The Home of Saudi Hospitality

Aldert van Zyl, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center, explains how the hotel is redefining hospitality in the Saudi capital through a blend of innovation, personalized service, and commitment to local culture.

As the new general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center, how do you plan to embrace the “Yes I Can!” service philosophy and create unforgettable experiences for guests in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital?

I am committed to instilling a service culture that goes beyond the ordinary. Embracing the ‘Yes I Can!’ philosophy means empowering our team members to take ownership of guest experiences, anticipating their needs, and delivering personalized service with genuine care.

I understand that today’s travelers seek more than just a place to stay; they crave unforgettable moments and connections that leave a lasting impression. That’s why we go above and beyond to curate experiences that exceed our guests’ expectations. Whether it’s surprising them with thoughtful gestures or customizing their stay based on their preferences, our goal is to create indelible memories.

What sets Radisson Blu Hotel apart from other hotels in Riyadh?

What truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of the local nuances and the ability to curate experiences that resonate with our guests on a personal level. At Radisson Blu, we take immense pride in our commitment to the local community. We have made it a priority to employ Saudi nationals, who bring rich cultural insights and warm hospitality to create unforgettable experiences. In fact, Saudi nationals make up the majority of our guest-facing team. By having a team that reflects the diversity and authenticity of Riyadh, we can recommend hidden gems in the city, organize cultural immersions, and showcase authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine. Every aspect of our guests’ stay is carefully crafted to reflect the essence of Riyadh and provide a genuine connection to the local culture.

Under your leadership, how will Radisson Blu showcase the rich heritage of Riyadh while looking to the future?

We go beyond surface-level representation and instead seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. Our aim is to curate authentic experiences that bring the city’s historical landmarks, vibrant cultural festivals, and flavorful local cuisine to life. Our commitment to showcasing Riyadh’s rich heritage is not simply a marketing strategy; it is a genuine desire to connect our guests with the soul of the city. Through thoughtful collaborations with local business owners, cultural organizations, and community initiatives, we curate experiences that leave a lasting impression and create a meaningful connection to Riyadh’s vibrant past and promising future. For example, we are launching a brand collaboration with Nikon Middle East, giving Saudi Arabia’s emerging content creators a series of free workshops to highlight the spectacular history, architecture, and lifestyle of Riyadh. The goal is to also provide entrepreneurs with access to topnotch instructors and state-of-theart photography as well as equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to create impactful content that can help elevate their brands and grow their businesses.

How do you envision the hotel becoming a hub for the city’s entrepreneurs and what measures will you take to maintain Radisson Blu as a top choice for business guests in Riyadh?

I envision Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center becoming a hub for the city’s entrepreneurs by creating an environment that fosters networking, collaboration, and innovation. Our thoughtfully designed spaces cater to business events, offering cutting-edge facilities for productivity and creativity.

Our hotel is attached to the Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center, which offers 20,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space. In addition to this, the hotel offers nine distinctive meetings and events spaces equipped with high technology video walls and other hybrid facilities that are perfect for conducting business. The hotel is also planning to create a podcast room for budding or established podcasters with state-of-the art audio hardware. Users of the podcast room can get unlimited coffee to keep the creative juices flowing.

We also plan to offer shared working spaces with daily rates for startup founders and freelancers. These spaces provide a quiet environment for work and networking, with unlimited coffee, snacks, business center services, high-speed WIFI, valet parking, complimentary printing services, and one hour of complimentary meeting room use.

How do you plan to incorporate technology and innovation into hotel operations?

Innovation and technology drive our seamless guest experience at Radisson Blu. Our unified technology platform, EMMA, tracks guest preferences across our hotel group, offering a 360-degree view of individual relationships. We go beyond automation, enhancing every touchpoint. Streamlined check-in/out processes and smart in-room amenities anticipate guest needs for personalized comfort. Effective communication is paramount, with optimized channels ensuring easy access to information and assistance. Mobile apps, virtual concierge services, and interactive platforms create a responsive connection. By embracing technology, we enhance efficiency and deliver a digitally connected experience that meets evolving traveler expectations. Our commitment to staying ahead reflects our dedication to a hasslefree and memorable stay.

How will you leverage your extensive experience in the hospitality industry to elevate Radisson Blu’s commitment to luxury and comfort?

I am committed to elevating Radisson Blu’s commitment to luxury and comfort to new heights at the Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. Service excellence is at the forefront of our mission, and we will go above and beyond to exceed guest expectations. By enhancing our facilities, incorporating innovative design elements, and curating unique offerings, we will redefine the standards of hospitality in Riyadh. Our goal is to create an unforgettable and truly exceptional experience for every guest, leaving them with cherished memories and a desire to return.