Get All Access for $5/mo

Accor's MEA CEO Mark Willis On How His Hospitality Brand Handled The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic "We've been heavily impacted over the last six months, but now is the time to look forward and take a positive position on what that future looks like."

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

With great certainty, we can say that hardly ever have CEOs of hotel chains seen as strong an impact on their businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with Entrepreneur Middle East, Mark Willis, CEO - Middle East and Africa, Accor, talks about managing a crisis of a lifetime -travel restrictions and national lockdowns causing the instability of economies and businesses around the world- and how Accor's people and guest-focused approach to the COVID-19 pandemic helped them to emerge stronger. "We've been heavily impacted over the last six months, but now is the time to look forward and take a positive position on what that future looks like," says Willis. "We have a portfolio of wonderful brands at Accor, and although the market remains subdued, that will not last. As you move out of 2020 and into 2021, the dynamics of business and the demand in our industry will start to come back."

Related: Experiences Matter: Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer - MEA, Accor, On How The Hospitality Brand Is Driving Its Offerings In The Post COVID-19 Era

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Growth Strategies

"We Got Funded!" UAE-Headquartered Epik Foods' US$15.5 Million Investment from Ruya Fund is Set to Propel its Regional Expansion Goals

The group's investment news thus comes just days away from its first anniversary as a fully operational business.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Technology

Empowering Enterprises: Jayesh Patel, CEO, WIO Bank

The region's first platform bank Wio Bank contributes to the UAE positioning itself as a pivotal digital economy hub both regionally and globally.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.