Carlson Rezidor Middle East update

Middle eastUpdateapril 2012

It’s been a very busy start to the year for all of us here in the region and around the world. Q1 saw Rezidor’s long standing relationship with Carlson take a symbolic step forward as the two companies became known as the ‘Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’. We are now part of a global portfolio of more than 1,300 hotels. These developments are positive for everyone. They will further see the global alignment and management of our brands, give a boost to the company’s ambitious revenue generation plans and most importantly give staff further global career and development opportunities.

There’s no doubt, that exciting times lie ahead for all of us in 2012.

Over the next few pages you will find a round-up of stories and activities from our hotels around the Middle East. So far this year we’ve seen some fantastic achievements from our colleagues, especially our Chef’s who seem to be taking the culinary world by storm, winning an array of honours. We also have the latest responsible business news, awards and achievements, events, celeb sightings and details of the newest recruits to the Carlson Rezidor family.

We hope you enjoy reading the revamped Middle East Update.

All the best,Mark willis

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Middle East Update April 2012 1

02 Culinary Champions

03 Healthy Hoteliers. Happy Hoteliers.

04 Awards and Achievements

06 Responsible Business

08 Yes I Can!

10 Events and Activities

11 What’s happening

12 New to the Team

13 Carlson Rezidor Explained

Contents

2

The first few months of the year have seen several of our Chef’s around the region recognised for their talent and dedication to their art.

Chef Uwe has recently been honoured with Time Out Dubai’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2012. Director of Kitchens at the hotel, Chef Uwe was awarded the prestigious gong for his outstanding contribution to the Dubai food and beverage industry over the last 20 years.

Chef Uwe arrived in Dubai in 1993 and has worked at the iconic Deira Creek property since. He oversees the entire kitchen operations at the hotel, including an award winning portfolio of 11 restaurants, three bars and a well-reputed outside catering team.

As the President of the Emirates Culinary Guild since 1999, Chef Uwe has personally overseen the development and careers of some of the UAE’s most promising young Chefs. It’s this contribution and dedication that has earned him the prestigious accolade from the region’s number one entertainment magazine.

It’s been a successful few months for the culinary team at the Radisson Blu Hotel

Dubai, Deira Creek with the young team recently winning a number of medals at the annual Emirates International Salon Culinaire.

The event consists of a series of competitions across various categories. Competitors are evaluated by a panel of 25 renowned experts, mandated by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

Rodel C. Acala and Rovart P. Cagayat, both Kitchen Artists, won four medals each and Ishara Rangana, who competed for the ‘Best Young Chef’ trophy and as the ‘Youngest Competing Chef’ came home with three bronze medals. Overall the team walked away with an amazing three gold medals, five silver, 15 bronze and six certificates of merit.

It’s not just the Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek team that have been enjoying chef success. Chef Yousef from the Radisson Blu Resort in Aqaba, Jordan, recently took part in the Junior Culinary Challenge held in conjunction with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Chef Yousef stole the competition, and was awarded in no less than three categories. He was named ‘Overall Winner: Best Chef,’ winning himself a ‘once in a lifetime prize.’ He will be flown to France where he will take part in a

three month course at one of the country’s Michelin Chef starred restaurants.

And last but by no means least, two members of the culinary team at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, recently secured a stunning victory by winning the silver medal at the prestigious Anchor Master Chef Competition held in Dubai.

The Chefs triumphed over several other hotels and restaurants during the Bahrain leg of the competition. Yousif Al Basri and Sayed Hanif then went up against Chefs from all over the Gulf region in the final.

The Chefs faced the daunting task of creating a three course meal from the “mystery box”, these ingredients were only revealed once the competition started. They were then asked to create a starter, main course and dessert. The final dishes impressed the auspicious panel of judges so much the Chefs were asked to share their recipes. Coming in second place by a slim margin of just three points, the Chefs were delighted with their success in what was their first ever competition experience.

It seems that our hotels are breeding Champion Chefs!!!

