profile WMAG.GE
Citadines Apart’ hotel Average Occupancy Totalled 85% in May
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MARIAM PAPIDZE WMAG.GE
rom May 2011 to 2012, the average occupancy rate of Citadines Apart’ hotel in Tbilisi was 75%. In May 2012 Citadines achieved 85% in terms of occupancy. Tourism is booming in Georgia thanks to the efforts of the Georgian Government, according to Farhod Tashtemirov, General Manager of Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi. Citadines expects to see an increase in its guest numbers in Tbilisi this summer compared to last year, based on current reservations and business forecasts. According to Tashtemirov, demand for quality accommodation by international business travellers in Georgia is still growing. Citadines is the first international serviced residence brand in Georgia. Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi entered the Georgian market in 2010. Mr. Tashtemirov has held the position of General Manager from the very day of its opening. He is 41 years old, married and has four children. He was born in a small village in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan, in a large family of nine children. In 1988 he graduated from secondary school with a Gold medal, in 1993 from one of Russia’s universities with a Diploma in Political Science and in 2005 from Tashkent Financial Institute with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Banking. Before starting work at his current position Tashtemirov was Director of The Park Turon Hotel Tashkent and Sales, Marketing & Revenue Director of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International. “2012 Year to Date results are showing significant increases in terms of occupancy and revenue. As a serviced residence, Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi benefits from the loyalty of its guests and also from the extended stay segment which is having a positive impact on its occupancy rate.” Most of Citadines Apart’ hotels’ guests are foreigners (90-95%). Georgians represent just 5-10%.
FINANCIALMAGAZINE
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66
JULY
2012
“The Citadines rate policy is based on three different rates which decrease according to the length of stay: from 1 to 6 nights, from 7 to 29 nights and from 30 nights and more. These rates are available for corporate and leisure guests and calculated per night and per apartment unit. For example, a studio (up to 2 pers.) is from 121 USD to 168 USD (VAT excl.) per night with complimentary internet access.” “At Citadines we offer also Club Apartments, available for studio or bedroom apartment types. Our Club Apartments are chosen to offer more space, privacy and peace in the property with a high level of comfort. They provide a large bed with a duvet and are equipped with a flat screen television, and iPod docking station. Furthermore additional services are included such as continental breakfast, daily service; extended range of amenities and a late check-out till 5pm.” Citadines Apart’ hotels offers a complimentary fitness centre, a terrace bar and breakfast room. Citadines Apart’ hotels do not have a restaurant on premises. Each apartment is equipped with a complete kitchen so that each client can live as though at home while being away from home. That said however Citadines does serve breakfast every day from 07:00 am to 11:00 am in its breakfast area. Furthermore guests who want to experience local cuisine can enjoy trying the menus of restaurants located in close proximity to the property. In addition there are plenty of catering companies that offer a large selection of international cuisine which can deliver meals to guests’ apartments. The Citadines brand has several distribution channels to attract national and international guests. For the summer season, we’ve set up some specific promotions and offers. At Citadines Apart’ hotels, guests can benefit from an enviable city-centre location, spacious alternative to a hotel, different types of apartment for a single business traveller or a family, and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare one’s own meals. In addition, guests can get more freedom and flexibility by choosing a la carte hotel services to suit their needs and budget. All these benefits offer guests value for money compared to staying in a hotel. Citadines has recently introduced a new room type with its Club Apartment. The hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi in all public areas and apartment units. The Apart’ hotel is open 24 hours a day to provide convenient check-in and check-out for guests.