INTERVIEW WITH STEFAN RADSTROM, COMPLEX GENERAL MANAGER OF AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION
AS THE COMPLEX GENERAL MANAGER, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO POSITION IT AS A LEADING HOSPITALITY DESTINATION IN DUBAI?
My vision for the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is to establish it as a premier destination that exceeds the expectations of luxury travelers through personalized service and exceptional offerings.
We aim to stand out by embracing innovation in hospitality, enhancing our facilities, and creating unforgettable experiences while fostering a sense of community among guests. By curating exclusive events and partnerships that blend local culture with global appeal, I seek to make Al Habtoor City a must-visit destination in Dubai.
HOW DOES AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF FROM OTHER LUXURY HOTELS IN DUBAI, AND WHAT UNIQUE EXPERIENCES DO YOU OFFER TO YOUR GUESTS?
We differentiate ourselves by placing a strong emphasis on bespoke guest experiences. We offer signature amenities, unique dining concepts, and customized itineraries that appeal to our guests and showcase the best of Dubai. For instance, our guests can enjoy exclusive access to unique local experiences, from traditional cultural excursions to Ras Al Khaima to culinary events and spa escapes, all designed to provide an authentic taste of the city. Our focus is on ensuring that every detail of their stay reflects the grandeur and hospitality we stand for.
SUSTAINABILITY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. WHAT INITIATIVES HAS AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION IMPLEMENTED TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION?
Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We have reduced plastic use, conserved water with advanced technology, and prioritized local, sustainable suppliers. Embracing smart technologies, we’ve minimized energy consumption and boosted efficiency. Our community programs support local charities promoting environmental awareness. We’re proud to have received the Silver Level Award (80-89% compliance) at the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Awards 2024 from the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism.
HOW HAS THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EVOLVED IN DUBAI OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND HOW IS AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION ADAPTING TO THESE CHANGES?
The hospitality industry in Dubai has seen a significant shift with an increasing demand for experiential travel, wellness options, and personalized service. To adapt, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection continuously monitors these trends and actively adjusts our offerings. We have introduced wellness retreats, curated local tours, and enhanced our digital presence to meet the expectations of discerning travelers. Our agile approach ensures we stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in a dynamic market.
HOW DO YOU FOSTER A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE AND COLLABORATION AMONG YOUR TEAM MEMBERS ACROSS THE HOTEL COLLECTION?
Fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration is key to our success. I believe in empowering my team through open communication, ongoing training, and recognition. Our learning and development program equips our team with essential skills, while regular workshops and team-building activities create a cohesive work environment. By aligning everyone with our values and mission, we ensure each team member is invested in our collective success, ultimately enhancing the guest experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR KEY PRIORITIES AND GOALS FOR AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION IN THE COMING YEAR, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE THEM?
Our key priorities are enhancing guest satisfaction through service innovation, expanding our marketing presence in new markets, and further integrating sustainability into our operations. To achieve these goals, the team and I will invest in staff training, utilize data analytics to personalize guest experiences, and pursue strategic partnerships aligned with our brand values. Continuous improvement and adaptability will guide our efforts as we move forward.
INTERVIEW WITH SOUFIANE EL ALLAM, COMPLEX COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION
AS THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, WHAT STRATEGIES ARE YOU IMPLEMENTING TO DRIVE REVENUE GROWTH AND ENHANCE THE MARKET POSITION OF AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION?
My approach to driving revenue growth is multi- dimensional. We’re boosting brand visibility through targeted marketing campaigns highlighting our unique offerings, including promotional packages for leisure and business travelers from markets like the GCC, Europe, China, India, and Israel. Our efforts span digital and social media, as well as direct media engagement tailored to specific customer segments. We’re also focusing on corporate clients and event planners to increase group bookings by leveraging our extensive meeting and event facilities.
WHICH MARKETS ARE YOU CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON TO ATTRACT GUESTS, AND HOW DO YOU TAILOR YOUR OFFERINGS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE DIVERSE MARKETS?
Our current focus encompasses several key markets, particularly luxury leisure travelers from Europe and Asia, local corporate clients, and international tourists. To cater to the distinct needs of these diverse segments, we develop curated packages that integrate cultural experiences and flexible business solutions, particularly utilizing our meeting facilities. By gaining insights into the preferences of each market, we ensure that our services are personalized and resonate well with our guests.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS OR COLLABORATIONS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION?
Our collaboration with local businesses and tourism boards has significantly contributed to our success. For instance, long-term partnerships with different airlines have facilitated significant increase in bookings. Additionally, ongoing relationships with corporate clients for event hosting have expanded our network and enhanced our reputation as a premier event destination.
HOW IS AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO ENHANCE GUEST ENGAGEMENT AND STREAMLINE OPERATIONS?
We are leveraging technology by investing in advanced property management systems that optimize operations and enhance guest interactions. Our mobile app allows guests to make reservations, access services, and provide feedback seamlessly. We also use data analytics to personalize marketing efforts and improve the overall guest experience, ensuring that we remain competitive in a digital landscape.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THE COMPETITIVE HOSPITALITY MARKET, AND HOW DO YOU TURN THESE CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES?
Operating in a dynamic market like Dubai presents challenges, particularly with intense competition and evolving traveler preferences. However, we view these challenges as opportunities for innovation. For instance, by introducing environmentally friendly initiatives and unique local experiences, we attract guests who prioritize sustainability. Additionally, adapting our services based on emerging market trends allows us to remain ahead of competitors while fulfilling the changing expectations of our guests.
HOW DOES THE COMMERCIAL TEAM USE GUEST FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND ENSURE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR GUESTS AT AL HABTOOR CITY HOTEL COLLECTION?
We consider guest feedback essential for service improvement. Through surveys and open communication, we gather insights and analyze them to identify areas for enhancement. We quickly share this feedback with our operations team to address concerns and implement changes, ensuring each guest’s experience meets their expectations.
