Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a collection of luxury hotels located in key destinations around the globe. Each of its hotels provides one of the most memorable experiences elite travel offers. With the opening of the new Raffles Beijing Hotel, General Manager Peter L Wynne is tasked with creating new experiences for guests in China's capital city.
Wynne started his career in the United Kingdom, and then spent four years in the Caribbean working for Richard Branson's Necker Island, first as Assistant Manager and then as General Manager. He has since spent time working in Bora Bora, Bali, Seychelles, India, and the Maldives for Aman Resorts, Begawan Giri Estate, and Taj Exotica Resort and Spa.
What are some of the initiatives you have implemented since taking the reins at Raffles Beijing Hotel?
I only arrived six weeks prior to opening, and the pre-opening team took care of a great deal of initiatives such as training and product and concept development. Personally, I am focusing on brand standards and values of excellence. These are the core values of a Raffles Hotel.
With your new opening, how do you plan to position your hotel in Beijing's bustling 5-star hotel market?
As one of the most historically significant buildings in the city, we clearly have a different product. It's not simply a new concrete tower or block. We carry 100 years of Beijing's history within our walls.
Most hospitality professionals will tell you we are a service economy, which is partially true. But more importantly we are an 'experience' economy. The heritage of our premises allows us to deliver an experience that can't be copied or emulated anywhere in Beijing.
Why should a guest stay at your hotel?
We're different; we're more than just a hotel. It's an experience which is recognized in different ways by different people. Whether it's the nostalgia, the architecture, the individual restaurant experiences. We offer the convenience of a typical hotel such as free wi-fi, state-of-the-art televisions and other technologies, but there's a soul within the whole experience, something intangible.
In 2006, what types of promotions within the hotel do you expect?
Having completed the soft opening in June, we're looking forward to a Grande Opening event later in the year. We're also having an opening celebration offer at the moment. Looking further on, I do see great opportunity to work with different arts and performing arts, creating social events the city was once famous for. It's not just about F&B!
What are some of the challenges to operating a hospitality business in Beijing and China?
Communication in new languages is the most challenging. I've never been a good linguist.
What is the most enjoyable part of your working day at the hotel?
There are many. Seeing the smiling faces and dedication to learning and development. With such a magnificent building, it's nice to wait in the lobby and see the look on people's faces when they walk in.
If a traveler only has 24 hours to stay in Beijing, how do you suggest they spend their time?
Phone your travel agent and extend your trip by a week, at least!
If you could offer a rookie some advice about how to succeed in the global hospitality sector, what advice would you give?
Follow your dreams and don't give up. If you want something badly enough, and you work hard enough towards those goals, you'll probably get it. Sometimes, sooner than you might think. Get as much practical experience and possible. Work for free if you have to! Certificates and education are vital, but practical experience speaks volumes when climbing the career ladder.