The Regency InterCon gets ‘proactive’

The Regency InterContinetal hotel in Bahrain is describing its role in the promotion of Bahrain tourism as ‘proactively supportive’.

“Our role can be defined as ‘proactively supportive’, which means we are supporting the tourism authority, non/government bodies and Gulf Air in their drive to promote tourism,” says Michael Kappes, sales and marketing director for the hotel.
“We give our advice, comments and recommendations if asked and develop projects to promote tourism outside of Bahrain. This is in keeping with the drive to develop new markets and generate new business for the hotel - and consequently for Bahrain.”
Kappes says that the hotel is currently developing its own promotional items and campaign to support the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and spread the news that Bahrain has the privilege to host the first F1 GP in the Middle East.
As for 2003, Kappes says, “It is difficult to assess the development of tourism. Generally the trend should be positive, however, the events in the Gulf and South-East-Asia earlier this year were quiet disturbing and surely had a negative impact of business, including the tourist business in Bahrain.”
During the last six months the hotels has developed new programmes and initiatives, aiming at a variety of business segments, including, but not limited to tourism. 
“The promotional events that will take place in the coming months are Ramadan, Eid and then the Festive year-end season,” says Kappes.
Kappes feels that the potential for ‘city breaks’ or ‘stop-over holidays is great in Bahrain, and would improve dramatically if a developed beached would be available.
The Regency InterContinental recently underwent extensive refurbishment.
“We completed only in Spring of this year a renovation project which included the soft-refurbishment of the ‘classic’ guest floors, the all day dining Le Bistro buffet restaurant and the Clipper cocktail lounge.  
“Currently we are studying the feasibility of creating a South-East-Asian theme restaurant,” says Kappes.
“We have also refurbished some guest rooms/suites to appeal to a niche market, i.e. the new Royal Suite is now being used by various VIPs. The Presidential Suite will be renovated in the months ahead.  We are probably the only hotel in Bahrain to have a ‘kids’ room specially furnished to create a fun and exciting ambiance.  This room is part of the family suite.  Furthermore, a ladies room (for female business travelers) is also available on each of the Summit Executive and Regency Plus floors.  This room has additional guest amenities and fixtures to make it more comfortable and convenient for our female guests.”