With the trade going through its hardest 12 months on file in 2020, marketing accommodations accurately has been extra necessary than ever. Here we deliver you 50 hotel marketeers which have impressed over the previous 12 months, as nominated by their friends and colleagues. In A-Z order, right here they’re…
Aafrin ShaikhMarketing & PR supervisor, The H Dubai Hotel
Aafrin Shaikh has persistently seen year-on-year enchancment throughout all measures of PR and marketing. She has launched a video-first technique for The H Dubai Hotel together with social media collection #ItOccursAtH, which has inspired elevated engagement.Rafa García Aguado, VP marketing & communication Story Hospitality, mentioned: “Aafrin focuses on excessive stage marketing methods that ship spectacular outcomes with a lowered funding. First she follows a exact evaluation of the info, then she settles the goal, then determines the sufficient technique to make use of for the particular motion and follows with an in depth motion plan. Aafrin has completed an incredible job throughout the previous 12 months.”
Ahmad KheirDirector of digital & e-commerce, FIVE Hotels and Resorts
Through the digital transformation of visitor experiences, Ahmad Kheir has constructed model consciousness, attracted high quality visitors, and transformed guests to visitors by means of digital touchpoints on a world scale. By fusing the digital and offline worlds with the intention of disrupting marketing norms, Kheir has seen FIVE’s web site enhance from a four-figure month-to-month income to seven-figures – and nonetheless persevering with to develop.Aloki Baktra, CEO of FIVE Hospitality, spoke extremely about his expertise: “He is an brisk, forward-thinking particular person with a eager sense of imminent digital developments; and his data-driven methods have enabled FIVE to successfully achieve most digital influence with a fairly low-cost funding. He is at the least ten steps forward of our competitors always and continues to guide by instance.”
Ahmad JaberDirector of marketing, digital & communications, IHG Cluster Dubai Festival City
Through the creation of greater than 10 new staycation merchandise for InterContinental Hotels at Dubai Festival City, Ahmad Jaber managed to generate a powerful year-on-year enhance of 393 % staycation room night time in 2020 post-lockdown. Known for his hands-on method, Jaber is revered by his crew and colleagues for his means to guide by instance and contain each single particular person in his initiatives.Michael Borges, space director of gross sales & marketing, mentioned: “Ahmad is an inspiring, extremely inventive and passionate skilled, with sharp technical expertise and distinctive marketing and communications expertise, in addition to invaluable media relations. I used to be impressed by all the initiatives he has efficiently led up to now.”
Angelo De GuzmanMarketing and communication supervisor, Park Regis Dubai
A results-focused, digital-first marketer, Angelo de Guzman has a confirmed file in bridging marketing gaps and bolstering business efficiency. He maximises income and optimises model progress by means of omnichannel marketing methods, social media campaigns, and structured company communications.Gillian Greer, regional director of income technology, Middle East, StayWell Holdings, mentioned: “It is clear that Angelo is in his aspect the second he begins devising marketing methods and campaigns. Watching him in motion as he spearheads initiatives and activations is alchemy, he transforms the strange to distinctive. He is a uncommon catalyst in direction of enterprise development with crosshairs aimed toward success with limitless prospects.”
Anna Luisa AsistioAssistant director of marketing & communications, Jannah Hotels & Resorts
Anna Luisa Asistio has achieved a variety of main accomplishments in her profession up to now together with launching a brand new model underneath the Jannah Hotel and Resorts group referred to as Edge Creekside Hotel final 12 months throughout the trade’s hardest ever interval. Asistio performed a key position throughout a number of features of the launch together with naming the hotel, model creation and the launch occasion organisation.Richard Haddad, chief government officer of Jannah Hotels & Resorts, has been impressed along with her: “Hard working, devoted, resilient, centered… Just just a few qualities for a younger spirited colleague. When she was supplied the problem to guide the division, she jumped in and regardless that she lacked the all-round expertise, she took the problem. In her previous two years, she has been uncovered to numerous initiatives, new duties, and total revamp of a number of manufacturers.”
Annie TurnellDirector of marketing and communications, The Abu Dhabi EDITION
With a task that includes main each marcoms and tradition and leisure efficiency, Annie Turnell has centered on creating an environment that represents and enhances the EDITION model presence by means of community constructing, strategic partnerships, non-traditional promoting and PR activations. The director of marketing and communications noticed her expertise examined throughout the pandemic, however she acted shortly to develop and launch a strategic reopening marketing campaign which drove measurable success.Charles Sutherland, director of meals and beverage, mentioned: “Eminently measured and completely passionate in constructing out initiatives – her expertise was discovering a technique to not merely tick a field however so as to add worth, exceeding expectation alongside the method. Annie is no doubt an skilled in her discipline who possesses a deep understanding of the market. Having managed impartial companies in addition to luxurious hotel manufacturers, these wealthy and various skilled experiences have enabled Edition to thrive in exceptionally difficult enterprise situations.”
