David Colin Wilson
“No Negatives, I Only Think about Its Positives”

Presumably, the year 2006 has become a delightful moment for David as General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Bali, Jimbaran. The reason is that the hotel he chairs achieved the highest award (Emerald category) having attained gold medals for three times in succession from the THK Tourism Awards.
Although he is an expatriate, do not be mistaken if he has extensive perspectives on this Tri Hita Karana (THK) concept. “Although coming from different countries, I believe that as human beings we all share the same values. The balance of life as represented here is similar to that of all countries though we may worship different gods,” David observed.
According to him, the THK concept is immensely effective to be applied at hotels. “Very much so, as it is close to the hearts of our employees and to make such changes we need commitment from ladies and gentlemen who work here. They believe in Tri Hita Karana. Tourism is the window of Bali that the world looks through. Therefore, we must set a good example. Besides, it is for the future prosperity of the next generation,” he explained while adding,” As general manager, I support the team as much as possible.”
Even, according to this man who was born in 1957, the philosophy of Hindu community (THK) is excellent to be applied as it has good impact on the tourism and moreover on the tourist visit. “Environment is now facing many issues. If we don’t take care of them now, it will become an environmental disaster in years to come. Already, many rivers and oceans are choked with plastic. We must do something now before the tourists make negative comments and a bad reputation would be given to Bali. Bali is partly successful due to its unique culture THK builds on this and this is very positive,” he revealed.
Appended, “THK is vital. I think that we should leave the world for the next generation a bit better than we found it. Unfortunately in our case for our generation, this does not seem to be the case throughout the world. Bali depends on tourism and tourism depends on the environment, culture, human spirit and God. If we don’t act now we will have nothing to hand over to our next generation and they will suffer because of our inability to act. The future generations of Balinese will thank the THK concept for it can be successful in preserving the environment, spirit and culture.”
“And there is no negative, only positive,” uttered this white-skinned and point-nosed man.
(BTN/rai)

Dr. Karan Singh
President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

Dr. Karan Singh is special figure from India; he is the president of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). He was catapulted into political life at the early age of eighteen. In 1949 he was appointed Regent by his father on the intervention of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Thereafter he was head of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir for the next eighteen years as Regent, as elected Sadar-i-Riyasat and lastly as Governor. During these years he fulfilled his delicate and onerous duties with commendable success.
This Indian man assigned the portfolio of Tourism and Civil Aviation, which he held for six years and where he created a marked impact by his vision and dynamism. In 1973 he moved to Ministry of Health and Family Planning. In 1979 he assumed the portfolio of Education and Culture. During these tenures as minister, Dr Karan Singh neither drew any salary nor lived in government accommodation.
Dr. Karan Singh was the only former ruler of a princely state to voluntary surrenders his privy purse. He put the entire sum into the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust, named after his parents, in the service of the people of India. He converted his Amar Mahal Palace in Jammu into a Museum and Library containing a priceless collection of Pahari Miniatures and modern Indian art, as well as his personal library of over twenty thousand volumes. Dr. Karan Singh also looks after several other trusts in Jammu and Kashmir including the Dharmarth Trust which administers over a hundred Hindu shrines and temple.
He also was for many years Chancellor of Jammu and Kashmir University as well the Banaras Hindu University and he has received honorary doctorates from this With university, Chairman of the Central Sanskrit Board, President of the Authors guild of India, the Commonwealth Society of India and New Delhi Music Society. He was the Chairman of the Temple of Understanding, a major global interfaith association and associated with many other cultural and academic institutions.
In addition this active man is the founded the International Center of Science, Culture & Consciousness, which is emerging World Commission on Global Consciousness & Spirituality. He has set up the India Forum, consisting of concerned citizen s from all parts of the country, which acts as a think tank on contemporary issues.
With his deep insight into the Indian Cultural tradition, as well as his wide exposure to Western literature and civilization, Dr. Karan Singh is recognized as an outstanding thinker and leader in India and abroad. He is a renowned orator and lectured in five continents on philosophy and culture, politics and environment. His tenure as Indian Ambassador to the United States, through brief, received extensive and extremely favorable media coverage in both countries and won many friends for the country.
(BTN/*)

Lisa Taurisia
Sales & Marketing

Jamal Hussain, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Bali is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Taurisia as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing. A graduate from the Metropolitan Business College, Sydney (Australia), she started in the hospitality industry at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel in Bali. Lisa’s career in the hospitality industry includes working stints at Ramada Bintang Bali and Nikko Bali Resort & Spa. Prior to this assignment, she was Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing at Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali. At Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Lisa will be responsible for the regional markets of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as well as Airlines. With her new position, Lisa will now rock the planet with the Leading Entertainment Hotel in Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali. (BTN/*)

Mr. Reto V. Torriani
General Manager

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Reto V. Torriani as General Manager, effective 12 January 2007. An American and Swiss national, he was educated in Switzerland at the Lucerne School of Hotel Management where he graduated and added a Bachelor Degree in Hotel and Tourism Business and Administration degree. His hospitality career started in the late 70ties and he has held General Manager’ positions in United States, North Africa, French Polynesia, Indonesia, the Caribbeans and Hong Kong. Fluent in English, German, Italian and French, he was most recently the Resort Manager at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Florida Keys, FL prior to return to Bali and (he was the opening GM for The Chedi Ubud in 1996) joining the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali. With his vast international experience has perfected his management skills and we are confident that Mr. Torriani will lead our team through the success and challenges ahead in 2007. Management and staff of Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa are delighted to welcome Mr. Reto V. Torriani on board. (BTN/*)

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