In February, I had the opportunity to travel to the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) in Switzerland and present HFTP’s Global Hospitality Accounting Standards User Guide (GHASUG) project to a group of final year bachelor students.
Once complete, the global guide will provide the industry with a comprehensive glossary of inventory terminology, charts of accounts and will benchmark common allocation for specific regions of the world.
I was one of 26 that made presentations to the students on February 10. After the presentations were completed, the students then selected the project they wanted to work on for their Student Business Project.
On Monday, February 13, I met with the team that was selected to begin the research on our project. We spent most of the day discussing the project and telling stories. They will be gathering data, surveying hotel operations and assembling terms of reference.
I was so impressed with these five young women so I wanted to introduce them to you. I am quite certain you will be seeing these ladies in top positions in our industry.
Ayane Melody Ka Ho
My name is Ayane Ka Ho, but everyone calls me Melody. I am 22 years old and a native to both Japan and Taiwan. I have spent the greater part of my life in Japan and Taiwan; however, I was able to experience my final two years of high school in Paris, France. Coming from a family that runs a family business, hospitality was imbedded in me. One of my favorite things about the hospitality industry is the fact that it is fast pace, dynamic and unpredictable. On top of that, hospitality is all about making others feel welcome — what a great industry.
Nicole Bloechlinger
My name is Nicole. I am 24 years old and born and raised in Switzerland. Since I was a child, I was fascinated by the hospitality industry. Being in my last years of studies, I am positive this is the industry I want to work in — not only because of all the amazing international working opportunities, but also the wide variety of people that work together to create a memorable experience for the guests. I feel honored to be part of such a unique industry.
Karin Kupper
I’m Karin Kupper, 23 years old, from Zurich, Switzerland. What I like most about the hospitality industry is its diversity, also with regard to the people you get in contact with. Studying at EHL, I got to know the different areas of a hotel and developed an understanding for the whole operation. This comprehension is an important factor why I want to stay in this industry after graduation from EHL.
Claudia Reich
My name is Claudia and I was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. What I appreciate about the hospitality industry is that it is international in so many different ways. Also, I like the hotel environment and its unpredictable events that make every day a different one.
Maria Aman
My name is Maria Aman. I am 24 years old and I was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. I believe that I discovered my passion for hospitality during my childhood while traveling with my family. Furthermore, working in a five star hotel in Zurich after secondary school also confirmed that studying hospitality management was the right path for me.
In my opinion, the hospitality industry is the most interesting industry because of the many daily challenges to face. Furthermore, it is also the most rewarding industry, enabling one to provide others with unforgettable experiences. Because I would describe myself as being versatile, open-minded, determined and having many different interests, the hospitality industry allows me to further develop my personality.
Lisa Funk, CHAE is director of finance for Alexis Hotels and the HFTP Global president.
Photo (left to right): Melody, Nicole, Karin, Claudia and Maria
