Building A Team At Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay

Sergio Bretti, the general manager of Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa, is an Italian by birth and Australian by choice. His experience in the hospitality industry spans more than 30 years in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and Japan. He has held senior positions with international hotel brands including Gloria, Nikko, Westin, M&C, InterContinental, and Hilton.

We know you have worked in Sanya for several years, what are your thoughts on the development of Sanya's hospitality market in these years?
Yes I have been in Sanya for few years now and I have witnessed rapid growth in the luxury international hotel chain sector of the Hospitality Industry. There is no doubt that this is where there has been the greatest impact, and today we can easily say that Sanya is becoming an international holiday destination for both leisure and business travelers.

What are the characteristics and market position of your hotel? What advantages does your hotel have?
We are an up-scale hotel, and being both leisure and business related, we are open to a larger part of the public sector within China and also international regions.

Pullman Oceanview Resort & Spa has a really good position, as it is close to the airport and the high-speed-rail station, as well as Sanya City center. Our guest rooms have stunning views of the South China Sea and this gives us an advantage over other hotels in the area and we have a great selection of specialty bars and restaurants. We also have direct access to a private beach with water sport facilities to enhance this great area. The Hotel's banquet facilities are suitable for all kinds of meetings and events.

China hospitality news's readers are mainly from the key decision makers and buyers of domestic and international bookings for corporations, mice organizers, travel agents (MICE), PCO etc. Many corporations like to hold events in Sanya, an ideal MICE destination. What resources and project advantage does your hotel have when co-operating with PR and convention and exhibition companies in terms of team-building?
The Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay has an excellent Grand Ballroom with space for 600 guests and its eight meeting rooms allow for multiple configurations and choices.

Every event is supported by well appointed facilities, tailor-made solutions and round-the-clock service. Pullman's complimentary 'Chill-out' space is designed specifically for such occasions and allows guests to relax and socialize before, during, or after the event.

Those looking to be more energetic team-builders can take advantage of our hotel's four outdoor swimming pools, our tennis courts, and a wide range of activities from water sports to beach activities are available daily on the resort's private beach.

What challenges do you think your hotel is facing in the Sanya market?
The biggest challenge is the shortage of skilled employees — which every hotel in Sanya will be facing for the next few years. Of course the opening of other international hotels will definitely affect the overall occupancy rates, even though it should be only for a short period of time. I have no doubt that in the long term Sanya will be the No. 1 world wide destination for the leisure and MICE market.

What is your management philosophy?
I do believe in team work. The everyday challenge to be able to meld all the departments into one, and to meet our guests' expectations.

What is your experience in terms of generating repeat custom?
It is a matter of recognition and respect for the guest's point of view. If we do things not just for the sake of doing it, but with a sense of passion, responsibility and care, I am very sure our guests will appreciate our efforts and they will treasure their experience and it will make them want to come back again and again.

As the general manager of a luxury hotel, what would you like to recommend to guests to enjoy in your hotel?
There are many things you can do during your holidays from water sport activities such as windsurfing or sailing, beach volleyball, beach soccer or just relaxing and enjoying a drink while laying down on a beach lounge chair. What a life!

The view of the sunset is really spectacular from our Sun Set bar where you can watch the sun touching the sea surface. Some days it's amazing to watch.

All our hotel rooms have a private balcony where guests can relax and enjoy the view of the South China Sea as well as the beautiful swimming pools surrounded by well maintained gardens.

Surrender your mind and body to the ultimate in personal pampering. Our signature treatments lavish the face and body. Each treatment has been conceived to soothe and harmonize, so as to nurture a deep feeling of replenishment and finally rejuvenation.

Now that Hainan is focusing on the construction of the International Tourism Island what problems do you think need to be solved currently?
We are facing a shortage of taxis needed to cope with the current situation due to the fast development of the international tourism since more people are coming into the island from mainland China as well as foreign Countries. I am sure the local authorities are aware of the situation and this will soon be rectified.