MARRIOTT NAMED ONE OF ’50 BEST EMPLOYERS IN CANADA 2010’

The company ranked #14 in the study measuring employee engagement conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources company. More (was2.hewitt.com)

Have a Blessed Christmas & Prosperous New Year 2010

The best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler

Please visit this link http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/goldlist/2010/all to see a listing of the best hotels as per Conde Nast Traveler.

Part of the list, more than 45 Ritz-Carlton and Marriott-brand hotels made this year’s list of the world’s finest properties selected by the magazine’s readers.

In the Hot Seat: Simon Cooper, Ritz-Carlton

Marriott International is undergoing a reorganization that will bring more of the operations of its luxury Ritz-Carlton brand under the corporate umbrella. Hotels editor Jeri Clausing talked with Simon Cooper, president of Ritz-Carlton’s global operations, about how the brand has fared during the downturn in luxury and meetings travel and what the new Marriott structure means for Ritz-Carlton’s future.

Taken from www.travelweekly.com Continue reading, please click here.

Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Hosts "Amex-Gulf Air Bahrain Fam Trip"

Manama, Bahrain – The Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain has recently welcomed the group of American Express Travel who visited Bahrain for courtesy and familiarization. The fam trip was organized by the Gulf Air and Marriott Global Sales Office London with the purpose of tightening relationship between the Gulf Air, American Express and travel industries in both Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The group, which consists of 10 travel professionals from London, had an opportunity to visit the Royal Gulf Club, Bahrain International Circuit, Ritz Carlton, Al Dar island and some other places of interest in the Kingdom.

Director of Sales Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Marwan Haddad (back row, first from left), Sales Manager Marriott London Global Sales Jill Galt (front row, first from left) and Key Account Manager Gulf Air Gianni Salvadori (back row, first from right) with members of Amex-Gulf Air familiarization trip.

"We are pleased to welcome and host the Amex-Gulf Air Bahrain Fam trip, as we truly support travel industries in London to promote Bahrain in the UK market," said Director of Sales Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Marwan Haddad.

Jill Galt from Marriott Global Sales Office based in London said that the tour was one of the efforts to promote Bahrain destination in the UK market. Looking at the current trend, Jill sees there is a significant demand in London for both business and leisure travel. Jill added, through a good consolidation with all stakeholders and particularly mutual cooperation with airline industries like the Gulf Air, Bahrain could be an international hub, linking to GCC countries and other destinations such as Asia Pacific.

"This is a great opportunity to visit Bahrain and meet our partners in the airlines, hotels and travel industry and I would like to thank Marriott Executive Apartments for giving us a wonderful stay at their luxury accommodation," said Jill.

Familiarization trip in airlines, travel and hospitality industry is a tradition among travel and hospitality professionals to visit various destinations with the purpose of maintaining good relationship, promoting destinations and therefore to enhance business opportunities.

* * * *

Marriott Executive Apartments, the upscale serviced apartment brand of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) will nearly double in size in the next 36 months to respond to a growing need in many emerging markets for long-term stay lodging for executive expatriates needing spacious housing and hotel amenities. Including Bahrain, Marriott operates 17 Marriott Executive Apartments in 14 countries outside the U.S., and 14 more hotels are planned in countries such as Qatar, Thailand, Egypt, China, India, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.


MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 67 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands as well as Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com. For an interactive online version of Marriott's 2008 Annual Report, which includes a short video message from Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr., visit www.marriott.com/investor.

Marriott Accelerates Green Hotel Development

Marriott International, Inc. is expanding its green hotel portfolio 10-fold over the next five years by introducing a green hotel prototype that will be pre-certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The above news is taken from Travel Agen Central. For detail please continue here

Sky's the Limit

Sky's the Limit: Italian Nite

Ramadan Kareem

Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Hosted Hotel HR Leaders Meeting

In cooperation with the Specific Council for Training in Hospitality Sector, the Marriott Executive Apartments has recently hosted HR Leaders Meeting for 4 & 5-Star hotels in Bahrain.

More than 20 hotels’ senior Human Resources personnel and representatives of the Specific Council for Training in Hospitality Sector attended the meeting, as well as the Head of Corporate Service Bureau in the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Farooq Jaffar, the General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Hossein Garan, and Human Resources Manager, Loay Mamdouh.

