Disha Shah Ghosh - Mumbai At a time when all businesses are looking at ways to expand their customer network, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport is no different. The property is keen to increase the length of stay of its guests, along with positioning its large spaces for weddings and multi-function events, while pushing alternate revenue streams.
Talking about this, Victor Chen, GM, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, said, “We have opportunities in other operating departments of the hotel spa, gym and swimming pool membership, laundry revenue, transportation revenue and business center revenue. High-speed internet, and ISD line for meetings and conference is a new revenue stream that we are exploring.”
The hotel is largely popular among transit and business travellers, with the former comprising 20% and latter 80% of its clientele, due to its strategic location of proximity to the international airport. “Besides being in close proximity of the airport, our hotel is known for its MICE facilities because we have a large ballroom and smaller breakout rooms for variety of meetings, residential weddings and local weddings.”
For 2023, Chen believes it is going to be a strong year for growth. “During Q1 itself, we have surpassed growth compared to 2019 and 2022 having recorded above 15-20℅ budgeted revenues.”
The two years of Covid has given the Courtyard team enough time to revisit its culture, and service standard. “We as a team have revisited our culture and values, and improved on our guest satisfaction score. Currently, we are witnessing 75% occupancy, and are looking to reach 80% by year end.”
The Momo Café, a flagship offering at all Courtyard properties has been refurbished and its menu has been revamped at the Mumbai property. “Umrao, our specialty restaurant has enhanced its menu, and has seen a surge in footfall due to increased promotional offers.”.
According to Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales and Marketing, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, “Courtyard as a brand is a smaller hotel. However the space that we offer and facilities we have are different. We have another specialty restaurant, Ark Bar, and the lobby itself offers large space.”
The property is over a decade old, and enjoys repeat clientele. “We have built customer loyalty and service, and the Marriott Bonvoy programme has only enhanced our outreach. We want to position the property as a leisure staycation hotel. We have a lovely pool and offer multiple many activities for kids and family guests.”
She went on to say that Marriott as a hotel company has positioned its hotels well in the market. “The teams have done a good job of getting the right pricing from the market, especially now that Covid is behind us.”
Talking about the strategy to tap leisure guests and large groups, she said, “For groups, corporate clients and leisure clients we work out favourable packages. We have a long stay offers with additional benefits since our average length of stay is 2.5 nights. We have Marriott Bonvoy exclusive offer for member, and staycation offer for weekends. With an additional spend, customers get access to the Ark Bar where they can have a good time. We are using our different facilities to upsell, and leverage on the demand. Now, we are extending our staycation offer to weekdays to give guests additional value.”
