In conversation with Caroline Trichet, General Manager, Sofitel Downtown Dubai (Exclusive Interview)

How has your property performed in 2022 and what are your expectations for 2023?

Sofitel Downtown Dubai has performed much better than anticipated through higher occupancy and higher rates uplifted by events as EXPO2020 and FIFA World Cup around the end of the year. In 2023, we foresee Dubai and our hotel to continue to grow as Dubai now represent one of the major destination worldwide.

Has there been any impact from the current international context?

Dubai and our hotel were similarly impacted, however Dubai was one the first country in speedy recovery, we observed a shift in nationalities from less Asian travellers compensated by more European and Americans.

Tell us more about the hotel positioning – comp set, USPs etc.

Our hotel is located in the heart of the city next to the biggest mall of the world facing the famous Burj Khalifa tower. The hotel is attracting a full range of guests profiles: groups, corporate, leisure and a significant amount of online business. Majorly due to the location and Sofitel brand reputation, our hotel is able to compete among a wide range of international hotel brands.

What is the profile of your guest? Has this profile changed? (If in any way) Which are your key feed markets?

One of our strength is the blended mix of nationalities as well as profile of clientele varying between international corporate, leisure, mice, and domestic market who enjoy their staycation in the heart of Iconic Dubai Downtown surrounded by Key Dubai attractions. In addition, Sofitel brand being a leading luxury French brand attracts gave us the privilege of attracting  a large amount of European countries.

Has the perception of luxury changed? Do travellers have different expectations?

I don’t think Luxury has changed but travellers are probably more willing to spend to experience it especially after the Pandemic. Therefore, we see every day new profiles and higher expectations, helping us to think outside the box to increase satisfaction.

Luxury hotels around the world have been facing staffing challenges. What has been the case with your property?

Together with my magnifique team, we had managed to overcome the challenges over the pandemic and by implementing initiatives to ensure that the team have all the resources to deliver consistent luxury experience.

What has been your approach to achieving consistency when it comes to service?

Implementing  the luxury experience as per Sofitel DNA is a key to achieve consistency, and definitely through focusing on the wellbeing of the team through many initiatives and attract the right talent to tailor a magnifique guest experience journey.

How is your property’s F&B conceived? What about wellness and Spa?

We pride ourselves for offering a comprehensive mix of speciality cuisines between the French Art de’vivre represented by L’apero offering French Mediterranean cuisine with French flavoured delicacies and in addition to international cuisine at Le Cuisine served as all day dining to our in house guest beside Asian Cuisine WAKAME , in addition to Moroccan Levante lounge and the well-known Swiss butter Steak Grill. New treatments will be introduced at our award winning Sofitel Spa

Do you plan any novelties for 2023?

We have so far enrolled a full plan of digital transformation which had enhanced the digital customer serve experience and we continuo updating the same throughout 2023 and we will continue throughout 2023. Stay tuned with US…..

Which are your top 5 off-the-beaten-track tips in Dubai ?

Dubai is surrounded by the sand and the sea and for adrenaline fans ,sky diving is strongly recommended… Enjoy a barbecue in the desert & learn how to surf on the dunes! Paddle down iconic places or at the palm! Yacht tour to enjoy some time off with friends! Shopping is key: enjoy every moment in Dubai Mall overlooking the fountains!

 

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