Silent achiever in hospitality
Multi talented Kimberly Pasco, Marketing and Communications Manager, Movenpick Hotel Apartments in Downtown Dubai fondly known in the industry circles as ‘Kim’ is a professional hotelier, serving the hospitality industry for almost a decade both in the Ph
Pasco started off her career in Boracay Philippines as a reservations agent for almost two years at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, thereafter moved to the IHG chain as Account Manager for the IHG Club in Makati, Philippines.
Venture to Dubai
In 2013 she ventured in
Dubai, where she joined Time Hotels as a reservations coordinator and from there on, she dedicated herself learning and experiencing different areas in the hospitality industry. By 2015, Pasco joined in the lines of creative and marketing arm in the hotel trade, hence she kept developing her skills not just graphic designing but also in ecommerce and digital marketing which paved way for her to be the opening Marketing and Communications
Manager at the Movenpick Hotel Apartments in Downtown Dubai.
Passionate about the industry
Although she joined Movenpick just two months before its opening, she developed a marketing and PR plan that gave the property visibility and recognition in the whole Middle East region. Pasco shared, “I joined two months before the actual opening of the property and there were so many things that needed to be done, the only solution available with all the hectic schedule was to use my time wisely and to organise everything as much as possible.”
Proactive strategist planner
Pasco has an inborn talent to think beyond and out of the box, in her spare time she will check the trends, speak with guests as to what their requirements would be to make their stay more comfortable and to ensure a return visit, she develops various plans with the help of the other departments for the success of the property.
Now that the property completed a year, we asked her what she intends next for the property, “The property is a great product that can cater different kinds of travellers whether it is leisure, business, family or even extended stays. The services that the property offers complements in making such an extensive home-like feel stay. We have recently unveiled a three-family-bedroom unit which is massively perfect for families seeking extra space whilst staying next to Burj Khalifa. Our F&B is starting to make its way to the dining scene of Dubai as we open our new Italian restaurant located at the pool terrace area as well as our new Onsen Spa that offers various relaxing massages,” she said.
Remarkable straits in life
She has many remarkable achievements right throughout her life yet she says that opening Movenpick Downtown Dubai, was a leap of faith for her knowing that it will be her first time handling a pre-opening property within a limited time period which did have an impact as there was tremendous pressure categorically elevated, but she achieved this challenge quite well. Her networks managed to keep them above the rest hence today it has become an amazing property.
Goals in time
Pasco has a long way to go to in terms of her career, finishing a decade and starting off another will open more doors than ever to her in this field of hospitality. Her passion lies in this trade and it will be difficult to picture her otherwise, but she is destined for something greater in life and all her efforts and expertise will continue to flourish in life.
Movenpick is a great product that can cater different kinds of travellers whether it is leisure, business, family or even extended stays. The services that the property offers complements in making such an extensive home-like feel stay
How early before travel dates should a traveller apply for visa?
Expatriate residents in the UAE are advised to plan their travel itinerary and visa application as early as three months prior to the planned departure date to avoid delays in processing entry permits during the peak travel season. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective February 2, 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel.
What is the typical turnaround timeline for visas?
Each country has a different timeline for its visa processing, and these timelines are clearly mentioned on their websites, providing you the information required to apply for your visa well in advance. In general, it can last 15 working days. During peak season visa processing can take longer than anticipated, hence apply early. It is important to know that during peak season the appointment slots can be easily fully booked soon due to high demand. That’s why we encourage customers, to apply for their visas as early as possible.
Tell us more about your value-added services. How they help travellers to beat the peak?
VFS Global make the visa application process more convenient, exclusive, personalised, time saving and hassle-free. The personalised attention and step-bystep assistance make the Premium Lounge suitable for first time travellers and senior citizens.
The ‘Visa at Your Doorstep’ technology-enabled service brings the visa application process to remote locations (home or office) giving the luxury of an easy application process. Students, working professionals and other individuals who may not be able to visit the visa application centre during regular working hours can immensely benefit from the prime time service – which allows individuals to apply for their visas, outside of regular work hours, without interrupting their schedules.
Does availing any of the value-added services guarantee a faster visa outcome?
Opting for any optional, value-added services (such as prime time services or form-filling, or any other service) does not guarantee a quicker or a positive decision by the concerned embassy/ consulate. Customers can choose to expedite the process by availing services like priority and super priority visa, available for only UK visa customers.
What is VFS Global’s role in the visa process?
VFS Global manage nonjudgmental and administrative tasks related to visa application. This allows diplomatic missions (i.e. embassies/consulates) to effectively manage their time and resources and focus on the critical task of assessing visa applications and making decisions on whether to grant a visa or not.
VFS Global make the visa application process more convenient, exclusive, personalised, time saving and hassle-free