people A: I don’t consider myself as a
Mr Abela and his team
workaholic; however I love my job and that is why I spend a couple of extra hours at work. For me, work is a passion and I always look forward to grow in my career, as it makes me always looking forward for my future.
If you could live your life all over again, what career path would you choose and why? A: We all know this will never happen. But I will not change one single thing from what I did in my past, as this is exactly what I always wanted. When I got my first job in a 5 star hotel I was interviews by the Food and Beverage Director and he asked me a very direct question, “Where you want to be in 12 years’ time?” My reply was “Kick you out and take your chair” and that is exactly what happened.
Do you have any ‘words of wisdom’ you could share with our readers? A: The hospitality industry is an amazing
Eman Abela,
Mr Eman Abela (right) at work
General Manager, Regency Halls Photography Jessie Palanca
On top of it all – what is it like to be the General Manager of Regency Halls? A: It is an amazing experience. It is my first time in such position and I was granted with the best place ever to manage, it is like running a mini hotel having exactly the same departments like a hotel but with no rooms, so the full concentration for sales is always on food and beverage — something that is my real strength. Having several ladies and gentlemen from different cultures it gives me the opportunity to learn, learn and always learn more.
Does your unique venue only focus on weddings, or is it looking to expand in other areas? A: We are very popular for weddings; however in the past two years I managed
to take these halls a step forward and we do several outdoor caterings and a lot of corporate events for several high profile companies and also governmental identities.
Tell us about what were you doing before you arrived to Qatar. A: My last position was a Director of Catering and Conference services with Ritz Carlton Hotel and Spa in Bahrain, I had there an amazing two years experience. Prior to that I was a Director of Banquets in Libya with Corinthia Hotels International. During these years I was also was in charge of all catering related matters to Muammar Gaddafi, which was also an amazing and very hectic experience.
You seem very intense and dedicated. Would you consider yourself a workaholic?
career. Some of you out there use this line to get some pocket money starting as a waiter or waitress; however, the best General Managers are always those that starts as a waiter, waitress, housekeeping attendant or cleaner so I always tell my employees, take your career seriously as we all have to move forward in our careers and one day it will be your turn.
When a on vacation When you first arrive at a hotel, what is the first thing you notice as a guest? Cleanliness and the efficiency of the concierge team is the most important as this the face of the hotel. If the face is not good, God only know what can happen inside. When you book your trips – what service do you use – call a travel agent, surf the net, mobile app? My secretary or my wife. I always go through the net and then finalize via travel agency. What would fail your quality test in a hotel or resort? Spelling mistakes on menus, delays in room service and [lack of] cleanliness. Do you roll, back pack or lug luggage? I always do my best to use hand luggage, as I hate being stuck waiting for luggage.
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