Serving smiles and creating memorable moments: Sandra’s journey at Cheeky Monkey

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For Sandra Britto, working in hospitality is not just about  serving food and drinks. It is about welcoming every guest with kindness, creating a positive atmosphere and making sure they leave with good memories.

Sandra joined Cheeky Monkey  Valletta around four years ago as a Food and Beverage Operative. Since then, she has become a valued member of the team, known for her warm personality and the smile she brings to work each day.

When asked to describe her experience at Cheeky Monkey in three words, Sandra chose “friendly, rewarding and excellent”. These words reflect the supportive environment she has found within the team and the pride she takes in her role.

“I’m lucky to have a great team, and I’m very proud of that,” she shares.

Sandra believes that honesty, politeness and kindness are essential when working with people. Whether she is welcoming regular customers, serving visitors or interacting with families and children, she always aims to make each person feel comfortable and valued.

The importance of a smile

Sandra’s positive attitude has not gone unnoticed. She was recognised as a Smile Champion by the Management Team, an award that holds special meaning for her.

“It means a lot to me, and I am very proud,” she says. “I am glad that my work is recognised by the management.”

For Sandra, a smile is an important part of good hospitality. She believes that guests remember how they were treated and how a place made them feel.

“In hospitality, the first thing you want is to always keep a smile on your face,” she explains. “A great smile can make the customer leave the place with good memories.”

Her approach is simple but meaningful. By treating people with warmth and respect, Sandra helps create the welcoming experience that guests expect when visiting Cheeky Monkey Valletta.

Growing as part of the team

Over the past four years, Sandra has built strong relationships with her colleagues and developed her confidence within the role. The teamwork and support she experiences each day have played an important part in making her journey a rewarding one.

Her advice to anyone considering a career with AX Hotels is equally positive.

“I would say: apply,” Sandra shares. “We have a lot to offer, and the doors are always open.”

Sandra’s story shows how a friendly and positive attitude, commitment to service and genuine care for others can make a lasting difference. Through every interaction, she continues to serve smiles and create memorable moments for both guests and colleagues at Cheeky Monkey Valletta.

Beyond the job: James Gabaretta’s Commitment to Giving Back

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For James Gabaretta, making a positive impact has never been limited to what happens during the working day. As AX Group’s ESG Analyst, sustainability forms part of his role, but his commitment to giving back goes well beyond his day-to-day responsibilities.

“I have always been passionate about sustainable development,” James explains. “Both individuals and businesses rely on the communities and environments around them. It only makes sense that we give something back to the systems that support us.”

That mindset has shaped the way he approaches both his career and his involvement in AX Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Through his role, James works closely on environmental, social and governance priorities across the organisation, helping identify opportunities where meaningful community initiatives can make a lasting difference. As a member of both the Group’s ESG and CSR Committees, he also plays an active part in supporting projects that strengthen AX Group’s connection with the wider community.

Among the various CSR initiatives he has been involved in, one experience stands out. A volunteering day at the Island Sanctuary gave AX Group employees the opportunity to support the dedicated team behind the charity, helping complete tasks that had been left pending due to limited volunteer resources. Alongside practical assistance and a financial donation, the experience had an impact that extended beyond the day itself.

“What made it especially meaningful was seeing some of our colleagues return to volunteer on their own afterwards,” James recalls. “Knowing that the experience inspired people to continue helping beyond the organised event was incredibly rewarding.”

For James, initiatives like these reflect something much bigger than a single volunteering day.

“Giving back is not only a responsibility, but also an opportunity to stay connected with the people and communities around us. It helps us better understand the challenges others face and reminds us that businesses can play an important role in creating positive change.”

For anyone looking to build a career with purpose, James believes it’s important to stay grounded while remaining passionate.

“Many people want to make a positive impact, and that’s something to be encouraged,” he says. “Real change doesn’t always happen overnight. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. Stay curious, stay patient and keep your values at the centre of your decisions. You’ll find opportunities to make a difference wherever your career takes you.”

A Full Circle Moment: Jelica’s journey with AX

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At AX Group, we often say that career progression isn’t a straight line, and we mean it. For some, the journey starts fresh out of university, growing within a role or moving across departments over time. For others, the path takes a different turn. They join us, gain experience, explore new opportunities, and sometimes, even find their way back to us. And when they do, it’s always a pleasure to reconnect with people who return not only with new skills, but with greater confidence and perspective.

