Suzanne Pentecost is the General Manager at Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart. Suzanne loves meeting new people and enjoys mentoring staff in her role.
Find out what else they had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
I’m new to my role as Hotel General Manager of Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart and look forward to overseeing all operations, guiding, and mentoring staff while also creating memorable guest experiences.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I love meeting new people, whether it is staff, guests, or other colleagues within the industry (including my extended TFE family). I enjoy being able to help, give advice or just simply meeting people and hearing their stories from different cultures. Working in the travel industry allows you to experience the world firsthand, and being able to share these with others is pretty special too.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
Recovering and building our industry back up after Covid has been a challenge. We have also faced challenges with the changes in immigration rules over the past couple of years as we want to ensure we are able to bring in skilled and cultured workers to the hotel industry.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Again, building our trained workforce back up to pre Covid levels.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?
A big game changer for our industry here in New Zealand will be when more direct international flights come into the country. And when that happens, we’ll be ready to welcome international visitors with our trademark warm Kiwi welcome.
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
I believe there will be a rise of people travelling to smaller South Asian countries.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
Sustainability is big part of our industry, for a while it was a buzz word and a point of difference but now it is a standard practice. For the travel and tourism industry to survive we all need to be implementing sustainable practices and I’m looking forward to the rollout of TFE’s wider ESG initiatives across the globe. Watch this space!
Who inspires you most and why?
My Mother who is currently battling Parkinsons. Despite her condition, she is the most positive and thoughtful person I know.
What is your must-pack travel item(s)?
The credit card and multi box charger!
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would love to go to Vietnam with my best friend. It’s a destination I have not yet visited.
