What does it take to be a Hospitality Leader? In an industry that never slows down, it takes utmost dedication and a mindset for continuous innovation to deliver quality guest experiences day in and out. Gulf Insider highlights leaders of the hospitality industry in Bahrain to understand what’s new, what’s next, and what makes them the best.
In this exclusive interview, André Erasmus, General Manager at the upcoming Hawar Resort by Mantis, gives us a sneak peek into the new resort’s efforts to promote eco-tourism and how the resort is supporting Bahrain’s sustainability vision for 2030.
Can you discuss an innovation that will impact positioning Hawar Island as the front-runner, and eco-responsive destination in the region?
Sustainability is at the heart of our vision for Hawar Island. We are committed to supporting Bahrain’s green ambitions by integrating eco-friendly initiatives throughout the resort. One of our key initiatives is the implementation of an on-site desalination plant, which includes bottling water in reusable glass.
This, along with our efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and use of solar energy to power the resort reflects our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint. These efforts are just the beginning of our long-term strategy to position Hawar Resort by Mantis as a leading eco-tourism destination in the region.
We have appointed sustainability champions to lead our various initiatives. We also use GAIA, ACCOR’s reporting system for internal and external auditing. This system ensures transparency and accountability and reflects our commitment to sustainability.
What value will this initiative bring to the Kingdom of Bahrain?
Our primary goal is to lead the way and set benchmarks moving forward.
Our initiatives support Bahrain’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals, which emphasize environmental responsibility as a pillar of the Kingdom’s future development. By integrating eco-friendly practices, we are aligning with both the Kingdom’s green ambitions and global sustainability efforts.
Through our efforts, we are striving to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and enhance Bahrain’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development. In doing so, we aim to attract environmentally conscious travellers, stimulate eco-tourism, and inspire other businesses in Bahrain to adopt green practices.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your approach to hotel management?
Working as a field guide back in South Africa at the start of my hotel management career, I saw first-hand how showcasing nature, ecotourism, and nature conservation can drive efforts to uplift the local community. It also boosts tourism in the area and deepens appreciation from guests who have never been exposed to nature before. The moment when the “penny dropped” for these guests, and they realized the vital importance of preserving the earth and supporting ecotourism initiatives, was truly eye-opening for me.
What are your goals for the hotel in the coming year?
We want to showcase the true beauty, warm hospitality, and natural wonders that Bahrain has to offer. Every visitor, every guest, will experience ‘albait baitak’, meaning ‘welcome to our home’ in Arabic.
The best way to describe what success looks like is through our logo, the fifth element. It features a feather, a leaf, a wave, and the wind, symbolizing the elements of nature, marine life, wildlife, and cuisine that make Bahrain so stunning. These are what we aim to share with our visitors and guests.
The fifth element is sewn on my shirt, reflecting Tatreez (تطريز), a generations-old Bahraini art form of embroidery. Just as this design is woven into my shirt, these elements are woven into the experience that guests enjoy at our resort. We can’t wait to welcome you!
What future trends in hospitality do you foresee?
I foresee a shift towards more personalized, curated experiences. As technology continues to dominate our lives, people will increasingly seek genuine, personal interactions. They’ll want to reconnect with nature, and I see a growing trend towards experiences that offer more than just flashy, luxury elements. This is an opportunity for us to truly showcase the natural beauty of Bahrain.
In your opinion, what is the one major quality every hospitality leader must possess?
Without a doubt, it is empathy; empathy for your team and your guests, putting yourself in their shoes and appreciating what they do. Hospitality is incredibly hard work and often goes unappreciated, but it’s all about people and the team. That understanding is critical for any leader in this industry.
