< PreviousTrending hoteliermiddleast.com January 2020 10 ADCEB sets up debut MICE advisory panel in China The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, ADCEB, has set up the fi rst advisory committee in China to engage with the rising outbound MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market there. The partnership, according to Emirates News Agency is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to increase international MICE arrivals from China. The role of the advisory committee will include providing insight into MICE trends, business travel, and challenges and behaviours within the Chinese market. Tourism and Marketing from DCT - Abu Dhabi’s acting executive director Ali Al Shaiba said: “This is the fi rst time globally that an advisory committee of this signifi cance has been set up overseas. China is a strategic partner for the UAE, and a key player in the MICE industry, making this one of the most important aspects of our plan to further boost MICE visitors to Abu Dhabi." The large volume of visitors from this market means increased tourist spend, hotel stays, and signifi cant support to retail, hospitality and other local businesses. Egyptian billionaire acquires Thomas Cook franchise in Germany Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris has acquired the Thomas Cook franchise in Germany. The acquisition took place through his Raiffeisen Touristik Group, according to the Daily News Egypt. With this acquisition, several hundred travel agencies will move to Sawiris and will make him one of the largest travel entrepreneurs in Germany. The report also suggested that Sawiris owns 74.9% of the Raiffeisen Touristik Group, which includes Otto brand Reiseland, Thomas Cook Netherlands, Mandarin Oriental to manage Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental has signed a management contract to manage and brand Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The hotel, which comprises 394 guestrooms and suites, will undergo a phased renovation over two years, during which time it will remain open. Work will encompass signifi cant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities. “This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profi le properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,” said Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s group chief executive, James Riley. “The partnership with Mandarin Oriental represents an important milestone and aims to propel the property’s profi le into a new era,” said Emirates Palace Company (EPCO) managing director, H.E. Sultan Dhahi Sultan Al Humairi. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT MICE ACQUISITIONTrending 11 January 2020 hoteliermiddleast.com Upcoming hospitality events Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai, UAE 26 December 2019– 01 February 2020 www.visitdubai.com/en/dsf The 2020 Stakeholder Conference, Dubai, UAE 28-30 January 2020 www.thehospitalitynetwork.com Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC 2020), Riyadh, KSA 21-22 January 2020 www.ahic.com/shic Sleep Expo Middle East, Dubai, UAE 09-11 February 2020 www.sleepexpome.com Find out more about industry events on hoteliermiddleeast.com 80 gazelles now part of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, will add 80 new Arabian Sand Gazelles to the nature reserve by the end of 2019, increasing the resort’s population of Gazelles to more than 135. Relocated from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort was chosen for the gazelles due to its ideal habitat for fl ora and fauna. The natural underground water reserve helps to sustain a vast bio-diversity of wildlife, whilst the cooler climate enables this indigenous species to fl ourish. From more than 50 different species of birds, falcons, and owls, to camels, Arabian oryx, and sand gazelles, guests can experience the breath-taking scenery of the secluded nature reserve whilst taking part in exceptional experiences with nature. “We are proud to drive and develop a sustainable eco-system that grows day-by-day by integrating Al Wadi Desert with its surroundings. Guests are looking more and more for transformational experiences that have a positive impact on the world and by staying at our property, they are contributing to a rich conservation and sustainable development effort that spans the emirate,” said The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s director of sales and marketing, Ross Park. CSR INDUSTRY CALENDAR BioPak gives back 7.5% of profits to positive change Naturally better packaging Made from plants, not oil. Trending hoteliermiddleast.com January 2020 12 Welcome to the neighbourhood The arrival of Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers marks the opening of JLT’s fi rst luxury hotel Checking InTrending 13 January 2020 hoteliermiddleast.com Design The sleek design of the hotel is complemented with an infusion of Indian and Middle Eastern touches through an eclectic mix of art. Traditional materials such as brass and vibrant textiles are used throughout the hotel. The artwork displayed behind the reception desk is by British artist, Petr Weigl, a piece which has been created in cold cast bronze. The 3D contours reference layers of