Interview: Mohamed Mahmoud on shifting staff expectations post-pandemic

Having studied hospitality management and graduating with flying colours from Helwan University in Egypt, Mohamed Mahmoud embarked on a path into hospitality and never looked back. Prior to taking on his most recent role at the new InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, he was part of the pre-opening team carrying out an InterContinental hotel conversion in Saudi Arabia.

Connecting Travel met with Mahmoud to find out more about his new role, his new hotel and how the industry has changed post-pandemic.

Connecting Travel: Have employment expectations changed post-pandemic?"always on" marketing across digital, print, radio and partnerships seek to build a top-of-mind position for our audience. And then, of course, once you have guests at your property, it's about ensuring that they come back.

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah beachfront villa

CT: What are your key source markets?
MM: Currently, our key source markets are the GCC, the UK, Germany and CIS.

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CT: How do you attract and cater to guests from the GCC?
MM: I think external communication needs to be localised for GCC audiences, meaning that copy and visuals need to reflect this audience's specific expectations. And then, once on property, GCC guests value their privacy and gravitate towards our villa experience.

Beachfront Private Pool Villas have proven especially popular with the GCC market

CT: With travel opening back up, are staycations still an important revenue driver?
MM: Even with travel opening up, travel – especially in European and North-American destinations – has been congested and has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. So, this means staycations have remained popular with UAE residents this summer, and as the weather starts to cool, I'm sure it will continue going forward.

CT: How is the regional hospitality sector performing in 2022?
MM: Regional occupancy levels are gradually returning to pre-pandemic level and confidence has definitely returned. For Ras Al Khaimah, we expect over 1 million visitors before the end of 2022 so it is definitely a great sign for the market.

For more information, visit www.icrasalkhaimah.com