Leaders in Bahrain Hospitality: An Interview with Mr. Frank Normann Eikeland of The Domain Hotel & Spa

Bahrain Confidential interviews the leaders in Bahrain hospitality about what’s new, what’s next, and what makes them the best…

Mr. Frank Normann Eikeland
General Manager
The Domain Hotel & Spa

Tell us something personal, what attracts you to working for luxury hotels?

Working for and with, luxury hotels means you will have to be top focused on improving and developing Team members to understand luxury travelers’ requirements and demands. That reflects training Team members to excellence in service and product delivery, always striving to exceed guests’ expectations. That constant focus and that constant passion for service and product excellence is what I am attracted to! 

 In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

Bahrain is a highly competitive market for the Hospitality sector and it seems to continue far into 2018. As a local Brand, it is even tougher. The Domain joined Preferred Hotel Group’s global alliance of over 800 hotels worldwide, and through that alliance we get access to global accounts we earlier could not access, that will support us to fill mid-week business. In addition The Domain stands firm with the weekend leisure travelers from the Gulf, driven mostly by KSA travelers and has loyal repeater guests built up during the last 4 years. 

This year we are finalizing the touches on a new outlet, that will put The Domain as the hotspot for adults in the city, and we are also taking The Domain into the market! We will keep you posted! 

 What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

The biggest challenge is the huge increase of supply, with no additional demand. This will create pressure on rates which again put profitability under pressure. Short-sight this is good for the travelers, but is not sustainable in order to keep up quality focus as a five star product long sighted.

The Domain successes are the two Signature and award winning restaurants Imari and Le Sauvage, where both had good growth year on year. A lot of focus on development of creative new F&B products and contents, in addition to a uncompromising focus on quality, have put these two restaurants literally sky high, in the Restaurant and fine dining Heaven for food lovers that exist in Bahrain. 

 What’s next for The Domain?

Domain is constantly developing and launching new products and concepts. Last year the Domain launched “Concerts at the Domain” (Music and fine dining) “Classics at the Domain” (classic movies and butler service on top of the hotel) “Romance at the Domain” (Couple’s Indulgence Experience that includes Spa, in room butler service, romantic set up and candlelight dinner with stunning views overlooking the city) and “Masters Wine Dinners” a fine dining extravaganza. This year we are finalizing the touches on a new outlet, that will put The Domain as the hotspot for adults in the city, and we are also taking The Domain into the market! We will keep you posted! 

 

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