On 15 November 2016, at a magnificent event held in Paris, Olivier Louis, Managing Director of One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm in Dubai, was presented with the ‘Best Hotelier’ award at the 2016 Worldwide Hospitality Awards. The Hospitality Awards is in its 17th year and allows for members of the global hospitality industry to showcase their achievements in a number of categories. The ‘Best Hotelier’ is awarded based on: business performance, managerial capability, involvement in community life/human resources skills, professional recognition by peers, and implication in the local community.
Olivier Louis has been associated with Kerzner International since 1995, starting in Mauritius and then in 1998, he moved to Dubai to prepare and guide the opening of The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage. Olivier has been an integral part of the resort’s growth into three distinctive properties including the Arabian Court that opened in 2002 and The Residence & Spa in 2003. As Managing Director of the One&Only resorts in Dubai, he also played a leading role in the development, design, and strategy of One&Only The Palm, which opened in 2010.
“One of my greatest achievements is being the Managing Director of the two most stylish beach resorts in Dubai. Both One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm are so distinct with a great sense of place, and reflect the ideals set by One&Only as a brand. I am so proud to lead such an incredible team that delivers exceptional experiences for our clientele every day,” commented Olivier Louis, Managing Director of One&Only The Palm and One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. “Being part of One&Only Resorts means that we ensure that we consistently work towards surprising and delighting our guests and continue to innovate. I am very proud to receive this great honour of ‘Best Hotelier’, and it is not just a reflection on me, but most importantly, for the amazing dedication and commitment of my entire team and for our Dubai owner’s unconditional support over the years.”
Olivier Louis’ career spans 40 years of impressive hospitality management positions and reads like a world tour, from locations like his native Paris, France to Houston, Texas; New York; Newport Beach, California; London, UK; Phuket, Thailand; Nassau in The Bahamas and prior to Dubai, three years in Mauritius with Kerzner International.
Managing over 1,400 team members across both resorts, Olivier Louis sees himself as more of a ‘coach’ in his leadership style– and sees each team member as a student that he has the opportunity to guide. “I have a very hands-on approach to managing and training. Every year, we have a number of young team members whose unique talent complement and contribute towards the ever-increasing and improving product and service level,” says Olivier Louis. “One of my personal goals is to ensure that over the next few years I can transfer my years of acquired hospitality knowledge to each team member – whether they be Directors, Waiters, Chefs, or Rooms Valets.”
“Both One&Only resorts in Dubai have received a number of prestigious awards over the years, most recently One&Only Royal Mirage was awarded number one Resort in the Middle East byCondé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. This award and the many others can be attributed to the leadership and guidance of Olivier,” commented Philippe Zuber, President and Chief Operating Officer of One&Only Resorts. “We are incredibly proud of his great achievement of receiving the ‘Best Hotelier’ award. Not only does Olivier manage both resorts at the highest level and ensure that the resorts’ discerning and repeat guests are continuously blown away, but on the global level, we often look to Olivier for his suggestions and recommendations. He has been an inherent part of the brand and is a true ambassador.”
“I am so proud that Kerzner International has three hotels in the top 10 for Trip Advisor rankings. This is a true reflection of our incredible team, led by such amazing leaders like Olivier Louis,” commented Jean-Gabriel Peres, President and CEO, Kerzner International. “I have been fortunate enough to know Olivier for over 25 years and I am thrilled he has been recognized for his leadership and contribution to the industry. He is the epitome of the One&Only ethos.”