Christian Hirt to Lead Executive Team
of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels in Doha
HOSPITALITY EXPERT APPOINTED Managing Director of DUAL-BRANDED PROPERTY, SET TO BECOME QATAR’s DEFINING HOSPITALITY ICON
Doha, Qatar: Christian Hirt, a hospitality industry expert with more than 25 years of experience, has been appointed by Accor as Managing Director of the soon-to-open Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Doha – the iconic, dual-branded properties housed within Qatar’s landmark Lusail Towers.
Hirt, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration, brings to the leadership role almost three decades of hospitality and F&B expertise, honed in award-wining properties across Europe, Australia and the United States. He will head an experienced, multi-national executive team with many members having been involved in the launch and relaunch of national landmark hotels and resorts.
“Overseeing the opening of these two distinct properties that share a common vision to deliver the ultimate guest experience is an exceptional opportunity, even more so when they represent a country’s aspiring tourism and hospitality strategy,” said Hirt. “With Qatar set to be at the centre of the sporting world when it hosts the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup 2022 later this year, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Hirt moved to Qatar from the multi-award-winning Raffles Istanbul, where he spent six years as General Manager, built up an international clientele base and secured notable industry accolades including Travel & Leisure’s ‘Best City Hotel Europe 2019’, Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Best Hotel in Turkey’ and earning the hotel five stars in the Forbes Travel Guide for three consecutive years.
“Christian has the passion, pedigree, innovation and cross-cultural expertise needed to inspire and deliver the exceptional levels of service associated with both brands: Fairmont and Raffles, which will become synonymous with this iconic building,” said Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.
“Housed within an architectural marvel that will be instantly recognised globally as Qatar’s statement hospitality postcard, the properties will deliver on world-renowned quality services, and on the brand promise of one of the world’s most exciting emerging tourism destinations.”
The project’s newly appointed Executive Team includes French/Lebanese hotelier Hani Akkari, who will serve as General Manager of the 362 rooms and suites at the Fairmont Doha, and German hospitality professional Bernd Frank Knaier, who will be Hotel Manager at the 132-suite Raffles Hotel and Residences Doha.
Akkari, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management and a Master’s in Hospitality Management, brings extensive experience, including more than a decade working across Europe, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and, since 2017, Qatar. Knaier meanwhile has been a key member of the Raffles family since 2011, joining first the historic five-star Raffles Beijing, before moving to Raffles Singapore in 2014.
“The executive team charged with delivering our mission may come from different geographies and cultures, but all share a solid and passionate commitment to bring to Qatar an innovative approach to hospitality that will reverberate around the world. I am confident their combined efforts will firmly place Qatar on the world’s hospitality and culinary stage and set benchmarks that others will aspire to,” explained Hirt.
The towers are an architectural interpretation of Qatar’s national emblem of intertwined traditional scimitar swords. They mark the entry of both the Fairmont and Raffles brands into Qatar, following an agreement between Katara Hospitality, and Accor.
Both Raffles Hotel and Residences Doha and the Fairmont Doha are due to open in Q3 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
ENDS.
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in more than 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years.
Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with Food & Beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and coworking brands. To drive business performance, Accor’s portfolio of business accelerators amplify hospitality distribution, operations, and experience. Guests have access to one of the world’s most attractive hotel loyalty programs—Le Club AccorHotels.
Accor is deeply committed to sustainable value creation, and plays an active role in giving back to planet and community. Planet 21 – Acting Here endeavours to act for positive hospitality, while Accor Solidarity, the endowment fund, empowers disadvantaged groups through professional training and access to employment.
Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit accor.com. Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 80 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
Contacts media relations |
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Edamia Decour Cluster Director of Marketing Communications Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha T. +974 5090 2685 |
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Other contacts |
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Salwa Ghorayeb Account Director, Action Qatar T. +974 5523 1268 |
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This article was previously published on qatarmoments.To see the original article, click here