< PreviousPhilip Barnes JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 31 Mr. Hospitality Meet Philip Barnes, the new CEO of Rotana, charged with enhancing the brand’s reputation and expanding around the world Philip Barnes, recently appointed as the new chief executive offi cer of Rotana, is a man on a mission. With a career spanning nearly 25 years in some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, Barnes is now set to steer Rotana into its next chapter of excellence and growth. Known for his extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the global hospitality landscape, Barnes is poised to enhance Rotana’s brand delivery and expand its presence in key markets. Born and raised in Manchester, Barnes’ journey in the hospitality industry is as diverse as it is impressive. “You wouldn’t get it from my accent,” he chuckled, refl ecting on his northern English roots. His accent, once a refl ection of his Manchester upbringing, has evolved through years of living and working across diff erent parts of the world. Yet, the essence of his upbringing remains a pivotal part of his identity. Barnes’ career took fl ight with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where he spent nearly 25 years holding various senior positions across Canada, the UK, and the US. His most recent role was Regional Vice President for Southern California. Additionally, he has contributed to other prestigious hospitality brands such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Shangri La Hotels & Resorts. A return to the Middle East Barnes’ connection to the Middle East dates back to 2007 when he fi rst arrived in the UAE as VP for the Middle East with Fairmont. “I was one of the few VPs who had worked globally,” he recalled. His role involved overseeing operations and developments across the region, giving him a deep insight into the local hospitality landscape. “The welcome you receive in this part of the world is very special,” he noted, a sentiment that played a signifi cant role in his decision to return. After roles in North America and Europe, Barnes was drawn back to the Middle East by the opportunity at Rotana. “The conversations I had with the chairman and deputy chairman were the most refreshing I had in a long time. They were passionate about quality, guest service, and taking care of colleagues – things that are so important in our business,” he said. For Barnes, Rotana’s culture is its greatest asset. “As I’ve been meeting with the teams and GMs, many of whom have been with the company for 10, 15, 20 years, I’ve realised that Rotana has an incredible culture that it’s very proud of and should be very proud of,” he emphasised. Barnes approaches his new role with a sense of relatability and respect for local culture. “You can’t bring your culture to bear; you have to understand the culture that exists,” he noted. This understanding is vital as he leads Rotana, aiming to refresh and elevate the brand’s already strong service culture. A vision for excellence Barnes is passionate about redefining hospitality and setting new benchmarks for the industry. “Together, we will embark on a journey to redefi ne hospitality, creating “The welcome you receive in this part of the world is always very special”Philip Barnes 32 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 “Everywhere I’ve ever worked has been competitive, I thrive on it” treasured time for our guests and setting new benchmarks for the industry,” he stated. His approach to leadership is rooted in empowering his team. “The most important person in the building is the doorman, the server in the restaurant. Our job is not to manage and supervise people, but to lead them, to set them free to take care of the guest,” he explained. Barnes believes in creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to make decisions that enhance the guest experience. Navigating competitive landscapes Barnes acknowledges the competitive hospitality landscape in the UAE but views it as an opportunity. “Everywhere I’ve been, it’s always been a very competitive environment. I thrive on that,” he said. He believes that Rotana’s deep understanding of the region and its culture gives it a unique advantage over larger international brands. Barnes is particularly focused on expanding Rotana’s footprint in key markets. With a portfolio of 19,602 keys and six brands, Rotana has a signifi cant presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “What we’re doing in our own backyard is where the opportunity really lies,” he asserted. Rotana’s expansion plans under Barnes’ leadership include new properties in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the UK. “We have two new properties coming up in the suburbs of London, and those could be a tremendous springboard into other destinations in the UK,” he said. Barnes is also excited about the potential of Rotana’s conversion brand, Edge. “Edge is a brand that is more of a benefi t to us in this part of the world where we are a known entity. It allows us to do something unique and