What social media channels are you on and why have you selected them?
Facebook is my most active social media channel, I use it socially to stay in touch with family and friends on regular basis, it is also a great platform to stay connected with my industry updates and public pages that I follow.
LinkedIn is the social media channel that I use for my professional life, this is where I stay updated on current market insights and trends as well as stay connected with my professional acquaintances.
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Instagram would be more private when compared to LinkedIn and Facebook as I express my interest in photography on here in a casual way. It also helps me to explore different places that I would like to travel to before I decide on the outing, the attractiveness of the images plays a big role in my decision if I will visit or not – It’s like a mini TripAdvisor platform for me.
Describe Revenue Management in one word;
Impactful
In terms of Industry, what do you always stick by when looking at revenue growth?
I believe revenue growth goes hand in hand with people skills and team work as it combines solution oriented skills with data analytical skills. Managing revenue growth should not only be about gaining market intelligence but also be about being able to quickly solve a situation with the operational team if it arises. Team work will ensure a smooth workflow within the organization.
Where do you see Revenue Management in 5 years from now?
It is an evolving essential talent with the industry. I see revenue management playing a key role in all the departments contributing massively to the organization as a whole. In another 5 years from now I see revenue management being spread into other industries which will cause a high demand for this niche talent and may result in a greater awareness about revenue management in educational institutions also.
In your opinion what is more important in terms of Revenue Measurement – ADR, RevPAR or Occupancy?
In a macro point of view, I would say RevPAR, Occupancy and ADR are all important – depending on the organization’s goals. As much as an individual’s opinion counts, I strongly believe we have to understand the organization’s concern in order for the team to be aligned with a common goal – to be ADR driven or Occupancy driven.
In a micro point of view, and on my personal opinion, RevPAR is the utmost important thing to look at, as it incorporates both ADR and occupancy. Bearing in mind, a healthy balance between occupancy and rate will produce a healthy RevPAR.
What are your thoughts on the current discussion to reduce OTA business? Do you agree or do you feel OTA’s are a needed entity within distribution?
In one sentence, I would say – all business partners should be given a fair playing field at all times. At the end of the day, the inventory and distribution controls are the responsibility of the Revenue Manager in charge. So, why worry about one Market Segment when they are also contributing revenue to the hotel?
In terms of Revenue Management and Revenue Growth, what do you think the most important aspect is to focus on?
Investment on guest engagement and a proper revenue management tool. If you maintain a healthy relationship with all the business partners, whilst having a tool to maximize revenue dynamically on a daily basis the results will come naturally – for me this is the best aspect to focus on for a sustainable revenue growth in the long run.
Where would you like to be in your career in the next 5 years?
I would like to invest on my own property and develop my own Hotel Management System that can be used in boutique hotels and smaller chains.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that nobody would expect; Please provide photo to go with this
I backpack to a country that I have not visited at least once a year, besides travel I enjoy hiking and nature during my free time.
This was in Napier (New Zealand), our regular BBQ night when I was backpacking few years ago.
The usual me, renting a scooter to travel casually. This was at Ao Nang (Thailand) – a trip to experience the Halloween Mood in Thailand with my good buddy, Kei Uramoto.
Who and Where is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?
The best hotel I have stayed in is The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, located close to the Subang Airport, Malaysia, it is a resort hotel that provides a refreshing view and a beautiful working environment.
On closing, what bit of advice will you give all aspiring revenue managers?
Be a peoples person, play a fair game, and be a service-oriented revenue manager.
