Bahrain ‘has untapped potential’

After three years heading The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Residence and Spa, Radek Cais is moving to Oslo. Yes, much lower temperatures and much, much higher taxes. 

Radek has been promoted to the position of District Director and General Manager of the famous 488-room Radisson SAS Scandinavian Hotel – a landmark in Oslo.
Radek has enormously fond memories of Bahrain, the lovely hotel he oversaw and the many people he had a chance to meet. The development of The Diplomat Radisson SAS Residence from ground-breaking to its successful opening, is clearly one of his fondest memories.
Today he talks to GulfWeekly about his experiences in Bahrain.
OUR luxury Residence is exceeding all of our expectations in guest satisfaction and revenues,” declared Radek.
“The quality and design is unparalleled – everyone who experiences the Residence is amazed”.
Radek also developed the upcoming sumptuous Diplomat Spa which offers 17 treatment rooms serving both ladies and gentlemen separately. The creatively-designed pools are unique and eye catching, “I was one of the first to take a dip, and I am immensely satisfied with the overall design and feel, it’s been a great achievement. The only regret I have is that I will not see the grand opening of the spa due to my move. Well, one regret after three years is not bad.
“We have managed to consistently grow our market share over the past three years. If I can claim a formula for success then it was a combination of three very important factors. One, the continued commitment and investment from our owners National Hotels Company; we have a fantastic product and we continue to improve and innovate. Next, the value and benefits of being operated by the leading international brand – Radisson SAS. In my opinion this is the hottest international brand, and, what can I say, we love to say Yes!  And last but not least, the fantastic team that I have had the privilege to lead – these guys made all the difference.
“I am extremely grateful for the loyalty of so many of our clients. We hold a firm belief in our hotel – attract a customer just once from the competition and they will stay! We managed to do that many times over.”
Radek’s overall impression is that Bahrain’s hotel sector is doing well, but there is still much more potential.
“There is a fantastic tourism Master Plan. With many additional 5-star hotels in the pipeline, this plan will need to be implemented to fill up extra capacity over the long run. The hotel sector is relying heavily on the investment boom.
“The extra attractions in the tourism master plan are needed to attract leisure groups, incentive groups and international congresses. Once the plan is realised I can foresee massive new segments coming to Bahrain; in other words Bahrain has a lot of untapped potential.”