GENERAL MANAGER ’ S LIFE
H : What is the industry ignoring at its peril ?
BM : Its impact on the environment , specifically our direct and indirect impacts on our water resources . Also , boutique resorts are being impacted by short-term lodging service providers and serviced apartments .
H : What are you reading right now ? What websites do you check regularly ?
BM : I am concerned about our environment and believe that we can do more to better care for it , so I try to get my hands on environmental articles off the internet to share with my team . This helps ensure we don ’ t mistreat our water source or abuse our power supply . My hope is that this will impress our staff and by extension , that they will take this mentality into their communities . Eventually , we will have an entire country that understands the importance of protecting and conserving these resources .
BERNIE
MATUTE
GENERAL MANAGER BLANCANEAUX LODGE MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE RESERVE BELIZE
Contributed by ERIN SUND
Born in Belize ’ s verdant Cayo District and spending his early childhood on the family farm , Bernie Matute forged a profound connection to his country and the land . The 10-year general manager of Blancaneaux Lodge , part of the Family Coppola Hideaways in Belize , is a dedicated cultural ambassador and environmental steward .
H : Tell us about the work you do in local communities .
BM : Our team members come from the local communities and we conduct many community outreach [ projects ], including Pack for a Purpose , an initiative that provides school supplies to kids from these communities . The initiative allows our team and guests to equip more than 30 students with necessary tools for the school year . We also help educate younger minds in our national patrimony , including our flora and fauna … We also started a cross-training [ program ] for high school students and a vocational training institution that allows the high school students to participate in hospitality training .
H : Where do you find inspiration outside your industry ?
BM : I am serving as treasurer for a high school — this is my eighth year working with this institution . I also participate in other community activities , such as our annual cancer walk .
H : What ’ s one prediction you ’ re willing to make about your discipline in the coming year ?
BM : That we will have more industry partners involved in reducing our daily environmental impact , so collectively we can make a difference in global warming .
HOTELS : What do you do differently than other GMs ?
BERNIE MATUTE : Having regular , daily contact with our team and ensuring that their wellbeing is taken care of ( is important ). By doing this , I feel that we have been better able to attract members to our team and to encourage them to stay .
72 hotelsmag . com November / December 2019