General Manager Hilton Dream Plaza

A veteran hotelier. have been in the hotel business for over 25 years, started out his career as an account executive in the sales department and took a journey through many different positions finally leading to the general management position.

When did you join the Hilton Dream Plaza team?
I joined the Hilton Green Plaza team almost one year ago.

What can be done regarding Tourism in Egypt and all the threats that are facing tourism nowadays in Egypt?
In my opinion, the media has a very important role to play by being transparent about how tourism offers a great help to the economy. They should also focus on the positive aspects in Egypt and shedding light on how safe and secure touristic areas are, thus grabbing the tourists’ attention and making them feel safe enough to visit Egypt. As hotel management we should focus more on what we do best, which is focusing on offering our guests the best quality service that they deserve.

Of course you heard all the comments that Al Noor Political party (Salafieen), has declared in relation to tourism, what are your thoughts? And do you consider it a hazard to tourism?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So far what has been said has not been direct and straight forward about tourism. They are a minority that doesn’t represent Egypt; its beliefs and norms. I’m not sure what affect their philosophies will have on tourism but I’m sure that they don’t speak for all Egyptians.

What can Egyptians sequentially do to boost our beloved countries tourism?
Egyptians should just be themselves, with their genuine authentic hospitality. They should focus on their love for their country by making it cleaner and preserving out monuments.

How could we change the Egyptian culture and concept about tourism and educate people on how to treat tourists?
Learning about culture and how important it is to tourism, which is very integral to the Egyptian economy, children at school need to be taught about the Egyptian history in a suitable way and the importance of sharing this history with others. They should also be taught how to be courteous and hospitable towards others who are visitors in our home.

Managing hotels are a responsibility, what is your strategy in managing and reaching the best results within your hotel?
Two things, communication and transparency; if you foster a culture based on these two pillars you can guarantee superb results.

Do you consider the Hilton chain as successful as it always has been in Egypt?
Hilton is one of the leading hotels in Egypt. We started out with one hotel in Cairo, now we have eighteen hotels covering almost all Egyptian touristic areas.

Are you feeling optimistic regarding the existing situation in Egypt?
So far I’m neutral. Revolutions and change take time, so it is still too soon to tell how things will end up.

A final word for the Egyptian People…
Love yourself and love your country.