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Hotel Corner

Meet Gerhard Aicher, General Manager of The Mira Hong Kong

I was born into this industry – my parents had a small family-owned hotel back in the Austrian Alps where I grew up. From my childhood on I was helping out wherever it was needed, and I’ve always enjoyed it. I got to understand what the hotel business is and what hotel operations are all about at a younger age than most, then went on to hotel school. I never considered doing anything else.

I have done almost everything that has to do with hotels. From washing dishes to finance, to food and beverage – you name it. This allows me to relate to and understand the challenges people are faced with on a day to day basis.

I’ve always loved Asia. It was always the missing piece of the puzzle, and when I reached a crossroads in my career, I expressed my desire to move here. When I got the opportunity, I seized it, and never regretted it. Nine years later I’m still here and still enjoying it.

 

 

I joined The Mira nine months ago. I think it’s a fantastic product with a lot of potential. It has a unique style, and is one of the few design-focused properties around, with high attention to freshness and innovation. For example, we have a complimentary Samsung Galaxy in each of our rooms that guests can take around the city as an extension of their room phone. They can make international and local calls, browse the internet, even use it to get discounts on attractions. Guests love it.

 

 

Management styles change with experience, as well as with the role. One of the things I have learned is how to be flexible, because different situations and different people require you to handle things differently. You have to learn to adapt. My management style is inclusive and co-operative; I always include my team in the decision-making process.

The key to success is to have everything well-balanced. Sitting too heavily on one pillar is never a good thing.

Never compromise quality. It may come at a higher price at the beginning, but at the end of the day it always pays off.

My favourite thing to do in Hong Kong, aside from spending time with my family, is playing golf at Kau Sai Chau. I usually try to dedicate one day a week to my hobby, and the Kau Sai Chau course is one of the most stunning public golf courses in the world. 

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