Colette SullivanMarketing and PR supervisor, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis & Radisson Blu Deira Creek
In simply over three years in the trade, Colette Sullivan has risen shortly, displaying her expertise in launching a very new model and property in Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis throughout the onset of the pandemic and lately being appointed to guide the marketing for Radisson Blu Deira Creek and its 15 F&B shops.Working with companions together with Warner Bros, All Saints, That Dubai Girl and extra whereas at Radisson RED, Sullivan been instrumental in constructing these collaborations to ship high-end occasions and lift consciousness of her property.A professional dance trainer who cites her ardour for journey as considered one of the principal drivers for her becoming a member of the hospitality trade, Sullivan has achieved lots in a profitable previous 12 months.As effectively as overseeing a multi-channel launch marketing campaign together with radio, out-of-home, digital-out-of-home, programmatic, social media, print, and PR for Radisson RED, Sullivan created the UAE’s first dog-led staycation provide, Pawsome Staycation.As an indication of the religion positioned in Sullivan by senior administration, and her experience in launching Radisson RED in a number of international locations, the Scot was chosen to assist the opening of Radisson RED Johannesburg as a part of a activity drive crew.Stephanie Aboujaoude, senior space director of marketing & communications Middle East, mentioned: “In her work she exemplifies dedication and possession in direction of not solely the accommodations she works for however for the hotel model total. We are delighted to see Colette transition to Radisson Blu Deira Creek, the place she is going to deliver a inventive method. Her ardour for the trade is illuminating and he or she is a beautiful particular person to be round.”
Danelle Ruth PalangDirector of marketing and communications, Dusit Thani Dubai
Through launching a brand new night time brunch and bettering the model positioning of Dusit Thani’s flagship Thai restaurant Benjarong, Danelle Ruth Palang has helped it generate income effectively over price range since its refurbishment in November 2020.Even with lowered capability, her strategic digital marketing marketing campaign has allowed the hotel to exceed expectations.Jagbir Jasrotia, meals and beverage supervisor, believes they couldn’t have completed it with out her. She mentioned: “Danelle’s contribution in the success of our F&B shops is second to none. Danelle has proven large expertise and creativity over the previous couple of years the place we’ve launched new ideas and renovated our eating places. 2020 was extraordinarily robust however Danelle managed to simply depart a mark and but once more show, merely, how good she is at what she does.”
Elena RaznovaMarketing & communications supervisor, Address Beach Resort
With the Address Beach Resort not lengthy launched when she got here on board, Elena Raznova needed to construct consciousness each regionally and internationally – one thing she achieved with aplomb. From social media consciousness to restaurant footfall, her campaigns have proved profitable.Svetlana Ten, business director, mentioned: “Elena labored tirelessly to construct sturdy and impactful marketing campaigns contributing to the total technique of the hotel and supporting the prime line income. She is a really passionate particular person, prepared to guide further initiatives and take initiative at any second. In a vibrant and thrilling resort like ours, work comes and goes so unexpectedly that it could be very difficult to maintain up with the quantity of duties, nonetheless, Elena has by no means missed a deadline.”
Ester KamalMarketing and communications supervisor, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort, Egypt
Ester Kamal is a graduate of the Egyptian Hotel & Tourism school with greater than 15 years’ expertise throughout a variety of hospitality disciplines: Front workplace, high quality assurance, branding, marketing and public relations throughout numerous native and worldwide manufacturers.Boris Bornman, common supervisor, mentioned: “As the official model ambassador for the property, chargeable for sustaining all model necessities, Ester assisted the property to attain a Deloitte’s Brand Audit score of one hundred pc in 2021. These outcomes, throughout the Covid-19 disaster, is a testomony to her expertise and dedication.Marketing is all about understanding the soul of your organisation, your product and your shoppers and projecting this ardour in order that it awakens aspirations in them to be a part of it. This defines Ester as a marketeer.”
Feras Abdulaziz Sulaiman AlaskarAssistant director of PR and marketing, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Palace
Holding full accountability for all marketing and communication for eight eating places and shops in addition to 493 rooms and suites, Feras Abdulaziz Sulaiman Alaskar has proven maturity and power of character to not solely lead The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Palace safely by means of the Covid-19 pandemic, however has helped put it in a powerful place going ahead.Despite having to work alone throughout the pandemic, the assistant director of PR and marketing took it upon himself to impact optimistic change for the hotel. As effectively as writing all press releases and translating all collaterals and supplies, he created an efficient paid Facebook promoting marketing campaign which generated enormous web site visits and labored on an Instagram technique which resulted in 1m SAR price of gross sales per 30 days by means of collaborations with influencers to advertise merchandise.The hotel was additionally was the setting of a prime TV present which was costed at an estimated SAR4m, however Alaskar managed to barter totally free by means of a barter deal.It’s by means of the sourcing and growing of latest strategic partnership and promoting alternatives like this that has seen the hotel achieve important optimistic media recognition.Mussa Alhamama, assistant director of gross sales & marketing (appearing director), mentioned: “Throughout my time with Feras, he proved himself to be a hard-working, motivated, formidable, charismatic, and dependable worker. His honesty, dependability, confidence, and wonderful communication expertise helped him turn out to be the division head inside just a few years, surpassing his targets impressively. Feras is expert at working independently, whereas additionally proactive about contributing to the crew and collaborating with colleagues.”
