The Gulf Hotel has stepped up its efforts to attract GCC visitors following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States and its aftermath.
And a hotel spokesperson said that despite "some cancellations from overseas travellers and/or private groups and conferences", Gulf Hotel was going ahead with its planned programme of events and activities over Ramadan and the festive season. "The events in the US will have only short term effect on Gulf Hotel's business," said the spokesperson. "Most of the adverse effects are coming from international travellers who prefer not to fly during this time. The number of tourists arriving from neighbouring countries has not been negatively affected." The hotel said its occupancy levels had risen over the past year thanks to the growing popularity of Bahrain as a venue for conferences and exhibitions in the region. "Since Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Center is the largest venue in this area for such occasions, the hotel's occupancy levels have benefited favourably," said the spokesperson. The spokesperson also praised the government's long-term commitment to increasing tourism by expanding touristic facilities. "Bahrain is currently undergoing many changes in its governmental structure, which will affect the tourism industry favourably," the spokesperson said. The hotel is undergoing a major facelift to further boost its appeal to visitors to Bahrain. The Awal Ballroom has been totally renovated while the swimming pool is being expanded and removed to feature a swimming and recreational complex. A Thai seafood restaurant is to be built by the poolside while an Iranian restaurant is coming up elsewhere in the hotel. Located just five minutes from the city centre and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel has lined up a range of activities for the forthcoming Ramadan and festive seasons besides its hugely popular regular events such as the Gulf Night Out. During Ramadan, the hotel is setting up the Khaimat Al Khaleej Tent offering dining, live music, entertainment, games and shisha while special Eid lunch and dinners have been lined up at its various restaurants. Special Christmas Eve menus will be on offer at the hotel's various outlets including La Pergola, Sato, China Garden and Fusions while there will be a Christmas Day lunch at the Al Awal Ballroom, the Al Waha coffee shop and at the Juliano's restaurant at the Riffa Golf Club. The 366-room, five-star hotel offers high standards in each of its luxurious bedrooms and suites including latest technology and state of the art communications facilities. There are special executive floors with private check in, lounge, butler service and complimentary breakfast and cocktails. The hotel's Business Centre is professionally attended and equipped providing secretarial, telex, fax services and use of adjacent boardrooms. The hotel has a choice of six restaurants with an array of cuisine ranging from Japanese to Lebanese. There are two lounges serving tea, light meals, cakes and pastries, one traditional English Pub, and a patisserie and deli. Separate men's and women's health clubs are among the recreational facilities available at the Gulf Hotel.