“Furthermore, all hotels on Yas Island will work together to promote the development as a major dining and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi.
“So we are positive that, even after the Formula 1, Yas Island will soon be popular amongst the people of Abu Dhabi.”
Commenting on whether the large F&B teams required for the launch would still be necessary after the Formula 1, Van Veen explained: “Our F&B teams at both the [Yas Island] properties have a task force of several members from our sister hotels from across the UAE and other parts of Middle East and Europe.
“This task force is here to assist us in making our F&B offerings a success during the Grand Prix; then after the event, these additional members will be back at their respective properties.”
Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island director of F&B Rinaldo Boscaro said the property had been “selective and conservative” in its recruiting.
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“We are extremely fortunate to have more that one sister hotel assisting us during the pre-opening,” he added.
Similarly, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island have reaped the benefits of being part of international hotel group IHG when it comes to F&B staff.
“We will have support from our sister hotels in the region during the busy F1 period,” explained Owain.
“But a hotel opening doesn’t stop operating once the doors are open; post-Formula 1 there will still be plenty of work to do to get the hotel to a level we are happy with.
“Training will be ongoing until our service standards are second nature to all team members. So there will still be plenty to keep everyone busy once the F1 is over.”
For more on preparations for F1 food, see the October issue of Caterer Middle East.
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