Page 157 - Masala Weddings in Thailand 2019

Deborah Haines

Area General Manager of Amari Pattaya for
Eastern Thailand
Deborah Haines started her career in hospitality over
three decades ago, with her first General Manager (GM)
stint at the Park Inn Hyde Park in London. She joined
the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, working as the GM at
Radisson Blu hotels in Sochi, Russia; Sofia, Bulgaria and
Durham, UK. She became District Director for the group’s
Russian operations, responsible for nine properties. After
that, she led Radisson Blu Plaza, Bangkok. She moved to
the ONYX Hospitality Group, and was appointed as Area
GM for Eastern Thailand, based at Amari Pattaya, early
this year. Her responsibilities include overseeing nine
establishments in Pattaya, including the upcoming OZO
property to be opened in 2020.

"Challenges take us from our
comfort zones and ask us to be

creative and innovative in how
we can take the guest through the
journey which they desire."

How important are Indian weddings to your hotel? Do you have any absolute no-nos at your hotel regarding
All weddings are important, as are all guests who come Indian weddings?
into the hotel. The Indian community is extensive across Each event is unique, as is each guest. Starting a
Thailand, and for that reason has a large network for us to partnership with a list of nos does not bring the desire to
provide for. Our hotel embraces the needs of the Indian work together, and the need to create that memorable
community by providing a ballroom which leads to an day. Therefore, dependent upon requests, there may be a
outside area that can accommodate for set-ups like table need to decline, but we address each request as they are
service, cocktail, casual, and many more. We also provide presented to us.
a lawn area, The Beach Lawn, which can be brought into
the venue, and gives the wedding party room to socialise How have the renovations at Amari Pattaya better
and have quality family time. equipped you to handle Indian weddings?
Amari Pattaya returns to the market in a completely
Have you had any difficulties catering to fresh format. We are now looking to host our first Indian
Indian weddings? wedding in the newly refurbished Amari Tower, and offer
Difficult is not a word that I use, as this leads to a negative our new and expansive ballroom. Moreover, we have
perspective and begins to restrict our process of thought created an extensive Aqua Park zone, replete with a
and limit our approach in how we may manage something. beautiful infinity pool. We also have facilities designed
As for challenges, there have been many across all just for children, like our Treehouse Kids Club, and
aspects of the hotel, but through meeting some of them outdoor social spaces like The Beach Lawn to serve as
came the most successful events and satisfied guests. event venues. The new build of Amari Suites consists of
Challenges take us from our comfort zones and ask us to one and two-bedroom suites with stunning views, and all
be creative and innovative in how we can take the guest the facilities you need for that luxe five-star experience.
through the journey which they desire.

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MA S ALA Weddings in Thailand 20 19