Service features and development
strategy for hospitality industry
in Kazakhstan
What are the main points you will
highlight in 2017 for Kazakhstan’s
hospitality industry?
Without a doubt Expo 2017 and all the
exposure it brought to Astana, Kazakhstan
and its people. It is also all the positive
changes that were made in terms of
infrastructure as well as the improvements
in terms of facilities and service.
to get used again to a different level of
normality. However, Astana will celebrate
its 20th anniversary next year, the Astana
International Financial Center should open
its doors. And these are two events that
I am sure will lead to another interesting
year.
Your hotel is the second year winner
of being nominated as Kazakhstan’s
Leading Business Hotel 2017 by World
How was the year for your hotel, what Travel Awards. Tell us how is it to be
the best in your industry?
was achieved in 2017?
Philippe Mahuas,
General Manager,
Astana Marriott
The year has been better than expected
and we have achieved new heights in
2017. Heights that will be difficult to
repeat as hosting an event like Expo
2017 and its length is an opportunity of a
lifetime for any destination.
New 5-star players are coming to
the Astana market. What will be your
main strategies to keep your position
in the hospitality market in Astana?
We will continue our efforts in
maintaining the relationship we have with
our existing partners while targeting new
clients. We also need to work together
with other hotels, Astana Convention
Bureau, the city of Astana and the
ministries to further promoting the
capital.
In your forecast for 2018, what main
trends can you specify?
The year after an intensive year like 2017
is always a challenging one, as we have
44
world monitor
The main feeling that comes from the
award is that our hotel, our brand and
the service we provide to our guests is
appreciated and recognized as meeting
and exceeding expectations. And in terms
of guests services, there is nothing better
than knowing our clients appreciate our
efforts.
What is the next challenge for Astana
Marriott in 2018?
Now that Expo 2017 is finished, and that
was an amazing event, we need to further
pursue our efforts in a growing market
where we see the arrival of many new
competitors that will also have at heart to
prove they are very good.
What are your main recommendations
for being successful in the hospitality
business?
It is a balance between knowing your
guests, their needs, and your own team as
well as your competitors.