Li Dan

WITH 30 years of experience in the hotel industry and more than 20 years working in Asia, Gerhard Hecker has ambitions to take the new Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen to a notch above others in town.

"Each hotel has its own strength and weakness and the strength of Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, lies in its superb service standards." said Hecker, the general manager of Futian Shangri-La at an interview with Shenzhen Daily.

"We've brought expertise to this project and planned every detail from the very beginning. The prestigious Shangri-La Hotel Group has triple roles as an owner, developer and manager of this property, a privilege not enjoyed by too many," Hecker said.

With a rich background working in Asia, living in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and most recently in Shanghai, Hecker said he would try to attract guests with enticements and Asian sentiments, which they might have not experienced elsewhere.

"Take comfort food as an example. Comfort food is the soul of culinary pleasure and a perfectly prepared steaming bowl of congee at midnight might just be what makes the difference," Hecker said.

Hecker's theory is that, when people travel alone, they leave their family and peer group behind them along with their comfort zone. Instinctively, anxiety tends to build and people are on guard while they are on the move.

"We at the hotel aim to replace their peer group, welcome them and provide comfort and safety, a place where they can let their guard down and relax," said Hecker.

Another strength of the Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen would be the training offered to every employee. There is a training center and a language lab on the premises. All staff members, almost 900 in all, will be in place three months before opening and they will be given two months of intensive training. There will then be three to four weeks of simulation to ensure every detail is taken care of when the first guest arrives. After opening, further well-formulated training plans will be regularly offered to employees on all levels. "Interviewees (for job vacancies) told me that they were interested because the Shangri-La offered the best training. Sure, we'll not let them down," Hecker said.

Proper coaching will help people develop themselves, advance in a career and, in the first place, cultivate the right attitude in employees, which will in turn satisfy the needs of guests, Hecker believes.

The new hotel, housed in a high-rise with a commanding view of Lotus Hill in downtown Futian District, has state-of-the-art facilities, including 548 guest rooms, 53 serviced apartments, comprehensive meeting and catering facilities including a 1,800-square-meter pillarlesss ballroom, health club and spa.

From a food and beverage background, the German promised a big variety of food choices at the new hotel including an all-day dining café, an Italian restaurant and a renowned Chinese restaurant, Fook Lam Moon. About 200 chefs from around the globe will bring their skills and expertise to the interactive restaurants, where the food is freshly cooked and served in the best possible condition.

"We will get the best ingredients in China or (from) overseas: fresh mushrooms, pork, lamb, beef, organic products and so on. There are certain foods that are popular in Europe but the locals may not have tried, even though they are grown in China, like the white asparagus," he said.

A gourmet, Hecker said he refuses (to serve) mediocre food and will certainly offer the best for his guests.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, and nicknamed "Superman" by his colleagues, Hecker speaks fluent English and French besides German, and understands Cantonese. Adventurous and with an ear for music, Hecker loves outdoor exercise such as skiing, hiking and motorcycling.