Face-to-Face: Olivier Louis, One&Only
This week, Olivier Louis, Managing Director, One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai and One&Only The Palm Dubai, speaks to Travel Daily’s Nina Dabiralai…
1) What are the main differences between One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm?
One&Only Royal Mirage remains our timeless and classic resort. It represents the magic of Arabia and provides a sense of luxury escapism for our visitors. We like to create an experience for guests. People lead stressful lives and work hard throughout the year so we like to create memories for them by enveloping them in elegant relaxation. We continuously maintain the resort’s upkeep and décor to the highest of standards and the same can be said for our Team’s performance.
Our latest baby, One&Only The Palm, is a natural evolvement of all our key principles at One&Only Resorts. Tradition or sense of place has a habit of coming back around and One&Only The Palm is an alternative experience for our returning guests – a new twist on what they already love about One&Only in Dubai. It is still Arabesque and stylish. It still boasts a strong air of romanticism and it is decadent without being ostentatious. One&Only The Palm is a more exclusive property with Andalusian-influenced architecture. The interior décor is innovative in style and more contemporary whilst maintaining the same true feel and warmth of One&Only Royal Mirage. This unmistakeable atmosphere and ambience is part of our One&Only Resorts’ DNA.
2) How did your hotel perform in 2012?
It has been our most impressive performance to date. Our restaurant and catering sales have been the best on record, beating our previous most successful year in 2008. Repeat business continues to be remarkable at up to 40% with some guests re-visiting three or four times per year. We are extremely proud of such a sustainable success over the past 14 years.
3) Is this positive trend reflective of the current popularity of Dubai as a destination?
Yes, I think that plays a part. Dubai has become so unique and easily accessible and this is primarily due to the impressive airline development. Take the UK for example; there are striking numbers of British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic flights arriving daily from London. More flights are being scheduled from the rest of Europe. Dubai is also in close proximity from Asia. We also have Abu Dhabi airport not so far away. So, our location is perfect for a majority percentage of worldwide travellers. However, I think One&Only offers guests something special within Dubai and that is ultimately why we get such great repeat business perhaps compared to our counterparts.
4) What are your main development plans for 2013?
To continue or current success by maintaining high standards. In Dubai, we will be focusing many efforts on sales and marketing for both One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm. All of our Palace rooms and suites have also been renovated and updated in the past two years. Keep an eye out for exciting new developments within One&Only brand in China, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
5) Finally, please sum up The One and Only in one sentence.
We are a truly unique beach resort with the ability to create memorable and emotional experiences.
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