60 seconds with… Hôtel Hermitage GM Louis Starck
inVOYAGE 2019 is now just two months away, so we catch up with Louis Starck, general manager at this year’s host hotel, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, about all things luxury and Monaco….
Monaco has many luxury properties – what differentiates Hôtel Hermitage?
Three simple things – location, heritage & excellence.
What does it mean to you to be the host hotel for inVOYAGE 2019?
This is a great opportunity for us to host the most exclusive event of our industry at a time when the “heart of Monte Carlo” is beating again.
What does luxury mean to you?
Attention to detail, excellence and consistency in service, and personal and authentic relations.
What’s new for 2019?
The opening of the new Monte- Carlo SBM business centre One Monte-Carlo, just around the corner from the hotel, which offers incredible potential for meetings and incentives on the Casino Square, combining the high standard of our Palace with a state-of-the-art business centre in the heart of Monte-Carlo.
We have also launched a brand-new spa experience in collaboration with Les thermes Marins Monte-Carlo as part of a city-break package to enable our European clients to enjoy the best of Monte-Carlo in two days
Why should planners consider Monaco for events and incentives?
* Easy access
* Climate – we have more than 300 sunny days a year
* Hospitality capacity
* Diversity of activities within the Monte –Carlo SBM resort
* A large F&B offer
* Entertainment
* Creativity and innovation
What’s trending in 2019?
* Event bookings are last minute
* Experience vs accommodation and facilities
* Readiness to pay premium if high value
* Rate sensitivity for the “classic” event
Can luxury travel really be sustainable and what is Hotel Hermitage/SBM doing to be more sustainable?
As any major key player in the luxury industry, we are committed to demonstrating that luxury and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
SBM and Hotel Hermitage have taken several steps including Green Globe certification, Mr GoodFish agreement, the creation of our own sustainable charter, selective sorting and recycling, energy saving and using “Shiro Alga Carta” paper made out of seaweed.
We contribute to and participate in local volunteering and charities that support various causes, for example, Participation in Pink Ribbon: walk to fight against breast cancer and a partnership with “Le Rocher du Cœur”, an organisation which plans fun activities for hospitalised children.
In January 2018, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo gave structure to and formalised its sustainable development efforts by creating a team of twenty people to monitor all activities, with the credo “For Ever Green”. We also raise awareness about sustainable development through annual training for all employees and a strong commitment from all hotel departments.