THE Gulf Hotels Group’s four-star deluxe property, the K Hotel Bahrain, recently welcomed a new general manager. Edward Chaaya, takes charge as the hotel prepares itself for a busy summer season ahead.

Speaking about his goals in his new role, Chaaya said, “Having taken over after one year of operations I, together with my team will look to capitalise on the successes achieved by reaching out to a wider audience. We want our market to experience our unique property whereby we will exceed our costumer’s expectations with our luxurious product and excellent, friendly service.”

While tourism in Bahrain has suffered in recent times, Chaaya added. That contrary to what the global media has reported, business and tourism is still very much on across the island. “Our hotel witnessed an average occupancy of over 60 per cent at a reasonable average rate. We’ve tried to be innovative by focusing on integrated promotional plans to increase the F&B business in addition to retaining our loyal customers and securing new business revenue from the emerging segments,” he said.

“While many establishments are trying to cut their cost during the this period, at K Hotel we are expanding our facilities including banquet meeting rooms and new food and beverage facilities and leisure areas,” he added.

The K Hotel was named in the first-ever Arabia Fast Growth 500 ranking in 2011 reconfirming the property’s position across the island.

Corporates and corporate meetings take up the bulk of the hotels bookings and keeping that in mind the hotel has plans to expand its meeting facilities and increase yield from this segment. “Furthermore, our strategic location in Bahrain and its history are great indications for a definite long term growth,” said Chaaya.

With the Bahrain Grand Prix set to take place at the time of going to press,  occupancies for the Formula one weekend were at an impressive 60 per cent and Chaaya was confident it would reach 90 per cent.

“The summer, we will extend our restaurants and banquets facilities, while the focus will be on gaining business from the GCC markets. We will reach out to the trade with this message at the Arabian Travel Market by highlighting our strength, our luxurious, value for money offering,” he concluded.

The Gulf Hotels Group portfolio consists of Bahrain’s oldest and original five-star property, the Gulf Hotel and Convention Centre; the Gulf Executive Residence in Bahrain; and the Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar, Africa.