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Phuket
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ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING DESTINATIONS
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People Focus
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City Focus
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Chef Talk
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GM Talk
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EDITOR’S NOTE Phuket
Dear readers,
index.com
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In this issue of Phuketindex.com we have an interesting mix of articles about Phuket food, festivals, and hidden places to travel. We also have a fascinating article about a Phuket high-end hotel, signature dish, chef talk, GM talk and more. All good stuff to know if you wish to learn more about Phuket. As usual, charity and social responsibility is part of our content and in this issue we talk with Khun Tawan - The Manager of Bang Khanun Straydog Shelter. After reading the interview you’ll know more how to help them and what the organisation needs.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING DESTINATIONS
Plus, get to know Phattanan Pisutwimol, the new President of Phuket Real Estate Association and his plans in his role of President.
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People Focus
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City Focus
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Chef Talk
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GM Talk
Nowadays, environmental problems are coming to the fore. In our ‘City Focus’ we’ll have a look at some ideas from four Phuket hotels to help solve the island’s wastewater problem. From the cover, for a high-end stay we heartily recommend The Racha resort located on the island’s west coast. It’s a real gem; a paradise in paradise. Sharing is caring...
Phuketindex.com’s Team
Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Paradorn Promkird Advertising Enquiries jj@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 99 391 4056, +66 (0) 61 749 9392 www.facebook.com/phuketindex
FOR RESERVATION PLEASE CONTACT :
CONTENTS MAY 2019 - JULY 2019
People
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People Focus 10 - Phattanan Pisutwimol President of Phuket Real Estate Association
Way of Life 26 - An interview with Takehiro Ito Area Director of Sales & Marketing Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
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52
35
64
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City Focus 34 - Wastewater Treatment for Sustainable Tourism
Chef Talk
GM Talk
52 - An interview with Chef Bernhard Koll
64 - An interview with Gerd Kotlorz
Executive Chef Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
General Manager Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
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Restaurant Guide 46 - Acqua Restaurant 48 - Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar 50 - Savoey Seafood
Signature Dish 56 - Mung korn lui fai (Flambéed Phuket lobster served with
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sweet red curry sauce)
In The Kitchen 58 - Phuket Paste Chili Sauce 59 - Pork Belly Stir Fried with Shrimp Paste and Stink Beans
Local Guide 60 - Ton-Sai Waterfall Phuket 61 - Bang-Pae Waterfall Phuket
Lifestyle & Travel Charity
Activiies for Kids 62 - Laguna’s Annual National Children’s Day 63 - Phuket Old Town Festival - Water Festival at Dibuk Road
30 - Tawan Chotiwaranon The Manager Bang Khanun
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Straydog Shelter
Zenith Holidays 40 - The Racha Twelve nautical miles from the mainland. A million miles from anything close.
Cooking workout 44 - Fresh salmon sesame poke bowl
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Social 14 - Photo Albums
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Lifestyle - People Focus
Phattanan Pisutwimol
President of Phuket Real Estate Association
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Lifestyle - People Focus
What kind of a leader are you and what is your leadership philosophy? I am a ‘No Leader- Leader’ in that I’m quite open and accessible, being like a brother, a consultant, who is willing to help the team solve any problems. So my staff members feel comfortable in discussing any issues with me which makes me understand the problems clearly and to eventually solve them.
What’s the best book you’ve read in your life? I love reading books, and one which impacted my life since when I was young is Phet Phra Uma by Phanom Thian. Actually, it’s not so much about business management but the main character is very honest and a good Buddhist, which I love to follow. This helps me to keep my words and to carry out whatever I have said.
What is the character trait that makes you succeed? My success comes from my openness and by suppressing my ego. I listen to everyone, no matter how old or young. I consider all that they say and value the useful things to improve myself. This is what I am doing.
How much time do you spend on each project? I have many kinds of business: real estate, marine business, also a few start-up ones. Hence, the priority is the most important. Whatever can be done in three minutes, let’s go ahead and do it. Big issues which take time are prioritized based on my location and time available.
PHATTANAN PISUTWIMOL
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hattanan Pisutwimol, President of Phuket Real Estate Association, leads Phuket Golden Ville By Caps Property Co., Ltd. The real estate industry is, in fact, his family business, with 15 years’ experience and a strong determination to develop Phuket’s real estate sector, Phuket’s growth and Phuketians’ life.
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Lifestyle - People Focus
everyone, “ I LISTEN TO
no matter
how old or young
How did you enter the real estate business? Originally, this business belonged to my father for over 40 years. It started in Bangkok and ended up in Phuket. I spent a lot of time here to learn about what he did until I graduated. What my family normally do is to send us out to work in other companies to learn the system and procedures and how people think, then to bring that knowledge and experience back for management planning. After three-four years in Bangkok, I decided to move back to Phuket to help my father’s business. It’s been 15 years now.
What has been the most important factor of your success? It’s all about my team. I have many businesses, I need a team in whom I can trust and they have to believe in me too. My principle is to put the right man in the right job. I believe in their potential, then let them do their best while I delegate and assign tasks for them. Only when I see problems or when they need help do I jump in. The most important thing is that they work with their heart, not only for money. This makes each company grow by itself.
