Hospitality is an industry shaped by people but the way it is experienced and practised often depends on the generation behind it. At AX Hotels Sliema this contrast comes to life through the voices of three students from France and the Netherlands, each exploring different departments during their internships and the reflections of Mr. Charles Abela, a veteran Restaurant Manager with over 50 years in the field. While their roles span housekeeping, kitchen, sales and food and beverage management their stories together reveal how values, expectations and approaches to hospitality have shifted yet how much remains timeless.

A Lifetime in Service

Mr. Charles Abela began his hospitality career in 1974 as a waiter. He joined AX The Victoria 23 years ago and despite officially retiring continues to serve as a part-time Restaurant Manager at Copperfield’s. In 2024 he received the Lifetime Award for Long Service with the AX Group adding to a long list of accolades. Twice named the overall MTA Star Award winner in the Food & Beverage category in 2009 (from 11,000 nominations) and 2015 (from 7,000) Charles has achieved over 40 individual guest mentions. Even today he tops the charts for guest recognition and social media mentions across both Sliema hotels.

For Charles hospitality has always been more than a job. “I didn’t have much secondary education, but I kept taking short courses. Meeting people became the key reason I stayed in tourism,” he recalls. Over the years he has seen the industry transform. “You really can’t compare the industry now to how it was when I started. Guests today are more demanding; there are more opportunities for workers and technology has transformed operations. But passion, communication and adaptability are still the foundations of good service.”

His career is full of colourful stories including befriending a guest who later introduced him to actor Bruce Willis and his family. That friendship led him to New York and continues to this day proof that in hospitality genuine connections can last a lifetime.

Fresh Eyes on Housekeeping

For Augustin Texier, a French student who recently completed his internship in the housekeeping department, hospitality is full of promise and discovery. Dreaming of one day opening his own restaurant or small hotel Augustin saw his placement as a chance to sharpen his skills and build confidence.

“My main responsibilities included verifying the cleanliness of rooms, assisting during evening services, organising the office upon stock arrivals and managing the distribution of linens,” he explains. But it was the independence he gained that made the biggest impact. “The most memorable moment of my internship was when I began conducting room inspections independently. The trust placed in me strengthened my professional confidence.”

He also discovered just how much precision and structure the industry demands. “Although my role was in housekeeping, I realised that discipline, organisation and attention to detail are essential in every department especially food and beverage. That confirmed my goal of pursuing a career in this field.” For Augustin the internship was a chance to roll up his sleeves and see hospitality from the inside out and he loved every minute.

Learning Through the Kitchen

Carlijn Berg, a Dutch student, spent six months in the kitchens at AX The Palace rotating between buffet service, pastry and the Talk of Town restaurant.
“I wanted to do my internship in a large hotel where I’d have more opportunities to learn,” she says. Her main duties included preparation work, cutting vegetables and assisting chefs during busy service. But her experience extended beyond food. “I learned not just about cooking but also about Malta, different cultures and even about myself.”

Her colleagues left the biggest impression. “On my last day they surprised me with a farewell cake. It made me feel truly appreciated and valued as an intern.” For Carlijn the combination of skill-building, cultural exchange and the fast-paced energy of a professional kitchen cemented her passion for culinary arts and gave her the confidence to push forward in her career.

Discovering Sales and Guest Relations

Flavie Lecomte also from France completed a three-month placement in Sales where she got a taste of the business side of hospitality. Her role focused on building guest relationships even before they set foot in the hotel.

“The mentorship I received helped me grow both professionally and personally,” she explains. “The friendships I made and the guidance I received were the most memorable part of my placement.”

Through her internship Flavie discovered the many moving pieces that come together to create a seamless guest experience, from reservations to event planning to guest communication. By the end of her placement, she was buzzing with ideas and inspired to carve out her own path in this fast-paced field.

The contrast between generations is striking. For today’s students internships are about exploration, learning and discovering what excites them most about the industry. They value cultural exchange, teamwork and hands-on experience. For Charles and his generation hospitality was a long-term commitment built on perseverance, resilience and self-driven learning at a time when formal training opportunities were limited.
The values may differ, curiosity, exploration and cultural exchange for the younger generation; discipline, perseverance, and a deep sense of duty for the older, but together they reflect how hospitality continues to evolve while staying rooted in people and service.

What unites both perspectives is the shared belief that hospitality is about more than a job, it is about creating connections, exceeding expectations, and finding pride in service. As the industry looks to the future, it is this balance of youthful ambition and seasoned experience that will continue to define its success.

Meet Andrew, Financial Controller at AX Hotels Qawra and winner of this year’s prestigious Chairman’s Award for Senior Management. With nearly 17 years at AX Group, Andrew’s journey has been one of steady growth, dedication and shared success. From his early days at the Suncrest Hotel to leading the financial operations of a diverse hospitality portfolio, Andrew has consistently shown what it means to lead with purpose and passion.

Andrew’s story with AX Group began when he was still dating his now wife, Christina – since then, they tied the knot, raised two children, welcomed two dogs into the family and built a life filled with milestones, many of which have been celebrated alongside his journey with AX Group.

He started as Assistant Financial Controller at the Suncrest Hotel, back when the scope was simpler and the operation was smaller. But as AX Group evolved, so did Andrew’s role. Today, he oversees the finances for AX Qawra Properties, which includes the flagship AX ODYCY Hotel, AX Sunny Coast, and a number of restaurants, bars and lidos. It’s a role that keeps him on his toes with a mix of reporting, budgeting, forecasting and supporting leadership with strategic insight.

