The world might be reeling from the economic recession, but The Crane Residential Resort in St Philip has pointed to improved revenue over 2010 and cautiously looks to do even better in 2012.
In an exclusive interview with BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY, Michael Phillips, general manager of the resort, disclosed that although they were concerned because their source markets had been flatlining, The Crane’s brand and a determined effort to improve the eastern plant has paid great dividends in 2011.
“Most markets are looking for a product that represents stellar value proposition and The Crane Residential Resorts has done quite well in that regard,” Phillips said, adding that while the recession might have seen some other plants cutting back on staff, The Crane has done the opposite.
“We are constantly increasing our plant so we have been able to maintain our staff and even increase it, since we have been creating additional rooms,” said Phillips.
“We are currently targeting the addition of 30 more residences and that would pave the way for even more staff.”
He pointed out that The Crane was unlike a traditional resort hotel since they constantly improve their plant and thus their staffing included surveyors, contractors and construction staff.
The general manager said that they could not compete with the cost of other plants outside Barbados and neither could they outshout the competition since The Crane did not have the financial resources of those other plants, but he emphasized that the training and competencies of their staff ensured the continued success of his company.
Phillips was recently awarded the designation of Certified Hotel Administrator and Human Resources Manager, the highest that can be presented to a hospitality professional. Sean Alleyne gained the designation of Certified Human Resources Executive.
The Crane has also provided internship for over 300 students during the past three years and 125 permanent members of staff from all levels have received certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Educational Institute.