What is your main motivation and inspiration? I am a positive thinking and quite an easy person. Whatever makes me feel uncomfortable, I can let it go easily, not dwell on failure for too long. I analyze problems and see if they are solvable or not. If yes, then I go ahead, otherwise I just let it go and spend time on other valuable issues. I’ve practiced this since I was young.
Any advice for our readers? Life is nothing. We just play our role, but finally we go back to being ourselves. Therefore, don’t get stuck but move on to improve ourselves. Be good and display less ego, then you can move forward.
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Lifestyle - People Focus
Any words or idioms you like? Everyone has their own reasons, do not judge people using your own reason, and always listen.
What is your plan as a role of President? It’s a great honour to be elected the President of the Phuket Real Estate Association and there are a few things I’d like to implement during my tenure. First, to generate new local property developers, also to educate the current ones to be qualified entrepreneurs. Secondly, to make sure that Phuket people reap the full benefits, whether from city planning or construction laws. Another thing that has taken many years to be completed is to consolidate all organizations in Phuket to be on the same team, having the same objectives and goals, to negotiate with the government regarding the politics and administration in Phuket so we will not be interrupted due tochanges of government. I promise to do my best to implement these three issues during my two years and hope that the Real Estate Association will be a part of Phuket’s growth and make a better life for Phuketians. Thank you.
PUT “ MAN
THE RIGHT
IN THE
RIGHT JOB ”
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Laguna Phuket Marathon 2019 – Press Conference On Wednesday 20th March Phuket had a press conference regarding the Laguna Phuket Marathon. The marathon provides an authentic Phuket experience for 13,000 athletes and is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. The Laguna Marathon will be held on the 8th and 9th of June. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Marriott International’s Journey Week @ Maikhao, Phuket On Tuesday 23rd April Marriott International’s Journey Week was held at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The activities started in the morning at Renaissance and ended in the evening at JW Marriott. A spokesman said “Marriott International believes that a great career is a journey of self-discovery: people achieve personal fulfilment through new adventures.” Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
The Third Marriott Junior Chefs Cooking Battle 2019, Phuket On Friday 27th April JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in collaboration with seven Marriott hotels & resorts (JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa / Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach / Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach / Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort / The Naka Island Resort & Spa Phuket / Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa / The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa and Phulay Bay A Ritz-Carlton) hosted The Third Marriott Junior Chefs Cooking Battle 2019 for their interns and talented chefs to showcase their culinary skills at the cook-off event as part of the Marriott International’s Journey Week, the initiative event held on 26 April, at Marriott Café. The 24 young culinarians had an hour to create three dishes, brainstormed, prepared, cooked and presented to the judges for sampling their creative dishes afterwards. The judges were Khun Jomsurang Chalermkawun, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket office; Marriott International’s General Managers and invited hotel guests who got the opportunity to observe and taste all of the food at the cook-off and praised those finalists for their work creativity, inspiration and stories behind the dishes. The winner was Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Team. The runner up’s prize went to JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and the third place was won by Phulay Bay A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Dusit Thani Does Brunch! On Saturday 4th May Phuketindex.com team sampled the ‘Dusit Thani Does Brunch’ event. The brunch had everything from grilled seafood, premium meats, a sushi corner, salad bar appetizers and delectable desserts to free-flow wine, cocktails and selected beers! This is an ideal place to brunch your way amongst Andaman sea breezes, tropical garden vibes, fine tunes and fun activities for your young ones. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Golf journey event & Media lunch at Laguna Golf Phuket On Thursday 14th May Laguna Phuket held a Golf journey event & Media lunch at Laguna Golf Phuket. Members of the media enjoyed many activities such as swing muscle massage by Banyan Tree Spa, meet & greet sessions with home grown players and pros (Chapchai Nirat, Poom Pattarapong, Pawat Prachoomsrisakul, Phaiboon Phumkliang) and a Hole-in-One Get Done activity. Laguna Golf Phuket golf course will host the third edition of All-Thailand Golf Tour’s Singha Laguna Phuket Open – a professional golf competition organised by Sports Management Group (SMG) with Singha Corporation as founding sponsor and Asia’s premier destination resort, Laguna Phuket, a title sponsor – during Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 May. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Banyan Tree Group is sponsoring a hole-in-one prize worth USD 10,000 of stay at Banyan Tree Phuket for the pros to test their skill at the Open’s 16th hole (par 3, 233 yards). Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Media Mixer Vol.2 – Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach On Wednesday 15th May Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach hosted a ‘Media Mixer Vol.2’ at the Andaman Kitchen. In this exclusive occasion there was an introduction to the new GM, Khun Gerd Kotlorz. The guests also enjoyed an exclusive dinner with a special new menu and signature cocktails; Andaman Secret, Tom Kha Pina and Phuketa. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
