Bahrain hotel GM woos the global tourist

InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s new general manager Jan Ifcic is on a mission to promote the iconic property to the world, revealing that he has already fallen in love with Bahrain, its people and its culture.

A Slovak national, Ifcic is no stranger to the region, having worked in various IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) properties spanning Europe and the Middle East, most recently holding the position of general manager at InterContinental Jordan.

Since arriving on the island for the first time to take up his new post, Ifcic says he has been delighted and honoured by the warm welcome he’s received from the people and has been immensely impressed by the culture and authenticity of the kingdom.

Answering a question on what he enjoys in Bahrain during his free time, Ifcic says: 'I love the fact that Bahrain is an island. It’s all about the sunshine and the sea and being able to enjoy the outdoors, and Bahrain is a great place to do just that.'

A veteran hotelier, Ifcic says his first connection with the 'people-oriented' world of hospitality came as a child, when he used to visit his grandmother at work in the kitchen of a hotel in Slovakia.

These frequent visits exposed Ifcic to the buzzling atmosphere of the hotel industry and left a lasting impression on his young mind, which later went on to become his passion in life 'to do something with people, for people'.

Commenting on prospects for Bahrain’s hospitality industry, Ifcic says he is impressed by the continuous growth of the kingdom, pointing out that the number of new hospitality projects coming up in Bahrain is a 'sign of a booming industry.'

And though an increasing number of hotels may spell increased competition, Ifcic welcomes the challenge.

'Even as supply increases to meet the growing travellers’ numbers, we as hoteliers, work together,' he explains. 'We strive to constantly attract visitors to our hotels and Bahrain. Moreover, the healthy relationship between the country’s tourism authorities and hoteliers helps to keep business moving as we all work towards the common goal of promoting Bahrain as a great destination, whether for business or leisure.'

Ifcic says that the InterContinental Regency is well placed to position itself as a destination of choice.

The 321-room hotel was given a complete makeover in 2010, when it closed for an 11-month long refurbishment. Reopening in 2011, the hotel revealed its new look from top to toe, with new restaurants and enhanced facilities.

Offering distinctive dining experiences at its six restaurants, the hotel’s revamped outlets serve an eclectic mix of culinary delights, from traditional Italian fine dining at Medzo to savoury prime meat cuts at the Legendz Steakhouse.

'We now have a great product and great team, and my plans are to maximise on this strength, creating awareness not just in Bahrain but internationally as well,' Ifcic says.

As one of the international hotel pioneers in the kingdom, the 35-year old property continues to be a popular choice among travellers, and has been doing well in terms of occupancy and revenues year on year. However, Ifcic says that although the start of this year has been a bit slower than expected, the rest of the year shows signs of 'healthy trading'.

The InterContinental Regency caters to both business and leisure clientele, considering the relevant seasonality with level of demand, targeting visitors from all around the world with a natural focus on neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The InterContinental Regency, along with its company sister brands Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express in the kingdom, work together to offer customised services to satisfy various market segments.

While the InterContinental Regency targets clients appreciating understated luxury complemented by superior services and enjoying authentic experiences, the the Crowne Plaza attracts travellers who appreciate an upscale brand with simplified elegance combined with the practicality of the latest features as well as value for the money, while the Holiday Inn Express caters to guests seeking a fresh, clean uncomplicated hotel offering comfort, convenience and good value, he points out.

Ifcic expects the InterContinental Regency to do good business on the back of the April Formula One race in Bahrain and as the kingdom continues to develop its tourism offerings, he is confident of a 'healthy performance' in 2015.

By Nikita Philip