With a motto of ‘Dream Big, Work Hard”, Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group was able to take his company to new heights. For the past 10 years, he has worked tirelessly to further strengthening the Group’s portfolio and increase its global footprint while maintaining a stellar reputation as a leading international hospitality company.
Tell us a bit about Sunset Hospitality Group?
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) was founded in 2011 and has quickly emerged as a leading hospitality investment and management company. With a presence in over 10 countries and a diverse portfolio of 23 brands, SHG is known for its innovative concepts in the hospitality industry.
What prompted Sunset Hospitality Group to introduce its first operational outlet in Beirut, Lebanon with Azure Beach Resort?
Following the success of Azure Beach in Dubai, we aimed to expand to a country known for embracing life fully – Lebanon. The goal is to offer the Lebanese market a destination characterized by breathtaking scenery, modern design, and exquisite food and drinks. Our next openings are anticipated in Doha and Abu Dhabi.
How is Sunset Hospitality Group preparing its operations for post-COVID-19?
The pandemic taught us the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of our people and customers. As a result, we ensure regular sanitization of our outlets, enforce social distancing measures, and mandate the use of masks to create a safe environment.
What are Sunset Hospitality Group’s expectations for 2021?
With over 20 projects in the pipeline, we are poised to pioneer new openings in the market and expand our portfolio with the addition of new brands. The focus is on continued growth and innovation in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.
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.
