ASSILA Hotel, Jeddah’s magnificent new landmark hotel, opened just last month, has announced the appointment of Harry Fernandes as general manager, who makes his first appearance on behalf of the hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) being held from April 24 to April 27, 2017 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DICEC).
Speaking at the event, Fernandes said: “The Arabian Travel Market is the biggest and most important event in the Middle East travel and tourism sector and therefore it is the ideal opportunity for us to showcase Assila Hotel to the global and regional travel industry, strengthen existing relationships and make new contacts.”
Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “I am delighted to take the helm as general manager of the splendid new Assila Hotel in the beautiful city of Jeddah. Assila is the first Rocco Forte hotel to open in the Middle East and I am very pleased to contribute my 14 years’ experience with Rocco Forte Hotels and Resorts to uphold the highest standards of excellence that have established Rocco Forte as one of the premier hotels brands in the world.’
Fernandes took over from Frank Heller who was appointed as Interim GM of Assila Hotel in June 2016 to oversee the pre-opening and initial opening period, while simultaneously retaining his position as general manager of The Charles Hotel in Munich, Germany, a position he has held since August 2007 and to which he now returns..
Fernandes started his career with the international hotel group in 2004 when he was appointed Rooms Division manager at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, followed by promotion to Resident Manager of The Balmoral in 2005. He transferred to Brown’s Hotel in London in 2012, then in 2014 was seconded as Resort Manager of the Verdura in Sicily, after which he rejoined The Balmoral until November 2016 when he came to Jeddah as Hotel Manager of Assila. — SG
