Brits Abroad: Janet Abrahams, Phonenicia and Le Vendome, Beirut
Janet Abrahams is the cluster director for sales, marketing, revenue and reservations at the Phoenicia and Le Vendome in Beirut. She tells Janet Harmer why the Middle East is such an energetic and focused place to work
What inspired you to initially work in the Middle East? My first working experience in the region was in Abu Dhabi 20 years ago. I really enjoyed the new cultural experience where women and expertise were respected and the opportunities appeared limitless. Returning nine years ago to Abu Dhabi was an easy decision. It's an amazing city, dynamic and forward thinking, focused on luxury tourism development, with a sales culture that is based on referral.
What makes the Middle East an attractive location to work within hospitality? Hospitality is at the forefront of the economic development, where the infrastructure of the industry is supported by world class airlines, hotels, entertainment and cultural development. The traditions of Arabic hospitality to warmly welcome are intertwined with high investment and contemporary thinking.
What are the best and worst aspects of living and working in the Lebanon? It's a cultural hub with a Mediterranean lifestyle and an almost untouched natural beauty, while at the same time being vibrant and free-thinking.
On the downside, it is challenging to implement longer term plans in a business environment that is dependent upon the stability of the region.
What are the key challenges of working in the region? The highs and lows of business demands are significant and can change within a moment, so you need to be prepared for every possible scenario and nothing can be taken for granted.
How easy has it been to get your various overseas jobs? Middle Eastern culture supports long-term business relations. So while the environment may be dynamic, if you have the experience, skills, results and recommendations, it is a region where a professional sales person can thrive.
Have you encountered any difficulties as a woman working in the Middle East? Quite the opposite; I have been treated with total respect and kindness. The cultural values displayed in or outside of business provide freedom and security with a courtesy that I have only experienced consistently in the Middle East.
Describe your current role I am responsible for achieving and exceeding budgeted revenue for room, conference and banqueting sales at the 446-bedroom Phoenicia Beirut and 60-bedroom Le Vendome. I manage a cluster team covering sales, marketing, PR, ecommerce, revenue and reservations for both, as well as representing the hotels as an ambassador to the global hospitality industry.
What aspects of hospitality in Beirut do you think the UK industry could benefit from? There are two. As experts in crisis management, the hospitality industry in Beirut stays motivated and drives through any business situation to achieve success, always finding the silver lining in any cloud. We also value consistency in team members, ensuring that regardless of technology, nothing competes with a welcome to a guest from the same person who knows their every special request and preference.
Is there a large British expat community in Beirut? The British ambassador and the embassy team are proactive and visible, and community engagement is high. For example, last year we had a series of events in Beirut to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.
Do you have plans to return to work in the UK and if so, what kind of role would you hope to move into? Having worked overseas for the past 20 years, coming home to London is always a pleasure and you appreciate the UK maybe more when you are a visitor. From a career perspective, you never know exactly what the future holds. I have always considered London to be the capital of luxury hotel diversity and it would be exciting to return with the benefit of the global experience I have gained.
CV JANET ABRAHAMS
2012-present - Cluster director, sales, marketing, revenue and reservations, Phoenicia and Le Vendome, Beirut, Lebanon
â- 2011-2012 - Area director, sales and marketing, Levant region, Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, based in Jordan
â- 2007-2011 - Executive director, sales and marketing, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
â- 2005-2007 - Area director, sales and marketing, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, Jordan & Palestine
â- 2004-2005 - Director, sales and marketing, Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi
â- 1991-2003 - Sales and marketing positions with Four Seasons, Meridien and Millennium hotels, based in the UK, Europe, UAE, Maldives and India
