Jumeirah’s spectacular India expansion quest

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While India’s inclusion in Jumeirah’s development landscape remains uncertain, the Group is acutely attuned to the burgeoning market of potential Indian travellers

In an endeavour to double its property portfolio by 2030 through its Vision 2030 campaign, Dubai’s luxury hotel chain, the Jumeirah Group, is making significant strides. During their annual roadshow in the National Capital, Kirti Anchan, General Manager of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, shed light on the Group’s expansion strategies and underscored the distinctive features that set the brand apart.

With a current tally of 27 luxury hotels globally, including 11 in the United Arab Emirates, the Jumeirah Group maintains a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The Group is presently nurturing four new hotels, including two in Dubai and one each in Geneva, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. In an exclusive chat with BW Hotelier, Anchan exuded confidence in these ongoing projects, affirming, “To usher in the next phase of growth, we have projects that are already well underway.”

A paramount goal for the Jumeirah Group is to capture the hearts of Indian globetrotters. The GM of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers highlighted the significance of the Indian market, stating, “India holds a pivotal position for the Jumeirah brands. Our hotels and resorts have long been adored in India and we’ve witnessed a remarkable 24 per cent year-over-year surge in Indian visitors to our Dubai locations.” He noted the positive shift in the market post-pandemic, observing, “As the market reopens following the Covid19 outbreak, there’s a surge in airline connections; more flights equate to more tourists.”

In addition to the already popular crowd-seeking destination weddings and honeymoon experiences, the Group is strategically targetting key customer segments, including independent luxury travellers, corporate and business travellers, and families seeking serene escapes. Ashraf, discussing the allure of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, stated, “Maldives, the pinnacle of romantic getaways, offers a visual feast with our resort’s unique private rooftop dining experience combined with special deals that transform the trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Highlighting the competitive edge that sets the Jumeirah Group apart, Anchan pointed to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, which exert a particular allure on the Indian market. He emphasised the Emirates Towers, a fixture in every Indian visitor’s night-time photograph of Dubai’s skyline, embody an unmistakable identity. With over 400 rooms and suites, this sleek skyscraper sits 3 km from Burj Khalifa, promising an unforgettable experience. 

When probed about the prospect of Jumeirah properties gracing India, both Ashraf and Anchan acknowledged the brand’s ongoing exploration of growth avenues in diverse geographic markets. They made it unequivocal that, as of now, concrete plans to enter the Indian market were not on the immediate horizon. However, the GM of Jumeirah Maldives articulated the brand’s objective, stating, “Our immediate goal is to enhance brand recognition in key Indian cities, with a renewed emphasis on Tier II cities.” Anchan went on to elaborate, “India is evolving and it’s not just about the metropolitan cities anymore. Similar opportunities are flourishing in Tier II cities. As we observe the increasing revenue streams from these markets, it will pave the way for further investments and unlock greater potential.”

As the Jumeirah Group charts an ambitious course towards doubling its property holdings by 2030, one thing remains abundantly clear: the brand’s relentless pursuit of growth. While India’s inclusion in Jumeirah’s development landscape remains uncertain, there’s no denying the growing number of Indian wanderers who are eager to explore the world. The Group is acutely attuned to this burgeoning market and is poised to seize the opportunity to cater to these discerning travellers.