Bahrain Confidential interviews Richard Raab, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
Tell us something personal – how would you describe yourself in one word?
Optimistic – “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
If you can change one thing about hospitality in general, what would it be?
Well I actually love the industry for what it is and that is why I am still in it. One thing that the industry needs to though, and we have started here already and worldwide with Four Seasons, is to think more about reducing plastic usage and wastage in general.
Can you shed light on your vision for the hotel this 2020?
The hotel has gone from strength to strength every year since its opening. This year, we are celebrating our fifth year in operation here in Bahrain and we are very proud of what has been achieved since then by the team.
Just recently, we added a beautiful sandy beach and also a customized water play park in the shape of a Bahraini Dhow that will be lots of fun for the kids but also educate them at the same time. I am also a firm believer that everyone involved in Bahrain’s tourism industry needs to work together as a team to make the pie larger for all, rather than trying to compete for what is already here.
What have been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?
There are always ups and downs during the year, the key is to stay positive and keep going and never give up.
Is there a particular saying or motto that guides you?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle