Hotels

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

TWO NEW GENERAL MANAGERS JOIN JUMEIRAH GROUP Mark Hehir has taken on the role of general manager at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the group’s Ottoman-inspired palace located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Having acquired a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry over the last 38 years, Hehir has generated commercial success during his career by innovating resort concepts and driving commercial value through product development and operational excellence.

Rafael González Ensesa stepped into the role of general manager at Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, Jumeirah Group’s serviced residence in Dubai Marina. In his new post, he has made clear his commitment to utilizing his creative approach to raise the bar for luxury urban living, and ensuring the Jumeirah brand DNA of Stay Different™ is brought to life across the property. ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS ANNOUNCES TWO EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS IN OMAN Maren Kuehl has been appointed general manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. She brings with her nearly 20 years of experience in international luxury hotels across Europe and the Middle East.

Andrea Orrú is the new general manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Orrú has been part of the team at Minor Hotels, Anantara’s parent company, since 2013 and has built up over 20 years of experience in hotel operations across food, beverage and hotel management in countries including Thailand, Maldives, China and South Korea.

NEW GM JOINS VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI Bruno Guilloux has been appointed general manager of the newly rebranded voco Bonnington Dubai, bringing with him over 30 years of international experience in the hospitality industry.

Since arriving in the Middle East in 2005, Guilloux has worked in various management roles, including as the cluster GM of Dubai’s Novotel and Ibis World Trade Centre. After a brief tenure as general manager for the luxury resort Sofitel in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, he returned to Dubai with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. In 2011, he joined the Bonnington Hotel and Residence Jumeirah Lakes Towers, managing the property until 2015. Remaining in Dubai, he went on to work with various international hotels, supporting their opening projects under Dusit Hotels and Resorts, and Barcelo Group, before returning to lead voco Bonnington Dubai through a refurbishment, rebranding and incorporation into the new IHG brand. COPTHORNE LAKEVIEW HOTEL & EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS APPOINTS MALIK MEZIANE AS ITS GENERAL MANAGER The new four-star hotel Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments, located in Dubai Green Community – Dubai Investment Park, has appointed Malik Meziane as its general manager.

Meziane brings a wealth of hospitality experience gained in Europe and the Middle East, where he worked for various hospitality brands.

In his new role, Meziane will oversee the hotel’s 165 rooms and 43 apartments, as well as its dining facilities, which include an international all-day dining restaurant, lakeside pool bar and an authentic gastropub named Neighborhood. NEW DIRECTOR OF F&B FOR INTERCONTINENTAL JORDAN The InterContinental Jordan Amman has announced the appointment of Muhannad Khalaf as its new food and beverage director. In his role, Khalaf will build on his experience to ensure guests continue to be offered a higher level of service at the city’s landmark hotel, which has long been one of the city’s premier destinations. He will oversee the property’s extensive food and beverage operations to further establish the InterContinental’s position as a leading operator of luxury restaurants and bars in Jordan.

AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF MÖVENPICK RESORT AL MARJAN ISLAND WITH GENERAL MANAGER FABIEN CHESNAIS

We Spoke wth Fabien Chesnais, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s general manager, about creating world-class guest experiences and how bringing the first Mövenpick property to Ras Al Khaimah, as well as the first Mövenpick Resort to the UAE, is likely to impact the market.

What differentiates the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island from other properties?

We are bringing the first Mövenpick property to Ras Al Khaimah, as well as the first Mövenpick resort to the UAE: Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. Slated to open in June 2022, it is set to become the perfect retreat for families, couples and thrill-seekers. Boasting 300 meters of white sandy beach and spectacular sea and island views across its 418 contemporary rooms, including suites and one-bedroom beachfront chalets with private swimming pools and terraces, the resort is abundant in amenities, including exciting dining opportunities at six specialty restaurants, three swimming pools, extreme water sports and a floating waterpark. All of these elements make it an ideal escape for all. What are the main challenges and opportunities when it comes to UAE’s hotel market?

There are massive opportunities this summer as people want to satisfy their thirst for travel. We expect higher demand for resort and adventure trips. Ras al Khaimah has established itself as a prominent and attractive leisure destination, driven by both domestic and international markets. Travelers and residents are likely to flock to the emirate as a means of escape, taking full advantage of its nature and pristine beaches. Beyond that, the emphasis at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is on experience and fun. movenpick.com

training in sustainability to create a green culture in the hotel.

5 MINUTES WITH SAIF EDDIN MOHAMMED, GM OF SAFIR FINTAS HOTEL, KUWAIT

In an interview for Hospitality News ME, Hodema consulting services caught up with Saif Eddin Mohammed, general manager of Safir Fintas Hotel, Kuwait, to discuss the evolution of Kuwait’s hospitality scene and get the lowdown on Safir Fintas Hotel’s sustainable strategy.

