Interview: JUMEIRAH HOTELS & RESORTS
A conversation with... Regional Vice President,
Derek Picot Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts Luxury property group
Jumeirah isn't about to stand still, with 15 new hotels
currently under development
Please provide us with a little background information on Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts is regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative groups in the world and has won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The company was founded in 1997 with the aim of becoming a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world-class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Building on this success, in 2004 Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding – a collection of leading Dubai-based businesses and projects – in line with a new phase of growth and development for the Group.
How many properties does Jumeirah operate and are there plans for more?
Jumeirah Group currently operates 22 luxury hotels and serviced apartments, including 11 in the Gulf region, six in Europe and five in Asia. A further 15 hotels are currently under development. This winter, Jumeirah Group announced the signing of a management agreement with IFG Basis Project LLC to manage a luxury hotel on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. The hotel is currently under
development and is expected to open within the next three years.
What are Jumeirah’s key distinctive and characteristic features? I would point to three. Firstly, we are known for offering imaginative and exhilarating experiences. Whether snorkelling on the reef guided by your private butler at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives or arriving at Burj Al Arab by Rolls Royce, Jumeirah aims to create unforgettable memories for each and every guest, both through once-in-a- lifetime experiences and providing a host of unexpected little details. Secondly, we
provide what could be described as 'cultural connectivity.' Jumeirah’s guests have a wide range of interests, and come from all over the
world. Whether through exposing them to local art, architecture, food or music, Jumeirah aims to enhance each stay by helping these guests to make new connections to unfamiliar destinations. There is no doubt that today’s
travellers crave a travel experience that will spark their curiosity,
“As the majority of our properties are leisure hotels, the travel trade in the UK market plays an exceedingly important role in supporting and promoting Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts”
engage with their own individual tastes and interests, and give unforgettable insights into the cultural heritage of the local communities they visit. Through our initiatives,
exhibitions and programming, Jumeirah is committed to providing opportunities for our guests that
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reflect the importance of cultural diversity, community collaboration and innovative expression. And thirdly, Jumeirah Hotels &
Resorts provides thoughtful and generous service. The Jumeirah team is made up of over 110 different nationalities, but each individual shares exactly the same goal; to make the Jumeirah experience wonderfully different through offering, at all times, a warm and generous service.
How important is the UK market to Jumeirah's business? The UK is a very important market to Jumeirah and a lot of strong repeat business has been built up over the years.
How significant are the bokings you get through travel agencies and tour operators? The majority of our properties are leisure hotels so the UK travel trade plays an exceedingly important role in supporting and promoting Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
What is your prognosis for travel and tourism in 2014? This year we have seen a tremendous uplift in growth from the UK market and at this moment in time there is no reason to believe that this will not continue in 2014.
Top: The Burj Al Arab, Dubai, perhaps the world's most luxurious hotel; insert:
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa, Majorca; Left: Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
December 2013 47
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