For Andrew, one of the most fulfilling projects to date has been the pre-opening of AX ODYCY, a high-pressure period that demanded long hours, strong collaboration and a true team effort. He recalls the incredible energy and unity as colleagues stepped beyond their roles, working side by side to bring the project to life. “It wasn’t just about finishing the job,” he says, “it was about creating something meaningful together.”

Winning the Chairman’s Award this year was both humbling and uplifting, especially after also being nominated the previous year. But beyond the recognition, what means most to Andrew is being a trusted mentor to others. Helping colleagues grow, offering guidance and knowing he can make a difference in someone’s development, is what he finds most rewarding.

In his role, no two days are the same and that’s part of the appeal. From reviewing reports to aligning on budgets and managing tight deadlines during audit season, the pace is fast but fulfilling. He thrives on the challenge and values how his work contributes to the Group’s wider success.

Asked about AX Group’s culture, Andrew describes it as fast-paced and dynamic, but grounded in support and strong relationships. It’s a place where people from all walks of life work together with shared purpose, where growth is encouraged, and where there’s always time for a laugh, a lunch break chat, or a post-work drink.

His advice to anyone starting out in finance? Stay curious. Ask questions. Understand the story behind the numbers, not just the figures themselves. And above all, build relationships, because finance doesn’t operate in a vacuum, and neither should you.

Andrew’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with hard work, a supportive team and a mindset for growth. Looking to take the next step in your career? Explore open roles with AX Group at https://axcareersmalta.com/career/

 

Meet Fiona Debattista, our vibrant Activity Coordinator at AX Care, whose focus is on creating meaningful, feel-good moments for our residents at Simblija Care home and Hilltop Gardens in Naxxar. With her warm personality and dedication to seeing our residents thrive, she helps make each day engaging and purposeful.

“I coordinate and promote an attractive monthly calendar based on our residents’ interests,” she shares. “We set clear goals for daily activities like exercise, music entertainment, socialising, crafting, interactive games, outings and family involvement.”

Fiona ensures activities are inclusive, thoughtfully tailored to different ages, abilities and interests. She also works closely with the marketing team to promote events through the brand’s channels while coordinating guest speakers and entertainers to keep the programme fresh and engaging.

Her approach goes beyond planning, she builds genuine connections. “My way to connect is to listen, especially to newcomers who miss their homes and routines,” she explains. “I do my best to ensure they feel welcomed by other residents and familiar with their surroundings.”

One-on-one support plays a big part in to helping new residents settle in, and Fiona is always there ready to lend a hand. “I take care of my senior residents in a holistic way, that’s my aim.”

Some of her most memorable moments include celebrating residents celebrating residents’ birthdays complete with candles, friends and carers, making sure every resident feels truly special. “I do not settle for the easy route but push boundaries with residents and staff to entertain together as a family,” she says. Events such as a Sports Day are favourites and especially meaningful as “residents feel young again, facing challenges and overcoming physical and emotional limitations!”

Fiona continuously gathers feedback to better shape future activities, making sure everyone feels safe, supported, and included. Her work is about more than just planning and being amongst seniors, it’s about uplifting lives one joyful moment at a time.

Want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day?
👉 Check out all our open jobs here.

As part of our commitment to providing career growth opportunities and upskilling our team, Brady Dalli, Executive Sous Chef at Rosselli AX Privilege in Valletta under the AX Hotels brand, recently refined his culinary expertise through a company-sponsored 1-month training opportunity at De Bokkedoorns, a renowned restaurant in the Netherlands. Brady shares how he gained valuable insights into new techniques, team dynamics, and operational structures, further broadening his professional knowledge and reinforcing his appreciation for work-life balance.

“The Netherlands is a country of beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and vibrant cities,” Brady commented. He found the transition seamless, thanks to the welcoming team. His role involved preparing vegetables, handling meat, assisting with pastry, and working alongside the team during service. “It was interesting to see different working systems and cooking techniques,” he said, managing two daily services proved challenging, demanding precision and strong organizational skills.

A unique aspect of the restaurant was the daily team dinner at 5pm, where kitchen and service staff dined together despite the fast-paced environment. Brady also observed a unique approach to  plating, with chefs collaborating on each course rather than working strictly with assigned sections. While the team communicated fluently in English, he noticed slight variations in ingredient terminology. Brady’s biggest takeaway was the emphasis on work-life balance. “This experience made me very aware of how much they prioritise such a balance- something crucial in such a demanding industry” he said. Encouraging others to embrace similar opportunities, he added, “If the opportunity presents itself, go for it.”

Brady now heads to Athens for another experience before stepping into his new role as Head Chef at soon to be opened The Verdala Wellness Hotel, AX Privilege. He expressed gratitude to his mentor, Chef Victor Borg, Culinary Director at Rosselli, AX Privilege, for his continuous support, and looks forward to applying his newfound knowledge in the next chapter of his career.

Ms. Borislava Bayyumi, Head of Recruitment at AX Group, recently delivered an insightful talk at the Junior College Careers Expo, titled “Beyond Graduation: Finding Your Path and Purpose – Navigating Life with Clarity and Confidence.”

In her presentation, Borislava shared valuable information on how students can approach life after graduation with focus and determination. She highlighted key themes, including the importance of self-reflection to understand one’s values and strengths, exploring career options and setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

Borislava also emphasised the power of networking and mentorship, encouraging students to build connections that support their growth. She inspired attendees to seek purpose not just within their careers but in all aspects of life. Her talk stressed the need to practice resilience in overcoming challenges and to develop a personal vision statement that acts as a compass for the future.

To ensure students left with practical takeaways, she outlined actionable steps to help them transition smoothly from education to the professional world with clarity and confidence.

AX Group remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young individuals in shaping their futures. For those exploring career opportunities, visit AX Careers to view our list of current vacancies or to submit your CV and start your journey with us.