The Middle East's first dedicated hotel blog has proven itself and surpassed expectations since its debut early this year. Dubai-based Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina's interactive online journal continues to attract the interest and attention of a large and diverse audience comprising local patrons, potential guests, industry professionals, sport and music fans, sailing enthusiasts, media persons and web addicts alike.
Commenting on the launch and subsequent response to the blog, Jitendra Jain, E-commerce Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, says that over the years, the resort has proven to be equally and extremely popular both with overseas visitors and residents of Dubai, and that the blog – Mina Effect - is a natural extension of this popularity. "Anyone who has dined here, stayed as a guest, or used one of our numerous facilities has experienced the unique and diverse charms of the resort for themselves. We are famous for our eateries - Tang, Barasti, The Dhow, Bussola - just as much as we are known for our sailing and water sports organised in association with the Dubai International Marine Club, our famed beach, and our spa. By visiting our blog, visitors are reliving the experience and revoking memories, while planning to come back.
“The blog was inspired by the character of the resort and the forward-looking approach of the hotel’s General Manager, Mr.Michael Scully. From a technical standpoint, the blog was launched to stay ahead of the curve and offer us creative flexibility for online PR and communications. But in the 7 months since its launch, it has moved beyond being just a base for new material to a vibrant reference and interactive platform, with additional features like videos, a dynamic photo gallery, Compass page, interactive resort map, feedback forms and more. We are quite pleased with the response," he explained. According to Jain, the blog has witnessed a steady growth in the number of visitors, with 6 times the number of views than just 6 months ago…and as of last month, more than half of the blog traffic referred through from user searches on various Search Engines like Google, Yahoo!, MSN Live, etc.
The Mina Effect blog provides regular updates on sports, water sports, music and entertainment events, culinary and gourmet festivals, well-being and leisure, and children's activities - making it appealing to a diverse cross section of online visitors.
The blog is also an industry-first, both for Dubai and the Middle East, in a milieu where hotels traditionally provide only information and booking facilities on their official websites. "What we have done is create a space that is fresh, contemporary and resourceful. It is a public space that offers the facility for strictly private interactions. This means that online visitors can gather information, and at the same time, interact with us using a secure feedback form," added Jain. The excitement is shared and echoed by Andreas Plum, the Regional Field Marketing & Online Distribution Manager for Starwood Hotels in the Middle East, who has seen great internal and external enthusiasm for the professional blogging approach pioneered by the resort and stated, “The Hospitality industry can benefit tremendously from fresh online marketing approaches and developing interactive channels with their guests – the Web is the future!”
Other unique features include an interactive, self-exploratory map of the resort, extensive video and photo galleries with pictures and films of events, and direct links to bookings, special offers and careers. The blog has also been instrumental in driving the online culture at the resort and is updated on a regular basis by the resort's in-house team.
Visit www.minaeffect.com to experience the blog yourself!
Notes to the editor
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is a 5 star resort set on 1,200 meters of the Jumeirah coastline, curving alongside one of Dubai’s largest private white sand beach and a magnificent 238 berth marina.
The boutique-styled luxury resort features 211 guest rooms, with a choice of deluxe rooms and suites. The resort's restaurants include some of the most popular outlets in Dubai as well as The Solesenses by Clarins Spa. A beach club, five tropical outdoor pools, extensive water sports and sailing facilities, and a dedicated children's play area, are added attractions for guests.
