Gabriel Gutsa
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Experienced professional in 5-star hotel recreation facilities and adventure activities, specialising in innovative ecotourism concepts and training guides. Led over 5,000 tours in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, showcasing strong presentation skills. Deep understanding of Arabian flora and fauna enhances environmental outreach initiatives. Skilled in developing budgets and revenue strategies to elevate ecotourism experiences and support conservation efforts.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Adventure and Conservation
DRB Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2025.05 - Current
- Established structured framework for department operations, standards, equipment purchases, and service delivery concepts as Head of Adventure, enhancing clarity and efficiency.
- Reporting directly to CEO on department growth strategies and adventure operations on nature-based activities development and execution.
- Developed proposals in response to RFPs for adventure, agrotourism, and wellness projects, aligning with government-sponsored private sector initiatives.
- Creating new activities linked to adventure, Nature and astronomy and their SOP, budgets and detailed technical operations for all.
- Developed Live tour of the moon concept for the Leaf Riyadh camp, through connecting telescopes to specialized astronomy cameras and projecting the images on a big screen, hence creating monthly events centered on the moon and planets.
- Launched recurve archery, night sky observation, nature walks, and mountain biking for Aseer season campaign under DRB Adventure Hub at Dalaghan Park in Abha, diversifying adventure offerings.
- Creating memorable experiences in harmony with nature at a cluster level at The leaf Camp Riyadh and the leaf Camp in Hail. All located in Nature Royal Nature reserves for example King Khalid Royal reserve in Riyadh and Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in Hail Saudi Arabia.
- Created team-building events and activities for corporates and schools for both day and overnight visitors.
- Worked closely with events department in creating astronomy and archery-based day events concepts.
Conservation and Adventure Center Manager
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2024.01 - 2025.01
- Managed conservation of wildlife in 500h nature reserve, monitoring 150 Arabian Oryx, 300 Sand gazelles, and 20 Mountain gazelles to educate visitors on conservation importance.
- Coordinated with conservation institutions on animal husbandry, ecotourism events, wildlife research, and habitat protection to enhance collaborative efforts.
- Designed and launched eco-friendly nature-based activities for ecotourism, leading to successful Night Desert Safari, ranked as second best revenue-generating activity for 2024.
- Attended regional environmental seminars focused on sustainable tourism practices and Arabian Oryx conservation.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
Recreation manager
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2021.01 - 2024.01
- Overseeing day-to-day operations of all Adventure centre desert activities such as Nature walk, Nature drives (soft drives), Desert Fat biking, Desert E-biking, Falconry, Stargazing, Catch and release fishing, Bird watching, Ritz Kids Rangers, movies in the desert, Falconry show, Archery, Night Archery night walk, Desert survival team building activities, Tree planting, Sunset camel rides, Night Desert Safari, Lunar expedition and Hawk Walk. (All the activities above are owned and operated by the hotel brand, the only ones operated by a third party are Falconry based activities)
- In charge of the management and operations of the resort’s public swimming pool, 400+ guest bicycles and Ritz kids club for Ritz Kids.
- Training and motivated recreation activity guides, utilising a comprehensive manual I researched and compiled over 2 years, ensuring guides delivered engaging, knowledgeable, and high-quality guest experiences.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to enhance visibility and attract guests to desert activities.
- Maintaining safety, luxurious guest experience, brand standards and maximizing the quality level of products and services to achieve the highest guest satisfaction.
- Managed guest relations to ensure satisfaction and address concerns., dealing with guest complaints and solving them.
- Coordinating programs and activities with other departments.
- Monitoring all revenue and expenditures in areas of supervision.
- Preparing yearly Budget and Capex for the department.
- Conducted environmental impact assessments to evaluate effects of desert activities on nature reserve.
- Developing new recreation projects and managing them.
- Provided excellent customer service to enhance guest experience.
- Contributed towards overall resort reputation through exceptional management of recreational department.
- Collaborated with other departments for seamless event execution.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations with regular facility checks.
- Created enjoyable atmosphere by organising fun-filled family activities.
- Organised weekly recreational programmes, resulting in increased participation.
