Business going well for Hotelier Express' Young Hotelier 2018

The Young Hotelier of the Year title during the Hotelier Express Awards 2018 was revealed to be Jobson Joy Thakkekara, the purchasing supervisor of Copthorne Hotel Sharjah.

Speaking to Hotelier Middle East right after receiving the award, he said: " I’m so excited. The whole team at the hotel is doing very well. Last year the hotel really got the business done."

Thakkekara worked on savings across a variety of departments by using clever systems, as well as smart negotiation with suppliers. His renegotiation of contracts also led to savings for his property.

He commented: "We went to all of our suppliers and asked them to cut their costs and negotiated their prices down. And in many cases we got one month free service."

Stating that the award will be helpful for his career, Thakkekara said he hopes to develop his career to becoming a purchasing manager, and then one day to general manager.

Thakkekara was presented the award by ITP Media Group sales director, hospitality & supply chain Sandra Spencer, and highly commended was Centro Sharjah human resources manager Iv Behri - both fighting off tough competition (see the full shortlist here).

The Hotelier Express Awards 2018 took place at the Grosvenor House Dubai on February 28, 2018, and was supported by a range of industry partners including: A. Ronai, Duni, Diversey, Guest Supply, MMI, OSN For Business, and Tint.