Together, Visnja Vuco and Priya Shankar play crucial roles in positioning the InterContinental brand as a leading hospitality destination in the region. The former is the Director of Sales & Marketing, InterContinental Bahrain, whilst the latter is the Cluster Director of Marketing, InterContinental Bahrain & Al Ahsa InterContinental. Farah Baig learns about their insights, strategies and visions for the future of the brand in Bahrain.
Priya, you have had quite a long career in Bahrain’s hospitality sector. Could you give us an overview of your career?
The hospitality industry is known for its fast-paced, dynamic nature, making it an exciting and challenging field. I have gained experience in various sectors, but my venture into the hospitality sector has been particularly stimulating and enriching. I have progressed from a Marketing Manager in a single hotel to overseeing marketing for a cluster of four hotels across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, representing two distinct brands. The field offers creativity, innovation and first-hand interactions with diverse people and cultures, enhancing intercultural fluency and bridging horizons in today’s global workplace.
Visjna, what can you tell us about your career and your proudest achievements in the field to date?
I’ve held diverse operational roles in the hospitality industry across Europe, Qatar and Bahrain for the past 12 years now, focusing recently on sales and marketing. One of my proudest achievements as a woman has been breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes to pave the way for gender equality and diversity in leadership roles along with fostering the development of female talents, providing mentorship and creating opportunities for growth and advancement.
The two of you work quite closely together. What would you say is your favourite professional quality in the other?
VV: One of my favourite professional qualities in Priya is her exceptional communication skills and ability to effectively collaborate on projects. Her dedication to teamwork and willingness to listen and consider different perspectives greatly enhances our working relationship and contributes to our success.
PS: What I love about Visjna is her simple outlook to a complex situation. Her years of experience in the industry helps her analyse the situation calmly and efficiently comes up with a solution. Her dedication and passion towards her work and team members reflects on the high morale of the team. On several occasions she has taken time out from her busy schedule to mentor a team member be it personal or professional. On a personal level, I love the vibe we have that makes it easier to work together to get the desired result.
You are both women in leading roles working closely together. What’s one misconception that you would like to put to rest when it comes to women in leading positions?
VV: The stereotype that women leaders rely on emotion over logic is outdated, as they are often seen as too emotional or soft to handle tough business decisions or high-pressure situations, which can hinder their progression to higher leadership roles. Yet, my involvement in guiding transformative retreats has revealed a different perspective.
PS: The perception that successful women leaders must be aggressive and loud. Many successful female leaders embody the strength and clarity of assertiveness, softness, openness and femininity, which resonates with me and I hope to implement that in my work life.
InterContinental Bahrain currently employs 45 women. What are your thoughts on the role of women in the industry?
The strengths of hiring women in hospitality include our strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to foster positive guest and colleague’s experiences through empathy and understanding.
With Bahrain’s hospitality sector becoming increasingly competitive, how does InterContinental keep its offering attractive? What sets the property apart from the rest?
InterContinental Bahrain maintains its competitive edge by continuously innovating, utilising technology for enhanced guest experiences, and focusing on personalised services. The property also emphasises sustainability, community engagement and integrating local culture into its hospitality, resulting in unique and memorable experiences for guests.
What are some of the main activities planned at InterContinental for the Holy Month of Ramadan?
InterContinental Bahrain always connected with local culture and traditions. Every year during Ramadan we highlight the nuances of this beautiful country. This year we have chosen to honour the concept of the Souq through the eyes of an artist. We have tied up with the local well know artist called Abbas Al Mosawi and his paintings of the Souq along with a local brand called ‹Annada’, and will have them on display at our lobby during the entire month as an ode to the souq.
Our Ramadan offers include Iftar and Ghabga every day at the Regency Tent with artists that includes a harpist for Iftar and a singer for Ghabga. We have also introduced special nights on weekdays which have become quite popular. These include a ladies night on Monday with 50 percent off Iftar and Ghabga, a men’s Ghabga on Tuesdays for half price, and every Sunday hoteliers are welcome for 50 percent off on Iftar and Ghabga.
Visjna, what would you say are some of the plans for the near future at InterContinental?
In the near future, InterContinental Hotel aims to continue developing Bahraini colleagues through tailored training programmes while focusing on enhancing its food and beverage offerings to meet evolving guest preferences. The ultimate goal is to foster guest loyalty by delivering exceptional service and personalised experiences; ensuring guests become advocates for the InterContinental for life.
What’s one thing you are looking forward to the most in the 2024?
VV: As the Director of Sales and Marketing, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to implement innovative strategies that will further elevate our hotel’s market presence and guest satisfaction in 2024.
Any message for our readers on the occasion of International Women’s Day?
VV: Believe in your abilities, advocate for yourself, challenge the status quo and never underestimate the power of your voice in shaping the world around you.
PS: Embrace your superpower and wear your cape with pride. It’s important to be yourself. Don’t try and change to fit an ideal that you think is accepted. In reality, it’s your difference and uniqueness that make you stand out and add value at work.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In closing, we encourage all women to embrace their unique strengths, challenge the status quo and persist in their pursuit of excellence, knowing that their contributions are invaluable and their potential limitless.