The meeting started by a welcoming message from General Manager Hossein Garan and Human Resources Manager Loay Mamdouh, thanking the Ministry of Labour for their support during the opening of Marriott, as well as appreciating the government efforts and initiatives in the development of hotel industry.

On behalf of his Excellency the Minister of Labour, Mr. Farooq Jaffar expressed his sincere appreciation to all participants for their efforts to build two-ways communication between the government and private sector.

Discussion involved Bahrainization in hotel sector where Mr. Jaffar listened to the hoteliers’ concerns and showed his understanding to their challenges in the field of workforce. Mr. Jaffar said that the Ministry of Labour is keen to facilitate and work closely with all tourism stakeholders in order to enhance the Bahrainization program in hotel sector.

Head of Corporate Service Bureau Mr. Farooq Jaffar (centre) poses together with the General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Hossein Garan (left) and the Human Resource Manager, Loay Mamdouh (right) at the Apartment's lobby after the meeting.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, I am glad to attend this meeting and I would like to thank the Marriott Executive Apartments, who proposed such a great initiative to host this valuable gathering that I believe would have a positive impact on the future of human resources development in tourism and hotel industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Mr. Jaffar.

Mr. Jaffar continued, he is looking forward to attending follow up meetings to generate more beneficial cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and the hotel sector.

Speaking from his office in Al Fateh, Human Resources Manager Loay Mamdouh expressed his gratitude to the Specific Council for Training in Hospitality Sector, especially the Executive Director Mr. Ali Sulaybeekh, for giving the Marriott Executive Apartments the opportunity to host the event.

“I appreciate the cooperation extended from the Ministry of Labour during our opening and we look forward to a continuous support for all the upcoming Marriott International projects in Bahrain," said Loay Mamdouh who chaired the meeting.

"I believe, this meeting was an eye opener and an opportunity for generating ideas from the HR professionals in the hotels sector, on how to create a mutual cooperation between the sector and the government with regards to the Kingdom initiative of Bahrainization. Thanks to all the Specific Council representatives and hotel HR leaders for coming and being actively participating in the meeting,” added Loay.

* * *
Marriott Executive Apartments, the upscale serviced apartment brand of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) will nearly double in size in the next 36 months to respond to a growing need in many emerging markets for long-term stay lodging for executive expatriates needing spacious housing and hotel amenities. Including Bahrain, Marriott operates 17 Marriott Executive Apartments in 14 countries outside the U.S., and 14 more hotels are planned in countries such as Qatar, Thailand, Egypt, China, India, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,100 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE®, and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

Bali to Bolster East Timor

BTB to work closely with Dili…

The Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), Ngurah Wijaya, welcomed the development of closer tourism cooperation between Bali and East Timor’s capital, Dili, and increasing accessibility between those two destinations, a Bali Discovery report has said.

Wijaya reportedly told Indonesia’s Antara news agency that there were many synergies between the two destinations. “This is very interesting; we can exchange our tourism destinations by presenting them in joint destination packages.

Dili has long been known in Bali as a key destination and the many international workers assigned in Dili spend their holidays in Bali,” Wijaya said. Wijaya called for a phased approach to developing Bali-Dili tourism, via a sharing of skills and knowledge from Bali’s advanced tourism industry.

Dili is currently served from Bali by Merpati Nusantara, which operates daily flights. Dili is also connected by international flights from Darwin, which recently saw Indonesia’s national carrier, Garuda, cease direct flights to Bali.

The above article is taken from Travel Daily Asia.

Marriott-Ritz Jakarta re-Open

The JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta reopened yesterday, less than two weeks after the suicide bomb attacks that left nine people dead and injured more than 50 others.

"We have resumed our normal business operations today. We hope to be able to reach an average hotel occupancy of 60-70% like before, in spite of the bombings," said Marriott spokesperson, Ina Ilmiaviatta.

"We have certainly increased our security measures, with some new approaches which I cannot tell you about as they're confidential." Added Inna.

The two main areas damaged by the bombs - a lounge meeting room in the Marriott and a restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton remained closed. The report added that dozens of police were standing guard inside and outside the hotels, along with private security guards with sniffer dogs.

For more similar stories, please visit the link below:
- Jakarta bomb blast hotels to re-open Wednesday (The Washington Post)
- Ritz, Marriott Open in Jakarta 12 Days After Attacks (Bloomberg.com)
- Jakarta Hotels Reopen After Suicide Attacks (voanews.com)

4 Steps to Train

I was supposed to post this article last week, but since I had a problem with my internet access at home and I can't manage my "personal time" at the office mingling with my fb and yahoo stuffs, so I just have time to write now.

I participated in an in-house training recently; it was "Training the Trainer". It was all about how you as manager or supervisor train your associates or staffs. It was a quite long training, it took 2 days to accomplish complete with the tasks and a home work.

Basically, we were trained to prepare ourselves how to conduct a training including a presentation in front of our staff. What should we prepare, what are the methods, what are the steps, the tips and tricks, how to deliver the presentation and to control the situation in the class, including how to deal with a difficult participant. Generally it was A to Z things about how to perform a perfect or ideal training process.

To me it was not only an ideal training process, but more to how to get the best result which is how to transfer our knowledge and skills to our associates. Since in a training process, there are three important things we should teach which are "Skills, Knowledge and New Behaviors," it is not an easy task.

Some guys understand about skills only, others know limited knowledge and the rest trying accommodate new behavior.

One thing made me surprised was, when the facilitator mentioned there were 4 steps in a training or coaching process, which are; Review, Demonstrate, Practice and Check, he brought me to the memory of 8 years ago where I was a waiter at YWCA Fort Canning Lodge, Singapore.

I clearly remember when my previous Restaurant Manager, Thomas Chang told me, "Made (they called me Made), if you want to transfer your skills and knowledge to somebody else, there are 5 things you have to follow. If you follow them, I guarantee your he won't get lost. He will be as an expert as you, or even better," Thomas convinced me.

He explained the five things, which are exactly similar with one I got from the training:
1. Give him/her a proper explanation or description;
2. Show him/her how to operate or how to perform the task;
3. Let him try to practice it him/herself;
4. Conduct evaluation on what they he/she practiced;
5. Practice and practice again.

Now let's compare with the four steps I got from the training:
1. Review
2. Demonstrate
3. Practice
4. Check

Principally, they are the same! So, if you want to teach your son about something, apply these steps and I guarantee he will be as expert as you; like father like son!

Indonesia tourism holds up in wake

Bali flights largely unaffected - Garuda...

Indonesia has seen a mixed response from foreign tourists following the recent bomb blasts that killed nine people and injured more than 50 at hotels in Jakarta.

According to a Jakarta Post report, South Jakarta has seen a 20% drop in foreign tourist visits since the attacks. Occupancy at five-star hotels in the city has fallen to 60%, although the pre-bombing occupancy level was not reported.

Meanwhile, national carrier Garuda Indonesia has reported that the bombings have had a minimal effect on passenger traffic from Australia to Bali, according to a Bisnis.com report. Bagus Y Siregar, General Manager of Garuda’s Bali operations, was reported saying that the number of passengers being transported to Bali remained stable at around 1,800 people per day.

This represents an average load factor of 82.2% across the 14 domestic and overseas destinations connected to Bali by Garuda. Several countries, including the key source market of Australia, heightened their travel warnings for Indonesia.

The above article is taken from Travel Daily Asia.

A Spirit of Determination in Jakarta

While it's been a very difficult week since the tragic incidents in our hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia, we are so heartened by the outpouring of support from around the world and the resilience of our guests and associates at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. Continue reading, please visit Bill Marriott's blog here.

CARING FOR VICTIMS OF JAKARTA BOMBINGS

“We remain committed to providing a place of hospitality, for public diplomacy, business and enjoyment for our guests, and providing opportunity for our wonderful associates who work in Jakarta and around the world,” blogs Bill Marriott in response to July 17 explosions at JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. More story, please visit Bill Marriott's blog.

Change Plan

An sms sent by mom woke me up at 5am Bahrain time, “Iq, we are now watching a news about bomb blast at JW Marriott Jakarta.” Couple minutes later, my wife sent me an sms, “My dear, Ritz Carlton has been bombed.” Her next sms, “I am watching the news on tv.” Then Marcia Ardini, one of my friends currently working for the Gulf Hotel called me to inform the same news.

I was so surprised and I can’t believe it. God, it happened again? Why Marriott? At a glance, I recalled our plan to move or transfer my job to JW Marriott once I completed two years working with Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain.

Marcia implicitly asked, whether I still have the plan, to work at the JW Marriott Jakarta. I just couldn't answer.

Then I remembered a conversation with my Director of Sales about transferring job to JW Marriott Jakarta or Ritz Carlton Jakarta. I told him that I had a vision, I can see myself, where I would be within next couple years. “I’ll definitely remain with the company (Marriott International). I like the company and I will be working with any Marriott properties in Jakarta. I can picture myself as a hotel sales or pr manager.

My director asked, whether I planned to grow my career in the Middle East or somewhere in the Europe. I told him, that dream would be difficult to implement since I am a father now and I have to be with my family, and live in my country. I have no problem to work in Malaysia or Singapore where there is possibility to travel home in weekly basis, not like in the Middle East where you'll spend 12 hours to fly home. He understood and promised to help me to transfer once I have completed 18 months working with the group.

But now, seems there is no more that dream and I don’t know what the next plan is. My wife called and she does not want me to work at the JW Marriott Jakarta. “It’s the second bomb and I want to see the third one happen again where my husband around, please…” she begged.

Well, it’s pretty difficult to find a hotel job nowadays in Jakarta, particularly in a 5 star international chain hotel. And after this horrible incident, I am sure the hotel operation will remain close for couple of months. The occupancy will drop drastically not only in those two properties but also other hotel brands throughout Jakarta. I guess, it takes at least a semester to recover and achieve the ideal occupancy.

This means, there will be difficulties for hotel’s management to open new hiring and accordingly there will be little chance for me to transfer to Jakarta. So, I had better shift to plan B.

UPDATED: Statement Related to Jakarta Explosion

17 July 2009, 6:30 AM Eastern time

CONTACT: Marriott Communications+1 (301) 380-7770

Bethesda, MD - 17 July 2009 -

Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims of the tragic bombings that took place earlier today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Immediately following the incident, police and hotel security responded and sealed off the area. Our guests at both properties were evacuated and moved to other nearby hotels. Injured guests and hotel employees were taken to the hospital for treatment. Both hotels sustained damage, but it does not appear to be structural. At the time of the incident, extensive security procedures were in place at the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott. We continue to work closely with the authorities and hope to reopen the hotels soon. As always, the safety and security of our guests and associates is our top priority.

For guest information, please contact the Marriott Family Assistance Hotline at 866/211-4610 or 402/390-3265.

For more information, please click here

Two International Awards for Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain – July 2009 – The Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Bahrain has recently brought home two prestigious awards from Marriott International, Inc. The luxury serviced apartments has been awarded as Sales & Marketing Team of the 1st Quarter 2009 over all Marriott Properties around the Middle East & Africa. Moreover, Human Resources Manager Loay Mamdouh has been named as “HR Rising Star for the Year 2008” over all Marriott properties in the Middle East & Africa Area.

Sales & Marketing Team Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain.

The Regional Vice President Sales & Marketing UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa, Marriott Hotels International Limited, Paul W. Malcom said, that despite the current economic conditions and the incredibly difficult business environment the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries are currently facing, the Marriott Executive Apartments Manama proofed to perform excellent business and outstanding results.

Paul continued, “the Bahrain team clearly understand that this is "sales time" and that sales intensity must be brought to boiling point and that selling must be an all consuming passion for us all as we out hustle and overwhelm the competition.”

"Congratulations to Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain. It is a truly great way to begin the year for a newly opened apartment-hotel, and we hope the team will achieve more success and recognition in the year ahead," said Paul from his office in London.


Meanwhile, for Loay Mamdouh, this award is the second international honor he achieved for the last two consecutive years, and he stated that this award is a great motivation for him to do more and go the extra mile in his new role as a Human Resources Manager.

Loay Mamdouh

"Marriott is one of the best companies you can work with, where all your efforts, hard work, and dedication can be recognized and rewarded! I am proud with such award that I did not achieve alone, however, this success is a result of a great teamwork from the entire Human Resources Team” said Loay.



General Manager Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Bahrain, Hossein Garan extended his gratitude on what his team has achieved this year. "Having two awards over all Marriott properties worldwide is a great honor and is something to be proud of. We wish a continued success for all associates and for our Director of Sales Marwan Haddad and Human Resources Manager Loay Mamdouh to more success and international recognition in the year ahead," said Hossein proudly.

* * * *

Sales & Marketing team of Marriott Executive Apartments consist of; Marwan Haddad (Director of Sales), Reggie Titus (Sales Executive), Mohammad Iqbal (Sales & PR Executive), Talidhay Ora (Revenue & Inventory Coordinator) and Diana D'Mello (Executive Secretary).

To be the Best Sales & Marketing Team of the 1st Quarter 2009, the Bahrain sales team had to compete with two strong rivals; London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch and Edinburgh Marriott Hotel as well as to eliminate other 3,200 Marriott properties around the world.

Loay Mamdouh, started his career in Training & development since 1998 and joined Marriott at 2005 as Training Manager where he worked 3 years, and showed a great efforts and initiatives that brought him to be named “Area Training Champion for the Year 2007” for Middle East & Africa! To continue his career for more advancement, he had been promoted to HR Manager at MEA Bahrain, where he did a successful opening for the property, in such way that recognized him as “HR Rising Star of the Year 2008”for the area of Middle East & Africa.

MARRIOTT WORKERS KEEP BENEFITS DESPITE CUTS

The Washington Post reports on Bill Marriott’s announcement that the company has suspended measuring hours worked to maintain health care benefits for full-time associates through 2009. More

Also please visit Bill Marriott's blog here: (Health Care Coverage for Our Marriott Associates)

Sky's the Limit

The Best among the Worse

Yesterday I received voting cards (Surat Suara), to vote the Indonesian President and the Vice President. Zuhri, one of the Indonesians in Bahrain who works as a Duty Manager, passed by my office and dropped the cards. According to Zuhri, although I was initially not registered to participate in this voting, I still have chance to vote.

I received 3 voting card with 3 envelopes where only one has name. It belongs to Muki, my colleague in Kitchen Department. While the other envelopes have no name, but sure it’s for me and Sebastian, a friend in Housekeeping Department.

“Tomorrow will be the election day in Indonesia. For us in Bahrain, we can do tomorrow or the following day. Just tick on one of the pictures, put back to the envelope and send it to me,” he said.

When I opened the card, I just laughed myself. None of the candidates I like.

Anyway, seems I have to vote, to determine the best among the worse, hahaha... Or, perhaps I won’t vote and I will give the card to Agung. Infact, she didn’t get any.

No, I’d better throw it away..! Lol….!

Just Not Fair

It’s about labor again. I recently met a Bangali who works for a hotel as a casual housekeeping attendant. He is actually Public Area attendant, one who takes care all public areas in a hotel, cleaning glass windows, or mopping floors of the lobby. He is not in charge for guest rooms. He does not make up rooms.

What’s not fair?
He spent BD1,500 to get working visa in Bahrain. He’s entitled 2 year permit. He’s paid BD10 a day, it means he earns BD240 a month. It’s pretty good pay? Wait..! He has to pay his flat, water, electricity, meal and of course sending money home.

Let’s calculate. For housing, he spends a sharing flat for let say BD50 a month. Then water and electricity will be additional BD10, and then meal for BD40 a month. Don’t forget, since he has a landlord or agent who arranged his employment, including job placement in different places, he has to pay for the agent fee at least BD25. So, total take home pay will be only BD115 a month.

In a year (12 month), he can save BD1,380. This amount is still not enough to pay back the “visa” or “entrance fee” which is BD1,500. I have no idea whether this amount is legal or not, but one thing I really don't get is that within 2 years he can only save BD1,260 net. As a conclusion, he spends 1,500 and sacrifices his two years working very hard for only BD1,260.

To extend another 2 years “working visa” he has to invest again BD1,000. This means, within 2 years, he gets only BD260 net to safe and I still have no clue how he pays for his flight ticket. I really don’t understand since it’s just not fair!

Another 4 Reasons Why Bahrainis Don’t Want Hotel Jobs

In the posting earlier, I explained reasons why most Bahrainis are not interested in hotel job from socio-cultural perspective. Here I would like to add some more reasons from socio-economic factors. Enjoy reading...

Wage and Remuneration are the first and the main consideration for Bahraini to take up a job. According to my interview with Dr. Yahya, a lecturer in Tourism Department, Bahrain University, Labour in travel and tourism sector receive low salaries as compared to other jobs. According to Arabia Business survey (GFI, April 2008; p26 – p30), more than two-thirds of workers in GCC consider that they are underpaid, and the worst paid are workers in the travel industry, tourism, hospitality and agriculture sectors with over half earning less than $35,000 a year, and the most common salary range in the survey was $20,000 to $35,000.

