Sponsors of the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate 2014 give us their views on the industry's outlook ahead of next month's event.

“Following the years of slow and stubborn recovery, the hospitality sector has entered 2014 with a strong appetite to grow. Despite this vast improvement the industry continues to face certain key challenges, such as the rise in price of commodities, outpacing investment in technology, RevPAR and occupancy rates, but most importantly, maintaining the quality of service and products on a day-to-day basis. Technology has changed the rules completely and staying on top of all upcoming communication tools is the key to success.”
KOEN SEIJNDER, GENERAL MANAGER, EUROCOFFEE

“The overall sentiment in the UAE is very upbeat, especially fuelled by the UAE leadership’s vision and ambitions pertaining to UAE Vision 2021, Expo 2020 and smart cities. The tourism and MICE segment is picking up too and expected to grow further. We are a key stakeholder of the growth story of the hospitality sector and our role will increase. This gives us enough reason to be positive.”
HANY ALY, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ENTERPRISE BUSINESS, DU

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“As a hotel GM I’m sure there are many day-to-day challenges faced across all departments, but in particular with the increase in demand for fresh produce and quality products, the supply chain relationship must continue to improve to satisfy the needs of the industry. With the positive news that the average stay in Dubai is increasing there will continue to be the need to offer guests a variety of food and entertainment options, a challenge in itself with a host of possibilities across the country.”
GAVIN DODD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, A. RONAI LLC

“The enormous diversity on offer, upcoming brand concepts, and top notch service providers are what is most exciting about the UAE hotel market in 2014. Looking forward, to capitalise on growth towards Expo 2020, we are offering various educational programmes for people working in sectors related to the hospitality industry. We give managers and “future managers”  all the skill sets and tools to enhance their careers and become better at their positions. Towards Dubai Expo 2020 we expect an increase in demand for skilled employees and more pressure on current managers and owners. With the development of short courses we can aim at direct ROI and also we support alumni and graduates with job applications and internships.”
ANOUK TENTEN, SENIOR MANAGER GLOBAL ADMISSIONS & MARKET DEVELOPMENT, GLION

“The hotel industry has always been vibrant and we can see the growth of some local chains that provide a great level of service and innovation. From my field of activity, I can see that sustainability has reached a high level of momentum and hoteliers are moving from the interest phase (awareness, learning) to the implementation phase (certification audits, investments in low-cost measures) or even the optimisation phase (energy audits, OPEX investments) which is encouraging. Every day I am astonished by the great social responsibility initiatives being announced and that the media is now sharing this information and offering stimulating debate. For example, Time Hotels launched the first carbon offset hotel stay in May with our support, JA Resorts’ top management shaved their heads to raise money for a Sierra Leone charity, Jean-Francois Laurent, the GM of the Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, cycled to raise money for charity, a group of chefs got together to support a breast cancer charity, Burj Al Arab’s turtle rehabilitation programme now reaches out to 4000 people… and there is more to come I’m sure!”
SANDRINE LE BIAVANT, DIRECTOR CONSULTANCY, FARNEK

Attendance at the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate, which takes place on September 2 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, is by invitation only and free to hotel general managers. Please register your interest with Amanda.Elisha@itp.com.

Read our full preview of the event HERE.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Charlotte.Ringrose@itp.com or Nick.Clowes@itp.com.