The hospitality sector in Bahrain has bounced back much strongly than expected in the post 2011 slowdown which further reaffirmed country’s position as an emerging tourism hub in the region, a top hotelier revealed.
Avsar Koc, Regional Director of Sales Middle East & Africa, Kempinski Hotels, who was in Bahrain as part of the Kempinski Hotels 6th annual Middle East Road Show, in an interview said that the business recovery in Bahrain surpassed all expectations.
“With strong business indicators Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel Bahrain reflects strength of the brand in the region. We are here in Bahrain for long-term and the success model of Kempinski Bahrain will continue to encourage us to continue invest in this region,” Avsar Koc, added.
Earlier, Kempinski Hotels announced early success of Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, with steady growth month on month basis.
“During the first quarter of 2012 the hotel ran at full occupancy on weekends, reflecting the popularity of the property for leisure travellers from the region, and is seen as a strong indicator for the new property set to open across the border in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia later this year,” he added.
Eighteen international properties, including the Hotel Vier Jaherszeiten Kempinski Munich, Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Marbella, the Stafford Hotel in London, and the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, were showcased in Bahrain and presented special travel packages for the upcoming summer travel season.
“Kempinski has maintained its position as the world’s leading European luxury hotel brand for more than a century. Operating in the Middle East since 1998, Kempinski properties strategically located across the GCC countries now bring in 38 per cent of the group’s total revenues,” Avsar Koc, explained.
Globally, the Kempinski Group operates 72 hotels, with the Middle East region as one of the prime revenue drivers for the European luxury brand.
“The Middle East remains one of the key feeder markets for our landmark hotels across Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as the Middle East. Our annual Middle East road show is a proven success. By bringing Kempinski representatives from around the world to showcase properties such as Le Mirador Kempinski Lake Geneva, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, we are able to directly engage our customers,” he said.
Representatives from the properties, which enjoy strong visitor traffic from the region, presented several packages and services tailored to the needs of the Middle East guest – including large family-friendly room configurations, complimentary Kids Club activities, high-end spa packages and special halal menus.
The road show moved to Bahrain after stops in Jeddah, Riyadh and Khobar and will continue to Doha, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi.
Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre is located in the Manama’s fashionable Seef district and boasts two unique hotel towers, the Grand and the Ixir, both very different in style and each offering a blend of traditional elegance with contemporary luxury.
The lavish city centre hotel with 460 luxurious rooms including 79 suites, including a range of corporate and luxury facilities and landscaped terraced pool, together with eight unique restaurants is located in the heart of Manama adjoined to the Bahrain City Centre mall.