brand and deliver an exemplary guest experience, we are currently enhancing the properties facilities which will include a contemporary remodelling of the lobby space.
TTG: What is so unique about your property?
This iconic, architectural masterpiece has been fitted and finished to the highest level in order to differentiate ourselves from other hospitality destinations within the region.
Some of the unique selling points are the wide selection of meeting spaces and F&B choices including the modernist molecular Indian Restaurant Tresind or the recently renovated Pool Bar offering healthy snacks by the sunbeds; the Club lounge –dedicated to guests of our Royal Club rooms and suites – which also includes complimentary pick up and drop off, VIP check in, use of the executive boardroom and happy hour cocktails; and internationally known Movida, a famous destination for music lovers and night owls.
Adding to this, the hotel offers unique complimentary services to guests, such as the kid’s club service and the shuttle bus to major malls and beaches in town.
TTG: What is your vision for Nassima Royal Hotel?
The hotel, strategically positioned in the heart of Dubai within walking distance from Dubai World Trade Centre and only few minutes away from Dubai International Financial Centre, aims to offer guests a unique experience, and provide luxurious facilities and outstanding services. Since rebranding to Nassima Royal Hotel, the property has joined The Preferred Hotel & Resorts LVX Collection, which is responsible for representing renowned properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive, engaging and exclusive personal service.
In addition, we are focusing on building brand awareness by taking part in the most important exhibitions and roadshow regionally and internationally such as ITB and ATM, in which we will be partnering with DTCM.
TTG: So far, which markets have been key to your property?
One of our main markets is surely GCC with a considerable amount of business and leisure guests coming from the region. Other relevant markets are represented by European countries such as Germany and the UK, Russia and the CIS market, while we are currently focusing on developing the Indian and Chinese markets
TTG: What visitor trends have you picked up on?
In a world which is becoming more and more connected and where technology is playing a relevant role, guests are searching for easy and fast connections, quick operations and high standard services. We are focusing on upgrading to new technologies to enhance and personalise the guest experience.
This project includes key-less access to the rooms and a new inquiries managing system integrated to a mobile application; in a few words, the guest will be able to choose their TV programme, operate do-not-disturb signals, ask for their transportation and much more, by simply clicking on our customised app on their phone. All of this without forgetting though the importance of an outstanding service delivered by warm and professional ambassadors.
TTG: Finally, as a general manager of a hotel, the industry must be something you hold close to your heart. What was it that made you choose hospitality as a career?
Hospitality is a ‘people’ industry and I love to work with people and different cultures. What makes it interesting is that we are not exclusively talking about the international clientele coming to the hotel but about the employees themselves; in Nassima for instance we have more than 28 different nationalities.
What makes it even more interesting is to see how every single individual has different expectations and if you can match and exceed them – well, that’s the best achievement you can get.
The most defining moment in my career has been the conversion we have done from Radisson Royal to Nassima Royal Hotel that happened last year, on October 15. I have done transitions from chain to chain before, but this is the first time I have experienced the change from being part of a group to becoming an independent property: it involves a very strong and structured plan in operations, services, marketing and sales that has to consider both a macro and micro perspective.
I am quite proud of the job that has been done and how it has been conducted, positioning the hotel in a high-end market and resulting in the property’s affiliation to Preferred Hotels and Resorts LVX collection.
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