Ghada Abdel KhalekCluster director of marketing communications, Cairo Marriott Hotel & Marriott Mena House
The previous 12 months has seen Ghada Abdel Khalek and her crew consistently innovating to search out new methods to place Cairo Marriott & Marriott Mena House throughout the pandemic. As effectively as partnering with the likes of the IHF World Men’s Handball Championship and Cairo International Film Festival, the hotel grew to become a well-liked vacation spot for Russian visitors, with many influencers coming to expertise the property.Tarek Bekhiet, space director of marketing, digital & loyalty – KSA, Bahrain & Egypt mentioned: “Ghada is knowledgeable marketing chief with an distinctive management expertise and skill to affect and develop talents.”
Ghaida ArabiAssistant marketing and communications supervisor, Anantara Eastern Mangroves
Safety has been prime of thoughts for many of us the previous 12 months, and Ghaida Arabi executed a number of campaigns to spotlight Anantara Eastern Mangroves’ trade main efforts to make sure the well being of its visitors. This helped to drive income throughout a tough time for the property.Mujahid Mansoor, space director of marketing, communications & PR – Anantara Abu Dhabi, mentioned: “Ghaida has been a driver of positivity to our hotel and model by specializing in the new regular, creating, testing and executing very focused promotions and campaigns which have all been an enormous success. One key instance of Ghaida’s latest work was the profitable festive & NYE social gathering at Anantara Eastern Mangroves which drove the venues to be absolutely booked one to 2 weeks previous to the celebrations.”
Hadeel BashirAssistant supervisor marketing communications, Hyatt Place Hotel Riyadh
Hadeel Bashir has made a mark on her colleagues in simply two brief years, making a big impact in phrases of consciousness and new leads by means of the campaigns specializing in indoor weddings, out of doors birthday preparations, anniversaries, romantic stays, and rooftop concepts. Using her graphic design expertise, the assistant supervisor marketing communications has additionally been capable of enhance Hyatt Place Hotel Riyadh’s social media.“Since Hadeel joined Hyatt Place Riyadh, we’ve seen optimistic adjustments to the hotel profile,” mentioned Moutasem Hraiz, head of gross sales and marketing division. “She has verified the hotel’s communication pages, up to date all meta search, and made the social media pages extra engaging. In addition she has wonderful information and observe of web optimization and natural and paid campaigns.”
Ionela SavescuAssistant director of PR and communications, Palazzo Versace Dubai
The launch final 12 months of Palazzo Versace Dubai’s e-commerce platform has seen thousands and thousands of dirhams in income generated, with Ionela Savescu taking part in a key position. She has been pivotal in driving absolutely built-in communication methods and activations in a difficult market.The Romanian nationwide has additionally helped place the hotel’s higher administration crew members as trade leaders, profiling them by means of press interviews and occasions and conferences.“Ionela has been an unimaginable asset for Palazzo Versace Dubai, at all times proving her worth by means of excellent outcomes,” mentioned hotel supervisor Mansour Memarian, who believes she has turned the property into the final place to be seen.
James KarugaCluster digital marketing supervisor, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel & Sofitel Dubai The Palm Luxury Apartments
Having generated greater than AED700,000 income in the previous 9 month by means of the launch of a brand new e-commerce web site to promote bundle vouchers for Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel, James Karuga has been price his weight in gold. And by implementing new strategic digital marketing campaigns to counteract pandemic results on the enterprise he elevated the total web site income by 13 % 12 months on 12 months.Shamia Abdul Aziz, head of marketing and communications, mentioned: “James managed our social media platforms particularly Instagram which was the principal interactive platform with our visitors and potential visitors throughout the pandemic. He saved the content material related to our viewers ensuing in a big progress.”
Jayadev NakkaSenior marketing supervisor, Aloft Abu Dhabi
Described as a “one-man present” in relation to marketing, Jayadev Nakka does all of it. From producing his personal movies, doing F&B pictures, and even app improvement, he has made himself an indispensable a part of the Aloft Abu Dhabi crew. The previous 12 months has seen him enhance the hotel’s TripAdvisor rating from 65 to 25. Such is Nakka’s means, the property expects to stand up into the prime 10 earlier than the finish of this 12 months.Hotel supervisor Patrick Baptist is delighted to have Nakka in the position. He mentioned: “Once the hotel opened, Jay ensured we have been one hundred pc prepared by making a unbelievable video about all the measures we’ve taken to struggle this pandemic and communicated it to the world. His ardour, dedication and dedication to the hotel and his colleagues is significantly appreciated.”
Josimar DelfinArea director of marketing, Yas Plaza Hotels by Aldar
Her latest appointment to space director of marketing for Yas Plaza Hotels by Hotel, taking care of 1,760 rooms and 24 shops, is the newest in an inspiring profession that has seen Josimar Delfin rise from the entrance desk by means of arduous work and expertise.In her earlier position at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, Delfin repositioned the property as Dubai’s first five-star hotel and launched a variety of optimistic community-sensitive campaigns together with staycations for nurses.Albert Van Zyl, common supervisor at Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh & Exhibition Center, mentioned: “Josimar has positioned plenty of deal with growing and moulding her management expertise from operating a one man marketing division to overseeing a full crew of marketing professionals.”