CUlinarY ChaMpions


As part of the ongoing commitment to Responsible Business across the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, hosted a ‘Healthy Eating Day’, transforming the staff canteen in to a colourful and educational hub for the day.

The lunch included live cooking stations offering marinated grilled meats and fish, an extensive salad bar and choice of energy boosting carbohydrates. Plus a nutritional corner featuring fresh fruits and a not-so-sinful frozen yogurt bar, where the staff could design their own dessert with a choice of sweet fruits and protein-rich nuts and seeds.

The hotels are now planning to make the Healthy Eating Day a regular occurrence.

We all know that a healthy diet can help enrich your life both mentally and physically, giving you much more energy and lots of nutritional benefits. However working in a fast paced industry like we do it can be tough sometimes to make sure we stay healthy.

Chef Oscar from the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island has shared with us his Top Tips for eating healthy and a simple recipe that we can all make easily at home.

1 Eat smaller meals at regular intervals this helps keep your metabolism going

2 Make sure you have a good breakfast- it really is the most important meal of the day

3 Don’t eat too late- you want to give your stomach time to digest food before you go to bed

4 Eat simple ingredients cooked either steamed or grilled

5 And finally, always remember eating is for pleasure not a duty

Here’s a quick and simple recipe that we can all make easily at home.

sEA BAss with swEEt pUMpkin MAsh180gr fresh sea bass fillet6pc asparagus100gr vine tomatoes cherry15gr olive oil100gr peeled and diced pumpkin20ml milk

• Boilpumpkinandthenmashtogetherwitha little bit of milk & water, until smooth

• Steamasparagusfor2minutesthegrillwith a little olive oil

• Drizzleoliveoilonthecherrytomatoandroast in oven at 180 degrees C for 10 minutes

• Grillseabassuntilcookedthrough• Arrangeontheplate

healthY hoteliers happY hoteliers

4

Please put your hands together and give a big round of applause to the following people and hotels who have accomplished some fantastic achievements since the start of 2012.

YoUr lEAd YoUr rEwArdThe 2011 winners of the Middle East cross sales incentive programme, Your Lead Your Reward, have been announced.

It was a close run race but in first place was Hamza Tawfiq from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh, who brought the Millions’ Poet TV show to Hotel Missoni Kuwait, securing himself the much coveted top spot and an all expenses paid holiday. In second and third place were Hazem Aouad from Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown and Atef El Eskndarany, from Radisson Blu Hotel in Cairo Heliopolis. Truly a fantastic performance from all three.

priZEs And prEsEnts for pArk inn Two of our Park Inn properties in the region had something to celebrate in Q1. Park Inn by Radisson Muscat was awarded the “Leading Hotel in Responsible Business” ranking number one within the

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group for its efforts in energy consumption and other related initiatives.

The award was accepted by Mr. Rabih Zein, General Manager and was given by Mr. Kurt Ritter, President and CEO The Rezidor Hotel Group during January’s ABC conference.

The Park Inn by Radisson, Al Khobar recently celebrated its third birthday. The team have built up a successful and model Park Inn since opening back in 2009. They were named ‘Best Mid-Market’ Hotel in the inaugural ‘Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards’ in 2011 and awarded as Highly Commended ‘Best 4 Star Hotel in Saudi Arabia’ int he same awards in early 2012.

cAiro cElEBrAtEs After a very tough year for all in Egypt in 2011, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cairo

aWards and aChieveMents


decided it would celebrate those who make everything possible, even during the tough times, its staff! A party was held for all employees, with awards handed out to those special staff who went above and beyond last year.

Receiving the top honour was Mustafa Ahmed Ayad, Chief Concierge who was awarded Employee of the Year. Ashraf Naguib, General Manger, paid special tribute to all the employees, thanking them for their ‘outstanding work’ and ‘dedication throughout the past 12 months.’

trEnd sEttErsThree of the region’s hotels were recently honoured in Trip Advisor’s annual Traveller’s Awards. The Radisson Royal, Dubai, Radisson Blu Hotel Media City and Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria has been named in the Top 20 Trendiest Hotels category.