- Monitored equipment usage, ensuring timely maintenance and replacement when necessary.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, leading to improved productivity.
- Boosted guest satisfaction with well-organised outdoor events.
- Promoted range of available activities via engaging marketing materials.
- Liaised with suppliers for cost-effective procurement of recreational equipment.
- Managed team of recreation assistants for smooth operation of facilities.
- Implemented effective scheduling system for efficient use of facilities.
- Developed innovative recreational programmes to engage diverse clientele.
- Trained staff in delivering exceptional customer service, reflected in positive feedback from guests.
- Streamlined booking procedures to improve user experience.
- Handled customer complaints effectively, resulting in high levels of guest retention.
- Maintained safe and clean environment to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Delivered high quality service by managing recreational activities effectively.
- Maintained strong working relationships with colleagues and senior management.
- Answered queries and handled complaints to provide outstanding customer service.
- Coordinated maintenance and cleaning work to keep facility in good condition.
- Kept up-to-date knowledge of and upheld compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Liaised with senior management and provided ongoing reports to share business performance.
- Created safe working protocols and assessed employee capability levels to keep all staff safe.
- Managed finances and administrative requirements to keep centre operating according to targets.
- Followed company standards for service and facility quality to improve repeat customer rates.
- Oversaw selection, supervision and performance of centre staff to keep adequate staffing levels.
- Set and managed budgets, controlling expenditure and keeping efficient use of resources.
- Developed recreational programmes and events, managing logistics and allocating facility resources.
- Implemented promotional strategies to drive centre traffic and meet profit goals.
- Planned medium to long-term business targets to optimise company performance and growth.
- Organised resources to support entertainment, cultural showcases and fitness programmes.
- Planned centre activities and recreational programmes based on identified patron needs.
- Performed project management and evaluated project to identify improvement opportunities.
- Oversaw centre inventory and placed new orders to keep levels within targets.
- Generated short and long-term marketing strategies and coordinated internal teams to implement them.
- Tracked trends in creative arts and identified optimal performers and events to schedule.
- Directed public-facing and support teams to complete quality, cost-effective work on schedule.
Ranger- Ambassador of the environment
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2018.01 - 2021.01
- Leading groups and VIP activities such as star gazing, bird watching, archery, nature drives, fishing and nature walks.
- Designed and implemented eco-friendly recreational activities to enhance guest engagement with nature.
- Designed new Ritz Kids programs in line with the brand's four pillars of environmental and sustainable activities.
- Training and supervising activity officers/guides.
- Designing activity manuals for standardization of the information and procedure according to the brand policy for all activity officers.
- Executed digital marketing campaigns to promote recreational activities and events. in partnership with the Marketing department. https://www.facebook.com/ritzcarltonalwadidesert/videos/860891637628408/UzpfSTEwMDAxMTQwMzM4MDkxMjoxMDU1OTA4NzQ0NzA3NjM5MjI0/?q=the%20ritz-carlton%20ras%20al%20khaimah%20al%20wadi%20desert%20archery&epa=SEARCH_BOX
- Managed public relations efforts through media interviews on radio and blogs, promoting nature reserve and recreational offerings to increase awareness. http://www.dubaioursandbox.com/2017/03/al-wadi-resort-family-retreat-in-ras-al.html
- Researching and Organizing quotations on the purchasing of new recreational equipment.
- Preparing monthly equipment inventory for the department.
Activities Officer
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2016.01 - 2018.01
- Created innovative recreational activities tailored to diverse guest interests.
- Organising and leading groups, individuals, private and VIP in activities such as Outdoor archery, informative nature walks, star gazing, bird watching, guided bike tours, fishing and nature-based discovery walks with young children.
- Guided guests through nature, providing insights based on research about activities and local flora and fauna.
- Researched service delivery and evaluated results to enhance guest experiences.
- Conducted media interviews to promote recreational activities and educate the public about flora and fauna at Al Wadi nature reserve.
- Taking recreational activity bookings and coordinating activities with the experience concierge.
- Ensuring safety usage of all equipment and materials at all time and daily checking their impeccable performance.