Jovana CrutchleyCluster public relations supervisor, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk
Creativity is the key for Jovana Crutchley, whose modern concepts created a storm of curiosity in Hilton Dubai Jumeirah’s reopening following its short-term closure throughout the pandemic.With activations together with a Mums Club and themed staycation offers, Crutchley ensured that each media and clients couldn’t ignore her accommodations when Dubai got here again to life.Dan Corfield, senior director, communications Europe, Middle East & Africa Hilton, mentioned: “Brimming with concepts and at all times on the lookout for new and fascinating methods to generate curiosity in the accommodations and the eating shops, Jovana delivers sturdy outcomes – making a halo impact for Hilton at its landmark properties on JBR.”
Karlyn May BautistaAssistant digital and marketing supervisor, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Within this 12 months, Karlyn May Bautista efficiently, and with restricted assets, managed to implement ALLSAFE and GOSAFE certification at the hotel, following all model requirements in addition to guaranteeing the profitable relaunch of the restaurant at the hotel.Bautista has additionally developed and grown inside the digital marketing section in order to arrange campaigns with monitoring and ROI in line with present necessities.Director of operations, Angela Christodoulopoulou, has been impressed: “The previous 12 months has been of utmost conditions every day, with ongoing adjustments and updates. Karlyn maintained her enthusiasm and dedication which has been distinctive, regardless that this has been an especially difficult scenario on knowledgeable, private and international foundation. Karlyn has been a contributor constantly inside her capacities of marketing with creativity and devotion.”
Karthik PriyadarshanNation Digital Director, Rixos Hotels
While Karthik Priyadarshan could solely have 5 years’ expertise in the hospitality trade, he’s already making his mark. As the first nation digital director at Rixos Hotels UAE, Priyadarshan was at the forefront of kick-starting the hotel’s digital presence. He was chargeable for establishing a digital eco-system throughout Rixos Premium Dubai, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, and Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island.His Welcome Back marketing campaign generated AED 1.3 million income on direct net bookings from September to December 2020, whereas his winter marketing campaign generated AED 5.2 million income from January to March 2021.Ali Ozbay, nation marketing director, mentioned: “Over the final two years, I’ve witnessed Karthik persistently deliver complete methods, execution and ideation to the desk that helps us attain our targets and aims sooner, simpler and extra cost-effectively.”
Kaveendra ChandradasaDigital marketing government, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Kaveendra Chandradasa isn’t any stranger to Hotelier Middle East, having been shortlisted for Young Hotelier of the Year in our 2020 awards. With simply over six years’ expertise in the trade, he has been instrumental in guaranteeing that InterContinental Abu Dhabi is successful. During 2020, he took the lead in the marketing division, working solo for 3 months. His staycation packages for the hotel created a income of AED77K.Wael Sami, director of gross sales and marketing, mentioned: “Kaveendra may be very gifted and an important asset to the business and marketing crew. During the pandemic, a graphic designer left and the marketing director moved on, which meant that he was the solely particular person in marketing. Even although he has digital experience, he took on board further duties easily. Kaveendra performs an necessary position and is very regarded amongst his fellow colleagues.”
Kim CastroCluster marketing and communications supervisor, Crowne Plaza Doha and Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park
Kim Castro could have solely been working in marketing for 4 years, however she’s already one to look at. In 2020, Castro was appointed cluster marketing supervisor for Crowne Plaza Doha and Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park.She has been the driving drive behind in-hotel marketing, company campaigns and produced spectacular outcomes. She has elevated the channels’ engagement by 221.6 % in Crowne Plaza and and 232 % Holiday Inn. As a end result, visitor satisfaction indexes have exceeded targets at each accommodations.Vasken Vartanian, director of gross sales and marketing, mentioned: “Kim is a extremely regarded particular person inside our accommodations and considered one of the most recognized hotel entrepreneurs and PR individuals in Doha.”
Lana GhawiMulti-property marketing director at The St. Regis Amman, W Amman, Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
Even although Jordan was in lockdown, that didn’t maintain Lana Ghawi again. She arrange Tune In, Turn Up – a profitable marketing campaign on W Amman’s helipad, which dwell streamed DJs and elevated Instagram visits by 796.6 %.W Amman’s 5 after 50 marketing campaign celebrated reaching 50,000 followers on Instagram. A collection of activations came about, which included a TikTok marketing campaign that reached 782,000 views.At Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Ghawi shaped profitable partnerships with Taj Lifestyle. This generated JOD35,350 in room income. At St. Regis Amman, Ghawi launched Segreta and helped entice clients. Erden Kendigelen, multi-property common supervisor, mentioned: “Lana Ghawi has exemplified the qualities of multi-property marketing chief in the hospitality trade. Lana’s dedication to excellence, creativity and out of the field method has set new benchmarks in offering results-oriented campaigns for all three properties, she is considered a helpful asset to the firm as an entire, persistently demonstrating wonderful PR expertise and is at all times on the lookout for brand spanking new alternatives to drive enterprise.”
Mariela HristovaPublic relations and marketing supervisor at Ajman Hotel by Blazon Hotels
Mariela Hristova has greater than ten years’ expertise in marketing. Creative, modern, environment friendly and organised, she is prepared to tackle tough initiatives and run the marketing division on her personal.Even although Ajman Hotel works underneath a really tight price range, Mariela by no means fails to deliver optimistic outcomes. She has helped assist Ajman Hotel to attain important digital outcomes.She managed to maintain the response price on social media underneath twelve hours. She additionally purchased a complete web site income of AED 196k final 12 months, and AED 22k from social transactions.George Ganchev, common supervisor, mentioned that Mariela consistently strives for excellence with a optimistic spirit.
