Concierge/ Guest Services Person of the Year
Luca Valdevit, Front Office MKanager, Kempinski Hotel Ajman
How has winning a Hotelier Award impacted your career?
It has been a great privilege to win such a prestigious award. I consider the Hotelier Awards in the Middle East hospitality industry to be equally as important as the Oscars in the film industry. Winning the award has not impacted my career so much, as much as it has impacted my overall image and name. For example, as soon as I would introduce myself upon meeting industry peers, they would immediately recognise me as the Hotelier Award winner, which is a great ice breaker and ignites the interest about my career achievements and choices, which I have made along the way, to reach to the point where I am today.
What advice would you give other hoteliers hoping to win a Hotelier Award?
Regardless, if you will ultimately win or not, being already chosen amongst all the colleagues to be nominated, and to be able to share your story and career achievements is a great honour. It is crucial to be humble about it and to continue doing your best — to lead by example, and most importantly — to be patient as good things take time.
Are you still at the same hotel?
I am currently gearing up for an exciting new venture within the company, as I still consider myself as the ‘Kempinski Kid’ and loyal to the brand, already for the sixth continuous year. I would prefer not to lift the shield from the secret by revealing the position and the new country, which I’m heading to, as the official announcement is still yet to come. Thus, I can say that my career path continues in the region and one of my long-term dreams will become true.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
My goal is to position myself on a leadership role amongst senior management, such as director of operations or executive assistant manager (EAM), overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s daily operations and working hand-in-hand with the general manager.
Finance Person of the Year
Mohamed Farag, Director of Finance and Business Support, Crowne Plaza — The Business Park
How has winning an Hotelier Award impacted your career?
Winning the award has had a great impact on my career in many areas, after receiving the award I’ve been crowned as ‘The Best Finance Leader IMEA’ (India, Middle East & Africa) from IHG. Aside from being recognised due to my commitment and performance, it was due to the award that I have received from Hotelier Middle East. I got the chance to share my experience and how I won this award with some of my senior leaders too.
What advice would you give other hoteliers also hoping to win a Hotelier Award?
Hospitality is one of the best and dynamic industries to work for; however, it’s not easy. Without passion and eagerness, it’s impossible to learn and keep learning. Love what you do, this will allow you to shine always and it’s worth the efforts you put in. The hospitality industry has lots of challenges; however, in each a challenge there are great opportunities... find it, then taste the success (it’s really tasty). This how I won my award.
Are you still working at the same hotel?
Currently, I’m still in the same hotel, however, my responsibility has been expanded to cover two hotels, Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn — The Business Park (almost 700 rooms’ inventory with two completely different brands). The Hotelier Middle East Award has been a motivator for some recruiters to approach me; however, the time to move on hasn’t come yet.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
This question has been asked quite a few time since I have won the award. I will be better than what I am today. I am driven to be the best at what I do and I want to work somewhere where I will have opportunities to develop my skills, take on interesting projects, add value and work with people I can really learn from.
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