Growing up, I was fortunate to be exposed to travel from a young age, visiting various countries in Europe and the Arab world. My father’s work involved organizing accommodations and activities for youth across Morocco, which often brought travel and hospitality into our lives. Witnessing his passion for his work and his belief that the best education comes from experiencing the world firsthand inspired me to pursue a career in hospitality. It was those early experiences and the people I met along the way that truly ignited my passion for this industry.

This is part of what inspired me to join hospitality; I wanted to meet people. Our guests come from cultures and backgrounds from all over the world. It is interesting to see how dynamic and diverse our industry is and it excites me to hear about their roots, their lifestyles, what they like to eat, what they like to do on holiday. It is my passion as a hotelier to provide exceptional service and to create a memorable experience for people.

Before I joined Accor, I worked for other international brands but for me, Accor gives the best ability to have a positive impact on people’s life; I like the emphasis on innovation, sustainability and the commitment to guest service. The culture of inclusivity and continuous development aligns perfectly with me as a person and my values.

Being a Heartist is about bringing creativity to life every day. It’s about having the heart to create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression. This role allows me to share my experiences with our staff, department heads, and guests, and in return, learn from theirs to enhance their stay in Casablanca. This approach is what sets Accor apart. For me, Accor is where I truly feel at home, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

I’m particularly proud of how we navigated the challenges of the pandemic, maintaining high occupancy and keeping our entire team employed throughout. Transitioning from F&B to sales was a pivotal moment for me, and my experience with Accor has taught me that success in sales goes beyond knowledge it’s also deeply rooted in the relationships you build.

One of the largest call centres wanted to maintain their business in Casablanca. They deal exclusively with Vidéotron, a large telephone company in Montréal, Canada, so they took all my rooms and put every agent in a room to continue to support their client. They stayed with us for more than 11 months, until they moved back to their offices but they continued to use our meeting rooms daily. We also did some outside catering to feed the agents. Everyone kept their job and their salaries, and that made me proud, especially as in Casablanca most hotels closed their doors. At Mövenpick Casablanca we worked throughout lockdowns and that showed our resilience and Accor’s trust and belief in us.

My first words to someone new in hospitality are, thank you for choosing this profession; we need young people to carry the flame. Stay curious and open to learning at all times; the industry is ever evolving and it is important to embrace the change and seek opportunities for growth. We are always building strong relationships and developing excellent communication skills, and that remains key to thriving in this field.

Joining Accor offers an incredible opportunity for growth and development, thanks to the extensive training options available. With numerous career paths to explore, I’m confident that a general manager position is on the horizon. I want to inspire every Heartist® to believe that their dreams are within reach, with dedication and a commitment to continuous learning, anything is possible. To be a true hotelier is to care deeply; it’s a role that demands passion, as we are dedicated to our guests 365 days a year.