time and sand dunes, in a free-fl owing composition that takes inspiration from the stunning cascade of light from the main lighting installation in the hotel. Facilities Heralding the arrival of the fi rst-ever ballroom to Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the hotel offers corporates and residents the opportunity to elevate their business and social events. Modern chandeliers adorn the high ceilings and the cream and gold colour palette is accented by dark wood panelling. Technology & sustainability In line with the brand’s focus on creating sustainable practices, the hotel has digitised key services and introduced paper-less check-in. The hotel also uses plant-based compostable food packaging wherever possible. Quick Facts With 200 contemporary rooms and suites, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers is poised to become the district’s preferred business engine and social heartbeat, bringing with it two fi rsts – the soon-to-open Paros, a Mediterranean inspired rooftop pool bar and restaurant and a ballroom. The hotel has also introduced the renowned Shamiana restaurant from the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai to the Middle East.hoteliermiddleast.com January 2020 14 When it comes to the future of corporate hotel programmes and hospitality in general, we look to the millennial travellers who are changing the way. Millennials are now well entrenched in their working career and likely to have a busier social network than the generations before them. Their travel for business becomes a blended experience as they want to experience the city they’re visiting like a local – they want to share their experiences with friends and not purely go for a business trip. When choosing accommodation for work purposes they want a local experience with a touch of home and community as well as a heavy focus on the environment. A recent survey found that 90% of corporate travellers have researched the weather, hotel location, surrounding attractions and places to eat before they arrive. The mostly commonly requested features include: Connected community – allowing travellers to feel the local city from within the hotel, this includes local art, walking access to local restaurants, attractions, markets, etc. They want to feel connected to the destination, be part of the community and care about it during their trip for environmental reasons. Also, using less plastics – use refi llable glass bottles for water, remove small bottles of shampoo and bath gels etc. Fast easy free access to WiFi – they are highest users of mobile phones in the corporate world and it‘s not just work. Their social channel is their mobile phone. They love to share their stories while travelling with fellow colleagues and friends, posting images of places they are visiting on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, to be seen. It’s also important to be productive during their business trips that also helps justify any bleisure during the trip. Checking in online in advance for rooms, fl ights or arranging transfers are all very important. Compressed and robotic technology – linking the hotel website to app functions whilst onsite in the hotel, allowing faster check in/out, keyless access or simply finding which floor the gym is on. As a whole the travel industry is now focused on removing the friction of cumbersome, outdated technology when travelling. Artificial Intelligence isn’t new to Millennials and they love to embrace any technology that keeps them abreast with useful information instantly. With 15% of hotels now considered ‘Lifestyle hotels’ there is a growing number of choices in major markets worldwide. The continued expansion of Lifestyle hotels and introduction of newly branded accommodation means millennials are making an impact on the industry which the rest of the travelling community are happily experiencing. Millennials and corporate hospitality By Ciarán Kelly “They want to feel connected to the destination, be part of the community and care about it during their trip for environmental reasons…” About the author Ciarán Kelly is the managing director of FCM Travel Solutions (Middle East & Africa Regional Network), parent company of Flight Centre Travel Group in the UAE and brings more than 17 years’ experience from the global travel industry, gained from working in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Talking Heads15 January 2020 hoteliermiddleast.com Recruit, induct, trust, develop By David Singleton “Inspire others with trust, but not before you’ve been meticulously clear of the task in hand, the results you expect and by when. Trust, but follow up.” I stay in hotels, and eat in restaurants all the time. I’ve opened more restaurants than I can remember so I’m one of those that gets irritable when we go out. Invariably I’m getting frustrated with an employee’s inability to think with the mind of the guest. It’s not always their fault, unless you’re wearing a suit and you can make a decision, but invariably it’s the senior guys or the owners who micromanage or simply don’t trust the talent they’ve hired to do the job. But that’s where it goes wrong. At a recent mentoring session I was asked by my mentee how they could retain