Gulf Hotel blends ‘rich heritage with modern hospitality trends’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Could you tell us about the post-Covid-19 recovery in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector?

The hospitality sector is witnessing a recovery in some specific sectors including the leisure, corporate and government segments.

In the leisure segment, Saudi travellers have begun to arrive here, boosting the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

There has been a slight improvement in the corporate sector with many small meetings being arranged and of course, the government has played a major role in launching many sports activities along with other activities.

What is unique about the services offered by the Gulf Hotel?

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & SPA is a one-stop destination.

The hotel itself has a wide range of offerings for both corporate and leisure guests with its 18 F&B outlets, which include 10 speciality restaurants, beautiful outdoor garden and lagoon-style pool, fully-equipped gym, tennis squash and a first-class SPA along with 33 meeting rooms capable of catering to small meetings as well as big conferences.

Also, its unique location within a walking distance from the vibrant area of Adliya and Block 338 make the Gulf Hotel the preferred spot for those seeking the highest hospitality standards in the heart of the Kingdom’s entertainment area.

Bahrain has lately emerged as a prime destination for wedding tourism. How is the Gulf Hotel exploring this latest opportunity?

The Gulf Hotel has always been known as one of the preferred destinations for weddings.

It has the biggest ballroom among all hotels in Bahrain that has been fully renovated in 2019 to meet the highest standards offered in the industry.

Because of the number of restaurants and several cuisines offered, the Gulf hotel has gained a unique reputation when it comes to food quality - a reputation that has crossed the continents to reach destinations including India and other countries.

Could you explain how Gulf Hotel has benefitted from BTEA initiatives?

We have always welcomed and embraced the initiatives launched by BTEA and we are always happy to partner with the authority.

We are one of the companies that were happy to invest in the Beach Project that BTEA launched by leasing a plot of land (around 10,000 sqm) in Bahrain Bay.

We are planning to develop a state-of-the-art Beach Club, offering a wide range of attractions to kids and adults, from Bahrain and abroad.

How do you position the Gulf Hotel within the Kingdom’s tourism scenario?

The Gulf Hotel has been a fully-Bahraini owned company.

Being the first five-star hotel in the Kingdom, we will not be sparing any effort to emerge as one of the pioneers when it comes to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism activities and scenarios.

What are the strategies and goals for Gulf Hotel to win over the tight competition in the sector?

Despite more hotels opening and the increasing presence of multinational brands in the Kingdom, Gulf Hotel has always been able to maintain most of its guests as it is strongly recognized in the region as a legendary property.

Though the property doesn’t have a multi-national recognition, we are planning to explore the multi-national market by increasing our exposure.

And this will be done by making alliances and partnerships with multi-national brands.

How is the Gulf Hotel aligning its initiatives towards Bahrain’s 2030 vision?

Gulf Hotel has always remained competitive in terms of product and high service standards.

It has always been innovative and preserved its legendary heritage while adopting modern hospitality trends