Q&A with Great GM Debate platinum sponsor Ecolab

Hotelier catches up with Paul Lloyd, VP and GM institutional Middle East/Africa to hear how Ecolab is keeping hoteliers germ-free.

Why is it important that you support the Hotelier Middle East: Great GM Debate?
“The GM debate is a great opportunity for Ecolab to connect with the leaders and decision makers within the hospitality industry. We believe that the GM debate offers a great platform for discussion with the professionals about the future of the industry especially in our booming region. The debate gives an opportunity to better understand the customers and consumers needs which enables us to develop superior sustainable solutions, products and services.

Being the Industry leader in hygiene, innovation is a cornerstone in our success. We have a long history of breakthrough innovation, providing superior results for our customers. Making the world a cleaner, safer, healthier place is our business and sustainability is inherent in our products and services”

What do you think are the main challenges facing UAE hotel GMs in 2015?
With a fast growing hospitality industry in UAE, talents retention becomes a challenge across the industry. Staff movement is posing great pressure on hotels managers to plan for continuous intensive training and choose the right solutions to ensure smooth transitions and maintaining the same superior service quality. On the other hands global chains are challenging themselves with continuously increased metrics of sustainability and operational efficiency this why we see hotels proactive working with us to contribute in their success in achieving their goals.

What most excites you about the UAE hotel industry in 2015?
We are excited to see most international and renowned brands within the hotel industry that are actually our partners globally present here with very successful operations. With a market that is growing and a higher number of people expected to visit the UAE in the coming 5 year promise a big boom in hospitality industry in general.

What are the main topics you expect to come up at the Hotelier Middle East: Great GM Debate?
As a leader in hygiene, safety and sustainability; we are interested in a better understanding of what would be the best procurement strategy to follow in order to be able to showcase our product portfolio to the concerned departments.

What are the latest products launches from your company?
The latest launch from Ecolab within the hospitality industry is the new three component hand hygiene system NEXA™, NEXA™ CONCENTRATE & SYNCRA, a unique new dispensing platform that makes it easier to promote good hand-washing practices and reduce the spread of infectious diseases in foodservice, hospitality and commercial facilities. NEXA™ was designed to deliver on key aesthetic and functionality needs, while being flexible and simple to use in varying customer locations and meet our customers’ unique needs.

What other news can we expect from your company in 2015/2016?

Ecolab MEA promises to deliver to the market a rich pipeline of innovative solutions for the food service and hospitality segments mainly in the laundry and kitchen hygiene platforms to help them improve their operational efficiency, achieve their sustainability metrics and maintain a superior service to ensure customers loyalty and satisfaction.