their good talent. It was something that was causing much organisational anxiety, and their line manager was not giving the leadership, direction and trust they needed to progress. This was compounded by micromanagement causing confusion and unrest. This particular high performer was affected by all of these points and none of them are new to anyone reading this. We had to understand the root causes of their turnover which are all challenges we recognise but keep coming up. Great leaders hire others for their expertise and because they have a greater insight to their fi eld, allow them space to accomplish their tasks and support them with what they need to do to get their job done. It could be knowledge, equipment, tech, but it isn’t micromanagement. Think about your team dynamics and employ a likeminded, diverse, fun team with a high desire to succeed. Immerse new inductees into your business, brand and DNA. Inspire others with trust, but not before you’ve been meticulously clear of the task in hand, the results you expect and by when. Trust, but follow up. If you believe in your hire, educate, develop, teach, share, lead. It was for their expertise and personality that you hired them in the fi rst place. Because of your team's expertise, they have deeper insights into the tasks at hand and they are more likely to recognise and take advantage of potential opportunities. Use your knowledge of the required tasks to put the right people in the right places. After that, manage your experts to communicate what you need, provide them with the support and resources to accomplish their tasks, and then trust them to carry out the task. Some of the most enjoyable stays I have in hotels as I travel around the world are where leaders hire for personality and train for skill, where the receptionist is trusted to make a ‘cost driven’ decision, where the managers have access to mentorship and development and there is a diverse team made up of interesting cultures and personalities from around the world. I can pretty much guarantee that these hotels have a lower staff turnover, higher employee and guest satisfaction, and of course, profi tability. About the author David Singleton has worked with some of the best restaurant brands around the word as an operator, brand builder, franchisee, franchisor and marketer in the managed, franchise and entrepreneurial sectors. Based between the Middle East and London he now assists brands with their global ambitions, strategic thinking and brand development. Contact him on David@SociusGroup.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @singletoncityTrending hoteliermiddleast.com January 2020 16 Should there be specifi c quotas for women in leadership roles? Hot Topic Peggy Li Managing partner & chief troubleshooter SPS Affi nity Alison Grinnell CEO RAK Hospitality YESNO Quotas are a somewhat controversial topic and tool, but in this case, I would support quotas, because our industry, by its very nature, requires a diverse work — and leadership force made up out of people that are adaptable, agile, and possess empathy. Female leaders usually score high on the latter while also ticking the other two boxes, yet may face obstacles (family commitments, career breaks, etc.) in securing leadership roles. Having a quota system would encourage companies currently lacking behind in this matter to catch up — drag them into the 21st century if you want to put it that way. We all know that there are still many companies in our industry that seriously lack female leaders. Quotas would also help companies generally to enhance their culture and strengthen the leadership structures overall, simply because they will help in making things more diverse and refl ective of the range of employees, guests, and diners we deal with on a daily basis. I envisage the end result to be that companies in the region will catch up with their counterparts in other parts of the world and that service delivery and company culture improve. Hiring on merit and skills should be a basic and desirable objective for any corporation and business. Employees, on the other hand, should also be more attracted to work and value those companies which are transparent, open and aligned with this conviction. I believe that prospects opportunities for candidates should be designed around fairness and equality. Talents' own skillsets, dedication, attitude will make them successful in their career. Having quotas seems forcing and assuming that certain skillsets are external to personal capabilities and attitude that manifest and develop through study, experience, coaching and continuous self-development. It is so important for us to level the fi eld and give the candidates a fair chance to prove their abilities and capabilities. So I believe that as much as we should possibly try to have a heterogeneous mix of colleagues and employees, at the same time we should keep focusing on favoring the individuals that are those who would better comply with the job requirements. Paraphrasing a quote from Jim Collins I would say that the right people are your most important asset.17 January 2020 hoteliermiddleast.com Jumeirah Group appoints director of Emiratisation Jumeirah Group has appointed Muneera Al Taher as