Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager at Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb & La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor
Doha: The hospitality sector of Qatar is set to witness strong recovery next year helped by initiatives taken by the government and line-up of global and local events. Sports events, staycation demand, cruise business, travelers from GCC countries, exhibitions, food festivals and other such events will drive the growth of hospitality sector.
“As 2022 is set to be a remarkable year in Qatar, we do foresee a strong recovery in the market. First quarter will be driven by sports events and exhibitions i.e. Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Doha Book Fair, Katara Arabian Horse Festival, Al Shaqab, Moto GP, Dimdex, Milipol, Tennis, Golf tournaments and other events,” Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager at Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb & La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor, told The Peninsula.
“In the second quarter, if things remain normal, then we will have Ramadan Tents being back to the hotels to celebrate Eid. Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 will be driven by a FIFA project base business which will be in the closing stages of completion and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which we are all have been waiting for,” he said.
As many as 105 new hotels and serviced apartments are expected to open before FIFA 2022 World Cup to manage the demand during this period, which is overall very healthy signs from the market, he added.
“There have been lots of initiatives taken by the Qatar Government to further grow the tourism sector. The growth will be driven by sports events, city events, exhibitions, Shop Qatar, food festivals, staycation demand, cruise business, charter business and FIFA project base business leading up to the World Cup,” said Giraudo.
Local hospitality sector has already started witnessing recovery due to an increase in economic activity as a result of easing of precautionary measures taken to limit the COVID-19 pandemic. Now travellers, including visitors from GCC countries, have also started coming to Qatar. During the recently concluded Arab Cup, many tourists and fans came to Qatar which benefitted hotels and restaurants.
“Now we are witnessing a strong recovery for the hospitality sector driven by city events, sports events and exhibitions. Qatar government has supported the hotels strongly during the COVID-19 times, by organizing sports tournaments in either bio secure or semi bubble environment. With an easing of restrictions, Food & Beverage segment is witnessing a strong recovery, with most of our outlets and lounge running full on weekends,” said Giraudo. “We are seeing the growth in occupancies and change in the GEO mix for our hotels with strong demand from GCC countries. As for events and gatherings, meetings and outside caterings are picking up strongly and there is a surge in the corporate business. Good times are ahead,” he explained.
“We are now seeing a surge in the business for rooms and Food & Beverage. We have seen a strong staycation demand over the weekend and growth of business from the GCC markets,” he added.
Sharing his plans and preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, he said multiple new F&B and entertainment concepts will be brought to the La Cigale hotel and Banyan Tree will further capitalize on its positioning as a one-stop destination for accommodation, F&B, shopping, and entertainment.
“To get ready for the historic event – but also to diversify the local scene and excite Qatar residents and nationals – multiple new F&B and entertainment concepts will be brought to the La Cigale hotel, while the rooms will get a new fresh look after the planned refurbishment. An array of unique events will also be held throughout the year, with live performances and DJs setting the upbeat mood,” he said.
“Banyan Tree will further capitalize on its positioning as a one-stop destination for accommodation, F&B, shopping, and entertainment with access to Doha Quest theme park, Vox Cinemas and Printemps mall brought to Doha from Paris,” he added. The hotel will be hosting several renowned Michelin-starred chefs who will surprise Qatar’s gourmet with unique culinary creations and run engaging live cooking shows, while special events will be hosted in Vertigo, already famous for its ingenious cocktails and buoyant atmosphere.
Customised special room and F&B packages will be designed for the World Cup visitors, but also for the guests coming throughout the year to appeal to different audience segments and make the most of Banyan Tree unique selling points that include its gastronomy, world-class hospitality and the comfort of rooms, original design, spa, shopping, and entertainment offer.
