Hotel occupancy rates on the rise, say officials Monday, 12 July 2010 01:06

A number of hotel managers from Doha have recently pointed to a considerable rise in the occupancy rates of their hotels this year, compared to previous years.

The managers said deteriorating financial and economic conditions in the recnt past had taken their toll on occupancy in their hotels in particular and the hospitality industry in general.

Occupancy in some of Doha’s hotels during the first half of the Islamic year reached 48 to 50 percent.

The managers described these rates as “positive”. They expected occupancy to grow even more by the end of the year thanks to the competitive offers and extra services made available by hotels to attract more clients.

A marketing campaign, initiated by many of Doha’s hotels, is expected to raise hotel occupancy over the next few months.

“Our hotel is better in terms of occupancy this year,” said Safak Guvenc, the general manager of W Doha Hotel. “The rates are expected to grow more by the year end,” he added.

He added that the promotional offers and recreational campaigns made by the hotel would help boost occupancy in it.

The General Manager of Sultan Hotel Mgadi Khela said Qatar’s hospitality industry was growing steadily. He expected this industry to have a high position at the international level thanks to the good reputation it won over the years.

“Occupancy rates in Doha’s hotels will increase between 10 and 12 percent this year,” Khela said.

THE PENINSULA