Welcome to 2020 with HSMAI Middle East, what an exciting year to be in the UAE with so many new events, attractions, hotel openings and of course HSMAI events and workshops.
2020 is being branded “2020 Towards the next 50” by UAE leaders, announcing it’s the year of preparation for the country’s next 50 years and we will see ambitious steps in sectors such as economy, education, infrastructure, health and media.
Reflecting on this, HSMAI Middle East 2020 Mission is “To elevate the overall caliber and performance of sales, marketing and revenue management professionals in the hospitality industry by driving initiatives that will attract new talent, develop emerging talent, and engage existing talent”
With all eyes on Dubai as the city hosts ‘The World’s Greatest Show’ Expo 2020, I’m sure we are all working on a revenue strategy to help capitalize on the demand that will infiltrate the city.
The museum of the future will open, an architectural spectacle showcasing the future of science, technology and innovation. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, designed to resemble an open book sitting on a rhel is also expected to be the largest cultural centre In the Middle East & North Africa, with more than 4.5 Million books.
Another year of many new exciting hotel projects opening their doors. ME Dubai Business Bay due to open in Q1, the only project by the late architect Zaha Hadid personally designing the interiors and exteriors. SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, The Royal Atlantis, Antanara Mina Al Arab and The Dorchester. In the Capital, we see Mandarin Oriental Hotel group took over the management of the Iconic Emirates Palace and Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors in March. New brands coming to the already crowded luxury market of the UAE.
December 19, HSMAI hosted its annual Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC) in Dubai, other ROC locations in 19 included the USA, Netherlands, Singapore and Brazil.
The conference attracted over 200 hotel commercial executives, asset & property management executives, travel technology and key partners in the hospitality industry, with professionals travelling from throughout the middle east and internationally to attend.
Some key highlights were welcoming Dr. Sherri Kimes and Dr. Kelly McGuire as a keynote speaker directly from the US and for the first time into the region. It was also very refreshing to hear Ms. Hoor Alkhaja as a panelist, sharing key insights about DTCM’s support to the industry through targeting new markets for Dubai as a key tourism destination.
For those of you who missed ROC, 2019, we hope to see you this year at an event not to be missed!
HSMAI Middle East will step up its presence to create a chapter in Abu Dhabi this year, our goal is to locally support the industry in Abu Dhabi with the same opportunities we offer our industry colleagues in Dubai.
Our first workshop of the year will be Demystifying Revenue, held in late February in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This workshop shows the importance of strategic thinking vs calculation and is a wonderful opportunity to include your General Manager & other senior management to understand the importance of working as a commercial team to comprehend and support the hotels revenue strategy as an entire team.
To learn more about HSMAI and becoming a member please visit the HSMAI Middle East website
About HSMAI
HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI leads the way in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry. Operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and for sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines, HSMAI connects its members with customers. Founded in the United States in 1927, HSMAI is membership organization comprising 5,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide.
HSMAI operates regionally around the globe via Regional boards of directors and staff. There are three regions: the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, and a chapter in the Middle East. Each region has signature programs and services for association members. HSMAI has a Global board which is comprising delegates from each Region. Learn more at www.hsmai.org.
