| General Manager, Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino |
| By Noha Mohammed |
| A graduate of the University of Texas with a BA in Accounting, Richard Zeolla attended executive education programs at The Aspen Institute and Columbia University. He began his career with Marriott International in 1985, and held various finance positions in the United States, Bermuda and Europe. In 1999, he transitioned into hotel operations, and in 2000 was the opening General Manager of the Bucharest Marriott Grand Hotel. Zeolla’s most recent role before joining the Cairo Marriott was Vice President and General Manager responsible for four different business units in Aruba operated under the Marriott flag: the Aruba Marriott Resort, Stellaris Casino, and both of Marriott’s Vacation Club properties — Ocean Club and Surf Club. He has been managing the Cairo Marriott since December 2009.What is your favorite vacation destination in Egypt and why? I enjoy visiting the desert. One of the most memorable New Year’s Eves that I have experienced was spent camping with my family and friends under the stars in the middle of a sea of sand. How do you like to spend your vacation? My family and I tend toward the more adventure-related vacations. For our next vacation, we will be visiting South Africa, and the planned activities include paragliding, diving in a shark cage, sandboarding and blokarts [wind-powered go-karts]. What is your favorite traditional Egyptian food and where do you like to go for an enjoyable meal? At your hotel, what is your favorite meal? I really enjoy shawerma and baladi bread, as well as grilled halloumi cheese. These are things that I could eat every day (and frequently do at Egyptian Nights)! But my favorite meal at the Cairo Marriott Hotel is an American steak at JW’s Steakhouse. If I am eating outside the hotel, I frequently eat at the Blackstone Grill in Maadi. It feels like a little bit of home. Now more than ever we need to promote tourism in Egypt. What efforts is your establishment making toward this goal? As part of a Marriott Egypt initiative, we’ve started a nationwide campaign called “Celebrate Egypt 25.” The idea is to try and support the comeback of tourism to Egypt as well as give the local community a better chance to enjoy the beauty of the lovely destinations that Egypt offers. Until December 31, 2012, visitors looking for deals in Cairo and other major Egyptian cities will be treated to a bouquet of offers and promotions, which could include 25 percent off, 250 bonus points for Marriott Rewards, members or deals that coincide with stays on the 25th of each month, bookings for five nights or 25 rooms, and much more. To view all Celebrate Egypt 25 initiatives, visit www.Marriottegypt.com. If you could recommend just one thing an Egyptian should see or do in Egypt, what would it be? I’d advise Egyptians to visit Dimeh, an old Roman port on Lake Qarun in Fayoum. It is a beautiful place with stunning. |
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