The Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center offers contemporary spaces where visionaries and businesses of all scales can gather and create. From stylish cafes to dynamic conference settings, bold architectural elements, and a strategic central location within a vibrant city adorned with historical and artistic marvels, this hotel emerges as the ultimate hub for business travel. The hotel has 223 exquisitely designed rooms, each boasting panoramic vistas of Riyadh’s skyline. It also showcases ten distinct room categories, catering to diverse preferences. The rooms have various amenities, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines, and refreshing rain showers in the lavatories. Two restaurants are available for guests to explore distinct gastronomic experiences. The Al Diriyah Restaurant and Lounge presents a continental menu with live cooking stations crafting fresh and healthful meals. Meanwhile, The Terrace restaurant offers an al-fresco dining experience, serving comfort tapas-style barbecue delights. The hotel provides an indoor pool and a well-equipped gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts, ensuring ample opportunities to stay active. Those engaged in business affairs will appreciate the executive business lounge, providing a space for productive discussions or well-deserved rest. Nestled in the iconic heart of the Kingdom’s capital, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center is seamlessly attached to the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. The venue is one of the city’s largest event venues and is also within walking distance of exhibition halls and landmarks, including the King ‘Abd al-‘Azīz Historical Center, the National Museum, and the National Library. We caught up with Aldert van Zyl, General Manager, at Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center for more information.
Was a career in hospitality always your goal?
The hospitality industry has always been an extension of my family. My father was in it, so I grew up with a culture of service, good food and drink in our household. Additionally, I enjoy travelling and meeting new people from diverse cultures and different walks of life. There are hotels all over the world and one can literally work anywhere from big cities to remote islands. Therefore, the hospitality industry was a natural path for me to take and one that I enjoy to this day.
How do you stay motivated in such a high-pressure industry?
There are numerous strategies I use to keep myself motivated and focused. Most importantly I set clear goals, both short-term and long-term. Having clear goals helps me to maintain focus and stay motivated. I always try to maintain a positive mindset by focusing on positive thoughts, instead of dwelling on setbacks which I see as learning opportunities. I prioritize a balanced routine that includes getting enough rest, eating well, and staying active. Lastly, I surround myself with supportive colleagues, mentors, and friends who I can talk to about my experiences, exchange ideas with, and who I can seek advice from.
How do you spend your days off?
I try to travel as much as I can. Exploring new places and doing it with my family is one of my favourite ways of spending my time off. I also enjoy exercising, eating out, hiking and watching a good movie or TV series when I am not travelling.
Can you list the different guest experiences you offer?
Innovation and technology drive our seamless guest experience at Radisson Blu. Our unified technology platform, EMMA, tracks guest preferences across our hotel group, offering a 360-degree view of individual relationships. We go beyond automation, enhancing every touchpoint. Streamlined check-in/out processes and smart in-room amenities anticipate guest needs for personalized comfort. Effective communication is paramount, with optimized channels ensuring easy access to information and assistance. Mobile apps, virtual concierge services, and interactive platforms create a responsive connection. By embracing technology, we enhance efficiency and deliver a digitally connected experience that meets evolving traveller expectations. Our commitment to staying ahead reflects our dedication to a hassle-free and memorable stay.
What were your biggest challenges since joining, and how did you overcome them?
Operating in a fast-growing environment like Riyadh where new hotels pop up almost every second day, it is only natural that one would experience
employee turnover challenges. We have created an environment where we prioritize the training and development of every employee in the hotel
to guide their career paths. Through this, we are empowering our team to make decisions without any fear of consequences. This enables us to have
a positive work culture and environment where our employees have room to be themselves. Not only does this reduce employee turnover, but it also has
multiple positive effects on the guest experience.
What are your hotel occupancy rates for this year?
The hotel occupancy rates vary from month to month and season to season. As we only opened the hotel recently it is important to position ourselves
amongst our competitor set whilst at the same time ramping up the hotel occupancies. This can only be achieved by having high-quality standards and
ensuring the guest experience is consistent and memorable. Every guest at the hotel should feel valued and leave with a memorable experience to remember. The best form of advertising for any business is guests talking to other people about their experiences and encouraging them to also come to experience it.
Has the summer affected your RevPAR? If so, how?
Saudi Arabia is promoting the country extensively across the world and investing heavily in developing the country to be one of the best tourist
destinations in the world in years to come. This means the summer heat isn’t affecting business levels as much as they used to in the past. This
is especially true with all the projects that are ongoing in the city at a high pace never stops, so business travellers keep coming and going in spite of
the summer. This all results in minimal fluctuations in hotel RevPAR.
How would you describe the hotel industry in Saudi Arabia?
The best word to describe the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is dynamic. Saudi Arabia has a rich past with a promising future and the country’s
leadership is focused on bringing that vision to life. Saudi Arabia most likely has the largest hotel pipeline in the world and as such, it is a very exciting
time to be here to experience firsthand the change and development that is happening.
Any upcoming plans for the hotel worth mentioning?
We are thrilled to share that our catering division is set to expand, and we will soon be launching outside catering services. Our offsite menu options will cater to a wide range of events, including sit-down dinners, barbeque evenings, cocktail functions, and coffee breaks, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all occasions. Moreover, we have exciting plans to transform our garden into a stunning venue for functions and events in the winter. This beautiful open-air grass
area will provide the perfect setting for outdoor gatherings under the stars, creating unforgettable memories for our guests. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to elevate your event experiences at Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center.