director of Emiratisation - talent acquisition and development, with a focus on driving local talent recruitment and development across the group. Al Taher will focus on attracting top talent, introducenew development programmes and support the growth of Emirati employees. Her appointment forms part of increased efforts by the company to grow and develop its local workforce and support the nation’s Emiratisation vision leading up to Expo 2020 and beyond. Speaking about Al Taher, Jumeirah Group’s chief human resources offi cer, Ellen Dubois du Bellay said: “We want to ensure that local talent is an integral part of our workforce, harnessing their deep understanding of the market and culture to grow and differentiate Jumeirah both in the UAE and globally. As such, we aim to grow the Emirati presence within our workplace, and we are confi dent that Muneera will drive this strategy forward across the business. At Jumeirah Creekside, she worked hard to establish UAE national focused programmes and this experience combined with her extensive knowledge of the Jumeirah business, will allow her to achieve great success within her new role.” With more than 10 years of experience within the hospitality industry Nouman Irshad will lead the team at the Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah. He previously held the position of general manager at Sheraton Abuja Hotel in Nigeria and prior to that, he was the deputy general manager at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel. An expert at increasing profitability in highly competitive environments, he has built strong owner relations, improved top-line and profitability at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah appoints general manager both these hotels in Nigeria. Irshad has spearhead numerous CSR initiatives throughout the course of his professional journey and has contributed towards the betterment of local communities. His experience of leading hotel teams, social initiatives as well as an inherent understanding of a multicultural environment will help him bring out the best in his associates while exploring new revenue opportunities for the property. CAREERS NewsCareers hoteliermiddleast.com January 2020 18 business was concentrated on sales in foreign markets and guests coming mostly from Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France and the USA. These markets are huge, and so was the budget for launching campaigns that had to spread the word about “the small country for a great vacation”. By the end of the day, it all comes around the budget and ROI. What are some of the challenges you foresee, and the opportunities you see crop up from them? I am ready for a greater challenge and the next step in my professional career. I would like to excel in this dynamic environment, suitable with my dynamic persona, and explore opportunities in one of the most recognised names in the industry – Hilton. It is synonymous with hospitality across the globe, authentic hospitality and commitment to the global community. I welcome the enormous opportunities and the challenges as well. New recruit Dora Hrkač, cluster marketing & communications manager, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa and Hilton Garden Inn, Ras Al Khaimah talks to us about her journey into hospitality and why she has the ideal set of skills for her new role "I have confi dence in my ability to facilitate positive change and collective effort" What inspired you to get into hospitality? It was all about Conrad’s dream: 'To accomplish big things I am convinced you must fi rst dream big dreams.' I admire his life philosophy and hospitality approach, and from my standpoint and my expertise, I am able to identify with Hilton’s mission and vision. How has your previous work experience inspired you to get to where you are? I fell in love with hotel management and travel industry in general, while working as a PR & marketing manager for Atlas - the biggest Destination Management Company in Croatia and the region with more than 95 years of experience. Being part of this leading DMC for the last seven years was a fulfi lling experience, which now can be of a great contribution to the development of Hilton’s vision for RAK. What are the key skills you possess that make you well-suited to this role? Aside from the right qualifi cations and working experience, I am extremely passionate, outspoken, with high social capital and an adaptable personality. Always in a search of space for improvement, exploration, motivation, pursuit, high communication skills, creativity and thinking outside the box are my framework for success. As an ambitious professional with marketing, PR and sales experience, I believe that I will make an excellent addition to Hilton’s team. How do other markets compare to your current role? The Croatian market where I come from is very small. However, 70% of my core What have been your most signifi cant accomplishments so far? Contributions to my former marketing manager & PR role, and this fi eld at-large, revolve around my PR and multi-channel marketing talents. I have developed strong communication abilities and fostered a reputation as a key contributor through innovation and delegation skills. As a team