Movenpick Resort Petra's Rania Bawalsa is the first Jordanian woman to become a hotel manager in the country Movenpick Resort Petra's Rania Bawalsa is the first Jordanian woman to become a hotel manager in the country

What initially inspired you to get into the hospitality industry?

I had the vision before completing my high-school certificate [to get into hospitality]. My parents have always been my greatest supporters and encouraged me to do whatever I found convenient. Moreover, I always wanted to be like my cousin, my role model, who started her career in the hospitality industry as well as two of my uncles who were both in love with tourism and the hotel business.

How has your previous work experienced inspired your philosophy?

My experience in the hotel industry began in 1996 and over the years I have enriched my knowledge and enhanced my skills. I moved from housekeeping to administration, food and beverage, communications and public relations and this turned out to be the key aspects as it represents the main operating departments in a hotel.

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How do you feel being Jordan’s first female hotel manager?

It is a great achievement and I couldn’t be proud enough of what I have achieved so far. To be able to reach this position of hotel manager after having joined Mövenpick only five years ago is a dream come true for me.

You worked in different departments how has that helped shape your ideology at your role today?

If you are aware of your guests’ preferences, cater to their needs and communicate with them positively, then you are able to reach your goal of providing excellent service and helping them feel satisfied. The hospitality business is a closed cycle. The process starts from when we welcome our guests and ends with bidding them a safe journey. For a hotel manager to be successful it is important to have involved one’s self across different operations and have the general knowledge and technical skills necessary.

Is hospitality a favourable industry for women to pursue as a career from a young age?

From my point of view, yes it is. If you have the ability to prove yourself, get the support from your superiors, overcome any obstacle that may prevent you from moving forward and make every failure a lesson for success — nothing could stop you from advancing your career. In fact, these serve as key aspects in a career advancement.

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