Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has set its sights on an ambitious goal of doubling its property portfolio by 2030. According to Kirti Anchan, General Manager of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the luxury hotel chain, which currently operates 27 hotels worldwide, including 12 in the United Arab Emirates, is also eager to establish a high-end hotel in India.
“We are on a growth path and we want to double our property portfolio by 2030. India being the key market for Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, we are definitely keen (on opening a hotel in India).
“Our focus will be the ultra-luxury market. So we want to be in the right city with the right product. We are searching for such a location and hopefully we will see something soon in India,” said Anchan.
As per Anchan, the Jumeirah Group has expanded its presence in the past 18 months with the opening of new properties in Oman, the Maldives, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the group has two more properties in development in Saudi Arabia.
“High level discussions are going on. But, yes, we are interested in opening a hotel in India. We all agree to be in India in view of travellers’ curiosity and economic growth of India” Anchan told reporters at the roadshow.
Together with other senior executives from the group, he visited the city for a roadshow aimed at engaging with local tour operators and travel agents.
“The purpose of the roadshow is to expand the network within India, because this country has a big potential. Travel trend shows that Indians, irrespective of their age, are curious to travel, they want to explore more,” said Anchan.
He emphasized that the group views India as a crucial market, noting that the influx of Indian visitors to Dubai has been steadily increasing. This growth can be attributed primarily to improved air connectivity and a simplified visa process.
“In comparison to last year, Indians coming to Dubai have grown by 24 per cent. Today, 80 flights operate between Dubai and India every day and more flights are getting added every week,” he said.
According to him, there has been a surge in travel following the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a significant increase in people’s desire to explore. He also pointed out that individuals have now prioritized the importance of global exploration over strict financial savings.
“At Jumeirah hotels in Dubai, 20 per cent customers who check-in are Indians. They come there for different reasons, such as to attend exhibitions and conferences.
“Dubai has become an extended city of India. It takes a three-hour flight from India to reach Dubai. Another reason why more Indians are visiting Dubai is the effort put in by the UAE government to ease-up visa process,” said Anchan.
Furthermore, he mentioned that among all the Indian guests staying at Jumeirah hotels worldwide, 20 percent originate from the state of Gujarat.