Strength of hospitality is Bahrain history: GM, Ritz
DT News discussed with the General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, H - Christian Zandonella, the hospitality sector in the Kingdom, the hotel’s difference from its competitors, required changes in the tourism sector and the plans ahead for the Ritz
Excerpts from the interview
Kindly tell us what you think about the Bahrain hospital- ity industry: Its strengths and opportunities as well as probable threats?
I think the strength of Bahrain hospitality is the history of Bahrain as well as the people of Bahrain, who are incredibly hospitable. There are tons of opportunities, focusing on beaches and cultural history Bahrain will be the destination of the future in the Gulf. Our threats as always remain the global economy.
How does Ritz-Carlton Bahrain differentiate itself from its competitors? What is the positioning of the hotel and its USP?
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is the only city resort in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with a beautiful pristine beach of almost two kilometres. We are not only catering to corporate clients and MICE groups, but also to the leisure segment. What makes our hotel so unique is the legacy that our Ladies and Gentlemen (this is how we call our employees in The Ritz-Carlton service culture) have built over so many years. We pride ourselves in offering unmatched levels of service experience and creating Ritz-Carlton guests for life.
What would you like to see changed in Bahrain Tourism sector? What positives such a change will bring?
When we meet our customers and international partners in the tourism shows, we are often asked about the destination-management companies, and how they can reach out to them to promote the destination. I believe the latest updates from the tourism authority of Bahrain are very encouraging especially with the intent to launch a rebranding campaign of the destination in the international market. The focus will be to showcase the attributes of Bahrain as a destination and the uniqueness of the local culture. I personally believe the destination has everything to lure more tourists and compete with the regional and international tourists destinations.
Tell us about the upcoming events?
With the festive season approaching, we have many exciting events lined up both for grown-ups and the little ones. We will start the programme with our traditional Christmas
Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s Christmas tree is the largest since many years. We were encouraged by last year’s response where we had more than 600 families flocking to our lobby with their little ones. Santa Claus will keep our little guests engaged while the Italian band, Caffe Concerto Strauss, will be performing live music to round up the magical experience. This festive season, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be at our gardens and we are excited to welcome our guests.
In addition to this, we have conceptualised a unique lighting experience to commemorate Bahrain National Day Celebration. The sky umbrella project – an artwork installation of more than 1,000 umbrellas on our driveway complemented with 2D human figures to reflect and integrate gracefully with the landscape will really entertain our guests arriving at the hotel.
What are your inspirations and your success formula?
I began my career in hospitality as an apprentice in Munich, Germany, before joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 2004. After having worked at the brand’s properties in Cancun, Grand Cayman, the Hotel Arts, Barcelona and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, I arrived in Bahrain in 2014 as the general manager of this stunning property.
I draw inspiration from the Ladies and Gentlemen of the company, their passion, dedication and their keen desire to provide unique personal experiences for our guests. My success formula is to always keep in mind that “there is no finish line” when it comes to creating service excellence.
What are the programmes for 2016? How 2015 fared for you?
The year 2015 has been exciting with many innovative projects such as the introduction of the (chime) technology, which is a mobile app designed specifically for meeting planners. It allows our clients to schedule services and make real-time requests from their fingertips. From a culinary perspective, we have re-launched our Italian restaurant, Primavera, by partnering up with Michelin starred Chef Oliver Glowig. Glowig has wonderfully transformed the signature restaurant into a Trattoria Moderna, where guests can enjoy traditional Italian food at a Michelin star level using products of highest quality. Furhtermore, we opened up Café Venissa this November. The concept of this restaurant has been inspired by the famous Venitian coffee shop, Caffe Florian, which combines enchanting atmosphere of refined and elegant Italian style, impeccable service and the finest products and offerings.
In pursuit of our philosophy and implementation of innovating enhanced guest experience, we are currently launching a new exciting package designed for the affluent traveller. It combines a luxury stay in our suites and villas with the exclusive transportation in top end Rolls-Royce car.
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