“Besides the knowledge he has acquired over the years, Awad has always had a gifted talent for crafting unforgettable reservation experiences and going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. In addition to his outstanding performance, it is particularly his passion that catches the eye of all his colleagues,” Amr, HR Manager, Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.
What has your Kempinski journey been like?
I started my career during my first short journey of one year with Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay as a Front Office receptionist in 2012. Then I moved to Dubai for a three-year career journey. After I enthusiastically rejoined the Soma Bay team as a Reservations supervisor in 2017, I was very excited to continue my career at Kempinski and contribute to an international brand with such a rich history, which makes me feel proud to work for. I was lucky to start my career with Kempinski, where I learned the basics to be a true hotelier. Over the last few years, I have developed my skills and gained a huge amount of experience, which has helped me continue growing in my career in Revenue and Reservations. In 2019, I was successfully promoted to Assistant Reservations Manager, which was a form of appreciation from the hotel management for my efforts during the previous two years; this gave me an opportunity to challenge myself and set new goals for my future. With the assistance and encouragement of my HOD and the hotel management, I was able to develop myself by learning to grow. Finally, I was promoted to Reservations Manager in 2022, which has been one of the best moments in my career.
What was your favourite moment?
My favourite moment was the reopening after a closure of four months due to Covid-19. The date, which I will never forget, was 23 July 2020. We started the first day with 110 rooms and the arrival of more than 200 guests. It was a great restart after the hard and challenging times of the pandemic. Guest engagement was not an easy task via phone and email when satisfying our guests with the best booking option and maximising the hotel revenue.
What do you like about your role and Kempinski?
Simply, it is all about people. We are like a true family. The team spirit cannot be felt anywhere else. The hotel view of the Red Sea with a breathtaking sunset behind the Red Sea Mountains is a top demand from all our guests.
Kempinski always supports and invests in its employees. There are always opportunities to succeed and grow in your career. Whoever works at Kempinski will never forget their experience over the years. Working at Kempinski has changed me a lot, converting me from a beginner hotelier to a proud Kempinski hotelier. I became well organised, committed, consistent and very attentive to detail.
Any unknown facts about your hotel you would like to share?
The long-lasting impression that guests and staff have of the hotel. We have guests who have been visiting us every year for ten years.
Any favourite moments with guests?
A repeat guest wanted to book at the last minute during New Year, and we were fully booked. I put the guest request on the waiting list. Two days later, we received a cancellation, and I called the guest, who was very happy to book and enjoy the New Year in Soma Bay. We were also able to arrange a nice table for the Gala Dinner.
A beautiful performance means that the service provided not only fulfils but also exceeds the expectations of guests every time they visit us. Crafting beautiful performances has been taught from the beginning at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, and how each guest interaction can remain in a guest’s memory forever. I am proud to be part of the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay family with colleagues who I have been working with here for ten years.
Any words for someone considering joining Kempinski?
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a great place to join at any stage of your career, whether you have just started or have years of experience. Here, you can develop yourself and learn to craft your career. With experience working at Kempinski as well as another brand, I can emphasise that it is a completely different experience, with everything well arranged for learning, developing and growing in all aspects.