#HospitalityLeaders: Dr. Deepal Fernando, General Manager, Gulf Suites Hotel

Read our latest edition featuring Bahrain’s Leaders in Hospitality.

What is your vision for the hotel?

Gulf Suites is designed to cater to the people living on this island. The property was built into a hotel and long-stay residential apartment. I believe we have run 80 per cent of the track to convert Gulf Suites into a four-star hotel. However, we have a little more to do in the areas of human resources and guest services. Guest satisfaction is the number one priority of any business.

What have been your biggest challenges (and successes) over the past difficult years?

The pandemic in itself was a great challenge. The threat, however, turned into an opportunity as we opened quarantine facilities at the hotel. This proved to be successful and profitable for us.

Other than a great team, what qualities does your hotel have that make it stand out in Bahrain?

Our executive-level room concept distinguishes us from most hotels that focus on the concept of apartments. The hotel is centrally located with a spacious parking facility that holds up to 200 vehicles at a time. We are looking to expand this area further.

What does hospitality leadership mean to you?

The goal of every hospitality leader is to exceed customer satisfaction. The results suggest that open communication and a people-centric leadership style are most efficient in the hospitality industry. Effective leaders provide clarity of purpose, motivate, and guide the organization to realize its mission. Both “people skills” and “business skills” are needed and a good manager exhibits both.

Is there a particular saying or motto that guides you?

One could make a hotel out of diamonds or gold but the only thing that makes a difference is the people in that hotel.

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