Veteran hotelier Giovanni Angelini began the new year by delivering a serving of 'cold hard facts' but laced it with a sense of humour.

Indeed, the hotelier, who began his career in Asia at the Westin Chosun in Seoul, and then worked his way up to become CEO of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and now sits on the advisory board of various hotel groups including Dusit Hotels & Resorts, says a sense of humour is critical to survival.

Giovanni Angelini delivers a serving of “cold hard facts” about hotels.

Yes, hospitality is not all touchy-feely but tough, according to his article.

“Like any business in the world, hospitality is far from a squeaky-clean operation. In fact, in this line of work, we face unusual and controversial situations almost every day. Weirdos and wackos of all descriptions pile copious amounts of c… p on us from morning till night, and yet we must still wade through it all with a smile. In a world that often stinks, humor is, and always will be, our biggest ally.”

Other than having a sense of humour, Angelini also shares tips on how to thrive in the business of hospitality.

Cold Hard Fact #1 to cry about? A hotel’s true purpose is no, not to delight customers but yes, to make money.

“Hotels are machines to make money. Profit … simply takes precedence before people – employees and guests. Sad? Yes. But do remember that money controls the world. And it will always be like this.

“Also remember that so-called financial sharks never fall in love with a hotel’s assets or its brand; they simply buy or develop a property specifically to resell it at a profit at a later date. They’re in it for the numbers, not employees or guests.”

Read the full article here.