LAGNIAPPE
with Thinkers Gin , Beluga , Gin Mare , Molton Brown , Plais de Tais , Tamara , Nespresso and many others . to the holy land , evangelicals , family celebrations , official delegations and leisure .
H : You have held managerial positions in multiple luxury hotels in more than 10 countries . Which broader luxury consumer trends are you applying at King David Hotel ? Any emerging industry trends you like and dislike ? TK : Guests are looking for a personal experience , privacy and attention to detail , from the check-in experience with iPads , to personal butlers , to encouraging the guests to use the Dan App for quick and personal check-in and check-out experiences . But regardless of what technology we implement , a face-to-face encounter is what guests prefer and the avoidance of human contact is not part of our plans for the hotel .
H : Earlier this year , Israel eased its travel restrictions and reopened borders to visitors from all countries . How has that move helped booking so far ? How much have bookings recovered ? TK : Exceptional . We are seeing a quick return to 2019 numbers and a keen interest of guests wanting to come back , be it for emotional travel
H : What has been your biggest learning from COVID that you are applying today ? TK : Building new markets for the hotel , which may have not been in focus in the past , from evangelical business and groups to Israeli guests who , during the pandemic , got to know about the hotel and the brand .
H : Where are you finding happiness in work today ? TK : Meeting guests who come back again and again praising the team , service and changes made in culinary , service , look and feel of the hotel and atmosphere , saying it feels like Europe or being abroad .
H : What is the biggest professional challenge you face today ? TK : Retaining managers and team members . There is no loyalty to the profession since COVID and people will go elsewhere without considering the effects on their decision down the line . There is limited talent that is willing to work in the hotel industry and that restricts the pool of available good professionals .
IN ISRAEL IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROVIDE VALUE FOR MONEY , LUXURY EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENCE , WHICH WAS MY MISSION WHEN ACCEPTING THE JOB , TO PROVE THEM ALL WRONG .
– TAMIR KOBRIN
Suite at the King David
H : What ’ s your hotel pet peeve ? TK : Mediocrity .
H : Who has been your mentor and what is the best piece of advice you have received ? TK : My wife , Kathrine ; that kindness and compassion trumps everything else .
H : Which historical figure would you like to host ? TK : Mahatma Gandhi .
96 hotelsmag . com Nov / Dec 2022