Interview with Mr Nasir Chand — Assistant Director, Banquet Sales, Movenpick Hotel Karachi
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself and your career, please:
Nasir Chand: I have worked in Food & Beverage Operation/Event management for almost 15 years. At present, I am working for Movenpick Hotel Karachi as Assistant Director Banquet Sales. I like meeting different people and work with them for their events. Hospitality industry is a glamorous working environment where we organize a new event every day. It involves your creative sense to keep your position up to the expectation of the emerging market. This industry has big growth opportunities for those working passionately. In today’s era, the government focus on development and promotion of the unexplored tourism venues in Pakistan will definitely enhance the international travellers and boost the area of opportunities for both jobs and business.
PAGE: Could you tell us about the impact of coronavirus on hospitality industry?
Nasir Chand: Covid-19 has badly affected the whole world and our industry in particular. I am glad that our hotel didn’t let the impact fall on the employees. Moreover the regular annual bonuses were given on time during the period of Covid-19. Since the situation changed and overall travelling conditions improved, we also have been improving our daily business of restaurants and banquets. I hope 2022 will clear most of the cloud in order to have better, improved business situations.
PAGE: What is the current state of occupancy and events in Movenpick?
Nasir Chand: Alhamdulillah, since the mid of 2021 we are doing well. We are running 85% of the room occupancy and having similar situation in banquets. We are confident this will continue in 2022.
PAGE: What is your perspective about the impact of Omicron?
Nasir Chand: As Omicron is lesser affective so will not be of that height especially in Pakistan as we have seen in case of Covid-19 that we were much better than the rest of the world. Thank God.
PAGE: What is your take on business in 2022?
Nasir Chand: I am positive believer. I believe things will be better Inshaa Allah. We have renovated the whole hotel from inside-out which has already given a good impact and will be ascending in 2022. We have opened a new outlet as Sports Lounge at our Pool side which is nicely designed with the state-of-the-art setup.