Travel Consultant and Tour operations
Africa Travel Tours
Victoria Falls
2014.06 - 2015.08
- Sold travel packages, including accommodation and activities, tailored to customer preferences and requirements.
- Provided accurate quotations for package tours and activities based on client requests.
- Processed booking requests by inputting travel details, including dates, times, locations, and special requirements.
- Provided customer service by delivering information, addressing complaints, and resolving issues effectively.
- Supervised tour guides and tour consultants on selling techniques and motivating them.
- Guided guests in game drives and adventure activities.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the tour vehicles.
- Managed invoicing processes, including month-end billing, payments, and payment plans for corporate clients and loyal customers.
- Segmented clients by age, nationality, preferences, and global trends to target marketing efforts effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Science Honors Degree - Travel and Recreation Management
Chinhoyi University of Technology
ZimbabweDiploma - Tourism and Business Studies
ICM
United KingdomThe Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Google digital garage
Skills
- Recreation management
- Public speaking
- Flora and fauna expertise
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Budget management
- Adventure concept development
- Budget creation
Languages
English (fluent)
REFERENCES
Available Upon request.
HOBBIES
Reading, Bungee jumping, Water Rafting, Archery, Sky diving, Wildlife photography
Accomplishments
- Successfully designed and launched bird watching as an activity to guests at the resort at the same time promoting the conservation and Education of United Arab Emirates Birds (2017).
- Successfully introduced nature drive activity for visitors as part of wildlife tourism. (Nov 2018)
- Created and launched team building activities for groups and corporates. (Oct 2018)
- Successfully designed and implemented lunar based activities such as tour of the moon using live broadcast display from the telescope to a big screen projector. (2018)
- Completed researching and documenting a list of all the flora and fauna found at the nature reserve to be used as part of a book about the nature reserve environmental education (2019).
- Designed and launched the Ritz Kids Ranger activities for children. All 12 activities in this program are aimed at promoting eco-tourism. This program is now one of the 5 worldwide case studies used as brand standard example for all Ritz Kids club.(2019-current)
- Nominated for 2022 Hotelier Middle East Awards 2022: Fitness and Recreation Person of the Year shortlist https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/events/hotelier-middle-east-2022-fitness-and-recreation-person-of-the-year-shortlist
- Generated the highest revenue for recreation department (adventure center) in the year 2022, the highest since the 2016.
- Nominated for 2023 Hotelier Middle East Awards 2022: Fitness and Recreation Person of the Year shortlist https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/events/revealed-every-shortlist-in-the-hotelier-middle-east-awards-2023
- Produced record high profitability revenue in 2023 for the recreation department, an increase by 16.5% compared to 2022. Highest since the Hotel brand opened in 2016.
- Successfully launched Night desert Safari and lunar expedition activity in 2024.
- Collaborated with WildFlight Falconry Company to successfully launch Hawk Walk activity in 2024.
- Partnered with Rak Academy School to conduct Ritz Rangers activity within the resort as field Trips aimed at educating young children about the desert ecosystem, geography and animal tracking skills. February 2024. (One time contract)
- Launched Nature Hike, stargazing, mountain biking and archery in Abha, Adventure Hub for Aseer season campaign for summer (2025) Saudi Arabia.
- Created the whole department structure and standards of operation for DRB Arabia, Saudi Arabia 2025-2026
AWARDS
Star of the quarter award of 2017 (The Ritz Carlton). Representing the recreation department, I was recognized and awarded a certification of excellence and exceptional positive customer feedback and engagement., Awarded employee of the year of the year 2017 (The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi desert).
Timeline
Head of Adventure and Conservation
DRB Arabia
2025.05 - Current
Conservation and Adventure Center Manager
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2024.01 - 2025.01
Recreation manager
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2021.01 - 2024.01
Ranger- Ambassador of the environment
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2018.01 - 2021.01
Activities Officer
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
2016.01 - 2018.01
Travel Consultant and Tour operations
Africa Travel Tours
2014.06 - 2015.08
Diploma - Tourism and Business Studies
ICM
Bachelor of Science Honors Degree - Travel and Recreation Management
Chinhoyi University of Technology
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Google digital garage