Poised for the next level
David Yamada, general manager, Wyndham Kingston, speaks on his vision and plans for propelling the property to greater profitability
Published August 3, 2011 Hospitality Jamaica
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| David Yamada |
"We are striving to regain the position as the premium property in Kingston and we certainly can be there," Yamada said, adding that Wyndham has the perfect mix. "The property has a nice layout and has both a business and resort feel to it."
Yamada, who has worked for leading hotel companies such as Marriott, Starwood (and ITT Sheraton) and now Wyndham, as well as major management companies including Interstate Hotels and Resorts and John Q. Hammons Hotels, LLC, told Hospitality Jamaica that a plan of action has been drawn and is being implemented, primarily for service delivery. "We are continuing our thrust area to improve service delivery across the board," he explained. "There is focus on training, and we are giving emphasis on human resources, highlighting the achievements of the staff. We want to get the product to a higher level."
FRESH IDEAS
Yamada said he is looking for a mix of ongoing initiatives and pairing them with new ideas to achieve the objectives.
"We have a good mix of staff, both the people who have had years of experience working here and new blood. Our primary focus is on developing the group business - we have 16,000 square feet of banquet space, which we want to highlight."
Recognising that Kingston primarily has business clientele, the Wyndham general manager said he will be looking at getting a mix to boost sales.
"We will be pushing both sides of the business," he informed. "At the moment, 60 per cent of the clientele is business. We are also looking at leisure, but we also have to take into consideration that majority of that (leisure business) is on the north coast."
He detailed some initiatives which are reaping rewards for the property.
"We have done exceptionally well in F&B (food and beverage), where we have branched off into catering both on and off site," Yamada said.
"The mixes of fresh ideas with fresh delivery, presentation and quality have added to this success."
Wyndham has launched Green Market Café, which Yamada said would be promoting healthy eating.
"We will be focusing on fresh salads and wraps, and, more importantly, the focus is to source local produce and support local farmers," he said.
Wyndham is also moving towards making the property 'green', having set up a small composting plant where grass trimmings and waste from the kitchen are used. The hotel is also moving to use energy-efficient light bulbs.
These measures are having an impact on the business, asserted Yamada. The hotel is already seeing an increase of 15-20 per cent in the occupancy levels in the last three to four months.
BIGGER PICTURE
But Yamada said the key to success would be dependent on the macro picture.
"The market has not yet rebounded, but we are seeing a (silver) lining at the end," he said. "The business climate in the city is coming back, but we also need to realise Kingston's position and push needed to bring in overall growth and development."
He said that the capital city is yet to achieve its full potential. "Kingston has so much to offer for culture; there are some historical sites that can become focal points."
"This is for the long-term investment, over time this will merge back together.
"We need to find ways to work closer," Yamada, who found an instant liking for Jamaican people and food, said. "Success of any business has to be linked to the success of the community."
Yamada, exuding positive attitude, said he is upbeat. "It is a feeling of total optimism. We are poised towards positive growth, and we are moving in that direction."
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