Hospitality

The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

How do you meet the needs of multigenerational workforces? How is the rise of the gig economy and fractional staffing models changing talent sourcing? How do you retain tomorrow’s leaders? How do you unlock the full potential of AI in your organization?

These questions, and many more pieces of the hospitality industry’s talent puzzle, will be discussed at this year’s HSMAI Middle East & Africa Commercial Strategy Conference, taking place on 26-27 November at Conrad Dubai.

Jason Smith, Vice President Marketing Communications at HSMAI, will be decoding new talent dynamics with a deep dive into the HSMAI Foundation’s State of Talent Report 2024, authored by industry expert Dorothy Dowling, and reveal the biggest challenges facing the industry. The report will jumpstart one of the key content tracks at this year’s conference – human capital.

Structured around nine key trends, the annual report investigates issues such as the impact of the 65+ workforce, managing 4-generation talent pools, transforming employee engagement, leveraging AI for productivity, emotional wellness, cross functional teamwork, culture-defining leadership, and gig and fractional talent models.

“Significant developments and emerging shifts are impacting talent within hospitality. In this report, we shine a light on the implications for the industry’s recruitment and retention strategies. We dive into the trends influencing human capital, particularly in sales, marketing, and revenue optimization, and present actionable strategies for creating inclusive, dynamic and forward-thinking workplace environments”, said Jason Smith, Vice President Marketing Communications, HSMAI.

In the lead up to the conference we asked regional industry leaders about their human capital strategies and the opportunities and challenges they see when it comes to talent attraction and retention.

“In a business where people serve people, it is fundamental to lead with culture and understand what team members need to thrive,” said Marie-Louise Ek, Vice President Human Resources – Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “At Hilton, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace driven by purpose, that offers team members opportunities to grow and feel empowered. This requires curiosity, creativity, and the ability to connect every team member to our purpose. We know that every job makes the stay and happy and engaged team members drive our customer experience as well as benefit our owners and the communities where we operate.” Marie-Louise Ek will be hosting one of the Lightening Rounds at the conference titled: ‘Unlocking Successful Commercial Collaboration: The People-First Approach.’

“At Jumeirah we value our people as our greatest asset, fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace where every colleague feels valued and inspired. Committed to career growth, creativity and exceptional standards, we support team success, motivating our people to deliver outstanding service, contribute to communities, and grow as future leaders,” said Jaime Simpson, General Manager Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, who will be hosting a Lightening Round on ‘The Evolving Workplace’ at this year’s conference.

The comprehensive report concludes that the future of the hospitality industry will likely be a combination of advanced technology and the human touch, delivering exceptional experiences for customers and fostering a supportive work environment for employees.

“Now more than ever, sales professionals are looking for work/life balance, and culture is one of the most important deciding factors in choosing their next employer,” states Tammy Gillis, Sales Industry Expert in the report. “Many salespeople are tired of working on property and getting pulled into operations and want full-time remote or hybrid remote positions. They also value training, coaching, and support which the hotel industry does not consistently provide.”

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

4 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: