Four Seasons Hotel Tunis

Four Seasons Tenure

• Originally 2007; now since 2023
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Catering Sales Executive, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Employment History

• The Plaza Doha, By Anantara; The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village Hotel Doha; Four Seasons Hotel Doha; Dubai World Trade Centre; InterContinental Cairo Citystars; Royal Manta Travel, Cairo; Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh; Hilton Nuweiba Resort

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree, Hotel Management, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University, Egypt; MBA with Distinction, Business Administration, University of Wollongong, Australia

Birthplace

• Aswan, Egypt

Languages Spoken

• Arabic, English, plus basic German, Italian and French

“Whatever brings people here, business or leisure, we want to give them the luxury stay they anticipate and a true sense of connection to the North African coast,” says Shady Abdelaziz on the scene he both shapes and promotes as Director of Sales and Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel Tunis. Everything onsite at the Hotel, from the design of the building to the interiors of the guest rooms, is inspired by the destination, he continues. “Our aim is to deliver a memorable experience with perfect balance between hospitality and efficiency, tailormade to ensure that guests have everything they need – and more.”

Abdelaziz arrived in Tunis followed 16 years in Doha, the capital of Qatar, where he honed his sales and marketing skills first with Four Seasons, then with a couple other luxury hotel brands. He is excited to be carrying the flag for the company again, as well as to be able glimpse the greenery of the leafy and affluent Gammarth section of Tunis that surrounds the Hotel. “There is a simplicity about this city, which has a heritage and history of hospitality all its own. The happiness and vibes of the neighbourhood go a long way in terms of travellers enjoying their stay.”

The Hotel’s relationship with nearby attractions – such as Les Berge du Lac, home of embassies and international offices of major corporations, and the palaces, mosques and souks of ancient Medina – gives it an advantage on the local hospitality scene. It also makes Four Seasons the most prominent name for luxury travellers, many of who come for the city’s well-respected warmth for business, United Nations-sponsored initiatives, and embrace of environmentalism. All of the above are great for the Hotel’s onsite conferences, social events and offsite catering services.

As in every department throughout the property, the Sales and Marketing team that Abdelaziz oversees is predominantly Tunisian. It’s a stark change from the international teams he worked with in Doha, but not an issue at all. “I’m a strong believer in exhibiting a management style that creates a collaborative environment in which everyone can participate and learn from each other.”

His goal is always to get the most from those he leads by spending time understanding the team’s dynamics and the motivations and sensibilities of each member. “Talent is one thing, but motivation determines what someone is willing to do and attitude how well they’ll do it,” he explains, adding that Four Seasons people-focused culture helps him lead effectively. “The only thing I insist on is that everyone keeps up with trends, consumer behaviour and demographics. Those are core requirements of the job.”

Born in historic Aswan along the Nile in southern Egypt and raised in Cairo where his father managed engineering projects, Abdelaziz got interested in hospitality and, after studying hotel management, gained experience at international properties on the Sinai Peninsula and the mainland. He was initially drawn to hotel operations for the rewards of being part of the guest experience, but upon switching to catering sales, he knew there was no going back.

“The appeal of sales for me was in dealing with numbers, thinking strategically, and taking a proactive approach to the customer experience,” he recalls, recounting his eventual rise to Director of Sales at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. And what of marketing? “It evolves every day and becomes more and more rewarding. It’s really a mix of art and science: The art of differentiating the brand, creating offerings that stand out for clients that have a wealth of options to choose from, and the science of measuring efficiency through the desired ROI.”

Now in a groove at Four Seasons Hotel Tunis, Abdelaziz likes to spend downtime staying active and enjoying the city with his family. “I’m a Padel addict.” Er…pickleball? “No, Padel. It’s a fast-growing sport similar to tennis,” he says enthusiastically, pointing out differences including play in a closed court, and his good fortune at finding it offered at a tennis club adjacent to the Hotel. He is also happy that his move opened his and his wife’s eyes to a new culture. “Gatherings and events are very valued in Tunis. It didn’t take long for us to feel at home.”