Joanne Piccinino

Q: With over 20 years of experience in corporate sales
at Malta’s top hotel chains, how are you applying your
expertise to drive growth and innovation at Urban
Hotels Malta?

A: Success in hospitality comes from understanding
clients’ needs and delivering exceptional, personalised
service consistently. My experience has taught me
that building strong relationships, staying proactive,
and embracing innovation are key to identifying new
opportunities and enhancing guest experiences. I believe
innovation is about curiosity- whether through adopting
new technologies, refining services, or finding creative
ways to exceed guest expectations.

Q: Urban Hotels Malta manages three distinct
properties: The George Urban Boutique Hotel, Number
11 St. Julian’s Malta Handwritten Collection and Land’s
End Boutique Hotel. How do you tailor strategies to
highlight their unique appeal while maintaining a strong
brand identity?

A: Each of our hotels has its own personality. The George
is all about urban sophistication, Number 11 offers a
vibrant, contemporary atmosphere as part of Accor’s
Handwritten Collection, and Land’s End Boutique Hotel,
our stunning seafront property in Sliema, focuses on
boutique luxury.

I work closely with our teams to enhance each hotel’s
unique charm while ensuring our core values – excellence,
hospitality, and innovation – are reflected across all
properties. It’s about creating memorable experiences
while maintaining the high standards Urban Hotels Malta
is renowned for.

Q: With growing emphasis on sustainability in Malta’s
tourism sector, how is Urban Hotels Malta integrating
eco-friendly practices with high-quality design?

A: We are committed to delivering outstanding guest
experiences while minimising our environmental impact.
Across our properties, we’ve introduced energy-efficient
systems, eliminated single-use plastics, and source local
produce whenever possible. Our goal is to offer comfort
with a conscience – ensuring guests enjoy a sustainable
yet luxurious stay.

Q: As a leader in hospitality sales and business
development, what advice would you give young
professionals looking to build a successful career in this
dynamic industry?

A: Hospitality is all about people. Listen to your clients,
anticipate their needs, and always strive to deliver
exceptional service. Build meaningful relationships, stay
adaptable, and embrace innovation. Most importantly,
love what you do. Passion fuels success, and when you
truly care, growth will follow naturally.