If it seems like you’ve been seeing Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers a lot in the media, you’d be right. It is thanks to the efforts of Leslie Weddle that the flagship Hilton footprint has reminded in peoples’ minds. Thanks to her, the hotel hosted the first-ever Middle East and North Africa 50 Best Restaurants Awards – a deal which further cemented the hotel itself as a leading culinary destination.
First stepping into the role in January 2021, Weddle joined the property and immediately secured a number of sponsorships and strong relationships with partners, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Harry Anthony Lonergan, senior manager destination marketing MEA, Hilton, said: “Leslie has continued to be one of Hilton’s standout marketers and has gone from strength to strength over the years to become Hilton’s marketing champion in the UAE capital.”
Lonergan continued: “Her positive energy reflects across her team that covers an extremely diverse property with 12 amazing restaurants, unrivalled meetings and event space as well as fantastic rooms for both guests and long term residents.
“Leslie’s work with the local tourism board to promote Conrad Etihad Towers throughout the country has been phenomenal and is now Hilton’s benchmark across the entire EMEA region. Taking over as marketing and communications director during the height of the pandemic, Leslie’s efforts to rebrand, drive awareness of the Conrad and make it the capital’s hottest destination over an extremely challenging period has been absolutely outstanding.”
Previously speaking with Hotelier Middle East, Weddle has shared the many different ways she approaches her profession. For her, a key to success is to be genuine. She said: “Above all be genuine. Marketers need to remember that the media cannot publish every story we share with them, no matter how exciting we feel it is but then again we have to make sure we send the media something exciting to publish. Be different and stand out from others. If you have not reached out or considered the media for previous projects or you have not taken the time to let them get to know your property, then it is harder to spread your message.
“Here at Conrad Abi Dhabi Etihad Towers, we strive to always offer guests personalised experiences and the same level of personalisation also applies when planning a PR campaign – something that will ultimately help drive performance at the property.”