The Ramada Bahrain Hotel says it ended another record year in 2001 despite the turmoil that hit the travel industry following the September 11 attacks in the US.
"In fact, 2001 was even better than 2000 (which was another record year) and the last four months were the best for the hotel despite September 11," said general manager Rohan Karunaratne. Karunaratne said the hotel recorded increases in both rooms revenue and occupancy last year over the previous year. He said rooms revenue surged 28 per cent last year, a substantial increase from the 13 per cent rise recorded in 2000 while occupancy for 2001 was up to 69 per cent from 57 per cent the previous year. Karunaratne said Ramada was optimistic about the future growth of both the hotel and the industry in Bahrain as both supply and demand for hotel rooms were increasing. "Things continue to happen in Bahrain. Major projects like the Formula One racing track, the proposed Bahrain-Qatar causeway are positive signs," he said. He said Ramada is committed to selling Bahrain as a major regional destination and will be present at this month's Arabian Travel Market as part of the kingdom's official stand. Bahrain has much to offer visitors including its culture, its heritage of pearl diving among other attractions. Karunaratne said the recent political changes in the country including the proclamation of the kingdom will have a positive impact on tourism. "Bahrain has the potential to be the Gulf destination of the future," he said. The kingdom is an attractive destination for weekend visitors - both nationals and expatriates - from neighbouring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. He said Ramada catered to a well-blended market of visitors from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar. The European and American markets too were picking up, he added. Essentially a business hotel, Ramada which celebrates its 25th anniversary this September, has carved for itself a niche in the Bahrain market. It offers the highest standards of service and amenities which are monitored through independent inspections, lobby inspections and obtaining guest suggestions, he said. The four-star hotel located in Manama's Adliya district, has a total of 123 recently-renovated, well-furnished rooms, a mini-gymnasium, a conference and banqueting hall, an Arabic night club and bar. It offers guests a full range of facilities and dining and entertainment outlets which include the award-winning Le Jardin Restaurant, Atlantis Night Club and Rendezvous bar. For the forthcoming summer season, Ramada will be launching a special rate of BD22 ($58) for single or double occupancy. The special offer will be valid from June 15 to August 31.