Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager, Banyan Tree Doha & La Cigale Hotel, says Qatar has achieved a milestone in promoting itself as a sports destination

A perfect combination of modern comfort, architectural marvels, and sumptuous dining into one incomparable experience is Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb. Designed by Jacques Garcia and located in the heart of Mushaireb, within the Doha Oasis project, Banyan Tree Doha is a one-stop destination comprising a luxury hotel, lavish residences, fine dining restaurants, prestigious French fashion department store – Printemps, cutting-edge Vox cinemas and a state-of-the-art first-ever indoor theme park in Qatar – Quest. It also features the signature Banyan Tree Spa with a rainforest hydrotherapy facility, Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant – Saffron and the sky-high destination – Vertigo. For Italian food lovers, there is a fine Italian dining restaurant, IL Galante; Indian restaurant inspired by traditional Kalamkari art, Qalamkarri and a patisserie with a combination of Asian and European flair, Panya Lounge. Banyan Tree Doha features 126 luxurious guest rooms and suites and 215 serviced residences. 

At the helm of affairs is Aurelio Giraudo, the Cluster General Manager, Banyan Tree Doha & La Cigale Hotel. In his current role, Giraudo is in charge of the repositioning of La Cigale Hotel and to ensure the successful operations of Banyan Tree Doha, the first property managed by Accor under the Banyan Tree-Accor strategic partnership.

Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb and La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor

TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES IN QATAR

On the emerging opportunities in Qatar’s tourism market, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2022 round the corner, Giraudo says, “At this stage, in regards to the international markets, the prime focus is on the GCC, especially Saudi, UAE and Kuwait markets. Sales trips and roadshows have been planned for the coming months to get our fair share. Russian market has great potential and we are in early stages of discussion for charter business.” 

He adds that the country has strong airline connectivity with India and a short travelling time. “Accor has major presence in India and with the support of GSO, we will target it for leisure and corporate segments. Sales trips and road shows in key metros have been planned to tap into this market. As wedding segment has great potential, we will be signing up with wedding planners soon,” Giraudo puts in, adding the country is expecting to welcome 1.5 million tourists and the city is expected to be sold out during FIFA World Cup 2022. “One of the new initiatives is ‘Host a Fan’ initiative of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) that allows households across Qatar to volunteer to host visiting fans during sports events in the Gulf state. However, a total of 105 new hotels are expected to open by the time the FIFA World Cup kicks off,” he informs.

MAJOR DISRUPTORS IN HOSPITALITY SECTOR

The hospitality industry has seen rapid change over the past decade, with new technologies, online platforms and markets ushering in new initiatives of all sorts to the sector, ranging from mobile check-in and robots providing room service to self-ordering restaurant menus. These initiatives are starting to have an impact on the guest experience. Giraudo feels the new business models like food delivery sales have gained a big market share and is capturing the existing customers of restaurants. “A total of 16 floating hotels will be developed to accommodate tourists during FIFA World Cup. Voice assistants (IoT) will become a standard feature in hotel rooms,” he shares. 

Lobby, Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb

LA CIGALE HOTEL BRAND POSITIONING 

The five-star luxury hotel, La Cigale Hotel has 225 keys, 10 dining and entertainment outlets with outdoor seating options; two state-of-the-art ballrooms; a 490 sq m gymnasium; a 20-m long daylight, indoor swimming pool and a deluxe spa. “We offer guests an extraordinary experience, combined with world-class service and personalised approach. In next one year, we will do soft refurbishment of all rooms and select F&B outlets and will come up with new rooms with exciting concepts,” he shares.

Lobby, La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor

OUTLOOK FOR 2022

Giraudo says he foresees business to improve in 2022 with strong recovery. With Qatar now in the fourth phase and restrictions being eased off, it’s a healthy sign that the country is heading towards a safe environment wherein one expects corporate business to return to normal. “We anticipate demand for projects to be on the rise leading up to the World Cup. The local market will continue to remain strong with support from GCC markets, especially Saudi and UAE after the removal of the blockade. Leisure tourism is expected to grow with Qatar Tourism doing campaigns in international markets, promoting Qatar as a destination,” he says. 

Though the country will host other international sporting events in 2022, the prime focus will be on football. “With the first Formula One race to be held in November 2021 followed by 10 more races beginning 2023, Qatar has achieved another milestone in promoting itself as a sport destination and supporting Qatar National Vision 2030. Overall, healthy signs for 2022 and the years ahead!” says Giraudo with a smile.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'F&B SPECIAL ISSUE VOL 7, ISSUE 5'