What do you regard as your key career milestones?
Over the 25 years I’ve worked in hospitality management, I’ve had the privilege of achieving several significant milestones. These include spearheading the successful openings of multiple hotels and resorts, and concepts in various locations, implementing innovative operational strategies that have enhanced guest satisfaction and profitability, and cultivating a culture of excellence, elevated standards and teamwork within my teams.
What are your top responsibilities and objectives in your role as director of operations at Burj On Bay Hotel?
My primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of all hotel departments, maintaining high service standards, optimizing operational processes and maximizing revenue generation, while controlling costs. My objectives are to elevate guest experiences, drive operational excellence, foster a positive work environment and contribute to the hotel’s overall success and growth. In addition, there are daily brainstorming sessions for new experiences to be implemented at the hotel from all parts of the world.
How do you plan to harness your expertise to enhance the guest experience and overall operations at Burj On Bay Hotel?
Leveraging my extensive experience in hospitality management, I plan to implement best practices, streamline processes and introduce innovative initiatives to enhance both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction at Burj On Bay Hotel. By focusing on personalized service, staff training and empowerment, and staying attuned to evolving guest preferences and industry trends, I aim to elevate the overall guest experience and establish Burj On Bay Hotel as a premier destination for hospitality.
What leadership principles do you consider essential for successful management?
In managing hotel and all outlet operations, I consider several leadership principles essential for success. These include effective communication, leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, empowering and developing team members, adaptability to changing market dynamics and a relentless commitment to delivering exceptional service and experiences. Achieving success is always down to the entire team and I am a firm believer in ensuring that everyone involved feels recognized and appreciated for their efforts.
What plans are in place for Burj On Bay Hotel under your guidance?
I envision positioning Burj On Bay Hotel as a beacon of luxury, hospitality and innovation in the region. My plans include: investing in staff training and development; implementing sustainable practices; enhancing technological capabilities to streamline operations and improve guest interactions; forging strategic partnerships to expand our reach and offerings; and continuously striving for excellence in all aspects of hotel operations.
Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?
The NEST Restaurant & Lounge Bar, which we opened last year, enjoyed tremendous success both locally and regionally, oªering an exceptional dining experience from early sunset through late clubbing hours. As we prepare to reopen this season, we’re thrilled to be introducing several enhancements that will elevate the overall ambiance. These additions will include curated food items and drinks, accompanied by elevated music, promising a fresh experience for our guests and aficionados of sophisticated concepts.
We’re also delighted to announce our upcoming winter project: a French lounge and club boasting an eclectic design and ambiance. This endeavor aims to cater to enthusiasts of lounge settings and fine dining, providing them with an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking winter views in a classy and exhilarating atmosphere. Our project will seamlessly blend elements of French and English styles, promising a memorable experience even after the season concludes.
In addition to these developments, we’re currently in the process of renovating our upper-floor rooms and suites. These renovations aim to provide luxury and ample space, ensuring a 5-star experience for our discerning guests.
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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.
