Bassam Zakaria Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 GM Powerlist for the Middle East – 2024

Bassam Zakaria, the Cluster General Manager of dusitD2 Kenz Hotel & Dusit Princess Residences - Dubai Marina, has recently earned a distinguished position in Hozpitality's Best 30 General Managers in the Middle East power list. This notable recognition, achieved through votes from respected peers and colleagues, underscores his exceptional leadership qualities and tenacious dedication. The Hozpitality Group, known for its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry, meticulously organizes this prestigious acknowledgment.

An award-winning proactive hospitality management professional with an MBA degree in Strategic Management from the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière Helvétiquein Switzerland, Bassam boasts two decades of hospitality experience. His multifaceted leadership spans both commercial and operational aspects of the hotel business. Currently serving as the Cluster General Manager of dusitD2 Kenz Hotel in Barsha Heights and Dusit Princess Residences in Dubai Marina, Bassam is a highly motivated and practical leader known for overcoming challenges in an ambitious, creative, and collaborative way.

Bassam's long-term vision and commitment to the company's strategic pillars have driven the business's success. He is adept at business planning and aligning overall business objectives, having successfully initiated and overseen the planning and execution of cost-effective, well-running operations. Bassam has implemented numerous initiatives and strategies in operations, sales & marketing, and product development, all while prioritizing customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations through effective decision-making and problem-solving expertise.

Fostering teamwork in an open, pragmatic, and approachable way, Bassam has extensive experience working and leading in diverse, cross-cultural environments. His journey as a hotelier began humbly in the Front Office, enriching his conversance with hotel operations. Progressing through roles as Sales Executive, Director of Sales and Marketing, Director of Rooms, Residence Manager, and eventually General Manager, Bassam's consistent calling has been providing top-notch guest experiences.

As a General Manager, Bassam embraces a holistic management style, which is crucial in shaping the success of hospitality endeavors. He fosters a collaborative and empowering working environment, encouraging each team member to contribute unique skills and insights. Under his leadership, the hotels have initiated wellness programs that value the physical and mental well-being of the team. Beyond managing hotel operations, Bassam actively leads sustainability initiatives, focusing on waste segregation and minimizing water usage, resulting in a 20% increase in the company's recycling rate and noteworthy reductions in water consumption.

Looking ahead, Bassam has ambitious plans to modernize and digitalize various aspects of hotel services, enhancing the guest experience. He is committed to aligning sustainability strategies with government initiatives, promoting conscious and sustainable living. With a keen eye on the post-pandemic world, Bassam recognizes the influence of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in enriching traveler confidence and improving operational efficiency.

The hotels' ongoing technological updates aim to bring comfort and convenience to guests, with AI solutions providing better forecasting, improved operation efficiency, and a more personal, tailored, and seamless experience. Sustainability remains a significant focus, aligning with the global shift towards eco-conscious travel. Bassam acknowledges the importance of looking after employees' well-being and has instituted wellness initiatives within the team to improve their quality of life.

Bassam ensures exceptional guest satisfaction by fostering a guest-centric culture, supported by regular staff training programs emphasizing personalized service and effective communication. Proactively engaging with guests during their stay and monitoring online reviews allows the hotels to address concerns swiftly and continuously improve services. Responsive to guest feedback, Bassam exemplifies a commitment to a culture of continuous improvement, resulting in increased guest satisfaction, positive reviews, and enhanced guest loyalty.