Life
Welcome to the Emirates Man weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, Emirates Man speaks to Burcak Orak, General Manager of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island.
Burcak’s three decades of leadership in the hospitality industry, showcased by his dedication to Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, reflect a commitment to excellence. His exceptional leadership, training, and talent recognition have solidified his position as a respected figure in the industry. Here, we talk to him about his extensive expertise across hospitality departments and his vision for the future.
Can you share some insights into your leadership style and how it has contributed to the success of these properties you’ve worked at?
In my role as a General Manager, I place a strong emphasis on a combination of strategic vision, team collaboration, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences. In the luxury hospitality industry, attention to detail is paramount. I am meticulous in ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence. At Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, we strive to create an immersive and unforgettable experience, where every interaction, every nuance, contributes to the creation of lasting memories for our guests.
Club Privé by Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island has been described as a one-of-a-kind luxury experience. Could you elaborate on the strategic vision behind its launch and how it has impacted the overall performance of the property?
Elevating luxury to unprecedented heights, our Club Privé villas redefine opulence by seamlessly blending ultimate relaxation. Club Prive villas combine the ultimate relaxation and privacy with the All-Inclusive All-Exclusive way. Club Privé butlers are on hand from day until night to guarantee high-end comfort and timeless elegance throughout your stay. Our guests can enjoy Club House restaurant, where we extend the luxury of 24-hour access for casual fine dining with our menu offering an exquisite array of culinary treasures crafted to perfection. Our commitment to the “Next level of luxury” is not just a phrase; it’s a promise.
Your expertise spans various key hospitality departments. How do you leverage this extensive knowledge in your role as a General Manager, especially in terms of pre-opening hotel setups and post-opening strategizing?
My diverse expertise across crucial hospitality departments significantly influences my approach to both pre-opening hotel setups and post-opening strategising. In the pre-opening phase, I leverage my extensive knowledge to meticulously plan and execute the integration of various departments. This involves developing streamlined workflows, implementing comprehensive training programs, and establishing effective communication channels to guarantee a smooth operational launch. Our limitless concept allows guests to discover a new sense of freedom and a world of possibilities through our premium product and service offerings, including award-winning international cuisines, stylish scenic accommodations, revolutionary entertainment, immersive spa experiences, fun-packed activities for all ages, and an Exclusive Sports Club.
Can you share some specific steps you’ve taken to promote responsible consumption, reduce single-use plastic, and engage in socially responsible investments within the hospitality sector?
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island has achieved the prestigious GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Sustainability Certification, underscoring our steadfast dedication to sustainability and establishing us as trailblazers in the region. Additionally, we have been accepted and approved by the Blue Flag International Jury. The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator, and serves as an eco-label. We have taken significant strides towards eliminating guest-facing single-use plastics. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in forming partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region to fortify our commitment to sustainability. In addition, we are diligently calculating and addressing our carbon footprint through comprehensive CO2 emission assessments.
The strategic vision and business acumen you bring to the table have significantly contributed to the success of the hotels. How do you stay ahead of hospitality trends and develop innovative pricing and distribution strategies to maximize profits?
In order to consistently lead in the dynamic landscape of the industry, I employ a proactive strategy that encompasses ongoing research, collaborative initiatives, and a vigilant awareness of emerging market trends.
The hospitality landscape is dynamic. How do you adapt to changing market trends and ensure that your properties remain a preferred choice among travelers?
Our commitment to remain the preferred choice among travelers in the face of changing market trends is grounded in a dynamic and guest-centric approach. Keeping up-to-date to industry reports, scrutinizing customer feedback, and closely monitoring emerging trends in travel, technology, and consumer behavior are pivotal elements for achieving success and effectively adapting to changes in the dynamic landscape of the luxury hotel industry.
What piece of advice would you give to individuals wanting to join the hospitality business?
Respect for the Environment and People; Understanding the impact of your actions on the environment and nature that you are living in and treating everyone with respect is crucial. Prioritize Family and Health; Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing family and health. Self-Respect; Recognizing the value of self-respect is a powerful reminder to maintain personal integrity and uphold ethical standards in your professional life. Career Choice and Job Satisfaction; If you find yourself in an environment that doesn’t contribute to your happiness, change it. Invest in Education and Self-Improvement; Commit to ongoing personal and professional growth by investing in education and continuous self-improvement, fostering a path to enhanced skills, knowledge, and long-term career success. Financial Planning; Allocate a strategic 25% of your income towards creating passive revenue streams, cultivating a foundation for financial stability and long-term wealth accumulation.
