Four Seasons Hotel project points to job market optimism

The recent confirmation of construction work on the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain has signalled new optimism in the nation's employment and real estate sectors, the CEO of Bahrain Bay where the hotel is situated said. According to Bob Vincent, the five-star hotel's commitment to an April 2014 completion date is set to inject new jobs, new capital, and new optimism into several of Bahrain's flagship sectors. "The project is predicted to result in direct and indirect economic benefits for Bahrain that will equal approximately 300 million Bahraini dinars (Dh2.88 billion) over the next five to seven years," Vincent who will be coordinating the project's implementation, said. "This not only has obvious beneficial fiscal effects, but is also a very positive statement of confidence in the country as a business destination," said the CEO of Bahrain Bay, Bahrain's highest-profile, master-planned $2.5 billion waterfront community. As the latest in the five-star chain's portfolio of international properties, the Four Seasons Hotel at Bahrain Bay will bring employment benefits to the nation's workforce. "The commencement of the main contract for the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is seen as an important commitment to re-invigorating construction in Bahrain and bringing a fresh focus to real estate lending by local banks," Vincent said. "In addition, the flow-on effects of more than 2,000 jobs during construction; participation by local Bahrain sub-contractors and suppliers during the development and more than 700 permanent jobs; will all serve to demonstrate a turnaround in the Bahrain economy". At 201 metres tall, 50-storeys, and 263 guest rooms, the hotel complex is set to bolster Bahrain's hospitality credentials. Complete with five-star spa and leisure facilities, suspended ‘Sky Pod' restaurant, first-class banqueting and conferencing capabilities, four fine dining outlets, and panoramic views for guestrooms and suites, the project has been designed to lead Bahrain's hotel offerings into a new era. The project implementation will be co-ordinated by the Bahrain Bay management team, and as such the hotel's construction will exhibit the same leading-edge contemporary design and project management efficiency that has positioned Bahrain Bay as the country's highest profile waterfront community. Green drive: Sustainable tourism In celebrating the 21st year of the group's Green Partnership programme, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will firm its commitment to the environment across the Middle East and Africa by participating in the only event in the region to address the importance of sustainable tourism, the World Green Tourism Conference taking place this December in Abu Dhabi. "The environment isn't just something that's "out there"— it's where we live, work and play each day. As we see an ardent focus towards green in this region, events such as World Green Tourism Conference play a key role in challenging businesses and governments to look at their present travel policies and assess how they can reduce their impact on the environment.