Page 53 - Special Issue QTM 2021

Franck Arnold

(Managing Director and Regional Vice-President- The Savoy London):

“ Katara Hospitality helps to position
ourselves in the travel market and
London has bounced back quickly ”

Franck Arnold was announced as Managing Director and Regional Vice-President of
London’s Savoy hotel, ahead of its reopening in September 2020. During a career in
hospitality spanning some 30 years he has also worked with IHG, Four Seasons, Rocco
Forte, Ritz-Carlton and independent hotels in Europe and North America. He is an
exceptional luxury hotelier, passionate about hospitality, people and experiences. His
attention to detail ensures excellence and his energy and vision spread through his team.
He has a wealth of experience in North America and a luxury background that is sec-
ond to none. His leadership, when combined with the talents of the team at the Savoy,
a Fairmont Managed Hotel, deliver a contemporary direction for the iconic hotel at a
time when clarity and a passion for excellence are more important than ever. Al Bayan
Magazine met Mr. Arnold and conducted the following interview.

* What is the purpose behind your participation at QTM? Gucci to offer guests an exceptional experience. The Savoy and
- Qatar is a new market for me personally so it is a period of dis- Gucci will always be inextricably linked. The founder of Italy’s
covering potential clients and a new city that I haven’t been to biggest fashion house, Guccio Gucci, worked as a porter and lift-
before. On a business related basis, it is obviously to try to boy at the luxury London hotel in the early 20th century. It was
acquire new potential clients and to discover something new. there he refined his taste for high fashion and gained insight into
the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Little did he know that 100
* How did you surpass the Covid-19 pandemic? years later, The Savoy’s Royal Suite would be reimagined to
- The Savoy is such a historic hotel, it first opened in 1889 and honor his company’s centenary year. With the help of Gucci and
until the pandemic never closed, even during the World Wars. It auction house Christie’s, the 2,852-sq-ft Royal Suite has become
refused to be utilized as a shelter during the bombing of London a reflection of Guccio’s world. The furniture, furnishings and dec-
in the Second World War but never closed its doors (NB this isn’t orative items have all been carefully chosen from the Gucci
correct – we remained open as a hotel and we did create air raid Décor collection. All of the additional items in the Royal Suite will
accommodation for our guests – but we were not converted for be available to buy through either Gucci or Christie’s Private
alternative use by the War Office). Recently government restric- Sales service. It essentially makes the Royal Suite London’s
tion meant our closure during the during the lockdowns due most exclusive shop floor, one that comes with beautiful views
to Covid-19 pandemic, but we started our reopening
from April 2021. Over recent months we’ve over the River Thames and a four-poster king bed. A stay
experienced more demand than we can take in the Royal Suite, which remains at its usual price
care of, both because of our brand profile despite the lavish redecoration, also includes a
and because London has bounced back range of special amenities. Guests will find a
relatively quickly. Towards the end of range of Gucci gifts and amenities awaiting
July and early August this year, we their arrival and have use of the hotel’s Rolls
saw the international markets coming Royce within a three-mile radius. A stay also
back including the Middle East and includes a private shopping experience at
North America as well as the rest of one of Gucci’s London boutiques and a
Europe. dedicated butler.

* What is the importance of being * What is your outlook for 2022?
under the umbrella of Katara? - The demand is back, we have height-
- It is a business card to Doha and ened interest not only in London but inter-
to the market place, it opens doors nationally. People can’t live without travel-
and automatically gives you credibili- ling and spending time together. Virtual
ty to potential clients. We are partially experiences will always be here, from now
owned by Katara and therefore it helps on I believe more of a hybrid system will
to position ourselves in the local travel evolve. It will not take away people meeting
market. people and face to face interaction. We are
humans and we have a human need to socialize
* What are your latest realizations? in person.
- We have partnered with the Italian fashion house
AL BAYAN ECONOMIC MAG - ISSUE 603 - FEBRUARY 2022
53