The awards, now in their 10th year, were created to recognise the world’s best hotels. The winners of each category are voted for by travellers themselves, based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

The Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai and Radisson Blu Hotel, Media City gained recognition in the Top 20 Trendiest Hotels in the whole of the Middle East. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria secured 7th place in the Top 20 Trendiest Hotels in Egypt, the hotel was the only winner in the city of Alexandria.

Trip Advisor is the world’s largest travel website, the awards are the result of consistently great feedback from the people that matter the most, the customers. All three hotels were commended for delivering a service that went above and beyond the guest’s expectations.

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invEsting in thE fUtUrEThe team at the Radisson Blu Resort Aqaba, Jordan, has finally seen the results of years of dedication to a very special Responsible Business project. Back in 2010 the hotel pledged money and more importantly time and skills to help deliver a fully furnished and functioning classroom for the Al Thamina Secondary School for Girls.

The classroom was officially opened to its students in February 2012 thanks to the skills of the hotel team, who all contributed months of work from painting to minor civil work, installing A/C units and curtains right through to computers, chairs and desks.

The result is an outstanding learning facility for young students, ensuring an adequate education for those who otherwise may not have got the opportunity for a full education. A shining example of true ‘Yes I Can!’ spirit.

roof-top wondErWe’ve all heard of root vegetables but roof-top vegetables are something different altogether. The engineering team at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City have set up a garden patch on the roof-top of the hotel. After several months of looking after the green spot, the team proudly presented a selection of home grown vegetables such as eggplants, green peppers, tomatoes, okra and coriander.

It took time, patience and dedication but it was worth it. The hotel now has its own little supply of organic goodies right in the heart Dubai Media City – Bon Appetite!

wAtEr An AwArd!The Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah received an award as one of the major sponsors of the recent Sharjah Water Festival, organized by the Sharjah Commerce and

Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The award ceremony took place at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce in January under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. During the event, the resort was awarded as one of the sponsors of Sharjah Water Festival and F1 Powerboat Racing.

tErrY foX rUn Staff from the Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels, Abu Dhabi Yas Island took part in the annual Terry Fox Run held in the UAE capital. The event, now in its 17th year, saw sixteen staff members and their families, take part in the event as part of the hotels’ commitment to Responsible Business.

The Terry Fox Run plays a major role in helping to raise cancer awareness in the local community. The event financially

responsiBle BUsiness


contributes to cancer research conducted in the UAE. This year, the Abu Dhabi run raised over 267,400 dirhams. Participants were invited to run, jog, rollerblade or walk the course that started on the scenic Abu Dhabi cornice.

“We care about the health and wellbeing of the people in the community around us,” said Torbjörn Bodin, General Manager

“Acting as a responsible business is a key ethic throughout the Rezidor group and our two hotels on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, are always keen to participate and contribute to local and regional events such as this.”

BAhrAin pArtnErs with snEhA A group of students from SNEHA, recently visited The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel for a morning of fun and games. SNEHA

is a school for mentally and physically challenged youngsters. The school is funded by the Indian Ladies Association of Bahrain with the aim of teaching the children essential life skills needed for their future.

“The children were a delight” said Jocelyn Ellana, Training Manager. “They thoroughly enjoyed the games we organized and the room was buzzing with their energy and laughter. When we played their school anthem of ‘We Shall Overcome’ they all joined in. The children generously brought a gift for us all, beautiful framed drawings which now take pride of place in my office.”

rEsponsiBlE BUsinEss BAck in Action The Human Resources and Responsible Business teams at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Tripoli recently joined forces to welcome over 30 local students from the city’s

Tourism & Hotel College. The students spent an afternoon with different departments throughout the hotel gaining hands-on experience in various fields.

Since the revolution ended in Libya in late 2011, ‘normal’ life has slowly begun to resume in the capital city of Tripoli. It is now of critical importance that the future generation have a first class education. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Tripoli is working closely with several community groups to invest in the surrounding community and the people affected by the revolution.