player, I am collaborative with peers, searching for ways to integrate valuable insights. Through these qualities, I have confi dence in my ability to facilitate positive change and collective effort. But in the end, I let my accomplishments speak for themselves. Name three of your favourite aspects of your new hotel. It would defi nitely put our personnel in fi rst place. The people really know how to make the difference and their service is exceptional. This is also one of the reasons I am more than delighted to be part of this amazing crew. Restaurants – Al Maeda, Puravida, Piaceri Da Gustare and Sol Bar. These amazing cuisines will wake up your taste buds like never before, especially now that we are also pleased to announce the appointment of two new chefs – Brian Rodriguez and Jose Maria Pereira who are preparing the new menus which I personally can’t wait to try. Recreation team & SPA. Having them by my side, at least I don’t have to worry about gaining weight. After all the festivities we are facing during December, I am sure the guests would like to enjoy our January detox experience. Are you planning to introduce any new initiatives as part of your new position? Identifying improved approaches and enhanced solutions to business challenges are activities that drive and inspire me. I believe that fresh perspectives and trying new techniques help businesses evolve and grow. I will defi nitely focus on our key areas of business, involving myself from another angle, and regarding the new initiatives I am still working on our marketing strategy for 2020 for both properties – Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa and Hilton Garden Inn. So stay tuned, there is a lot more to come, it’s a promise! Ahal a Al A wqat phot o studio Dora Hrkač.Careers 19 January 2020 hoteliermiddleast.com Job spot Bar manager at Bridgewater Tavern, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai The bar manager will supervise the daily outlet operations and assist with its menu planning. A minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant position is required. Contact: talentedjwmm@marriott.com Restaurant manager at Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai The successful applicant fo rthe posi- tion of restaurant manager will be fully in charge of the day-to-day running and operation of the restaurant. A minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant position is required. Contact: talentedjwmm@marriott.com Hostess at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara The successful applicant will support the overall F&B operations of the hotel to maximise guest satisfaction and business results. Key responsibilities include taking reservations, greeting guests and monitoring table rotation. Previous industry experience is required Apply at: jobs.smartrecruiters.com/ MinorInternational Public relations manager at Atlantis Resorts This role will be predominantly respon- sible for boosting the brand awareness of Atlantis restaurants and increasing customer engagement across the brands through press outreach. This will also include launching restaurant concepts to market and working in line with global brand teams as well as the in-house F&B operations team. Two to three years in the fi eld. Contact: TalentAcquisition@ atlantisthepalm.com Assistant social media manager at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina The successful applicant will support the social media marketing manager with the entire social media strategy of the property, and coordinating support from all operational teams. In addition, main responsibilities will also include assistance on all F&B digital marketing. Applicants must have a tenure of one year in their current position. Contact: talentedjwmm@marriott.com Director of fi nance at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island The applicant will lead the finance department and associated operations such that account management, reporting, and interdepartmental and vendor relations are managed to optimise the hotels profitability. Previous experience in a similar position is preferable Apply at: jobs.hilton.com/job/ Director-of-Finance/J3S5CZ681HG- 1SC1QR6L Laundry manager at Atlantis Resorts Responsible for leading, supervising, directing and assisting the laundry staff. The successful applicant will be responsible for supervising the usage of laundry and dry cleaning sup- plies, as well as keep laundry procedures up to date. As man- ager, you will conduct disciplinary action and coaching of colleagues when necessary. Extensive experience is required. Contact: TalentAcquisition@atlantisthepalm.com Spa receptionist at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara The spa receptionist must answer all incoming phone calls, as well as promptly respond to emails. Responsibilities include following up with marketing, sales and reservations. The applicant must also answer guest questions, suggest alternative treatments and handle appointment scheduling. Two years’ experience is needed. Apply at: jobs.smartrecruiters.com/MinorInternational Housekeeping Spa PR Sales &Marketing, Finance Food & Beverage Each month we bring you our pick of hospitality vacancies from around the regionNext >