Seasoned hospitality industry professional Ryan Gauci is set to become General Manager (GM) of Hilton Prague, the brand's largest hotel in Continental Europe, at the start of the coming year.

Mr Gauci, who has over 20 years of experience within the hospitality and leisure industry, has worked at hotels for the Hilton brand since 2007 across various countries, including Malta, the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Czech Republic and Croatia. He has worked as GM at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa in Croatia for the past two and a half years.

This move does not represent Mr Gauci’s first venture to Hilton Prague, the brand’s flagship hotel in Europe, given he had served as Hotel Manager for over two years between October 2018 and June 2021.

Hilton Prague

Located in the heart of the Czech Republic capital, Hilton Prague was first built as the Atrium Hotel Prague in 1989, before it was taken over by Hilton two years later. It was fully renovated in 2020, with it now comprising 791 rooms and 38 meeting rooms, among a number of other amenities.

Commenting on his return to the hotel via an internal announcement, fellow Hilton Prague GM Michael Specking informed the hotel’s employees that Mr Gauci’s appointment “marks the beginning of a new era and signifies a reunion” from which all workers can “benefit”.

“For me personally, Ryan [Mr Gauci] has always been instrumental in building up operational departments and have them running as productive and inspirational as we see and enjoy them today,” Mr Specking said, adding that Mr Gauci has been involved in a number of business projects and has a proven track record of accomplishments.

Mr Specking wished him success in his new chapter, adding that when Mr Gauci joins in January 2024, there will be an introductory meeting and team gather to ensure a “smooth transition” and allow him to “establish connections, understand the current dynamics, and to share his initial vision for the hotel’s future”.

Additionally, Mr Gauci sent an internal announcement to his colleagues at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, notifying them that he will be leaving.

“The journey we have been on together, building and growing Hilton Rijeka Costabella, has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said.

He remarked that the team has “faced challenges, celebrated wins, and weathered storms as a united team” during his time there. Mr Gauci stated that the “exceptional group of individuals” he had the chance to work with are who make the hotel what it is today.

“My decision to move is not one I made lightly. Hilton Rijeka Costabella has been more than just a workplace for me; it’s been a second home, and all of you have been like a second family. Each day, I have witnessed your unwavering dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision,” he continued.

Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa

Hilton Rijeka Costabella is located between the towns of Opatija and Rijeka in Croatia, surrounded by the scenery of Risnjak National Park and Učka Nature Park. In 2023, under Mr Gauci’s leadership, the hotel was named “Croatia’s Leading Resort 2023” by the World Travel Awards, among a number of other awards.

“I want to emphasise that my departure is not a farewell but a transition to a new chapter in my Hilton story. I will always cherish the moments we have spent together,” Mr Gauci told colleagues.

He remarked that he believes the hotels’ leadership team will continue to take Hilton Rijeka Costabella to “even greater heights”, and his trust in them is “unwavering”. Mr Gauci said that he will be “eagerly watching as the next chapter unfolds” for the hotel, and has “no doubt that it will be a story of continued growth and prosperity”.

“Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey, and thank you for the countless memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Mr Gauci concluded.