Erden Kendigelen
“We have been working diligently to attract guests from emerging markets such as Russia, Ukraine, China, Turkey as well as strengthen our position in the Indian market, among others,” he told Gulf Times recently.
The five-star property, owned by Katara Hospitality, is now focusing on the second phase of its re-imagination project with the opening of international restaurant brands after the successful completion of its 374 Rooms and Suites, Ritz-Spa, Club Lounge and the recent opening of its luxury private beach. These also include STK, the modern steakhouse boasting exquisite food, impeccable service and a high-energy atmosphere in a stylish lounge setting, B-Lounge by Buddha Bar where theatrical international Asian fusion cuisine and the legendary music soundtrack become a dramatic show for the senses, and Sel & Miel, the authentic French Brasserie with a modern twist embracing “la joie de vivre” philosophy.
With these openings scheduled by the end of the year, Kendigelen noted that The Ritz-Carlton Doha will become the new culinary destination in town. He added that the expansion plans for such offerings are part of the hotel’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which is expected to receive a large number of foreign visitors. Kendigelen said the hotel already received new bookings for two Indian weddings in the first quarter of 2019 and the trend is expecting to continue further.
“All our ladies and gentlemen worked so hard to make the first Indian wedding in Doha very successful, which automatically promoted Qatar as the new destination for big Indian weddings,” he stressed.
“We are grateful to have confirmed more Indian weddings next year but the most important for us is to promote Doha as a new destination for similar events as we move forward,” he said.
Like Indians, he expressed optimism that other huge markets such as Turkish, Chinese and Russians will find Qatar a unique and ideal destination for weddings. He cited Turkey as an example saying that its proximity and large population, besides its excellent relations with Qatar, makes it an excellent source market for weddings, leisure, and business travellers.
Kendigelen lauded the various initiatives of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways in attracting visitors from around the world to come to Doha, and for continuously supporting the hospitality sector.
The visa-free entry to Qatar for over 80 nationalities, including Indians, created a positive impact on the hospitality sector, he stressed.
Kendigelen noted a significant increase in the number of hotel guests from Europe and other regions who are visiting Qatar for various purposes, including those looking for ‘an authentic and new destination’ for their wedding. Doha, he added, has become a popular destination and will continue to attract more visitors with its unique and diverse tourism products and services, particularly those being offered by hotels.
“Our performance and guest experience as well both make a huge difference on the image of Doha as we have seen a good example in front of us from the first Indian wedding hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which opened a great opportunity for the other hotels,” Kendigelen pointed out.