Manama: Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has reported 2017 financial results. The Group owns the Gulf Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Hotel (via its subsidiary Bahrain Tourism Company SPC), and Gulf Brands International and operates The K Hotel, Asdal Gulf Inn and the Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar (partly owned).
Chairman Farouk Y Almoayyed said that year 2017 was very challenging, particularly in the hospitality sector, due to increased room inventory and competition on the island. Despite the difficult trading conditions Almoayyed said that for the year ended 31st December 2017 GHG, achieved a total Gross Operating Revenue of BD 37.261 million compared to BD 36.376 million in same period 2016, an increase of BD 884,543 or 2.43%.
The Group generated a Net Profit of BD 11.036 million in comparison with BD 10.007 million achieved in the same period 2016 (before the onetime bargain profit of BD 6.125 Million), an increase BD 1.029 million or 10.28 %.
For the last quarter of 2017 the Group reported Net Profit of BD 2.357 million compared to BD 2.627 million for the same quarter of 2016, a decrease of BD 270K or 10.28%.
Almoayyed highlighted the challenges facing the hospitality industry which has experienced declining occupancies and room rates over the past 4 years. Recently published figures by market analysts, STR, indicate a drop in Revenue per Available Room (REVPAR) of 11.8% across the hotel industry in Bahrain during 2017, with both occupancy percentages and average room rates declining during the year. He stated that profitability is further affected by significant increases in costs such as utilities, although he welcomed recent changes in duties that will help the restaurant business but cautioned that the positive impact of change in duties could be wiped out once VAT is introduced.
Almoayyed added that Gulf Hotels Group will continue to expand and renovate its properties, opening the Gulf Executive Residence in Juffair in Quarter 3 of 2018 as well as branching out into the Dubai hotel market and the Sri Lankan retailing sector.
“Overall the Group has performed well in 2017 although the declining trend in the hospitality sector is a real concern,” Garfield Jones, CEO, said.
He added that the Group was in the process of completing a major bedroom renovation in its Crowne Plaza property and during 2018, would be undertaking a complete renovation of the Gulf Convention Centre as well as upgrading the Gulf Hotel’s Al Waha, La Pergola, Sherlock Holmes and Fusions outlets.
“The La Pergola project is particularly exciting as it will be reopened under the guidance of 2-star Michelin chef, Giancarlo Perbellini,” he said. “La Pergola is one of the renowned Italian restaurants on the Island but our new venture with Chef Perbellini will take the outlet to a whole new level.”
Jones expressed his appreciation towards the management and staff of all of the Group’s divisions whose hard work and efforts have contributed towards achieving these results in difficult times. He also stated that the success of any company comes down to its customer base, thanking the Groups valued customers for their continuous support.