The Eighth annual Global Day of Discovery – Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa On Thursday 16th May Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa held its eighth annual ‘Global Day of Discovery’ event. Guests were taken on an exploration of unseen destinations through the eyes of locals. The navigators guided guests through several archeological landmarks in Phang-Nga Province; The three unseen hidden gems were; ‘Benyaran Museum’, ‘Kaew Cave’ (Glass Cave), and ‘Nok Karian Cave’ (Gruidae Cave)’. And celebrated the end of the mission at ‘Samet Nang Chee View Point’, a famous landmark in Phang-Nga, while experiencing local food and enjoying the breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
The Grand Opening Ceremony of Mai Khao Beach Condotel, Phuket On Sunday 19th May the Thai Business Development Company group held The Grand Opening Ceremony of Mai Khao Beach Condotel. Activities included Thai dancing, a performance of classical music and a lucky draw. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Cooking Class – Miss Universe New Zealand Finalists 2019 in Phuket On Wednesday 22nd May Angsana Laguna Phuket and Angsana Villas Resort Phuket held an event entitled ‘Cooking Class with Miss Universe from New Zealand’ at Seedlings Restaurant. Miss Universe New Zealand finalists 2019 participated in the cooking contest. The participants were divided into three groups and prepared local Phuket dishes such as yam pak kood goong sod – fresh shrimp salad. Seedlings is a social enterprise eatery concept aiming to empower young adults via vocational training and job opportunities. The restaurant focuses on local dishes and is located in the Laguna Phuket area. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Miss Universe New Zealand Street Market Dinner, Phuket On Wednesday 22nd May 2019 Cassia Phuket held a Special Market Dinner event with 15 contestants from New Zealand. This fab event was held to welcome Miss Universe New Zealand finalists at Splash Deck, at the Cassia Phuket. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Blood Donation hosted by Paradise Group, Phuket On Thursday 23rd May a Blood Donation event took place at The Plaza Surin. The event was organized with the cooperation of Paradise Group, Andara, Phuket Red Cross Society, Phuket Tourist Police and the Royal Thai Police. Event
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Lifestyle - Photo Albums
Opening Mana Kathu Lake by Phuket Villa, Phuket On Sunday 2nd June, Phuket Villa hosted the Opening Mana Kathu Lake by Phuket Villa at Phuket Villa Sales Office, Muang Phuket. The property is located at Baan Klang Kathu, on the way to Patong. Mana Kathu Lake properties start at 4.9 million baht with two styles; Aquila and Lyra. Event
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Lifestyle - Way of Life
An interview with
TAKEHIRO ITO
Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
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Lifestyle - Way of Life
O
ne of the important people in hotels are the Area Director of Sales & Marketing as this position entails many important thing to do; to manage and be responsible for sales budget, margins and net profits and achieving sales targets. Phuketindex.com got to interview Khun Takehiro Ito - Director of Sales & Marketing at Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket. The hotel is a part of Asia’s first integrated resort, Laguna Phuket. Let’s get to know his opinions about his job and lifestyle. image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
I have learned from my failures and turned them into successes Can you tell us about your prior successes, challenges, and major responsibilities? I was involved in two successful hotel openings, in Dalian 2008 and recently on Guam, 2014.
My major responsibilities here are to be part of the smooth integration of three resorts under the Angsana umbrella, to implement strategies for the Angsana brand and to promote Laguna as a destination in Phuket.
What motivates you more: failure or success? Why? I’ve had the opportunity to be employed in Australia, China, US territory, Japan and the Middle East. There were many successes and socalled failures. Both have motivated
image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
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Lifestyle - Way of Life me as I have learned from my failures and turned them into successes which led me to Phuket…
What is your favourite book to inspire and motivate you?
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
I grew up overseas all my life and that motived me to read a lot of Japanese historical novels. (And thanks to these novels, I am able to read, write and speak Japanese today!)
My daughter.
TAKEHIRO ITO How do you organize your time? A Combination of Outlook diary and my moleskine diary
When are you closest to a state of ‘flow’? How do you get there?
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image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
WE HAVE TO HAVE A STABLE ENVIRONMENT TO PASS ON TO OUR CHILDREN.
”
image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
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I was able to reach the state of flow at the golf course once, but after the 6th hole it reached the anxiety stage and by the time I finished my round of golf, it was at apathy stage...
Lifestyle - Way of Life What is something you would love to learn? Why? I would love to learn how to play the steel drums, but in the meantime... I would very much like to teach my daughter how to speak in Japanese
How did you find your definition of success? What is it? Professionally - reaching the KPI’s Personally - Happy wife, child and the personal balance
If you could make one change in the world, what would it be? Putting a halt to, and reversing global warming to pre-industrial levels, so we have a stable environment to pass onto our children.
image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
image courtesy of Angsana Laguna Phuket & Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
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Lifestyle - Charity
Tawan
Chotiwaranon The Manager Bang Khanun Straydog Shelter
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Lifestyle - Charity
If you take care of them with love and warmth, you will get more love and loyalty back.
P
huket Straydog Shelter in Bang Khanun Forest Park, Thalang, under the Phuket Provincial and Provincial Administration Organization, has been established since 2003 and is set on 4 Rai of land to take care of over 800 stray dogs. Phuketindex had a chance to sit with Khun Tawan Chotiwaranon, the manager of the shelter, to talk about the stray dog situation in Phuket.
