If you were to summarize your 26 years of hospitality experience across the Middle East and Africa, what would you say?
Working in the hospitality field has always been something that I enjoy and I am passionate about. But working in this industry in Europe, Africa and Middle East has been very enlightening and exciting for me. I learned about several different cultures, which I embraced with enthusiasm. I tried various types of food and even mastered certain dishes. Additionally, it was very inspiring for me to develop, coach and train multicultural teams.
What challenges are you facing in your role as Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences general manager?
In 2020, the whole world experienced a setback in activities and life due to the pandemic. This was a hard time for everyone, including my team, but we worked together to push through. I am pleased that we are now on the road to recovery. Being transparent with the team throughout the pandemic was key for everyone to feel safe. In addition, we activated the blue energy committee to conduct many team-building activities that were appropriate with the pandemic restrictions, such as providing families with iPads for online schooling and having video game competitions with awards for the winners. These activities definitely excited and motivated the employees.
How do you foresee the future of KSA as a touristic hub?
This is an extremely exciting time for Saudi Arabia. There are many changes, which all are optimistic in my opinion, especially in the tourism industry. Hilton is opening many hotels in Saudi Arabia in the years ahead, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for tourism in Saudi Arabia. Amaala, Red Sea projects, Riyadh and Jeddah season are just a few of the kingdom’s efforts to diversify the economy by promoting tourism. The opportunities within the tourism and entertainment sector are seemingly endless, with an undiscovered region recently open to international visitors.
Why have you remained at Hilton for so long?
Hilton’s core values are hospitality, integrity, leadership, teamwork, ownership and NOW. These values are very important me, and I believe they are the key for any successful corporation. In addition, Hilton cares to empower and develop employees, and I have experienced this firsthand. I have been lucky to be in a leading corporation that valued and pushed me, being coached and inspired by several Hilton leaders. In return, I am now mentoring, coaching and empowering many team members to allow them to achieve their full potential.
hilton.com
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.
