Guest Relations Manager

Position OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced, service-driven, and resourceful Guest Relations Manager to lead the guest relations team at the El Gouna Film Festival. The Guest Relations Manager will oversee all aspects of guest experience and hospitality, ensuring that filmmakers, talents, industry professionals, and VIPs enjoy a seamless and memorable festival journey.As the key point of contact for guest services, the Manager will be responsible for planning, coordination, and execution of all guest logistics while managing a team of liaisons and collaborating with internal departments. This leadership role requires excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and proven experience in managing high-profile guests in a fast-paced cultural or entertainment setting.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Strategy:Develop and implement the festival’s guest relations strategy in alignment with overall festival objectives.Lead, train, and supervise the guest relations team, ensuring consistency in service delivery.Anticipate guest needs and proactively create solutions to enhance their overall festival experience.Guest Experience & HospitalityOversee logistics for guest travel, accommodations, accreditation, and daily scheduling.Serve as the primary point of contact for VIPs, talents, and industry professionals before and during the festival.Ensure high standards of hospitality and personalized service for all guests.Manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.Cross-Department CoordinationWork closely with PR, Media, Hospitality, and Transportation teams to ensure smooth guest movements and availability for public appearances.Collaborate with the Programming and Operations departments to align guest needs with festival activities.Maintain strong relationships with partner hotels, transport providers, and service vendors.On-Site Festival ManagementLead the guest relations team on the ground to coordinate arrivals, red carpet appearances, screenings, panels, and media engagements.Troubleshoot and resolve last-minute issues quickly and effectively.Ensure real-time communication between guests and festival departments.Reporting & Follow-UpOversee preparation of guest reports, daily recaps, and post-festival evaluations.Manage guest databases, ensuring accuracy and updates for future editions.Provide insights and recommendations to improve guest services in subsequent years.Qualifications & Requirements3–5 years of experience in guest relations, hospitality management, VIP services, or event management—preferably within the film, entertainment, or cultural sector.Proven track record of managing high-profile guests, teams, and large-scale logistics.Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Exceptional communication abilities in both English and Arabic (written and verbal).Professional demeanor, discretion, and confidence in engaging with international industry figures and VIPs.Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, with flexibility to work long hours during the festival period (including evenings and weekends).Strong knowledge of hospitality and event systems; proficiency in Google Suite is required.A passion for cinema, culture, and delivering world-class guest experiences.About El Gouna Film FestivalFounded in 2017, El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is one of the leading cultural events in the MENA region. GFF showcases a wide variety of films for a passionate and knowledgeable audience while fostering communication between cultures through the art of cinema. The festival is committed to connecting filmmakers from the region with international industry professionals, encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and cultural exchange. Through its industry arm, CineGouna Platform, GFF supports the discovery of new voices and contributes to the growth of cinema in the Arab world.About Elgouna Film FestivalEl Gouna Film Festival, founded in 2017, is one of the leading festivals in the MENA region. GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films for a passionate and knowledgeable audience, while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. Its goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. The festival is committed to the discovery of new voices and strives to be a catalyst for the development of cinema in the Arab world, especially through its industry arm CineGouna Platform.