Please introduce yourself Hello, my name is Tawan Chotiwaranon, the manager of Phuket Straydog Shelter, Bang Khanun Forest Park.
What work experience did you have before Phuket Straydog Shelter? I was working as a tutor when I heard about this position. As the hours didn’t encroach on my tutoring job I decided to take it.
What inspired you to work for Phuket Straydog Shelter? My ideal job is to try to be a benefit to society. This is what I’ve been looking for, so I just grabbed at the chance.
Why are the dogs here, and what do you do with them? Once any complaints about dogs or cats being annoying, or biting people have been reported through the Phuket Administrative Organization, an officer will be sent out to investigate and if necessary to bring those animals back to sterilize, vaccinate and later deliver them to this shelter. We keep the new dogs in the primary kennel for a month to complete the treatments and vaccination, then let them in with other dogs in the large kennel.
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Lifestyle - Charity
In which way you want this Shelter to affect society? In my opinion, the shelter is not the final answer. You can see from the increasing number of stray dogs, even enlarging the shelter would not solve the problem. Start from the beginning by building up the consciousness of pet owners, in terms of responsibility, whether by teaching good care or providing good welfare such as food, housing or medical treatment. This is the best solution. When people are thinking about getting a dog, please be clear about its typical behavior. For example, a ‘Bangkaew’ dog means a single-owner dog which is fiercely loyal but aggressive towards others. So once it comes to the shelter, it takes a long time to get along with the staff. Pit Bulls or German Shepherds are fighting dogs and it’s very hard for them to join in with other dogs here. With the restrictions of the area, budget and labour, even though we have volunteers and some support from the Soi Dog Foundation we still cannot take maximum care for these animals. But anyway, we try our best.
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What are the problems and obstacles? The major problem is the lack of manpower. The standard ratio of dogs compared with the staff members should be 100 dogs per staff, but we have 813 dogs with only five staff, so this is quite a heavy job for us. Anyway, the Administrative Organization is aware of this situation and has raised the budget to help support all these expenses.
Lifestyle - Charity Donations can be made directly here or at the Department of Livestock Development (next to the Social Insurance Office). What is needed is food, cleaning implements, wound-dressing equipment, also drinking water for the volunteers. We are now using the EM system in the cleaning process instead of chemicals, therefore, molasses or EM seeds are pretty much needed. Also, funds can be donated directly to The Shelter’s bank account, the details are on our Facebook page. Or if you want to be a volunteer for the cleaning and feeding here, it would be more than appreciated. Lastly, for anyone who’s thinking to have a dog, you are welcome to get them here instead of buying. The adult dog has the same IQ as a seven-year old child with its own character, so you can choose one which suits you. The dogs here are lacking of love. If you take care of them with love and warmth, you will get more love and loyalty back, since they have thoughts and feelings like people. I have heard many stories about some dogs that grieved to death here while waiting for their owner to bring them back home. I’ll write those down on the FB page soon. Finally, these stray dogs and cats are the cause of rabies. This is a big problem that all of us need recognise and help to solve.
What can we do to contribute to the Phuket Straydog shelter? First of all, I would like to thank everyone for helping by donating food and money for the shelter. Almost 100% of the food here is from donations. For our 813 dogs, we need about 220kg per day which cost around 5,000-6,000 baht.
Phuket Straydog Shelter Account number: 805-0-84926-0 (Krungthai Bank, Phuket) Tel: +66 (0)76 216 934, +66 (0)76 218 596
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Lifestyle - City Focus Environment
WASTEWATER
TREATMENT for
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM The environment and tourism go hand in hand. To provide a sustainable tourism environment, wastewater should be treated before being released into public areas. In order for Phuket to remain beautiful for the next generations, the solution is simple: support hotels which have a good wastewater treatment system. 34
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Lifestyle - City Focus Environment
WATCHARAPHON KETMANGMI
WATCHARAPHON KETMANGMI Director, Engineering Amari Phuket HOTEL POLICY Amari Phuket’s wastewater management system has attained set standards in accordance with the requirements of the government agency overseeing housing projects. Recently, the hotel’s wastewater treatment system was evaluated by the Environmental Committee of Phuket’s Environment Office, Region 15 as being in good standing and the hotel received a commemoration plaque for good wastewater management in 2018. Effective wastewater treatment is an integral part of Amari Phuket’s environmental conservation and waste management policy and is implemented in its daily business practices. For this reason, the hotel chose to use an environmentally friendly activated sludge wastewater treatment system and works closely with expert consultants to monitor compliance with preventive and corrective measures in order to reduce environmental impacts, and to keep reporting to the Patong Municipality. Amari Phuket holds ongoing training sessions on wastewater treatment and management for team members of all levels and also conducts various internal activities to ensure that team members are aware of this environmental responsibility.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS Amari Phuket’s wastewater treatment process begins with grease traps at various sites inside the hotel, especially in kitchen areas, so that waste is filtered before entering the wastewater treatment system. Once a month, a Patong Municipality unit comes to pump the sediment.
The wastewater treatment system at the hotel is an activated sludge system which uses chlorine to kill bacteria and other germs. Twice a day, during this process, an engineering team monitors the sediment and controls water quality.
WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENT Amari Phuket continuously monitors and controls wastewater quality and once the wastewater has been treated, it is used for gardening purposes within the property.
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Environment
CHERDCHAI PILUNTANAKUL Chief Engineer Sri panwa Phuket HOTEL POLICY Used water must be treated correctly in order to obtain the standard of quality water. Following environmental standards to not harm or destroy the environment.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS Wastewater is treated through a septic tank where each tank will calculate the amount of water in/out and where aeration sometimes happens. Parts of the treated wastewater will flow into a cesspool which will be naturally absorbed into the soil, the rest will flow directly to a pond equipped with a large water turbine tasked with increasing the oxygen in the water. This is the water that we use to water the plants.
WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENT The hotel has a wastewater quality measurement system with a third party company. They sample the water to check its quality such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) before it is used. BOD values show the amount of oxygen that the bacteria needs to decompose organic matter. All treated water will flow into a big pond at the hotel. The low BOD values will not affect the water source because bacteria requires less oxygen to decompose. On the other hand if water with high BOD values is dropped into the water source, fish cannot survive due to the low oxygen content. Sri panwa Phuket is committed to the continuous development in environmental responsibility with the establishment of the Green Project Team. Dedicated to conserve and preserve resources in order to reduce the cost of resources, energy effectivity and highest efficiency. We participate in various assessment projects in order to achieve international environmental standards set by the Green Hotel Project and more. We have received awards every year from the Department Of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP) by the Ministry Of Natural Resources & Environment.
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CHERDCHAI PILUNTANAKUL
Lifestyle - City Focus
WITTAYA RACHASANG
Lifestyle - City Focus Environment
WITTAYA RACHASANG Chief Engineer The SIS Kata Resort HOTEL POLICY The SIS Kata Resort has a concept of caring for customers and the environment. For water management, we use about 70 cubic metres of groundwater per day. We purchase water (outsourced) from February to April every year, depending on the amount of guests. We adhere to the principle of using water in cost effective, most benefi cial manner to protect the environment. The hotel uses water that has been treated and passed quality assessment and then recycled to water plants and to scrub floors in various areas but we not use recycled water that relates to guest activities. Some treated water is released into the municipal’s reservoir. Our hotel has a campaign to save water and energy. We have a policy to protect the environment as much as possible. Tourism is a business that is related to nature, so we really care for the environment.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS Our hotel uses a prefabricated air tanks and activated sludge process, we separate wastewater for treatment by source as from accommodation section and offi ce buildings. The method uses aeration and a biological floc composed of bacteria and protozoa. Before reuse such as plant watering, the treated water has to pass Biochemical Oxygen Demand testing (BOD)
WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENT Every month, the treated water is sent to an accredited laboratory to check the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand). The SIS Kata is a green hotel that cares for the environment, to create a balance between the hotel industry, the local community and the island’s environment. We focus on our customers’ satisfaction and to improve quality of our employees’ lives. Our goal is to be an energy-saving hotel. Conservation of water resources is one of our executive’s intentions as a long-term vision for environmental consciousness and social responsibility. www.phuketindex.com
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Lifestyle - City Focus
SUMATE
AKARAWITTAYATORN
Chief Engineer Andara Resort Residence
HOTEL POLICY Andara Resort Residence has awareness of the importance of the environmental situation, so we have announced environmental and energy conservation policies to show our responsibility and good consciousness to our surrounding communities. This policy is our main key of organization management principle and wastewater treatment is strictly implemented to ensure that the wastewater is not released into the sea and is used for appropriate beneďŹ ts accordingly.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS Andara Resort Residence has installed a separate grease trap, a treatment tank and aeration system, in every building in our property. The water from each treatment point is sent to the central treatment pond and then ows out to collect in a second pond (recycling pond) and then used for watering plants in the hotel through the sprinkler system.
WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENT Andara Resort Residence has hired a water analysis company to collect treated water to inspect, analysis and report on each month.
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SUMATE AKARAWITTAYATORN
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Travel - Cooking workout
Fresh salmon
sesame poke bowl S
upplement your workout by cooking! No, this doesn’t mean that you have to leap around the kitchen while preparing supper. Phuketindex.com’s cooking workout is a concept of trying to cook a healthy menu in an interesting place that makes you more healthy and active. Let’s go! This time we’re at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, a fi ve-star hotel on Mai Khao Beach on Phuket’s
west coast. This healthy dish is very easy to do and you can prepare it within 10 minutes. This is ‘Fresh Salmon Sesame Poke Bowl’. Chef Billy Costoglou, Executive Chef of Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa will teach us how to do it. Prepare your ingredients and watch the video clip by scanning the QR code and going along with us. If you want to try the original taste of this dish from Chef Billy or want to try more delicious stuff from him, visit Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.
lmon wl a S h Fres e Bo k o P e Sesam
y l l i B Cheftoglou Cos
With
ef of t h C utive huke Exec sance P is Rena t & Spa r Reso
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Travel - Cooking workout
Ingredient: • Fresh salmon • Rice berries • Tomatoes • Cucumber • Carrot • Avocado • Green peas • Sesame • Spring onion • Soy dressing
Contact information: Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa 55 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 999
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Travel - Restaurant Guide
Alessandro Frau
Acqua Restaurant
Following a black-and-white theme that gifts the restaurant clean lines and a good sense of proportion, Acqua’s design fully complements an all-round satisfying dining experience. The restaurant has imaginative lighting, nowhere more so than at the bar. Trendy without being gratuitously chic, cutting edge without going over the top and spacious without being cavernous, Acqua’s décor balance practicality and aesthetics in a fine dining environment in Phuket.
