Fairmont The Palm a showcase for responsible luxury hospitality
Since joining Fairmont The Palm in 2022, you have implemented a strong culture of internal growth and leadership development. What strategies have been most effective in nurturing and promoting internal talent, and how do you see this shaping the future of the hotel's workforce?
At Fairmont The Palm, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. Since joining in 2022, my focus has been on fostering a culture of growth, empowerment, and continuous learning. One of the key strategies has been the implementation of tailored training and development programmes, ensuring that our colleagues have access to the tools and resources necessary for career progression.
We have strengthened mentorship programmes, where experienced leaders guide emerging talent, and introduced cross-training opportunities to help employees diversify their skill sets.
Fairmont The Palm has made remarkable strides in people development, with 202 internal promotions. We have also increased the Employee Satisfaction at the hotel which is at 8.7 in 2024.
Your commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives such as the Single Use Plastic (SUP) strategy and the renewal of the Green Key certification. How do these efforts align with Fairmont The Palm's long-term vision for responsible tourism, and what further sustainability initiatives can we expect in the coming years?
Sustainability is at the heart of Fairmont The Palm's long-term vision. Our Single Use Plastic (SUP) strategy, the renewal of our Green Key certification, and the recent achievement of the prestigious Gold Stamp Certification from DET — an accolade awarded to only a select few hotels in Dubai—demonstrate our unwavering commitment to responsible tourism.
We are proud to have achieved a remarkable 93 per cent score from the EHC audit, placing us among the top 5 Fairmont properties worldwide recognised by this reputable company. By embedding sustainability into our core business strategy, we aim to set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry, ensuring that Fairmont The Palm continues to lead the way in responsible luxury hospitality.
Under your leadership, Fairmont The Palm has achieved record-breaking financial milestones, including unprecedented GOP and strong RevPAR growth. What key factors have contributed to this success in a highly competitive market, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum?
Our financial achievements are the result of a well-balanced strategy that integrates operational excellence, market agility, and guest-centric innovation. Since 2022, we have achieved our highest Year-to-Date (YTD) Gross Operating Profit (GOP) since the hotel's opening in 2012, with a 65 per cent flow-through that exceeds industry benchmarks. Our RevPAR growth index reached almost 100, significantly enhancing our ranking in a highly competitive market.
In F&B, we exceeded expectations despite increased competition, achieving a revenue increase of Dh2.9 million. Moving forward, we will continue investing in technology-driven efficiencies, enhancing our digital marketing strategies.
The hotel has recently embarked on significant renovation projects, How will they elevate the guest experience, and what new offerings can visitors look forward to in 2025?
At Fairmont The Palm, we continually strive to elevate our guest experience, and our latest renovation projects reflect this unwavering commitment. The Dh15 million investment in Serenity – The Art of Well-Being spa has transformed it into a luxurious sanctuary offering holistic wellness treatments that seamlessly blend traditional techniques with modern therapies.
Since its reopening, the spa has earned numerous awards and achieved an impressive 80 per cent improvement in results compared to the previous year.
Fairmont The Palm continues to advance key renovation plans, including enhancing our all-day dining and beach concepts. Our commitment to culinary excellence has also been recognised, with Little Miss India, our Michelin Guide-recommended outlet, earning this accolade for the third consecutive year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Marriott International Enhance Collaboration with MoU to Strengthen Hospitality Ecosystem
Post Views: 32 Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International which aims to further boost the city's international visibility, diversify the destination offering, elevate guest experiences, and nurture next-generation industry talent. The MoU extends the long-standing collaborative efforts between DET and Marriott International, and marks another important step in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, the MoU reinforces their commitment to accelerate the growth of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors. The MoU sets the foundation for potential collaborations whereby Dubai will be prominently promoted to guests worldwide through Marriott International's portfolio of hotels. In addition, potential joint marketing initiatives including multi-channel advertising, high-impact social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations will spotlight Dubai's unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences, aiming to drive wider international awareness and visitor demand. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: 'The growth and resilience of our tourism sector is driven by robust strategies and the collective commitment of forward-thinking partners such as Marriott International. The new MoU is inspired by visionary leadership to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality innovation. By leveraging the reach and expertise of one of the world's most prominent hotel groups, we are amplifying Dubai's global profile and delivering richer experiences to our visitors. As we pursue the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, such alliances embody the spirit of public-private collaboration that define Dubai's continued success in delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.' Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added: 'We are proud to have a portfolio of over 50 hotels in Dubai across all segments – select, premium and luxury, that align with the diversity of experiences the city offers for every type of traveller. DET continues to set an example of unity and cohesion between the public and private sector, and their collaboration has been an integral part of our long-standing legacy and success in this market. We remain committed to working with DET to deliver memorable moments to guests from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to unlock and discover experiences in this beautiful destination.' Plans include the integration of Dubai's iconic landmarks, culinary scene, and immersive experiences into Marriott International's seasonal travel packages and within the group's loyalty programme offering. This initiative aims to provide guests with authentic, locally-curated experiences, deepening their connection with the city and supporting Dubai's position as a must-visit destination. The collaboration between DET and Marriott International highlights the strength of Dubai's public-private partnerships in driving sustained tourism sector growth, evidenced by a robust performance so far in 2025. Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors in the first four months of this year, up 7% on the same period last year. This follows a record 18.72 million visitors, who arrived in Dubai in 2024, a 9% YoY growth. To further elevate service standards, DET's Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) will deliver specialised training for hotel staff through its Dubai Way programme, featuring customised training modules focused on customer service excellence, cultural awareness, and guest relations, ensuring that hospitality professionals deliver world-class service tailored to diverse global visitors. The MoU reflects DET's ongoing efforts to establish meaningful partnerships, including the Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis launched by DCT and Marriott International in March 2025. Through this initiative, students receive exclusive internship and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, further supporting Dubai's talent development agenda and specifically helping to build a broad pool of home-grown talent for the tourism workforce. With over 80 properties and 23,000 rooms across 23 renowned brands in the UAE – including 59 properties in Dubai alone – Marriott International continues to play a key role in shaping the city's hospitality landscape. DET's collaboration with Marriott International is part of its broader strategy to engage global industry leaders in shaping a future-ready tourism sector.
