Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Serkan Yalcinkaya, the General Manager of Conrad Makkah, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the unique profile of the guests who choose Conrad Makkah, the distinctive services offered to pilgrims, and the innovative sustainability practices that set this hotel apart.
Furthermore, we explore the exciting expansions and new services on the horizon, ensuring that Conrad Makkah continues to exceed the expectations of its esteemed guests. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the unparalleled hospitality and commitment to environmental stewardship at Conrad Makkah.
FTNnews: Could you please tell us about yourself?
I have over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having taken on roles 27 years at Hilton ranging from Food and Drink and Rooms Operations to Commercial Services and now I am the General Manager at Conrad Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
FTNnews: Can you describe the typical profile of your guests, including their age range, nationality, and the primary reasons they choose to stay at Conrad Makkah?
Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world visit Makkah for Umrah and Hajj. Our guests at Conrad Makkah are mainly from Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, the USA, Europe, and the UK, who appreciate comfort, attention to detail, and personalized service.
FTNnews: What sets Conrad Makkah apart from other luxury hotels in Makkah? Are there any special services or accommodations provided for pilgrims visiting the holy sites?
The proximity to the Grand Mosque and Kaabah and spacious rooms are key reasons why guests prefer Conrad Makkah. The work culture at Conrad Makkah that lets the team members feel motivated, filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.
We aim to provide a comfortable accommodation experience and ease our guests’ Umrah and Hajj performance.
Conrad Makkah is the first luxury hotel in Makkah recognized by Forbes as the ‘Forbes Preferred Hotel’.
FTNnews: What sustainability practices has Conrad Makkah implemented to reduce its environmental impact?
We have implemented energy, water, and waste management projects in line with Hilton’s ESG targets.
By serving locally sourced products in our restaurant and room service menus, we support the local community and reduce our carbon footprint. During Ramadan, a peak time for Makkah, we introduced the Green Ramadan initiative which was launched as a collaboration between Hilton, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia under the impactful Recipe of Change campaign, and Winnow – an AI-enabled food waste management solution. This initiative was very successful with food waste being reduced by 22% over the course of the month-long effort while catering 4,500 guests in one week.
FTNnews: Are there any upcoming expansions, renovations, or new services that guests can look forward to?
We continually strive to enhance our guests’ comfort.
We have projects to upgrade room amenities and are implementing an instant guest messaging system, allowing guests to contact our guest relations team 24/7, even when outside the hotel.
Additionally, we are launching an application for room service orders, enabling guests to order food and beverages directly from their mobile devices.