Chef and Owner
Acqua Restaurant is the first of a series of restaurants designed by Alessandro Frau, as Alessandro dedication for culinary doesn’t stop to cooking but also to project and design restaurants and concepts. Chef Alessandro Frau was the Winner of Iron Chef Thailand on November 2013. Find more about Alessandro by visit www.fraualessandro.com In 2013 Acqua Restaurant was appointed as one of the Best Italian Restaurant in Phuket and Thailand from Ospitalita’ Italiana in the World.
Guide Cuisine: Italian Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: every day from 16:00 – 23:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 127 E-mail : reservations@acquarestaurant.com GPS/DD: 7.916537, 98.290996
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Recommended Dishes 45-minute slow cooked egg on a Parmesan cheese fondue, fresh black truffle and crispy pancetta powder
Sous-vide cooked octopus salad, marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and vinegar, fennel leaves, celery and taggiasche olives DOP
Pan-fried USA scallops with duck liver, chili jam and truffle pumpkin sauce
Trenette pasta with Alaskan king crab in its own jus with sliced Sardinian tuna bottarga
Wood-fired roasted suckling pig, saffron and violette potatoes, broad beans in its own sauce
Â
Where Italian dining experience meet art and passion
324/15 Prabaramee Road – Kalim Bay - Patong - Phuket Tel 076 618127 email: reservations@acquarestaurantphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com
Travel - Restaurant Guide
Korn Chumthong Director of operation
Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar
Caesar salmon salad with parmesan cheese
Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar is a wonderful place for a culinary evening out in Patong. The restaurant serves contemporary western and classic Thai dishes along with modern drinks.
Tuna salad with pomelo
It’s a great venue for seafood buet theme nights every Wednesday and Saturday, at only 699 baht per person.
Lobster bisque soup
Guide Cuisine: Seafood & Modern Drink Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 18.30 - 22.30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 333 E-mail : info@sleepwithmehotel.com GPS/DD: 7.891068, 98.297887
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Recommended Dishes
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Steamed vegetables with prawns and butter
Vegetable lasagna
Seafood BBQ
Travel - Restaurant Guide
Savoey Seafood Supit Jararith Asst. Manager
Open since 1980, Savoey Seafood is considered one of the landmarks of Patong Beach. This popular and bustling restaurant not only has a wide array of fresh seafood but also offers competitive prices.
Baked lobster with butter and garlic sauce
Savoey Seafood is a large, open-plan restaurant with a seating capacity of 400 plus, but you would never know. Despite its size, with 50 staff members the service is excellent, polite and considerate.
Tom yum koong
Savoey Seafood is very popular and getting there early is recommended. It would be a real shame if you missed the opportunity to dine at this first-class seafood restaurant during your stay on Phuket.
Stir-fried crab with spring onions, ginger and garlic
Guide Experience: Seafood and Thai cuisine Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 10:30 – 24:30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 171 – 4 E-mail: info@savoeyseafood.com GPS/DD: 7.894471, 98.295719
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Recommended Dishes
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Stir-fried crab with curry powder
Steamed fish with lime juice and chili sauce Deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce Stir-fried mussels or clams with roasted chili paste sauce Oven-barbecued fish Stir-fried mixed vegetables in oyster sauce
Travel - Chef Talk
An interview with
Chef Bernhard Koll Executive Chef Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket 52
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Travel - Chef Talk
B
ernha�d Koll, Executive Che� at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket hails ��om Munich. Phuketindex.com �ecently had the oppo�tunity to talk to him about his backg�ound, attitude and perspectives o� his wo�k. We hope this inte��iew inspi�es you as much as it inspi�ed us.
Please introduce yourself My Name is Bernhard Koll, I was born in Erding – Munich (Bavaria). I started my career in cuisine at a local restaurant in Munich where I studied for three years. After that I had jobs in Germany, East Germany and Switzerland to gain more experience and culinary knowledge to further my career. In 1997 I achieved my master’s degree in the culinary arts and in 1999 I started as Sous Chef in Bermuda with the Mandarin Oriental Group (Elbow Beach) for two years. After this I was offered a job as Sous Chef at the famous Mandarin Oriental Bangkok where I ran four major outlets which were The Riverside, Ciao, The Veranda and an off-property restaurant The Salon de L’Oriental. I worked with the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok for almost four years and then I took another step to the higher role of Executive Chef for a small private hotel in Koh Samui called Dara Samui before moving to Anantara Sikao, in Trang Province (Minor Group) again as Executive Chef and enjoyed working there for four years before transferring to another beautiful property in Koh Samui, the Anantara Bophut Resort where I got an opportunity to be part of the renovation and reopening team.