That was exactly the case with Jelica Milosevic, whose journey really reflects the value of experience gained along the way. Remember where it all began, Jelica shares: “I come from Serbia, and in 2015, I made a life-changing decision to move to Malta in search of new opportunities and a brighter future.”

Moving countries is never a small thing. It’s equal parts exciting and uncertain, especially when you’re building a life from scratch in a place where everything is unfamiliar. For Jelica, AX Group became her first foothold on the island.

“I began my journey as a housekeeping attendant at AX The Palace in Sliema,” she recalls. “It was my first experience living and working abroad, and it taught me a lot about discipline, independence, and the importance of a strong work ethic.” Values she says she has carried with her ever since.

After gaining that initial experience, Jelica felt ready to explore new paths. She moved into a role as a sales assistant, where she began to better understand her strengths and interests.

“During this time, I realised I wanted to grow professionally and develop new skills, so I started studying accounts,” she says. “With dedication and persistence, I was given the opportunity to move into an accounting role, which marked an important step forward in my career.”

After several years of building both professional and life experience, Jelica felt ready for yet a new challenge, and a fresh environment to match. As she began exploring new opportunities, she came across something unexpected. Not only did she find a role that aligned perfectly with her skills, but it was back with AX Group, where her journey had first begun, but this time within a different part of the business.

An opening within the accounts team at the Verdala Wellness Hotel in Rabat made that return possible. For us, it was just as rewarding to reconnect, seeing how much she had grown, and hearing how much her first role with AX had stayed with her. It felt like the right fit at the right time, on both sides.

Reflecting on this new chapter, Jelica shares: “I’m grateful not only for the opportunity to continue to grow professionally, but also for the amazing colleagues I work with. Every day is enjoyable and motivating, and it’s great to be part of such a professional environment.”

Looking at Jelica today, her journey is unquestionably a really admirable one. From a bold move to a new country, through housekeeping, sales, and into accounts, she has continued to build on persistence and a willingness to keep going, even when things weren’t plainsailing.

“Moving to Malta was not always easy,” she says, “but it has made me stronger and more determined, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” And something tells us, she’s only getting started.

AX Awards Spotlight: Josef Sant’s Senior Management Win

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This year,  AX Group recognised Josef Sant with the Chairman’s Senior Management Award at the Annual AX Awards Ceremony, a recognition of nearly 14 years of dedication, leadership and contribution within the hospitality sector. From joining AX Hotels without formal commercial experience to leading the Group’s commercial and distribution strategy across a diverse hotel portfolio, Josef’s journey has been shaped by adaptability, mentorship and a strong belief in long-term growth. Looking back on his career so far, he shares the experiences, lessons and leadership moments that have shaped both his professional journey and his approach to helping drive the business forward.

1. When you joined AX Hotels, what did you see that made you think, “there’s something here worth committing to”?

I joined AX Hotels nearly 14 years ago, starting my career in the commercial function at Seashells Resort, now AX ODYCY. At the time, both the property and the business were very different to what they are today. I was coming from a five star international brand and stepping into a commercial role without formal experience in that area. Even so, AX Hotels chose to invest in me, giving me the opportunity to step into a new discipline – something that made a strong impression on me from the outset.

What truly confirmed that AX was a company worth committing to came very early on. I was keen to learn and had thrown myself fully into the role. One evening, at around 7pm, I received a call from the General Manager, Joseph Vella, asking me to join him in his office. We spent the next few hours discussing revenue management strategy, financial performance and cost structures in real depth.

It was the first of many such conversations.

Walking out of that meeting, I was left in no doubt about the kind of company AX was. Its leadership was willing to invest time, share knowledge and actively develop people. That culture of mentorship, openness and long term thinking was decisive for me. It showed me that this was an organisation where growth – both professional and organisational – was genuinely supported, and one I could see myself committing to for the long term.

2. What was your first thought when you were first promoted to Head of Commercial & Distribution Strategy?

At the time, the promotion felt like a natural progression. I had already been working closely on the strategic side of revenue management, and alongside the sales function, so stepping into a broader commercial and distribution role felt like the right next step.

