Stefano Capaccetti, Managing Director at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, talks pre-opening challenges, building a destination and his passion for thrill seeking.

What first attracted you to the hospitality industry?
From a young age, I was captivated by the grandeur of hotels, their striking architecture and the seamless service that made each guest experience unique. During summer breaks, I would find myself fascinated by how everything worked together so effortlessly. When an opportunity arose to refine my language skills while working in hospitality, I took it without hesitation. I quickly realised that I found deep satisfaction in creating memorable experiences for guests, and that feeling stayed with me. That was when I knew this industry was my calling

With a career spanning more than quarter of a century, in recent years you’ve specialised in opening and preopening on multiple projects. What are some of the major behind-the-scenes challenges faced at this stage of a property’s development?
The biggest challenge is attracting global tourists to a completely new location. However, I strongly believe in Qatar’s offerings, and we’ve built a solid collaboration with industry leaders in hospitality and tourism to address this. By combining our expertise and resources, we’re working towards making Qetaifan Island North a must-visit destination.

At Rixos Qetaifan, you are responsible not just for the hotel but also Meryal Waterpark and Azure Beach Doha. How do you adapt to overseeing three very different businesses?
Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North and Meryal Waterpark are redefining the concept of integrated entertainment and luxury. We’re seeing a shift towards experiential travel, where guests want more than just a stay – they want adventure, exclusivity and world-class entertainment. Rixos is at the forefront of this, combining high-end hospitality with immersive entertainment. In the next few years, I see Doha and Qetaifan Island North emerging as a premier hub for global travellers looking for something unique.

After living and working in 11 different countries, you’ve said you aim to bring a global perspective to your leadership style. How would you define this?
Every role I’ve had has contributed to where I am today. Working in different markets and cultures has been a major advantage, particularly in understanding owner relations and effective negotiation strategies. Hospitality isn’t just about offering luxury; it’s about understanding people – whether they’re guests, employees or stakeholders. Living and working in 11 different countries has given me a global mind-set that helps me adapt to new challenges, handle complex situations and build strong relationships with teams from diverse backgrounds.

Your bio describes you as a ‘certified thrill-seeker’ – what do you get up to in your spare time and does your thrill-seeking extend to the rides at Meryal Waterpark?
My passion for adventure extends beyond hospitality. I’m a dedicated cyclist, a fitness enthusiast, and hence the ‘certified thrill-seeker’. One of my biggest passions is technical diving, which challenges me both physically and mentally. Exploring the underwater world is an experience like no other – it’s a completely different perspective on life, and it keeps me grounded. ✤