Urs Klee
Change World Perception towards Bali’s Security

Converting world perception of security in Bali, chiefly at hotels and public areas, constitutes a must step that should taken in Bali recovery. This opinion was expressed by Urs Klee, General Manager of Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Bali to Bali Travel News, on last Wednesday (23/11) at his office in Kuta, Bali.
Being asked about terrorists of which a leader has been killed, this man from Switzerland was not willing to comment. “I do not want to comment on terrorist cases. Let’s deliver the matter to the police to handle,” said Urs Klee.
According to Urs who is a Certified Chef from Hotel Management School, Lausanne (Switzerland) and Course at Cornell University (USA), the most important thing to do was to find out marketing methods for Bali recovery program. This could be done in several steps. Firstly, security assurances from government, particularly police department, so tourists that will come feel safe during their stay in Bali.
Secondly, tourism promotion, in which Discovery Kartika Plaza is intensively doing to attract both foreign and domestic tourists. Afterwards, they are treated well at hotel and asked to tell their experience during their stay in Bali to their friends. This program is often known as a ‘Poster Campaign’. Thirdly, we should invite travel agencies, both at home and overseas to join familiarization trip program.
The man who has mastered seven languages (German, French, English, Indonesian, Italian, Mandarin and Arabic) has job experiences in several positions. In 1983-1985, he served as Assistant Director of F & B at Red Sea Palace Hotel, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia); Food & Beverage Manager at Bankers Club, Taipei (Taiwan: 1985-1987); Food & Beverage Manager, Mercantile Club in Jakarta (Indonesia: 1987-1989); Manager/General Manager, Sheraton Lampung (Indonesia: 1989-1993); General Manager, Sheraton Timika & Rimba Irian Golf Club, Irian Jaya (Indonesia: 1993-1999); General Manager, Sheraton Penang (Malaysia: 1999-2000); and since 2001, General Manager, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel & Villas in Bali.
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, currently, is also targeting the domestic market. They will render maximal results to hotel occupancy. “I do not quite agree with hotels offering discounted rates crazily in fulfilling their room occupancy,” Klee asserted. “Hotels should give reasonable rates even though they are discounted rates.”
Urs also actively gets involved in organizations. One of the organizations he chairs is the South Kuta Beach Business Association (SKKBA), founded to develop a good understanding on the environment, marketing, community relations, government relations, education and training. This association has 20 members comprising hotels, retailers and restaurants spread throughout South Kuta. (BTN/Para)

Francesco Frangialli
Re-elected as Secretary-General

The General Assembly re-elected Francesco Frangialli to the post of WTO (World Tourism Organization) Secretary-General from 1 January 2006 until the end of  2009 on Tuesday (29/11). Mr. Frangialli was re-elected by 85 votes to 14.
“I am very honoured to have been endorsed once more,” he said after the results were announced. “The 85 votes in favour show there is broad support for the guidelines and management of the Organization. It would be worrisome if we were all in agreement,” he stressed. 
His re-election came after he received overwhelming support from the WTO Executive Council when it met in Nessebar, Bulgaria in June. As has happened in the past, the General Assembly decided to follow the recommendation of the Executive Council.
Mr. Frangialli joined WTO as Deputy Secretary-General in 1990 and succeeded Antonio Enríquez Savignac ad interim from September 1996 before being elected Secretary-General in 1997. He was re-elected in 2001 for the years 2002-2005. (BTN/WTO)

Maiko Kato
New Japanese Chef, Nikko Bali Resort & Spa

Thierry Joho, General Manager of Nikko Bali Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Maiko Kato as New Japanese Chef.
A Graduate from the Osaka Abeno Tuji Cooking School, Maiko’s career in the hospitality industry includes experience at several well known hotels namely Nikko Hanoi (Benkay Restaurant), Nikko Dusseldorf (Benkay Restaurant), Gifu Castle Hotel and Aji Takahashi Japanese Restaurant. Prior to this appointment, Maiko was the Executive Chef of Benkay Restaurant at Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel.
With her expertise and extensive experience in Japanese Restaurants, she will be a valuable contribution to the Nikko Bali Resort & Spa especially in with Kitchen Food & Beverage Team. (BTN/*)