Shangri-La evolves its hospitality businesses

Enhanced collaboration to satisfy growing market demand in China

Shangri-La is consolidating several of its businesses in Beijing, including five hotels and the China World Trade Center complex, to better prepare itself for challenges down the road, according to a senior executive.

Stephan Kapek, area manager of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and general manager of China World Hotel, Beijing, said in an interview with China Daily that his team will combine the regional resources to create a collaborative union to satisfy today's growing market demands.

With more than 30 years of hotel management experience, Kapek is responsible for the overall operations and services of four of the group's five hotels in Beijing - China World Hotel, China World Summit Wing and Hotel Jen under the China World Trade Center in Beijing's central business district, and the Shangri-La hotel in the west of the city.

Kapek, who worked in Beijing from 2007-09 and returned in 2015, said the hospitality industry has developed a lot in the past few years, with more casual dining, food, beverage and associated hospitality businesses. To ensure success, those in the industry must keep up with these developments.

"The rules from yesterday cannot be applied today and tomorrow," he said. "The keys to success are technology and innovation, and we must adapt quickly and continue to try something new."

The group's efforts in this area include updating its official app launched in 2018 and its WeChat mini-program in June, allowing guests to check in, check out and make reservations on their phones or tablets. China World Hotel plans to open a "Sweet Spot Plus" store near the Guomao subway station to showcase its innovative catering concepts in the competitive market.

In China, the hospitality industry is booming and there will be a growing supply of new hotels and restaurants, as Chinese people continue to have greater disposable incomes to spend on leisure, Kapek said.

Yet compared with Europe and the United States, the number of hotel rooms per capita for China is still much lower. Kapek said that right now is a great time for job seekers wanting to enter the hospitality industry as openings far outstrip labor supply.

"There is no need to go to university and you can start your career in hotels with just the driving force of having the passion to work in this industry," he said, adding passionate employees are key to any business' success.

Having worked in Europe, Africa and Asia over the past three decades, Kapek has great skill in coaching staff to meet the needs of customers from different countries. "I'm reminded of the importance to respect, understand and learn about each country where you're working, because every country has different styles and expressions."

caoyingying@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/03/2019 page6)