“Batten down the hatches to be ready for some stormy weather (in 2013), but don’t forget to pack the swimmers as there will be some sunshine as well!”
“The year ahead will be a little cloudy and potentially stormy, but with good chances of sunny spells sprinkled throughout the year.”
“I believe I will still see enough sunny skies next year with the ongoing growth in the hospitality business.”
Michael Issenberg, chairman & COO, Accor Asia-Pacific, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?The Mirvac transaction, where we added 43 hotels in Australia and New Zealand.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Unpredictable.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Batten down the hatches to be ready for some stormy weather, but don’t forget to pack the swimmers as there will be some sunshine as well!
Chanin Donavanik, CEO, Dusit International, Thailand
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
The opening of Dusit Thani Maldives marked the continuing expansion of the Dusit International brand. We expect Dusit Thani Maldives to also make a significant contribution to the local economy particularly in hospitality industry education through Dusit Thani College. We also signed a hotel management agreement with property owners Tanota Partners for an upcoming Dusit Thani Guam, which is located in the island’s prime commercial and tourist precinct.
In 2013, we will be ready for five hotel openings in Guam, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Pasadena (US) and Hainan.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
I believe I will still see enough sunny skies next year with the ongoing growth in the hospitality business. Despite the effect of the current cloudy economic problems in European countries, we see that while some markets show little or no growth, others such as China clearly have enormous potential for both outbound and inbound tourism.
In Asia, tourism in most countries continues to increase, with RevPAR for example, growing at a fast pace. Medical tourism also continues to grow, particularly in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. A sharp increase is also being seen in longhaul clients.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
I have a great team that always helps to achieve business success, thanks to its commitment and dedication. We are already achieving a presence in new regional and international markets but there is still much more to be done.
My philosophy is to follow a strategy of innovation without losing sight of our founding principles – service and welcoming, sunny Thai hospitality.
At the same time, I strongly believe that developing people is fundamental to the success of any organisation, especially in light of the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
Iqbal Jumabhoy, managing director & CEO, SilverNeedle Hospitality, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
We acquired a major asset in Brisbane, the Chifley at Lennons, for A$57million (US$60 million).
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Sunny with rainy spells.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Raincoats and waterproof character!
Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Frasers Hospitality, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
We launched Capri by Fraser, then followed it up with the opening of Capri by Fraser, Changi City/Singapore in September. We managed to cut through the traditional perception of what a hotel or serviced residence is supposed to be. We dared to take a step sideways. Potential partners, supporters and friends of Fraser have given us the thumbs up for this urban-inspired, design-led brand, aimed squarely at the e-generation. It’s big deal for me when the whole team comes together to produce something all of us are proud of.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
A little cloudy and potentially stormy, but with good chances of sunny spells sprinkled throughout the year.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Grey suits and raincoats could be part of our daily wardrobe, but along with that, these same raincoats can be peeled off adroitly to reveal more colourful reversible sides, with fashionable zippers which could change the entire look of the sombre rainy day staple. In short we will tamper caution with dexterity so as to seize the opportunities when they present themselves.
Bernold O Schroeder, CEO, Jin Jiang International Hotel Management, China
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Putting a new international team together. Most of the leadership team are highly-motivated PRC nationals with an international background. Building a new headquarters with new owner- and consumer-friendly service platforms. Changing the sales and marketing structure, including a five million-member strong loyalty programme. Signing 15 new management contracts and opening eight hotels. And our financials are good – in an often over-supplied market, this is big deal for me and the credit goes to a great team.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Mainly sunny in this part of the world. The industry here (in China) has become very flexible, there is overall enough demand and everyone knows what to do when there is some intermittent rain or scattered showers.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Don’t overreact and think it’s a typhoon when it is actually only drizzling. This can be avoided with regular monitoring of the weather forecast, having a finger on the pulse and having a grassroot management that focuses on the execution. As management, we review and plan for all scenarios, from sunshine to rain to special scenarios like poor visibility.
Marc Dardenne, CEO, Patina Hotels & Resorts, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
It was the introduction of Patina Hotels and Resorts, our new luxury hospitality collection, to the global luxury hospitality market. The response to the new brand has been tremendous – we are busy developing our flagship property, due to open 2014 in Singapore, as well as working on an exciting project pipeline of hotels in Asia and the Middle East.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
I am an optimist and always see the glass half full. I don’t deny that there are some clouds in the sky, especially over the US and Europe, but I think Asia is the place to be and Singapore is in a better position to weather the storm than other parts of the world.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We are focused on developing our flagship property; introducing new breakthrough ideas and key service differentiators that will set us apart in the luxury hospitality market when we open our hotel in 2014. We are also working with like-minded partners to continue developing our pipeline of hotel projects that we feel will be able to take full advantage of the upswing in business when the global economy eventually recovers.
Loh Lik Peng, founder & CEO, Unlisted Collection, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Ha ha hmmm…bought a hotel site in Sydney that will be converted into a 60-room boutique hotel and three restaurants. An exciting development, and it’s big deal for me (monetary and expansion-wise) moving into Sydney for the first time.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Rain clouds and the occasional heavy shower with brighter conditions later in the day.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We’ve been distributing raincoats in the last few years but remarkably they have proved to be less useful that my initial forecasts, at least in the places we’re operating in, so 2013 could be the year we’re finally going to use them. I hope the rainstorms are sharp but very short!
MPS Puri, founder and CEO, Nira Hotels & Resorts, UK
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Managed to create two new F&B concepts that will launch next year. Also, acquired a project in Thailand that we have been waiting for for quite some time.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Unpredictable.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Everyone has two sets of clothes, one for rain, one for shine.
Allen Law, CEO, Park Hotel Group, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Being named Best Regional Chain at the TTG Asia Travel Awards 2012 and securing Park Hotel Group’s first two hotel management contracts were definitely the highlights for this year. The results are strong testaments of our efforts and recognition of Park Hotel Group’s management capabilities.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Generally sunny in Asia.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We always pack clothing for all seasons, but will certainly stock up on ice cream and sun-tanning lotion for 2013.
Jason Peck, CEO, Furama Hotels International, Singapore
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
The biggest deal or achievement was the TTG Travel Award for Furama RiverFront, our flagship hotel, as Best Mid-Range Hotel for the fourth year running. It gives us satisfaction to get such recognition from the trade.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
The European debt crisis will have some effect on our business. But Asia is strong, and we are an Asian brand. With a positive mindset, we will still be heading towards a good year ahead.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We are all prepared and mentally set for the positive challenge.
Peter Henley, CEO, Amari Hotels & Resorts, Thailand
What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Our deal with the BBC to bring Dancing with the Stars here (Thailand) as an exclusive sponsor to raise awareness of Amari in the Thai market and give life to our Colours and Rhythms tagline.
Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Watery sun with dark clouds rumbling in the distance.
How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Equip everyone with sunblock and Amari umbrellas as well.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, December 14, 2012, on page 4. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