What shifted quite significantly, however, was the weight of accountability. The responsibility for the consistent delivery of rooms and package revenue across the portfolio became more centralised, which naturally brought a much greater sense of ownership. That is not to say that the role is carried alone, on the contrary, I have always had, and continue to have, a very strong support structure around me, from director leadership through to a highly capable team.

That said, it is a role that can, at times, feel inherently solitary. There are moments where, by the nature of the position, you are the first to identify emerging risks, shifting market dynamics, or potential performance challenges. Managing that awareness, while ensuring that teams remain focused, motivated and aligned, particularly when navigating more uncertain periods, is one of the more demanding aspects of the role. It requires a careful balance between realism and optimism, and a consistent approach to calm, steady leadership.

3. Looking back, what early experiences at AX shaped the way you approach your role today?

One of the most defining was transitioning relatively early in my career into a cluster role. This was a significant inflection point, one that accelerated my development, broadened my perspective, and challenged both my thinking and adaptability. From a commercial perspective, the transition required a fundamental shift in mindset. I moved from managing a large, single-property operation, a 400-room, four-star resort, to overseeing a more diverse portfolio, including our Sliema city hotels, the Valletta boutique properties, and ultimately the broader hotel portfolio. Each operated within distinct market segments, diverse competitive sets, and commercial dynamics, demanding a far more nuanced and flexible approach.

However, equally, and perhaps more importantly, the complexity extended beyond the business itself. Navigating different management styles, team cultures and operational priorities introduced a new layer of complexity. It was during this period that I developed a much deeper understanding of stakeholder management – learning how to build strong working relationships, align diverse teams and navigate organisational dynamics more effectively.

Balancing these dynamics has not always been easy but that early exposure proved most valuable. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, perspective, and alignment, particularly when driving performance across a diverse portfolio and working with different hotel teams. That experience continues to shape how I approach the role today – maintaining clarity of direction while staying responsive to the needs of each individual asset.

4. Was there a particular moment in your career when you stopped feeling like you were simply doing the job and realised you were helping grow the business?

I do not believe there was a single defining moment that marked that shift. From the outset, I approached the role with the mindset that going to work was about more than simply fulfilling a function. In the early years, my focus was on consistently delivering not just results, but the best possible standard of results. There was also a strong personal drive to contribute and help towards positioning AX Hotels as a leading player in the market, and that mindset has remained a constant throughout my journey. Yes, as responsibilities evolved and the scope of the role expanded, the impact of decisions became increasingly tangible and measurable across the business.

5. Over the years, what have you learnt about what really drives growth in a group like AX – beyond the obvious answers?

Ultimately, the foundation for sustained growth across the Group lies in the alignment of vision, values, people, structure and strategy.

Over the years, I have come to realise that growth in a group such as AX is driven by far more than commercial and operational levers alone. At its core, it begins with a clear and consistent vision, supported by strong company values. These provide direction, set expectations, and ensure that decisions are made with a long-term perspective rather than short-term gain.

Equally important is the strength of the corporate structure and, more specifically, the people within it. Sustainable growth is ultimately delivered through aligned teams who understand their role within the wider organisation and work collaboratively towards common objectives. The quality of communication, trust, and accountability across teams is often what differentiates performance over time.

Strategy, of course, remains a critical component, but its effectiveness is dependent on how well it is understood, implemented, and continuously challenged. In my experience, growth is achieved when strategy is not treated as a static exercise, but as an evolving framework that adapts to market conditions while remaining anchored in the organisation’s broader vision.

6. This award recognises senior management, but awards are never earned in isolation. Who or what has been most important in your journey to this point?

It is very difficult to attribute this to any one individual, as this has been a journey rather than a singular moment. This award is certainly not a solo achievement; rather, it reflects a collective journey in which I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the most capable individuals and brilliant minds in the industry.

At a leadership level, I have had the privilege of being exposed to a highly complementary dynamic, from a visionary Chairman, Angelo Xuereb, who consistently challenges the organisation to think ahead, and a structured, highly analytical CEO, Michael Warrington. Simply having the opportunity to work in close proximity to that calibre of thinking and leadership has been invaluable.

On a more direct level, reporting to the Director of Hospitality, Claire Xuereb has been a defining influence on my development. It is a leadership relationship built on trust and constructive challenge. She has consistently pushed me to think beyond the immediate, to question assumptions, and step outside my comfort zones, all of which have played an important role in driving both my professional growth and a more strategic mindset.

