will be able to absorb supply. However, hoteliers remain hopeful.
Zee Bassila, complex director, sales, The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre, supported, “We believe that an increased number of hotels help the destination attract large conferences hence we will benefit from the number of visitors.
On the short-term, supply will drive occupancy levels lower than expected, however, outstanding service culture and consistency in service will keep us secured with repeated guests and new business.”
In the meanwhile, stakeholders do not feel at ease, a proof to which is the recent renovation of Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre.
Following the extensive project, which started back in July 2014, Majid Al Futtaim and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide unveiled the revamped property with the newly transformed rooms and public areas and with the introduction of new concepts and outlets.
“Keeping our hotel properties fresh and relevant through ongoing investment and innovative renovation projects is extremely important to Majid Al Futtaim as it ensures we are always strengthening our offer to both our partners and customers,” attested Simon Barlow, CEO, hotels, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.
Besides efforts to refresh the country’s product, local players deem that there is a considerable need for upper mid scale accommodation and the enlargement of the four-star segment will be a welcome development in Bahrain’s hospitality scene.
Mukul Mehta, cluster general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Island and Hawthorn Suites Wyndham Manama, verified, “I feel there is sizable potential for branded four-star hotels in the city. [In] Juffair area, there are negligible four-star international brands catering to the upper four-star segment.”
He commented that in today’s world, international travellers are looking for a good upper midscale hotel and Bahrain offers a promising opportunity to do business in this field.
“[In] the aviation world there is a massive increase in low-cost carrier travellers and every city would like to gear up to cater to this segment and hence more requirements [come along] for upper midscale accommodation.
In the near future, the same trends will arrive to Bahrain; low-cost carriers [and] travellers looking at a decent accommodation at the right price,” Mehta claimed.
