Monday, July 14, 2025

Talking Travel with Joseph Stipo from Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne General Manager, Joseph Stipo, says he can’t wait to see all our international travellers coming back and working holiday makers returning and making Australia greater.

Travel Monitor caught up with Joesph in this week’s Talking Travel. This is what he had to say.

What does your job involve?

Anything and everything to do with the running of Rendezvous Melbourne from welcoming guests to reviewing and improving the guest experience to mentoring the team.

How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?

I have kept a positive outlook throughout and have ensured my team has too.  I think it is important to remind people why we entered into hospitality in the first place and to reinforce that, at the hotel, we are one big family, and we are all here for each other.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

With an event space like ours, I absolutely love seeing events come to life… from that first single idea to a grand reception or a high tea or a wedding or ball.

What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?

Hospitality is very diverse and we have to constantly adapt to new situations and changing market conditions. What you have planned one day may turn out to be completely different the next. What can I say? Every day is an adventure.

What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?

We are tech-savvy. Hotel guests have everything they want and need in their homes because items are more accessible and affordable. When I was young, going to a hotel was a treat because the technology was better, the TV was bigger etc. Now the point of difference must be service, and the challenge is finding (and retaining) young talent who are every bit as passionate about hospitality as I am.

What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?

Customer service. It really will be the biggest differentiator between products.

What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?

The next normal. We’ve all been in a holding pattern for the past two years so as borders open and people head out to experience true destination travel, it will make for interesting times.

What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?

This is something we are very passionate about at Rendezvous Melbourne – from the removal of plastic straws and cups in all our outlets to introducing recycling bins in all 340 guest rooms. TFE introduced a social impact charter last year so we’re looking forward to seeing how we can contribute in meaningful ways to that.

Who inspires you most and why?

My mother is an immigrant and seeing the sacrifices she made to give a better future to us and generations to come was truly inspiring.

What is your must-pack travel item(s)?

I like to travel light. As I see it, everything can be purchased during the adventure except for two crucial things – my passport and my bank card.

Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?

All the friends and family that I have missed catching up with throughout the pandemic. We’d go to Italy to party with the rest of the family and enjoy that unmistakable hospitality Salute!

Contact Email: jstipo@rendezvoushotels.com

Kate Webster
Kate Websterhttp://www.travellerkate.com
Kate Webster is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for herself and the world around her. She translates those moments and shares them through her storytelling. An adventurer at heart with a curious spirit to explore, her work has taken her to the edges of the Earth. Kate has delved into the world of wildlife and conservation travel to bring awareness. www.travellerkate.com

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