One of them is Mr Abdourahman Barry.

As Hotel Operations Manager, his influence reaches many parts of the guest experience. And behind his calm and approachable personality is more than two decades of hospitality experience – a career that has taken him from restaurant service to management, training, teaching and consultancy.

His journey started at Kairaba Beach Hotel in 2000 as a restaurant waiter. Over the years, he progressed to restaurant supervisor, events coordinator and later Senior Assistant Conference and Banquet Manager, gaining experience across different areas of hotel operations and major events.

But Mr Barry did not keep that experience only for himself.

For five years, he headed the Food and Beverage Department at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, helping to train future hospitality professionals. He also lectured in Tourism and Hospitality at the University of The Gambia.

Alongside his career, he continued learning himself, completing a bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of The Gambia and later a master's degree in the same field at Harbin University of Commerce in China. His experience has also taken him beyond The Gambia through hospitality training and consultancy assignments in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

And then came Bakadaji hotel.

Mr Barry's relationship with Bakadaji started before the hotel welcomed its first guests. He joined the pre-opening team as a team leader and Food & Beverage consultant and was part of the team that helped bring the hotel to life. Since February 2023, he has served as Hotel Operations Manager.

And perhaps being there from the beginning explains why he cares so deeply about the hotel.

Those who work with him know how personally invested he is in Bakadaji's progress. He is hardworking, always looking for ways to improve and constantly pushing towards the next success. He generally leads in a calm, respectful and kind way, while still knowing when a situation requires him to be firm.

There is also a lighter side. He enjoys a joke, communicates easily with the people around him and manages to keep relationships professional without making them unnecessarily formal.

But perhaps the most important part of his approach is how much he cares about the guest.

Mr Barry wants every person who comes to Bakadaji to feel welcomed and special. For him, good hospitality is not only about beautiful rooms, good food or facilities. It is also about attention, consistency and how people feel while they are there.

After more than two decades in hospitality, he has worked as a waiter, supervisor, events coordinator, manager, lecturer, trainer and consultant. Today, all those years of experience come together at Bakadaji.

So, the next time you enjoy a meal, attend an event or spend a few days at Bakadaji, remember that what you experience is the result of many people working together.

Mr Barry is one of them – one of the people behind the scenes whose passion, experience and dedication help make Bakadaji what guests experience today.

Thank you Mr Barry for your service and great partnership!

info@bakadajihotel.gm+220 228 0234

Bakadaji Hotel

Bakadaji Hotel is a luxurious and culturally immersive destination in The Gambia, ideal for first-time visitors. Featuring 80 beautifully appointed rooms named after Gambian tribes, the hotel blends modern comforts with traditional African design. Guests can enjoy stunning local art,...

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