The MICE business is an increasing segment throughout Rotana properties and destinations in the Middle East, therefore Rotana has confirmed their participation at the GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, 2011. 
   
Commenting on the participation, Selim El Zyr (below), President and CEO for Rotana, said, "We are very pleased with Abu Dhabi hosting an important exhibition such as GIBTM, which will hugely assist in developing the MICE tourism. We have always been very active with the promotion of our MICE properties all over the Middle East through our local and International sales offices and our participation at GIBTM has assisted us in further developing this sector and in the showcasing our products and offerings."

The approximate current percentage of MICE business is 9% in Abu Dhabi, 10% in Dubai, 9% in Lebanon and 11% in Egypt.

MICE Business relies not only on the property's offering but also on the destination itself. In Egypt, the economic activity was negatively impacted by political instability in Egypt. Tourism, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the nation's GDP, is one of the Egyptian economy's main lifelines.

However, we are still optimistic as Egypt's amazing historical monuments, attractions and legacy will continue to attract tourists over time if a peaceful political solution can be found. We have felt that security in Cairo is coming back to the streets gradually, it should be noted that in the middle of the events, security in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada was and still normal and nobody from the tourists nor the expat residents felt any disturbance.

We are forecasting or in fact working on increasing the MICE business within the coming 2 years to 19%. Sharm El Sheikh is emerging as a conference paradise and our 5 star luxurious resorts, the Grand Rotana Resort & Spa boasts some of the most hi-tech modern facilities combined with the resort's exclusive services, making it the perfect place to host meetings providing both business acumen with rest and relaxation.

In Abu Dhabi, the increase will be very significant; up to 16% which is a growth of over 60%, and this is due to the initiatives taken by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority to promote the destination for MICE. Hosting important exhibitions such as GIBTM assists hugely in the overall tourism development taking place and plays a major role in nurturing further growth in this sector.

Rotana manages a leading property in Abu Dhabi; the Beach Rotana which is a city conference resort and indeed a great attraction to MICE, and Park Rotana which is conveniently located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, next the exhibition centre ADNEC. In addition, Yas Island Rotana which is located in close proximity to the Abu Dhabi Airport, F1 Race Track, Abu Dhabi Ferrari World, Marina and Links Golf Course.           

In Dubai, Rotana has over 100 meeting / conference rooms with over 14,000.00 sqm2 of meeting space. This segment is increasing more so at this time due to the affordability and attractiveness of the destination, which is encouraging us to further focus on this segment. 

As for Lebanon, Rotana currently operates three properties in Beirut, the former ‘Pearl of the Middle East', Hazmieh Rotana, Gefinor Rotana and Raouché Arjaan by Rotana. Lebanon has rebound and is again attracting the MICE business. From its souks to its palaces, it churches to its mosques, its mountains to it shores, Lebanon offers an unparalleled chance to glimpse a land between East and West, between Arab and European, between the past and the future.

El Zyr continues, "The inventory of the hotel rooms to be managed by Rotana in Abu Dhabi will be increased to more than 2800 within the coming few months. Although we are not really anticipating a surge of "mass tourism" in Abu Dhabi, we hope to appeal to the more discerning tourist and MICE organisers and GIBTM will be a huge contributor to this."

"For the next three years, Rotana will open 10 hotels per year. The plan is right. The strategy is there. The execution and know-how are there. The objective is clear. Rotana is positive that as long as the company is able to manage growth in an efficient way, then there is the scope to take up further properties," he added.

The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.

About Rotana
Rotana currently manages a portfolio of 70 properties throughout the Middle East and Africa with an aggressive expansion plan in place. At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge how precious time is to you by making all time spent with us, Treasured Time. This means that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all our guests. In so doing, we have evolved our product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana. Treasured Time. Our promise to you.
Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting www.rotana.com or by contacting one of our regional sales offices.

For further information about this press release or any of Rotana's properties and brands, please contact:

Amin Dakkak
Director of Marketing & Communications
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation LTD.
Tel:      + 971 2 699 44 44, Fax:     + 971 2 644 14 12
Email: amin.dakkak@rotana.com