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Signs MoU with Marriott International to Boost Global Tourism Appeal
Dubai has taken a significant step toward strengthening its position as a global tourism hub by signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International, one of the world's largest hospitality companies. The agreement, signed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Marriott International, aims to enhance international visibility, diversify offerings, and elevate visitor experiences. It also supports Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the city among the top three global destinations for business and leisure. Under the MoU, Marriott will spotlight Dubai across its global hotel network through joint marketing campaigns, social media collaborations, and influencer initiatives. These efforts will showcase the city's landmarks, culinary scene, and cultural experiences, driving greater demand from international travellers. DET and Marriott will also integrate Dubai's attractions into seasonal travel packages and Marriott's loyalty programme, offering guests immersive, locally curated experiences. The partnership underscores the power of public-private collaboration in delivering authentic tourism products. The MoU further extends to talent development. DET's Dubai College of Tourism will provide specialised training to hospitality professionals via its Dubai Way programme, and the Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis—launched in March 2025—will continue offering internships and mentorships with Marriott. With 59 hotels in Dubai and over 80 across the UAE, Marriott International remains a key contributor to the city's hospitality sector. The partnership comes amid strong tourism performance, with Dubai recording 7.15 million international overnight visitors in the first four months of 2025—a 7% year-on-year increase. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Campaign ME
4 days ago
- Campaign ME
Dubai DET hails TBWA\RAAD as ‘an example' after Campaign Global Awards win
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has congratulated TBWA\RAAD on being named the World's Best Place to Work at the 2025 Campaign Global Agency of the Year Awards, a first for any agency in the Middle East. The recognition marks a significant milestone not only for the agency but also for Dubai's growing reputation as a global centre for creativity, innovation and talent. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, said: 'We extend our warmest congratulations to TBWA\RAAD on this well-deserved award, a testament to its dedication to excellence within Dubai's thriving creative landscape. As Dubai consolidates its position as a leading city for business and leisure, achievements like this underscore our commitment to fostering innovation and providing a platform for global impact.' His Excellency Issam Kazim added that Dubai's supportive environment is what allows companies like TBWA\RAAD to flourish on a global scale. 'By creating a business-friendly environment, attracting and nurturing world-class talent, and promoting a culture of creativity, we are making Dubai the best city to visit, live, and work in. TBWA\RAAD stands as an example of a company that is both capitalising on Dubai's enabling environment and contributing to its continued economic growth and success,' said the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing CEO, part of DET. Headquartered in Dubai, TBWA\RAAD has previously been certified as a Great Place to Work® and named on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Best Workplaces for Women lists. This latest recognition by Campaign affirms its place among the top global creative employers and reinforces the strength of its internal culture. Reda Raad, Group CEO, TBWA\RAAD, said: 'Dubai is where global ambition meets everyday possibility, and our Pirates prove it. Disruption® is more than a creative philosophy –it's the foundation of our culture. When we invest first in people, we unlock ideas that move markets and mind-sets. Being named the Best Place to Work in the world is proof that we have built the most inspiring agency workplace on the planet, with the best Pirates.' Raad added that the win belongs not only to the team at TBWA\RAAD but also to the city of Dubai, 'for fostering an environment where achievements like this are possible.' The award was presented as part of the anual Campaign Global Agency of the Year Awards, which recognise agencies for excellence in creativity, culture, effectiveness, and innovation. TBWA\RAAD's win in the workplace category signals the region's growing competitiveness on the global stage – not just in creative output, but in building sustainable, people-first workplaces. The agency said it will continue to champion talent, nurture innovation and export Dubai's creative energy to the world.
