SKYE Suites Parramatta General Manager, Quercy Jouannes, says to all resilient Travel Industry people, it is the end of the Tunnel.
“Congratulations for staying strong, only good things are ahead of us!”
This week, Travel Monitor caught up with Quercy for the Talking Travel feature. This is what he had to say.
What does your job involve?
A typical day doesn’t exist and that’s what makes the role of General Manager exciting. Not only are you responsible for the day to day running of your business, but you also have to manage all staff to ensure they function at the best of their abilities, ensure all customers are looked after with the highest standards of customer service and care, be accountable when things go wrong and also look for ways to grow and improve the business when the opportunity arises.
I’m passionate about the hospitality business and eager to engage with the local communities that make up Parramatta, Sydney’s major hub of business and home to many international headquarters. The area has so much to offer including the arts, culture and a fantastic multicultural mix which has brought an amazing collection of cuisines from around the world.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
Parramatta was one of the LGA of concern and the lockdown and curfews have had a profound impact on lives and livelihoods of many staff members. We successfully moved a few staff into the Hotel to operate on skeleton roster, but also kept regularly in touch with the other staff members trapped in other locked down LGAs.
Hosting regular zoom and webinars was also a fun way of staying connected with all Team members. Beside worries and anxieties related to COVID-19, it was important to try to maintain a morning routine, exercising regularly and keeping a good sleep cycle. SKYE Suites team members also tracked their individual steps and kilometers every week for our internal team challenge.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Camaraderie and meeting new people from different background, culture etc.. But perhaps the nicest thing about working in hospitality is the feeling that the service you provide to others is appreciated. It is a great feeling knowing that you’ve just made someone’s day (or night)
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
One of the biggest challenges we are facing at the moment is the unpredictability of future business, and when will the industry get back to the “new normal”. It is important that we regain people’s confidence to travel, however I believe that for quite some time, travellers will prioritize shorter destinations and travel within their own regions and countries.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Skilled labour shortage & staff turnover, we rely a lot on international students & working-holiday makers. This shortage is threatening the recovery of our hospitality industry.
What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
The biggest game-changer will be the lift of quarantine and travel restrictions, re-opening the international borders to support our industry’s need for labour and to offer the possibility to service the existing demand.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
I believe the big next thing is domestic tourism, Australians are re-discovering their backyards and fell in love all over again with regional areas of our own country. It is important that State and Federal governments come up with cost-effective initiatives such as travel vouchers or support for discounted airfares within Australia.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
When Crown Group broke ground to build the new SKYE Suites Parramatta, the remains of an 1840’s convict-era building was uncovered. Today it has been restored and houses 1,400 artefacts that are on display and forms part of the heritage tour of Parramatta.
Responsible travel is about about choosing to respect and benefit the local people, supporting locally owned businesses; eat and drink local. Since opening, the team has supported Helping Hands in partnership with the Salvation Army with amenities to include in the Women’s care packs for the under privileged. This is an ongoing pledge from the hotel. SKYE Suites Parramatta are also an avid supporter of Parramatta Mission providing excess conference food to locals in need.
Who inspires you most and why?
My mother is my greatest inspiration, she grew up in Poland and faced a lot of adversity in her life. She worked very hard but I have never saw her complaining. I admire her ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Mum, I am extremely grateful and cannot thank you enough for everything!
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
Zyrtec Tablets – I am allergic to pollens and if I don’t have my daily tablets, it is a sneezing concert!
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would fly my parents and in-laws from France to Port Douglas and stay domestic. There is so much to see in Australia and now is the right time to support each other and spend our dollars inside the country.
