Mr. Koth, General Manager of the Budapest InterContinental Hotel, arrived in Hungary via Greece where he says he enjoyed the biggest challenges of his expat career. Preparing the Athens InterContinental Hotel for the 2004 Olympics, and then directing its positive performance - along with the tight security that was required after 9/11 - was a notable accomplishment.
Success has followed Michael to Budapest, where he has already delivered results in terms of introducing a comprehensive 'Total Quality Management' processes during his first year in charge. Koth says his ongoing goal in Budapest is to "enhance revenue per room and overall profitability based on the local market leadership position in terms of occupancy". Here the InterContinental's 520 seater conference space is the biggest in the city, and with breathtaking views of the Danube and Castle Hill he sees scope for continued growth. Michael highlights 'conference tourism' as one business opportunity, based on the general upturn in the hotel market fuelled by low-fare airlines contribution to local tourism.
Koth (42) is a native of Hamburg, and a graduate of the Hotel Academy there, joined the InterContinental hotel chain in 1979. His international life is complemented by his Swiss born wife and two sons who both attend the American School in Budapest.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Company transfer at the start 2005, 5th of January.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Firstly I managed to become an expat in my home country of Germany, namely in Berlin (1000 room hotel), and in Hamburg (85 room hotel). Bahrain was particularly interesting due to the Arabic culture and the related challenges.
Another notable posting, from 1997-1998, was as Director of Operations at the InterContinental Belgrade. That was the time between the two military conflicts there, and so motivating the local team to give international standards of service was a real issue given that many staff members had suffered family bereavements in the war. Other postings include Vienna, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Geneva, and London. In total I spent three years in Athens before coming to Budapest.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The high level of cultural awareness and performances throughout Budapest amazes me. Going to galleries, concerts, musicals or the opera is always a feast at very reasonable price and at high artistic levels. The quality of offers is greatly appreciated also by international visitors. The richness of Hungaries heritage and culture is so plentyfull that I have little chance to see everything I would possibly want, within my duration of assignment.
The apparent local confusion of the interpretation of service. I think of service as pleasing a guest and being rewarded for doing so and convinced this issue will be solved within a decade.
Plus it surprises me that so many beautiful building remain in such a bad state of repair when a simple coat or two of paint would make such a difference.
4. Friends are in town for the weekend-what must they absolutely see and do?
It's a very difficult question to ask a hotelier because there are so many different things this city offers. I wouldn't recommend Vaci Street or the Thermal baths for tourists as many people I know have found them slightly disappointing. Must do activities might well start with a City Tour by bus to get a feel for the whole capital. Then a trip to the big market hall is special as I think its such a unique experience. Ice skating can be fun at the city park or at the Westend City Shopping Mall.
A cultural visit to the National Concert Hall is also a very worthwhile experience - that new development is quite possibly under marketed since it has no parallel anywhere else in Europe at the moment. Walking in Castle district is always pleasant; discovering any city on foot is generally a good idea.
Also while in town visitors might do some local wine tasting, and then take a few bottles home as souvenirs.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Fresh goose liver, not the canned variety. Also, as a chef, I like cooking for friends at home. While here I've learnt to prepare traditional Hungarian beef pörkölt over an open fire - a great way to spend a few hours at the weekend, especially whilst enjoying a shot of pálinka followed by a few glasses of quality Hungarian wine.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Hungarian champagne chilling ready for guests, a good selection of healthy yoghurts, and German sausages since kolbász gives my stomach too much of a challenge.
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
"Jó étvágyat!"
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Parents.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I would love to be an underwater archaeologist.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Any type of bureaucratic job in Germany.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Dubai, a place I would also like to work one day.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In India this October to see the Taj Mahal with my wife, and to visit a tiger reserve in Jaipur with the children.
13 What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Pink Floyd were one favourite, no particular films come to mind, as a hobby I designed and built surf-boards.
14. What can't you resist?
Smiles, and good food.
15. Red wine or white?
Red, Malatinszky Csaba. Type :Cabernet Savignon, Le Sommelier Selection 2002
16. Book or movie?
Books, e.g. 'The Art of Happiness' by the Dalai Lama.
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning person.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
"Man can fly to the Moon and back, so we can do smaller things well."