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THE new Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel which was set to play host to some of the world's greatest golfers will not be open in time for the island's spectacular golfing event as planned.
The multi-million dinar complex was named as 'official hotel' in a fanfare of publicity to mark the new 2011 Volvo Golf Champions European Tour event to be staged at the Royal Golf Club's Colin Montgomerie-designed course at Riffa Views on January 27-30.
In October both parties announced they had 'entered into an agreement' as one of a number of support sponsors of the 2011 Championship which will attract global TV audiences.
Areej Mohi El Din, the resort's director of marketing & communications, said: "It is a disappointment for us as it was a big project. It was a deal and it did not materialise between the two parties. The cancellation happened smoothly with the agreement of both ends, with no issues at all.
"The delay in the opening was out of our hands, and it happens to all big projects, and it will keep happening to any other big projects, it is a fact.
"It is not anyone's responsibility, as it is a big network of suppliers working together and a little short-coming from one affects the whole process and the time of opening accordingly."
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries, offering what it describes as a genuine experience of the French 'art de vivre'.
The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa now expects to open partially, which in the industry is described as a 'soft opening', in mid-to-late February and the grand opening will likely take place in May, but nothing is yet confirmed. It will boast 262 luxury rooms, five restaurants and four bars, a grand ballroom, meeting rooms and a beach.
Volvo, European Tour executives and event management specialists IMG had a shortlist of three locations to stage the golfing extravaganza with Bahrain competing against China and Africa.
It was the kingdom's determination, business friendliness and the excitement generated even before a final decision was made that helped win the day.
Anna Hafstrom Kovats, communications manager of Volvo Event Management - Golf, said: "It's true that we had an agreement with Sofitel ...but the hotel will not be ready when the Volvo Golf Champions starts. We have made other arrangements that will work equally well."
The event organisers would not elaborate on what those other arrangements are, or whether they had appointed a new 'official hotel'.
