According to General Director Sigita Rudzevičienė, hotel operations in Lithuania have returned to normal, and visitors to Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center are arriving healthy.
Although the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine are being felt on a global scale, Rudzevičienė said that Lithuania is a safe country to visit, despite initial fears about traveling to the region. On a day-to-day basis, Rudzevičienė said her goal is to provide the best hotel experience for “the new world of business travel, so that guests can pursue their personal and professional passions.”
That’s how she said she felt a responsibility to restore confidence in the hospitality workforce. In order to attract talent, its property works closely with local colleagues, universities and schools in Vilnius and the region.
To learn more about Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center, read this email. letter with the general director Sigita Rudzevičienė.
What is the architectural inspiration for the building?
Courtyard Vilnius City Center is distinguished by its unique design and architectural expression. Interestingly, this unique exterior form of our building comes from architectural constraints. The design concept had to take into account the fact that we couldn’t build a tall building in the corner of the plot of land – so the architects had to be creative and came up with a design method that looks like a hotel suspended in the air. .
The interior was designed by London-based international interior design studio Scott Brownrigg. The designers were inspired by Lithuanian nature. In the interior, the prevailing pastel colors of the sea, nature, burnt gray wood and sand, as a soft lining, soften the contrasting architecture of the building’s interior. Those looking around the hotel will also notice subtle Lithuanian symbols, such as stylized graphics of straw gardens in the paintings of the rooms, motifs of national ornaments on the carpets. Pastel colors and dynamic metal structures create a perfect balance of lightness and space both in the stylish hotel rooms and in the contemporary Solt restaurant and common areas.
How would you describe the current level of demand?
We are happy to report that demand levels are reaching and even exceeding 2019 levels. A large influx of business travelers, who are our main guests, as well as a strong interest in meetings and events. Since May, during the summer months, the hotel has enjoyed a consistently high level of occupancy. Fantastic for the team to see and feel the atmosphere of a full hotel again!
Which packages and attractions did your guests like the most?
I like to quote our guests: they often say that Vilnius is the biggest hidden gem in Europe, positively surprising first-time visitors. The lack of crowds and the over-the-top charm of the city should add it to your bucket list for all savvy travelers. It is the only city in Europe where you can fly directly over the old town in a hot air balloon. The balloons actually take off five minutes from our hotel; that’s why our guests’ favorite package includes a hot air balloon ride over the city. Another very popular option is a visit to the real prison, which was turned into a museum just two years ago, where the series “Stranger Things” was filmed. Most of our valued guests have always been international business travelers who will find here a great atmosphere to pursue their professional goals.
Has the war against Ukraine affected trips to Lithuania?
First of all, let me say that this sad situation has had serious humanitarian, social and economic consequences. The consequences are seen around the world. That said, Lithuania is a safe country to visit, and after initial uncertainty about traveling to the region, traveler perceptions now reflect this. Business activities are returning to normal, after the pandemic and travelers are arriving in Vilnius in good health.
What are your goals for your team and ownership in 2023?
Our daily goal is very simple: be better today than you were yesterday. Every day, we strive to bring the best hotel experiences to the new world of business travel so guests can fulfill their personal and professional passions. in 2023 we aim to be the best Courtyard hotel in the world.
How is the work environment in Lithuania compared to the USA?
What the hospitality industry has experienced in terms of the impact on our people and work safety has been the single most difficult aspect of the pandemic. In many ways, the industry’s reputation as an ever-growing and safe place to build a career has been shaken by the pandemic, and we need to rebuild trust.
Like our industry peers, we have faced some labor challenges that have led to rapid growth in demand. In order to attract talents, we closely cooperate with local colleagues, universities and schools in Vilnius and the region. I am also a lecturer at one of the hospitality colleges and by spreading my passion for the hotel business I try to encourage students to consider a career in hospitality. Of course, one element is offering a competitive salary and benefits. But differentiating your career also means emphasizing our values as a company, our potential to grow and develop careers that can take you around the world, and how we respect our partners and care for our communities. Intangibles are important and will continue to set us apart – and we have almost 95 years of people-first culture, which is definitely an advantage.
What advice do you have for other leaders?
The hospitality industry is all about people taking care of people. I would advise you to make the team the most important thing in everything you do. Genuinely listening to the people on your team and being able to give them the tools and resources they need to feel good and productive is what will foster a culture of caring in your company. And this culture will then be felt by all your guests and customers.
Comments are closed.