Tamara Salha

Area General Manager for Premium, Essentials & Suites—UAE Hotel Division, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and General Manager of voco Dubai

“To drive is to be independent. To be driven is to be successful.”

Tamara Salha, formerly General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, was appointed Area General Manager for Premium, Essentials & Suites—UAE Hotel Division, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and General Manager of voco Dubai in October 2023. Her journey with voco began in 2019 when she relocated from Lebanon to Dubai as hotel manager. She was instrumental in rebranding the independently managed Nassima Royal Hotel into the first voco property in the Middle East under IHG. Ensuring the success of this flagship hotel was a milestone for IHG’s regional presence. Here, she shares her insights and aspirations with Editor-in-Chief Dato’ Chng Huck Theng on location in Dubai.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Tamara moved to London at age 8 during the civil war. She spent most of her childhood in London, attending the only French school in the UK, driven by her father’s determination to preserve her family’s connection to the French language. Tamara and her family returned to Lebanon as the country began to stabilise. She studied children’s education and child psychology at the American University of Beirut—a field she ultimately did not pursue professionally but one that continues to be valuable in her current role, shaping her approach to leadership. 

“My family is in hotels. We own the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut, founded and built by my grandfather. It’s a landmark hotel—opened in the 1960s, closed after the civil war, restored and reopened in 2000.” Despite her initial hesitation to join the family business and the inevitable comparisons to her sibling and relatives, she took an internship in the Housekeeping Department. “I believe that when you fall in love with something and discover your passion, you realise your potential. I realised I am capable, and I loved it. I persevered. I excelled and worked my way up.”

Over the next 18 years, Tamara built her career primarily in Lebanon, taking on short international task force duties in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. Her first major move came in 2019 when she left Lebanon to become a hotel manager. After a year, she joined a task force at Yas Island, expecting to stay for a month, but COVID extended her assignment to six. “It was a valuable learning experience. We were one of the first hotels to handle a COVID case. We managed quarantines, created a bubble for the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), and kept our team engaged and motivated.”

Tamara has never felt that being a woman influenced her opportunities in the Middle East. “When you’re working, you’re working. IHG operates with strong values and a code of conduct. Whether I’m in London, Dubai, or Lebanon, I’m treated the same way. My focus is on empowering the next generation, and I’m proud to mentor aspiring female leaders through the IHG Academy. As a female area manager overseeing male general managers, I lead by influencing upwards and downwards. Gender has never been an obstacle.”

She highlights the industry’s evolving dynamics, emphasising the importance of mentorship. Through IHG’s RISE program, Tamara mentors young female managers, helping them navigate leadership challenges. The programme provides tools for growth while emphasising commitment and sacrifice—qualities essential to success. “Ultimately, a GM’s role cannot be fulfilled virtually; it demands presence, sacrifice and dedication.”

Tamara believes that adapting to new talent is key to the hospitality industry’s future. The next generation brings creativity and resourcefulness, but they require communication, clear career paths, and recognition. “Mentorship is a two-way street. We learn from them as they learn from us. Traditional work-life balance can be difficult, but companies must align with the values of today’s workforce, who prioritise diversity, inclusion, equality, mental well-being and balance.”

Her journey has taught her two critical lessons: resilience and the ability to let go. Working in Lebanon during political instability and crises, including the 2020 port explosion, tested her ability to adapt and maintain focus. “These experiences taught me to handle crises calmly, think long-term, and keep my team going strong.” Moving to Dubai, she carried these lessons forward, proving her agility and leadership.

“Stepping out of routine is essential. I explore hotels, restaurants, and new experiences to stay inspired and current and encourage my team to do the same.“

Tamara’s management style is rooted in trust and collaboration. “Success doesn’t happen in isolation. I’ve learned to step back, trust my team, and share in our collective achievements.” Her curiosity drives her success, as she constantly questions and challenges norms. Having said that, she also advises against overworking, as long hours can lead to burnout and reduced creativity.

Looking ahead, Tamara envisions returning to Lebanon in 10 years to contribute to her family’s business while continuing to grow in her current role. “I left to prove myself and gain experience. I want to bring back the knowledge and expertise I’ve obtained.”

Tamara describes herself as curious, disruptive, and natural. Her curiosity fuels her drive for understanding, while her disruptive mindset challenges the status quo. Above all, she prides herself on authenticity, leading with integrity and transparency. 

“To drive is to be independent. To be driven is to be successful.”