Hyatt Regency, Trinidad's New Hotel Gem

The five-star high-rise hotel, the first in Trinidad, is located at the Port of Spain International Waterfront Development along the waterfront of Trinidad and Tobago's capital city.

In an exclusive interview with the Business Express General Manager, Russell George said he is very encouraged by the level of business opportunities and also by the acceptance of the business community of Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

"We had a very successful Carnival season and we're expecting more success in 2008 and 2009 particularly with our hosting both first time local and international events and conferences," he added.

The Hyatt Regency Trinidad opened for its first business function on January 15, while the hotel welcomed its first guest on January 29.

Major tourism conferences-the Caribbean Hotels Investment Conference in May and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Conference in October- will also be held at the hotel this year.

George who grew up in both New York City and the US Virgin Islands started working at hotels straight out of College. He first gained experience at his school- Tufts University in Massachusetts- where he worked at the University's Food Services.

He gained Resort Management Experience in St. John and St. Croix working for Rock resorts in the US Virgin Islands before joining Hyatt Hotels Corporation in May 1988 as Director of Catering/Convention Services for the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

Following further appointments as Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee and Assistant General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Oakbrook, Illinois, George was appointed Resident Manager of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt's 2100 room Flagship property in January 1998. In February 1999, he was appointed General Manager of the Hyatt Lisle, and in January 2005 to General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati before joining the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in 2007.

"Trinidad is a wonderful country and I enjoy its tropical environment," George added.

The 428-room hotel presents a contemporary style and an entirely new level of comfort, luxury and convenience among Trinidad hotels. Featured in the design are a 16,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, a 10,000 square-foot multipurpose facility, one full-service restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, and a 6,000 square-foot spa and fitness centre.

George said 90 per cent of the staff is local and a large number from other Caribbean countries.

"The Trinidad workforce is a very skilled one, but we did have some challenges finding qualified skilled employees for specific trades such as Engineering, Culinary and Stewarding," said George.

"It took a tremendous amount of time and resources to find the individuals that would succeed in this challenging environment."

When asked what he thought about Trinidad's tourism product, he said:

"People are very excited when they see this product. The island has a great deal to offer and there is still a lot of undeveloped and untapped potential. Trinidad has many opportunities for future development.

"From a hotel standpoint, with the brand new Hyatt Regency Trinidad, there is now an addition to the room inventory as well as a new capacity to hold very large events and conferences."

The happily married father of two believes that Trinidad is a natural business destination.

"The city of Port-of-Spain is very business focused with the financial, energy and manufacturing sectors. Trinidad is a major business hub particularly for those doing business in the Caribbean," he added.

As for future business he said the road ahead looks very positive.

"Especially now that the facilities exist to host large local and international events," he added.

"This year and in 2009, Trinidad will host major international conferences never held in Trinidad before. The prospects look good bringing new business to the island and this will not only benefit Hyatt Regency Trinidad, but, the entire hospitality sector in Trinidad."

By Kristy Ramnarine for Trinidad & Tobago Express news online