Ajman Hotel: Repositioned for success

Ajman Hotel confirms its aspirations to position itself among major hospitality players in the region; 2019 is a year to continue building the brand and strengthen partnerships with existing partners and attracting new markets.
With an experience of more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, George Ganchev started his career with Kempinski Hotels and worked for properties like Emirates Palace. He has held various positions as General Manager in the MENA region until his move to Ajman Hotel from Kempinski Grand Hotel Riga in Latvia, where he led the pre-opening team of the property.
Graduated from Neoma Business School in France, he took up the challenge to manage and rebrand Ajman Hotel in 2017 as part of Smart Hospitality Solutions.
Smart Hospitality Solutions, founded by hospitality veterans Reto Wittwer and Ulrich Eckhardt, operates properties under the brand of Blazon Hotels. Ajman Hotel now is a rebirth story of the five-star property that opened its doors back in 1998, with Ganchev now leading the team with a mission to evolve in an industry that grows significantly.
Rebranding and launch
For Ganchev and the team, the repositioning and rebranding of Ajman Hotel in a short period of time was a challenge; however, their efforts were rewarded with expansion into new markets such as France, while retaining existing partnerships and loyal clientele.
"We dedicated lots of time and resources to accomplish the rebranding and re-launch plan promptly. For me, it is important to calculate all pluses and minuses to ensure an outstanding performance considering that Blazon Hotels is a new brand.
It is highly important for me and the team to generate new business opportunities to build trust between the group and the market key players," he said.
The determination and support of the team ensured successful repositioning in the industry and the hotel was recently awarded the title of 'Leading Hotel in Ajman' at the World Travel Awards 2019.
"It is a great achievement after months of hard work," Ganchev added.
Making the presence felt
Referring to hospitality, Ganchev said: "Our property remains five-star, aiming to bring an upscale and well-refined service to guests. Ajman Hotel brought a new approach to the product and what distinguishes us is the quality of service we offer and the people who stand behind it."
Its staff is well-qualified and has the passion, right attitude and expertise as focal skill-sets. "Nowadays, tourists have different behaviour when it comes to hotel selection, many choosing three or four-star hotels; however, there is a suitable niche and offering for each market and our five-star property has a segment that continues to attract," he added.
While discussing the Blazon Hotels brand, Ganchev pointed out plans to expand.
"Smart Hospitality Solutions with Blazon Hotels is executing expansion plans and considers different approaches to mark its presence. For Ajman Hotel, we are considering various channels to elevate ourselves like social media, digital and radio advertising, field trips to target markets."
Ganchev disclosed that hard work pays off when pursuing smart decisions.
"It is important to plan and study the market before moving forward. Following that has contributed increasing our ratings and brand recognition as well as improving our guests' experience," he said.

• Supplements