(#wanderlusttips) I believe that each employee is an ambassador of the hotel, who will help our guests understand and love the place they choose to stay.
[rpi]Question: Mr. Erwin R. Popov, you have had over 30 years of experience managing hotels around the world. This is your first time living and working in Hanoi, Vietnam. What have been your impressions of the city?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: For me, the time living and working in Hanoi has been extremely delightful. I have had the opportunity to learn about the culture, history and people here. The ancient beauty, the peaceful atmosphere, the warmth and hospitality of the people were my first impressions during my first few days at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel and in Hanoi.
Question: You have had many years of experience in the hospitality industry. As the General Manager of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel – Office – Apartment Complex, how have you applied your experiences to renew Daewoo?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: During 30 years working in the hospitality industry, I have had the opportunity to work in a lot of countries around the world. These experiences have given me a global outlook, an understanding of customers and new trends in the hospitality industry. This knowledge and experience has been thoroughly applied during my management of the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel – Office – Apartment Complex, and have contributed to positive changes at Hanoi Daewoo.
Question: In a booming hospitality market with many luxury hotels being introduced, the challenge of managing Hanoi Daewoo is to elevate the five-star brand of the hotel to compete in the future. What do you think about this comment?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: I believe that Hanoi Daewoo Hotel has been and always will be a symbol of class and luxury, and will always be the pioneer in the luxury hotels segment in Hanoi. The hotel’s prime location in the administrative centre of the capital, its unique design, luxurious and fully equipped rooms, the largest 5-star outdoor pool in Hanoi, and loyal and professional staff are the factors that make Hanoi Daewoo stand out among the vibrant hospitality market.
As you know, competition exists in every market. The most important thing is that under the directions of our management board, we always stay true to our core value, and turn our challenges into motivation to help the hotel grow every day.
Question: 2016 is special because it marks the 20th year in operation of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel. Can you share with us the hotel’s plan to celebrate this meaningful anniversary?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: I am extremely proud of the hotel’s 20 years of development and honoured to be a part of the hotel’s significant anniversary. To best serve our customers, we have planned to gradually upgrade a few important facilities of the hotel. Specifically, we have recently completed the renovation of our outdoor pool, so that guests of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel can experience classy service at the largest 5-star outdoor pool in Hanoi. Future renovations will include our Grand Ballroom and other facilities.
Apart from renovating our facilities, we want to celebrate this anniversary by continuing to invest in human resources. For the past 20 years, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel has been fortunate to have received the contributions of our passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated staff. To get ready for the journey ahead, we are delighted to welcome high-ranking managers from many countries around the world, with rich hospitality management experiences, including our Director of Sales & Marketing and Rooms Division Director. I am confident that they are the key to our continuing success in the future.
Question: What are Hanoi Daewoo’s plans and promotion programs to celebrate this important milestone of 20 years of development?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: The hotel’s board of management has carefully prepared a year filled with activities, especially appreciation program to distinguished guests and business partners who have supported us over the past 20 years. Special promotion programs, a series of BBQ Buffet poolside parties on the weekends, and a Food Festival, which will be held in cooperation with numerous embassies in Vietnam are some of the special programs that will take place to welcome this important milestone.
Question: You have mentioned human resources as the key to the hotel’s success. Can you share some thoughts about the Vietnamese staff that currently work at Hanoi Daewoo?
Mr. Erwin R. Popov: The service industry in general requires hospitality. In the hospitality industry, human resources are extremely important. I believe that each employee is an ambassador of the hotel, who will help our guests understand and love the place they choose to stay. This is why I always try to be a companion, to inspire and enhance the hospitality spirit, so that each staff of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is always eager to serve our customers 24/7.
From the very beginning of the hotel’s operation the majority of our high-ranking managers at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel have been educated overseas. I highly appreciate each employee, because in addition to his or her professionalism, they are enthusiastic, dedicated, eager to learn and they all have a big love for the hotel.
Thank you very much for this interview. We wish you success in managing Hanoi Daewoo in the future!
Trang Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet