Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan GM: Keeping The Filipino Touch in Hospitality Management
Didier Belmonte, Crimson Hotel Resort and Spa Mactan General Manager
The island of Cebu no longer hides its imperial beauty behind the curtain. Boasting to be the country’s leading business and tourist hub, Cebu indeed is the rendezvous of tradition and modernization, keeping the pace of trade while providing relaxation to locals and tourists alike.
Because of this, a continued growth is expected for the country’s hotel industry in the next five years according to the latest Market Insight report of Pinnacle Real Estate Consulting Services Inc. In fact, the said report gives a heads up for hotel executives to implement their expansion plans.
In this exciting stage, it is very crucial for business executives to make the best moves for the company. The locality itself has already proved that it is the perfect spot for relaxation: pristine and crystal clear beaches, white sand, and cool and clean air. It is up for these leaders to maximize these resources. Leadership in a company then plays a vital role in its growth. Besides, a company executive really makes or breaks the business, so they need to make sure that they are going to put the right people in the right positions.
Last June this year, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Cebu’s passionate cosmopolitan resort, has added a new member to their growing family. Having worked as one of the hotel executives of Taiwan’s renowned Sun Moon Lake, French hotelier Didier Belmonte will be heading the hotel’s management team and will be ensuring that everyone who will be staying in the hotel will have an experience of a lifetime.
Nestled in one of the country’s most prestigious tourist destinations, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan is a sprawling 6-hectare beach resort and spa with 40 luxurious private villas featuring individual plunge pools and 250 guestrooms that combine both comfort and style with its contemporary Asian style. A deluxe beach resort on the island of Mactan, Crimson is a 20-minute drive away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Having worked and managed Michelin-star restaurants, boutique hotels, historical landmark properties and island destinations in the Maldives, Kuala Lumpur, Myanmar and the Middle East, complemented by his French upbringing, Didier is set to continue refining the excellent customer experience and service that Crimson has been known for.
Didier’s hospitality interest was molded through his hotellerie studies in France. His career in food and beverage started at The Connaught restaurant in London. Then he worked for four different Michelin star-rated restaurants in France and Germany before moving to Lebanon, Dubai and Oman to continue honing his skills in food and beverage management.
“I am very honored to have worked with the best people here in Crimson. Based on what I have read online, it makes me more curious on what the Philippines, especially Cebu, has to offer. I see this opportunity here in Crimson as a challenge, and this gives me the fuel to work hard for the company,” said Belmonte.
As a manager, he wants to ensure that there is a consensus within the company. The opinion of his people matters, he believes. Every move of his people has a direct effect in the company, so in his decision-making, everyone has a say. This is one of the best ways that Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan can serve its customers.
“Since I’m new, I need my people to trust me. I’ve been here for almost six months, and I can say that I have not encountered some major issues throughout my stay. If they experience some problems, I then investigate and check on what I can do to help them,” he added.
Different countries, he said, have different cultures. He was astounded with the warmth of the Filipinos. The smiles on their faces energize everyone.
“It is in every Filipino blood and mind, or isn’t it,” he said jokingly.
“It is very refreshing to know that everyone speaks and understands English. I can see that the future of Crimson is very interesting,” he added.
“Filipinos are also very confident. They are also not afraid to tell what is in their mind. If they are mad, then they will tell you that they are mad. If they want to do something, they will just simply approach one of the managers. They will also look for alternative solutions if their guests are experiencing some problems. They have the initiative,” he added.
In the last six months, he started some initiatives to improve the hotel. They began to renovate Crimzone, a swimming pool for kids, and it will be finished by the March next year. Some major revamps on the set-up of the restaurants are also being taken cared of. The transformation of some areas into food and beverage outlets will astound every tourist, and they will be renovating eighteen rooms for their guests, perfect for the holidays.
He also plans to have 80% occupancy by the end of the year, giving the hotel a revenue of P600 million.
Now is the right time to lounge in their private and luxurious villas. Sail out on a catamaran or visit nearby marine sanctuaries. Spend a rejuvenating day at the spa. Whatever you choose, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, wishes you the joy of the authentic moments, in a delightfully unique location in Cebu. In Belmonte’s leadership, indeed, greater things await at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.
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