2017 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR
“Croatia is perceived as a safe country, not to mention its other competitive advantages such as crystal clear seas, unspoiled nature and a rich cultural heritage. In the region where we operate the Punta Skala resort we have all of that, which is highly appreciated amongst international events planners. Punta Skala resort will be on the outlook for all new opportunities creating innovative approaches to MICE industry requirements that come our way.”
Q: The readers of Kongres magazine chose you as one of the most influential people in the South East European Meetings industry. What does this recognition mean to you?
I feel honored that Kongres magazine readers included me amongst the most influential people in the South East European Meeting Industry. It is always nice to be recognized by industry experts, which your readers are. This recognition I share with my Punta Skala team, since without their persistent efforts we would not be able to harvest the results we have.
Q: If you look back at the 2016, what would you say were your major achievements?
The major achievements of 2016 were connected with maintaining the operational excellence in our properties in Punta Skala resort as well as being hotels of choice/hosts of numerous international meetings, business and incentive groups.
Allow me to mention just a few: Hotels of choice for the Davis Cup Semi Final 2016, International Doggus Basketball Tournament, Renault Scenic, Mazda, Continental, Infinity, Croatian National Handball Association as well as Swedish National Handball Association – preparation camps for Rio… and not to forget the success of the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon, a project that is successfully running for the third year in a row and attracting international triathlon professionals and athletes.
Q: 2017 – New Year, new plans, new business objectives?
I trust that despite all the challenges that were present on the European landscape, 2017 will be a good year. The current status of MICE business we have converted for 2017 shows an increase of international events. Croatia is perceived as a safe country, not to mention its other competitive advantages such as crystal clear seas, unspoiled nature and a rich cultural heritage. In the region where we operate the Punta Skala resort we have all of that, which is highly appreciated amongst international events planners. Punta Skala resort will be on the outlook for all new opportunities creating innovative approaches to MICE industry requirements that come our way.
Q: Which event are you looking forward to attend next year and why?
Our sales team will attend the Conventa trade show that we, in Punta Skala as well as in Falkensteiner Company, put a lot of trust in when it comes to selection of hosted buyers. The team will attend major MICE trade shows in Europe and some smaller niche events organised in a forum or workshop style.
Q: Which trends do you believe will shape the meetings industry in 2017?
I believe that technology, as up till now, will keep playing the major part in shaping the MICE industry, with an increase of live stream conferences, conference apps growth and development of new ROI tools for conferences success measurement.
In addition, I think green meetings concepts will experience a renaissance in the upcoming periods as event planners/communities are raising concerns regarding sustainable practices in MICE business. Luckily our Hotel Iadera in Punta Skala will be able to respond to green meeting requirements.
Q: What is your wish for 2017?
I wish 2017 to be a year of peace and prosperity. The meeting industry and tourism overall is a fragile industry dependent on social, political and economic sustainability. I wish that we all, as professionals, activate our mental capacities in pursuit of a balanced professional and personal life.
About Georg Unterkircher:
Collecting working experiences in different positions and departments in F&B, Rooms Division and Sales & Marketing in Italy (South Tyrol and Sardegna), Spain (Mallorca), Czech Republic (Prague) and Austria (Tyrol, Carinthia, Vienna), then moving up as F&B Manager and later Resident Manager before becoming Assistant General Manager of 2 Hotels in Vienna with my first pre-opening experience. After that being GM for 5 years in Falkensteiner Hotel in Carinthia, since 2008 GM of Punta Skala Resort with the properties Hotel & Spa Iadera***** (opened 2011), Family Hotel Diadora****S (opened 2009), Senia Residences****(*) (opened 2010) with Premium Living Services and Apartments Petrcane**** (opened 2013), in total 781 units with approximately 500 employees during the summer months, and in 2013 also Interim GM for Schlosshotel Velden***** on Woerther Lake.
