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Novotel Al Dana Resort is planning to invest approximately BD20 million to add to its existing facilities.
With construction due to begin in 2009, the group plans to add 250 rooms to its existing 174 rooms, build a magnificent ballroom, two restaurants while plans for a spa are still under review.
Keeping in sync with the existing Arabian architecture the new wing will be constructed on the current parking area and the preliminary construction plans are still being perfected on the drawing board.
"The hotel has enjoyed substantial growth since its inception in April 2003 and since the last three years there has been a three digit increase in its profit and operating revenue. There is an unprecedented demand for quality hotels especially ones with a beach as water-based leisure activities are the new trend now," said Khalid Anib, general manager of Novotel Al Dana Resort, who predicts that in order to meet the rising demand a 100 per cent increase in existing four and five star hotel rooms on the island is required to attract tourism.
Business and leisure go hand in hand and in order to promote one the other must not be overlooked which is why the management has plans to develop its facilities to attract corporate and business events.
"We, as well as the government, want to promote the MICE (Meeting Incentive Convention Exhibition) segment in Bahrain which means that provide facilities and packages to corporations for them to have their corporate meetings and business events on the island. Given the competitive prices and the island's favourable business environment, Bahrain has the potential to become a MICE destination for the business traveller in the region," he added.
Also with an increasing number of luxury and budget hotels due to be launched by 2010, adding and regenerating new and existing facilities at the hotel is the need of the day.
Novotel recently renovated its reception area and extended it to cater to the swelling wave of visitors.
Novotel Al Dana Resort is part of the worldwide Accor Group of Hotels which is planning to invest in 25 new properties in the Middle East over the next three years with two new hotels in Bahrain: the luxury five-star, Sofitel on Zallaq beach and the budget hotel, Ibis in Seef area.
