Timur Ilgaz, Cluster General Manager of Arjaan Dubai Media City, Centro Barsha Dubai, and DAMAC Hills 2 Hotel - Edge by Rotana, shares insight into the hospitality industry and the sustainability and passion driving his company's success.

Sustainability is front and center agendas across industries today, and hospitality is no exception. For Timur Ilgaz, Cluster General Manager of Arjaan Dubai Media City, Centro Barsha Dubai, and DAMAC Hills 2 Hotel - Edge by Rotana, ensuring his hotels do their part to protect the planet is a top priority. From energy efficiency to water conservation to reducing food waste, the GM and his team are on a mission to build sustainability into the everyday operations of their hotels, making lasting and meaningful results.
As just one example, the company's Chef Eye initiative for food waste is a tech-fueled solution that evaluates daily consumption patterns and recommends precise quantities for the following day. Each of Ilgaz's hotels also partners with charitable organizations to run initiatives such as visits to laborers' camps during Ramadan, and festive dinners for children with special needs.
Sustainability is not just part of the job for Ilgaz, it is a part of his life. "My dedication to community and sustainability extends beyond the hospitality sector," he says. "In my role as Vice President of the Turkish Business Council - Dubai and Northern Emirates, I actively seek out opportunities to advance sustainability and community initiatives, to make positive impact both the local and industry levels."

Alongside his role as a sustainability champion, Ilgaz is tasked with the daily responsibilities that come with managing three hotels. Dealing with different owners, management styles, and guest needs, requires daily hat-switching-something he tackles through careful planning, building a strong team, and adapting to changing requirements.
For Ilgaz, the job is as enjoyable as it is demanding. "By embracing the variety, I find joy in making sure each place keeps its special touch," says the general manager. "Dubai is a dynamic environment where challenges turn into opportunities, and the satisfaction comes from seeing each hotel thrive in its way" Beyond the walls of Ilgaz's three hotels, the industry at large is thriving too. As the impact of Covid-19 continues to subside, the U.A.E.

Continues to be a popular destination for tourists, exhibitors, and investors alike, with Dubai in particular known for its luxurious hospitality offering.
"After the pandemic, Dubai quickly recovered, and is now recognized as a safe and secure place for tourists and businesses," confirms the cluster general manager.
With Dubai's hospitality industry thriving and open for business, Ilgaz is well placed to continue driving business at his hotels and building on a long and successful career.
For others looking to enter the industry, the seasoned hospitality professional points to the need for a genuine passion for service.
"Before diving in, cultivate a deep love for the industry and willingness to accommodate diverse needs," stresses the general manager.

As Ilgaz sees it, education and experience are indeed crucial, but it is passion that propels individuals to create memorable guest experiences. Of course, thriving in hospitality requires resilience, positivity, and commitment, but for the general manager, success is built on the authentic desire to make others feel welcomed and valued, turning a job into a lifelong vacation.