Al Diar Siji Hotel to strenthen online strategies

The five-star Al Diar Siji Hotel in Fujairah is geared up to strengthen its online strategies following a 32% increase in online booking in 2010. 

“Online booking is fast becoming the biggest trend in the region and global travel sector and it will be the focus of Al Diar Siji hotel’s marketing strategy this year, explained Mr. FouadMelhem, the hotel’s General Manager who also heads the Siji Hotel Apartments, a luxury serviced property. 

“With the burgeoning online travel market and web booking portals that are expected to flood the market in 2011, online booking is indeed a fast growing channel of the tourism industry. With this, increase in internet booking is inevitableand we want to get a share of that”, Mr. Melhem continued. 

Managed by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) under its Al Diar Hotel Division, Al Diar Siji Hotel is in the process of revamping its website which is expected to be operational by first week of April.  

“In order to remain competitive, especially now that competitor hotels have recently opened here in Fujairah, we must continue to invest in technology to sell through the web.  Our new website will have more user-friendly features and will allow direct bookings”, Mr. Melhem continued. 

Together with the Al Diar Hotel Division, Al Diar Siji Hotel will also be present in all 4 GDS and will be accessible in more websites with booking portals. 

Al Diar Siji Hotel will also maximize social media including Facebook and Twitter as avenues for presenting the hotel’s facilities and services, as well as establishing contact with previous and potential clients. Online marketing initiatives including activity campaigns with Yahoo and Google, email marketing, and online advertising are also lined-up. 

Although the online booking has increased by more than 30% in 2010 compared to 2009, the figure only comprised less than 5 percent of the total hotel booking.  

“Our goal is to increase this figure by 15% to 20% by year end.  Considering the increase in our room production through internet booking month by month, the rise ininternet booking globally, and our online marketing strategies, this would be attainable”, said Mr. Melhem. 

Al Diar Siji Hotel features spacious rooms and suites, banqueting facilities, world-class restaurants, recreational facilities including tennis courts and bowling centre. The hotel also boasts of two international certifications; the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System) certification for its food and beverage; and the BS EN ISO 9001:2008 certificate for management efficiency.