Hong Kong’s hospitality industry will remain competitive even as the mainland charges ahead, says the head of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s edge comes from its large pool of talent and deep understanding of international tourism, says managing director Jonas Schuermann.
“On the mainland, growth is too rapid, and talent retention and acquisition have become a major challenge,” he says.
The five-star hotel chain, which boasts three locations in the city, celebrates 50 years in the business today. Since 1963, it has hosted many men and women of note, from heads of state and British royals to captains of industry and entertainment stars.
“No other city in the world is as international and cosmopolitan as Hong Kong,” Schuermann says. “Our reading and understanding of what international travellers need is much better than anywhere else.”
But he warns that staff retention is still a problem for all five-star hotels. Mandarin Oriental offers “multilayered” in-house training to help employees develop their careers, he says.
“No young person wants to be a bellboy their whole life. As an employer, we must show them the possibilities available.”
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