Equally, the guidance of Senior General Managers Joseph Vella and Kevin Callus who have acted as mentors at different stages of my career, has been instrumental in shaping both my professional judgement and approach to leadership.

My phenomenal team has been central to this journey. I have learned and continue to learn a great deal from them on a daily basis, often more than they may realise, and their commitment, professionalism and ownership are a fundamental part of any success attributed to me.

Finally, the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and partners has also contributed significantly. Exposure to different perspectives, expectations and challenges has continuously broadened my outlook and strengthened my ability to adapt within an evolving commercial environment.

7. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in leadership and decision-making over the course of your career?

From a business perspective, there is significant value in taking a measured approach – analysing situations thoroughly, understanding the implications, and making considered, well weighted decisions. At the same time, there are instances where conviction is required, and stepping beyond analysed risk can unlock greater outcomes. Developing the judgement to know when to be patient and when to act decisively is something that only comes with experience.

On a broader level, I have also come to appreciate that progression within an organisation is exactly that, a progression. It requires time, consistency and patience. The concept of a “corporate ladder” exists for a reason, progression is achieved step by step, through consistency and experience. In today’s fast-paced environment, where expectations for rapid growth are increasingly common, understanding the value of patience within that journey becomes critical.

That balance between ambition and patience has been one of the most important lessons. Understanding that growth – both personal and organisational – is built over time has fundamentally shaped how I approach decisions today.

Josef’s story is a testament to the culture of growth, trust and continuous development that defines AX Group. Through years of evolving responsibilities, strategic challenges and collaborative leadership, his journey highlights the value of patience, consistency and investing in people. As he continues to help shape the future of AX Hotels, his experience serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that long-term success is built through shared vision, strong relationships and a commitment to always moving forward. Congratulations to Josef on receiving the Chairman’s Senior Management Award, a well-deserved recognition of his dedication, leadership and contribution to the Group over the years.

 

From Intern to HR Coordinator: Alicia’s Story

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At AX Group, our people-first philosophy doesn’t stop at how we interact with guests and clients. It shapes how our teams are built, too. Nowhere is that more true than in Human Resources, where the role itself is built around supporting the people around you. So when the chance came to bring an intern into the department, the team knew we needed someone with a genuine warmth for people, and the instinct to put them first.

That person turned out to be Alicia Schembri, from AX Hotels, Valletta. From the start, she stood out for her enthusiasm and her natural ease with people. Even in those early days, it was clear she was ready to get involved and contribute.

Looking back, Alicia remembers how quickly she felt at home. “I was welcomed into a supportive team who always encouraged learning and career progression at the same time,” she says. “I was delighted when, just a couple of months later, I was offered a full-time position as an HR Coordinator.” Not a bad way to begin.

At AX Group, new recruits are never simply thrown in at the deep end. That’s why Alicia was immediately supported by a structured training programme, with clear timelines, practical guidance, and realistic targets along the way. The idea behind this was to build her confidence steadily and help her grow into the role at the right pace.

For Alicia, that structure made all the difference. “The programme allowed me to build on the skills I developed during my internship and take the next steps forward,” she explains. “I always felt comfortable asking questions or raising concerns, especially as I was still new to the role.”

That sense of support reflects a wider culture at AX, one where development is shaped by hands-on experience and guidance from those around you. As Alicia grew more confident, so did her responsibilities, becoming more involved in the day-to-day operations of the team.

“With each shift came new challenges,” she says, “but I saw it as a chance to step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and strengthen my communication and organisation skills.”

Alicia has well and truly settled in, though her journey of progression and learning is still unfolding. Alongside her work at AX, she is studying towards completing her Master’s degree in Business Psychology and Human Resources, continuing to build on both her academic and professional growth.

“Knowing that the company encourages and supports career progression is a big motivator for me,” she says. “I also know that the more knowledge and skills I gain will open up many more opportunities across the Group.”

