The world-renowned Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi has long been one of the most recognized landmarks in the capital. Nested on the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf, the magnificent resort provides the utmost privacy in the most elegant of settings. It is often the meeting point of royalty, world leaders, and the Hollywood elite. On top of all that, it is now also part of the Mandarin Oriental Group, adding even more reasons to visit. Economy Middle East spoke to its General Manager Michael Koth, a hospitality veteran.
You are in the true sense of the word, a veteran of the industry. Could you tell us more about yourself?
As a third-generation hotelier, I started my career in 1979 as a chef apprentice followed by a further 2-years of hotel management studies. I discovered early on that one must truly love the job to compensate for the long working hours and a limited social life accompanied by generally hard-working conditions.
To grow my skillsets and explore the wider world of hospitality, I decided travel would be the answer. Along the way, I met my wife Denise who has been the greatest supporter in my career. Without her adaptability and Swiss organization skills, we wouldn’t have managed global relocations and raising a family. We are grateful to have arrived at Emirates Palace two years ago which I consider the crowning of a life-spanning career.
When deciding to become a hotelier all those years ago, what was it that excited you the most and still does today?
I chose this industry fundamentally for my curiosity about travel, cultures, and the luxury lifestyle. My excitement today though has evolved; whilst remaining a host to the diverse cultures of the world, the element of luxury has transformed into the opportunity to share experiences and curate lasting memories.
How has the industry changed over your three decades at the job?
The hospitality industry has changed organically over the years: with the ease and convenient ways of travel, the connectivity and accessibility through the world wide web, and lastly the vastness of social media platforms.
The world of travel is at our fingertips. It’s instantaneously available with the swipe of a credit card, allowing us to fly across continents and fulfill our desires, pre-conditioned by Instagram feeds and travel documentaries. All playing to our natural desire to broaden our horizons and immerse ourselves in new experiences. Whether it is the dream holiday in the Maldives, an anniversary dinner at a three-starred Michelin restaurant, or an expedition through the Himalayan mountains.
Lastly and most likely a concern for global travel is the affordability of these services. A more sustainable choice could be appreciating and exploring the beauty that is around us, valuing the craft of a local patron, or the artisan skills of a domestic cheese maker. Let us appreciate what is easily overlooked, and possibly take less distant but more meaningful travels.
What are some of your favorite properties you’ve worked at globally?
All properties have their own unique beauty to contribute. Vienna remains unforgettable for its musical charm and world-class culture. Athens is blessed with a millennium of history and a blissful Mediterranean lifestyle. Bali is sensual, tropical, and spiritual.
Emirates Palace is one of the most iconic properties in the world. What are some key changes Mandarin Oriental will bring?
Some of the key changes are the reimagined rooms and suites, the debut of our vegan rooms, newly renovated food and beverage outlets and some new ones to be introduced in 2023, the construction of the Kids Palace, and the renovation of The Spa.
New venues we should look out for over the coming months?
The new Le Café will be renamed and provide an elevated offering of tea, deli, and cakes. The barbecue restaurant located by the beach will also be renamed accordingly with a new menu for dining and mixology. The Emirates Palace Spa, which is currently under renovation, will return with a new name and a much more luxurious beauty and treatment menu that will encompass a holistic wellness approach.
Could you describe a day in the life of Michael Koth?
As everything in this exceptional Palace is larger than normal, one learns quickly that trusting in the ability of your teams and leaders is essential. What I can accomplish alone is very limited; therefore, much of my day is spent listening, coaching, and providing direction with a pinch of encouragement here and there.
Walking through the wings of the building and touring the outdoor grounds keep my step counter in check while welcoming special guests during odd hours of the day. Generally, my days often last 12 hours, and I love every second of connecting with our guests and my team as well as navigating the current diverse renovation projects.
What are the fundamental differences between working at the corporate office and on property?
Having had the pleasure to work in both environments provides a valuable opportunity to blend the cultures for a mutually beneficial outcome.
At Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, we are blessed with a corporate office that trusts the decisions taken on property and provide guidance where due, but always encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of the business leaders. Work is also more strategic, with the objective to strengthen The Group on a global scale.
On property, our days focus mostly on the guests, the locality, and our colleagues. Providing consistent service, responding fast to unforeseen situations and a well-planned and structured day can be wishful thinking.
What has covid taught the travel industry?
Linear or even predictable exponential growth no longer exists. A level of constant preparedness and agility to nimbly assess new developments is necessary. The limitations of travel and accessibility of high-end consumer goods have created an unprecedented pent-up demand for a more luxurious lifestyle – and the awareness that life is short. So why not enjoy and pamper yourself today?
On the downside, it has badly exposed employment flaws in many industries. Hotels, airlines, and service companies at large struggle to meet the growing demand with a heavily decimated workforce, who have professionally reorientated themselves and will leave a massive service and skills gap in our industries for years to come.
I wish globally we can re-ignite the love for the hospitality and travel industry and provide a meaningful career environment that attracts future generations to share their love for the job. We at Emirates Palace continue to do our part.
