‘Almost 30 per cent guests arrive from India’

Centralised brand campaigns, sales team network and social media platforms are the key tools to capture the Indian market, says Nivedita Avasthi, General Manager, Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre

Over the last two decades, Bangladesh has been one of the most emerging economies of South Asia. As a result, the country has witnessed a sizeable growth in domestic travel and foreign tourist arrivals. This, in turn, has further fuelled the demand for more hotels in major cities of the country. But just when the businesses were starting to recover from the coronavirus fallout with Q3 and Q4 witnessing occupancy levels bouncing back to normal levels and green shoots appearing, a fresh wave of Covid19 infection swept across the globe. As a result, there has been a major dip in travel and trade in Bangladesh which threatens to disrupt recovery in the local hospitality industry. 

The current scenario of the market is critical because the Bangladesh government has imposed several regulations to contain the situation but it is heavily impacting the business of the hotels in the capital city of the Asian nation. As it has been with Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre whose soft opening happened recently. The hotel is in its ramp-up stage but the onset of Covid19 has slowed down the process. 

“We are witnessing our popularity increase in the domestic market with guests coming in to enjoy staycations. Delightful guest feedbacks on social media platforms have been a big source of encouragement. We are utilising this time to strengthen our position and spreading awareness within the corporates to secure future business,” says Nivedita Avasthi, General Manager, Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre. 

Handling business travellers

“While catering to all business needs seamlessly, The Holiday Inn offers a service style, enabling the guests to relax and rejuvenate. The garment business function works around small meetings, showcasing products and creative conversations. We curate the ambience and extend offers and packages to fit in the varied requirements for these business travellers,” shares Avasthi. 

F&B facilities

The hotel offers indoor, alfresco and poolside dining with menus that promise delight in every bite. “You can start the day with a filling breakfast at our all-day dining restaurant, Attitude. Or indulge in tasty Bangladeshi, Indian and Sri Lanka flavours at The Ilish, else unwind and energise after a day at the tea lounge, White Lotus. You can meet up at the hotel’s English pub and lounge, Shardul.  Additionally, there’s a live outdoor frill space and premium intimate dining opportunity on Rooftop Poolside. From buffet brunch to pre-dinner drinks and everything in between, the options at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre cater to every mood and occasion,” she informs.

Offerings for families and kids

Holiday Inn Hotels hold SMILE as their mascot. “A family-oriented hotel brand, we keep families and kids at the heart of everything we do. Kids aged 12 and below can stay and eat free when they share the guest room with an adult family member. Specially curated Kids Menu is our key brand highlight. Cot or crib and extra beds are complimentary for kids 12 and below. The service style and environment is friendly, vibrant and warm,” shares Avasthi.

Key source markets 

India, China, Japan, USA, Middle East and Europe are the key sources market for business at the property with domestic market hotting up on weekends. “Garments, pharmaceuticals, banks, FMCGs, NGOs and infrastructure development are the key focus segments we cater to. The luxurious product combined with a guarantee of excellence in service make us the preferred stay destination. A full-service hotel catering to every need of the market makes us ‘Easy to do business with’,” she avers.

India and Indian travellers

Avasthi says that nearly 30 per cent guests arrive from India at the property, a majorty related to the garment business. “Centralised brand campaigns by IHG, national and global sales team network, OTAs, social media platforms and other media channels in India market are the key tools and enablers to capture the Indian market and travellers,” she says.

Motivation mantra

Motivating self and employees is always important, but inspiring your team takes on increased significance during challenging economic times. “When business results are less than promising, emotions can bring employee performance to a standstill. “The most important thing to do is to ‘Keep Connected’ and maintain a transparent and psychologically safe environment. IHG has a very well-structured holistic programme to sail through these times,” says Avasthi. 



This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022 ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL'


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Nivedita Avasthi Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre

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