8


Each quarter the Middle East Up-Date will profile one of our outstanding team members from within our hotels. These people have gone above and beyond in their line of duty, displaying true Yes I Can! and Z-spirit. This month we talk to

Ajith Hettiarachchi, Bell Captain at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek,

where he was recently awarded with accolade ‘Host of the Year.’ Here he gives us an insight into what he loves about his job and his passions outside of the hotel.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? I’m originally from Sri Lanka, I have a wonderful family back home, including my caring wife and two beautiful daughters.

How long have you worked at the Radisson Deira Creek? I joined Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek in May 1996. Ever since, I have been loyal to the company for over 16 years. This hotel is what I call my “my home away from home”

What does your job as Bell Captain entail?I am in-charge of all activities regarding the hotel’s bell services. This includes, carrying and storing luggage, delivering messages, daily newspapers, running errands and providing general hotel facilities and services to our guests.

What’s the favourite part of your job?I love meeting people from all walks of life. I always want to help and assist guests in any way I can, it makes me very happy to provide them with a superior service and make their stay more comfortable. It’s the small things that matter. I have a positive attitude and a ‘Yes I Can!’ spirit. I felt so proud when I was recognized as ‘Host of the year’ in 2011.

If you were made GM for a day what would you do? If I was a GM for the day all employees would be treated like VIP guests for a day. Everyone would be picked up from their homes by a company car, with a warm welcome, coffee and hot croissants. After the morning meeting we would all have a half hour break with a personal instructor for a morning workout. I would make sure that the working day is six hours long and that each day employees can choose an extracurricular activity of their choice; perhaps a sport or language learning. In the evening I would throw a nice dinner party for all!

What’s the most unusual or funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?During the festive season, I remember, there was one guest who had three lovely kids, and his kids wanted to see a singing Santa Claus. They came to me, and I started singing very quietly but the kids seemed to like it a lot. I ended up singing Jingle Bells in front of 20 people and all of them were applauding. It was both, unusual and a funny moment but indeed memorable for the kids.

What does the Yes I Can! spirit mean to you?Yes I Can! spirit means going an extra mile to achieve 100% guest satisfaction. Guests are my priority and with positive Yes I Can! approach, I make sure that their stay is unforgettable and they always come back again. I always smile and I always strive to impress the guests with the small touches but great impacts!

When you were a child what was your dream job?During my childhood days I always dreamt about becoming a banker. The banker’s job has always fascinated me. However, I’m glad I’m now in the hospitality field.

In your spare time what do you like to do? I love listening to music; music always puts a smile on my face. I like to watch all kinds of movies especially documentaries and I like to travel and play with my wonderful kids.

If you would like to nominate someone in your hotel please for the next Middle East Update Yes I Can! star please contact your HR with the name, job title and the reasons why.

Yes i Can!

10

cElEB spotting The Middle East hotels have become a hot bed of celebrity activity in recent months, the region’s hotels have seen more celebrity visitors then the Oscar’s red carpet.

John McCain, the United States Senator, held a press conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Tripoli last month. George Benson, the 10 time Grammy Award winner, stopped by Japanese restaurant Icho in the Radisson Royal Hotel whilst performing at Dubai’s DU music festival. And lastly, football legend Diego Maradona stayed at the Park Inn, Muscat, where he enjoyed his very own specially designed cake, made to look like a football field.

events and aCtivities


Up-coMing EvEntsAHIC – The annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference28th May – 30th May Arabian Travel Market – the region’s biggest travel trade show is back and bigger than ever30th May – 3rd June Annual Yes I Can! pin ceremony – celebrating all those staff who have earned a diamond this year.30th May 6-7.30pm