Merlyn D’SilvaDirector of marketing, Palazzo Versace Dubai
Merlyn D’Silva has been working in marketing for a decade. In 2015, she joined Palazzo Versace Dubai as a marketing and communications supervisor, rising to an assistant marketing director and ultimately heading the division in 2020 as director of marketing. She has been chargeable for marketing methods, buyer acquisition, engagement, retention, model consciousness campaigns, efficiency marketing actions and inbound marketing techniques.When Palazzo Versace Dubai confronted a difficult scenario throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, D’Silva was credited with being a key asset. Muhammad Atif Ali, government assistant supervisor at Palazzo Versace Dubai, mentioned: “Being an ultra-luxury trend hotel, we weren’t fairly at the prime of the precedence checklist for travellers, each native and worldwide. Merlyn was phenomenal at figuring out and capitalising on untapped alternatives by spearheading a number of new initiatives that positioned the hotel as a pioneer in the trade”.The hotel launched the area’s first e-commerce platform for accommodations, collaborating with cost associate Spotii to supply a purchase now, pay later service. Her innovation resulted in larger ADRs and a 90 to one hundred pc occupancy in months which are historically off-season.
Mujahid MansoorArea director of marketing, communications and PR
Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, and Anantara Desert Resort
Mujahid Mansoor is a trendsetter in relation to marketing. In the previous 12 months he analysed and executed strategic promotions and campaigns that align with the lively markets. His crew have pushed consciousness for the lively gives throughout the accommodations, resorts and spas.Adrian Stoppe, common supervisor at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, mentioned: “Mujahid has been instrumental in adjusting our marketing campaign channels in line with the new regular throughout the final 12 months. Muja is a peaceful and picked up chief who understands the market situations.”
Miguel RojasBrand marketing director at Rove Hotels
In 2015, Miguel Rojas moved to Dubai to hitch the Rove Hotels pre-opening crew as an e-commerce supervisor. In 2018, he was promoted and oversees all features of the model’s marketing exercise.As the model marketing director for Rove Hotels, Rojas takes care of the model’s seven accommodations. Additionally, he works on the Rove Expo 2020, the solely hotel inside Expo 2020 Dubai, and Rove City Walk. Despite the pandemic, Rove Hotels managed to attain its monetary targets and ended 2020 with its highest ranges of brand name consciousness.Rojas’ profitable campaigns embrace Rove podcast studio, gamer caves, non-public hotel workplaces, month-to-month stays and the opening of Rove La Mer Beach.Paul Bridger, head of Rove Hotels, mentioned: “Miguel has been instrumental in placing Rove on the map and related in a extremely aggressive hospitality market. Through Miguel’s management, Rove has managed to punch above its weight with thrilling marketing and initiatives. Miguel has led partnerships with related manufacturers and themes together with accessible artwork, e-sports, co-working and pictures.”
Milvas BurniceMarketing communications supervisor, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Since becoming a member of the crew at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Milvas Burnice has contributed to the positioning of the Andaz model in the Middle East. She confidently took over all marketing associated actions and carried out them in a proactive and environment friendly method.Her position has included the repositioning of Andaz Capital Gate as a number one F&B vacation spot in Abu Dhabi. She constructed model consciousness for the two new signature shops in the hotel.Julia Gimadyeva, EAM director of gross sales and marketing at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, says: “Milvas has proven large progress in her expertise and capabilities as a marketing and communications skilled and has confirmed to be a hard-working, motivated, formidable and dependable. Along along with her enthusiasm and optimistic vitality, Milvas is a superb crew participant who has cast sturdy relationships with media.”
Mohammed Aftab AlamCluster digital marketing supervisor – IHG Madinah, Dar Al Iman InterContinental Madinah, Crowne Plaza Madinah, InterContinental Dar Al Hijra Madinah
Mohammed Aftab Alam performed a significant position in the post-Covid-19 restoration at IHG. He was chargeable for model constructing throughout digital and social platforms, in addition to sharing well being and security messages for visitors and colleagues on further hygiene measures.Once restrictions have been eased, he engaged in promotions and continued brand-building actions. The campaigns paid off and efficiently bridged the belief with visitors and ensured that his properties’ revenues surpassed the predicted forecast.The accommodations witnessed a profitable season of 2020 Eid Al Adha, 2020 Saudi National Day, 2020/2021 School Vacation, and 2021 Ramdan. Due to Alam’s management qualities, the marketing crew have been capable of obtain new heights.
