General manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Gerrit Graef updates TTG on the property’s focus for 2016, while also speaking of his vision for the luxury hotel.
TTG: Which feeder markets are you currently focusing on?
Apart from the local business we get from Saudi Arabia, we are also focusing on the UAE and Lebanon as there are plenty of requirements we receive from these countries tapping government business.
Outside the region, we focus on the US and German market too.
TTG: Are you focusing on any particular segments at the moment?
Yes. We have seen demand from the special corporate and weekend travellers.
TTG: In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?
To be at the forefront of the market and the competition, we always strive to constantly improve the products and services we offer to our customers.
As the requirements from our guests do change over time through their experimental travel, it is imperative that we listen to what our customers say and adapt to the international service level.
TTG: What are the challenges faced in targeting certain segments?
The challenges we usually face in targeting certain segments include rate or pricing resistance, the increasing supply in the market resulting in stiffer competition, and unwanted project cancellations or delays which are all inevitable and affect the hotel’s business.
TTG: As the general manager, what is your vision for the hotel?
My vision for The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is to [be recognised as a] world-class luxury hotel not just in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region, but globally.
TTG: Having more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, what motivated you to enter the hospitality industry?
[I wanted] to find a platform of diversity where I could apply creativity and innovation and share it with people – my colleagues and our customers and guests.
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