Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The Annual General Meeting of the SCCIJ has elected Mr. Fraser McKenzie, the General Manager of Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, as a new member of the Executive Committee. We introduce him through an interview.
New SCCIJ Executive Committee member Mr. Fraser McKenzie (© Fraser McKenzie)
SCCIJ: Please introduce yourself briefly.
Fraser McKenzie: I describe myself as an international hotelier, with 20 years leading international hotel teams across five countries and three regions. After 23 years with Accor, my family and I – wife Bron and daughter Ruby – have been fortunate to have lived and experienced three countries and diverse cultures. As New Zealanders in Japan, we are enjoying the diverse culture and communities that we are both living and working with.
SCCIJ: Why did you decide to work for the SCCIJ as a member of the executive committee?
Fraser McKenzie: The unique ‘Swissness’ of the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, and being profiled as a Swiss icon in both Osaka and Japan, we feel that it is vital that we are both supporting our heritage and bi-cultural banner of Switzerland and Japan. As a member of the chamber based in the Kansai region, we feel that we will be able to enhance the great work already done by our current Kansai board members.
SCCIJ: How important is the “Swissness” of your company for doing business in Japan?
Fraser McKenzie: The fundamental essence of Swissôtel is set around the unique culture of Switzerland, the dependability, diligence, and vitality of the Swiss people, and works well with our guidelines for health and wellbeing for our guests, customers, and employees. Swissness is a cornerstone of our business.
SCCIJ: How has your company in Japan and its headquarter in Switzerland been coping with the COVID-19 crisis?
Fraser McKenzie: Accor’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members. As we navigate this worldwide crisis, our thoughts are with individuals and communities impacted by this unprecedented event. Our properties that remain operational are fully committed to serving our guests, government personnel, and other authorities that require our services. We continue steadfast and committed to helping our staff, guests, clients, partners, and local authorities through this challenging situation.
SCCIJ: Besides this crisis, what are your most significant aims or concerns in achieving success in your business in Japan?
Fraser McKenzie: The integration of two cultures is always a delicate process. However, after 18 years as a ‘Swissôtel,’ the hotel is well-practiced to offer what we see as the best of both cultures to our clients. Also, we are daily guided by the values behind the operation of all Accor hotels. Challenges remain within the Tourism and Hotel accommodation sector, with the delicate balance of supply and demand fluctuating in a rapidly growing business sector.
SCCIJ: What do you think about Japan’s inbound tourism once the pandemic is under control?
Fraser McKenzie: We will continue to spotlight the development of a central strategy and support network for Japans’ inbound tourism as the industry grows and matures in the international environment. As a leading global hotel management company, Accor continues to work with Japanese development entities to expand and enhance the Tourism and Hotel accommodation sector.
Interview: Martin Fritz for SCCIJ
