CEKKMATE - Cititel Express KK

The yearly GM/FC Conference was held at CMV. Mr R. Tan gave the opening address which was followed by picture taking. In his address, Mr. Tan expressed his desire to venture into China for a big scale hotel and all GMs were told to be mobile.

Our MD posed the question on our position in the travel trade industry. Are we silent in this area? Another issue is on guest recognistion program which the group would like to embark but with minimum management. He also spoke about the need of yield management in the group.

During the conference, Marketing and Rooms, Engineering, and Finance made various presenations. On line booking, cross selling and advertsement campaign in the various media were discussed. Marketing plan, accuracy and timely submission were emphasized by Group FC. Central Purchasing and group procurement was another topic that was shared.

The conference also allowed the various GMs to present an overview of their respective hotel. Best practices, opportunites and challenges faced by each hotel were also shared.

In the closing remark, the MD spoke about the need to outsource certain services. However, with the expanding of the group, insource is also a possibility. He also announced that the GM and RM for St Giles Makati has been identified and the hotel is due to open in early 2010.

A cocktail dinner was later held at Ri-Yakitori. We all had fun as Tony, Jimmy and Jessie shared their jokes and stories. It was a satisfactory enjoying yet thought provoking day.