JASON HARDING General Manager, Armani Hotel Dubai Armani Hotels & Resorts has set the
global benchmark in luxury hospitality, providing visitors with unparalleled service, superb aesthetics and superior locations in both Dubai and Milan
PROFILE YEARS IN THE
Famed for its collaboration with legendary fashion house Giorgio Armani and boasting a premier location in the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel Dubai undoubt- edly has a unique appeal. Jason Harding shares his experience so far and explains why the luxury property has become a preferred location for meetings and events.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE AT ARMANI HOTELS AFTER ALMOST 20 YEARS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ? Having been part of the Emaar Hospitality Group, I have had the pleasure of watching its premium resort, The Palace – The Old Town, develop and grow. However, when the opportunity was presented to join the Armani Hotel Dubai in April 2011, I couldn’t say no.
YOUR ROLE NOW ENCOMPASSES ARMANI HOTEL MILANO.HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE TWO ICONIC PROPERTIES? Armani Hotels & Resorts has set the global benchmark in luxury hospitality, providing visitors with unparalleled service, superb aes- thetics and superior locations in both Dubai and Milan. It is truly inspiring to know that the team here are responsible for the day-to- day and overall operations of these proper- ties. After all, this is every hotelier’s dream come true.
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HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: Almost 20
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Prior to taking the helm at Armani Hotel, Harding was General Manager at The Palace – The Old
Town, part of the Emaar Hospitality Group. He spent 11 years at Rocco Forte where he started as Director of Rooms of The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, before becoming
Resident Manager while also taking charge of the spa, food and beverage operations.
RECOGNITION: Harding was one of the youngest general managers within the UK
to join The Lowry Hotel in 2007 from the renowned St. David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff, Wales. Under his direction, both hotels won a host of awards, including the Best Urban Day Spa by Condé Nast
Traveller, Wales’ Leading Hotel & Spa Resort at The World Travel Awards 2005, Best Hotel at the Northern Hospitality Awards and Best Hotel at the Manchester
Tourism Awards in 2009.
WHAT IS THE SPLIT BETWEEN BUSINESS AND LEISURE GUESTS AT ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI? The hotel attracts both leisure and corporate travellers with numerous businesses retaining accounts with us throughout the year, as a result of the facilities we offer. A popular choice among both business and leisure travellers, Armani Hotel Dubai connects visitors to Downtown Dubai, providing them with an array of food and beverage choices, as well as lei- sure and retail options – something that is sought-after by every visitor.
DESCRIBE THE MOST MEMORABLE MEETING OR EVENT THAT HAS BEEN HELD AT THE PROPERTY In addition to the glittering launch of the hotel in April 2010, one of the most memorable meetings, in my opinion, was the Annual Congress for the International Bar Association in 2011. We welcomed the world’s largest international organisation of law societies, bar associations and renowned lawyers for the event.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Personally, I believe that receiving the opportunity to work with the Armani brand has been pivotal in my career. Now, with the move to oversee both hotels, I could not have asked for more.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Shoot for the stars with your feet on the ground.
ANY ADVICE FOR MEETING PLANNERS LOOKING TO ORGANISE AN EVENT IN THE REGION? In addition to understanding our clients’ needs and objectives, it is essential to advise guests on city-centre locations and to provide unprecedented standards of service, while having firmly estab- lished credentials in the industry. At Armani Hotel Dubai, we follow a 360-degree approach for
guests by offering them access to a range of sought-after attractions, including Burj Khalifa. We also work closely with our partners to ensure that our guests have the true Dubai experience, from desert safaris to contemporary cuisine, while providing an elegant haven, building on the signature Armani style.
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