Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector.
Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC).
She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book.
She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter.
Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.
It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
Laurent A. Voivenel’s take on AI during the Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023
During the Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023 panel on “Hotel Innovation: How to ensure relevance today and tomorrow,” Laurent A. Voivenel, SVP of operations and development EMEA and India Group Human Resources and Talent Development of Swiss-Belhotel International, highlighted the potential benefits and risks of AI. The panel was moderated by Christopher Lund, executive director and head of hotels for the MENA region at Colliers International, and other speakers on the panel included Imran Changezi, development senior director of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority; Ian Wilson, regional director for hospitality of NEOM; and Chadi Hauch, regional VP lodging development ME of Marriott International.
Voivenel stated: “While AI has emerged as a powerful tool for productivity enhancement through automation and virtual assistance, consumer behavior analysis and the personalization of services, it is important to understand its risks too. Like any technology, it is vulnerable to many dangers, and users must consider the downside related to data privacy and security breaches, as well as the centralization of power in a few companies. While it presents an opportunity, it also comes with a responsibility.”
Commenting on how hotels can attract top talent, Voivenel said: “To attract top talents, hotels must create a positive work culture and offer competitive compensation packages with exciting learning and growth opportunities for all-round career development. It is important to provide the right training for employees to learn new skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry in order to excel in their jobs and achieve the highest guest satisfaction. As technology plays an increasingly important role in improving operational efficiency, enhancing the guest experience, and increasing revenue, it is critical for hotels to train their staff to use technology. The training process should begin by assessing the current level of technological proficiency among the staff. This will help the hotel identify areas where training is most needed. Hotels should also ensure that the training provided is ongoing and includes updates on new technology and changes to existing technology. Regular training and refresher courses can help keep staff up to date with the latest advancements and ensure that they can make the most of the technology available to them. Hotels should invest in the right infrastructure to support technology and AI, such as high-speed internet, cloud-based systems and robust data management systems. This will enable them to leverage technology effectively and efficiently.”
Voivenel added, “At Swiss-Belhotel International, we have introduced personnel progression programs for skill-building and enrichment. These were rolled out in each department of our hotels to leverage people’s capabilities, accelerate their progress, and help them realize their full potential. They have been extremely effective in keeping staff motivated to do amazing things while developing successors.
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Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.