Senior executives from Viceroy, Jumeirah, Rosewood, Marriott International, and DAMAC highlighted ​the measures their companies are taking to ensure the safety of guests while continuing to provide superior guest experiences. This came in a webinar hosted by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council that is part of its “Back to Business” series.

Please click here to view a recording of the videoconference. A short summary of these health & safety measures can be found here.

This webinar, which took place on September 22nd 2020, featured ​five distinguished hospitality executives from elite hospitality brands: Mr. Jean Faivre, Senior Vice President – Hospitality, DAMAC Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Jonas Malheiro, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Europe & Americas, Jumeirah Group; Mr. Craig Senior, Director of Global Sales for Middle East & Africa, Rosewood Hotel Group; Mr. Sandeep Walia, Vice President U.A.E., Marriott International; and Mr. Bill Walshe, CEO, Viceroy Hotel Group.

Clockwise from Top Left: Mr. Bill Walshe, CEO, Viceroy Hotel Group; Mr. Craig Senior, Director of Global Sales for Middle East & Africa, Rosewood Hotel Group; Mr. Jean Faivre, Senior Vice President – Hospitality, DAMAC Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Danny Sebright, President, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council; Mr. Jonas Malheiro, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Europe & Americas, Jumeirah Group; and Mr. Sandeep Walia, Vice President U.A.E., Marriott International

In their opening remarks, the five panelists provided ​Business Council members and partners with ​important updates relating to key properties operating in the U.A.E. and the anticipated reopening of additional properties. Future operation plans in a post Covid-19 environment, including for recently opened properties, such as the Viceroy Washington, D.C., were also discussed. The speakers underlined how they remain committed to delivering ​the stellar customer service ​that has differentiated them from their peers.

Following the panelists​’ remarks, ​Business Council President Danny Sebright moderated a lively question and answer session with the panelists ​during which they walked through the guest experience in this environment. ​Moreover, they discussed what technologies and innovations will change the future of the industry, well after the end of the pandemic.

The video call was attended by executives from leading American and Emirati companies in several business verticals as well as by U.A.E. tourism officials.

For more information about the Business Council’s work in the hospitality sector or its Back to Business webinar series, please contact Mary Zuccarello, at mzuccarello@usuaebusiness.org