The Gulf Hotel in Bahrain says it provides a "one-stop shop" for business and MICE travellers in the region.
"We cater to and exceed the needs and expectations of the business and MICE traveller," said a hotel spokesperson. "We provide them with the whole package; a 'one-stop shop' of a deluxe hotel with excellent amenities for both business and leisure, as well as extensive banqueting and conferencing facilities, a choice of individual meeting rooms, state of the art equipment and a highly professional team." Gulf Hotel, which is the official venue for this month's AIBTM, says the event is a good opportunity to showcase its capacity to cater for every need of the MICE sector. "AIBTM has quickly become the most prominent trade show for the MICE industry in the Middle East," the spokesperson said. "Such an organisation receives many benefits from being held in an extensive venue such as the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Center (GICEC). "As is always the case during large conventions and exhibitions, the Gulf Hotel will benefit from a boost in room occupancy and F&B revenue during the two days of the exhibition and the days prior to and following the event." The hotel said the GICEC offers "a perfect choice" as a venue for a board meeting for five or a major congress for up to 2,500 people. Each of the 21 meeting rooms is equipped with the very latest meeting technology including three translation booths, two built-in projector screens and a ceiling mounted screen in the main Al Dana Hall, tele and video conferencing, built-in stage, dressing rooms, lighting, retractable partitions complemented by a professional banqueting team to assist organisers. "We have recognised the significant growth taking place in the regional MICE industry and due to overwhelming demand have extended the GICEC and developed a brand new Exhibition Centre," said the spokesperson. "The 2,600 sq m Exhibition Centre was opened in June 2000 and provides organisers with even greater flexibility, choice and increased commercial opportunity." The fully air-conditioned centre can be divided into four separate areas and offers capacity for over 100 shell scheme booths. It too offers the full range of facilities. The hotel said that Bahrain had made huge strides in attracting business and MICE tourism and the future for the sector looked "lively and promising". The spokesperson said that while the September 11 attacks in the US had resulted in cancellations of special events and meetings, most had been rescheduled for this year. "The September 11 incidents have caused a temporary setback but not a permanent scar in the activities of the hotel," the hotel said. It said it had stepped up promotions in the Gulf and the local markets which had provided a more stable environment for its operations. The centrally located five-star hotel has 366 luxurious rooms and suites, two executive floors with private lounge, check-in, and personal services. It offers a comprehensively equipped business centre including an Internet cafŽ, five individual meeting rooms and two boardrooms. The hotel also has a choice of six fine dining outlets, health clubs for men and women, two flood lit tennis courts, two air conditioned squash courts, a children's pool and a temperature controlled swimming pool which is currently being renovated. The poolside area will also feature a Thai seafood restaurant while a new Iranian restaurant will be built this year within the hotel.