H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri of DTCM announces Municipality Fee waiver for three and four star hotel developments at Day 2 of The Hotel Show
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General DTCM, today revealed that the hotel investment industry is to be given a financial incentive to develop more mid-range hotels in Dubai, in a move to swell the Emirate’s supply of four and three star properties in his key note speech on ‘The importance of industry collaboration to achieve tourism objectives’ on the second day of The Hotel Show, the region’s leading and largest hospitality supplies show.
Speaking as part of an interview in the Vision Conference, hosted by Hospitality Business Middle East, H.E. stressed that eligible hotels will be granted a concession on the standard 10 per cent Municipality Fee, which is levied on the room rate for each night of occupancy. The initiative is designed to incentivize hotel owners to bring forward their construction timelines, creating more three and four star hotel rooms in Dubai more quickly. Investors in new hotels will be granted a waiver on the fee for a period of four years from the date the permit to construct is granted and provided that this date is between 1st October 2013 and 31st December 2017.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DTCM said: “In order to achieve our headline objective of 20 million visitors per year by 2020, we need to both increase the overall stock of hotel rooms in Dubai and widen the range of options for visitors. In recent years the number of three and four star establishments has increased, but it’s vital that we continue to engineer the growth of this range.
In line with the new initiative, the potential of the hospitality and leisure industry to continue to increase tourism to Dubai was re-emphasised by renowned architect and luxury hotel designer, Steven Miller, who commented on the ever-expanding architecture industry in the region as part of his ‘Designs of the future’ keynote speech. The architect’s insights are aligned with recent market statistics, which reveal that the hospitality sector in the Middle East will contribute 19% of a projected $9.2bn interior design market value by the end of 2013, equating to an increase in value from $1.3bn in 2012 to $1.62bn this year (INDEX 2013).
As well as the industry speakers championing the strong future of the region, exhibitors also present at The Hotel Show demonstrated a variety of unique and innovative new hotel concepts. From a focus on creatively themed and individual guest rooms and experiences, as highlighted by exhibitor and interior design consultancy, Nakkash Gallery, to KPTAC Technologies’ interactive and touchscreen eMenu tables and a new smart bed incorporating Internet and Blu-Ray DVD feeds from PRO TECH, The Hotel Show has helped to ensure that Dubai is well on its way to reaching the 20 million visitor mark over the next ten years.
One of the new elements of this year’s show, the Hotel Room of The Future exhibition, created by Milan-based architect and design office, WT Technologies, provided delegates with a unique look into the future of hospitality. Coupling innovative and sustainable eco-systems with quality design, the Hotel Room of The Future includes waterproof and touchscreen TV screens from UK-based bathroom designer, Videotree, energy efficient LED lighting made from recyclable ABS plastic from Moree, and translucent MICROSORBER-Foil under the ceilings and walls, which improves acoustics and also the climate of the room.
The final day of The Hotel Show will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre until 7pm on 30th September.
