TPDConnect December 2017 | Page 15

General Manager of Couples Sans Souci, Pierre Battaglia endorses TSEA After copping the National Champion Organization award, Battaglia believes the Tourism Service Excellence Awards is a brilliant concept and will serve as a motivating fac- tor for both individuals and organizations that con- tinually strive to provide exceptional tourism service. Check o u t the excl u sive interview below. 1. It’s safe to say you are the mastermind behind Couples Sans Souci, describe what a General Manager’s day is like. M y day starts with a morning briefing with key managers and executives of the operations. I do some administration work relating to Purchasing, HR, Finance, Engineering and F&B; respond and communicate with correspondents, address guest concerns, review and analyze reports. I also do property walks with Divisional Heads and Managers; meetings; guest interaction; coordinate and attend special activities; 2. Couples Sans Souci was voted the TSEA Overall Organization National Champi- on; to what do you owe this recognition? Couples Sans Souci is consistently rated by the media to be a 5 star hotel for providing exceptional service. We have upscale facilities – spa, room suites, secluded beaches, exclusive location and ambiance. 3. They say there is no I in TEAM, how do you manage to keep the Couples Sans Souci team inspired to provide award winning service? Consistently motivating the team on a daily basis; we create an environment of good team spirit and encouragement, train- ing and good retention programme. 4. Apart from TSEA, Couples Sans Souci, boasts numerous awards, what advice do you have for other tourism entities that may see your organization as an inspiration? Show commitment and willingness; be innova- tive, consistent and be genuine with your guests. (Right) Minister Bartlett pause for a photo with (from L-R) Pierre Batta- glia, General Manager, Couples Sans Souci (2016 TSEA Organization National Champion), Simone Folkes, Massage Therapist at Sandals Royal Plantation ( 2016 Individual National Champion) and Davina Bennett, 2nd runner up in Miss Universe 2017 5. What do you