THE Gulf Hotels Group’s four-star deluxe property, The K Hotel Bahrain witnessed a strong summer season this year. General manager Volker Mandlowsky says, “Business during the summer months was better than expected, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, besides being the low season of the year we were able to attract corporate business with our special summer promotional package.”
According to Mandlowsky, hotels in Bahrain have generally seen a strong growth in occupancy rates by nearly 70 per cent staring from Q2, 2012 compared to the same months last year, a clear indication that tourism is on the rebound. The city, which has been hard hit by a year of protests following unrest in the Gulf kingdom, saw its tourism recovery continue from Q2 after experiencing an initial rebound in March 2012.
“This being said, The K Hotel will benefit from the diversity of the economic situation between 2012 and 2013, the demand on hotel accommodation will increase on moderate, low budgeted hotels in a slow developing market. Our strategy for the next year will be, to provide four star deluxe facilities at an affordable price, paired with outstanding services,” added Mandlowsky.
With its prime location, The K Hotel has seen an increase in their corporate segment followed by GCC guests on the weekends.
“Our revenue is largely driven by our rooms division, followed by our F&B outlets Klouds and The K Lounge. In both outlets we have been able to improve our average spent and at the same time increasing our number of covers. We are constantly updating our offering, in the dining outlets in order to attract new customers, while retaining the existing customer base. Our main focus is delivering an outstanding service, which will set us apart from our competition,” said Mandlowsky.
The K Hotel recently completed the extension of The K Lounge Bistro and Grill, which will offers its diners the perfect mix of upscale ambiance and comfort. There are also plans to open an arabesque-themed lounge. Kenza Lounge, as it will be called will offer three private dining rooms, ideal for families or small group as they experience traditional Lebanese cuisine.
Mandlowsky further adds, “Many of the challenges faced in 2012 have been as a result of the unrest in 2011. However, visitor numbers have recovered and the hospitality sector is seeing a gradual improvement in terms of numbers although at a fairly conservative pace. “Alternative destinations have benefitted as a result of the domestic issues in Bahrain but the outlook moving forward is generally positive. The reintroduction of routes to Iran and Iraq by Gulf Air is a positive sign of a return to normalisation and GDP growth is predicted for 2013,” he added.