With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Maher Bahsoun has carved a name for himself as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. Currently the General Manager of the iconic Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, Bahsoun’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and visionary leadership—one that has not only navigated crises but also sparked innovation and sustainable growth.
A Journey Marked by Purpose and Progress
Maher’s career began with a deep passion for hospitality and an unwavering drive for excellence. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, but it was in 2018—when he was appointed Hotel Manager—that his impact began to scale. Just two years later, amid the challenges of the global pandemic, he was promoted to General Manager at Crowne Plaza Duqm, where his strategic financial stewardship helped the hotel outperform during one of the toughest periods in the industry.
In September 2022, Maher took the helm at Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, one of IHG’s most celebrated properties. Under his leadership, the resort has experienced a renaissance—achieving new financial heights, operational excellence, and increased brand recognition. His achievements earned him prestigious accolades, including Oman’s Best General Manager at the CMO Global Oman Leadership Awards 2024, the IHG IMEA GM Innovation Impact Award, and a feature on the Hotelier Middle East GM Power List 2023.
A Purposeful Move to Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah
Maher was drawn to Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah by its strong brand legacy and the natural beauty of its location in Southern Oman—a lush coastal haven infused with cultural richness. “The opportunity to lead a team full of potential and elevate a property already beloved by guests was incredibly motivating,” he shares.
His strategic leadership has led the resort to win consecutive titles at the World Travel Awards and World Luxury Hotel Awards, along with accolades from the Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards and guest-driven platforms such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, and HolidayCheck Recommended Hotel.
Evolving Leadership Through Empathy and Innovation
Maher’s leadership philosophy has evolved from a traditional operational focus to one grounded in empathy, empowerment, and innovation. “Early in my career, I was results-driven. Now, I know that nurturing people is the most powerful way to drive performance,” he says.
He champions collaboration, transparency, and personal development—creating high-performing teams that thrive under pressure and consistently deliver excellence.
Balancing Excellence in Service and Strategy
To Maher, guest satisfaction and financial performance go hand-in-hand. “When guests are happy, the business prospers,” he notes. His strategies include streamlining operations, renegotiating supplier agreements, and introducing cost-effective, guest-centric services—measures that have elevated both the guest experience and profitability.
Keeping the Team Motivated, Day to Day
In a thriving, fast-paced organization, Maher sustains high team morale by fostering purpose, growth, and shared success. Weekly shout-outs, professional development stipends, and open idea forums help build a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
“It’s not just about incentives—it’s about creating meaning in the work,” he explains. Maher’s open-door policy, regular one-on-ones, and trust in team autonomy reinforce a sense of ownership and pride. His thoughtful leadership inspires steady enthusiasm and lasting loyalty. Motivation, he believes, doesn’t require a crisis—it’s built through connection, transparency, and a daily commitment to showing people they matter.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
Maher actively fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation through brainstorming sessions, open-door policies, and cross-department collaboration. His teams are encouraged to challenge norms and propose fresh ideas—many of which have translated into meaningful operational and sustainability improvements.
“Innovation doesn’t always come from the top. Often, it comes from the front lines,” he adds.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
In a landscape that shifts rapidly, Maher believes staying informed isn’t enough—staying ahead is essential. He champions a culture of curiosity, encouraging team members to attend industry conferences, pursue certifications, and share insights through monthly trend briefings.
“Anticipating change gives us a competitive edge,” he says. Maher invests in advanced analytics platforms, fosters collaboration through innovation workshops, and supports pilot programs to test emerging ideas before they become mainstream. By blending foresight with agility, he ensures the organization not only adapts to change—but leads it. For Maher, trend awareness isn’t reactive—it’s a strategic advantage built into the team’s DNA.
Embracing Change with Agility
Adaptability, according to Maher, is essential in hospitality. Whether reconfiguring guest services or reallocating roles during crises, his ability to respond swiftly and intelligently sets him apart. By staying attuned to guest feedback and global trends, he ensures Crowne Plaza Salalah remains agile and future-ready.
Technology as a Tool for Transformation
Technology, when used with intention, becomes far more than a convenience—it becomes a catalyst for transformation. Maher leverages digital tools not just to streamline processes, but to empower people. From data-driven decision-making to collaborative platforms that break down silos, his approach integrates technology to enhance clarity, speed, and connection.
“Technology should elevate human potential, not replace it,” he says. By adopting smart systems, automating repetitive tasks, and encouraging digital literacy across all roles, Maher ensures his team spends less time managing complexity and more time innovating. The result: a culture that adapts, evolves, and thrives through purposeful tech.
Vision for the Future
Maher’s long-term vision is clear: to position Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah as a regional benchmark for excellence, sustainability, and innovation. His roadmap includes expanding the resort’s wellness and culinary offerings, deepening digital transformation, and cultivating an award-winning team culture that delivers on every promise.
“We want to be the place where tradition meets innovation, and where every stay is unforgettable,” he says with conviction.
Exploring Growth Markets
For Maher, identifying and pursuing growth markets is a strategic priority. He believes that expansion isn’t just about geographical reach—it’s about understanding untapped potential and meeting evolving customer needs. By fostering a culture of innovation, Maher encourages his team to explore new verticals, research emerging demographics, and evaluate niche markets with fresh perspectives.
“Growth is driven by anticipating where value is needed most,” he says. Maher invests in market intelligence, forms strategic partnerships, and supports agile product development to quickly capitalize on new opportunities. Through this forward-thinking approach, his team is always ready to seize the next big opportunity before competitors can.
Leading in the Digital Era
Maher believes the future of hospitality leadership is deeply human at its core—despite the rise of technology. “Tomorrow’s leaders must be tech-savvy, but more importantly, emotionally intelligent,” he says. For him, the ideal leader blends strategic foresight with heart, capable of adapting quickly while nurturing their teams through change.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
To the next generation of hospitality professionals, Maher offers this advice: “Lead with empathy, stay curious, and never stop learning. Focus on innovation, and above all, believe in your people—they’re your greatest strength.”
