Group Head of Sales and Marketing for Sunland Hotels/Coco Collection

Currently Group Head of Sales and Marketing for Sunland Hotels/Coco Collection, in charge of all Commercial, revenue and Sales and Marketing activities, based in Male.

Seasoned hotelier of over 35 years having worked in the Middle East, Asia and Europe, having held senior VP Sales and Marketing positions in both Zurich and London. Previously as Vice President Sales and Marketing, was responsible for Sales and Global sales for over 40 hotels in EAME and India, and all the Sales and Marketing activities for the group out of Zurich and London.

Andrew is a fluent Arabic speaker and an Arabist, having grown up in the UK, Lebanon, Egypt and Greece.

How did you get started with your career?

As a receptionist at the Front desk at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain, and the Hyatt Regency Dubai in 1983.

What are some of your notable successes?

Being a lead global Sales trainer for Hyatt International from 1994 to 2004 having trained over hundreds of potential and future Salespeople is not only enjoyable but greatly satisfying at seeing many of them grow into future successes.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced?

Major upheavals and political changes in a country where I was based….Indonesia during the fall of Soeharto and the Egyptian revolution, and the effect these have on business into a particular market, such as Sharm El Sheikh, and how the Egyptians did and are doing what they can to turn round their tourism jewel.

What is your experience of TTM? What are you looking forward to in TTM 2018?

The first TTM was actually a good start with some senior buyers in attendance. Very pleasing and really looking forward to this year’s event.

What is your advice for young adults interested in entering the Tourism Industry?

A positive attitude!!!! Too many employers want to hire people with degrees as a minimum…why? Why not just hire for attitude and train for skills? I had no degrees or even A levels when I left school…..graft hard, also have a sunny and positive disposition, and you have a better chance of progress…..The hotel industry is not for everyone…long hours, poor pay, difficult managers and guests, BUT, if you start in the direction, work hard and have the right attitude, then the ‘world can be your oyster’.