Samer Homsi Recognized in Hozpitality’s Best 30 GM Powerlist for the Middle East – 2024

Samer Homsi, the General Manager of Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, has earned a well-deserved place in Hozpitality's prestigious Best 30 General Managers in the Middle East power list for 2024. This recognition acknowledges Samer's exceptional leadership and tenacious commitment to excellence, as his peers and colleagues have attested. The renowned Hozpitality Group, well-known for its dedication to industry excellence, meticulously curates this prestigious accolade.

Samer Homsi is an eminent General Manager, boasting an impressive track record of over two decades in steering and orchestrating teams within the dynamic realm of the hospitality industry. Renowned for his unparalleled interpersonal finesse and adept leadership acumen, Samer has cultivated robust relationships with his teams and clients, marking him a standout professional in his field.

Armed with a Bachelor's degree from the prestigious Hotel School Damascus, Samer further fortified his knowledge base by earning two distinguished higher diplomas in hotel management and rooms management, each adorned with honors. His commitment to continuous improvement is evident through completing various professional courses in hotel management, Sales & Marketing, leadership, and customer service.

Samer's illustrious career has seen him in pivotal leadership roles with renowned luxury brands, hotels, and resorts across the Middle East. From his tenure as the General Manager at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai to his role as the Chief Operating Officer at Mondo Hospitality, overseeing luxury establishments in Dubai and Malaysia, Samer has consistently showcased his expertise. His versatile experience encompasses key departments such as food and beverage, rooms division, and sales and marketing.

A strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills, Samer has consistently demonstrated meticulous attention to detail throughout his career. His proven ability to lead hotel teams to meet and surpass targets while exceeding guest expectations solidifies his standing as a top-tier General Manager. Beyond achieving operational excellence, Samer is dedicated to the mentorship and development of his team members, resulting in numerous successful internal promotions within his departments.

Outside the professional arena, Samer finds joy in travel and socializing, underscoring his well-rounded and engaging personality. It is without a doubt that Samer Homsi deserves to be recognized among Hozpitality's Best - General Managers Power List in the Middle East for 2024, demonstrates his tenacious commitment, exceptional leadership, and contributions to the hospitality industry.

Samer Homsi's journey in the hospitality industry began in Sales & Marketing with a renowned 5-star chain hotel. Starting as a Sales Executive, he progressively moved up the ranks, holding positions such as Senior Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM), Cluster Director of Sales (Cluster DOSM), Area Director of Sales and Marketing (Area DOSM), and eventually, Group DOSM. His transition to General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer in international hotel chains marked the next phase of his career. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated himself to leading and contributing to the success of the establishments he's been a part of. These experiences not only allowed him to contribute significantly to the success of the establishments he's been a part of but also gave him a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the Middle East's dynamic hospitality industry.

Samer describes his leadership style as collaborative and team-oriented. He believes in fostering an environment of open communication where each team member's input is valued. He aims to inspire his team to achieve their best by being approachable, motivating, and results-oriented. Through strategic thinking and results-oriented strategies, Samer has contributed to enhancing the hotel's overall performance. The emphasis on teamwork, credibility, and effective communication has boosted team morale and positively impacted the hotel's success.

Samer's leadership style has been pivotal in navigating and overcoming challenges, notably during the pre-opening phases of international chain hotels. These successful endeavors reflected his strategic planning skills over approximately three years. Additionally, during the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, his leadership played a crucial role in formulating strategic plans that ensured the team's and hotel's resilience and adaptability. These experiences underscore his ability to lead effectively in triumphant and challenging scenarios, employing strategic foresight and adaptability to succeed.

Samer has implemented several innovative strategies to elevate guest experiences and enhance operational efficiency in his hotel. He championed sustainable practices that earned the hotel's prestigious Silver Stamp 2023 from Dubai Tourism. Additionally, he led the team to achieve an A classification for food safety from Dubai Municipality, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards. Samer maintains a motivated team, instilling a sense of pride and commitment to exceeding guest expectations. This involves meticulous attention to detail and personalized follow-up, addressing all guest satisfaction and comfort matters.

In navigating and addressing challenges specific to the hospitality industry in the Middle East, Samer adopts a multifaceted approach. Proper benchmarking to understand industry trends and best practices, working closely with his team, actively listening, and monitoring market changes allows agile responses to evolving conditions. Additionally, maintaining strong and close relations with all business partners is paramount.

Samer fosters a positive and collaborative work environment within his team through several key strategies. He prioritizes motivation and appreciation for individual and collective efforts, recognizing the value each team member brings. Training is a cornerstone, providing opportunities for professional development that contribute to personal growth and team cohesion. Effective and transparent communication is maintained to ensure everyone is informed and engaged. Creating a professional yet friendly work atmosphere is essential, encouraging camaraderie and collaboration. Lastly, he firmly believes in and advocates for work-life balance, recognizing its importance in sustaining a healthy and productive team dynamic.

To invest in the professional development of his staff, Samer has undertaken various initiatives. This includes promoting team members based on their merits and achievements and appreciating and recognizing their efforts through salary increments. Organizing team-building activities fosters a collaborative and positive work environment. Ensuring the right person is in the right place is pivotal for success, aligning skills and roles effectively. Equipping the team with the right tools and resources is a priority, facilitating their efficiency and growth. Additionally, actively listening to their requirements and needs ensures a prompt, supportive, and responsive approach to their professional development goals.

To prioritize and ensure exceptional guest satisfaction in his hotel, Samer employs a comprehensive approach. Personalized service is a cornerstone, ensuring each guest feels valued and attended to. Elevating their experience through thoughtful upgrades adds an extra layer of delight. Motivating the team to exceed guest expectations is crucial, instilling a culture of excellence. Continuous training is provided to staff, emphasizing the importance of delivering amiable and professional service, including appropriate body language. Recognizing and rewarding loyalty, they offer additional benefits to loyal guests. Furthermore, guest feedback and reviews are actively considered, and prompt actions are taken to address and enhance their experiences. This commitment to excellence ensures a consistently high level of guest satisfaction.

A noteworthy instance where guest feedback directly influenced positive changes in their hotel's offerings occurred when guests suggested extending the happy hour. In response, they implemented this change, enhancing the overall guest experience during evening hours. Additionally, based on guest suggestions, they introduced a live entertainer at their F&B outlets to elevate the entertainment aspect of their services. Another impactful change resulted from guest reviews and requests, leading them to introduce a shuttle bus service to Dubai's iconic destinations. These instances showcase their commitment to actively listening to guest feedback, turning their suggestions into actionable improvements, and contributing to their overall satisfaction and enjoyment experience.