Citymax Hotels, a luxury property in the UAE, has boosted its Indian guest arrivals to a staggering 25 per cent of its total guest profile, an increase of 7 per cent in 2014 over the previous years’ arrivals.

Partnering with travel agents in India and participating with Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) on Indian sales trips and road shows, the home-grown UAE budget hotel chain is now focusing on targeting the lucrative Indian travel market.

Hailing from cities around India inlcuding Chandigarh, Jaipur, Cochin and Ahmedabad as well as the traditional centres of Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, Indian guests stay an average of four nights, said marketing manager Rohit Challapalli.

“Our average stay is two-three nights, but our Indian guests stay longer than most, enjoying what Dubai has to offer with regards to shopping and more recently an interest in excursions and sightseeing. Previously, most of our Indian guests were here to visit family and friends, now they do that as well as ‘playing tourist’,” Challapalli said.

 “Traditionally they prefer hotels in Bur Dubai due to the close proximity to Meena Bazaar and family and friends living in Bur Dubai. However more recently we have seen the market shifting towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha. Sharjah is also a key market for Indian tourists, and Citymax Hotels Sharjah is a popular destination hotel,” he added.

Although the Indian market is a year-round one, there is an increase in outbound travel to the UAE around Diwali, New Year, the Dubai Shopping Festivals and Summer Holidays.

Challipalli anticipates another year of increased arrivals from India, as well as the new feeder markets currently being developed by Citymax Hotels to ensure diversity in arriving guest profiles. – TradeArabia News Service