Page 30 - Special Issue QTM 2021

P. 30

Christian Hirt

(Managing Director – Raffles & Fairmont Hotel-Katara Towers Lusail)

“ We have to continually offer innovative and attractive experiences and deliver the highest levels of
service to encourage guests to return and to recommend this unique and amazing destination ”

Christian Hirt, Managing Director – Raffles & Fairmont Hotel – Katara Towers Lusail
began his career in his native Germany and he has since gained experience in North
America, Europe and Australia. Prior to joining Raffles & Fairmont Hotel, Hirt held
executive positions in various well-known hotels. He completed an MBA at Reims
Management School in France and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel & Restaurant
Administration from the Hotel Management Academy in Germany. Hirt was among the
prominent people who participated at QTM and it was a great opportunity for Al Bayan
Magazine to meet him and conduct the following interview.

* How do you evaluate the tourism sector in Raffles Doha showcases 132 suites and wave pool, a climbing wall as well as outstand-
Qatar for 2021? the legendary Raffles Butler Service. With ing relaxation, beauty and grooming facilities.
- What I am observing from the market is that junior suites averaging 90 square meters
the hotels are doing well, and the forecasts are and one-bedroom suites averaging 110 The Spa at Raffles Doha will be a lavish and
reflecting a steady increase in the lead up to square meters guests can luxuriate in the indulgent beauty and wellbeing facility featuring
2022 which will be the big year for Qatar. For spaciousness with an array of bespoke and 9 oversized experience suites. Four fitness
2022 itself I think the demand will continue to personalised in-suite experiences. For experience suites will incorporate a private fit-
increase throughout the year then with the something even more unique the hotel ness room as well as private treatment and
peak obviously for November and December boasts three, two-bedroom theme suites relaxation areas and the five hydro experience
next year with the World Cup. Everything is each uniquely designed with special areas suites will include wet and dry treatment areas
looking very promising for the country. At the such as multi-media room, fitness studio or in addition to relaxation spaces and a private
moment we have the Formula One and the beauty salon. And for the ultimate in luxury, outdoor pool and patio. The spa will feature
Arab Cup and these high profile international the opulent 950 square meter Royal Suite indulgent and personalised beauty and wellbe-
events are a great boast for the hospitality stretches over the 33rd and 34th floors and ing by leading experts and technologies.
industry and for the country and its encourag- boasts its own gym and spa, a Majlis,
ing to see more and more of these events com- games rooms and hair salon. * What is the importance of being under the
ing to Qatar. umbrella of Katara?
Between the two hotels a spectacular and mes- - There are so many well known luxury hotels
* Can you give us an idea about your merizing, 3,400 square meter ballroom will under Katara Hospitality and there is a great
hotels? become the luxury venue of choice for the most exchange and communication between Katara
Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, discerning weddings and events in the region. and the individual hotels. The way we work
the iconic towers in Lusail is an architectural Additional meeting and events spaces will here in Doha with Katara is something very
translation of Qatar’s national seal, represent- include a 1200 square meter ballroom, a luxury exceptional and beneficial for our hotels.
ing the traditional scimitar swords. Rising cinema, and a variety of smaller meeting rooms
gracefully from the podium level, the arched and VIP meeting suites each one incorporating * Are you optimistic for 2022 and beyond?
towers incorporate numerous unique and strik- an array of smart technologies to enhance the - I am always optimistic, after the World Cup we
ing design elements including a 30-meter-high guest experience. have to make sure that we benefit from it and
kaleidoscopic atrium, vaulted ceilings, intricate from the increase in awareness that the tour-
marble floors and hidden gardens. More than 12 unique dining and entertainment nament will generate for Qatar. We will have a
Within this national landmark are two outstand- venues will feature the best in culinary crafts- lot of new hotel supply and we will need to work
ing hotels, the luxurious five-star Fairmont manship and gastronomic experiences. Guests on creating new demand through events and
Doha and the lavish six-star Raffles Doha. and visitors can sample freshly shaved truffles conventions and opening up new leisure mar-
Each hotel will be distinct and distinguishing in in the Italian restaurant or enjoy high energy kets for the country. By continually offering
their own way, with a shared vision to deliver Asian cuisine with live ice sculpting displays. In innovate experiences and delivering the high-
the ultimate level of guest experiences and other venues, a myriad of exciting sights, est levels of service we will encourage guests
innovative hotelcraft. sounds and flavours can also be experienced to return and to recommend this unique and
The Fairmont Doha will consist of 362 spacious in signature dishes from the Levantine to Latin fabulous destination.
rooms and suites including Fairmont’s exclu- American and from India to France. In addition,
sive lifestyle hotel floor, Fairmont Gold, a privi- there will also be a selection of lounges offering 30
leged hotel-within-a-hotel experience where a the finest afternoon teas, elevated shisha expe-
dedicated Fairmont Gold team offers elevated riences and exclusive cigar collections and
levels of personalized service to each Fairmont there will be live music featured in the rooftop
Gold guest along with special facilities such as lounge and terrace.
the private lounge and an exclusive outdoor
pool and bar. For an even more enhanced For wellness and fitness aficionados the
experience, Fairmont Doha offers a selection of Fairmont Doha will include an extensive 4,500
spacious suites from Junior suites to one and Fairmont Fit facility with cutting edge technolo-
two-bedroom suites, unique Theme Suites or gies and experiences as well as a Fairmont
the lavish 800 square meter Presidential Suite on Spa offering a blend of regenerative and ener-
the 31st floor with 3 bedrooms and panoramic gizing treatments and technologies plus immer-
views of the ocean and the city skyline. sive spinning experiences, indoor lap pool and

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