Name: Jason Cho
Title: Vice President and Director, Marketing and Sales
Company, city: Hotel Lotte Co., Ltd.; Seoul, South Korea
Number of employees: About 120 globally
Recent project: In June last year we opened Lotte Hotel Guam, offering 222 guestrooms to meet growing demand for quality accommodations on the island.
First job: Front desk clerk, Lotte Hotel Seoul
Little-known fact about you: I am fluent in English and Japanese and continually seek new languages to learn. I plan to study Spanish and Chinese to surprise the people around me.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Small differences create major impact. Whether a doorman opens a car door warmly and attentively or performs the motion mechanically, guests notice. In hospitality, those who appreciate and act on those subtle moments build lasting success.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Prepare in advance so there is no need to rush. Monitor regular operations closely because many hotel issues are repetitive and predictable. Use indicators and numerical data to manage performance and avoid operational gaps.
Yardstick of success: Demonstrate warmth and honesty to both employees and guests. Service depends on people; staff cannot deliver genuine care without motivation. My aim is to communicate sincerity so guests feel valued and choose to return.
Jason Cho as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? iPad
How do you spend your time on board? A bit of work
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Les Menus par Pierre Gagnaire, Lotte Hotel Moscow
What is your favorite destination in the world? Moscow
About Hotel Lotte Co., Ltd.
How do you incorporate South Korean culture into your properties?
Our signature is Korean-style service delivered from the heart. Korean hospitality is defined by politeness, attentiveness and treating guests like family. Implementing this approach abroad produces strong results. At Lotte Hotel Moscow, for example, international guests respond positively to the staff’s warm smiles, courteous Korean greeting and attentive service. That genuine hospitality encourages a high repeat rate among visitors.
What can business travelers expect at a Lotte Hotel?
Business travelers can expect Asian hospitality infused with jeong — a uniquely Korean expression of affection that conveys deep care and loyalty. In addition, Lotte offers excellent facilities and practical services: contemporary, well-designed rooms; business centers and lounges tailored to corporate needs; secretarial assistance and translation services; and modern fitness and spa facilities.
Lotte Hotel is also recognized for outstanding dining. Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul at Lotte Hotel Seoul is the only restaurant in Korea led by a three-Michelin-starred chef. Our domestic network of hotels, strategically located across Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Ulsan and Jeju, provides ideal venues for international conferences and business events.
What are the future plans for brand expansion?
With more than three decades of hospitality experience, Lotte Hotel aims to expand its global presence. We currently operate properties in Russia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Guam, and have plans for further growth.
Upcoming openings include Lotte City Hotels in Ulsan, Janggyo and Myeongdong. We are developing new luxury hotels in Jamsil Lotte World Tower and Busan Lotte Town, with additional properties planned in Shenyang, China and Myanmar. By 2017 we expect to broaden our footprint and, with a target to rank among the top three hotel brands in Asia by 2018, we plan to operate around 40 hotels totaling more than 8,000 rooms.