Area General Manager of AccorHotels Bali & Lombok and General Manager of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Sylvain Pasdeloup, says with the increasing speed of information technology, the world is getting smaller and the drive for travelling increases exponentially.
“This is becoming more common amongst Millennials who want to explore the world and share their stories with others. Every component of the hospitality should learn to adapt and deliver their products and services to remain relevant and survive the competition,” Sylvain added.
Sylvain raises the issue that the challenges faced by all, including environmental issues, should be addressed, as we aim to provide luxury while also embracing green and sustainable practices.
Find out what else Sylvain had to say when Travel Monitor had a chat in Talking Travel this week.
What does your job involve?
To provide guidance to General Managers to ensure they achieve customer satisfaction and quality delivery, as well as on short- and long-term planning. To recommend on the hotel’s budgets, marketing plans, operational matters and business plans and follows up that hotels stay within approved plans and objectives. Act as mentor to General Managers on critical subjects and report back to VP when necessary. Remain responsible for day-to-day operations of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua, including financial performance, customer relations, ambassadors, and owner relations. Ensure the Hotel Manager has been given the delegation of authority to run the hotel.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Being able to conceptualize products and services that have great potentials to ignite the ‘wow’ factor among our guests. Bringing satisfaction and happiness to our guests can be such a rewarding experience and is a big part of the job in the hospitality industry. Garnering accolades from the media and well-known publications, which we have, simply adds to the sense of pride and achievement.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Ensuring the smooth process of ownership change of the property, as well as hosting major world events like the IMF & World Bank Annual Meetings at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua in 2018.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Delivering quality products and services amid issues of safety and security – these can include environmental issues or natural disasters as well as political stability and national security.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
Technological breakthroughs will continue to emerge, which will also greatly influence the way people travel and book their stays. The rise of the millennial travellers is also a large part of this. These will cover Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Automation, and Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
Who inspires you most and why?
My team is the people who inspire me the most. They are the ones who are more than often able to tell me of my strengths or weaknesses, thus encouraging me to improve and develop. They are also who I achieve and share all my successes with.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
My close friends and family. Somewhere we can appreciate the beauty, simplicity, and wonders of nature.
Contact Email: sylvain.pasdeloup@sofitel.com
