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THE razzmatazz of this weekend’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix spectacle will have come as a welcome boost to the kingdom’s hospitality sector still reeling from the repercussions of civil unrest, regional turmoil and the cancellation of last year’s race.
Although the number of fans travelling from around the globe may be down compared to previous years as a result of a barrage of negative press Bahrain has received at the hands of the international media, the numbers of visitors from the Gulf, who are more aware of the true picture on the ground, will be packing hotels across the island for a slice of the big race action.
The K Hotel in Juffair is one of the new faces on the hospitality scene and recently appointed vastly-experienced Edward Chaaya as general manager in the run up to its first race weekend.
“Booking looks positive as of this week with an escalated occupancy from today to above 90 per cent throughout the Formula One season,” he said. “The average rate for this period was not discounted as we have predicted that F1 will carry on. We have an F1 help desk in the lobby and our promotional materials relating to F1 are in public areas and guests rooms.”
To tempt customers to visit over the weekend the hotel has this week introduced an integrated food and beverage promotional plan covering its two main restaurants and bars. Each features unique value-for-money promotions, including, but not limited to, its seafood night, Japanese night, Friday brunch, business lunch with five other daily and weekly promotions in each outlet.
Mr Chaaya, 57, is taking the hectic run up to the weekend in his stride, not surprising for a hotel executive with 20 years’ experience in operations. Lebanese with Canadian residency, he had an eight-year spell as general manager of the Crowne Plaza Resort in Salalah, Oman, having also held senior positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
“I’ve been in Bahrain only for 20 days. Although I’m new I have frequently visited Bahrain in the past and clearly the kingdom has a lot to offer in terms of business and tourism,” he said. “My first impressions contradict what the media has been saying outside Bahrain. I found that business and leisure are as normal in Manama as elsewhere, taking into account some drop due to the regional situation.
“My perception of the Bahraini people of being friendly and hospitable has been reconfirmed by the warm welcome I received.”
The K Hotel Bahrain, part of Gulf Hotels Group, has 156 deluxe rooms, 78 suites, a two-level Royal Suite with four bedrooms and private swimming pool located on the roof top, an Amiri Suite with two bedrooms located on the upper floor and a penthouse with two bedrooms.
There are also five meeting rooms, a business centre and a health club.
Its dining outlets include all-day dining restaurant Klouds which converts into a steak house in the evening and the trendy Asian-style restaurant Mo Kan.
