|
| Service and Efficiency – ¡®Avec Plaisir¡¯ |
| Mr. Nigel Harper joins the Novotel Ambassador Kangnam |
|
Mr. Nigel Harper is direct. He preferred to meet us in the lobby on the day of our interview, rather than summoning us to an office suit or executive lounge. He also preferred to come down the stairs; not surprising for someone whose hobbies involve vigorous activities like golf, skiing, diving, and rugby. At first sight it is hard to imagine him ever breaking a sweat. His appearance is polished and calm. Then again, with over 35 years of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Harper has the right to be calm as he takes over the position of General Manager at the Novotel Ambassador Kangnam. He knows what he¡¯s about. Mr. Harper¡¯s experience includes serving as the General Manager of various hotels in Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and his native home, New Zealand.
Since arriving in Seoul in late January, Mr. Harper has been impressed by the intelligence of his staff and the pride that Koreans take in a job well done. This dedication to top quality service is surely why the Novotel Ambassador Kangnam has developed a loyal customer base. Mr. Harper feels that this loyalty between the staff and costumers is what sets his hotel apart from other top quality hotels around Seoul. When asked what other advantages his hotel offers, Mr. Harper listed the hotel¡¯s location in the heart of Kangnam¡¯s business district, as well as easy access to the airport, and good parking facilities as the top items.
When it comes to making future plans for the hotel, Mr. Harper emphasized doing one¡¯s homework as the first step. He does not believe in change for the sake of change alone. However, Mr. Harper does recognize the necessity of keeping up with the times, and plans are underway to renovate and refurbish the hotel¡¯s 336 deluxe rooms. In addition, several of the hotel¡¯s excellent restaurants and cafés will undergo concept changes this year.
While the upcoming 2002 World Cup Korea, and current Visit Korea Year are generating plenty of excitement, and a certain measure of anxiety, among tourist organizations, politicians, and football fans, Mr. Harper is unruffled. In his opinion the biggest benefit to the Korean hotel industry will come after the events themselves are finished. Mr. Harper pointed to Sydney, Australia as a case in point. Since the 2000 Olympic Games have raised the city¡¯s profile, convention and business facilities there are booked for three years solid.
As our interview closed I asked Mr. Harper about his management style. Not surprisingly, directness and efficiency were the characteristics that came to mind. With Mr. Harper in the lead, the Novotel Ambassador Kangnam will continue to offer service which is both excellent and efficient. As if to emphasize the point, as we left I noticed Mr. Harper heading back up the stairs, ¡¦two at a time.
|
|
|
|
| 25-10-2001 |
|
