Chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels, Gordon Campbell Gray has been selected to be the keynote speaker at the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate 2015. Hotelier catches up with Gray prior to the event to find out the topics that will be at the top of his agenda.
What will be your core message to set the tone of the event?
I want to emphasise that while it seems there is a never-ending demand for more hotels and more brands I believe that the possibility and opportunity for individuality has finally come. I am passionate about original thinking; I really want to discuss this and hopefully inspire general managers not to be afraid to break the mould and be exciting!
How do you view the Middle East hospitality landscape at the moment?
The hospitality industry in the region is booming and it is a very exciting time for hoteliers and hotel companies in the Middle East. The industry in the region, particularly in the GCC, is amongst the fastest growing in the world as it is expected to reach an annual rate of 9.5% by 2018 to an estimated US$ 35.9 billion.
Not only are tourist numbers increasing but events such as Qatar 2022, Dubai 2020 and major airport expansions across the region are creating huge demand for hotel rooms. To meet this demand, most major hotel chains have confirmed new regional projects in the pipeline including Campbell Gray Hotels.
What are the key challenges and opportunities in the industry for the year ahead?
The GCC is now not only a regional but a global hub and the industry needs to rise to the occasion. Guests are now global travel connoisseurs with high expectations and demands for personalised, flawless service.
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The challenge is managing this momentous growth while delivering outstanding service with an incredible attention to detail. As leaders in such a fast-paced industry there is huge pressure on hoteliers to keep up to date with trends and industry knowledge.
Due to the internet and social media, customers are now engaging with hotels in new ways that are personal and immediate. As hoteliers we need to foresee our guests’ needs, exceed their expectations and also inspire and motivate staff to constantly deliver.
Why should delegates attend the Hotelier Middle East: Great GM Debate?
The Great GM Debate offers a fantastic opportunity for hoteliers to meet with their peers and exchange ideas. We are all contributing to the growth in the region and will all face the similar challenges. Exchanging knowledge and ideas, discussing innovative strategies and sharing experience will help us better manage change, further enhance growth as leaders and be inspired to be individual!
For more information on the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate, click on this link.
For speaker and attendance enquiries, contact Louby.Maktari@itp.com.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Stephen.Price@itp.com.
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