Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana has appointed Athanasios “Thanos” Tsaparas as its director of leisure. Tsaparas will oversee all the leisure facilities and operations at the property.

He will handle operations of the recreation spaces, sports areas, kids club, spa, and live entertainment. He will also handle his leisure team to elevate customer service within the division.

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana said in a statement: “A self-motivated and progress-driven individual with an extensive international background in luxury resorts, Athanasios is happy to join and lead this unique city retreat destination, the Beach Club at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana featuring one of the capital’s largest swimming pools, a 200-meter private beach, an extensive Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, children facilities, tennis and squash courts and much more.”

Tsaparas’ journey to Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

From Greece, Tsaparas path to hospitality is much different than others. While he started out as a personal trainer with Blue Lagoon Resort in Greece, he later went on to serve as a lance corporal for the military in Cyprus.

He then worked in Japan for six months as a ski instructor before going to Canada to hold a similar position at the Alpine Ski Adventure Camp Whistler Blackcomb. Following a string of ski instructor and fitness trainer roles in England and Switzerland, he moved to Dubai to work with One&Only Royal Mirage.

He stayed in the emirate for two years on its recreation management team before moving to Crete as a regional recreation manager with Grecotel Hotels.