Mouna OuniCluster director of Marketing & Communications, Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai and Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, TIME Hotels, RODA Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Hotels
Mouna Ouni has labored in marketing for greater than 20 years and for a variety of accommodations. On any given day, yow will discover her managing inventive executions, growing marketing and gross sales collateral, engaged on video manufacturing or promotional venue designs.Despite 2020 being a tough 12 months for a lot of in the hotel trade because of Covid-19, Ouni efficiently received 14 awards for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.Ouni is skilled is creating campaigns that entice clients. At TIME Hotels she launched a summer season marketing campaign that led to a rise in income by 20 %.With her finger on the pulse, she has been the driving drive behind profitable partnerships with influencers. By tapping into Dubai’s latest staycation increase, she has created gross sales from residents for Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai and Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai. Both properties have seen a rise in inquiries and 10 % progress in social media viewers organically.On prime of all of this, she has developed excellent branding initiatives for a number of F&B shops at totally different accommodations. Over her profession, she has maintained sturdy contacts with key commerce, client, authorities and freelance journey media in markets.Shona MacSweeney, founding father of Querencia Foundation (Uganda), mentioned: “Upon transferring to my third Starwood property and arriving in Dubai in 2005, I joined a fraternity of fantastic PR professionals all through the UAE and I’m proud to say that Mouna grew to become an expensive colleague who by no means did not mentor, at all times extending assist and help.“Years later, in one other regional position, Mouna joined Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and it was my privilege to have the ability to work along with her once more. Her expertise spans the total marketing, branding and communications spectrum. She is a dynamic, empowered chief, one who evokes and delivers exponential worth to any enterprise. She is commercially savvy, intuitive in her skilled dealings and really emanates what this period of impressed feminine management is all about.“What I love about Mouna is her means to nurture and develop expertise, and anybody who works inside her crew may have the alternative to develop shortly whereas having fun with her spirited and beneficiant nature. Personally and professionally, Mouna has the whole lot to supply.”
Mustapha M ElkhansaInitiatives director – marketing, loyalty and model, Le Méridien Al Khobar
Mustapha M Elkhansa is an innovator at Le Méridien. When the firm launched Au Soleil, a marketing campaign that was created to provoke new income streams for the hotel by combining the all-day dine-in brunch with a brunch at the swimming pool, it had greater than 500,000 views on Snapchat.Tarek Bekhiet, space director of marketing, digital and loyalty in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Egypt, mentioned it’s only one instance of Elkhansa’s unbelievable work. He added: “Mustapha is knowledgeable marketer and has nice understanding of how digital marketing can have a optimistic influence on the total property ROI. During Covid-19, he managed to drive and win native leisure enterprise by implementing inventive demand technology packages. As a end result the hotel was the Rev Par chief in the metropolis. Mustapha has an important understanding of the model values and programing. His ardour and nice understanding of social media is a key for his success together with being a powerful crew participant inside the crew.”
Natalie ChahineDirector of marketing, W Doha and Residences
In the previous 12 months, Natalie Chahine launched two ideas, W2GO and WFIT2GO, and led the marketing campaigns of two new shops, Coya Doha and Sisley Paris Spa.The meal plan and meal supply service has since introduced in greater than US$6 million in revenues and is now being rolled out to different W accommodations. Meanwhile, her restaurant launches have generated US$200,000 price of media protection, resulting in elevated model consciousness and an uptick in bookings.“Natalie is what we will name a inventive and unstoppable guru. She has introduced our marketing technique to the subsequent stage. She’s on the forefront of innovation along with her crew and reveals an entrepreneur mind-set to guide the market and drive income,” mentioned DOSM Quinten Veerman.
Nazlee TayobDirector of marketing, W Dubai – The Palm
Arguably considered one of Dubai’s hottest resorts, main the marketing at W Dubai – The Palm remains to be no straightforward activity and it was made tougher nonetheless by the pandemic and a really temporary closure interval final 12 months.This 12 months and final, Nazlee Tayob has boasted a few of her most profitable programmes so far. Her international wellness occasion Fuel Happening in October introduced in 200 press clippings, reached 5 million individuals and had a PR worth of greater than US$100,000, whereas she organised world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura’s three-day journey to the hotel.Over the previous 12 months, she has helped to generate greater than 1,100 press clippings, with a complete attain of 631,171,400 and a PR worth of over $7.3 million.
Nisha Primlani-PugnetHeadvert of marketing and PR, InterContinental Fujairah Resort
Helping place and promote IHG’s first-ever resort in the UAE is kind of a frightening activity. Though it hasn’t stopped Nisha Primlani-Pugnet from turning the property into considered one of Fujairah hospitality’s best success tales.With a deal with staycations, she has managed to carry the hotel’s occupancy charges close to 70 %. Both her ‘Limitless’ and ‘Family Staycation’ packages managed to hit their key client teams.“Renowned as a brainiac, leaning in on each dialog, her optimistic vitality and agile mind-set with an always-on method has elevated the resort in 2020 and can achieve this for the a few years to come back,” shared GM Vijai Singh.
Niza MartinezPR & marketing government at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
Niza Martinez, a Filipino nationwide, began out as a lead waitress and hostess at Bayview Park Hotel Manila and shortly moved as much as turn out to be a gross sales co-ordinator. With her ardour and drive, she was then promoted to a gross sales government the place she dealt with company and authorities accounts.After three years, Martinez determined to maneuver overseas to the UAE. In 2015, she joined the Holiday Inn Bur Dubai Embassy District as a gross sales coordinator. Then in 2019, she moved to Novotel Bur Dubai as a marketing government.In 2020, Martinez joined the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek as PR and marketing government. She helps deal with 15 F&B shops, 18 assembly and occasion areas, a well being membership and 288 newly renovation visitor rooms.Jan Hanak, common supervisor, mentioned: “Within months of becoming a member of the crew, she was capable of enhance the property’s social media presence with focused marketing actions, launching new particular accounts for shops. Having a junior place didn’t cease her from creating her personal marketing initiatives both, as she seamlessly carried out F&B digital methods that considerably contributed to the total revenues of our 15 shops.“Niza is relentlessly inventive and understands how her position impacts the total enterprise. She is younger, passionate and pushed – definitely one to look out for as considered one of the trade’s aspiring ladies in management.”Martinez launched six social media accounts on two platforms, a touchdown web page for eating places, bars and well being membership, which certified leads with a one hundred pc conversion price. She elevated social media sponsored advertisements efficiency by altering technique and carried out an LSOP for social media group administration. Due to this, she decreased response time to underneath 23 minutes, resulting in elevated reserving conversions.Martinez additionally carried out WhatsApp marketing and scheduled WhatsApp broadcast, which resulted in an elevated conversion of direct income. She additionally led an influencer marketing marketing campaign that led to a complete attain of 16 Million and three.5 % engagement price.
Olga LobanovaMarketing and PR supervisor, Hotel Indigo Downtown Dubai
Part of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown since its pre-opening days, Olga Lobanova has been a driving drive behind the model’s highly effective entry into the area. With a willingness to personally become involved with the inventive course of, marketing campaigns led by Lobanova confirmed off what Hotel Indigo was all about from the begin.In truth, in response to common supervisor Laura Eggleton, there was a interval following the hotel’s opening that it was talked about each day in native media at the least as soon as.Eggleton defined: “Her visualisations and creativity alone are phenomenal addition to the thought management and idea-starting course of that constructed picture of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown precisely how it’s speculated to be.”
Rosemarie TacordaDirector of marketing and communications, Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Marina Yacht Club
Throughout the course of this 12 months and final, Rosemarie Tacorda has continued to deploy profitable marketing campaign after profitable marketing campaign. So a lot in order that since she got here on board, the PR protection generated by her has a better media worth than the earlier three years of protection mixed.Moreover, she’s a social media wizard, growing engagement from 12,000 to 200,000 because of influencer collaborations, pictures and the concept to advertise the hotel as a way of life slightly than only a property.Managing director Stephan Schupbach is filled with reward for her director of marketing and communications: “Rosemarie is the best factor that may occur to a crew. Her can-do perspective, resilience, ardour, and making the not possible – doable is the largest reward to any stakeholder, colleague, operator and proprietor.”
Ruth ArcherDirector of PR and marketing communications, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
A former winner of Marriott’s Elite Award for MEA Communications / PR Leader of the Year, Ruth Archer is described as having nice relationships with media and press throughout Abu Dhabi.In her position, she has efficiently pushed media consciousness of the property and elevated the total variety of articles written about it.With eight years in the trade, Archer is a valued member of the crew. The hotel’s director of gross sales and marketing Saad Al-Ghamdi says: “Ruth may be very organised and lively with nice, new concepts. She has helped the hotel, in specific the F&B, to develop income year-on-year. She may be very devoted particular person at work and has many nice relationships in the market.”
Sama KainatMarketing supervisor, Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Despite price range cuts and hotel closures round her, Sama Kainat managed not solely to propel her personal accommodations to success, but additionally all the relaxation inside the Yas Plaza advanced. She noticed alternatives for all six accommodations and all 21 of their eating shops, working throughout a myriad of channels to supercharge protection and engagement throughout the group.Coverage stimulated by her has resulted in greater than 24.6 million impressions by the finish of 2020. Described as a “jack of all trades,” she’s significantly gifted in relation to social media.“She is vital in coordinating all marketing actions and main the totally different marcoms-in-charge altogether. Sama’s an e-commerce rockstar,” mentioned space director of marketing and PR Josimar Delfin.
Sanja GluskinicPR and marketing government, Paramount Hotel Dubai
Through the arduous work of Sanja Gluskinic, Paramount Hotel Dubai has turn out to be a pillar of the group and a must-visit for film buffs. She efficiently relaunched its Pacific Groove brunch, working with a variety of influencers and media to construct up the hype. She has additionally labored with film producers to have movies shot at the hotel, and has most lately launched a loyalty card for DAMAC residents. This concept up to now has netted greater than AED1 million.“Sanja is an extremely hard-working younger girl who understands the goals and outcomes of a undertaking from the starting and is efficient in seeing these goals by means of, at all times finishing them on time,” mentioned government producer marketing and communications Inna Gernega.
Sarah KhaledDirector of marketing and communications, Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Sarah Khaled continues to show heads over in Oman for her showstopper concepts and campaigns. For instance, a voucher sale drive led by Khaled resulted in 714 room night time bookings, 112 eating vouchers and 385 hotel day use voucher bought.If you need some even greater numbers, she additionally organised the largest assortment of nationwide flags by sea in Oman on the hotel’s beachfront. This created a video which obtained 15,000 views, 10,000 likes and an additional 2,000 followers.In phrases of comms, she has helped to create greater than 300 items of protection, equal to round 49 million impressions. for Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.
