The growing success of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has once again been highlighted, with Simon Casson, president of hotel operations for Europe, Middle East & Africa, being recognised with the accolade of Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry.

He took the title at the Food & Travel Arabia GCC Awards 2017.

As the driving force behind the company’s expansion plans in the region, Casson served in senior roles at other properties in the GCC prior to assuming his current position.

Most recently, he was the opening general manager for Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Canter, whose opening in March 2016 was overseen by Casson in his role as regional vice president, won the Best City Hotel award at the same event.

Prior to his work in Dubai, Casson served as the general manager for Four Seasons Hotel Doha for nine years, where he played an instrumental role in setting new industry benchmarks in Qatar’s hospitality sector.

A Four Seasons veteran of 28 years, Casson has held management positions in London, Washington DC and also previously chaired the company’s Global Spa Task Force, overseeing Four Seasons spa efforts worldwide.

Casson was instrumental in the success of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, which been recognised as Middle East’s Leading Luxury Resort by the World Travel Awards

He assumed the role of president, hotel operations, EMEA, in August 2016, spearheading an active pipeline of projects in the region, with Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, the seventh property to join the company’s GCC collection, expected to open in quarter three of this year and the recently announced Four Seasons Hotel Tunis scheduled for a late 2017 opening.

Four Seasons

Founded in 1960, Four Seasons continues to define the future of luxury hospitality with extraordinary imagination, unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, and the most genuine and customised service.

Currently operating 105 hotels, resorts and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 43 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards.