----Exclusive Interview with Mr. Jorgen Christensen,

General Manager of Marco Polo Changzhou, and His Team

——专访常州马哥孛罗酒店总经理柯跃健先生及其团队

       提及常州，我们会想到它是一座蓝天碧水、环境优美、人与自然和谐发展的现代化长三角区域中心城市和全国著名的生态宜居城市。北宋文学大家苏东坡本是四川人，但他经常游历常州，常州成了他的第二故乡。其主要原因就是常州风光无限好，使他领略到了那山野水乡的神韵。如今青山绿水依旧，游客可以追寻东坡当年的足迹，亦或是在这城市绿洲中发现“新世界”。而今天的主角常州马哥孛罗酒店就伫立在这片新世界中，我们也有幸专访了酒店的总经理柯跃健先生及其团队，和他们的交谈使我们对常州有了更多的认识。

       作为马哥孛罗酒店集团旗下的品牌酒店，常州马哥孛罗酒店一直奉行着优越服务及深厚认识和拥护本土文化的宗旨，被誉为区内首屈一指的酒店品牌，广受商务及休闲旅客赞誉。该品牌以著名旅行探险家、商人及文化鉴赏家马可波罗先生命名，秉持「探索‧体验」的风格，为旅客创造尊贵独特的住宿体验。常州马哥孛罗酒店坐落于常州市新北区核心地段，占地19公顷。傍倚秀丽的藻江河和植被茂盛的私家花园，四面环绕7.8万平方米绵亘绿茵，与国家5A级景区环球恐龙城仅一步之遥。附近还有天宁寺、淹城春秋乐园等旅游景点。酒店临近沪宁高速，距离常州火车站仅15分钟车程，从上海搭乘高铁只需35~40分钟即可到达。2018-2019年地铁也将开通，无论是自驾游还是跟团游都非常便利。

      酒店开业至今快2年了，总经理柯跃健先生从事酒店业逾25年。曾在欧洲、美国、中国大陆和香港等不同地区工作，有丰富的管理经验。他曾带领四家豪华酒店成功开业、帮助另外四家重新定位，为酒店增加了业务收益。加入马哥孛罗酒店集团源于他对该品牌管理的认同。他说：“集团的领导层注重细节，关爱团队和酒店的方方面面。他们提倡支持、鼓励和帮助。所有的这些都吸引和感染着我。”他很高兴加入马哥孛罗集团的大家庭，希望凭借自己的工作经验，能为常州的城市绿洲带来更多客源。而加入常州马哥孛罗酒店至今，酒店的经营状况节节攀升，与去年同期相比，营收增加了80%。工作上他是个十足的“行动派”，他认为有想法就要付诸实践，这也体现在他学习语言和中国文化方面。

      翻看柯先生的履历，他曾前往北京高等学府清华大学学习中国文化和普通话。俗话说语言是走近城市最好的工具，学会中国语言也为他在中国的工作带来了便利。来到常州后，柯先生又学习了常州的文化和历史，这能帮助他快速定位酒店的发展方向。柯先生属龙，龙又是中国的象征，常州又被称为“龙城”，柯先生说南北朝时期常州出了齐、梁两代15个皇帝，古代龙是皇帝的象征，故作“龙城”。 所以他觉得和中国很投缘，言语中也不时流露出对中国的热爱。

      他在访谈中还向我们展示了常州马哥孛罗酒店的“硬件”和“软件”实力。酒店备有302间具有现代东方格调的套房和客房，行政楼层更为客人提供独具马哥孛罗之道的舒适及个性化的服务。值得一提的是包括总统套房在内的31间客房及套房的大宅院，类似于小别墅，可供贵宾休息、开party、办鸡尾酒会等。而2000多平方米的室内宴会场地包括一个无柱式马哥孛罗宴会厅及20个多功能会议室，均拥有自然采光、享有周边私家园林景观，是企业会议活动和奖励旅游的绝佳选择。2016年3月马哥孛罗酒店集团的全球总经理和餐饮总监会议也选择了在常州召开，足见其标志性地位。酒店还设有完善的休闲和活动设施，户外婚礼草坪、屋顶露台、河畔长廊等都是举办时尚户外活动的优选场地。而室内游泳池、专属健身中心、水疗中心、棋牌室、户外网球场等也能让入住的客人在旅途中得到全身心的放松。

      餐饮一直是食客们津津乐道的事。在季节交替时期，酒店会贴心的为宾客准备不同的药膳。各式餐厅中也有不同风味的经典美馔。九龍雅苑中餐厅可以尽享正宗广式菜肴与本味淮扬菜；雅園咖啡厅全天提供用餐服务及饕餮自助餐；大堂吧及達帕斯吧是尽享商务和休闲聚会的最佳地点。酒店的行政总厨睿泽是一位精通多国语言的意大利籍厨师，他曾在多个国际品牌酒店担任过主厨。通过对常州的学习和了解他告诉我们：“常州人喜欢外出就餐，抓住他们的味蕾需要结合当地饮食文化和流行趋势。”所以睿泽经常在和当地人的交流中汲取美食制作的精髓，他强调要不断了解瞬息万变的市场。

      此外，酒店的定位有别于传统的度假或商务酒店。周一至周五，酒店被定义为商务酒店。会有很多商务人士前来开会、洽谈大工程或举办团队活动。而周末则被定义为休闲度假酒店。因为毗邻常州恐龙园，周末有很多亲子家庭入住，带孩子游玩和学习一些侏罗纪时代的科学知识，扩充视野。

      在谈及常州的未来发展趋势时，酒店的市场销售总监曹琛女士分享道：“如今常州形势对酒店业非常有利。当地政府已移居到了酒店所在的新北区，旅游局也在着力打造城市新形象。大热的中华恐龙园正在紧锣密鼓的开展其二期工程，政府还将建造一座航空博物馆。所以常州的未来版图中，旅游和人文将有更进一步的发展和建树。伴随着公民收入的提高和旅游热情的上升，相信未来将吸引更多的游客前来。”通过这些对市场的分析和了解，酒店也作出了相应的计划安排。在酒店的活动策划中我们看到，四季都会举办不同活动。春季有春节庆祝活动；夏季到来时，作为上海的近郊，常州是暑期亲子游的理想之地，酒店准备了诸多亲子套餐以及有趣的亲子活动，包括英语课堂、烹饪课堂以及儿童高尔夫等。针对亲子家庭，酒店设有专门的儿童房和Piccolo儿童俱乐部。而今年秋季酒店将引入马哥孛罗酒店集团每年都会盛大举办的德国啤酒节活动，该活动在香港已成功举办了25年。冬季酒店则会奉上一场暖心的圣诞派对。这些旨在让更多的人了解和认识常州马哥孛罗酒店，感受到酒店的用心。

      虽然我们今天采访的三位酒店人都不是中国人，但他们的中文非常流利又喜爱中国文化和历史。在中国工作的他们，将当地文化融入到了自己的血液中，迸发出了更多的工作热情。酒店今天收获的各项成功与整个团队的日常研究和深入挖掘周边经济文化是分不开的。这些酒店人在常州，把自己当做常州人，用心维护每个细节。

      了解一家酒店，一座城市，文字显然是不够的，所以今天的三位酒店人向每一位热爱常州、想要了解常州的人发出邀请。他们希望借由常州马哥孛罗酒店带给每一位宾客离家在外的归属感。绿洲、人文、历史……相信到过常州的人，经历过一番游览也会由衷的发出东坡的感慨：“今已决计居常州”。

Speaking of Changzhou, it is known as one of the major cities of the modernized Yangtze River Delta and a reputably livable city in China with azure sky, clear waters, enchanting natural environment, balanced urban development based on harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Su Dongpo, the celebrated literary giant of the Northern Song Dynasty, a native of Sichuan Province, was a frequent visitor to Changzhou, and regarded it as his second hometown due to its picturesque landscape of forested hills and rivers that emanate captivating charm. Now the same hills and waters remain for visitors to discover and follow the footsteps of Su Dongpo. And they may also explore a new world amid this urban oasis, where Marco Polo Changzhou stands. And we are honored to have interviewed Mr. Jorgen Christensen, General Manager of Marco Polo Changzhou, and his team for a better understanding of the city of Changzhou.

As one of Marco Polo Hotels, Marco Polo Changzhou adheres to the brand philosophy that highlights impeccable service, profound knowledge and embraces local culture. It is a leading hotel brand within the region, widely acclaimed by business and leisure travelers. Marco Polo Hotels embody the ethos of discovery, creating unique guest experiences and drawing on the key philosophies of its namesake, Marco Polo: the explorer, global traveler, entrepreneur and connoisseur of culture----just as Marco Polo’s modern travelers are today. Located in the heart of the Xinbei District of Changzhou, Marco Polo Changzhou covers an area of 19 hectares, and is surrounded by 15 acres of lush private garden and oversees the Zaojiang River. It sits next to the Changzhou Dinosaur Park, a national 5A scenic spot, and close to Tianyu Temple and Yancheng Chunqiu Amusement Land. It is minutes away from Huning Highway (Shanghai – Nanjing) and 15 minutes’ drive from Changzhou train station. It takes less than an hour to travel to Shanghai by high speed railway. With the metro due to start operation between 2018 and 2019, it will be rather convenient to visit Changzhou, either on a self-driving tour or by group travel.

It is almost 2 years since the hotel was launched. As the General Manager of Marco Polo Changzhou, Mr. Jorgen Christensen boasts rich management experience across Europe, United States, Mainland China and Hongkong, along his 25 year hospitality career. He successfully launched 4 luxury hotels and helped in market repositioning of another 4 that realized significant revenue growth. He joined Marco Polo Hotels as he identifies with its brand philosophy that, according to him, “the management attach high importance to details, care for the team and give thoughtful consideration to every aspect of hotel operation; and they advocate a culture of support, encouragement and help, all of which seem extremely attractive and contagious to me.” He is delighted to have joined Marco Polo Hotels and hope to bring more customers to the urban oasis of Changzhou with his extensive hospitality experience. Since he joined Marco Polo Changzhou, its operating performance has been on the increase, of which revenue increases by 80% on that of the same period last year. A man of action at work, he puts it into practice whenever there is a good idea, and this also finds expression in his learning of the Chinese language and culture.

A glimpse at his CV reveals that Mr. Jorgen Christensen went to Beijing to attend classes on Chinese culture and Mandarin at Tsinghua University. As is said, the best way to access the culture of a city is to learn its local language. A good command of Chinese has facilitated his career in China and after arriving in Changzhou, he continued to learn about its history and culture, which, in turn, helped him work out an efficient and precise market positioning of the hotel. Mr. Jorgen Christensen was born in the year of the dragon, the animal symbolic of the Chinese nation as well as ancient Chinese emperors. Coincidentally, the city of Changzhou is called the “Dragon City” as it is home to some 15 emperors of the ancient states of Chi and Liang during Northern and Southern Dynasties. As a result, he believes that a unique bond links him to China, on which his remarks sparkle with passion.

During our interview, Mr. Jorgen Christensen showcases the competitiveness of the hotel in terms of its best-in-class facilities and premium services. Marco Polo Changzhou offers guests 302 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites with modern oriental decor. Cozy and personalized services typical of Marco Polo Hotels are provided to guests on the Executive Floor. It is noteworthy that 31 exclusive rooms and suites, including Presidential Suites are housed at The Mansion, for distinguished guests to relax, hold a cocktail party or the like. Featuring 2000 square meters of function space, consisting of the Pillar-less Marco Polo Ballroom and 20 multi-purpose function rooms, all meeting and banquet facilities feature natural sunlight, complemented by well-designed private gardens that are a perfect destination for corporate meeting trips and bonus tours. In March 2016, Marco Polo Hotels Global Conference of General Managers and Directors of Restaurants, Bars & Events was held in Changhou as an indication of the hotel’s premier status. The hotel also boasts optimal leisure and event facilities, including a weddings lawn, a roof terrace, a riverside corridor, all of which are preferred venues for stylish outdoor activities. Guests may have a full recharge at the indoor swimming pool, Fitness Center, SPA, chess room and outdoor tennis courts.

