Citymax and Accor rated lowest for pay in region

Citymax Hotel Al Barsha [for illustrative purposes only]

The Hotelier Middle East Salary Survey has reported that Accor and Citymax offers the lowest pay scales in the Middle East region, with 37% of respondents voting for Accor or Citymax (18.5% each).

The sixth edition of the survey, which is conducted online annually, garnered 490 responses, and was open to all individuals who work in the hotel industry in the Middle East.

Of the respondents, 319 answered the question: “Which hotel company do you think offers the lowest payscales in the region?”

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In response to the result, Citymax chief operating officer Russel Sharpe commented: “Citymax Hotels is extremely proud of its management and employees, who are motivated and effective in delivering quality service.

“Our attrition rate is below the market norm at just 15%, which speaks for itself. Internal employee satisfaction surveys are completed every six months. We are also active in supporting our employees in achievement of their personal and professional goals, with performance reviews every 6 months as part of our KPI process which is linked to annual salary increases and bonuses.

“As a mid-market business model, salaries reflect what we charge our customers, so we cannot be compared to four- and five-star brands. All round staff satisfaction is high, and salary levels reflect just one aspect of the overall reward system."

Estelle Chambost, HR director, Accor Hotel Services, Southern & Eastern Gulf said: “Our broad portfolio of hotel brands ranges from economy to luxury, so naturally this influences the perception of our compensation scales as we operate in a predominantly upscale market.

“Accor ranks within the top third of regional hospitality employers when taking into consideration career progression, reputation and job security, which reflects both the growth of our network and our commitment to investing in our people.

“As the only international hotel group with a permanent and dedicated training academy in the Middle East, Accor provides unique training and development initiatives that allow our associates to build their skills and fulfill their career goals.”

Hilton Worldwide took second place with 16.6% of respondents claiming the company offers the lowest pay in the Middle East, however Hilton was voted number 11 best employer overall when taking into account salary, career development, reputation and security.

Hilton Worldwide senior director human resources operations Middle East & Africa Koray Genckul commented: “A key priority at Hilton Worldwide is our people and this was recognised in our number 11 best employer ranking in the Hotelier Middle East Salary Survey 2014.

“Through a comprehensive team member development framework, including successful initiatives such as the Hilton University programme, we remain committed to ensuring employee satisfaction, development and career progression across our regional operations.”

Hilton was followed by Golden Tulip in third place with 14.7% of the votes, Rotana Hotels voted fourth in the list of lowest pay scales in the region with 14.4% of votes and Premier Inn at number five, taking 13.5% of votes.

Other companies in the top ten employers in the region that offer the lowest pay scales were Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group.

Download the Hotelier Middle East app through iTunes to read more on the Salary Survey in the June Edition of Hotelier Middle East on your iPhone or iPad.