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Q&A

Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts’ Omer Acar

January 24, 2025

Omer Acar is CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Omer Acar is CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

 

“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.

The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. This edition features Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

In this Q&A, Mr. Acar discusses feeling proud of your work – and helping others to do so, creating unforgettable experiences for guests, and enjoying peaceful and snowy time in the mountains with family.

Here is the dialogue:

What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?

My first role in hospitality was as an assistant restaurant manager at Hotel Halekulani on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. This experience in food and beverage was invaluable in shaping my approach to hospitality.

It taught me to think creatively, solve problems quickly and ignited a focus on, and passion for, customer obsession that continues today. In hospitality, we must be completely dedicated to serving our customers, which includes our guests, hotel teams and owners.

Being attentive to the needs and priorities of these three groups, in addition to striving for operational excellence, is what ultimately drives success. Knowing you have done your best work also creates a sense of pride – and the feeling of pride is addictive!

Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?

I am a hotelier at heart, driven by a deep passion for hospitality that has inspired me to learn all aspects of the industry, from hotel operations to the business side.

As general manager at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris and Ritz Paris, I learned that taking care of your teams is essential to ensuring they can, in turn, provide exceptional service to our guests. My decade-long experience with Katara Hospitality further broadened my perspective, offering valuable insights into the owner and developer viewpoints.

This combination of operational and business experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to delivering results for our three key stakeholders: guests, teams and owners.

However, above all, what has fueled my success is that I care deeply about the mission at hand, have the curiosity to explore new ideas and the energy to drive projects forward with relentless enthusiasm.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

To work with amazing people who motivate you and inspire you to want to succeed.

I really believe in this and, as a leader, my goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel supported and encouraged to perform at their best. By creating this culture, I aim to help them surpass their own limitations of what they thought they could achieve.

How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?

When I started out in hospitality, the focus was primarily on providing impeccable service and seamless experiences. As guest expectations and needs have evolved, they now expect outstanding service and desire highly exclusive, personalized experiences that are authentic and one-of-a-kind.

In a decade, I envision a shift toward hyper-tailored offerings, where technology and innovation will allow for highly customized stays that feel even more intuitive. At the same time, sustainability and authenticity will play an even bigger role in shaping guest experiences, with travelers seeking both luxury and a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.

However, the cornerstone of our industry will always be creating truly unforgettable moments.

What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?

I think people who have worked with me throughout my career would say that my passion for luxury has remained unwavering. However, taking over leadership of Raffles and Fairmont has been a great honor and every day I wake up and go to bed excited about the future of these remarkable brands.

Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?

I would love to meet Roger Federer, not only because I'm a tennis fan, but because I'm deeply inspired by professional athletes who possess remarkable focus, mental agility and passion for their craft. If given the chance, I’d gladly forgo lunch and ask if he’d join me for a match — of course, on one of the stunning tennis courts at either Raffles or Fairmont.

How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?

Before a big meeting or presentation, I focus on thorough preparation. I make sure to read all relevant briefing materials, anticipate potential questions and take time to mentally review key points I want to convey. Being well-prepared helps me feel confident and sets me up for success.

On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?

Spending time with my family is my greatest joy. If we are at home in New York, then I am likely exploring the city with my sons or cooking a delicious meal we can all enjoy together.

What does luxury mean to you?

The ability to create desire; to offer an experience that is so unique and exceptional that it becomes covetable.

Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?

My favorite indulgence is spending time in nature, especially in the mountains. Skiing is one of my favorite activities and one that I love to do with my family. It offers a cherished chance to disconnect, fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and enjoy the company of the people you’re with.

Sipping a cup of hot chocolate on the mountain, while fresh powder awaits, is true luxury to me.