Amir Golbarg Recognized Among Hozpitality's Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Amir Golbarg's exceptional career spans ten countries and includes interactions with over 100 nationalities. His journey is distinguished by a passion for hospitality, a profound commitment to excellence, and a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Hozpitality Group proudly acknowledges Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President of Minor International, Middle East & Africa, as one of the Top 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2024.
With a remarkable career spanning over ten countries and interactions with over 100 nationalities, Amir Golbarg's journey is marked by his passion for hospitality, a deep commitment to excellence, and a holistic approach to sustainability.
Throughout his tenure, Golbarg has brought his expertise across a range of operational areas, including Rooms Division, F&B, Sales & Marketing, and Finance. His leadership extends beyond managing operations, as he is a driving force behind sustainable luxury in the hospitality industry. His work has helped develop key strategies in sustainability for Minor Hotels, encompassing the environment, community, and guest operations while ensuring the development of his team members.
Golbarg's leadership at Minor International is characterized by his ambition to achieve sustainability at every level of hotel operations. He has spearheaded several green initiatives across Minor Hotels' properties, embracing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Golbarg believes in integrating indigenous sustainability into luxury experiences, ensuring that the environmental impact of the hospitality sector is minimized.
One of the standout initiatives under his leadership is developing a strategy for Minor Hotels to become a net-zero organization by 2050. This strategy aligns with science-based targets and incorporates innovative green technologies and practices across all properties. This vision has already begun to bear fruit, particularly at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, where sustainability efforts, including energy and water-saving measures, have resulted in AED 1.4 million in annual savings. The resort has also been awarded Silver status in the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp 2023 from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
In addition to operational sustainability, Golbarg has also championed cultural and educational initiatives. At Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Golbarg introduced the concept of Ezba, an artistic and educational farmhouse center that highlights the importance of sustainability. This initiative combines environmental stewardship with preserving the UAE's natural habitats and cultural heritage, ensuring a lasting impact on the community and environment.
At the brand level, Golbarg advocates for Anantara's Dollar for Deeds initiative, a CSR program encouraging guests to contribute to environmental and community causes. Under this program, Minor Hotels matches guests' contributions, ensuring that each stay supports impactful projects that benefit the local environment and community. Initially launched in Thailand, this program has been successfully rolled out across the Middle East, adding another layer of commitment to responsible tourism.
Amir Golbarg's career reflects his dedication to fostering team development, driving sustainable practices, and consistently elevating operational excellence. From his early days in asset management at Katara Hospitality to his current role overseeing the operations of Minor Hotels in the Middle East and Africa, Golbarg's influence on the hospitality industry is profound.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE