With an impressive career spanning more than two decades, Charbel Hanna begins a new chapter as Area General Manager, Bahrain Hotels at Gulf Hotels Group. He speaks about the excitement of stepping into his new role, reflects on the defining moments of his career and offers his perspective on the future of the industry.
Congratulations on your promotion. What does this new role entail, what excites you most and what are your top priorities?
As Area General Manager for Bahrain, I now oversee a portfolio of five properties: Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa, Crowne Plaza Bahrain, Novotel Al Dana Resort, Gulf Executive Residences Juffair and Bahrain Airport Hotel. Moving from leading a single property to guiding a diverse cluster is both an exciting responsibility and a tremendous opportunity.
What inspires me most is the ability to create stronger synergies across the portfolio by sharing talent, knowledge, systems and best practices, while recognising the unique identity of each hotel. My priorities are centred on operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, elevating the guest experience, strengthening collaboration across the cluster and delivering sustainable commercial growth.
You’ve spent over 24 years in the hospitality industry, including more than a decade with Gulf Hotels Group. What have been the key milestones in your career journey?
I’ve spent 24 years in the hospitality industry, including the last 15 with Gulf Hotels Group. I began at the operational level and progressed through roles including Assistant F&B Manager, F&B Manager, Executive Assistant Manager, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Crowne Plaza Bahrain before stepping into my current position. While each promotion has been significant, I believe success is measured by the impact you leave behind rather than the title you hold. Throughout every stage of my career, I have aimed to improve the business, develop people and leave every role stronger than I found it. The greatest reward is knowing that years later, those contributions are still remembered.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?
The greatest lesson I’ve learnt is that people always come first. Strategies, standards and systems are essential, but hospitality is ultimately delivered by people, for people. When you invest in your teams, empower them and create a culture of trust and respect, they naturally deliver exceptional experiences for guests. Strong cultures consistently outperform strong processes alone.
How would you describe your leadership style, and what do you expect from your teams?
My leadership style is built on trust, accountability and support. I see my role as creating an environment where people can succeed by providing direction, removing obstacles and challenging them to reach their full potential. I believe in leading from the front, staying visible, approachable and closely connected to the operation. In return, I expect ownership, attention to detail, collaboration and a proactive mindset. The strongest teams are those that solve problems together, continuously learn and take pride in what they deliver every day.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to build a long-term career in hospitality?
Don’t chase titles – chase experience. Spend time on the floor, understand every department, remain curious and never stop learning. Hospitality rewards those who combine technical expertise with genuine passion for serving people. Build your reputation through consistency, humility and hard work. Careers are marathons, not sprints, and the strongest leaders are those who have first mastered the fundamentals.
How do you see Bahrain’s hospitality industry evolving over the next few years?
Bahrain continues to strengthen its position as both a business and leisure destination, and I believe its hospitality sector has an exciting future ahead. As infrastructure, connectivity and tourism continue to develop, guest expectations will become even more sophisticated, particularly around authentic dining experiences, wellness and personalised service. We must continue anticipating those expectations rather than simply responding to them.
Strategic international partnerships will continue raising industry standards, and Gulf Hotels Group is committed to investing in its people, properties and concepts to help shape the future of hospitality in Bahrain.
When you’re not at work, how do you unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Family is where I recharge. Spending quality time with my wife Georgette, my son Anthony and my daughter Cyrine helps me maintain perspective despite the demands of the role. I’m also passionate about horse riding. It’s a passion that gives me the focus, discipline and sense of calm to step away from the pace of hotel life and return with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.
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