Thomas Kinsperger, general manager at Mandarin Oriental, Doha, explores the allure of their property, their brand values, and plans for the future.
QH: Tell us five reasons for guests to choose your hotel in Doha.
Kinsperger: Nestled in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Mandarin Oriental offers a prime location amidst a vibrant urban landscape. Guests can explore the area’s charming limestone buildings, trendy cafes, and cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries. With major landmarks such as Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and the Museum of Islamic Art within walking distance, convenience is at hand. The hotel boasts a diverse selection of accommodations, from spacious rooms to luxurious suites and private villas, catering to various preferences. Dining enthusiasts can embark on a culinary adventure at nine distinctive restaurants, including Liang for authentic Cantonese cuisine. Moreover, guests can unwind and rejuvenate at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, designed to provide a holistic wellness experience.
QH: What are your brand values, something that no other hospitality player in Doha has?
Kinsperger: Our brand values at Mandarin Oriental, Doha are deeply rooted in the core pillars and guiding principles unique to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which emphasise the essence of delighting guests, colleagues, and striving for excellence, guiding our commitment to legendary service and guest satisfaction. Our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences is guided by our principles of quality, sophistication, style, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Our guests experience a level of luxury and service that we strive to make exceptional, combined with a profound respect for cultural authenticity and a commitment to acting with responsibility.
QH: What have been your expansions/refurbishments to your property in the past year? What about 2024 – any plans of modification/upscaling your property?
Kinsperger: As we progress in this year, we are eager to introduce exciting new food & beverage concepts and elevate the quality and appeal of our existing offerings. Anticipating and adapting to evolving trends and preferences in dining is essential to maintaining our competitiveness in a dynamic market.
QH: Where do you see your property/brand in the next two years?
Kinsperger: Over the next two years, we aim to attract an increasing number of visitors from key regional countries. Additionally, we anticipate welcoming an expanding demographic of leisure travellers from countries such as France and Germany. We also expect a rise in guests from stop-over destinations, including the US and Australia, further diversifying our visitor base. In addition, we see our hotel making significant strides in sustainability by collaborating with new partners such as Global Sustainability Tourism Council to adopt their criteria, aiming to continually improving our practices and contributing positively to global sustainability efforts.
QH: Talk us through the timeless business lessons that the pandemic has taught and how your property has adapted with those.
Kinsperger: Reflecting on the pandemic, we have learned the invaluable lesson of agility, which has been pivotal in enabling us to swiftly adapt and evolve our business model to meet shifting demands. For instance, recognising the emerging need for quarantine accommodations, we promptly established services to meet this requirement. Moreover, we embraced digital transformation by launching The Mandarin Online Shop, which has greatly enhanced convenience for our guests. Additionally, investing in our colleagues’ learning and development during quieter periods proved critical, ensuring that when business returned, we were ready to excel with a skilled, motivated workforce.
Short Shots
Best book read in 2023: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Best advice received: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall
Go-to unwinding method: Exercise/sports with friends and families
Favourite holiday destination: Austrian Alpes
Best hotel stayed in: Hotel Jagdhof – Relais & Chateaux
