Hotels

Hotel Corner

Claus Pedersen, General Manager of the InterContinental Hong Kong

We spoke to Claus Pedersen, General Manager of the InterContinental Hong Kong, about his career and experience in the hospitality industry

I started my hotel career in Denmark, where I grew up. I always wanted to pursue an international career, and the hospitality industry allows me to work all over the world, which I did, with postings in Dublin, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, Valencia in Venezuela and London. Then I moved to Asia and have worked for many years in Japan, followed by Hong Kong and Macau.

I became GM of InterContinental Hong Kong in 2016, after previously working her for six years (2005-11), before spending five years with MGM Macau. All in all, it’s been over 26 years, working on multiple continents.

The Intercontinental Hotel is clearly a landmark hotel in Hong Kong. I am so proud to be its GM. You could say I am the captain of the ship or conductor of the orchestra – leading, guiding, directing and orchestrating a large team of over 700 employees. Our strategic mission is to create a “Great Hotel Guest Love” and to deliver “True Hospitality”.

The exciting part of managing this hotel is that we are currently planning for a major hotel renovation which will commence next year. It will rejuvenate the hotel from top to bottom including the restaurants, lobby and event spaces. When it’s completed we aim to be not only one of the top hotels in Hong Kong, but also one of the top hotels globally.

What makes the Intercontinental so unique is our unparalleled harbourfront location, which offers on-the-edge spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. We also have the largest President Suite in the city (almost 7000 square feet), and we have several exceptional award-winning restaurants, which makes it a destination for incredible dining. And all of this is backed up by 700 professional, dedicated staff – that’s why our guests keep coming back, time and time again!

My favourite part of the job is its variety. No two days are ever the same; and there are new challenges every day. I love working closely with my team – on everything from daily operations and upcoming promotions to the planning of our major hotel renovations.

Hong Kong offers visitors the best of East and West, old and new, many of which co-exists alongside each other (skyscrapers, glitzy malls next to old buildings, Chinese temples or dai pai dong stalls). The city is fast and efficient and extremely safe. The infrastructure makes it easy to navigate, and to connect with other destinations in the region.

For visitors, I recommend:
Must Eat – an authentic dim sum lunch. Our 2-Michelin star Yan Toh Heen offers some of the most sublime dim sum you will ever have.

Must Buy – something jade. In Chinese culture, jade is a symbol of goodness and beauty. The Jade Market in Kowloon on Kansu Street is just a short taxi ride away and offers all kind of jade souvenirs from trinkets and necklaces to bowls and chopsticks.

Must See – take a stroll along Hollywood Road, which is lined with antique shops, art galleries and trendy bars and restaurants. I suggest starting from the Western end (around 100 Hollywood Road) going towards Central. There are also temples, street markets, and a local produce market along the way for you to visit.

(Edited on 13 Mar 2018)