What does your new role as vice president of Gulf Hotels Group entail?
I will continue to lead the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa with regional responsibilities, overseeing all owned, franchised, operated hotels and other hospitality operations within the Middle East and Africa.
You initially worked with Gulf Hotels Group before transitioning to Accor. What made you come back?
Even though I enjoyed my time at Accor, working at relatively small hotel group provides the opportunity to see your suggestions be implemented. It gives you the chance to put your knowledge into practice. Ultimately, you become part of a small group of decision makers and can lead projects, which gives you a great feeling of ownership.
How would you describe Gulf Hotels Group?
Gulf Hotels Group is not only a workplace, it is more like a second home. We are a family, and the group has a magic touch, attracting many team members back after they have left to pursue other projects. I’m a good example.
What are your plans for the group?
We have optimistic plans. The priority is to enhance our portfolio in order to remain competitive internationally and expand our hospitality offering by not only acquiring more hotels but also creating attractions that complement our existing range of properties.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
