Exclusive | Rosewood Hotel Group targets Chinese travellers in Abu Dhabi, eyes further Mid-East expansion

Hoteliers in Abu Dhabi view China as their top priority, as shown by Rosewood Hotel Group’s efforts to put in place the necessary infrastructure to tap into the Chinese market, according to the managing director of its Abu Dhabi branch.

The current top clientele for Rosewood Abu Dhabi hail from the United States, Europe and Middle East, said Remus Palimaru, managing director of Rosewood Abu Dhabi. “Outside these groups, our number one target and attention remains China, not only for us, also for our competitors and for the city,” he said.

Palimaru said local culture and tourism officials were pushing hard for Rosewood to accept payments like WeChat to ensure that it was ready for travellers from China.

“We want to be ahead of the game, as we’ve put a lot of effort into letting China know that we are open for business,” he said.

Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotel Group was among the pioneering hoteliers to recognise the growing significance of the Middle East, according to Radha Arora, president and co-chief development officer of the group. That includes the region’s “pivotal role in hosting significant global events and attracting a large influx of visitors and investors”.

In July 2011, New World Hospitality paid US$229.5 million to acquire Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and, two years later, changed its name to Rosewood Hotel Group. Sonia Cheng Chi-man has taken on the role as its chief executive officer.