And for those just starting their own intern journeys, Alicia offers simple but valuable advice to share: “Be eager to learn, stay proactive, and make the most of every opportunity. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Managing Responsibility Across Careers: Insights from AX Hotels’ Josef Ciappara

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A Career Defined by Accountability

Responsibility has shaped every stage of Josef Ciappara’s career, influencing how he approaches leadership, risk, and decision-making. Rather than being tied to a job title, it is a mindset that has remained constant across high-pressure environments and hospitality operations.

Now Health and Safety Manager at AX Hotels, Qawra, Josef Ciappara’s career spans early roles in law enforcement, overseas missions, and senior positions in hospitality. Across these environments, accountability and considered decision-making have remained central to how he works. As he puts it, “Responsibility is not a title, it’s a mindset that stays with you when others rely on your decisions.”

Learning from High-Pressure Environments

Josef reflects on how working in high-pressure environments shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making. Exposure to different countries and cultures emphasised the importance of preparation, situational awareness, and understanding context. These early experiences reinforced a strong sense of responsibility, lessons that continue to influence how he approaches both life and work today. Joining AX Group: A New Perspective

Joining AX Group offered Josef a fresh perspective and a broader organisational view. He encountered a culture that challenges established thinking and recognises that safety and sustainability are not barriers, but essential components of quality and long-term performance.

Leadership engagement played a crucial role in this journey. Visible support for health and safety initiatives helped build momentum, foster trust, and create a shared sense of responsibility across teams.

Embracing International Standards and Management Frameworks

A key turning point in Josef’s professional development came in 2020, when he was introduced to internationally recognised standards, management frameworks, and sustainability certifications, including ISO and GSTC. As his understanding deepened, he recognised their role in strengthening existing processes, improving consistency, and supporting long-term sustainability when applied with clear purpose.

Responsibility in a Live Hospitality Environment

Hospitality presents unique operational challenges. Teams work under constant pressure to balance service delivery, guest satisfaction, and safety, while managing

time and resources effectively. Josef explains that meaningful change happens through collaboration, patience, and active listening—particularly to those closest to the work.

The introduction of sustainability brought additional operational and safety considerations. While principles such as waste reduction and energy efficiency are easy to support in theory, their successful implementation requires careful planning, clear communication, and ongoing monitoring in a live environment.

Achieving GSTC Certification

One of Josef’s defining experiences at AX Hotels was achieving GSTC certification for a major hotel operation. Although many systems were already in place, the certification process helped identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. “A special thanks are due to the teams involved for their continued support throughout this certification process,” Josef notes.

The experience reinforced the value of structured systems tested under real operational conditions, strengthening governance, consistency, and organisational resilience.

In hospitality, operating effectively means working under constant scrutiny, where decisions have immediate impact on people, operations, and reputation. For Josef, maintaining high standards depends on clarity, consistency, and the confidence to make informed decisions in complex, fast-moving environments.

This approach continues to guide how he supports teams across the organisation, ensuring that expectations are clear and that responsibility is shared rather than assumed. It is this everyday application of standards, rather than recognition alone, that defines sustainable performance in hospitality.

 

Celebrating Diversity at AX Hotels Sliema Through the International Food Festival

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The 3rd Edition of the International Food Festival at AX Hotels, Sliema was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, teamwork, and culinary creativity. Organised by the Food & Beverage Department, the festival brought together hotel staff from multiple departments to showcase traditional dishes from their home countries, creating an immersive and delicious cultural experience.

This year, the event welcomed employees from all nationalities, including Nepal, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Albania, Malta, Italy, France, and Serbia. Staff personally prepared authentic dishes, such as Nepalese Selroti, Thakali Thali, and Chukauni, allowing colleagues to experience global flavours firsthand. Each food station reflected the personal backgrounds and culinary influences of the team, turning the festival into a shared cultural celebration rather than a simple food tasting.

The International Food Festival also highlighted the importance of teamwork in the hospitality industry. Employees collaborated on planning, preparation, and execution, stepping beyond their usual roles to contribute creatively. Many colleagues shared how enjoyable it was to exchange recipes, explore new cuisines, and learn about each other’s cultures, reinforcing cross-cultural understanding and employee engagement.

Adding a charitable dimension, a raffle was held with prizes such as chocolates, wines, and vouchers. Each ticket cost just €1, raising a total of €291, which was donated to the AX Foundation, supporting social responsibility and community initiatives.

