Claire Xuereb has been confirmed as general manager of The Victoria Hotel as of 1 May 2005. The owners of the hotel say she has proven herself in two years of occupying the position of acting general manager of this four star hotel, one of the top in its category in Malta. The Victoria Hotel boasts a unique and individual identity with its elegant and aristocratic Victorian décor.
Ms Xuereb is the elder daughter of AX Group chairman, Angelo Xuereb. She has been heading the operation as acting general manager since May 2003.
Although of a young age, Ms Xuereb comes to The Victoria with over 14 years of training within the group’s hospitality division and also worked overseas with Mayfair Inter-Continental – London and Celebrity Cruises, owned by Royal Caribbean International. Despite having hands-on experience in all departments, she nevertheless trained in Switzerland and obtained her BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Studies with distinction from Glion Hotel School. Her grades were also recognised by a similar BSc from the University of Wales.
A major upgrading operation has just been completed at the Victoria Hotel so that it will be able to further consolidate its position and continue to offer an exceptional service. Ms Xuereb has been given a very clear and tough assignment – to prepare The Victoria for international branding. This entailed the total refurbishment of all rooms and public areas, the addition of 150 more rooms through building an extension at the back of the hotel and eventually linking both buildings.
The Capua Palace, which is adjacent to the hotel, is also undergoing a major refurbishment to encompass a multi-function hall at ground floor level, executive suites on the first floor and landscaped gardens at the back. It is today referred to as Palazzo Capua.
Ms Xuereb’s main targets are that The Victoria will strengthen the group’s assets and potential as an on-going operation by constantly ensuring that all interests are amply taken care of, including those of the owners, the operators and the clients. She is concentrating on growth from all sources – targeting the right mix from each market segment, while increasing value for money, hence allowing for a better bargaining position for the further tapping of conferences and banquets when the hotel extension is fully operational. In addition, Ms Xuereb wants to consistently give the business traveller, the individual and group visitor what they are looking for – more personal attention.
The Victoria has been marketed as a businessman’s hotel: “A hotel built by businessmen for businessmen” – and also for anyone who wants to be taken care of and pampered. The overall idea is to exceed expectations while giving it a home-away-from-home feeling.
As a result, The Victoria is now already tapping new international markets that are quite innovative for Malta. Ms Xuereb feels that business does not come on its own and that the hotel’s position is its advantage. She therefore intends to lead The Victoria to its earmarked international branding by continuing to attract the right client with the right formula of hospitality.