Leading Dream Hotel Group's growth in Asia Pacific, Abid Butt exclusively talks to The Hotel Conversation and gives his insights into just how attractive the Asia Pacific hotel market is for the group - "The region's tourism outlook continues to be very positive and new destinations are being sought after by travelers."
With more than 30 years of global experience in the hospitality industry, Abid Butt most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts where he was accountable for service delivery mechanism, creating memorable guest experiences and delivering brand promise while developing an infrastructure to facilitate the company’s growth.
He was part of the asset management team of Host Hotels & Resorts, prior to his recent assignment with Banyan Tree where he was responsible for the preservation and asset enhancement of a group of hotels. He has also worked with Benchmark Hospitality International and ITT Sheraton / Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Currently he is part of Georgetown University faculty and consults for industry organizations.
How did you get into the hospitality sector?
My introduction and start in the industry was somewhat fortuitous. My initial introduction to the hotel industry was through my brother who was involved in the industry as a designer. I was originally planning on pursuing a medical career but after my exposure to the industry, I decided to change course. I pursued my professional education at Johnson & Wales University starting with Culinary Arts and completed a double Bachelor’s Degrees in Food Service Management and Hotel Restaurant & Institutional Management. I have held amazing assignments throughout my career and have been able to work with professional teams from around the globe.
What are some of your career highlights from your time with Dream Hotel Group
Dream Hotel Group is very well recognized in United States and poised for exponential growth around the globe. During my short time with the group, it has been exciting to introduce our lifestyle brands to the new markets. The overall response has been very positive and I look forward to being part of the growth strategy.
What does Dream Hotel Group find so attractive about Asia Pacific’s hotel sector?
The Asia Pacific region represents diverse cultures and beautiful destinations. With the emerging middle class, strong growth is predicted in the region for the hotel sector. The tourism outlook continues to be very positive and new destinations are being sought after by travelers. Our lifestyle brands cater to the global traveler that enjoys experiential stays and innovative food & beverage offerings, and we look forward to having our brand footprint around the globe.
What is your 10 year game plan in the Asia Pacific region?
We are very keen to grow our brand presence in the region and look forward to being present not only in the key gateway cities but also resort destinations. With the gaining brand recognition, we hope to grow our portfolio five folds within ten years.
How will Dream Hotel Group stand out in Asia Pacific?
Our company has a depth of knowledge and experience – a 30-year history of managing properties in some of the world’s most highly competitive hotel environments like New York. In many of the markets we enter, there is a serious lack of true lifestyle product, and nothing like what we offer. Our entrepreneurial operating model of unique and fun food and beverage offerings and creating destinations with our hotels gives us an edge over other brands. We also strive to stand out with our forward-thinking design, service and unique guest experiences.
Our goal is to stay relevant to the communities we operate in, creating a social hub and destination. We make each hotel the most fun and most exciting hotel in its market.
What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?
I believe sustainable tourism has to be practiced around the world to preserve the historic and leisure destinations for the future generations and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Technological evolution will continue to impact the business on multiple fronts and personalization should be a key focus for the industry.
What is your favorite hotel and holiday destination?
I have been fortunate to have visited several beautiful and unique destinations. Being in the industry, I find it very difficult to completely disconnect while on vacation—an occupational hazard—and try to find off the beaten path places. One of my most memorable vacations with the family was a farm stay outside Perth. Not only were we able to enjoy the hospitality of the host family, the natural setting was also very unique.
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