Vision 2030 Jan. 2011 | Page 108

SME Focus SME hospitality Gava Hotel is a typical SME operating in the hospitality sector “We have guests coming from all over the world, from China, the EU, the US, Australia, Africa and the GCC. The vast majority of our guests are very happy with the hotel, the staff and their stay overall. Our mission is to meet the customers’ needs, and we are very happy to do that on a regular basis.” As a local hotel with an Arabic flavour, retaining guests is a high priority. “We attract a lot of repeat business and that is a factor in our continuing viability as an SME operating in the hospitality sector here in Abu Dhabi”. There is a traditional Arabic style restaurant which is a must-see experience for those still unfamiliar with traditional Arabic settings. The Gava Hotel stands at a crossroads between Abu Dhabi’s past and future. Defence Road, which once delineated the line between the city and the army camp, is now blossoming with projects that are shaping the landscape for the years to come. The owner of the hotel is experienced in the construction industry and, in order to create another revenue stream, is employing that expertise in the development of a new coffee shop adjacent to the hotel. Gava retains a 78% occupancy rate despite the changing macroeconomic conditions. The company routinely builds villas and deciding to add the Gava Hotel to their portfolio was an exercise in business diversification. The rooms are all fully equipped with high speed internet, essential for the business traveller, as well as very large 52” flat screen LCD TVs. The guest’s travelling experience is further enhanced by complimentary tea and coffee facilities, fridge, free breakfast and free local calls. The general manager of Gava Hotel, Mr. Mohammed Babker explains that repeat business is a constant for their establishment; 106 The Gava Hotel is currently launching a new online e-commerce campaign in order to attract additional bookings. Gava Hotel, Defence Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 642 5667 Fax: +971 2 641 6744 Email: gava@eim.ae