JEDDAH – Rotana Hotels will introduce five new locations in the Kingdom, a move that will create job opportunities for the local workforce. Recently operating a hotel in Makkah, two new hotels will soon open in Jeddah in addition to two in Riyadh and one in Al-Khobar, the company announced at a media roundtable here on Sunday. Taking part in the Rotana Hotels GCC Tour 2016, the company's chief operating officer Guy Hutchinson said more than 1,000 jobs will be available for the Saudi labor market. When asked about the challenges with recruiting local talent in the hospitality sector, Hutchinson said "we've been operating our hotel in for the past five years with no issues. If you provide the right working environment and learning for your team, it works." "Everywhere we operate, it's all with a nationalized workforce," he added. "For us it's about engagement, communication, and opening development paths for people. I think if you can open people to a positive experience, then they'll stay and they'll enjoy it and pursue it as above 80 percent of the workforce currently in Rotana hotel in Makkah are Saudi nationals." On the work environment, Hutchinson said focusing just on salaries are not enough to attract employees, whereas valuing employees and creating a suitable work environment for them are equally important. "It takes you to a certain level further. It's very much about engagement." Hutchinson added that one secret to long-term success is connecting with local communities. He added "we're focused on the people component." "The hospitality sector can be very rewarding particularly if you have a passion for the experience or passion for people interaction," he said, adding that hoteliers enjoy having an influence on guests' experience during their stay. "We have not really had any challenges in bringing the local team members," he added, referring to a number of Saudis onboard the operating team of the new hotel in Jeddah that plans to open this spring. Twenty percent of Rotana's guests are Saudis with an annual increase of 8 percent in revenues and guest numbers. Currently, 40 percent of Rotana's room revenue are generated from the GCC region. Two branches of Centro Rotana will be opened in Riyadh this year, as well as, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, which will be opened in the first quarter of the year. Hutchinson explained that the company is planning to open Centro Corniche in Al-Khobar by the end of 2016. By 2020, the company plans to reach around 100 hotels in different cities, with this year in Jeddah, Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Bahrain, and Istanbul.
