Face-to-Face: Olivier Trinquand
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This week, Travel Daily Asia goes Face-to-Face with Olivier Trinquand, who was recently appointed as vice president of the legendary Strand Hotel in Yangon and the new Strand Cruise venture, which launches on 22 December 2015…
Q) The Strand Cruise launches at the end of this month; what will you offer that sets you apart from the other river cruise operators in Myanmar?
It’s an exciting time for The Strand in Myanmar. Our 27-cabin ship has just left the shipyard in Yangon where it was constructed and is doing river trials before we welcome our first passengers for a festive maiden voyage departing Bagan on 22 December. On 4 January 2016 we will start our regular three- and four-night sailings between Bagan and Mandalay on the Ayeyarwady River.
We have many unique selling points that set us apart. First and foremost is our heritage in Myanmar. The Strand Cruise is a reinvention of the legendary style and unique personality of The Strand Hotel within a contemporary river cruise experience, offering exceptional standards of comfort, discreet personalised service, and design touches that evoke the character of The Strand in its heyday as a meeting place for explorers and raconteurs, with the latest technology such as individually controlled air conditioning, a temperature controlled wine cellar and satellite Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
The Strand Cruise will be a genuine luxury cruise experience with access to many private moorings close to landmarks along the river. A highlight of our itinerary will be an exclusive mooring overnight at Ava on the journey from Bagan to Mandalay, allowing our passengers access the beautiful temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan after the crowds have departed in the evening until the following morning, when monks join passengers for a very special farewell.
The Strand Cruise is also the only operator on the river to offer visits to the iconic U-Bein bridge on both north- and south-bound itineraries.
Q) Following the initial launch of The Strand Cruise, what further expansion plans does the company have (in terms of new vessels, itineraries etc)?
My appointment is part of GCP Hospitality’s renewed commitment to investing in the evolution and revival The Strand brand in Myanmar through the successful launch of The Strand Cruise and the renovation of the Strand Hotel. We are always looking for opportunities to grow our business. My priority for the next 12 months is to ensure that the two properties under The Strand name in Myanmar are operating to their full potential before we look to expand the brand footprint.
Q) Which markets are you targeting for the new venture, and what are you bookings like for the early sailings?
Business on the books for the first quarter of 2016 is where we expected it to be for The Strand Cruise and reflects the growing popularity of Myanmar as a tourist destination. Bookings are predominately coming from the UK, US and Germany at this time, with a good interest also from China for our two special sailings for Chinese New Year.
Q) The Strand Cruise will be operated by the same company as The Strand Hotel in Yangon. What synergies will you be able to derive from the two operations?
Passengers can expect to see discreet nods to The Strand Hotel’s celebrated past and colourful characters, as well as signature elements that will evoke the golden age of The Strand name both onboard and during excursions, from traditional Strand cocktails in the lounge bar, to butler service and afternoon tea on deck. The Strand Hotel’s reputation for impeccable service will be reflected on board and our onboard staff is undergoing the same training as our butlers at the hotel receive.
Q) Do you have any further developments planned for The Strand Hotel in the coming months?
The Strand Hotel is a legendary old lady of Southeast Asia. We are currently drawing up plans to give her a total renovation and more than double the key count from 31 to 72 rooms and suites, all the while keeping the soul of The Strand intact. As well as adding rooms, we will add a swimming pool and spa, as well as refreshing the gourmet dining restaurant. We anticipate work starting on this in the next 12 months.
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