Roy Bou Gharios, General Manager of voco Beirut Central District

1. Key milestones from my professional journey and how they shaped my leadership style:
   My career in hospitality started early back in 1999, when I completed my studies at Ecole Hotelière in Dekwaneh. I then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at Université de Perpignan and later a Business Management degree from Vatel France. These educational experiences provided a solid foundation in both the operational and strategic sides of hospitality. My career has been a journey of learning and growth, having held various roles from Food & Beverage, Front Office and eventually Sales & Marketing. What truly shaped my leadership style is the combination of hands-on operational experience and a deeper understanding of business management. Leading voco Lebanon, I focus on being adaptable, empathetic, and collaborative which are values that I learned through my extensive experience in the industry.
2. What attracted me to the voco brand and its differentiation:
   After spending several years in traditional upscale hotel brands, voco’s unique approach to hospitality really appealed to me. It combines casual luxury with sustainability which are two key pillars that are of interest to the modern traveler. The fact that voco is part of the IHG group gives it global reach, but it still has a very distinct personality and is less formal compared to other upscale brands.
3. What drew me to voco Lebanon and how has my experience been:
   I was drawn to voco Beirut because of the opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a city like Beirut, one with such a rich culture and history in hospitality. After serving as General Manager at the Monroe Hotel for nearly four years, I was looking for a new challenge and voco Lebanon offered just that, combining the challenge of launching and leading a new property with the potential for great success in a competitive market. The experience so far has been rewarding. We have an enthusiastic team here, and it’s been fantastic to watch everyone come together to bring the voco brand to life in Lebanon.
4. voco’s blend of casual luxury and sustainability in Lebanon:
   The fusion of casual luxury with sustainability really shines through in Lebanon. We are in a region where luxury is appreciated, but there’s also a growing demand for conscious, sustainable practices. At voco Beirut, guests experience high-end services but in a more relaxed, accessible environment. Sustainability is not just a concept but something we actively integrate; from using local ingredients in our F&B offerings to reducing waste and recycling in daily operations. Our guests can indulge in a luxury experience without guilt, knowing they’re part of a movement toward responsible travel.
5. Exciting new projects, services, or experiences this year:
   At voco Beirut, we’re working on introducing several new projects that are all about elevating the guest experience. One of the most exciting is the opening of our rooftop lounge, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on cocktails or enjoying a local culinary experience.
   On the other hand, sustainability continues to be a key focus, and soon, we’re rolling out new initiatives that will reduce our environmental footprint even further.
6. Balancing global brand standards with Lebanese culture:
   This is one of the key aspects that makes voco Beirut unique. While we follow the global standards set by the brand, we make sure these standards are interpreted through the lens of Lebanese culture. For example, our team’s warmth and hospitality are rooted in the local culture, and we incorporate Lebanese flavors and ingredients into our food and beverage offerings.
7. Evolution of the hospitality industry in Lebanon and the region post-pandemic:
   The hospitality industry in Lebanon and the broader region is rebounding strongly post-pandemic, with local and domestic tourism playing a key role. I believe hoteliers should focus on staying ahead of trends while delivering memorable experiences.
8. Strategies to attract VIPs and high spenders while maintaining exclusivity:
   At voco, we aim to create a space where luxury and exclusivity go hand in hand. For VIPs, we focus on providing personalized experiences; whether it’s private events, tailored excursions, or exclusive access to certain hotel areas. Our approach is all about attention to detail and ensuring that our guests feel valued and taken care of. At the same time, we maintain exclusivity by offering services that are not easily accessible to everyone, ensuring that each experience feels unique.
9. My vision for voco Lebanon in the next 3-5 years:
   Over the next few years, I envision voco Beirut becoming one of the leading upscale hotels in Beirut. We’re focusing on creating a unique blend of luxury and local culture that will keep guests coming back. My goal is to improve guest services and enhance the hotel’s role in the local community. We want to be the go-to destination for both international travelers and Lebanese locals, offering a space where they can experience the best of Beirut.
10. Sustainability and technology integration while maintaining luxury:
    Sustainability and technology are crucial in today’s hospitality landscape. At voco Beirut, we’ve integrated energy-efficient systems and waste-reduction programs throughout the hotel. We also embrace technology, using smart systems to enhance the guest experience. However, technology never replaces the personal touch; it simply complements the high level of service our guests expect. The challenge is finding that balance where luxury, technology, and sustainability coexist seamlessly.
11. Essential leadership qualities in today’s hospitality industry:
    In today’s hospitality industry, adaptability is key. Whether it’s navigating challenges like the pandemic or managing a diverse team, being able to adjust is crucial. Leadership also requires emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with people, both your team and your guests. A great leader is someone who motivates their team, listens actively, and makes decisions that are in the best interest of everyone involved.
12. Advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs in hospitality:
    My advice to young professionals in hospitality would be to stay open-minded and never stop learning. The industry is evolving, and being adaptable is a major advantage. Start by gaining diverse experience across different hotel departments to understand the full scope of operations. And remember, relationships are at the core of hospitality. Build connections, respect people and always focus on delivering excellent service.
13. Personal quote or philosophy:
    “Hospitality is about creating connections between people, cultures and experiences.” This philosophy guides everything I do. Whether it’s ensuring our guests feel at home or making sure our team works together as one, it’s all about building meaningful relationships and delivering experiences that last.