Shawn Muscat

1. Tell us about your educational background and your work experience to date.
I studied at ITS and after finishing my studies I completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing and joined Hilton Hotel Malta where I was nominated for the Shine 4D course, later working at Hilton Milan. My journey continued with Radisson Blu eventually reaching the position of Assistant General Manager. Five years ago, I was entrusted with the project of converting a derelict building into a four-star superior resort, today Urban Valley Resort & Spa whereby, I occupy the role of Cluster General Manager, while handling other business interests of the group. My latest academic achievement was completing an Executive Masters in Business Administration at Henley Business School, University of Reading.

2. Why are you so passionate about the hotel and hospitality industry?
Working within this industry fuels me with mental stimulation as this industry is constantly evolving and facing tough challenges. I continuously learn from the encounters I experience whereby; I share my knowledge and provide advice to both the people I closely work with but also to the members of the MHRA to which I am an active member. I feel that Malta has so much to offer, and that the hospitality industry can be a pivot point to showcase its product. It would be a disservice if people working within this industry do not strive daily to outperform themselves and consequently be ambassadors to our island.

3. Mention five words to describe yourself and your work ethic.
Effective, disciplined, fair, implementer, business-centric.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
The industry and education have given me a lot of personal growth, I look forward to continuing sharing my knowledge and influencing team members and stakeholders positively, while focusing on my continuous personal development. Life is a journey; hence it is my motto to make the best out of every situation and appreciate the simple things in life.

5. Tell us one of the most rewarding experiences in your profession to date.
Achieving the highest grade within the Hilton Shine 4D Europe cohort remains a rewarding experience that fueled me to do better, followed by accomplishing the soft opening of Urban Valley Resort & Spa in a record time of eleven months after a complete gut out of the building and managing the whole project including all the technicalities.

6. What growth do you anticipate for the hotel and hospitality industry in the next 20 years?
The industry is at a crossroads, owing to lack of distinctive positioning. While private investors continued to improve hospitality products and new entrants complemented with attractive investments, we lack an overall lasting direction. It is time that all stakeholders consolidate their effort and discuss a long-term plan which should be on a national consensus. Malta struggles to achieve its own identity; hence a rejuvenating approach is necessitated to become more competitive. Continuing to market the island through a pricing strategy approach is perhaps not the most ideal scenario. To attract a higher quality tourist, we require a complete product, including an improvement in the environment, infrastructure, logistics and general aesthetics, which at present seem not to be constant. We have great opportunities, and the willingness of various stakeholders can place Malta on a unique platform, positioned in a differentiated approach to others.