Mövenpick Celebrates 5 years of Gratitude

General Manager – Mövenpick Hotel Colombo Roshan Perera has over 30+ years in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, Roshan has worked with multiple International and local brands – from the likes of Intercontinental Hotels, Taj Hotels and Palaces as well as multiple world class Sri Lankan Hotels.

Prior to joining the Mövenpick family, he served as a Director/CEO Laugfs Leisure Ltd managing the flagship brand of Anantaya Resorts & Spas.

With his continued efforts in professional development and numerous qualifications, Roshan is recognized by the American Hotel & Lodging Institute under the Certified Hotel Administrator programme. Meanwhile

Director of Sales and Marketing – Mövenpick Hotel Padmi Fernando, seasoned Sales and Marketing professional with 18 years of experience managing and leading teams across Sales, Marketing, PR, Reservations and Revenue Management of leading International and Local Hotel Brands.

Before joining Mövenpick, she also had Senior Management roles with Taj Hotels Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and the Trans Asia Hotel.

Padmi is also a recipient of the prestigious Pioneer Woman Leader Award (2019) at the 6th World Women Leadership Congress and Awards organized by CMO Asia. Both the GM and Sales and Marketing manager spoke of thier success and challenges of the hotel.

What is the theme of the 5th Year Anniversary, on gratitude?

A: Padmi Fernando: Having faced many remarkable highs in our 5 years of existence and also some very deep lows caused by varied tumultuous challenges, we felt that our five-year Anniversary theme for Mövenpick Colombo is about, ‘Celebrating 5 years of Gratitude’. Essentially all of us at Mövenpick Colombo take this opportunity to celebrate our customers and partners, whose loyalty supported the Hotel and gave us wings to fly high and rise above tough times. Having had the support of our guests from all corners of the world have helped us remain filled with purpose and a sense of optimism. This celebrations is completely dedicated to our guests to make them feel valued and appreciated.

What are your plans to celebrate the 5th year anniversary?

A:

Padmi Fernando: Well, to showcase our appreciation of our guests and partners, we curated meticulously planned ‘Gratitude Offers’. This includes a 25% discount which will be presented at any restaurant of our guests’ choice, on all a la carte meals. We also give guests a reason to celebrate with our extended 3-hour Happy Hour at Vistas, which will start from 5pm till 8pm daily. Robata Grill and Lounge, the Hotel’s Asian Inspired Restaurant will also gift a free bottle of wine to diners who dine in groups of five, in addition to the 25% discount available on a la carte.

Meanwhile Ayu, will serve a special Weekend Celebration Buffet. This special Buffet will be available and will also feature a mouthwatering kiddies’ buffet selection, making it a scrumptious celebration for the whole family.

We have also designed some incredible staycation deals, with all-inclusive Junior Suite offers with special pampering touches such as breakfast in bed and, high tea for two at Ayu restaurant. This is in addition to a host of other remarkable room deals for a relaxing break to unwind and recharge after a tough 2021.

How are you facing covid and what guidelines are you following at Group level?

A:

Padmi Fernando: The health and safety of our guests and employees have been our absolute priority. We are proud to have won the AccorHotels Group ALLSAFE label verified by Clifton, an international independent party. This represents our new elevated hygiene protocols and standards and provides assurance that these standards have been met in our hotel. We have introduced intensified hygiene and prevention measures to ensure the safety of every single person who is welcomed through our doors. We are doing everything possible to reassure our guests and to anticipate their health and safety needs for a pleasant and satisfying stay.

Q: What did the Movenpick brand introduce to the hospitality industry in Colombo when it launched 5 years ago?

A:

Roshan Perera: Movenpick Colombo was the first new International Hotel to open after 30 years, signifying a new and modern era in hospitality. At Mövenpick we are passionate about ‘making moments’. We recognise that small gestures make a big difference to our guests, our owners and our people. We do ordinary things in an extraordinary way – a philosophy that has defined our brand’s success from the very start. Historically Movenpick is a global Hotel Chain with Swiss roots and a restaurant and hospitality heritage that dates back to the 1940s. Movenpick’s very DNA is its F&B and is what the brand is globally famed for. This culinary prowess allows us to take our valued guests on an intriguing gastronomic journey. Our rooms are stunning and artistically appointed, and I would say that overall, our modern and upscale Movenpick brand invites guests to a one-of-a-kind, stylishly vertical urban experience. This has made us the hotel of choice for guests who travel on both business and leisure.

For the greater part of Movenpick’s existence it has faced challenges that heavily affected the hospitality industry. How have you overcome this?

A:

Roshan Perera: There is no doubt that the Movenpick Team is resilient and harbours a deep sense of unity. Most of our staff have been with us since pre-opening and have showcased their loyalty and commitment through the highs and the lows. The Easter bombings and subsequent global pandemic affected us deeply along with the rest of the industry. However, standing strong and united and facing all the challenges that came our way with agility has allowed us to weather the storms. Our focused strategies combined with the robust backing of the Softlogic Group was also undoubtedly the wind beneath our wings that pushed us forward. We have enthusiastically embraced change and new ways of operating with speed and that has made all the difference.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts come under the wings of the AccorHotels Group, while Softlogic Group owns the Hotel. How does this affect your products and services?

A:

Roshan Perera: I would say that being part of these two giant entities makes our Hotel a remarkable brand powered by two highly respected forces. AccorHotels is a world-leading travel and lifestyle Group comprising 5000 hotels, resorts and residences accounting for over one million rooms worldwide. Meanwhile Softlogic Holdings PLC, is one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and progressive conglomerates, with industry headship in six business verticals, growing rapidly under an astutely visionary and trailblazing Leadership. The conglomerate is responsible for bringing the world’s most loved and luxurious global brands to the shores of Sri Lanka. This impeccable combination has allowed us to provide an unmatched hospitality experience to Sri Lanka.

What is the greatest challenge that the industry is facing?

A:

Roshan Perera: The biggest challenge that we as an industry are currently facing is the retention of employees. In order to reduce diminishing talent, the industry must have a sustainable long term plan that benchmarks against international opportunities to keep Sri Lankan employment competitive. If not the industry will be pushed to source talent from overseas to bridge the gaps.

What are your plans for the future?

A:

Roshan: We are excited about the many plans we have in the pipelines. We are working towards launching two new restaurants by quarter 2 of 2022. There are additional plans to launch more eclectic restaurants and unique offerings to provide patrons of Colombo with brand-new dining experiences. We are eager to see what the future holds and look forward to another vibrant and exhilarating 5 years ahead, helping our wonderful guests to continue making unique and unforgettable Movenpick moments.

With over 30+ years in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, Roshan has worked with multiple International and local brands – from the likes of Intercontinental Hotels, Taj Hotels and Palaces as well as multiple world class Sri Lankan Hotels.

Prior to joining the Mövenpick family, he served as a Director/CEO Laugfs Leisure Ltd managing the flagship brand of Anantaya Resorts & Spas.

With his continued efforts in professional development and numerous qualifications, Roshan is recognized by the American Hotel & Lodging Institute under the Certified Hotel Administrator program.