BBJ? What is your impression of the market in the short time you’ve been here, and is there anything that has surprised you?

Angela Saliba: When I was approached about the opportunity to lead this property, the biggest motivator was this iconic Marriott flagship hotel. It has an amazing reputation in the company and the city. I came not knowing much about Budapest and was blown away by its stunning architecture.

I was not expecting to see such a high level of international tourism in the city, which makes it easier for someone in my position because there is a natural demand, from both North American and European travelers, to visit Budapest as a leisure destination. Equally, there are many opportunities for tapping into the business and corporate segments. As a hotel with extensive meeting space including two ballrooms, business travel is equally important for us.

My impressions have been overwhelmingly positive. Despite having zero knowledge of the language, I found that’s not been a barrier at all. Everybody has been very welcoming both in the hotel and the city. I am fascinated by the destination and am discovering it slowly but surely.

BBJ: You touched on several different business groups there. Is any one more important than another?

AS: Budapest is one of those destinations that is lucky to have demand almost all year round. From April through the summer months, you’ve got a mix of leisure guests plus people coming for meetings and incentives. I’ve been told that the Christmas markets are amazing, and we continue to enjoy high occupancy even during the festive period, which is quite unusual. In many European destinations, we see Christmas as a quiet period. Since we have a lot of meeting space, plus 364 rooms to fill, the meetings and incentive business is vital for us and a good base for building our occupancy. So, I wouldn’t prioritize one segment over the other. Finding that balance is crucial to ensure that we leave space for meetings and events while also having rooms available for leisure guests coming to explore Budapest.

BBJ: You are the first female GM at the Budapest Marriott. Do you see part of your path as being a role model to other women?

AS: What got me where I am today, more than anything, is a passion for the industry and people. I joined the industry looking for a summer job when I was 17 and discovered that you meet lots of people from all over the world. To me, that seemed very glamorous and exciting.

In 1997, Marriott opened its first Westin Resort outside of North America, and I thought, here is an American company that’s globally recognized. So, I joined the pre-opening team and looked for opportunities to raise my hand whenever roles with bigger responsibilities arose. Did I ever think about my gender holding me back? Not really, probably because I was surrounded by great leaders who supported my career development. The industry can be challenging; you don’t close the door at five o’clock. It’s 24/7 all year round. During the festive season, Easter, all these special moments when people are celebrating, you’re working or on call. Perseverance and some elements of resilience are essential, regardless of gender.

Being in a property leadership role for the last 16 years, I recognize that it’s changing, and I’m sure it will continue to evolve. More female GMs have been appointed in Europe in the last decade. At Marriott International, we are committed to developing talents, including female leadership across all levels of the organization. I try to inspire women and men to realize they can achieve their full potential in an organization like Marriott International. They need to take responsibility for their development, but the opportunities are there; they just need to embrace them.

When it comes to women, the biggest concern is always, “Can I make it into a leadership role but still have a life outside of work, with personal goals and aspirations? Can I still have a family and achieve these career goals?” Absolutely, you can. So, I’m here to inspire both genders, but I especially pay attention to young female talents concerned about juggling their personal and professional lives. I aim to be a good brand ambassador for Marriott International, for what the company represents, for our core values, as well as for the Budapest Marriott Hotel, to inspire talent of all ages, male and female, to reach their full potential here.

I have mentored several female managers across Europe to encourage them in the career path with Marriott. I am always happy to share my experience and discuss leadership challenges and opportunities.

BBJ: What is the secret to running a good hotel?

AS: Talent is key for us to keep our business running and to keep our guests happy with the level of service that we provide. Guest expectations continue to rise. We are a five-star property, and hence, guests are expecting an amazing and memorable stay. It is my role with my dedicated team to curate that guest experience. We must constantly ask ourselves, “What do our guests want?” and continue to deliver on that. I meticulously read all the guest feedback, whether on social media or our surveys, to ensure we have our finger on the pulse.

I always go back to “What is the customer telling us?” It’s not about my personal opinion. Of course, there are brand standards we need to follow. But if somebody is here on leisure for two or three days, they have very different needs from somebody here for business. We need to make sure we’re able to anticipate all those needs.

BBJ: Did you have specific goals for what you want to achieve at Budapest Marriott, or were you given targets?

AS: In any property that you manage for Marriott International, regardless of the brand, there are some fundamental essentials that a GM needs to meet. Guest satisfaction is crucial. Financial targets are critical, as is associate satisfaction. Market share is also important, ensuring we’re getting a fair share of the business coming into Budapest. So, it’s a mix of quality-related goals and financial goals. Those are the pillars that any GM needs to be completely aligned with. Beyond that, I want to ensure we deliver a memorable guest experience and support our associates in their growth and achieving their best.

BBJ: Any final thoughts for now?

AS: I’m delighted to be in Budapest, leading this iconic Budapest Marriott Hotel, and happy to collaborate with and lead such a fantastic team. I don’t take it lightly. I’m building on the achievements of all the previous GMs who came before me and took the hotel from strength to strength, and now the baton has been passed to me.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 28, 2024.