This week’s Big Cheese is with Sammy Carolus, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Taipei.
The great thing about my job is…
People, people, people. The opportunity to care for my team, so that they can be their best, is immensely rewarding – especially at Grand Hyatt Taipei.
The challenge for industry is…
That tourism hasn’t always been given the standing or the stature that it deserves. Tourism is a vital industry that has the power to transform a country.
My greatest achievement is…
Whenever I have the opportunity to turn the ‘adversary’ guest into an ‘emissary’ guest.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be…
The Summer Universiade (Students Olympics) which will be held in Taiwan in August 2017 – more than 20,000 people are expected to visit the country during the 2-week-long event.
I try to relax by…
Not looking at my iPhone.
I don’t understand why…
Taiwan is one of the best kept travel secrets in Asia. Considering what Taiwan has to offer, it could easily be one of the most renowned leisure spots and MICE destinations in the world.
My favourite venue is…
Huashan Creative Park in Taipei. It’s an excellent indoor and outdoor event space. In Bangkok, it would have to be Chakrabongse Villa, very gorgeous. In Bali, Tanah Lot is still as magical as the first time I visited.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland (the name sounds so exotic and the place must be so cool after it erupted 7 years ago).
I am scared to death of…
Betraying the trust of people who depend on me.
I can’t live without…
Faith, hope and love.
I really wish I had…
Started much earlier in this amazing industry.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be…
My wife and my three children. I would take every possible opportunity to spend time with them.
For anyone starting out in the industry one piece of advice I’d give would be…
Be passionate, be patient and persevere.
