Dubai currently leads global hotel statistics with an average room rate of $283 in 2007, according to Gerald Lawless, executive chairman of Jumeirah Group .
Meanwhile, other Gulf cities also topped the $200 mark.
Lawless said that the room rates will not fall as more hotels open .However, the average rates now being enjoyed may level off . He believes that occupancy rates and levels can be maintained .
He went on to note that demand for hotel accommodation is healthy and not reliant upon one customer stream: The region has wisely spread its attention across multi-faceted projects such as Burj Dubai, The Palms in Dubai, The World islands, Dubailand, Dubai Sports City, Festival City and Healthcare City.
ââ¬Å“Dubai, particularly, has interwoven its residential projects with sector-specific master plans such as Dubailand, Sports City and a wide variety of commercial cities. It has shown how to successfully pull visitors from all sectors, including commerce, family tourism, meetings, events and exhibitions,” he said.
However, while the region is gearing up to take its place as one of the world’s major business and leisure hubs , Lawless said elements such as environmental and sustainability issues, as well as human resources would be key in achieving continued success.
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