Aldert van Zyl, General Manager of Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center, has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic prowess since the hotel’s opening in March 2023. With just over a year of operation, van Zyl has achieved remarkable success, solidifying the hotel’s position as a premier destination in Riyadh. Under van Zyl’s leadership, the Radisson Blu Riyadh Conven-tion & Exhibition Center quickly exceeded expectations in several key areas. Despite opening during Ramadan, a period often considered challenging for the hospitality industry, the hotel achieved an 18.2% profit margin within three months. By October, revenue soared 27% above budget, contributing to an impressive 50% Gross Operating Profit (GOP). This financial success highlights the hotel’s effective revenue management and stringent cost control measures. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has been particularly successful. In just a few months, the hotel’s MICE department generated over 2 mil-lion Saudi Riyals. The hotel’s innovative approach, including a podcast room equipped with state-of-the-art audio hardware, has differentiated it from competitors. The venue has hosted over 490 meetings and events since opening, exceeding revenue expectations by 53%. High-profile events include collaborations with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Commerce of The Republic of Turkey. The hotel’s reputation as a reliable partner for major conventions and its ability to meet high security and service standards are significant achievements. Guest experience has been a focal point for van Zyl. The hotel secured the number one spot for quality on Booking.com within its competitive set, with an impressive score of 8.8. A brand standard audit conducted by Deloitte awarded the hotel a score of 91%, underscoring the team’s commitment to exceeding brand standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences. The hotel’s dedication to guest satisfaction is reflected in a wave of positive online reviews, further enhancing its reputation. Community engagement and brand collaborations are also central to van Zyl’s strategy. The hotel has partnered with Camel Step, a renowned Saudi coffee brand, to promote local culture and sustainability. This collaboration has not only supported local talent but has also resulted in revenues 20% above budget. Additionally, the hotel has teamed up with Nikon Middle East to offer free content creation workshops, highlighting Riyadh’s architecture and lifestyle. These initiatives showcase the hotel’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting the community. Saudization, the initiative to increase the percentage of Saudi nationals in the workforce, has been a major focus. The hotel has achieved a Saudization rate of 42%, with a goal to reach 50% to attain the High Green Category. This achievement demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to Saudi Vision 2030. Four female team members were selected for the ABJAD program, designed to develop Saudi nationals in supervisory roles into future leaders. Additionally, four employees have been chosen by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism for an Executive Master’s program at Les Roches in Switzerland, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to developing Saudi hospitality professionals. Employee engagement has been another area of success. A recent team satisfaction survey revealed a striking 89% staff engagement and 96% staff enablement. Despite the challenges of opening a new hotel and meeting localization targets, van Zyl has fostered a positive work culture and provided competitive compensation and training opportunities. Sustainability is deeply integrated into the hotel’s operations. The Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including water and energy conservation measures, a carbon-negative meetings program, and a commitment to reducing single-use plastics. The hotel has saved significant resources, including 194,112 liters of water and 8,319 kW of electricity. The commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by achieving premium-level certification by Safehotels and passing SGS’s sustainability basics verification program. Aldert van Zyl’s leadership at Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center has been marked by exceptional financial performance, innovative MICE offerings, high guest satisfaction, community engagement, and a strong commitment to Saudization and sustainability. His strategic vision and dedication have set the hotel on a path to continued success in Riyadh’s competitive hospitality market.
