Park Rotana’s GM Eleni Tsolakou, a seasoned hotelier known for driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction and team engagement, discusses the UAE’s dynamic hospitality scene and the evolving tastes and expectations of today’s traveler.
What opportunities are there for hotels to serve as gateways for travelers to truly experience UAE’s cultural landscape?
Hotels have the power to deeply connect guests with the cultural and emotional soul of a destination through meaningful experiences offered. At Park Rotana, we collaborate with local experience providers to offer curated access to heritage sites and cultural tours. Moreover, these partnerships allow guests to move beyond hotel boundaries and immerse themselves in the UAE’s history, culture and natural beauty. As a result, hotels become hubs for cultural discovery, enriching visitor experiences while supporting local businesses and preserving important heritage elements.
In what ways are you adapting the hospitality model to cater to the evolving tastes of both local and international visitors?
Today’s travelers increasingly seek personalized service, lifestyle-led design and wellness-integrated experiences that align with their evolving values and expectations. Therefore, at Park Rotana, we introduced eco-enhanced services, elevated F&B offerings, and expanded communication channels for seamless guest interaction and satisfaction. Furthermore, guests can enjoy live music at Coopers or indulge in premium steaks and sushi at Teatro each evening. Ultimately, our offerings remain relevant, experience-driven, and emotionally resonant, thoughtfully reflecting the continually changing face of global hospitality and modern guest preferences.
What role do you think immersive cultural experiences will play in attracting tourists to the hospitality sector in the UAE?
Immersive cultural experiences, both traditional and modern, are increasingly important drivers for attracting today’s culturally curious travelers to the UAE. Moreover, travelers now seek authentic engagement. They want to explore heritage sites, discovering local crafts, and experiencing contemporary Emirati art, music, cuisine, and community life. By thoughtfully integrating these elements into their offerings, hotels provide guests with a richer and more personal connection to the UAE.
What are your plans for the hotel?
We’re embracing smart technologies to enhance guest experiences, from intuitive booking tools to personalized services while maintaining meaningful human interaction. Furthermore, genuine face-to-face engagement remains a powerful driver of guest satisfaction, emotional loyalty and long-term brand connection across all touchpoints. At the same time, we continue expanding F&B and event offerings, deepening sustainability efforts and investing in stronger engagement initiatives.
Every initiative supports our goal of creating a more connected and rewarding experience for both our valued guests and team.