Sarah WislerCluster director of marketing and communications, Delta Hotels By Marriott, Jumeirah Beach, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Four Points by Sheraton, Downtown and Senor Pico, The Palm
Not solely does Sarah Wisler deal with three separate accommodations, but additionally the Senor Pico restaurant on West Palm Beach. Currently, the restaurant is a top-performer on the seaside promenade because of Wisler’s launch marketing campaign.She additionally reopened Four Points by Sheraton, Downtown after six months of closure. Quickly, she made it common by specializing in its Yesterday Pub venue.Area director of marketing, digital and loyalty, UAE Derryn French mentioned: “She has a broad expertise that she makes use of to make sure her properties are effectively profiled in addition to reaching each footfall and ROI from numerous media campaigns.”
Seyma OsoyMulti-property director of marketing, Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli, Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler and Sheraton Istanbul Levent
If there’s a phrase to explain Seyma Osoy’s method to marketing, it could be ‘modern’. In her position, she has partnered with the Fashion Film Festival Istanbul to have the launch of CHA by Cidem Akin filmed at the hotel. A movie that was later proven round the world at trend movie festivals. Another launch was ‘Pillow Talks at Le Méridien’ undertaking that includes interviews in mattress with well-known actors, artists, and different influencers.“She believes being extraordinary and going one step ahead is the key of the success. With this attitude and her loyalty grew to become her considered one of the Most worthy members of Marriott,” mentioned space director of marketing, digital and loyalty – Gulf, Levant and Turkey, Joanne Kim.
Shalvesh NundlaulCluster marketing and communications supervisor, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort and Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah
Shalvesh Nundlaul is credited by his GM as serving to to place RAK on the map. A daring declare, although one backed up by numerous figures achieved by Nundlaul.In May alone, the PR worth he generated to the seaside resort was in extra of US$1 million. By the finish of 2020, he had elevated revenues by means of Expedia Travel Ads by 33.75 %, price round US$138,000. He did the similar on Agoda Growth Program, seeing a US$151,000 enhance, equal to 101 % over 2019.While he’s good at earning profits, he’s been ready to save cash at his resort property, too. His common supervisor revealed he was amongst the first hoteliers in the UAE to roll out QR codes as a substitute to paper objects. This initiative was not solely trailblazing, but additionally saved the hotel US$80,000 and lowered paper use by 80 %.His talents haven’t gone unnoticed by the remainder of Hilton both. Nundlaul was introduced on to assist information the marketing crew at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers as they accomplished the reflagging course of and debuted the model in Abu Dhabi.“Shalvesh is a younger inventive who works arduous, tries new issues, listens to the temporary and learns quick. He has an important eye for the hero shot and story. He has constantly and actively supported his colleagues in the working departments all through the pandemic and through the tough rebuilding phases which has earnt him plenty of respect and shut collaboration which in fact results in outcomes,” mentioned GM Helen Jacobe.“Shalvesh has the inner drive to excel plus pure expertise and potential, so we absolutely anticipate he’ll proceed to do effectively in his profession.”
Stacey McMurtrieDirector of marketing and communications, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR
From working with native influencers, to collaborating with DTCM or simply bettering from inside by means of crew coaching, Stacey McMurtrie constantly helps drive up curiosity in all elements of the hotel by means of a variety of channels.McMurtrie’s marketing campaigns this previous 12 months have lifted the hotel’s income streams outdoors of simply promoting rooms.You have revenues from afternoon tea growing 147 % because of her campaigns, whereas a Valentine’s Day marketing campaign this 12 months led to a 25 % inch up in revenues over final 12 months. Teaming with 13 influencers in April, she pushed the hotel’s spa choices in such a method as to succeed in 52,000 impressions over 30 items of content material.
Suhasini RajpalCluster supervisor – PR and social media, Taj Dubai and Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Suhansini Rajpal has risen the ranks of Taj Hotels the place she now works throughout each Taj Dubai and Taj JLT.In this position, she manages seven social media accounts, upholding distinct branding, tone of voice and hotel narratives. Campaigns led by Rajpal have resulted in huge positive factors for the accommodations.
Tunde NagyDirector of gross sales and marketing, Swissotel Al Ghurair
With the objective of turning into a prime family-friendly metropolis hotel, Tunde Nagy launched a variety of actions that each adults and kids can take pleasure in.These embrace a brunch with actions to maintain the youngsters entertained; a day tea with ginger home adorning on the aspect; and even a partnership with the Swiss International School.
Valentina CominMarketing and PR supervisor, Conrad Dubai
Since rejoining the hotel earlier this 12 months, Valentina Comin has been instrumental to the relaunch of Kimpo inside the Conrad Dubai. Now, the funky Korean bar and restaurant is a go-to after-work hangout for these in the space.(*50*) in the hotel, she has repositioned the spa by introducing trending and related wellness actions.
Velina NachevaHeadvert of communications, Kerten Hospitality
Though it’s not in her job title, Velina Nacheva is certainly the driving drive behind Kerten Hospitality’s marketing and PR. Time and once more, the group’s CEO Marloes Knippenberg might be invited to trade panels and discussions because of the sturdy on-line presence Nacheva has created for Knippenberg and the firm.Her talents inside marketing have really resulted in total initiatives being signed for the group. The LinkedIn web page, which Nacheva leads, is used to drive up demand and curiosity in quite a lot of Kerten developments.Knippenberg mentioned: “Most of our leads and shoppers initially see us on LinkedIn, get on the content material they see and find yourself partnering up with us. Kerten latest signings in RAK, are an ideal instance of the nice engagement we’ve reached by means of the social media platform.”
