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LN Mallick
Doha
THE Torch Doha Hotel will be the hub of sports teams and personalities during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Three hundred metres tall with 360'b0 panoramic views across Doha, the hotel is the result of comprehensive architectural, engineering and technical design, formerly shaped to represent a colossal torch during the 15th Asian Games held in Doha in 2006 with a symbolic and the highest flame in the history of the Games.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune, the General Manager of the hotel, Sherif Sabri, with 27 years of experience in the hospitality sector, spoke about the hotel's successes, his tasks as its GM and his career. Excerpts:
Q) The Torch Doha celebrates five fruitful years from its opening. What contributed to the property's ongoing success?
A) Stability is the magic word. Our hotel succeeded to have the same management and the team working for more than five years which is considered as part of any institution's success.
Q) What can we look forward to from The Torch Doha in 2017?
A) Expansion, leadership in terms of service in the Doha market and more development for our team members.
Q) What initially inspired you to get into the hospitality sector?
A) I believe, changing career in the beginning of one's career is quite stimulating, if one finds a suitable job for himself.
Q) How has your experience affected your management philosophy?
A) Starting the career in accounting and auditing in banks gave me a better and in-depth understanding of how to monitor and control hotel business.
Q) Have you faced any challenges in the hospitality sector in the Middle East?
A) The great part of working in hospitality sector is the challenges, which we are facing everyday with the guests, employees and owners. But the most challenging situation was in one of the hotels, which was not designed as a hotel and I was requested to sell the property as a five-star hotel. Luckily, this property has been demolished now.
Q) Does the hotel's reputation translate into loyalty or has the new supply in the market affected business?
A) Hotels are targeting loyal guests, but the current situation with the oversupply and price war is making it difficult to maintain loyal guests.
Q) How do you keep your team motivated?
A) Continuous training and development can alone help you retain and motivate your team.
Q) What are the essentials for creating a memorable guest experience?
A) Offering services through well-trained employees having friendly spirit.
