New recruit: Rania Bawalsa

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.

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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How long until we see a Jordanian woman becoming a general manager?

It should not be long. Where there is a will, there is a way, and what does not kill you makes you stronger. Being a hotel manager is the first step in the ladder of leading a hotel.

Where has been your favourite place to work so far, and how does that compare to your current position?

I can say it was at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, considering the pre-opening phase I have been through; the great lessons learned and the experiences gained were added value. It is, however, hard to compare between my roles at the Mövenpick Dead Sea and my current property where I am the hotel manager. At the former I was like any other employee, but now I am responsible for a family of almost 150 members.

In what ways are you planning to add to the success of your new hotel?

We will continue with our company vision towards providing impeccable service to every guest that visits Mövenpick Resort Petra.

Can you describe any new initiatives that you are planning to introduce as part of your new position?

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts launched several initiatives around the world that are related to its employees and community (sustainability, healthy and kids menus et cetera). These will be implemented at our property too. We are also aiming to maintain our Green Globe certificate.

My goals

1. To continue the legacy, mission and vision of the former managers of this property.

2. To make every visit and experience of a guest’s stay remarkable on all levels.

3. Maintain Mövenpick Resort Petra as the shining jewel in the area.

4. Providing safe and comfortable working environment to all our employees.

5. Reach the position of general manager in two years’ time; that’s my goal.