different with existing properties,” he explained. Sustainability is another critical focus for Barnes. “We are committed to it, we are passionate about it,” he stressed. Rotana is taking steps to reduce single-use plastics, move to glass bottles, and ensure that all Saadiyat Rotana Resort & VillasPhilip Barnes JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 33 Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, Riyadh partners and suppliers are on board with the process. “It’s not just about environmental issues but also about sustainable costs. We have to fi nd ways to work around it intelligently and carefully,” he added. In food and beverage, Barnes is keen on making Rotana’s off erings stand out. “You have to look at what your immediate marketplace is looking for and think like a freestanding restaurant,” he advised. Barnes believes in constantly reinventing and refreshing F&B operations to meet the evolving preferences of guests and locals alike. A Passion for Hospitality Ultimately, Barnes’ vision for Rotana is rooted in his passion for hospitality. “I’ve spent my life doing this, and you never work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love,” he refl ected. With Barnes at the helm, Rotana is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and expand its influence in the global hospitality landscape.Siro Dubai 34 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024Siro Dubai JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 35 Wellness goals Behind the design of the UAE’s fi rst fi tness and recovery hotelSiro Dubai 36 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 When Kerzner International’s SIRO One Za’abeel hotel opened this February, it became the fi rst property under the new fi tness and wellness brand to open anywhere in the world. To breathe life into the cutting- edge concept, LW Design was mandated to conceptualise the fi rst fi tness-focused hotel in the region featuring sound- proofed rooms, recovery equipment, stretching and refuel bars, app-controlled smart curtains, synchronised with circadian rhythms to promote restorative sleep. Pooja Shah Mulani, partner & design director at LW reveals how the design fi rm, created a space blending tech and wellness without overwhelming guests and while fostering a sense of convenience and engagement within the space. The design brief The initial brief from the client was to create the region’s fi rst fi tness and recovery-themed hotel, positioning it as a pioneering concept in hospitality. While taking into consideration the brands foundational pillars: fi tness, nutrition, sleep, recovery & mindfulness, LW Design interpreted this by conceptualising SIRO as an immersive lifestyle destination that takes guests through an energising & rejuvenating experience from sunrise to sunset. Suff using tech and wellness Functionality and technology were integrated into SIRO’s design to enhance the wellness experience. This included state-of-the-art gym facilities with digital screens, mirrored surfaces, and dynamic lighting, as well as specialised areas like the experience box for immersive workouts. Additionally, technology was used to facilitate guest interactions, such as digital check-in at the lobby’s ‘Starting Block’, fostering a sense of convenience and engagement. “It was important to LW Design that any integration of fi tness and wellness aspects be merged seamlessly into the hotel’s overall aesthetic. From the feature refuel bar in the lobby to the built-in fi tness ladders within each guestroom, each element creating personalised fi tness and recovery off erings for every guest,” Mulani says. LW Design focused on only implementing technology that blended within the space. “The aim was to use technology to empower guests on their wellness journey without overwhelming them. This was done through design which incorporated elements like Swiss artist Roman Bratschi’s dynamic artwork, which morphed using lenticular technology, and light installations by James Clar, emphasising the nexus of technology and movement,” she reveals. Materials and design elements Materials and design elements chosen for SIRO aimed to promote a sense of tranquility and health. Lighter fi nishes like polished plaster, oak timber cladding, and textured tiles were contrasted with black metal detailing and signature green accents. Wellness-focused furniture selections, such as the Gravity Chair by Varier and the CirC plus massage chair by Synca Wellness further enhanced the atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation. It was important to create a distinct diff erence in the overall look and feel when making the separate fi tness and wellness facilities, according to Mulani. “Level 30 which features the Siro Dubai JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 37 hotel’s arrival and fi tness spaces were designed with darker fi nishes, digital screens, and dynamic lighting to exude power. While Level 31 which houses the designated recovery fl oor, the firm also conceptualised “a tranquil haven” focused on