Delicacies offered at the hotel is what diners always enjoy talking about. At the turn of the season, various medicated dishes are prepared to cater to various guests’ needs. Classic cuisines are available at assorted restaurants of the hotel. Jiulong Ya Yuan Chinese Restaurant serves authentic Cantonese cuisine and Huaiyan cuisine while Garden Café delivers all day dining dishes and sumptuous buffets. The Lobby Lounge and Tapas Bar are perfect places to unwind and gather with friends and clients. Francesco Rizzo, the Executive Chef, a native of Italy and a accomplished linguist, used to work at international hotels as one of their chefs. With industrious learning, he acquires better knowledge of Changzhou, and according to him, “People in Changzhou tend to eat out. Local culinary culture and popular trends must be incorporated into our delicacies in order to tempt their palate.” He often draws inspirations for his culinary innovation from his communication with local residents and attaches importance to an updated knowledge of the constantly changing market.

In addition, the market positioning of the hotel is other than that of a traditional resort hotel or business hotel. During weekdays, the hotel is defined as a business hotel for business clients to hold meetings, conduct project negotiations or organize group events. On weekends, however, it is defined as a resort hotel since families of guests stay here when they come for Changzhou Dinosaur Park where they have a great time and have their knowledge enriched and horizon broadened.

Speaking of the future of Changzhou, Ms. Mariko Kawai, Director of Sales & Marketing and of Marco Polo Changzhou, shares with us, “The prospects of Changzhou are in favor of our hotel, as the municipal government is relocated to Xinbei District, and its tourist bureau is dedicated to an image building campaign for the city. A second phase construction is well under way for the popular China Dinosaur Land. An aviation museum is to be built. In the blueprint of Changzhou, tourism will experience further development and realize greater accomplishments. With rising incomes and growing enthusiasm for tourism, it is believed that more tourists will be attracted to Changzhou.” Plans have been formulated accordingly by the hotel, with such knowledge and analysis of the market. In terms of event planning, different events are organized according to the seasons. For example, in spring, celebrations for the Spring Festival are organized. In summer, Changzhou is an ideal destination for families of tourists from neighboring Shanghai. Package and intriguing activities for family guests are offered, which include English classes, cooking classes and golf courses for kids. There are also kids rooms and Piccolo Kids Club. German Beer Festival, an annual grand event held in Hongkong by Marco Polo Hotels for 25 years, will be held in Marco Polo Changzhou this autumn for the first time. In winter, a Christmas party will be staged with warm hospitality here. These seasonal events aim at increasing public awareness and understanding of Marco Polo Changzhou with an exposure to its dedicated, thoughtful care.

Expatriates as the three interviewees are, they all speak very fluent Chinese and cherish love for the Chinese culture and history. While working in China, they embrace the local culture and devote great passion to their daily work. Successes achieved by the hotel is rooted in the daily research of and exploration into the local economy and culture by the entire team, who identify themselves as natives of Changzhou so that they are making every effort to further polish every details.

Now, the three hoteliers are making invitations to those who cherish love for Changzhou and those who wish to learn more about Changzhou, and they hope to bring a sense of belonging and homelike hospitality to those away from home at Marco Polo Changzhou. Guests are expected to come for a tangible feel of it, since there is much more about a hotel or a city that reaches beyond the description of words. An urban oasis with a long history and rich culture heritage, the city of Changzhou will impress every visitor here. Those who have traveled to and around the city will share the same feeling with Su Dongpo that “I am now determined to settle down in Changzhou.”