ID HOTELIER - Arriving first in Indonesia in 1993, Jean-Charles fell in love with the country. A graduate from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and with more 25 years experience in Europe and South-East Asia, his vast operational experience with Accor, Alila, Tauzia and Nikko in various managerial positions gives him the tool to lead the way for Hotel Indonesia Group.
Having successfully chaired the Bali Hotels Association several years, he is ready to handle a vast network of hotels and deal with the intricacies of human relationships.
We have the honor to a deep session interview with Mr. Jean-Charles Le Coz - Chief Operating Officer of State-Owned Entreprises hotels. since March 2022 and here he share his opinions and perspectives of several issues on the hospitality industry
What is Hotel Indonesia Group ( HIG ) and its vision and mission?
Vision To be a valuable hospitality company for customers, investors, community, and employees. Highlighting authentic Indonesian hospitality to deliver exceptional guest experience. Mission
Creating a distinct customer experience by delivering an authentic Indonesia touch that delights every sense
Developing high-performance work teams through rewards
Deliver sustainable returns for investor and build a strong network
Additionally, HIG was created to bring all State-Owned Entreprises (BUMN) hotels under one management to achieve a visible and valuable “Indonesian Hospitality”, while there are – to our knowledge - more than 120 hotels that should qualify, HIG is obviously willing to use its network, branding and distribution power to any owner (not necessarily BUMN or state-owned) and we already have a couple of hotels under our umbrella that are privately owned.
If you could change two things on how hotel should do business, what would they be?
Mindset of owners – more focused on customers and long-term value of their assets
Adapt some of internal State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) regulations that are jeopardizing the great concept of having one operator for State-Owned Entreprises hotels.
Please describe major changes you have seen in the hospitality industry in Indonesia and what is your suggestion to others about it?
The disruption caused by the pandemic has shifted the market’s preferences: local and authentic experiences and an increasing number of travellers opting for new types of tourism. The main target market for some popular destinations has shifted too, to domestic tourists. We are not sure when international tourists will be back as the backbone market for destinations such as Bali and Jogja. Therefore, the hospitality industry in Indonesia must focus on attracting the domestic market to spend their holidays in Indonesia not overseas
Please describe major challenges in the hospitality industry which need to be addressed
Self-awareness and support from the local communities in some destinations. This is very important in order to create a memorable experience and secure feeling for tourists
Synergy between all stakeholders in the hospitality industry
What are you excited about the future of hospitality industry in Indonesia?
Government has formed a holding company for all tourism BUMN companies, called InJourney. HIG is part of InJourney. InJourney represents industry players and will be able to work together with the regulator in tourism (Kemenparekraf) in planning and creating the impactful travel programs and promotions which will attract domestic and international markets.