The festival successfully combined cultural inclusion, employee engagement, and hospitality excellence. It strengthened team bonds, promoted diversity in the workplace, and created lasting memories for everyone involved. The event demonstrated how AX Hotels, Sliema not only values culinary talent and creativity but also fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

Giving Back Together: AX Group CSR Highlights from 2025

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Throughout 2025, AX Group teams across all divisions came together to support meaningful causes, strengthen community ties and give back where it matters most. From fundraising initiatives to hands-on volunteering, our people demonstrated a shared commitment to care, compassion and social responsibility.

Group-Wide Initiatives

Across AX Group, employees united behind several causes that reflect our core values: creativity, determination and integrity. During Pink October and Movember, teams raised donations in support of Europa Donna Malta, contributing to awareness and support for cancer-related initiatives.

Members of the HR team from across the Group also volunteered their time at the Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta, preparing and serving meals and assisting with cleaning duties to support individuals facing hardship.

In addition, AX Group employees collectively made a generous donation to Hospice Malta, helping support essential palliative care services and improve quality of life for patients and their families during difficult times.

AX Group Business Centre

The AX Group Business Centre led several impactful initiatives throughout the year. During Waste Reduction Week in November, employees organised a clothing drive, with donated items benefiting MSPCA. The team also contributed to the upkeep of the Island Sanctuary shelter in Marsaxlokk, helping the staff clean-up and organise the space in preparation for their annual fundraising bazaar.

In collaboration with Dar Merhba Bik, employees collected essential daily necessities to support women and children seeking refuge. Some team members also took part in the Caritas Charity Run 2025, showing their commitment through both action and participation.

AX Hotels Initiatives

At AX Hotels Qawra, the team partnered with the Qawra Church to prepare and serve warm meals for 100 people in need, creating a welcoming gathering centred on connection and community support.

The AX Hotels Sliema team spent a meaningful day at Wardija School, connecting with students, supporting their entrepreneurial projects and experiencing the school’s inclusive and inspiring learning environment.

Meanwhile, teams from AX Hotels Sliema and Valletta joined forces to collect donations for YMCA Malta, personally delivering the items and engaging directly with the organisation to support its important work.

A Shared Commitment

These initiatives reflect the collective effort and generosity of AX Group employees across all sectors. Together, we continue to build stronger communities through empathy, teamwork and purposeful action, making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Creating Impact through Kindness: AX Hotels, Sliema’s Visit to Wardija School

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Team members from AX Hotels, Sliema recently came together for a meaningful CSR and team-building experience at the secondary Wardija School (Dun Manwel Attard Young Adult Education Resource Centre). Colleagues from different departments joined forces for a day focused on connection, learning and supporting an inspiring educational community.

Wardija School, part of Maria Regina College, provides a specialised environment for young adults aged 16 to 22, who thrive through personalised learning pathways. The centre is dedicated to helping students transition confidently into adulthood through supportive, hands-on programmes. A key element of this journey is the students’ entrepreneurial work. They create a variety of handmade products, including jams, bath salts, lavender sachets and other items sold under the “Warda” label. The school is also recognised for its sustainability initiatives and commitment to outdoor, nature-based learning, which encourages curiosity, responsibility and teamwork.

Throughout the visit, the team took part in simple yet enriching activities such as gardening, caring for the animals and helping with jam preparation. These activities created natural opportunities for conversation and collaboration with the students. Housekeeping Supervisor Anil Sunar shared, “The students were so friendly, cheerful and full of life. They made our day truly special.” He also reflected, “This experience reminded me how small moments of kindness can bring joy to others and to ourselves.”

During a relaxed coffee break, the team explored and purchased a range of handmade products crafted by the students as part of their entrepreneurial projects. Supporting their work helps sustain these learning initiatives and empowers the students to develop valuable skills. You can learn more or show your support here.

The visit concluded with a tuna-filled ftira served in the school garden, giving the team a moment to reflect on the experience and the heartfelt welcome they had received. Many left feeling inspired by the passion of the educators and the enthusiasm of the students.

This meaningful exchange serves as a reminder of the positive impact that community involvement can create. Visiting Wardija School offers an enriching, eye-opening experience and provides a wonderful opportunity to support students in their creative and entrepreneurial journeys.

 

Two Generations, One Passion: Hospitality at AX Hotels, Sliema

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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.