QUEEn of pop coMing to YAsThat’s right the original Material Girl is coming to Abu Dhabi Yas island to perform two show-stopping concerts on the 3rd and 4th of June.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island have a limited amount of special packages left for the 3rd June. For just AED 2,988 you can enjoy two nights at the hotel, with breakfast and two tickets to the Madonna concert. The most talked about event in town, don’t miss out. lAdY lUck At icho, rAdisson roYAl hotEl dUBAiThere’s a new ladies night in town. As if Dubai ladies aren’t spoilt enough, now they can enjoy a delicious set menu and free house beverages, every Tuesday from 8-11pm. Booking in advance highly recommended.

nEw MEnU At lUnA, hotEl Missoni kUwAitLa Luna, the popular 18th floor restaurant at Hotel Missoni Kuwait, has introduced a new international inspired menu. The restaurant has introduced a sushi bar where diners will now be able to experience the freshest, homemade sushi, tamaki, sashimi and makimono on a daily basis.

Other highlights of the new menu include a range of seafood and meat dishes all inspired by various cuisines of the world. You can enjoy a scrumptious selection of salads and cold appetizers buffet (continental and oriental) alongside a tapas menu fusing together traditional Arabic delicacies with a hint of Asian and Mediterranean influence.

What’s happening

12

Q1 has seen a lot of changes across many of our hotels in the region. Please welcome the following people to the team or congratulate them on their new roles.

Rob Collier is the new GM at Radisson Blu Residence Dubai Marina, he joins us from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Manchester, and he replaces Khamis Kazzaz who is now GM at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown. We also welcome Freddy Faird as GM at the Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai and over in Kuwait we welcome Alfio Bernardini as the GM at Hotel Missoni.

Michael Nielsen, formerly at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kuwait has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manger at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Muscat.

We have two new Marketing and PR Manager’s in the UAE, Hana Fuchs has joined the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek and Charlotte Rossignol has joined the Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, all the way from our South Africa team.

We’ve had a couple of internal moves, with Rekha Jayawardana moving from the Radisson Blu Marina Residence to Director of Sales at Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek and Wael Wardah has made the short hop from our Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City property to take up Rekha’s former position as Director of Sales at the Marina.

Mohamed Idris joins Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo, bringing 25 years of experience to

his role as Director of Sales and Marketing. Cynthia Roldan has joined the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City as Assistant Spa Manager for its Senso Wellness Centre and Francesco Agus has been appointed F&B Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bahrain.

And last but by no means least, Subbaiah Aiyappa joins Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah as Revenue Manager, alongside Mohammad Saade as the new Meetings and Events Manager.

neW to the teaM

Rob Collier Khamis Kazzaz Freddy Faird Alfio Bernardini


Earlier this year it was announced that Rezidor and Carlson would join forces and become known as the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. But what does this mean for our region and all the staff who work here? Below are the simple facts and the partnership explained.

Are Rezidor and Carlson now one company? No. Rezidor and Carlson remain two separate companies – our collaboration is not a fusion or merger – but an opportunity to combine both companies’ key strengths. The legal status and ownership structure of Carlson and Rezidor remain the same.

So what does this extended partnership mean for Rezidor? The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will pursue the global alignment of and management of its brands, the ambitious development of its revenue generation, global purchasing, branding and people development. Commercial activities will be conducted under the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group name, irrespective of geographies.

How does this benefit us? We are now appearing as one operator on the worldwide hospitality market. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is now one

of the ten largest hotel companies in the world, which means we can offer greater value for all our shareholders. For staff, this means greater global career and development opportunities.

How did this partnership come about? Rezidor and Carlson have been working together since 1995. When Rezidor went public in 2006, Carlson became our largest share holder. Going to market as one, is the next natural step.

Carlson rezidor explained

thE fActs

• TheCarlsonRezidorHotelGrouphasaportfolio of over 1,300 hotels

• Aglobalfootprintcovering80countries• CarlsonRezidormanagesfiveworld-

class brands, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Missoni and Park Plaza. The Rezidor Hotel group still only manages the Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Missoni brands.

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE NExT MIDDLE EAST UP-DATE PLEASE CONTACT [email protected]

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CARLSON REZIDOR LOG ON TO CARLSONREZIDOR.COM

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Carlson Rezidor Middle East update