Image Copyright Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Two years later, I moved to Phuket where I started working with Dusit International Brand at the Dusit D2 Hotel in Patong and of course nowadays I’m at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket where I enjoy working and taking on wider responsibility with different tasks ranging from kitchen, banquets, events, caterings, restaurants, safety management and revenue leverage with the Dusit team.
Inspiration from his father www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - Chef Talk
What inspired you to become a Chef? Watching my father cooking for the family on his day off with all the fresh mushrooms we picked together from the forest and our home-grown garden vegetables.
Image Copyright Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Please tell us about the restaurant.
Casuarina Beach Restaurant
is located in a prime area by the beach where you can enjoy sensational sunsets and enjoy our drinks from the bar. The restaurant offers fresh seafood and grilled dishes as well as international menus and a barbeque night three times a week.
What special dish have you created for the Casuarina Beach restaurant? Omega Rich Grilled Sea bass filet on green lentil salad and asparagus.
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CHEF BERNHARD KOLL
www.phuketindex.com Image Copyright Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Travel - Signature Dish
Image Copyright Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
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Travel - In The Kitchen
PHUKET PASTE CHILI SAUCE (NAM PHRIK PLA CHING CHANG - น้ําพริกปลาฉิ้งฉาง)
Ingredients: -
Shrimp paste Anchovy (ching chang fish) Bolo maka Shallots Garlic Lime Chilli Sugar Fish sauce
The ingredients should be mixed and pounded and it will be easier if you soak the anchovies in water for a while before cooking. This is another hot spicy, sour, salty and sweet dish. The nam prik or chili paste is a Thai extra usually eaten with vegetables. Anchovies are small fish, easily found here as they abound in the Andaman Sea. Before cooking, the head and the maw should be cut off. Anchovies are rich in useful nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and calcium.
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Travel - In The Kitchen
PORK BELLY STIR FRIED WITH SHRIMP PASTE AND STINK BEANS (MOO SAM CHUN PAD KAPI SATOR - หมูสามชั้นผัดกะปสะตอ)
Ingredients: -
Stink beans (sator) Pork belly Shrimp paste Shallots Garlic
- Chili - Lime - Sugar - Fish sauce
This dish is a typical Thai salty, sour, sweet and hot choice. Stink bean, also known as bitter beans or sator are widely consumed in Southeast Asia. They are both delicious and healthy with a laxative effect that increases the appetite. They’re also good for the eyes and help lower blood pressure. The beans can be cooked while the young shoots/young leaves can be eaten as side dish with curry. The taste of these beans is a little bitter and it has a unique smell. www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - Local Guide
Local Guide
If you are travelling to Phuket and want to discover the real island – not just a sea sand and a sun trip – we can help you. As locals, we know the terrain and have lots of exciting places and hidden nooks and crannies to share with you. Culture tours, shows, theme parks, exhibitions and hiking tours are all yours to discover. In this edition let’s visit Ton-Sai and Bang-Pae waterfalls. Both attractive places located in the Thalang area.
Let’s get back to Nature!!! TON-SAI WATERFALL PHUKET Ton-Sai
is easily accessible as it’s very near to the north-south main highway in the centre of Thalang. The waterfall is on the western side of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, with area of 22.28sqkm. From Ton-Sai you can hike across the mountain to Bang-Pae but be prepared with protective clothing and mosquito repellent It’ll be a real adventure.
How to get there
Phang-Nga
4031
402
Ton-Sai is about 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport. On highway 4031, turn right onto highway no.402 and go along the way. Then turn left onto Nam Tok Road at the intersection of Ban Kian Market. Continue on to Ton Sai waterfall road the entrance to the waterfall is at the end of the road. If you’re coming from the south then drive into Thalang and follow the wellmarked signs.
Nam Tok Road Ban Kian Market Phuket
TON-SAI WATERFALL -8.028693, 98.363049
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Travel - Local Guide
BANG-PAE WATERFALL PHUKET Bang Pae Waterfall
is a place to see the last of Phuket’s Rainforest. You can also visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) here, help them make a ‘gibbon meal’ and learn more about this fascinating project. Carry on past the GRP and you’ll come to the waterfall. Best to visit in the monsoon season MaySeptember. Take mosquito repellent.
Phang-Nga
4031
402
4027 Baan Muang-Mai
Phuket
How to get there
BANG PAE WATERFALL - 8.041799, 98.394363
It takes about 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport to get to Bang-Pae. Take highway no.4031, turn right on to highway no.402 at the junction. To avoid traffic jams you should turn left to highway no.4027 at Baan Muang-Mai near the 7-Eleven. Then turn right on to the Bang-Pae road and Bang-Pae waterfall gate is well marked several kilometres down the way.
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Travel - Activiies for Kids
ACTIVITIES for KIDS Here are three great kids’ activities spread over the year: National Children’s Day at Laguna Phuket, the 20th Phuket Old Town Festival and the Song Kran Water Festival, each as fun as the other. Enjoy!
Laguna’s Annual National Children’s Day
Laguna Phuket hosts the annual National Children’s Day at the resort’s outdoor event venue, Laguna Grove. The event’s highlights include main entertainment stage featuring Jam-urd Na Jor, a very famous group of Thai Comedy Theatre Show from Thai TV Channel 23 (Workpoint) and kids’ performances from local schools and music school in Phuket. There’s a MerryGo-Round, game booths hosted by other hotels, face-painting and lots of balloons. Free cotton candy, ice-cream and lots of prizes for kids. (Entry is free.)
JAN
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Travel - Activiies for Kids
FEB
Phuket Old Town Festival
Phuket Town holds a yearly event for some 20 years now, the ‘Phuket Chinese New Year Day and Old Phuket Town Festival’ – held at Thalang, Krabi, and Phang Nga roads as well as down Soi Rommanee, the whole are is changed to walking streets and markets. The festival entertainments include a spectacular Light Show, Cultural Parades, lots of delicious food and more.
Water Festival at Dibuk Road The Song Kran water festival is a nationwide event but Phuket Town’s Dibuk Road has its own special version. There are many activities to do such as ‘bathing’ Buddha images, water fights, live concerts, and of course you can enjoy the sumptuous local food stalls lining the streets
APR
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Travel - GM Talk
GERD An interview with
KOTLORZ General Manager
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
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Travel - GM Talk
These were many steps. As mentioned, I started my career in the airline industry many years back and I did the media steps in between, and then I joined hospitality industry. I was always in operations, also in sales and marketing. I really enjoyed my role but at some stage I thought I needed to put all the good things that I’d learnt along the way together. I needed to be able to bring those back to reality and this is what I’m doing today, every single day, with the beautiful team with which I’m surrounded.
image courtesy of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
mind OPEN ears & eyes
P
huket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, the well-known beachfront resort in the north of Phuket Island, earlier this year announced their newly appointed General Manager, Gerd Kotlorz. Phuketindex.com was honoured to have him share about his past experiences and his vision for this new challenge. Khun Gerd started his career in Sales and Marketing role in the airline business. After six years in Thailand, he finally ended up in the hospitality industry and Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach became his destination.
What motivated you to go into the hotel industry? Well, my footsteps in the hospitality industry date back many years. At that time, I was working for an airline company where I had the pressure of overlooking the airline crew contracting for this and that airline and hotel. I never thought
that I would end up in hospitality. But as it happened, I eventually made it into this industry and honestly it was the best decision I ever made, I truly, truly enjoy it.
Who inspires you and why? I draw inspiration from the associates that surround me because they’ve been coming up with genius ideas, with inspiration, with creativity, with energy, with drive and sometimes with different perspectives that I might not have had in my daily routine. Sometimes working in this capacity seems to be daunting and also blindfolds me a little bit so having an open mind with the ears and eyes of my associates really helps me.
What were your caeer steps before becoming the General Manager of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach?
What is essential for you to be successful as a manager? What are the key points? For me success is defined by very simple things; an open mind, open ears, open eyes and open heart. You should always be receptive to what your peers are telling you, to what your team is telling you. Because at the end they are the ones bringing it to life. Keeping that moment and also keeping this openness, that’s the key to success.
What’s your favourite part about working in the hotel business? Well, it’s about being surrounded by a fantastic team, really the team. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today. Having a fantastic team to surprise and delight the guests to really be what the guests want it to be. To be beyond where they’ve traveled before, this is what energizes me and drives my desire to move forward.
At work, what puts a smile on your face? The smiles of happy guests and happy associates. This is really something that tickles me every single day. As long as we’re making people happy, as long as we’re making guests happy and the associates happy, my day is a fantastic one.
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Travel - GM Talk What are the main differences between hospitality in Western and Asian countries?
Gerd Kotlorz How do you stay up to date with trends and regulations in the industry? Well, by staying curious. Reaching out to my peers, reaching out to industry specialists, this is something that we have to do every single day, not only in our industry but beyond our industry. Sometime what works in other industries might work well in ours and something that didn’t work five or ten years ago might very well work today. So staying relevant also means staying up to date and staying curious.
If we break it down to the essentials at the end, we just want to surprise and delight our guests. And that’s the same whether it be Asian, European, American or African guests. The expectation is pretty much the same, however the level of the expectation is quite different. I think Asian hospitality has the reputation of being extremely welcoming and forward. For me, meeting that expectation is to fulfi ll our duty every single day.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge hotel companies will face within the next ten years? I foresee two challenges; one is staying relevant in tomorrow’s world. Because the expectation of the guest goes way beyond what it used to be 10 years ago. Staying relevant for tomorrow means to be confronted by today’s challenges. Thinking about it, thinking about solutions and thinking how to anticipate those challenges.
I TRULY, TRULY ENJOY IT
image courtesy of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
The other challenge is to find associates who can carry the burden together with you and develop a company in which everyone aspires to work.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps? Well, I don’t know if I want anyone to follow my footsteps! But if somebody wanted to, I’d say to just stay curious, stay funny, and have fun in your work. Ask what is relevant to you, ask what carries your career forward. Just stay foolish, try, fail, get up, and try again. That’s what I would recommend: ‘Never give up’.
NEVER GIVE UP image courtesy of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
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image courtesy of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach