MANAGEMENT at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst will look to develop the site as a premier dining venue after officially moving in on Monday.
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Rydges Hotels and Resorts signed a management agreement to operate the hotel – formerly Citigate Bathurst – with new owners The Waldorf Group.
Newly-appointed general manager Andrew McKenna said the hotel would focus on providing quality service to attract patrons to the iconic location outside motorsport.
“Rydges is a food and beverage based company ... and that’s where we see this hotel doing well,” Mr McKenna said. “We’ll be looking to promote our restaurant and bar facilities and to attract events outside the big race weekends.
“It’s going to take a lot of marketing. We had a full restaurant on Valentine’s Day – mainly locals – so that was promising.”
Engaging the Bathurst community features strongly on the hotel agenda, Mr McKenna said.
“We want to increase exposure in the local community,” he said. “Rydges has been working to increase it regional footprint so becoming part of the community and welcoming residents up here is something that is very important to us.
“We’ve introduced our loyalty program - Rydges PriorityGUEST – to offer members rewards and discounts, not just on stays, but food and beverage as well.”
Mr McKenna said the shift in ownership would not herald any significant changes.
“We have made some management decisions, but any changes have been small,” he said.
Previously the food and beverage manager at Rydges Parramatta, Mr McKenna said he was looking forward to a new chapter at the helm of the 134-apartment hotel.
“My background is in special events hotels,” he said. “I spent seven years working for Accor at Sydney Olympic Park, before making the move to Rydges Parramatta, opposite Rosehill racecourse.
“It’s very different here. This is effectively a brand-new building ... it’s not 100 per cent full all the time, where Parramatta was consistent.
“That’s something we’ll be working on.”
Mr McKenna said he was most looking forward to being at the heart of action during motor racing events.
“Those race weekends are going to be very exciting,” he said. “We’re looking forward to [the Bathurst 12 Hour] next week and will begin filling up from Wednesday.
“It will be a baptism of fire.”
