Simon Casson, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
In line with the global hospitality dynamism, Simon Casson, president of hotel operations, EMEA, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, unveils the chain's busy agenda
How do you benchmark the hotel industry throughout the Middle East?
The Middle East has evolved into a highly appealing destination for travelers from all over the world. The hospitality industry has developed rapidly to meet the increased demand for luxury accommodation, flexible services and cultural experiences. One important component of this development is the continued discovery of new destinations to visit in this part of the world, as leisure travelers look to journey off the beaten path and business travelers seek opportunities in new markets. When it comes to Four Seasons specifically, the Middle East holds plenty of opportunities for further growth. Since we opened our first property in this region in Cairo in 2000, we have expanded our presence to 15 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and North Africa, with a strong pipeline of projects in development.
What are your upcoming projects in the region?
The opening of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is set to bring a new standard of luxury hospitality to the heart of downtown Kuwait City. The 140,000-square meter Burj Alshaya complex will include 284 rooms. It will be the first hotel in Kuwait City to feature both indoor and outdoor pools in addition to a spa, a yoga studio, a fitness center, two ballrooms and a range of conference and banqueting rooms. Another property to open later in 2017 in the region is Four Seasons Resort Tunis in Tunisia, featuring 200 rooms.
Which MENA markets are more challenging and why?
While the Middle East and North Africa is quite diverse as a region, it shares a common thread of tradition and culture that binds the various countries together. However, there are certain challenges that are common to the region as a whole and yet others that are specific to only a few markets. We believe that every challenge is an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship we share with our guests in terms of surpassing their expectations and to continuously innovate. What changes is only the way in which we deliver this vision: a localized approach that helps us develop a better and deeper understanding of any particular market, and the individual needs and expectations that our guests have of that destination.
How are you managing your relationship with the owners of the various properties you run?
Our sharp focus on a single brand and commitment to luxury has made us the partner of choice for luxury hotel and mixed residential projects in the global hospitality industry. We are committed in our efforts and approach to aligning our global vision with their unique focus for each property they own. The satisfaction of our partners is as important to us as that of our guests. We believe that our brand’s success in delivering exceptional guest experiences is an extension of the relationship we share with our owners.
Where do you see the industry heading?
The hospitality industry in the region is at a fascinating stage at the moment. The rise of new guest segments is paving the way for unique trends that are driving a welcome wave of fresh developments and innovations in the sector. Keeping pace with our guests’ evolving needs, we are designing our properties and their offerings to mirror these trends. As an example, ultra-chic boutique-style properties with an intimate appeal, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, are becoming popular among luxury travelers. We also understand that regardless of time, F&B will continue to be an integral element of our guests’ travel experiences. We are constantly strengthening our focus on bringing cutting-edge concepts to our hotels. The success of our new outlets, such as Butcher & Still at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, as well as Firebird Diner by Michael Mina at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, represents the increasing importance our guests are placing on socializing and dining during their travel journeys. Food will also dominate our three-week Culinary Discoveries itinerary with the Four Seasons Private Jet, in a journey to some of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations. Developed in partnership with one of the world’s best restaurants, Copenhagenbased Noma, and its acclaimed head chef René Redzepi, the voyage promises the ultimate gastronomic adventure for foodies.
Projects realized in 2016 •
Added nine properties to the chain’s global portfolio: Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre; Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá; Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island; Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina; Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta; Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown; Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto; Four Seasons Resort Anguilla; and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam.
Introduced the first private island experience in the company’s portfolio:
Since opening the first property in this region in Cairo in 2000, the chain has expanded to 15 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and North Africa Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll, the world’s only exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway located in a World Biosphere Reserve.
Projects scheduled for 2017
Globally, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has a pipeline of over 50 projects at various stages of planning and development.
Opened Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, a restoration project of one of London’s historic addresses.
Opened the chain’s ninth hotel in China in Tianjin.
New properties coming to: the Seychelles (Desroches Island); Florida (Surfside); Kuwait; Megève; Tunis; Montreal; Los Cabos; Bangkok; Madrid; Philadelphia; São Paulo; Bengaluru; Kuala Lumpur; Boston; and Tokyo.
Four Seasons Hotel Megève, the first Four Seasons mountain destination in Europe, will open for the 2017-2018 winter ski season. It will be located at the HauteSavoie Alpine range, and will feature a collection of traditional chalets in the medieval Mont d’arbois village. SIMON CASSON IN BRIEF As a teen washing dishes in a busy kitchen in northern England, Simon Casson was always intrigued by what he saw through the swinging door to the restaurant. His childhood dreams led him to a bright career in hospitality. He joined Four Seasons in 1989, as an assistant manager at what is now Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. After further assignments in London and Washington, he returned to the same hotel as hotel manager in 2000. In 2005, he opened Four Seasons Hotel Doha, and was promoted to regional vice president in 2011, before moving to Dubai for the brand’s first opening in UAE in 2014. During this time, he also led the company’s Global Spa Task Force. Casson was promoted to his current position in 2016. Nowadays, he oversees Four Seasons hotel operations across a portfolio that ranges from palace hotels in Europe to glittering skyscrapers in the Middle East and hideaway beach resorts in Africa.
Our sharp focus on a single brand and commitment to luxury has made us the partner of choice for luxury hotel and mixed residential projects