Gaurav Wattal
General Manager, Melbourne Marriott Hotel
墨尔本万豪酒店总经理

Gaurav Wattal grew up in a military family where his grandfather was in the navy whereas his father was in the army. He initially wanted to follow in their footsteps, but later on decided to follow his passion instead and joined the hospitality industry.

When asked how he started his journey with Marriot, he said: “I was exposed to the hotel industry at a very young age and with a F&B background, I quickly flew to Australia and met with the General Manager of Sydney Harbour Marriott when there was a position looking for someone to reposition their food and beverage outlets.” He then added: “I have always dreamt to work with an international brand and Marriott was the first choice with its stellar reputation.” It took only 4 years before Guarav was given the ultimate hotelier’s dream of being trusted the keys to his own hotel. It was one of the most exciting moments in his professional journey as he was not only assigned the new General Manager of the Melbourne Marriott Hotel, but it also showed how he had received recognition and trust from the YTL Hotels Group.

“It is certainly a big job as I am accountable and responsible for the wellbeing of all stakeholders including the owner and the brand. It is important to remember that the buck stops with me and my decision will impact the business,” emphasized Gaurav. Although being the new kid on the block, but this new general manager is confident that he is a force not to be taken lightly. Gaurav has worked for 11 different hotels and opened 17 restaurants and bars.

Taking up such an important job at the same time the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic was definitely another unforgettable moment in his career. The pandemic has hit the world by surprise and created an unprecedented impact that has brought the travel industry to its knees. As John Maxwell said: “The pessimist complaints about the wind; The optimist expects it to charge; The leader adjusts the sail.” Gaurav described this unfortunate happening as “One of those crazy movies with global pandemic themes.” “The immediate cause of action is to evaluate our business to see what the most efficient way is of operating and to ensure our guests and associates are safe and healthy in this new world order,” Gaurav said.

“Have the right attitude whatever you may be facing, take on your fears and learn from your mistakes.”

When it comes to his principle in life, Gaurav said: “Have the right attitude whatever you may be facing, take on your fears and learn from your mistakes.” He also added: “Things may be tough or easy, but nothing clears your mind and gives you a sense of freedom and exhilaration like riding a bike!” This obsession of Gaurav’s is exactly like his Harley Davison’s slogan which is ‘Screw It, Let’s Ride.”

“事情可能很艰难或许
很容易，但是没有什么
能像骑车一样让头脑清醒、
带来自由和振奋的感觉。”

Gaurav Wattal成长于军人家庭，祖父曾是海军，父亲是现役军人，最初他想投军，但最后决定追随自己内心的热情，往酒店业挑战。被问及在万豪的起点时表示，“我很年轻的时候就接触过酒店业，并且拥有餐饮业相关背景，当时得知他们的餐饮部有职位空缺时，我立刻飞往澳大利亚会见悉尼港环形码头万豪酒店的总经理。”他补充说：“在国际品牌就业是我梦寐以求的事，而享誉全球的万豪是我的首选。”Gaurav只花了4年的时间就实现了酒店业者的最终梦想，即被委托管理酒店。成为墨尔本万豪酒店新总经理不仅是他职业生涯中最激动人心的时刻，也是杨忠礼集团酒店集团对他的的认可和信任。
“当然这是一项艰巨的工作，我必需对所有利益相关者包括所有者和品牌负起相关的职责和责任。要谨记以身作则，责无旁贷，我的决定会影响的公司营运。” Gaurav强调。尽管这新手刚上路，但这位新任总经理有信心，因为他曾为11家不同的酒店工作，开设了17家餐厅和酒吧，实力不容小觑。

接受最高职位的同时却遭遇全世界最严重的危机打击，这绝对是他永远不会忘记的另一刻。新冠肺炎肆虐蔓延全球令人震惊，并产生了前所未有的影响，使旅游业一蹶不振。Gaurav形容现这不幸的情况有如“那些具有全球流行病主题的疯狂电影之一”，引用领导学专家约翰·麦斯威尔的一句话“悲观主义者抱怨刮风，乐观主义者期待风向转变，领导者调整风帆”，Gaurav说：“我们会直面评估业务状况调整运营方式，并确保我们的顾客和员工在这个世界的新形态中安全健康。”

谈到生活的信念，Gaurav直接了当表示：“无论面对什么事，都要保持正确的态度、面对恐惧、从错误中吸取教训。”并补充说：“事情可能很艰难或许很容易，但是没有什么能像骑车一样让头脑清醒、带来自由和振奋的感觉。”这份执着就像哈雷戴维森(Harley Davidson)的标语“去他的！我们一起骑”。