Blessed, excited, privileged

by Zanita Careem

Lakmini Raymond is a versatile hotelier, driven by passion and commitment. She has an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry.

With over 30 years of experience in the field of hospitality, Lakmini Raymond is a force to reckon with. With expertise in sales and marketing, revenue and business development, she has served at some of the leading international hospitality brands, and recently took on the reins as Vice President – Public Relations and Branding of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd.

What motivated you to join the hospitality industry?

In one simple word: it is ‘fate’.

Growing up, tourism and hospitality was never in my radar as a career choice. After completing my higher studies, I followed in the footsteps of my family and joined my family-owned printing company. Whilst it was interesting, soon I wanted to venture out on my own and see the world from a ladder made by my own merit. It was by chance that I came across a job opportunity for print and graphics manager at one of the leading international hotels, Hilton Colombo. When I started, my office was in the car park of the building, and not at all a glamorous affair. However, the General Manager at that time, saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to join the hotel’s mainstream operations. I was enrolled in a short Management Trainee programme, after which I joined the sales team.

Since then, there was no turning back. I am in love with this industry; and 32 years later, I am so grateful for that initial opportunity and I have been truly blessed to have been able to work in international hospitality brands as well as a reputed homegrown brand, prior to my appointment at Aitken Spence Hotels.

Congratulation on your new role. How do you feel about handling all this?

Blessed, excited, privileged.

I am excited as I will be able to combine my experiences and work for a Sri Lanka blue-chip conglomerate such as Aitken Spence, that has spearheaded the growth and innovation in the hospitality sector of Sri Lanka. I am certain that I can share my expertise in realizing the company’s next phase of development within the leisure sector.

What do you think are the secrets of your careers longevity and success?

I believe it is the passion I have for this industry. For me, hospitality has become part and parcel of my life. I love the industry and all it entails – the people, the service, the energy. I think if one truly loves what they do and believe in it wholeheartedly, then success would follow.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is when I can use my accomplishments and share my experiences and expertise to help others achieve company and personal goals.

How do you deal with the pressure of balancing work and home?

The pressure has subsided considerably now, since my sons are now adults. However, I believe even back in the day I set daily goals, I prioritized my tasks and was prepared for unexpected surprises. By keeping my eyes on the results more than the situation, I was able to attain the balance that I set out to achieve.

How has the definition of luxury changed over the year?

The concept of luxury is changing exponentially today due to the fast pace in which societal and cultural norms and expectations are changing. Consumer values and preferences are in flux, thanks to the competing dynamisms of globalization, key changes in consumer mindset, and the disruptive impact of technology. With rapid globalization, a new breed of consumers are created in the market. These consumers have a much broader, multidimensional perception on what quality and luxury can be. The growth in disposable income in the global markets also means material wealth is no longer the only signal of power. The psyche of affluent consumers has shifted and what the look for now is self-actualization.

No longer is luxury just about brands or chic destinations. Those things still matter, but there’s a now new layer to the luxury experience, one in which the accomplishment is experiential and self-actualization.

What will be your sustainability initiatives you will introduce after the end of the pandemic at Aitken Spence Hotels? In doing so, what unique challenges would you meet?

Sustainability in the post pandemic era will be about conservation and commitment – conservation of the environment and commitment towards the social responsibility and the communities.

At Aitken Spence Hotels, these are ethos that are deeply ingrained in the system. Therefore, our work will be to enhance the present setting into creating a holistic approach that are lifestyle-driven and experentail for our guests.

The biggest challenge will be less volume of guests, which we anticipate would continue for at least another 121-18 months and the ever-changing trends in the segment of sustainability.

With the pandemic are you optimistic about travel and hotel sectors in the future? What will be main focus?

Yes, we are optimistic.

The main focus will of course be, safety. Based on this, the trends of travel will change. Personalization will be paramount. The emphasis will be on holistic experience and in creating memories. Travelers will be more appreciative of their holidays due to the uncertainties of tomorrow. There has also been somewhat of a cultural shift in health with more people shifting towards organic food, environmental issues, ethical business, etc which will affect the industry as well.

As the Covid-19 challenge continues, the hotels and the industry continue to slow its resilient. How do your account for this?

Of course, we are resilient. Globally, we have all gone through the wars, acts of terrorisms, natural and man-made disasters. No matter what, the hospitality industry has been resilient, because we, as humans are resilient. Travel has become a part of our lifestyles and is an escape that most long for – whether it is for work or pleasure; therefore, we will always remain.