Halima Chelkha

Halima Chelkha's story
I began my career in hospitality in 2005, working in several high-standard hotels, which allowed me to gain extensive experience in various aspects of the industry. Over the years I developed skills in team management, quality assurance and enhancing guest experience. In 2015, I joined the Accor Group, where I have continued my journey in a professional environment focused on excellence and innovation in hospitality.
My choice to join this industry has been driven by my passion for service excellence and hotel management. This sector has always been my first choice, as it combines rigor, organization, and human interaction – qualities that are very important to me.
What I love about Accor is it’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering a collaborative culture. The company empowers its employees to thrive and continuously develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Accor also values diversity and creates opportunities for cultural exchange, which enriches both the workplace and the guest experience.
Hospitality offers a rewarding career path filled with continuous learning, personal growth , and the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives. It’s an industry where every day brings new challenges and opportunities, making it both exciting and fulfilling.
Being a Heartist® means delivering exceptional service with genuine care, passion, and creativity. It’s about going beyond just fulfilling tasks, engaging with people in a heartfelt way, creating meaningful experiences, and making a positive impact. The term is often associated with Accor and being a Heartist® represents a culture of hospitality that combines professionalism with empathy, ensuring that guests and colleagues feel valued and respected.
Some of my highlights and proudest moments comes from helping users with various challenges, like assisting in career decisions, providing detailed research, and offering personal insights that make a real difference. When I help someone find an answer to a problem or offer guidance that leads to positive outcomes, it feels like a success.
For anyone starting their career in hospitality, I have five key points to take onboard.
Never stop learning – ask questions, seek knowledge, and stay open to new ideas and experiences. The more you learn, the more you’ll grow.
Be patient with yourself – starting something new can be challenging, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t click immediately. progress takes time.
Build relationships – networking is key. Build genuine connections with those around you, learn from others, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Embrace mistakes – mistakes are part of the process. Use them as learning experiences, not setbacks.
Set clear goals – have a vision of where you want to go and set there. Break big goals into smaller steps to stay focused.
- Halima Chelkha
- Assistant Housekeeping Manager
- Mercure Rif Nador (Morocco)