(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Qatar's hospitality industry has restarted and receiving guests from international markets, following relaxing of travel restrictions, according to Ritz-Carlton Doha General Manager Carlo Javakhia.
He also indicated that the demand from the international tourism market will be higher beyond 2022, especially among leisure travellers.
“In many countries we already see that tourism is back with 2019 levels. Doha is getting traction in international markets and we can see that based on bookings, which we are getting since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. We see new bookings from Germany, the UK and from different markets for leisure purposes,” Javakhia said speaking to media recently on the 20th anniversary of Ritz-Carlton, Doha which is being marked today.
He said travelers are from different segments including sports, diplomats, delegates, and others.
In reply to a question about hospitality industry beyond 2022, he said:“I believe that international market will be stronger than in 2022. And 2023 will continue with strong demand from different segments, one segment I believe that will be growing is leisure tourism. FIFA 2022 will be a great opportunity to showcase what the country has to offer and there are so many segments that an international traveller can discover in Qatar,” said Javakhia.
“This should be a great opportunity when we will have millions of travellers to showcase the country which will have a spillover effect in 2023,” he added.
Javakhia also said that the luxury hospitality industry saw a huge demand despite COVID-19, as customers choose a more personalised experience in a safe environment.
A Katara Hospitality-owned property, Ritz-Carlton Doha, has completed the renovation of its Grand Amiri suites. The hotel has 374 rooms, including 42 Club-level rooms and 61 suites and four of them are Grand Amiri suites.
“Ritz-Carlton, Doha was the first luxury brand in the country. This brand literally grew the generations in the country. I have many irregular guests that they come for 20 consecutive years. They dine here, have family gatherings and celebrate their wedding anniversaries. This hotel is very close to the hearts of locals,” said Javakhia.
“There is loyalty, you can see it in repeated clientele and for us it is a very big responsibility to make sure that we maintain this legacy as a team,” he added.
Javakhia said that Ritz-Carlton, Doha is not only a business destination but the offerings ensure that it is a leisure destination with beach, gardens, pool, indoor tennis courts, semi Olympic indoor pool, state-of-the-art gym facilities, spa and very diversified cuisines.
According to Javakhia, at present the hotel also focuses on weddings, outside catering including an agreement with DECC to cater for big exhibitions and conferences.
“So we are expanding outwards, this is one of the focus areas where we will be providing our curated menus even for outside weddings,” he said.
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