The General Manager of Banyan Tree Doha shares his pride in his team, his property and his secret talent.

Before moving to Banyan Tree Doha, your career had been in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Why did you decide to come to the Middle East?
As a Venezuelan with a deep appreciation for the region, I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in those extraordinary locations. However, after over 20 years in the hospitality industry in Mexico, I yearned for a new and exhilarating challenge. When the opportunity arose to bring my experience with Banyan Tree to another level in the fast-growing city of Doha, I couldn’t resist. The timing was particularly exciting as I took over the role shortly before the World Cup.
Being able to contribute to the development of the first Banyan Tree property to open in the Middle East is an incredible privilege. The opportunity to be at the forefront of the brand’s expansion into the region is both a professional milestone and a personal source of pride. I am thrilled to be working alongside a passionate and talented team, dedicated to showcasing the best of Banyan Tree’s renowned service and creating unforgettable moments for our guests in this rapidly evolving destination.

What differences have you found in the management style and ethos in this part of the world, compared to your earlier experience?
The management style and ethos in this region reflect a unique blend of corporate professionalism, multiculturalism and a deep appreciation for the culture and heritage of Qatar. These aspects have profoundly influenced my professional journey and shaped my approach as a leader. With a diverse team of mostly expatriates, effective communication and fostering inclusion are vital to create a harmonious and collaborative environment.
We deeply acknowledge the significance of incorporating Qatar’s rich culture and heritage into our service. Guests in this region expect a level of service that transcends conventional standards, and we take immense pride in ensuring that every interaction and experience reflects the warmth, generosity and hospitality deeply ingrained in Qatari culture. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is intertwined with our aspiration to craft personalised experiences that deeply resonate with our guests. Going above and beyond the ordinary is not just a goal but an intrinsic part of our identity, as we strive to consistently deliver exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression.

What would you say are the best and worst parts of your job?
I take great pride in the positive impact we make on individuals, the team and the destination as a whole. Collaborating with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures is one of the highlights of my job. Working alongside such a dynamic team brings together a wealth of experiences and perspectives, enriching our work and fostering personal growth. The opportunity to contribute to the success of a renowned brand like Banyan Tree, be a part of Qatar’s remarkable journey as it opens its doors to the world and create exceptional experiences for our guests is truly rewarding.
As for the challenges, the fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry can sometimes be demanding. Managing multiple responsibilities and ensuring smooth operations requires effective time management and adaptability. Overall, the rewards of this job outweigh the challenges, and I find great fulfillment in contributing to the success of Banyan Tree Doha.

What are your future plans for Banyan Tree Doha?
Celebrating our second anniversary last month provided us with an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and chart the course for Banyan Tree Doha’s future. While we have already reached a remarkable level of excellence, we believe in continuous growth and improvement. Our commitment is to consistently elevate our services, offerings and guest experiences, surpassing expectations and creating unforgettable moments.
Looking ahead, our objective is to establish Banyan Tree Doha as a premier destination for luxury travellers, particularly couples and families, leveraging our privileged location in the prestigious leisure and luxury lifestyle hub Doha Oasis, and our close proximity to Doha’s main cultural attractions.
At the local level, our priority is to maintain our presence as a top-tier luxury destination in the Qatari market. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional dining experiences and unparalleled wellness journeys with our award-winning signature spa. In addition, we have recently launched exclusive health club memberships, granting access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalised wellness programmes to cater to the diverse needs of our esteemed guests.
Furthermore, we will be enhancing our culinary offering by the end of the year with the opening of a new venue, which will add to our current array of signature venues.

Do you have a hobby or secret talent you can share with us?
Certainly! I have a passion for staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I find joy in starting my mornings with exercise, engaging in activities such as cycling, running, swimming and playing tennis or football. Just a few months ago, I had an amazing experience participating in a thrilling cycling marathon right here in Doha. I also have a secret talent that my colleagues have had the opportunity to witness during our team gatherings – I love to sing! ✤