RAOUCHÉ ARJAAN BY ROTANA
TBY talks to Hala C. Massaad, General Manager of Raouché Arjaan by Rotana on tourism sector.
BIOGRAPHY
Hala C. Massaad has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She graduated from the European School of Management and after a series of trainings across different hotel groups, she joined Rotana in 2009 as the executive assistant manager of Rotana City Center Doha, assisting the general manager in the preopening of a 500-room hotel. Today, Massaad is the General Manager of ‘Raouché Arjaan by Rotana,’ making her the first woman to take on such a leading role in the hotel group. She previously spent 12 years with Intercontinental Hotels Group serving in a number of key management roles.Can you tell us about Raouché Arjaan's presence in Beirut?
Rotana is a fast-growing chain that operates 65 hotels in 23 cities across 12 countries with a pipeline of 10 hotels to open before the end of 2020; it is one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Raouché Arjaan by Rotana opened its doors in October 2009 and this year marks its special 10-year anniversary in Beirut. The hotel has 175 elegant and spacious rooms and suites, most of which look out onto to the Mediterranean Sea and Pigeon rocks, equipped with kitchenette facilities and a uniquely personalized service.
What are the strengths and special features of Raouché Arjaan by Rotana?
Apart from our stunning rooms and suites, our hotel's location is convenient and makes us the best choice for all types of travelers. The hotel's hidden gem, the Aquarius pool bar and terrace on the 17th floor, is the place to be during sunset and the number one choice for private functions.
What is your outlook on the tourism sector?
Many new hotels have opened during the past few years, with a new uprising trend of Lebanese guesthouses that have created a uniquely traditional and authentic journey. This has given the country a different edge, mostly for those wanting to experience the city and the villages during the same trip. We are confident that with such stability, the business and market will grow further, allowing other chains or stand-alone hotels to open. The first quarter was extremely good, the summer outlook and forecast is comparable and for the remainder of 2019 indicators show that the situation will remain good. Overall for the tourism sector and the Lebanese economy this will be promising.
RAOUCHÉ ARJAAN BY ROTANA
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