Dubai is “well-equipped” to become a global hospitality destination, according to Moritz W. Frings, the Executive Assistant Manager – Sales and Marketing at Grand Hyatt.
“Dubai is well-equipped to be a global hospitality destination – especially as it has been proven from time to time through various accolades. For example, it’s the third year in a row now that Dubai has been titled as the number one destination in the world by TripAdvisor. It’s never happened before but they wanted the success, they deserved it and they have achieved it – all the stakeholders play a role in this. I also think that Dubai is incredibly good at welcoming guests back each and every time with a new experience – it is exciting,” the Hyatt executive told Arabian Business at the 2024 edition of the Arabian Travel Market.
But, what is Hyatt doing to increase offerings in Dubai?
Hyatt is enhancing its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) offerings through its flagship property Grand Hyatt which opened a massive exhibition centre back in 2022. According to Frings, this was a “leap towards setting a benchmark” for meetings and event businesses in the region.
“We are now home to one of the largest event spaces attached to any hotel – not only in Dubai – but also in this geographical area. Since then our aim has always been to develop new demand for visits to Dubai. We see a promising future,” he said.
When asked how Hyatt’s offerings are different from other hospitality players in the industry, Moritz said in terms of meetings and events, it is the size of the facilities, the flexibility and the fact that an exhibition centre is attached to a five star hotel with a renowned brand play well together when people make decisions to hosts their events.
“For Hyatt, in general, leisure is a key segment and it is a very important segment for our properties in Dubai – this is also why we decided to develop one of the most unique urban resorts in the world. We are currently trying to blend city hotel experiences with beach hotel experiences to create this. Moreover, we have also developing the Grand Hyatt Dubai Water Park in the heart of the city,” he said.
Grand Hyatt to open massive Dubai Water Park in 2025
The Grand Hyatt Dubai Water Park, which is set to open in 2025, will be the hotel’s ticketed attraction, featuring 15 slides and rides. However, guests staying at the hotel can access it at all times, and visitors will have to pay to enter.
The water park is expected to be 10 minutes away from the airport, as well as Dubai Mall, Frings said, adding that Hyatt is trying to “develop a new demand for people wanting to experience the destination, but at the same time not needing to sacrifice their leisure experience. It will not only benefit our property, but it will benefit the 10 Hyatt hotels we have here as well as the brands in the area.”
Hyatt’s Frings further explained that the hospitality giant is not just looking to develop something for the next two or three year but for the next decade in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“We want our ideas and our innovation to develop visitation and that our support will play a small role in contributing to the D33 agenda,” he said.
Saudi Arabia ‘a focus point’ for hospitality
When asked of Hyatt’s plans in Saudi Arabia, Frings said: “Saudi Arabia is a focus point for hospitality and tourism and hence Hyatt is also very much focused on developing guest experiences for key source markets guests are arriving from.”
Frings further explained that Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be contributing to this, once it opens in two years.
Located on the island of Shaura, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the largest of 11 hotels opening on the island. The hotel is scheduled to open during the first phase of The Red Sea Project, and will have a design resembling a coral bloom from above. A mix of suites and rooms will provide guests space to explore the diverse ecosystem and attractions of the area. Food and drink venues and amenities on the island will complete the experience.
“It will be a unique experience, because it will be interesting to see what this new destination will bring for guests and customers from all over the world, especially as the Red Sea was previously only accessible via Egypt,” he concluded.
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