Peter Van Den Berg Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Peter Van Den Berg's excellent leadership and commitment to perfection have established him as a driving force in the F&B sector, helping to ensure voco® Dubai's sustained success and reputation.
Peter Van Den Berg, Food & Beverage Manager at voco Dubai, has been honoured as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East for 2024. With an impressive 18 years of hospitality experience, including 15 years in F&B management and five distinguished years with IHG Hotels and Resorts, Peter exemplifies seasoned leadership and a deep-rooted expertise in the industry. His contributions to voco® Dubai have driven significant advancements in both financial performance and guest satisfaction.
During Peter's tenure at voco® Dubai, he has achieved remarkable financial results. His keen resource management led to a 0.8% reduction in food costs, even as food quality improved. Through effective supplier negotiations and trade deals, Peter also managed to lower beverage costs by 1.4% compared to budget. Additionally, labor costs were reduced by 1.4%, reflecting his efficiency in resource allocation.
Under his leadership, voco® Dubai has experienced exceptional growth in guest numbers and revenue. Peter's initiatives resulted in a 21.4% increase in guest numbers versus budget and a 6.3% rise compared to the previous year. Average Check also saw a 5.5% increase, indicating higher guest spending. These advancements contributed to a 40% year-over-year revenue increase and exceeded budget expectations by 4.5%, while profit margins rose from a budgeted 43.7% to 48.9%.
Peter's transformative impact extended to the ranking of Windows Bar & Lounge on TripAdvisor, which soared from 1018 to an impressive 27, securing a perfect 5/5 rating and earning the Travellers' Choice Award. He also spearheaded improvements in breakfast and overall F&B ratings, raising scores significantly—from 78.5 to 85.05 for breakfast and from 76.04 to 84.70 for overall F&B. This comprehensive approach to enhancing guest satisfaction is further reflected in the hotel's overall service rating, which increased from 80.40 to 86.77.
Peter's focus on innovation and sustainability has been central to his success. He introduced new menus and themed dining experiences, enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction. His commitment to sustainability is demonstrated by the implementation of the Winnow Food Waste management system and Klimato sustainable menus, reinforcing his dedication to environmental responsibility.
Additionally, Peter’s leadership extends to employee development, with a 22% increase in Colleagues Heart Beat and voco® Dubai’s certification as a Great Place to Work. His efforts have earned him recognition as the F&B regional champion for IHG – Premium, Essentials, and Suites. Under his leadership, voco® Dubai has risen from 4th to 2nd place in the Guest Satisfaction Index (GSI), showcasing his profound impact on guest loyalty and satisfaction.
Peter Van Den Berg’s exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence have positioned him as a driving force in the F&B sector, contributing to the continued success and reputation of voco® Dubai.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE