Bahrain Confidential speaks to Alper Kucukbaycan, the new Complex Director of Operations of The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain.
Congratulations on your new appointment as Complex Director of Operations. Can you tell us about your role?
As the Complex Director of Operations at The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain, I oversee the day-to-day processes for the properties’ rooms, spa, as well as food and beverage. I make sure to implement the best practices that I have acquired from my previous experiences to these new properties I am handling.
What do you plan to achieve as CDO of this property?
I plan to set new standards and bring back the numbers to pre-covid level as soon as possible. My strategy is to re-energize the F&B and spa offerings to ensure complex is a centre of fun, excitement and attraction.
What major changes will you enact?
I look forward to redefining the arrival experience at The Westin and Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain – from new F&B concepts, more entertainment activities and events that will cater to a variety of guests.
What qualities do the hotels have that make them stand out in Bahrain?
Perfect location, great leadership team, extremely supportive ownership, great product and exceptional associates.
What do you consider to be Bahrain’s strengths and weaknesses as a tourist and business destination?
Bahrain is a stunning country – it’s peaceful and welcoming and has kept its historical beauty despite modernity. It has great weather for most of the year and is just one bridge away from our key feeder market, Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain Tourism Authority does a lot of activities to boost tourism, especially after the Covid-19 and we all look forward to more events spread out over the year to keep the tourism alive. The more events happening the more business it can bring to our destination.
What have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned having held leadership roles with The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain since 2015 and several admin & hotel management roles around the world prior to that?
The client is always right! Your angriest client is your best teacher for your business. I’ve also had a lot of opportunities to work with some of the greatest GMs which afforded me some skills that helped me enhance my knowledge and experience.
On a personal note, what is your favourite:
- Movie: Sixth Sense
- Show: Football
- Song: Faded by Alan Walker
- Cuisine: Mexican and Asian
- Cocktail: Tropical