Phoenicia Malta has appointed two new members to its management team, in the form of PR & Marketing Manager Christine Darmanin and Restaurant Manager Istvan Zsoka.
In comments to WhosWho.mt, the two professionals discussed their backgrounds and provided insights on their approaches to the new positions.
Christine Darmanin has a strong background in the tourism industry, first entering the sector at 18, when she worked in hotels alongside her studies (BA Tourism Studies).
When she graduated, she spent nearly a decade at the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), working in marketing and handling press trips. During this period, she also took a year off work to study in the UK for a MSc in Strategy and Innovation.
“I am thrilled to be part of The Phoenicia Malta family and to be back in hospitality, she said, adding: “The Phoenicia Malta is the island’s most prestigious and iconic hotel.”
Continuing, she reflected on passing the hotel on her daily commute, admiring its beauty and wondering what it would feel like to work at Malta’s first five-star hotel.
Tourism, she said, is her passion for as long as she can remember, and she is “ecstatic to be part of the fabulous team.”
Providing professional insights, she stated that she looks forward to bringing her knowledge and experience to the table, while acknowledging that “the hotel itself, with its beautiful gardens, fabulous suites and luscious spa, is a marketer’s dream.”
Mr Zsoka is also an experienced hospitality figure, and, having worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant for three years, he told WhosWho.mt that he will be looking to utilise this experience with the ultimate goal of promoting the hotel’s Phoenix restaurant to a Michelin star level.
To do this, he explained: “My primary focus is to be of support, elicit motiviation, and educational resource to each and every one of my team members. Besides being a good listener, I am quite onboard when it comes to innovation, and collaboration is something I encourage.”
Upon his appointment he felt excitement and anticipation to get started, expanding: “I am very eager to get to know my colleagues and get acquainted with the hotel as this is the only way to observe its strengths and weaknesses.”
Regarding his working style, he said he strives for improvement and teamwork, adding that he is looking forward to hearing “some of the great ideas employees have to offer in how to take this organisation to new heights.”
“What I am aiming towards is the presence of positive customer interactions as this make people feel comfortable, welcomed, and increase their trust in the Hotel,” Mr Zsoka concluded.
Main Image:The Phoenix restaurant at The Phoenicia Hotel/ Facebook