What can you tell us about Safir Fintas’ sustainable development strategy?

We started the energy-saving program in 2016, and we received an appreciation certificate from Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity in 2018 in recognition of the hotel’s energy-saving efforts and for our role in the MEW’s program in rationalizing the consumption of energy in 2018 – 2019. Safir Fintas Hotel has the Environmental Impact Assessment License 2021 issued by The Environment Public Authority – Kuwait. The following initiatives are being implemented and followed by our Green Team committee: energy and water to improve energy efficiency, upgrade lighting, cooling and maximize natural light and airflow wherever possible; healthy food options for guests and colleagues, waste management, supply chain and procurement; commitment to the community through the participation and the involvement in environmental causes, events and associations; and ongoing How do you think the hospitality industry in the MENA region will pivot post Covid-19? Do you believe we will witness new trends?

The outlook is very promising, and all projections appear optimistic. In Kuwait, business has started to return to normal in many sectors, especially the hotel industry. The dynamics have changed, and we have to adapt to new business trends and travel requirements. Digitizing and personalizing the guest experience, capitalizing on the leisure market and offering F&B venues are key to meeting guests’ expectations. The local market (staycation) represents a significant share of the pie, in addition to the other basic segments, and sustainability will have a bigger impact on future planning for any industry, especially hospitality. safirhotels.com

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SNEAK PEEK INTO THE REOPENING OF THE PHOENICIA HOTEL BEIRUT WITH MANRIQUE RODRIGUEZ

Manrique Rodriguez, general manager of Phoenicia Hotel Beirut, takes us on a trip down memory lane and discusses the reopening of the legendary property, one of Lebanese hospitality’s great pillars.

What drew you to Lebanon?

Lebanon is a fascinating country, and Phoenicia is an iconic hotel for InterContinental Hotels and Resorts. I have been working in the industry and for IHG for almost 35 years, but I never experienced life in the Middle East. Phoenicia has given me the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the region and, most a visionary man. This institution already witnessed the glamor of Beirut in the 1960s, as well as many other chapters in the history of this lovely country: a hotel where visitors from all over the world basked in the soulful Lebanese culture, where singers, celebrities, heads of state, monarchies, guests and clients enjoyed the unique charisma of our hotel.

importantly, work with exceptional people. Phoenicia is considered an institution and “la grande dame” of the hospitality industry in Lebanon.

Why did the restoration of the hotel take almost two years?

Many obstacles delayed the reopening, including the financial crisis, the pandemic and the insurance claim. However, we were always optimistic and worked very hard to reach this point, as we were able to set a strategy allowing us to reopen the Residence building on July 1, 2022, followed by the rest of the hotel, including F&B outlets, the spa, gym and banqueting facilities, by October 3, 2022. It’s been a difficult journey, one that has required immense commitment, but we were determined to send out a positive and optimistic message of recovery to local and international communities.

As a hotel that represents the golden era of Lebanon, how will the reopening of Phoenicia impact the local hospitality and tourism sector?

Phoenicia is an intrinsic part of this country’s history, founded in the middle of the last century by Najib Ibrahim Salha, What can guests look forward to experiencing in the newly renovated hotel?

The reopening of Phoenicia Hotel Beirut is a sign of hope. It demonstrates that we believe in Lebanon and its community. The Lebanese people are extraordinary, and with the support of our colleagues, customers and clients, we will reopen our doors with pride and work hard to prove, once again, that Lebanon is a country of resilience. What are your plans for Phoenicia Hotel Beirut?

We will reposition our hotel in the market, work hard to bring back our loyal customers and attract new clients and visitors to our city and country, offering them a truly unique experience that’s synonymous with Lebanese hospitality. phoeniciabeirut.com

PARIS COMES TO SAUDI ARABIA AT MANSARD RIYADH, A RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL

Firas Mneimneh, general manager of Mansard Riyadh, shares details on the latest luxury lifestyle hotel bringing a touch of Paris to Saudi Arabia.

What is the importance of having a special Parisian flavor at Mansard Riyadh?

The Parisian Haussmann style of the mid1800s defines lavishness in its architectural design, where every single element reflects a throwback memory of the French capital's fashionable and luxurious boulevards. This will position the hotel as a landmark in any city it operates in. While the luxury lifestyle hotel market is growing in Saudi Arabia, how will the Mansard Riyadh differentiate itself from its competitors?

Mansard Riyadh is managed under the umbrella of one of the biggest and fastest-growing hotel groups: Radisson Hotel Group. The group has established a strong position in Saudi Arabia and worldwide, so we are built on solid foundations. Together with our renowned team of professionals, we will drive the hotel in the right direction and ensure it continues to stand out in Saudi Arabia's capital city. radissonhotels.com

Read our interviews in full on hospitalitynewsmag.com