David Allan has been working in hospitality since 1995. He studied Hospitality & Tourism at the University of Strathclyde and graduated with a BA Joint Honours. He has worked all across the UK and Ireland starting off in Food & Beverage and has been a General Manager since 2008, then he moved to the UAE in 2014. David Allan has been the Cluster General Manager at Radisson Hotel Group, UAE, for over six years.
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Q. How is it financially rewarding to invest in hospitality in Dubai?
It can be particularly lucrative, but that of course depends on many factors. Your location, the hotel branding, what type of contracts (management/franchise), your property and construction costs to name a few. As with most other industries, you need to get a lot of aspects correct in order to achieve your goal and succeed.
Q. Could you tell us how Radisson Hotels are coping with the constantly rising operational costs, and what is the right move to attract more customers despite that?
Increasing operational costs are an occupational hazard for hoteliers, and we work hard to try and not pass these directly on to our guests. Value is always key to attracting guests in addition to offering a fair price for the right service and a solid product, and I believe we continue to do that very well.
Q. Has the hospitality industry completely recovered from the effects of COVID-19?
We’re getting there, definitely. We’re aiming to hit 2019 levels for 2023 and anticipate growth on that from 2024 onwards.
Q. What is your take on the corporate tax law, and what impact will it have on the hospitality industry?
As I’d mentioned earlier, we aim not to pass any costs directly on to our guests, but we are also mindful of providing the best returns for our owners too. As for an impact on the hospitality industry, it’s a little early to say.
Q. What was the biggest hurdle in your career that you overcame to be where you are right now?
I’ve been particularly fortunate to work with a significant number of supportive people and can honestly state that I’ve been helped all the way. That said, in-line with many, I found the pandemic a particular challenge professionally, but here we are on the other side, and our hotels are performing well.
Q. Do you foresee hotels in Dubai accepting crypto payments soon?
We’re mindful of this but aside from a few PR exercises, this doesn’t look likely any time soon.
Q. Any advice for those considering investing in the hospitality industry?
Go for it! Work hard, have fun, meet lots of people and learn every day. I truly believe there is no better industry to work in and regard myself as lucky to be part of it.
Q. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Empathy. Without it, you can’t get the best of your team.
Q. Do you prefer sales promotion or public relations?
I’d err towards PR for the simple reason that it tends to be more interesting and creative.
Q. Will the growth of the hospitality industry surpass pre-pandemic levels?
Absolutely! Watch this space.
Q. Is a hotel’s success measured by its occupancy or guest satisfaction?
Without happy guests, you can’t sustain your occupancy.
Q. What is the most critical pillar for near-perfect guest service?
Personality. It can make up for a world of ills, and we’re a people industry after all.
Q. What is your number one priority for the business right now?
Caring for our teams as this then leads to success in all areas of our hotels.
Q. Where do great ideas come from in your business?
Me….no, seriously they come from everyone. If you can create an environment whereby people are comfortable to put forward suggestions, then you’ve cracked it.
Q. What is one mistake you witness leaders making frequently?
Not listening properly. Many give the impression of listening, but in actual fact, they’re not concentrating fully, and it is harmfully obvious when this is the case.
Q. What is the most important thing you learned this year as a general manager?
One of our team members showed me a technique for how he prepares our beach equipment every morning in the most efficient way. I’m not going to give his secret away, but I can say that necessity is certainly the mother invention. That’s the beauty of hospitality, there’s always something new to learn.
Q. Do you have any words for our readers?
Don’t be afraid of anything new that comes your way. Balance in all walks of life and work is important, and you don’t need to change things for the sake of change. Value people and take care of them; if you can do that, they’ll help you every step of the journey.
