The hotel landscape is ever-changing as facets of the industry shift to adapt to new technology and changing consumer behaviour. Navigating a career path in this field requires one to be constantly on their toes and well prepared to keep up with the pace of the changing environment. It was this buzzing dynamic and the people you meet on the way that led Paul Columbus to embark on his journey in the hotel industry.
Previously serving as the Regional Manager with Accor UK, Columbus resided in the United Kingdom for ten years. Now, he is the proud General Manager of Novotel Auckland Airport. "It's the best! I'm well supported by all our stakeholders and a superb team."
Novotel Auckland Airport
According to Columbus, Novotel Auckland Airport's point of difference, in addition to reputation, people, and adaptability, is its location."Unlike other international airport hotels we are lucky to be so closely located to an airport terminal."
Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive dislocation in the community. Many hotels were compelled to convert into MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) facilities, including Novotel Auckland Airport. MIQ changed everything.
"We were operating at near capacity daily pre-COVID to reshaping the entire service delivery from arrival processes to a significant focus on health and safety, delivered at hospital-grade standards."
Columbus and his team were integral to this successful transition from an individual, personalised service to on-masse catering delivery of the highest standards.
With the New Zealand borders reopening and demand for MIQ facilities winding down, Novotel Auckland Airport has left the network and recently reopened to the public after its first phase refresh of the hotel, featuring a new bistro and bar and a social hub in the lobby. A second complete soft refurbishment is scheduled for early 2024.
Novotel Auckland Airport anticipates a guest demographic similar to pre-COVID, which comprised predominantly domestic travellers, of whom 35 percent were Aucklanders, 25 percent Australians and single digits for the rest of the world.
To help others navigate developments in the pandemic, Columbus has shared a key takeaway from his experience: "Take nothing for granted; do more listening, both team and guest wise. Value what you have; it can all change in a minute."