Hotel companies are not able to create enough jobs which satisfy the expectations of many medium to high skill Bahrainis. Meanwhile, in the low skill job segment also do not meet the expectations of low skill Bahrainis. Wage expectations are not met, primary because wage levels are set by living conditions, where over half of correspondent (of the survey), mostly Bahrainis, said that inflation had outpaced wage increases. The rising cost of living is the number-one reason why people eventually want to change their employment.

Private sector wages have risen very little during Bahrain’s economic boom, and in some cases expatriate wages have actually fallen. Central bank figures show that the average wage for non-Bahraini men has fallen BD 2 from BD 163 to BD 161 per month over the past five years, and the average for all private sector workers has risen only BD7 in the same period, from BD 221 to BD 228. In the public sector, in contrast, wage increases have been substantial, up from an average of BD 597 to BD 705.

Central Bank figures show that average wage for Bahrainis in the private sector is almost three times that of non-Bahrainis. (Please read main report GFI Magazine “How to get more Bahrainis working in the private sector?” Issue December 2007, page 26 to 30)

Competitiveness; Most Bahrainis in low and medium wage segment cannot compete with expatriate labourers who are much cheaper and perceived to be more productive. Expatriates who generally receive lower salary will make difficult for Bahrainis to compete for the current and event future employment. This issue was admitted by the former head of economist of Bahrain University as a serious problem of the country.

Background as a wealthy oil-producer country. There is a view in Bahrain that the Bahraini workforce no longer wanted to do these lower level jobs, perhaps because they were now too wealthy. Before the oil boom, Bahrainis were cooks, cleaners, construction workers, and held all manner of the jobs in the economy. After the boom, they did not. The question is why.

Consider other countries in the world where per capita incomes and the wealth of the working classes are considerably above that of Bahrain, such as the Scandinavian countries. In a country like Norway, a country with oil resources equivalent to Bahrain, there are still plenty of Norwegian cooks, plenty of Norwegian construction workers, janitors, etc. Why is it that in these other countries, workers who are much wealthier than Bahraini’s are still interested in doing these jobs?

Problem in Communication. Related to the first problem in socio-cultural factors, there is actually problem with communication and awareness of the industry. The government seemed does not pay more attention to take care of the sector in terms of promoting and encouraging locals to take job in hotel industry.

There is no any board or institution from the government who concerns on the image and awareness of for example, benefits of working as an hotelier. The government does not give proper understanding about the area of hotel jobs, for example there are several options and different types of positions available in a hotel or restaurant. If somebody is not really keen to fill a job where he/she has to deal with guest directly, there are still varied positions in back office that he/she does not necessary contact with guests directly.

Moreover, the government should highlight that there are lots of interesting benefits to take career within the industry. There is opportunity for Bahrainis to compete in high level management where they will obtain lots of attractive benefits, such as high salaries, housing, health insurance, international mobility and so on.

5 Reasons Bahrainis Don’t Like Hotel Jobs

I made small research and interviews on the reason why most Bahrainis are not interested in hotel jobs. I found at least two factors; socio-culture and socio-economy and here I will share with you why they don't want to take up jobs in hospitality industry from social perspective. Next post, we will discuss factors from social economy perspective. Enjoy…

Religion is the main factor influences Bahrainis in making decision to choose type of job. Since Bahrainis are doctrinised by Islam values, most parents do not suggest their children to work in hotel. They do not prefer their generation to be involved in travel related projects, because based on their thought that, the participation in hotel and hospitality industry, means against values in their religion. The rest of considerations have lots of to do with the way of life.

Culture is the similar, where it is one of the reasons for Bahrainis to avoid hotel job. As one of GCC countries, where Arab tradition and customs are dominant, majority of Bahraini simply think that tourism and hospitality industry is a kind of modernisation brought by the west. Tourism comes as a new phenomenon that contains several modern values and is associated to be contradictive over Arab conservative tradition. Those conservative families will definitely suggest their generation to elude working in hotel industry.

Education, skills and competencies are some of major reasons. The current Bahraini’s education system does not focus on providing suitable skills relevant to the job market. The government of Bahrain acknowledge the fact that there is an actual gap between the educational system output and the jobs available. For example, students, as a trend, are showing interest in oil company job, banking or IT, when there is a severe dearth for hotel professionals. This means that the large number of graduate students do not have jobs available when they are graduated.

