Elizabeth Wangai
Arusha
Summary
Senior Hospitality Operations and Commercial Executive with over 25 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence, commercial growth and guest experience across luxury hotels, boutique safari lodges and hospitality businesses in East Africa. Experienced in leading cross-functional operations including accommodation, food and beverage, reservations, finance, procurement, maintenance, sales, revenue management and human resources while delivering measurable improvements in profitability, occupancy, service quality and operational efficiency. Recognized for combining hands-on operational leadership with strong commercial acumen, owner reporting and business planning to improve hospitality asset performance and support long-term growth strategies.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Lodge General Manager
UNDER THE SHADE SAFARI LODGE
02.2023 - 02.2026
- Provided overall leadership and management of a 22-room boutique safari lodge with full responsibility for operational performance, guest experience, financial management and commercial growth.
- Directed all operational functions including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Reservations, Finance, Procurement, Sales, Maintenance and Property Operations.
- Managed annual budgets, forecasting, financial reporting and owner performance reviews while identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
- Acted as the principal liaison between ownership and operational teams, translating business objectives into measurable operational and financial results.
- Led a team of 53 employees while developing operational systems, service standards and performance management processes that strengthened accountability and consistency across departments.
- Supported operational planning and systems design for a new 20-room lodge development project in Karatu.
- Key Achievements
- Increased annual revenue from USD 284,000 to USD 796,000.
- Increased occupancy from 26.7% to 57%.
- Improved ADR by 56% through pricing and revenue optimization strategies.
- Improved guest review performance by 132%.
- Reduced operating costs by 15% through procurement and cost control initiatives.
- Successfully led and developed a 53-member hospitality team.
Regional Hospitality Business Manager
YANOLJA CLOUD SOLUTIONS
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Led hospitality technology partnerships across Tanzania supporting hotels with operational systems implementation, distribution strategy improvements and commercial optimization initiatives.
- Achievements
- Successfully onboarded 58+ hotels across Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
- Achieved 65% market penetration within the target hospitality segment.
- Supported multiple hospitality businesses in improving operational efficiency and technology adoption.
Sales Manager
MOUNT MERU HOTEL
01.2017 - 12.2021
- Managed commercial strategy, pricing, OTA partnerships, market development and revenue generation initiatives aimed at increasing occupancy and strengthening market share.
- Achievements
- Generated USD 720,000 annual revenue during the COVID recovery period.
- Increased occupancy by 30% within six months.
- Strengthened partnerships with tour operators and international tourism stakeholders.
Corporate Sales Executive
PRECISION AIR
11.2008 - 11.2016
- Managed strategic corporate relationships, tourism partnerships and key account portfolios supporting revenue growth and customer retention.
Hospitality Operations Experience
SERENA HOTELS
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Developed a strong operational foundation within luxury hospitality environments including guest service operations, front office, food and beverage service and VIP guest management.
Education
Bachelor of International Business -
Makerere University
Diploma in International Business -
NCC Education
Diploma in Hotel Management -
Skills
- Hospitality Operations Leadership
- Luxury Safari Lodge Operations
- Financial Management and P&L Accountability
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Revenue Management and Yield Strategy
- Cost Control and Procurement Management
- Guest Experience and Service Excellence
- Operational Audits and Quality Assurance
- Team Leadership and Succession Planning
- Commercial Strategy and Business Growth
- Hospitality Technology and Distribution Systems
- New Property Development Support
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Owner and Stakeholder Reporting
Selected Career Highlights
- 25+ Years Hospitality Experience
- USD 512,000 Revenue Growth Achievement
- 56% ADR Improvement
- 132% Guest Satisfaction Improvement
- 58+ Hotels Successfully Onboarded
- 53 Employees Led and Developed
- Strong Luxury Hospitality and Safari Lodge Experience
- Proven Commercial and Operational Leadership
Timeline
Lodge General Manager
UNDER THE SHADE SAFARI LODGE
02.2023 - 02.2026
Regional Hospitality Business Manager
YANOLJA CLOUD SOLUTIONS
01.2021 - 12.2021
Sales Manager
MOUNT MERU HOTEL
01.2017 - 12.2021
Corporate Sales Executive
PRECISION AIR
11.2008 - 11.2016
Hospitality Operations Experience
SERENA HOTELS
01.2001 - 01.2008
Bachelor of International Business -
Makerere University
Diploma in International Business -
NCC Education