Phil Taylor, director, Team Leisure LLC

TOPIC: UAE theme park tourism: success factor insights from Gold Coast, Singapore, Orlando

“The Gold Coast, Singapore and Orlando in Florida are all successful leisure & tourism stories that are 50 years or more in the making. Yet the stories are different from each other, as is the nature of their success. The UAE is just about to take a huge step on to the world leisure stage with some 10–15 major leisure attractions due to open in 2016 and many more in the pipeline. This is the next big step in the UAE’s tourism strategy and the single biggest driver of growth in the hotel market for the next five years. The Gold Coast, Singapore and Orlando all offer lessons the UAE can benefit from and allow us to assess the UAE’s chances of success. If the UAE can achieve the same quality and success with its leisure attractions that define all of the successful initiatives that have got it to where it is today then there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that it can succeed in the next major step in its tourism strategy. After all, the UAE tourism story is at least 20 years old already and throughout that period it has delivered steady and impressive growth to date.”

Alexander Schneider, general manager, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

TOPIC: The next frontier: a look at the new hotel brands entering the market and their impact on the hospitality landscape

“When it fully opens to the public later this year, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai will be the 13th permanent Nikki Beach location and its fourth hotel property to open worldwide. Moving into the hotel sector is a natural progression for the Nikki Beach brand which offers its customers not only a unique beach club experience, but also total immersion in a cool and relaxed lifestyle. Our brand is current and vibrant, influential, fashionable and artful — home to numerous designers, bloggers, social influencers attending events or photoshoots. We anticipate this momentum will continue with excellent entertainment, food and service.”

Terje Abrams, public relations manager, Kempinski Hotel Ajman

TOPIC: Get to the top fast: from concierge to GM

“During my three-year career in the United Arab Emirates, I have had the privilege to work in different positions at Kempinski Hotel Ajman. It’s all about the mindset of the person and hard work; you have to be passionate about what you are doing and strive for the greatest results. Never be satisfied with your achievements — always aim for better. In my case, it was a combination of hard work and the great trust of my superiors. There are a lot of people expecting to get a promotion after a year or two years in the same position, and I believe it’s becoming more and more of a ‘millennial challenge’. And if you still haven’t moved on up the career ladder even after eight years, it’s time to look at yourself and to see if you really are putting 110% of yourself into everything.”

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