The ministry of labour data shows that 69 percent of job seekers are secondary graduates or high school dropouts. They do not possess the skill and knowledge required to compete in the job market. In fact, they do not even meet the basic essential work skills. To be an hotelier, an employee must have basic skills and knowledge on hotel operations and management.

Attitude is one of the main reasons why are Bahrainis not employed in lodging industry. The basic requirement to work in the industry is the attitude of “pride to serve”. Tourism or hotel job is service industry where the backbone, as well as nature of the job is “to serve somebody else”. Only a worker who has proper attitude to serve people, will adapt to the job and can maintain longer employment. Moreover, the existing employment system does not encourage Bahrainis commitment to their jobs. They don’t simply commit to the job.

Work ethic is considerably related to the eagerness and level of enthusiasm. Are Bahrainis lazy? Bahrain’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Majeed al-Alawi, described Bahraini and most GCC nationals as “lazy” and “spoilt”, relying on imported labour for the simplest tasks.

Despite Bahrain government schemes to reduce expatriate and get more locals into work, the hard truth is that too many Bahrainis don’t want real job. “The simple truth is there are no t enough Bahraini nationals looking for work who have the quota expectations of the government”. Compared with expatriates, most locals will not work long hours, then it causes many employers have to hire at least two Bahrainis to replace each expatriate.

Anyone can add other reasons?

Come on Bahrainis, Lets Take up the Job..!

Hotel industry in Bahrain is facing a serious problem; inadequate of employee. Most lodging properties in Bahrain suffer from shortage of Bahraini workers. Despite the fact that there is high demand on hiring Bahrainis, they apparently do not have interest in hotel jobs. Bahrainisation programme in private sector did not effectively increase participation of Bahrainis to work in hotel industry. Meanwhile, unemployment among Bahrainis increases every year.

The current labour market in hotel industry is dominated by expatriates and in the future, expatriates recruitment cost will increase significantly and could be even higher than recruiting Bahrainis. I guess, if the Bahrain government do not prepare Bahrainis to take up jobs in this sector, it will severe the country’s current unemployment level.

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Tourism has been booming in Bahrain since the last two decades. The government aims at taking this sector to at least 30 percent growth in the next 10 years. This tremendous increase is expected as a direct result of new developments, which are mainly directed towards bolstering the tourism infrastructure in Bahrain. Through the Economic Development Board’s new branding “Bahrain Business Friendly” and scores of ambitious efforts from the Ministry of Tourism, the sector has been setup as an economic locomotive to drive other sectors, striving to make the country the best global tourist destination.

Multi billion dollar tourism and hospitality projects have been invested in the Kingdom and thus will open employment widely. Data from Ministry of Tourism announced eighteen international hotels are under construction that will support Bahrain tourism with additional 4,500 starred rooms. These rooms will need approximately 3,600 employees, working directly for the hotel. And, by its multiplier effect, the new hotels will absorbs roughly 10,000 indirect workers from various sectors.

By means of this booming, Bahrain will have serious problem in term of supplying labour working in the industry. With current workforce condition, most hotels and lodging properties in Bahrain suffer from shortage of proper employee to run the hotel operations. The country’s hotel business has been facing difficulties in supplying skilled labours.

Many enterprises, including hotel businesses in Bahrain and GCC countries are to be hit hardly because of the expected shortage of million workers over the coming years. And moreover there is an acute shortage of hotel workers, particularly Bahrainis who have appropriate skills and experienced in hotel industry.

While lodging industry is struggling to supply proper labour in term of quantity and quality, most Bahraini do less intention to work in the industry. As a consequence, the industry employ expatriates from various neighbour countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan), and mainly Asian countries such as the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Thailand.

Meanwhile, unemployment in Bahrain shows significant rate and could increase if radical labour reforms are not introduced and implemented. In the other word, if Bahrain’s labour market, particularly tourism and hotel industry is always depended on foreign worker, this will severe Bahraini’s unemployment.

