Leading the pre-opening of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in 2021, Fabien Chesnais has been overseeing its growth into a premier luxury destination. The resort is favoured by families, with its exclusive leisure packages tailored for staycations and long-weekend getaways. These have become increasingly popular among domestic markets and neighbouring GCC countries.
In an interview with Travel Daily Media, Fabien Chesnais, General Manager, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island tells us more.
Travel Daily Media (TDM): As a two-year-old property in the Emirate, how has Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island been tapping into the leisure segment and family vacationers in the last two years?
Fabien Chesnais (FC): Since opening in 2022, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has strategically positioned itself as a leading destination for family vacations and leisure travel. We have developed a wide range of family-centric experiences, from our dedicated kids’ club Xscape Teen Zone, Wibit floating water park, mini golf course, Arcade Family gaming room to Möca Lobby Lounge and multi-cuisine restaurants like Ula and Boons. This has resulted in significant growth in our family segment, with around 80% of our guests now consisting of family travellers. Our proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Jebel Jais has also bolstered our appeal among leisure travellers.
In the last two years, we have focused on exclusive leisure packages tailored for staycations and long-weekend getaways, which have seen a strong uptake, particularly from domestic markets and neighbouring GCC countries.
TDM: What is your marketing and sales strategy for the hotel for 2024? What remain the main challenges for hotels to grow in RAK?
FC: Our marketing and sales strategy for 2024 focuses on expanding our reach into international markets, with a particular emphasis on Europe and India, leveraging Ras Al Khaimah’s growing reputation as a sustainable and adventure-driven destination. We are investing in digital marketing, influencer collaborations and participating in global travel trade shows like ATM to raise awareness.
We capitalize on the leisure and MICE segments through tailored packages, partnerships with tour operators and offering competitive group rates. We also aim to grow our presence in niche markets such as destination weddings, tapping into the resort’s picturesque beachfront and multi-functional venues. This year, we hosted 12 Indian weddings and are geared up for a packed next year.
Challenges for growth remain the seasonality of travel with extreme summer weather. With tourism infrastructure development and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority ’s continued efforts resulted in around 20% surge in tourist arrivals from India in 2023 over 2022.
TDM: How has business been in the first seven months of 2024? What were your occupancies and RevPAR? What other ancillary services are you providing to grow the hotel’s bottom lines?
FC: The first seven months of 2024 have been promising. We recorded good occupancy rate, with peak performance during the Eid holidays and the summer vacation period. We have maintained a strong occupancy this year with +110% RevPar Index and year-on-year growth in direct bookings, including approximately 5,000 Indian guests annually. We have launched various experiences and adventure activities and 2nd anniversary staycation offer that included a 20-minute plane ride, capturing the best aerial views of Marjan Island and Ras Al Khaimah along with spa and dining discounts, as well as Mövenpick Chocolate Hour & Aperitif Hour for a stay period of 1 July to 15 September this year.
TDM: What kind of mutually beneficial partnerships have your hotels cultivated with travel trade partners to increase sales and grow revenue?
FC: We have built strong partnerships with key travel trade players like tour operators and online travel agencies (OTAs), both locally and internationally to drive bookings. We have partnered with local experience providers, such as adventure tour companies offering Dessert Safari experiences, hot air balloon, action flights, Jebel Jais excursions to pearl farming expedition and many more, to create comprehensive vacation packages.
TDM: What are the trends in hospitality in RAK? Which kinds of new technologies and property management tools are becoming popular?
FC: One of the prominent trends in Ras Al Khaimah hospitality is a growing focus on sustainable tourism, aligning with the Emirate’s vision. Guests are increasingly looking for eco-friendly options and we are committed to offering sustainable choices. Our Green Team takes care of energy conservation, waste reduction, promoting local biodiversity and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island was awarded the Coral Travel Starway World Best Hotels 2023 in the environment-friendly hotel category.
Mobile check-in and digital concierge services have become popular among guests. AI-driven revenue management systems and cloud-based property management solutions are also gaining traction.
TDM: We would now like to know about your journey in the hospitality industry that took you from your earlier years to today. Do share a moment that stands apart as being very special.
FC: My journey in hospitality spans over two decades, driven by a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. A defining moment came when I became the youngest General Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Doha at 36, a milestone that shaped my approach to leadership and operational excellence. Another highlight was leading the pre-opening of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in 2021. Overseeing its growth into a premier luxury destination has been incredibly rewarding. Throughout my career, my focus has been on fostering team collaboration and delivering outstanding guest satisfaction, which I believe is the key to success in hospitality.
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