calmness with light plaster walls and timber cladding,” she explains. Complexities navigated Converting existing One&Only guestroom units into public fl oors for SIRO presented structural hurdles and innovative design solutions were developed to bring the client’s vision for a fi tness-focused hotel to life. This included overcoming structural limitations to introduce features like the sculptural spiral staircase between levels 30 and 31, which serves as both a functional element and a focal point of the lobby. “Creative materials like refl ective fi nishes and dynamic lighting were also used to address design challenges and create engaging spaces,” shares Mulani. “SIRO’s design sets a new standard for wellness hospitality in the region by redefi ning the guest experience through innovative design, cutting-edge facilities, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. By integrating fi tness and wellness seamlessly into every aspect of the hotel, SIRO off ers guests a transformative journey towards their best selves, setting a benchmark for future wellness- oriented hospitality ventures.” Shaping design and functionality Anticipated guest needs played a signifi cant role in shaping the design and functionality of SIRO. The hotel’s design focused on providing a holistic wellness experience that caters to guests’ physical and mental well-being. “This included off ering personalised fi tness and recovery options in guestrooms and suites, as well as creating immersive public spaces and rejuvenating environments to promote relaxation and connection,” Mulani remarks. Looking ahead, LW Design anticipates trends in hotel design that prioritise fi tness and wellness as prominently as SIRO does. This includes continued integration of technology to enhance the guest experience, as well as a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. “Guests are increasingly becoming more focused on health & wellness and hospitality spaces will need to recognise and develop on that if they want to stay relevant & successful. “LW Design plans to evolve with these trends by staying at the forefront of innovation and continuously refi ning the approach to wellness-oriented hospitality design,” she asserts.38 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 Millennium Hotels & Resorts Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ ethos, vision and plans for the future With a focus on economic diver- sifi cation and tourism sector enhancement, Millennium Hotels and Resorts integrates sustainabil- ity, local talent development, and cultural authenticity into its expansion strategies. Our conversation with Millennium’s CEO, Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, and CCO, Konstantinos Michail, explores how Millennium’s commitment to excellence and cultural sensitivity sets it apart in the dynamic hospitality market as it plans its expansion. As the company actively pursues oppor- tunities within the Kingdom’s giga-projects, including the Red Sea, NEOM, and Diriyah, as well as the inaugural Jeddah property, Millennium Al Jeddah, the leaders have a laser focus on KSA. Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millen- nium Hotels and Resorts MEA How do you align operations and expansion strategies in Saudi Arabia with the goals outlined in Vision 2030? Kazim: “Vision 2030’s emphasis on tour- ism infrastructure development resonates deeply with Millennium Hotels and Resorts expansion plans. Projects like NEOM and Diriyah Gate are opening opportunities for us to establish our presence in these burgeoning locales. By aligning our expan- sion with these transformative projects, we aim to cater to the diverse needs of both domestic and international travellers, thereby contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.” “We also recognise the shifting dynam- ics within the hospitality industry, with a growing demand for cultural experiences, leisure activities, and sustainable practices. Our commitment to providing personalised services, embracing digital innovation, and prioritising eco-friendly operations aligns perfectly with the evolving preferences of modern travellers. By integrating these elements into our operations, we not only enhance guest experiences but also contrib- ute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector envisioned by Vision 2030.” What initiatives are being implemented to nurture and empower Saudi Arabian hospitality talent? Michail: “We fi rmly believe that our people are the cornerstone of our success. With a commitment to nurturing and empowering local talent, we have implemented several initiatives to foster the growth and develop- ment of local talent within our workforce. “The ‘People Make Millennium’ program is central to our eff orts, focusing on three key areas: training, reward and recognition, and wellbeing. An initiative of this program is the Millennium Academy in Saudi Arabia, which provides tailored training programs Solid strategyJULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 39 Millennium Hotels & Resorts XxxxxxxNext >