The awards – attended by industry leaders and media reporters - aimed to recognise those who have broken new ground, rewarding them for their outstanding achievements. It also publicly recognised the achievements of the region’s leading hospitality leaders who - through a combination of leadership and incisive vision - have advanced their organisation’
An independent judging panel - made up of Asian and European hospitality leaders – judged nominees based on the following criteria: How sales/cost control/profitability have enhanced competitive edge or responded to the global crisis, enabling the organisation to excel in the market; the ability to create new ideas/solutions/
This year’s Awards categories and the winners include:
• The Best Hotel Design of the Year Award
The winner, The Palace – Old Town, encompasses design through its richness in color, furnishing and architecture. It has successfully blended the best of Arabia, Western design influences and the warmth of Africa. The hotel befits royalty and embodies a distinctive ‘art de vivre’ in its intricate designs, warming ambience and sheer elegance, while its exterior exposes a new grandeur to complement the overall charm of the Old Town Island.
• The Best Innovative Concept Hospitality Award
The hotel is a 5 star sanctuary where contemporary luxury and exceptional service meets unrivalled views of the Res Sea and the King Fahd Fountain. The Park Hyatt Jeddah Marina, Club and Spa, prides itself on its intimate and residential style design which is infused into Arabian Andalusian architecture.
• The Employee of the Year Award
The winner comes with a diverse understanding of Information Technology. Mr. Fayez Cajee of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and his team of IT specialists provide a diverse range of services to the spectacular five star resort hotel. He has successfully led the IT division through the financial crisis, providing unparalleled support to the business with an increase in overall effectiveness. He has contributed to significant cost savings and dramatically increased ROI which has resulted in extremely strong negotiation with key vendors.
• The Excellence in Customer Service Award
This hotel aims to bring professional, high levels of customer service concepts into the spotlight by offering a unique improvement tool to assist those that deliver public services and strive to put their customers at the very core of what they do. The winner, AKMC – Al Shohada Hotel, relies on personalised and specialised service features which cannot be found anywhere in Makkah. No matter how minute the requirement is, the dedicated team strives to exceed the expectations of its guests.
• The General Manager of the Year Award
Moritz Klein, General Manager of Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, focuses on detail, guest experience, patience, foresight, approachability, rest and desire for work make him what he is. His people skills are evident on a daily basis during his work. His volunteer work and charity initiatives brought a different perspective of the yearly charity event of the hotel called “making a difference day”. Apart from his care for people and environment, he is strongly customer and business oriented. He manages to fill the 565 rooms and suites of the hotel he runs in Abu Dhabi which is an evidence of excellent management and planning skills. His motto is “Empower people and allow them to make mistakes and learn from them.”
• The Best Tourism Initiative of the Year
The region has some of the most beautiful and striking examples of untouched beauty, as well as a wealth of different cultures. Many guests are always on the look outs to visit the Middle East and experience the beauty and richness available in the region and this year’s winner has achieved this. The winner of this category is Jinan Hotel & Resorts.
• The Excellence in Hospitality (individual)
He manages a growing portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects including the Address Hotels and Resorts, Golf Clubs, Polo and Equestrian Clubs, serviced residences, health clubs and a yacht club with associated marinas. In the last 18 months he has successfully built a portfolio of five Address properties within Dubai and has bagged international management contracts in Egypt, Morocco and France. Through his leadership the company has focused on three key differentials – location, service and tangible guest benefits. The winner of this year’s award is Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts.
• The Most Innovative Project of the Year Award
This winner, Yas Hotel, processes individuality and excitement are the key cornerstones of everything at this hotel. Its location is half on land and half on water overlooking the marina and positioned on the YAS marina circuit. Its architecture embraces the environment perfectly. Design influences furniture in the contemporary and modern 449 rooms and suites to the striking interiors to the 14 food and beverage outlets.
• The Excellence in Hospitality (Organisation)
The winner manages a growing roster of hospitality and leisure projects in the MENA region. The launch of the Address Hotels and Resorts occurred at a time when the regional hospitality sector was reeling through the impact of the global financial crisis. Committed leadership, far sighted vision and steely determination are the key elements to drive growth forward. In the past 18 months, the company has built a portfolio of five award winning Address properties and bagged international management contracts. The winner is Emaar Hospitality Group.
• The Best Sustainable Project of the Year Award
This hotel’s implementation of key initiatives such as water reduction valves, system backup reports which are no longer printed, the conserve to preserve initiative, the introduction of energy efficient lighting as well as the engineering departments tremendous efforts at reducing the utilities consumption by 13.5% and 14.7% for electricity and water. This year’s winner for Sustainable Projects is Hilton Jumeirah.
• The Leading Developer of the Year (Organisation)
Emaar Hospitality Group has highlighted its role as a full serviced, integrated hospitality provider. The group has successfully blended a portfolio of leisure concept with hospitality to offer its visitors and residents unparalleled lifestyle experiences. The key to their success includes superior location advantages, personalised services exceptional architecture, modern amenities, superior infrastructure and state of the art connectivity.
The Award Ceremony was part of the 3rd Annual Middle East Hospitality Expansion Congress (MEHEC) taking place at the Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
3rd Annual MEHEC 2009 brings together 150 extensively prequalified decision makers from multinational & regional hotel brands, resort developers, owners, hotel operators, contractors and designers who are actively looking for new avenues in the ever-growing Hospitality market to expand their businesses and market share.
MEHEC is bringing influential figures in the hospitality industry in the region to deliver keynote addresses exploring exciting developments and crucial concerns currently facing the market.
The event also aims at offering effective cost solutions and strategies, enhancing efficiency and creating growth for those in the hospitality industry.
