LAGNIAPPE
CARLY DE JONG ARRIVED AT RADISSON RED ROSEBANK , JOHANNESBURG READY FOR THE DAUNTING TASK OF OPENING A HOTEL DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC , ARMED WITH CREATIVITY , A FIERCE DEDICATION TO INCLUSION AND TRUST IN HER GUT INSTINCTS .
erty , but to the community of local talent , staff and guests . HOTELS spoke to De Jong about the why the RED brand is well suited for the post-pandemic world , her thoughts on inclusion and authenticity , and about hospitality ’ s future .
CARLY DE JONG
General manager (“ curator ”)
Radisson Red Rosebank , Johannesburg , South Africa
De Jong , who originally joined Radisson in 2003 as service manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront , Cape Town , was drawn back to the property in 2014 by the group ’ s efforts to advance and support female employees . As general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands , she worked with a team comprised of 19 % deaf and hard-of-hearing members — an experience that deepened her understanding of communication . As Radisson Red Rosebank , Johannesburg debuts , de Jong plans to celebrate the area ’ s culture , opening the doors not just to the prop-
HOTELS : What ’ s it been like preparing to open a hotel during the pandemic ? Carly de Jong : It ’ s been a unique experience with the restrictions on economy and market outlook being relatively unknown . Safety and hygiene have been at the front of everyone ’ s minds as we launch the second Radisson Red in Africa . Red is all about lifestyle , connecting and being flexible , so we have been working overtime to ensure that these values are upheld while offering a safe experience for our guests . We ’ re currently preparing for an SGS audit in which our protocols will be strictly tested to maintain the highest level of compliance . Radisson Hotel Group has been at the forefront of innovation during the pandemic , opening hotels and developing new systems like Hybrid Meetings that use technology as a solution to the new circumstances we all face .
H : How do you plan to focus on inclusion in your new post ? CdJ : Inclusion is something that I as a female general manager feel extremely strongly about . The beautiful installation in front of the hotel by South African artist Usha Seejarim is a statement about the role of women in contemporary society and it really sets the tone for our team . A strong female footprint throughout the team and management is
116 hotelsmag . com July / August 2021