The problem become more complicated since tourism is growing in almost every part of the world. In India, China and other countries in South East Asia and Asia Pacific, tourism has been growing extensively. The sector will generate employment opportunity to its nationals which will also promise better economic condition in general. This means, current hoteliers who work for hotel or hospitality sectors in Bahrain or in other countries in the region, soon or later, will be attracted to come back to their country considering better salary and compensation. If Bahrainis are not prepared to work in the industry, Bahrain’s hospitality sector will face serious problem to substitute expatriates who are no longer interested in taking career in Bahrain.

Recent situation in the country shows that government from countries such as India and the Philippines demanded better compensation package for their labour due to economic improvement. With Asian economy booming especially in India, professionals and highly skilled workers in the Gulf back home with more attractive package and most of them are not keen on working in the region. To respond this situation, countries such as India and the Philippines requested the government of Bahrain to increase minimum salary for their nationals.

It is important to understand that hotel, restaurant and hospitality industry need special skill to deliver the service. Hotel or restaurant jobs require staffs that have sense of service and are keen to serve people proudly. The customer perception of the service is always based on the performance of the employee they interact with, particularly in every time guest contact needed. Therefore, if Bahrain is not be able to supply professional workers to perform the jobs, it will effect to the level or quality of competitiveness of the industry. In other words, if Bahrain’s hotel industry fails to provide good quality services through its professional hoteliers, it is not impossible that most visitors eventually leave Bahrain due to the lack of proper services.

Bahrainisation programme as one of solutions introduced by the Government several years ago did not effectively increase participation of Bahrainis to work in hotel industry. Problems present nowadays, when there are lots of demands appeal to provide more jobs and employment for Bahrainis. Although there are massive calls for public to encourage Bahraini to work within the industry, many employers echo that Bahraini nationals are averse to making long-term commitments.

I understand there is a bunch of reasons why Bahrainis don’t work in the sector (I will share the factors on the next posting). But whatever the reasons, this year should be a start for Bahraini to think, act and take the job. Otherwise, they will be marginalized, by any mean.

Marriott Ambassadors

You know the reaason why I display these images, cause I have no idea what to post, hehehe...

Anyway, we are proud to be Marriott Ambassadors..

Mo & Sebastian

Agung & Mo

AROUND THE WORLD BY BICYCLE

Adventurer Cycling Around the World
Stays at the Marriott Executive Apartment Manama, Bahrain.



Manama, Bahrain – January 13, 2009 – The Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain joins the project "Around the World by Bicycle". 120.000 km through more than 100 countries in the five continents was the target, conducted by the young adventurer Pablo Garcia. His message is straight forward: “Peace and friendship among societies and different cultures, tradition and their way of living”.

"Being the first Marriott brand property in Bahrain and the first time for Pablo to reach Bahrain, we apparently have the same vision to spread voice of peace to the world, and I am very glad to announce this collaboration," said Marwan Haddad, Director of Sales at the Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Bahrain.

Pablo Garcia with his bike in front of Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain

Pablo Garcia who reached Bahrain on the 6th January is currently staying at the Marriott Executive Apartments Manama until 14 January 2009. As part of the expedition programs in Bahrain, Pablo has been visiting some places of interest and meeting Bahrainis for cultural study as well as symbolically spreading the peace message.

"Traveling is a worth – living experience. I choose cycling because it's a way of reaching every place's heart and of its people. This is my story and I wish to share with you," said Pablo Garcia.

Recognized by UNDP and UNEP, the project demanded to cycle up today of 69.800km during seven years in 57 countries through South America, Africa, Europe and Middle East.

During the next 4 months, the Argentinean Pablo will cycle from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman. He will continue his journey to Iran, Pakistan, India, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The last part will be cycling from North America to Argentina which means will take another 50,000 km during the next 4 and half years.

"As Marriott concerns on peace awareness, we are very proud to be one of the sponsors to support Pablo Garcia to pedal the message of peace and tolerance. We believe, the Marriott Executive Apartment is the right stop over to continue his peaceful journey," said Hossein Garan, General Manager Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain.


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Marriott Executive Apartments, the upscale serviced apartment brand of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) will nearly double in size in the next 36 months to respond to a growing need in many emerging markets for long-term stay lodging for executive expatriates needing spacious housing and hotel amenities. Including Bahrain, Marriott operates 17 Marriott Executive Apartments in 14 countries outside the U.S., and 14 more hotels are planned in countries such as Qatar, Thailand, Egypt, China, India, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.


MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,100 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE®, and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com/.